bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of neurofilament light protein correlate in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Jeppsson A. , Sandelius Å. , Zettergren A. , Kern S. , Skoog I. , Blennow K. , Zetterberg H. , Wikkelsø C. , Hellström P. , Tullberg M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Neurofilament light chain protein (NFL), a marker of neuronal axonal degeneration, is increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Assays for analysis of NFL in plasma are now widely available but plasma NFL has not been reported in iNPH patients. Our aim was to examine plasma NFL in iNPH patients and to evaluate the correlation between plasma and CSF levels, and whether NFL levels are associated with clinical symptoms and outcome after shunt surgery.

Methods

Fifty iNPH patients with median age 73 who had their symptoms assessed with the iNPH scale and plasma and CSF NFL sampled pre- and median 9 months post-operatively. CSF plasma was compared with 50 healthy controls (HC) matched for age and gender. Concentrations of NFL were determined in plasma using an in-house Simoa method and in CSF using a commercially available ELISA method.

Results

Plasma NFL was elevated in patients with iNPH compared to HC (iNPH: 45 (30–64) pg/mL; HC: 33 (26–50) (median; Q1–Q3), p = 0.029). Plasma and CSF NFL concentrations correlated in iNPH patients both pre- and postoperatively (r = 0.67 and 0.72, p < 0.001). We found only weak correlations between plasma or CSF NFL and clinical symptoms and no associations with outcome. A postoperative NFL increase was seen in CSF but not in plasma.

Conclusions

Plasma NFL is increased in iNPH patients and concentrations correlate with CSF NFL implying that plasma NFL can be used to assess evidence of axonal degeneration in iNPH. This finding opens a window for plasma samples to be used in future studies of other biomarkers in iNPH. NFL is probably not a very useful marker of symptomatology or for prediction of outcome in iNPH.
Tumor-associated myeloid cells in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Cheng Xinyu , Wang Huilan , Wang Zhongyu , Zhu Bo , Long Haixia
Published: July 2023

Tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs) are among the most important immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment, and play a significant role on the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Understanding the origin of TAMCs was found to be the essential to determining their functional heterogeneity and, developing cancer immunotherapy strategies. While myeloid-biased differentiation in the bone marrow has been traditionally considered as the primary source of TAMCs, the abnormal differentiation of splenic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, erythroid progenitor cells, and B precursor cells in the spleen, as well as embryo-derived TAMCs, have been depicted as important origins of TAMCs. This review article provides an overview of the literature with a focus on the recent research progress evaluating the heterogeneity of TAMCs origins. Moreover, this review summarizes the major therapeutic strategies targeting TAMCs with heterogeneous sources, shedding light on their implications for cancer antitumor immunotherapies.
Intronic small nucleolar RNAs regulate host gene splicing through base pairing with their adjacent intronic sequences
Authors: Bergeron Danny , Faucher-Giguère Laurence , Emmerichs Ann-Kathrin , Choquet Karine , Song Kristina Sungeun , Deschamps-Francoeur Gabrielle , Fafard-Couture Étienne , Rivera Andrea , Couture Sonia , Churchman L. Stirling , Heyd Florian , Abou Elela Sherif , Scott Michelle S.
Published: July 2023

Background

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are abundant noncoding RNAs best known for their involvement in ribosomal RNA maturation. In mammals, most expressed snoRNAs are embedded in introns of longer genes and produced through transcription and splicing of their host. Intronic snoRNAs were long viewed as inert passengers with little effect on host expression. However, a recent study reported a snoRNA influencing the splicing and ultimate output of its host gene. Overall, the general contribution of intronic snoRNAs to host expression remains unclear.

Results

Computational analysis of large-scale human RNA-RNA interaction datasets indicates that 30% of detected snoRNAs interact with their host transcripts. Many snoRNA-host duplexes are located near alternatively spliced exons and display high sequence conservation suggesting a possible role in splicing regulation. The study of the model SNORD2-EIF4A2 duplex indicates that the snoRNA interaction with the host intronic sequence conceals the branch point leading to decreased inclusion of the adjacent alternative exon. Extended SNORD2 sequence containing the interacting intronic region accumulates in sequencing datasets in a cell-type-specific manner. Antisense oligonucleotides and mutations that disrupt the formation of the snoRNA-intron structure promote the splicing of the alternative exon, shifting the EIF4A2 transcript ratio away from nonsense-mediated decay.

Conclusions

Many snoRNAs form RNA duplexes near alternative exons of their host transcripts, placing them in optimal positions to control host output as shown for the SNORD2-EIF4A2 model system. Overall, our study supports a more widespread role for intronic snoRNAs in the regulation of their host transcript maturation.
Starting a conversation about estimands with public partners involved in clinical trials: a co-developed tool
Authors: Cro Suzie , Kahan Brennan C , Patel Akshaykumar , Henley Ania , C Joanna , Hellyer Paul , Kumar Manos , Rahman Yasmin , Goulão Beatriz
Published: July 2023

Background

Clinical trials aim to draw conclusions about the effects of treatments, but a trial can address many different potential questions. For example, does the treatment work well for patients who take it as prescribed? Or does it work regardless of whether patients take it exactly as prescribed? Since different questions can lead to different conclusions on treatment benefit, it is important to clearly understand what treatment effect a trial aims to investigate—this is called the ‘estimand’. Using estimands helps to ensure trials are designed and analysed to answer the questions of interest to different stakeholders, including patients and public. However, there is uncertainty about whether patients and public would like to be involved in defining estimands and how to do so. Public partners are patients and/or members of the public who are part of, or advise, the research team. We aimed to (i) co-develop a tool with public partners that helps explain what an estimand is and (ii) explore public partner’s perspectives on the importance of discussing estimands during trial design.

Methods

An online consultation meeting was held with 5 public partners of mixed age, gender and ethnicities, from various regions of the UK. Public partner opinions were collected and a practical tool describing estimands, drafted before the meeting by the research team, was developed. Afterwards, the tool was refined, and additional feedback sought via email.

Results

Public partners want to be involved in estimand discussions. They found an introductory tool, to be presented and described to them by a researcher, helpful for starting a discussion about estimands in a trial design context. They recommended storytelling, analogies and visual aids within the tool. Four topics related to public partners’ involvement in defining estimands were identified: (i) the importance of addressing questions that are relevant to patients and public in trials, (ii) involving public partners early on, (iii) a need for education and communication for all stakeholders and (iv) public partners and researchers working together.

Conclusions

We co-developed a tool for researchers and public partners to use to facilitate the involvement of public partners in estimand discussions.
Control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Africa through improved diagnosis and utilisation of data on acaricide resistance
Authors: Bishop Richard P. , Githaka Naftaly W. , Bazarusanga Thomas , Bhushan Chandra , Biguezoton Abel , Vudriko Patrick , Muhanguzi Dennis , Tumwebaze Maria , Bosco Timbiira John , Shacklock Caryn , Kiama Josphat , Madder Maxime , Maritz-Olivier Christine , Zhao Weining , Maree Francois , Majekodunmi Ayodele O. , Halos Lenaig , Jongejan Frans , Evans Alec
Published: July 2023

A meeting, sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and organised by Clinglobal, was held at The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya, from 19th – to 21st October 2022. The meeting assembled a unique group of experts on tick control in Africa. Academia, international agencies (FAO and ILRI), the private Animal Health sector and government veterinary services were represented. The significant outcomes included: (i) a shared commitment to standardisation and improvement of acaricide resistance bioassay protocols, particularly the widely used larval packet test (LPT); (ii) development of novel molecular assays for detecting acaricide resistance; (3) creation of platforms for disseminating acaricide resistance data to farmers, veterinary service providers and veterinary authorities to enable more rational evidence-based control of livestock ticks. Implementation of enhanced control will be facilitated by several recently established networks focused on control of parasites in Africa and globally, whose activities were presented at the meeting. These include a newly launched community of practice on management of livestock ticks, coordinated by FAO, an African module of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP-AN) and the MAHABA (Managing Animal Health and Acaricides for a Better Africa) initiative of Elanco Animal Health.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of non-regional lymph node metastases accurately revealed on 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in the clinical management of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Jiang Zhangdong , Fan Junjie , Gan Chaosheng , Dong Xiaoxin , Gao Guoqiang , Wang Zhuonan , He Dalin , Li Lei , Duan XiaoYi , Wu Kaijie
Published: July 2023

Background

Non-regional lymph node (NRLN) metastases has shown increasing importance in the prognosis evaluation and clinical management of primary metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Hence, this study aimed to investigate the concordance rates between 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and conventional imaging (CI) in revealing NRLN metastases, and explore the impact of NRLN metastases on the management of primary mHSPC.

Methods

The medical records of 224 patients with primary mHSPC were retrospectively reviewed, including 101 patients (45.1%) only received CI for TNM classification, 24 patients (10.7%) only received 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, and 99 patients (44.2%) received both 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and CI. Among patients who received 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and CI before initial treatment, the concordance rates between 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and CI were analyzed. The high-volume disease was defined as the presence of visceral metastases and/or ≥ 4 bone metastases (≥ 1 beyond the vertebral bodies or the pelvis) based on the findings of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and/or CI. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and Cox regression analyses were performed to explore independent predictors of PFS.

Results

A total of 99 patients (44.2%) received both 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and CI, the concordance rate in revealing NRLN metastases between 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and CI was only 61.62%, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient was as low as 0.092. Moreover, 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT detected an additional 37 of 94 (39.4%) patients with positive NRLNs who were negative on CI. Cox regression revealed that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), N1, high-volume, NRLN and visceral metastases were associated with worse PFS (all P < 0.05) in 224 patients. Furthermore, in patients with low-volume disease, the median PFS of patients with NRLN metastases was significantly shorter than that of patients without NRLN metastases (19.5 vs. 27.5 months, P = 0.01), while the difference between patients with low-volume plus NRLN metastases and high-volume disease was not significant (19.5 vs. 16.9 months, P = 0.55). Moreover, early docetaxel chemotherapy significantly prolonged the PFS of these patients compared with ADT alone (20.7 vs. 12.3 months, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

NRLN metastases could be accurately revealed by 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, which should be considered a high-volume feature, especially concomitant with bone metastases. Furthermore, patients with low-volume plus NRLN metastases may be suitable for more intensive treatment, such as early docetaxel chemotherapy.
Gut microbiome modulates tacrolimus pharmacokinetics through the transcriptional regulation of ABCB1
Authors: Degraeve Alexandra L. , Haufroid Vincent , Loriot Axelle , Gatto Laurent , Andries Vanessa , Vereecke Lars , Elens Laure , Bindels Laure B.
Published: July 2023

Background

Following solid organ transplantation, tacrolimus (TAC) is an essential drug in the immunosuppressive strategy. Its use constitutes a challenge due to its narrow therapeutic index and its high inter- and intra-pharmacokinetic (PK) variability. As the contribution of the gut microbiota to drug metabolism is now emerging, it might be explored as one of the factors explaining TAC PK variability. Herein, we explored the consequences of TAC administration on the gut microbiota composition. Reciprocally, we studied the contribution of the gut microbiota to TAC PK, using a combination of in vivo and in vitro models.

Results

TAC oral administration in mice resulted in compositional alterations of the gut microbiota, namely lower evenness and disturbance in the relative abundance of specific bacterial taxa. Compared to controls, mice with a lower intestinal microbial load due to antibiotics administration exhibit a 33% reduction in TAC whole blood exposure and a lower inter-individual variability. This reduction in TAC levels was strongly correlated with higher expression of the efflux transporterABCB1(also known as the p-glycoprotein (P-gp) or the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1)) in the small intestine. Conventionalization of germ-free mice confirmed the ability of the gut microbiota to downregulateABCB1expression in a site-specific fashion. The functional inhibition of ABCB1 in vivo by zosuquidar formally established the implication of this efflux transporter in the modulation of TAC PK by the gut microbiota. Furthermore, we showed that polar bacterial metabolites could recapitulate the transcriptional regulation ofABCB1by the gut microbiota, without affecting its functionality. Finally, whole transcriptome analyses pinpointed, among others, the Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) as a transcription factor likely to mediate the impact of the gut microbiota onABCB1transcriptional regulation.

Conclusions

We highlight for the first time how the modulation ofABCB1expression by bacterial metabolites results in changes in TAC PK, affecting not only blood levels but also the inter-individual variability. More broadly, considering the high number of drugs with unexplained PK variability transported by ABCB1, our work is of clinical importance and paves the way for incorporating the gut microbiota in prediction algorithms for dosage of such drugs.
Epidemiology of co-infections in pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus 1 in rural Gabon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Davi Saskia Dede , Okwu Dearie Glory , Luetgehetmann Marc , Abba Frederique Mbang , Aepfelbacher Martin , Endamne Lillian Rene , Alabi Ayodele , Zoleko-Manego Rella , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Mahmoudou Saidou , Addo Marylyn Martina , Ramharter Michael , Mischlinger Johannes
Published: July 2023

Background

There is no recent epidemiological data on HIV infection in Gabon, particularly in pregnant women. To close this gap, an HIV-prevalence survey was conducted among Gabonese pregnant women, followed by a cross-sectional case–control study in which the prevalence of various co-infections was compared between HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women.

Methods

Between 2018 and 2019, data for the HIV-prevalence survey were collected retrospectively in 21 Gabonese antenatal care centres (ANCs). Subsequently, for the prospective co-infection study, all HIV-positive pregnant women were recruited who frequented the ANC in Lambaréné and a comparator sub-sample of HIV-negative pregnant women was recruited; these activities were performed from February 2019 to February 2020. The mean number of co-infections was ascertained and compared between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. Additionally, the odds for being co-infected with at least one co-infection was evaluated and compared between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women.

Results

HIV-positivity was 3.9% (646/16,417) among pregnant women. 183 pregnant women were recruited in the co-infection study. 63% of HIV-positive and 75% of HIV-negative pregnant women had at least one co-infection. There was a trend indicating that HIV-negative women were more often co-infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than HIV-positive women [mean (standard deviation, SD): 2.59 (1.04) vs 2.16 (1.35), respectively; P = 0.056]; this was not the case for vector-borne infections [mean (SD): 0.47 (0.72) vs 0.43 (0.63), respectively; P = 0.59].

Conclusions

Counterintuitively, the crude odds for concomitant STIs was lower in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative women. The change of magnitude from the crude to adjusted OR is indicative for a differential sexual risk factor profile among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in this population. This might potentially be explained by the availability of sexual health care counselling for HIV-positive women within the framework of the national HIV control programme, while no such similar overall service exists for HIV-negative women. This highlights the importance of easy access to sexual healthcare education programmes for all pregnant women irrespective of HIV status.
Pros & cons: impacts of social media on mental health
Authors: Zsila Ágnes , Reyes Marc Eric S.
Published: July 2023

The use of social media significantly impacts mental health. It can enhance connection, increase self-esteem, and improve a sense of belonging. But it can also lead to tremendous stress, pressure to compare oneself to others, and increased sadness and isolation. Mindful use is essential to social media consumption.
Examining the relationship between science motivational beliefs and science achievement in Emirati early adolescents through the lens of self-determination theory
Authors: Areepattamannil Shaljan , Khurma Othman Abu , Ali Nagla , Al Hakmani Rehab , Kadbey Hanadi
Published: July 2023

Background

A solid foundation in science is critical to students’ success in the 21st century workforce, especially in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Therefore, high-quality science education is critical to prepare students for the challenges of the future. However, Emirati students have consistently performed poorly on international standardized science assessments, suggesting that the underlying factors contributing to this trend need to be understood. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between motivational beliefs in science (i.e., science self-concept and intrinsic and instrumental motivation to learn science) and science achievement in Emirati early adolescents using a self-determination theory framework.

Methods

A total of 7,915 Emirati eighth-grade students (Meanage = 13.61 years, SD = 0.53) participated in the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The TIMSS 2019 assessment measured students’ motivational beliefs in science and their achievement in science. Path analysis and bootstrapping were used to examine the relationship between these variables and to test the mediating role of intrinsic and instrumental motivation to learn science in the relationship between science self-concept and science achievement.

Results

The results of the study indicate that science self-concept is positively related to both intrinsic and instrumental motivation to learn science and science achievement. Intrinsic motivation to learn science was significantly related to science achievement, whereas instrumental motivation was not. Moreover, intrinsic motivation to learn science alone significantly mediated the relationship between science self-concept and science achievement.

Conclusions

The study offers insights into the specific motivational beliefs associated with science achievement and highlights the importance of fostering positive science self-concept and intrinsic motivation in Emirati early adolescents. The study also suggests that interventions to promote positive science self-concept and intrinsic motivation to learn science may be particularly effective in improving science achievement in this population. These findings have important implications for educators and policymakers seeking to promote academic success and career opportunities for Emirati students in science.
The metabolic cost of inspiratory muscle training in mechanically ventilated patients in critical care
Authors: Jenkins Timothy O. , MacBean Vicky , Poulsen Mathias Krogh , Karbing Dan Stieper , Rees Stephen Edward , Patel Brijesh V. , Polkey Michael I.
Published: July 2023

Background

Diaphragmatic dysfunction is well documented in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been used to facilitate weaning by strengthening the inspiratory muscles, yet the optimal approach remains uncertain. Whilst some data on the metabolic response to whole body exercise in critical care exist, the metabolic response to IMT in critical care is yet to be investigated. This study aimed to quantify the metabolic response to IMT in critical care and its relationship to physiological variables.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study on mechanically ventilated patients ventilated for ≥ 72 h and able to participate in IMT in a medical, surgical, and cardiothoracic intensive care unit. 76 measurements were taken on 26 patients performing IMT using an inspiratory threshold loading device at 4 cmH2O, and at 30, 50 and 80% of their negative inspiratory force (NIF). Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured continuously using indirect calorimetry.

Results

First session mean (SD) VO2 was 276 (86) ml/min at baseline, significantly increasing to 321 (93) ml/min, 333 (92) ml/min, 351(101) ml/min and 388 (98) ml/min after IMT at 4 cmH2O and 30, 50 and 80% NIF, respectively (p = 0.003). Post hoc comparisons revealed significant differences in VO2 between baseline and 50% NIF and baseline and 80% NIF (p = 0.048 and p = 0.001, respectively). VO2 increased by 9.3 ml/min for every 1 cmH2O increase in inspiratory load from IMT. Every increase in P/F ratio of 1 decreased the intercept VO2 by 0.41 ml/min (CI − 0.58 to − 0.24 p < 0.001). NIF had a significant effect on the intercept and slope, with every 1 cmH2O increase in NIF increasing intercept VO2 by 3.28 ml/min (CI 1.98–4.59 p < 0.001) and decreasing the dose–response slope by 0.15 ml/min/cmH2O (CI − 0.24 to − 0.05 p = 0.002).

Conclusions

IMT causes a significant load-dependent increase in VO2. P/F ratio and NIF impact baseline VO2. The dose–response relationship of the applied respiratory load during IMT is modulated by respiratory strength. These data may offer a novel approach to prescription of IMT.

Take home message

The optimal approach to IMT in ICU is uncertain; we measured VO2 at different applied respiratory loads to assess whether VO2 increased proportionally with load and found VO2 increased by 9.3 ml/min for every 1 cmH2O increase in inspiratory load from IMT. Baseline NIF has a significant effect on the intercept and slope, participants with a higher baseline NIF have a higher resting VO2 but a less pronounced increase in VO2 as the inspiratory load increases; this may offer a novel approach to IMT prescription.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number: NCT05101850. Registered on 28 September 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05101850
Adaptive H∞ event-triggered load frequency control in islanded microgirds with limited spinning reserve constraints
Authors: Zhang Yajian , Peng Chen
Published: July 2023

Using an islanded microgrid (MG) with large-scale integration of renewable energy is the most popular way of solving the reliable power supply problem for remote areas and critical electrical users. However, compared with traditional power systems, the limited spinning reserves and network communication bandwidth may cause weak frequency stability in the presence of stochastic renewable active outputs and load demand fluctuations. In this paper, an adaptive event-triggered control (ETC) strategy for a load frequency control (LFC) system in an islanded MG is proposed. First, a bounded adaptive event-triggered communication scheme is designed. This not only saves on network resources, but also ensures that the control center has a sensitive monitoring ability for the MG operating status when the frequency deviations have been effectively damped. Secondly, by fully considering the spinning reserve constraints and uncertain communication delays, the LFC system is described as a nonlinear model with saturation terms. Design criteria for ETC parameters are strictly deduced based on Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, an ETC parameter optimization algorithm based on random direction search is developed to reconcile the bandwidth occupancy and control performance. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified in an MG test system.
Oral motor weakness: a possible clinical marker for sleep-related difficulties in Down syndrome children — a preliminary study
Authors: Abdel Hady Aisha Fawzy , Zaytoun Rehab Abdel Hafeez , Taher Mohamed Badie , Sayed-Ahmed Mohammed Mamdouh
Published: July 2023

Background

There is an increasing incidence of sleep difficulties in Down syndrome children. Identifying the clinical symptoms that are correlated with sleep difficulties for early diagnosis and treatment is critical.

Aim

To investigate whether oral motor weakness could be considered as an underlying factor for sleep-related difficulties in Down syndrome patients not previously treated with oral motor therapy to prioritize them for definitive objective testing.

Material and methods

The study included 45 Down syndrome children with and without congenital heart disease or hypothyroidism aged 2.5 years to 7 years without a history of prior oral motor therapy, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and with an average body mass index. The parents were asked to fill in a questionnaire on sleep difficulties involving seven sections. The children were also subjected to 4 oral motor tasks.

Results

Symptoms of sleep-related difficulties were reported in 66.70 to 100% of the DS children. The highest percentage had severe oral motor weaknesses. There is no significant correlation between scores of sleep difficulties and scores of oral motor skills except for a significant negative correlation between scores of restless sleep and frequent awakening with score of Chewy Tubes.

Conclusion

The current study did not prove a significant correlation between oral motor skills and the symptoms of sleep difficulties.
Extending the search space of full-waveform inversion beyond the single-scattering Born approximation: A tutorial review
Authors: Operto Stéphane , Gholami Ali , Aghamiry Hossein , Guo Gaoshan , Beller Stephen , Aghazade Kamal , Mamfoumbi Frichnel , Combe Laure , Ribodetti Alessandra
Published: July 2023

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) can be made immune to cycle skipping by matching the recorded data with traveltime errors smaller than one-half period from inaccurate subsurface models. To achieve this goal, the simulated wavefields can be computed in an extended search space as the solution of an overdetermined problem aimed at jointly satisfying the wave equation and fitting the data in a least-squares sense. This leads to data-assimilated wavefields that are computed by solving the wave equation in the inaccurate background model with a data-dependent source extension added to the source term. Then, the subsurface parameters are updated by canceling out these additional source terms, sometimes inaccurately called wave equation errors, to push the background model toward the true model in the left-side wave equation operator. Although many studies are devoted to these approaches with promising numerical results, their governing physical principles and their relationships with classical FWI do not seem to be understood well yet. The goal of this tutorial is to review these principles in the framework of inverse scattering theory whose governing forward equation is the Lippmann-Schwinger equation. From this equation, we find how the data-assimilated wavefields embed an approximation of the scattered field generated by the sought model perturbation and how they modify the sensitivity kernel of classical FWI beyond the Born approximation. We also clarify how the approximation with which these wavefields approximate the unknown true wavefields is accounted for in the adjoint source and in the full Newton Hessian of the parameter-estimation problem. The theory is finally illustrated with numerical examples. Understanding the physical principles governing these methods is a necessary prerequisite to assess their potential and limits and design relevant heuristics to manage the latter.
WHAM—A Prospective Study of Weight and Body Composition After Risk-Reducing Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy
Authors: Price Sarah A L , Finch Sue , Krejany Efrosinia , Jiang Hongyuan , Kale Ashwini , Domchek Susan , Wrede David , Wark John D , Hickey Martha
Published: July 2023

Context

Body weight and composition may change over the natural menopause transition. Whether surgical menopause has similar effects, and the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are unknown. Understanding the metabolic effects of surgical menopause will inform clinical care.

Objective

To prospectively measure weight and body composition over 24 months following surgical menopause compared with a similar comparison group who retained their ovaries.

Methods

Prospective observational study of weight change from baseline to 24 months in 95 premenopausal women at elevated risk of ovarian cancer planning risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) and 99 comparators who retained their ovaries. Change in body composition from baseline to 24 months was also assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in a subgroup of 54 women who underwent RRSO and 81 comparators who retained their ovaries. In the subgroup, weight, fat mass, lean mass, and abdominal fat measures were compared between groups.

Results

At 24 months both groups had gained weight (RRSO 2760 ± 4860 g vs comparators 1620 ± 4540 g) with no difference between groups (mean difference 730 g; 95% CI 920 g to 2380 g; P = .383). In the body composition subgroup, there was no difference in weight between groups at 24 months (mean difference 944 g; 95% CI −1120 g to 2614 g; P = .431). RRSO women may have gained slightly more abdominal visceral adipose tissue (mean difference 99.0 g; 95% CI 8.8 g to 189.2 g; P = .032) but there were no other differences in body composition. There were also no differences in weight or body composition between HRT users and nonusers at 24 months.

Conclusion

24 months after RRSO, there was no difference in body weight compared with women who retained their ovaries. RRSO women gained more abdominal visceral adipose tissue than comparators, but there were no other differences in body composition. Use of HRT following RRSO had no effect on these outcomes.
Η επίδραση των ανθρωπομετρικών χαρακτηριστικών στην εμφάνιση καρκίνου της ουροδόχου κύστεως
Authors: Τζελβές Λάζαρος
Published: July 2023

Εισαγωγή: Παράγοντες κινδύνου όπως το κάπνισμα, η ακτινοβολία, οι χρόνιες λοιμώξεις καιη επαγγελματική έκθεσης σε καρκινογόνες χημικές ουσίες έχουν συσχετιστεί με τηνεμφάνιση καρκίνου της ουροδόχου κύστεως. Η συσχέτιση μεταξύ αυξημένου σωματικούβάρους και του καρκίνου κύστεως είναι αμφισβητήσιμη. Ο σκοπός αυτής της μελέτηςασθενών-μαρτύρων είναι να αξιολογηθεί η σχέση των ανθρωπομετρικών χαρακτηριστικώνμε τον καρκίνο της ουροδόχου κύστεως σε δείγμα Ελλήνων συμμετεχόντων.Μέθοδοι: Αυτή η μελέτη ασθενών-μαρτύρων πραγματοποιήθηκε σε τριτοβάθμιονοσοκομείο στην Ελλάδα, με τους ασθενείς να αφορούν ασθενείς με διάγνωση μη-μυοδιηθητικού καρκίνου ουροδόχου κύστεως εντός της τελευταίας διετίας και τουςμάρτυρες ασθενείς που νοσηλεύτηκαν στο ίδιο νοσοκομείο για λόγο άλλο εκτός απόκακοήθεια και όχι νόσο σχετιζόμενη με τους γνωστούς αιτιολογικούς παράγοντες τουκαρκίνου κύστεως. Τα ανθρωπομετρικά χαρακτηριστικά που μετρήθηκαν στουςσυμμετέχοντες ήταν το σωματικό βάρος, το ύψος, ο δείκτης μάζας σώματος, η περιφέρειαμέσης και ισχίου. Όλες οι αναλύσεις πραγματοποιήθηκαν με τη στατιστική γλώσσα R(Vienna, Austria).Αποτελέσματα: Η σύγκριση των δύο ομάδων ανέδειξε ότι οι ασθενείς με καρκίνο κύστεωςέχουν μεγαλύτερο σωματικό βάρος, δείκτη μάζας σώματος και περιφέρεια μέσης συγκριτικάμε τους μάρτυρες. Ωστόσο, η πολυπαραγοντική, διωνυμική λογιστική παλινδρόμησηεπιβεβαίωσε μόνο την ηλικία (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1-1.05, p=0.02), τη μη χρήση καπνού (OR 0.12,95% CI: 0.07-0.23, p<0.001) και την άσκηση επαγγέλματος συσχετιζόμενου με καρκίνοκύστεως (OR 7.45, 95% CI: 2.53-27.93, p<0.001) ως σημαντικούς παράγοντες.Συμπεράσματα: Η εμφάνιση καρκίνου της ουροδόχου κύστεως συνδέεται ισχυρά μεσυγκεκριμένους αιτιολογικούς παράγοντες όπως η χρήση καπνού, η επαγγελματική έκθεσησε χημικά, η αυξανόμενη ηλικία, η ακτινοβολία και οι χρόνιες λοιμώξεις. Διάφορες μελέτεςανέδειξαν μία ασθενή συσχέτιση μεταξύ των διαφόρων ανθρωπομετρικών χαρακτηριστικώνκαι της νόσου, η οποία όμως δεν ήταν σημαντική σε Ευρωπαϊκές χώρες. Παρομοίως, στηνπαρούσα μελέτη ασθενών-μαρτύρων σε Ελληνικό πληθυσμό, βρήκαμε σημαντική συσχέτισημεταξύ αυξημένου σωματικού βάρους/ΒΜΙ, αυξημένης περιφέρειας μέση με την νόσο, αλλάχρησιμοποιώντας πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση αυτές οι συσχετίσεις εξαφανίστηκαν καιεπιβεβαιώθηκαν μόνο οι γνωστοί επιβαρυντικοί παράγοντες (ηλικία, κάπνισμα, επάγγελμασχετικό με την νόσο).
Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCS) in India and their compliance with government benchmarks: A scoping review
Authors: Bahl Deepika , Bassi Shalini , Manna Subhanwita , Arora Monika
Published: July 2023

Background: Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) are one of the critical pillars of India’s Adolescent Health Programme-Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram that seeks to enable all adolescents to realize their full potential by making informed decisions concerning their health and by accessing the services. Thus, a review was conceptualised to assess the compliance of AFHCs with the benchmark proposed by the Government under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched for articles published between 2014 and December 2022. A snowball search strategy was also used to retrieve all published articles. Based on the search strategy eight studies were included. Results: AFHCs are not fully compliant with all the benchmarks proposed by the government of India. Evidence from the primary studies showed that the benchmarks need attention as privacy was lacking (six out of seven studies), unavailability of Information Education and Communication material (four out of five), signages (two out of four), referrals (one out of two), and judgemental attitude of health care providers (one out of 3). Conclusions: There is a pressing need to focus on the fulfilment of these gaps to make the clinics adolescent-friendly. This might increase the utilisation of available services in AFHCs by adolescents and will improve their health. The improved health will catalyse achieving the Sustainable Development Goals indicators that are associated with nutrition, reproductive health, sexual and intimate partner violence, child marriage, education, and employment.
Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of re-attached teeth using self-adhesive bioactive flowable composite after preconditioning the fractured coronal fragments with different remineralizing agents
Authors: Rathod Pratik , Mankar Nikhil
Published: July 2023

One of the common forms of dental injury is anterior crown fractures, which mainly affects the teenagers and young adults. Fractures of the coronal portion of the permanent incisors characterize 18–22% of total traumatic injuries to dental hard tissues; of which 96% of them comprise the maxillary incisors. Uncomplicated fracture of crown is one of the most common types of dental traumatic injury. Dental trauma has an emotional impact on the patient’s overall health and can serious harm to the dentition. The treatment as well as prognosis of the fracture of coronal portion is a major challenge for a dentist because it has to accomplish various parameters like need to obtain an aesthetical result that approaches itself to its natural form and measurement, opaqueness and translucency of the original tooth structure in obtaining a effective restoration. It is suggested that reattachment of the fractured fragment is the best procedure for restoring an uncomplicated fracture of a crown, if a fragment is present. Reattachment of the fractured fragment offers major advantages over the conventional composite restoration. In reattachment, enhanced aesthetics is obtained because enamel’s true shape, colour, intensity, and surface texture are preserved. It re-establishes the major function and produces the favourable emotive and social response from the side of the patient. The reattached fragments are susceptible to further fracture when the restored teeth undergo further trauma. The resistance of the fractured teeth that has been reattached is the subject of the majority of concerns. Preconditioning the fractured fragments with remineralizing agents may aid in hydration. Thus, study will be conducted to evaluate the resistance of the fracture of a tooth that is reattached and pre-treated with remineralizing agents such as sodium fluoride and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and further reattached using one of the self-adhesive bioactive composite.
Technical Note—A New Rate-Optimal Sampling Allocation for Linear Belief Models
Authors: Zhou Jiaqi , Ryzhov Ilya O.
Published: July 2023

A major focus of the simulation literature is the study of optimal budget allocation. The goal is to divide a simulation budget between alternatives with unknown values in a manner that leads to efficient identification of the best alternative. Existing analytical techniques, based on large deviations theory, are limited to finite sets of alternatives, each of which is assigned a certain proportion of the budget. In “A New Rate-Optimal Sampling Allocation for Linear Belief Models,” Zhou and Ryzhov develop the first provably optimal budget allocation for a continuous problem where linear regression is used to model the value of a choice. The allocation is expressible in closed form and is simpler and easier to implement than analogous solutions for the discrete setting. This work bridges the emerging literature on contextual (regression-based) learning and the well-known statistical problem of optimal experimental design.
Counteraction to the anti-church policy of the soviet government in Ukraine in the 20–30-s of the 20th century: causes, course and consequences
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Bublik Olga
Published: July 2023

In the article research the resistance of Ukrainians to the anti-religious policy of the Bolsheviks, the first years of their stay in power. The article notes that one of the main characteristic features of the development of Ukrainian historiography at the current stage is the increasing attention of scientists to problems related to the history of church life in Ukraine. This especially applies to the Soviet period of history, when the traditional church, which used to be one of the determining factors in the development of Ukrainian society, suffered a significant blow as a result of the implementation of the anti-church policy of the Soviet government. At the same time, especially in the first decades of the existence of the Bolshevik regime, opposition to the anti-religious policy of the Bolsheviks on the part of the Ukrainian population was quite noticeable. This aspect, in our opinion, needs a more detailed scientific rethinking, which is aimed at this scientific article. Are shown the main directions and types of resistance, its results and consequences for the further implementation of the church policy by the Soviet authorities. It also depicts a complex of punitive repressive measures against the religious communities of Ukraine during the period under study. As a result of the conducted research, the author comes to the conclusion that from the moment the Bolsheviks came to power, their anti-church company encountered spontaneous protests from various religious communities. The protest took various forms – from ignoring and sabotaging the anti-religious initiatives of the Bolshevik government, to active armed resistance against its representatives. This, in turn, led to the intensification of the terror of the Soviet authorities against the church, which, in the end, was forced to recognize the politics and power of the Bolsheviks.
Comparative Anticancer Efficacy Analysis of T. rufonigra, C. oblongus, A. gracilipes and Camponotus sp. of Ants: An in vitro Study
Authors: Jangir Suman , Nadumane Varalakshmi Kilingar
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: Insects and their products have been linked to medical cures from age old now. Among all the other Insects, Ants of the order Hymenoptera possess a wide range of bioactive compounds that have shown to have potent anticancer properties. In a similar fashion, the present study investigates the in vitro antitumor effects of Bengaluru-based ant extracts. Different ant species were collected from various locations in Bengaluru and identified as Tetraponera rufonigra, Camponotus oblongus, Anoplolepsis gracilipes, Camponotus species. Further, A 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed on hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 after extracting the metabolites in 95% EtOH. The potential anticancer effect was again confirmed by Trypan blue cell staining assay using HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) and MCF7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cell line. Further, apoptotic induction was measured by Caspase-3 activity assay and different tests were performed to investigate the chemical composition of the extracts. All the crude extracts of ants have shown anticancer effects and increase in caspase-3 enzyme activity of Tetraponera rufonigra extract on hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 while Anoplolepsis gracilipes on human breast cancer cell line MCF7 makes them good candidate for further purification and characterization. T. rufonigra extracts have shown the presence of all the tested chemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, reducing sugars, phenols, steroids and amino acids.
The association between selenium and bone health: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Haibin , Wang Ning , He Hongyi , Yang Zidan , Wu Jing , Yang Tuo , Wang Yilun
Published: July 2023

Aims

Previous studies have suggested that selenium as a trace element is involved in bone health, but findings related to the specific effect of selenium on bone health remain inconclusive. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis by including all the relevant studies to elucidate the association between selenium status (dietary intake or serum selenium) and bone health indicators (bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis (OP), or fracture).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to retrieve relevant articles published before 15 November 2022. Studies focusing on the correlation between selenium and BMD, OP, or fracture were included. Effect sizes included regression coefficient (β), weighted mean difference (WMD), and odds ratio (OR). According to heterogeneity, the fixed-effect or random-effect model was used to assess the association between selenium and bone health.

Results

From 748 non-duplicate publications, 19 studies were included. We found a significantly positive association between dietary selenium intake (β = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.07, p = 0.029) as well as serum selenium (β = 0.13, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.26, p = 0.046) and BMD. Consistently, those with higher selenium intake had a lower risk of OP (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.72, p = 0.001), and patients with OP had a significantly lower level of serum selenium than healthy controls (WMD = -2.01, 95% CI -3.91 to -0.12, p = 0.037). High dietary selenium intake was associated with a lower risk of hip fracture (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.52, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Selenium was positively associated with BMD and inversely associated with OP; dietary selenium intake was negatively associated with hip fracture. The causality and therapeutic effect of selenium on OP needs to be investigated in future studies.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(7):423–432.
A Rare Bone Erosion due to Fibroma of the Tendon Sheath
Authors: Minagawa Yuto , Yasuda Tomohiro , Kanzaki Koji , Kusaba Atsushi , Ohike Nobuyuki , Inagaki Katsunori
Published: July 2023

Introduction:Fibroma of the tendon sheath (FTS) is a soft-tissue tumor strongly attaches to the tendon sheath. The most common tumor which causes bone erosion is giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath while the erosion is quite rarely caused by FTS. Case Report:A 50-year-old housewife presented a swelling around the A1 pulley of the right third finger as well as bone erosion and a trigger finger. Against our preoperative suspect as GTTS, the pathological findings showed FTS. The snapping disappeared after the surgery. At 2.5 years postoperatively, we found no recurrence. Conclusion:FTS can be added to one of the differential diagnoses for tumor presenting bone erosion in fingers though our case is rare. Keywords: Fibroma of tendon sheath, bone erosion, trigger finger.
Total Shoulder Reverse Arthroplasty in Alkaptonuria: An Effective Option to Treat a Complication of a Rare Disease
Authors: Afonso Carolina Tiago , Pinto Susana , Freitas Miguel , Pedrosa Diana , Afonso Afonso
Published: July 2023

Introduction:Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which tyrosine metabolism is altered. There is a deficiency of the Homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase enzyme (homogentisic acid oxidase) This enzyme is responsible for the metabolism of the tyrosine - homogentisic acid - in maleylacetoacetic acid. Accumulation of homogenous acid occurs in urine and conjunctival tissue in the second with important deleterious effects on cartilage and bone. The most limiting complication is progressive degenerative arthropathy, especially in the axial and load load-bearing joints, with a lower tendency to affect the shoulder. Because of its rarity little is known about the results of arthroplasties in these patients. Case Report:A 60 -years -old man, retired, with a history of right knee arthroplasty 6 years ago (performed in another hospital). Sent to the orthopedic consultation due to intense shoulder pain. The case was revealed to be a rare disease: arthropathy due AKU. He was treated with total shoulder reverse arthroplasty. Currently with two 2 years of follow-up, with excellent functional results. Conclusion:The most commonly performed procedure, in this patients, is the hip prosthesis and there are few reported cases of shoulder arthroplasty. However, the results of our follow follow-up are good and encouraging. Keywords: Alkaptonuria; , shoulder arthropathy; , total shoulder reverse arthroplasty.