bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of traditional and non-traditional lipid indicators in the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a Japanese population
Authors: Lu Song , Kuang Maobin , Yue Jinjing , Hu Chong , Sheng Guotai , Zou Yang
Published: October 2022

Background

Traditional and non-traditional (TNNT) lipid indicators are known to be closely related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study’s objective was to compare the degree of associations and diagnostic values of TNNT lipid indicators with NAFLD.

Methods

Participants were 14,251 Japanese adults who undergoing health checkups, and we measured and calculated 11 lipid indicators, including traditional lipid indicators such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG), as well as non-traditional lipid indicators such as TC/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, TG/HDL-C ratio, non-HDL-C, remnant cholesterol (RC), RC/HDL-C ratio and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio. The associations between these lipid indicators and NAFLD were assessed using multivariate logistic regression, and the performance of these lipid indicators in identifying NAFLD was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

After rigorous adjustment for potential confounders, multivariate logistic regression showed that all TNNT lipid indicators were independently associated with NAFLD, among which the RC/HDL-C ratio and RC had the strongest association with NAFLD. ROC analysis showed that non-traditional lipid indicators were superior to traditional lipid indicators in identifying NAFLD, especially in young adults and females. It is worth mentioning that the RC/HDL-C ratio was the best lipid indicator for identifying NAFLD with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 and an optimal cut-off value of 0.43; in addition, TG/HDL-C ratio also had a high recognition performance for NAFLD.

Conclusion

Overall, in the Japanese population, non-traditional lipid indicators had a higher diagnostic value for NAFLD compared to traditional lipid indicators, and lipid indicators alone had a lower diagnostic value for NAFLD than the ratio of two lipid indicators, with RC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C being the best lipid indicators for identifying NAFLD.
Observations on chromosome-specific sequencing for the construction of cross-species chromosome homology maps and its resolution of human:alpaca homology
Authors: Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A. , Pereira Jorge C. , Borges Ana , Kasai Fumio
Published: October 2022

Background

The history of comparative chromosome mapping is briefly reviewed, with discussion about the problem that occurs in chromosome painting when size heteromorphisms between homologues cause contamination in chromosomes sorted by flow cytometry that are used in the preparation of chromosome-specific DNA probes.

Main body

As an example, we show in the alpaca (Vicagna pacos) that sequencing of contaminated chromosome sorts can reveal chromosome homologies from alignment with human and mouse genome reference sequences. The procedure identifies syntenic blocks of DNA separated in the human karyotype that are associated in the closely related alpaca and dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) karyotypes. This example provides proof of principal for the validity of the method for comparative chromosome mapping.

Conclusion

It is suggested that the approach presented here may have application in the construction of comparative chromosome maps between distantly related taxa, such as monotremes and mammals.
Exploring AI-2-mediated interspecies communications within rumen microbial communities
Authors: Liu Xiaozhen , Liu Qinmeng , Sun Sihuai , Sun Hengxi , Wang Yao , Shen Xihui , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2022

Background

The rumen is an ecosystem with a complex microbial microflora in which microbes initiate biofilm formation by attaching to plant surfaces for plant degradation and are capable of converting feed to nutrients and energy via microbial processes. Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism that allows microbes to synchronize the expression of multiple genes in the group to perform social behaviors such as chemotaxis and biofilm formation using self-synthesized QS signaling molecules. Whereas QS has been extensively studied in model microorganisms under pure culture conditions, QS mechanisms are poorly understood in complex bacterial communities, such as the rumen microflora, in which cell-to-cell communication may be common.

Results

Here, we analyzed 981 rumens bacterial and archaeal genomes from the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and GenBank databases and identified 15 types of known QS signaling molecule-related genes. The analysis of the prevalence and abundance of genes involved in QS showed that 767 microbial genomes appeared to possess QS-related genes, including 680 bacterial genomes containing autoinducer-2 (AI-2) synthase- or receptor-encoding genes. Prevotella, Butyivibrio, Ruminococcus, Oribacterium, Selenomonas, and Treponema, known abundant bacterial genera in the rumen, possessed the greatest numbers of AI-2-related genes; these genes were highly expressed within the metatranscriptome dataset, suggesting that intra- and interspecies communication mediated by AI-2 among rumen microbes was universal in the rumen. The QS processes mediated by the dCache_1-containing AI-2 receptors (CahRs) with various functional modules may be essential for degrading plants, digesting food, and providing energy and nutrients to the host. Additionally, a universal natural network based on QS revealed how rumen microbes coordinate social behaviors via the AI-2-mediated QS system, most of which may potentially function via AI-2 binding to the extracellular sensor dCache_1 domain to activate corresponding receptors involved in different signal transduction pathways, such as methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins, histidine kinases, serine phosphatases, c-di-GMP synthases and phosphodiesterases, and serine/threonine kinases in the rumen.

Conclusions

The exploration of AI-2-related genes, especially CahR-type AI-2 receptors, greatly increased our insight into AI-2 as a potentially “universal” signal mediating social behaviors and will help us better understand microbial communication networks and the function of QS in plant-microbe interactions in complex microecosystems.
Overexpression of estrogen receptor β inhibits cellular functions of human hepatic stellate cells and promotes the anti-fibrosis effect of calycosin via inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Wu Canyan , Zhou Jiahui , Fang Haiming , Wang Jiajia
Published: October 2022

Background

Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is the major ER subtype in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Previously we reported phytoestrogen calycosin suppressed liver fibrosis progression and inhibited HSC-T6 cell functions, suggesting the effects may be related to ERβ. Here, we explore the effect of overexpressed ERβ on human HSCs and the role of ERβ in pharmacological action of calycosin.

Methods

LX-2 cells were transfected with lentivirus to overexpress ERβ. In the presence or absence of overexpressed ERβ, the effects of ERβ and calycosin on proliferation, migration, activation, collagen production and degradation of TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cells and the role of ERβ in the inhibition effect of calycosin were investigated. LX-2 cells overexpressed with ERβ or treated with ER non-selective antagonist ICI182,780 were used to investigate the regulation of ERβ on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. CCK-8 method was used to screen effective doses of calycosin and investigate cell proliferation. The cell migration was detected by transwell chamber assay. The expression of α-SMA was detected by immunofluorescence and western blot. The protein expressions of Col-I, MMP1, TIMP1, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 were detected by western blot.

Results

ERβ overexpressed lentivirus was successfully transfected into LX-2 cells with high efficiency. Overexpressed ERβ or calycosin alone inhibited the TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cell proliferation and migration, downregulated the protein expressions of α-SMA, Col-I, TIMP-1, p-STAT3 and upregulated MMP-1. Both overexpressed ERβ and calycosin had no significant effect on JAK2, p-JAK2 and STAT3 expressions. ERβ overexpression further enhanced the above effects of calycosin. However, after the cells were treated with ICI182,780, downregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation induced by calycosin was reversed.

Conclusions

ERβ mediated the inhibition of major functions of LX-2 cell possibly by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3, and was an important pathway through which calycosin exerted anti-liver fibrosis effect.

Graphical Abstract
Interconnection between constructs and consequences: a key validity consideration in K–12 English language proficiency assessments
Authors: Wolf Mikyung Kim
Published: October 2022

In the US K–12 public school settings, each state’s annual English language proficiency (ELP) assessment, as part of an educational accountability system, has tremendous impact on English learner (EL) students’ academic paths and success. It is thus critical to establish a robust validation framework and empirical evidence to ensure that states’ ELP assessments are both appropriately interpreted and justifiably used for their intended purposes. The present article, as a perspective piece, highlights two key interrelated areas of validity concern: the construct and the consequences of ELP assessments. This article describes how the ELP construct has been redefined and operationalized in recent K–12 ELP standards and assessments in the US K–12 education settings, reflecting the current US educational reform and policy impact. Then, the article presents the ramifications these new ELP assessments have for making high-stake decisions about EL students and how construct validity issues are closely tied to consequential validity. A set of pivotal research areas pertaining to construct and consequential validity is proposed with implications for practice and policies to support EL students’ needs. Implications from interconnection between the construct and the consequences of ELP assessments and research areas suggested in this article can be applicable in other countries where language assessments are part of educational reform or accountability systems.
A case of pathological complete response with liposomal irinotecan + 5-FU/LV for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kikuchi Koji , Umemura Akira , Nitta Hiroyuki , Katagiri Hirokatsu , Nishiya Masao , Uesugi Noriyuki , Sugai Tamotsu , Imanari Keisuke , Sasaki Akira
Published: October 2022

Background

Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst prognoses of any all cancers. 5-FU/leucovorin + irinotecan + oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX), gemcitabine (GEM) plus nab-paclitaxel regimens have been recognized as global-standard, first-line treatments for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) + 5-FU/LV regimen is now included in treatment guidelines as a recommended and approved option for use in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer that has progressed after GEM-based therapy and who have a suitable performance status and comorbidity profile. There is no report that nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV regimen was significantly effective, and we will report it because we experienced this time.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old man presented with epigastric pain, and a contrast computed tomography (CT) revealed an enhanced mass lesion measuring 33 × 27 mm on the pancreatic body with encasement of the common hepatic artery (CHA) and the splenic vein. An endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration was performed and demonstrated cytology consistent with adenocarcinoma. Therefore, we diagnosed the patient with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The patient received the GEM and S-1 regimen; however, the adverse event was relatively severe. Then, 11 cycles of nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV regimen were administered. A CT scan revealed that the tumor had shrunk to 18 × 7 mm in diameter with encasement of the CHA. The encasement of the splenic vein had disappeared, without any distant metastases. From this post-chemotherapy evaluation and intraoperative frozen section of around the celiac artery, gastroduodenal artery and pancreas stump confirmed absence of tumor cells, we performed distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection. A histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed no evidence of residual adenocarcinoma, consistent with a pathological complete response to treatment.

Conclusions

We present the first case of a pathological complete response with nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV for unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In the future, nal-IRI may become a key drug for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and therapeutic implications
Authors: Lingegowda Harshavardhan , Williams Bailey J. , Spiess Katherine G. , Sisnett Danielle J. , Lomax Alan E. , Koti Madhuri , Tayade Chandrakant
Published: October 2022

Endometriosis patients experience debilitating chronic pain, and the first-line treatment is ineffective at managing symptoms. Although surgical removal of the lesions provides temporary relief, more than 50% of the patients experience disease recurrence. Despite being a leading cause of hysterectomy, endometriosis lacks satisfactory treatments and a cure. Another challenge is the poor understanding of disease pathophysiology which adds to the delays in diagnosis and overall compromised quality of life. Endometriosis patients are in dire need of an effective therapeutic strategy that is both economical and effective in managing symptoms, while fertility is unaffected. Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids possess anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-proliferative properties that may prove beneficial for endometriosis management, given that inflammation, vascularization, and pain are hallmark features of endometriosis. Endocannabinoids are a complex network of molecules that play a central role in physiological processes including homeostasis and tissue repair, but endocannabinoids have also been associated in the pathophysiology of several chronic inflammatory diseases including endometriosis and cancers. The lack of satisfactory treatment options combined with the recent legalization of recreational cannabinoids in some parts of the world has led to a rise in self-management strategies including the use of cannabinoids for endometriosis-related pain and other symptoms. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of endocannabinoids with a focus on their potential roles in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. We further provide evidence-driven perspectives on the current state of knowledge on endometriosis-associated pain, inflammation, and therapeutic avenues exploiting the endocannabinoid system for its management.
External Collaboration Results in Student Learning Gains and Positive STEM Attitudes in CUREs
Authors: Callahan Kevin P. , Peterson Celeste N. , Martinez-Vaz Betsy M. , Huisinga Kathryn L. , Galport Nicole , Koletar Courtney , Eddy Rebecca M. , Provost Joseph J. , Bell Jessica K. , Bell Ellis
Published: October 2022

This study examines how the inclusion of structured external collaborations in course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) affects learning outcomes. Students worked with faculty from an external institution to refine their hypotheses and discuss their data. In the collaborative CURE cohort, students had greater gains in learning outcomes compared with students in standard CUREs and no-CURE controls.
The contribution of general medical conditions to the non-fatal burden of mental disorders: register-based cohort study in Denmark
Authors: Weye Nanna , Momen Natalie C. , Whiteford Harvey A. , Christensen Maria Klitgaard , Iburg Kim Moesgaard , Santomauro Damian F. , Agerbo Esben , Mortensen Preben Bo , Pedersen Carsten Bøcker , McGrath John J. , Plana-Ripoll Oleguer
Published: October 2022

Background

General medical conditions (GMCs) often co-occur with mental and substance use disorders (MSDs).

Aims

To explore the contribution of GMCs to the burden of disease in people with MSDs, and investigate how this varied by age.

Method

A population-based cohort of 6 988 507 persons living in Denmark during 2000–2015 followed for up to 16 years. Danish health registers were used to identify people with MSDs and GMCs. For each MSD, years lived with disability and health loss proportion (HeLP) were estimated for comorbid MSDs and GMCs, using a multiplicative model for disability weights.

Results

Those with any MSD lost the equivalent of 43% of healthy life (HeLP = 0.43, 95% CI 0.40–0.44) after including information on GMCs, which was an increase from 25% before including GMCs (HeLP = 0.25, 95% CI 0.23–0.27). Schizophrenia was associated with the highest burden of disease (HeLP = 0.77, 95% CI 0.68–0.85). However, within each disorder, the relative contribution of MSDs and GMCs varied. For example, in those diagnosed with schizophrenia, MSDs and GMCs accounted for 86% and 14% of the total health loss; in contrast, in those with anxiety disorders, the same proportions were 59% and 41%. In general, HeLP increased with age, and was mainly associated with increasing rates of pulmonary, musculoskeletal and circulatory diseases.

Conclusions

In those with mental disorders, the relative contribution of comorbid GMCs to the non-fatal burden of disease increases with age. GMCs contribute substantially to the non-fatal burden of disease in those with MSDs.
Continuous theta burst stimulation over the bilateral supplementary motor area in obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment: A clinical randomized single-blind sham-controlled trial
Authors: Guo Qihui , Wang Kaifeng , Han Huiqin , Li Puyu , Cheng Jiayue , Zhu Junjuan , Wang Zhen , Fan Qing
Published: October 2022

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can cause substantial damage to quality of life. Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a promising treatment for OCD patients with the advantages of safety and noninvasiveness.

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the treatment efficacy of cTBS over the bilateral supplementary motor area (SMA) for OCD patients with a single-blind, sham-controlled design.

Methods

Fifty-four OCD patients were randomized to receive active or sham cTBS treatment over the bilateral SMA for 4 weeks (five sessions per week, 20 sessions in total). Patients were assessed at baseline (week 0), the end of treatment (week 4), and follow-up (week 8). Clinical scales included the YBOCS, HAMD24, HAMA14, and OBQ44. Three behavioral tests were also conducted to explore the effect of cTBS on response inhibition and decision-making in OCD patients.

Results

The treatment response rates were not significantly different between the two groups at week 4 (active: 23.1% vs. sham: 16.7%, p = 0.571) and week 8 (active: 26.9% vs. sham: 16.7%, p = 0.382). Depression and anxiety improvements were significantly different between the two groups at week 4 (HAMD24: F = 4.644, p = 0.037; HAMA14: F = 5.219, p = 0.028). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the performance of three behavioral tests. The treatment satisfaction and dropout rates were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The treatment of cTBS over the bilateral SMA was safe and tolerable, and it could significantly improve the depression and anxiety of OCD patients but was not enough to improve OCD symptoms in this study.
Toripalimab Plus Chemotherapy for Patients With Treatment-Naive Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Phase III Trial (CHOICE-01)
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Wu Lin , Li Baolan , Cheng Ying , Li Xiaoling , Wang Xicheng , Han Liang , Wu Xiaohong , Fan Yun , Yu Yan , Lv Dongqing , Shi Jianhua , Huang Jianjin , Zhou Shaozhang , Han Baohui , Sun Guogui , Guo Qisen , Ji Youxin , Zhu Xiaoli , Hu Sheng , Zhang Wei , Wang Qiming , Jia Yuming , Wang Ziping , Song Yong , Wu Jingxun , Shi Meiqi , Li Xingya , Han Zhigang , Liu Yunpeng , Yu Zhuang , Liu An-Wen , Wang Xiuwen , Zhou Caicun , Zhong Diansheng , Miao Liyun , Zhang Zhihong , Zhao Hui , Yang Jun , Wang Dong , Wang Yingyi , Li Qiang , Zhang Xiaodong , Ji Mei , Yang Zhenzhou , Cui Jiuwei , Gao Beili , Wang Buhai , Liu Hu , Nie Lei , He Mei , Jin Shi , Gu Wei , Shu Yongqian , Zhou Tong , Feng Jian , Yang Xinmei , Huang Cheng , Zhu Bo , Yao Yu , Tang Xiongwen , Yu Jianjun , Maher Ellen , Feng Hui , Yao Sheng , Keegan Patricia , Wang Jie
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

The CHOICE-01 study investigated the efficacy and safety of toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients (N = 465) with treatment-naive, advanced NSCLC without EGFR/ALK mutations were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive toripalimab 240 mg (n = 309) or placebo (n = 156) once every 3 weeks in combination with chemotherapy for 4-6 cycles, followed by the maintenance of toripalimab or placebo once every 3 weeks plus standard care. Stratification factors included programmed death ligand-1 expression status, histology, and smoking status. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) by investigator per RECIST v1.1. Secondary end points included overall survival and safety.

RESULTS

At the final PFS analysis, PFS was significantly longer in the toripalimab arm than in the placebo arm (median PFS, 8.4 v 5.6 months, hazard ratio = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.61; two-sided P < .0001). At the interim OS analysis, the toripalimab arm had a significantly longer OS than the placebo arm (median OS not reached v 17.1 months, hazard ratio = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.92; two-sided P = .0099). The incidence of grade ≥ 3 adverse events was similar between the two arms. Treatment effects were similar regardless of programmed death ligand-1 status. Genomic analysis using whole-exome sequencing from 394 available tumor samples revealed that patients with high tumor mutational burden were associated with significantly better PFS in the toripalimab arm (median PFS 13.1 v 5.5 months, interaction P = .026). Notably, patients with mutations in the focal adhesion-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway achieved significantly better PFS and OS in the toripalimab arm (interaction P values ≤ .001).

CONCLUSION

Toripalimab plus chemotherapy significantly improves PFS and OS in patients with treatment-naive advanced NSCLC while having a manageable safety profile. Subgroup analysis showed the OS benefit was mainly driven by the nonsquamous subpopulation.
Progression-Free Survival and Patterns of Response in Patients With Relapsed High-Risk Neuroblastoma Treated With Irinotecan/Temozolomide/Dinutuximab/Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Lerman Benjamin J. , Li Yimei , Carlowicz Cecilia , Granger Meaghan , Cash Thomas , Sadanand Arhanti , Somers Katherine , Ranavaya Aeesha , Weiss Brian D. , Choe Michelle , Foster Jennifer H. , Pinto Navin , Morgenstern Daniel A. , Rafael Margarida Simão , Streby Keri A. , Zeno Rachel N. , Mody Rajen , Yazdani Sahr , Desai Ami V. , Macy Margaret E. , Shusterman Suzanne , Federico Sara M. , Bagatell Rochelle
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

Although chemoimmunotherapy is widely used for treatment of children with relapsed high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB), little is known about timing, duration, and evolution of response after irinotecan/temozolomide/dinutuximab/granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (I/T/DIN/GM-CSF) therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients eligible for this retrospective study were age < 30 years at diagnosis of HRNB and received ≥ 1 cycle of I/T/DIN/GM-CSF for relapsed or progressive disease. Patients with primary refractory disease who progressed through induction were excluded. Responses were evaluated using the International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-six patients were included. Tumors were MYCN-amplified in 50 of 134 (37%). Seventy-one patients (49%) had an objective response to I/T/DIN/GM-CSF (objective response; 29% complete response, 14% partial response [PR], 5% minor response [MR], 21% stable disease [SD], and 30% progressive disease). Of patients with SD or better at first post-I/T/DIN/GM-CSF disease evaluation, 22% had an improved response per International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria on subsequent evaluation (13% of patients with initial SD, 33% with MR, and 41% with PR). Patients received a median of 4.5 (range, 1-31) cycles. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 13.1 months, and the 1-year PFS and 2-year PFS were 50% and 28%, respectively. The median duration of response was 15.9 months; the median PFS off all anticancer therapy was 10.4 months after discontinuation of I/T/DIN/GM-CSF.

CONCLUSION

Approximately half of patients receiving I/T/DIN/GM-CSF for relapsed HRNB had objective responses. Patients with initial SD were unlikely to have an objective response, but > 1 of 3 patients with MR/PR on first evaluation ultimately had complete response. I/T/DIN/GM-CSF was associated with extended PFS in responders both during and after discontinuation of treatment. This study establishes a new comparator for response and survival in patients with relapsed HRNB.
Role of

phonon mode in the enhancement of ferroelectric polarization in a perovskite-based eco-friendly functional material
Authors: Dubey Digvijay Nath , Singh Gurvinderjit , Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Tripathi Saurabh
Published: October 2022

We report here the role of component freezing of three-dimensional polar (

) phonon mode corresponding to the center of cubic Brillouin zone in tuning the structure-property correlations of a scientifically enriched and technologically important barium-titanate–based eco-friendly functional material (Ba0.92Ca0.08)(Zr0.05Ti0.95−x
Sn
x
)O3; BCZTSnx 

synthesized via solid-state reaction method. The combined X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopic analysis, and temperature-dependent dielectric studies have revealed the presence of several crystallographic phase transitions with coexisting phases, viz., 

, as a function of Sn(x) content. These crystallographic phases, viz., P4mm, Amm2, and R3m results due to freezing of the component(s) of

phonon mode (belonging to

space group), with the respective order parameter directions (0,0,a), (a,a,0), and (a,a,a) leading to ferroelectric polarization along

,

and

directions, respectively. The ceramic composition corresponding to

exhibits a significant reduction in the coercive field (E

c
) and an enhancement in ferroelectric polarization (P

r
) in comparison to

, inferred from PE loop measurements. The enhancement in ferroelectric polarization at

has been attributed to the inter-ferroelectric three-phase

coexistence around this composition and significantly enhanced amplitudes of ferroelectric phonon modes corresponding to orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases, calculated using the symmetry mode analysis technique. The existence of a high ferroelectric polarization and low coercive field may lead to

composition as an eco-friendly candidate for ferroelectric memory devices.
External Validation of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Authors: Singh Shubhangi , Carusi Daniela A. , Wang Penny , Reitman-Ivashkov Elena , Landau Ruth , Fields Kara G. , Weiniger Carolyn F. , Farber Michaela K.
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a disorder of abnormal placentation associated with severe postpartum hemorrhage, maternal morbidity, and mortality. Predelivery prediction of this condition is important to determine appropriate delivery location and multidisciplinary planning for operative management. This study aimed to validate a prediction model for PAS developed by Weiniger et al in 2 cohorts who delivered at 2 different United States tertiary centers.

METHODS:

Cohort A (Brigham and Women’s Hospital; N = 253) included patients with risk factors (prior cesarean delivery and placenta previa) and/or ultrasound features of PAS presenting to a tertiary-care hospital. Cohort B (Columbia University Irving Medical Center; N = 99) consisted of patients referred to a tertiary-care hospital specifically because of ultrasound features of PAS. Using the outcome variable of surgical and/or pathological diagnosis of PAS, discrimination (via c-statistic), calibration (via intercept, slope, and flexible calibration curve), and clinical usefulness (via decision curve analysis) were determined.

RESULTS:

The model c-statistics in cohorts A and B were 0.728 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.662–0.794) and 0.866 (95% CI, 0.754–0.977) signifying acceptable and excellent discrimination, respectively. The calibration intercept (0.537 [95% CI, 0.154–0.980] for cohort A and 3.001 [95% CI, 1.899– 4.335] for B), slopes (0.342 [95% CI, 0.170–0.532] for cohort A and 0.604 [95% CI, −0.166 to 1.221] for B), and flexible calibration curves in each cohort indicated that the model underestimated true PAS risks on average and that there was evidence of overfitting in both validation cohorts. The use of the model compared to a treat-all strategy by decision curve analysis showed a greater net benefit of the model at a threshold probability of >0.25 in cohort A. However, no net benefit of the model over the treat-all strategy was seen in cohort B at any threshold probability.

CONCLUSIONS:

The performance of the Weiniger model is variable based on the case-mix of the population with regard to PAS clinical risk factors and ultrasound features, highlighting the importance of spectrum bias when applying this PAS prediction model to distinct populations. The model showed benefit for predicting PAS in populations with substantial case-mix heterogeneity at threshold probability of >25%.
FGF8 induces chemokinesis and regulates condensation of mouse nephron progenitor cells
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Meer Marco , Dapkunas Arvydas , Ihermann-Hella Anneliis , Kuure Satu , Vainio Seppo J. , Iber Dagmar , Naillat Florence
Published: October 2022

Kidneys develop via iterative branching of the ureteric epithelial tree and subsequent nephrogenesis at the branch points. Nephrons form in the cap mesenchyme as the metanephric mesenchyme (MM) condenses around the epithelial ureteric buds (UBs). Previous work has demonstrated that FGF8 is important for the survival of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs), and early deletion of Fgf8 leads to the cessation of nephron formation, which results in post-natal lethality. We now reveal a previously unreported function of FGF8. By combining transgenic mouse models, quantitative imaging assays and data-driven computational modelling, we show that FGF8 has a strong chemokinetic effect and that this chemokinetic effect is important for the condensation of NPCs to the UB. The computational model shows that the motility must be lower close to the UB to achieve NPC attachment. We conclude that the FGF8 signalling pathway is crucial for the coordination of NPC condensation at the UB. Chemokinetic effects have also been described for other FGFs and may be generally important for the formation of mesenchymal condensates.
Protein Phosphatase 2A with B′ specificity subunits regulates the Hippo-Yorkie signaling axis in the Drosophila eye disc
Authors: Neal Scott J. , Zhou Qingxiang , Pignoni Francesca
Published: October 2022

Hippo-Yorkie (Hpo-Yki) signaling is central to diverse developmental processes. Although its redeployment has been amply demonstrated, its context-specific regulation remains poorly understood. The Drosophila eye disc is a continuous epithelium folded into two layers, the peripodial epithelium (PE) and the retinal progenitor epithelium. Here, Yki acts in the PE, first to promote PE identity by suppressing retina fate, and subsequently to maintain proper disc morphology. In the latter process, loss of Yki results in the displacement of a portion of the differentiating retinal epithelium onto the PE side. We show that Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) complexes comprising different substrate-specificity B-type subunits govern the Hpo-Yki axis in this context. These include holoenzymes containing the B‴ subunit Cka and those containing the B′ subunits Wdb or Wrd. Whereas PP2A(Cka), as part of the STRIPAK complex, is known to regulate Hpo directly, PP2A(Wdb) acts genetically upstream of the antagonistic activities of the Hpo regulators Sav and Rassf. These in vivo data provide the first evidence of PP2A(B′) heterotrimer function in Hpo pathway regulation and reveal pathway diversification at distinct developmental times in the same tissue.
Factors leading to the academic failure of undergraduate medical students - Predict early to prevent
Authors: Prof. Dr. Azhar Rashid  , Yasmeen Rahila , Ahmed Rehan , Jawed Khaulah
Published: October 2022

Objectives: The main objective of the study was to explore the factors to predict academic failure before the first major assessment.

Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 at Riphah International University. Using the purposive sampling technique, 16 students and seven teachers were included in the study. Eight online interviews were conducted with students who were academic failures and two focus group discussions were held with eight high achievers and seven teachers. The data was analyzed and thematic analysis was done.

Results: Thematic analyses deduced relevant themes which were: Educational Journey Does past matter? Essential for learning, Personality and psychological make-up, and assessment of behaviour. The factors identified were performance record, learning difficulty, educational dislocation, missionless and purposeless, against free will, tuition, poor self-regulation, low effort, procrastination, non-reflective practice, cognitive load mismanagement, limited remediation, hesitant help-seeking, low self-efficacy, introvert behaviour, demotivation, emotional imbalance, observation of student behaviour, assessment of assigned task.

Conclusion: Academic failure can be predicted early and salvaged.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5951

How to cite this:Rashid A, Yasmeen R, Ahmed R, Jawed K. Factors leading to the academic failure of undergraduate medical students - Predict early to prevent. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5951

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Awareness and safe practices of Hepatitis-B and C prevention and transmission among workers of women beauty salons
Authors: Bashir Hafiza Hifza , Kamani Lubna , Usman Madiha , Kishwar Kajol
Published: October 2022

Background & Objectives: Hepatitis-B and C is currently a major health problem all over the world including Pakistan. All beauty treatments including manicures are used by many people and can be a risk factor because of sharing of contaminated instruments. Proper sterilization needs to be achieved by an autoclave. Our study was conducted to know the awareness and safe practices of Hepatitis-B and C prevention and transmission by beauty salon workers in Karachi.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study performed from February 2021- July 2021 among workers of women’s beauty salons across Karachi. Validated questioners were distributed and were filled in the presence of research worker. Data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Workers who scored ≥ 70% were considered to have adequate knowledge.

Results: Our results showed that out of 261 participants, 240 (92.3%) were females. 49(18.8%) had adequate knowledge about hepatitis-B, 63(24.1%) had adequate knowledge about hepatitis-C. 111(42.5%) had adequate practices. According to the independent T test, there was statistically significant relationship between family history of hepatitis-B and knowledge of Hepatitis-B (p=0.022), hepatitis-B vaccination and knowledge of Hepatitis-B (p=0.006). We also found significant relationship between family history of hepatitis-C and knowledge of hepatitis-C (p=0.019), also between previous blood test performed for hepatitis antibodies and knowledge about hepatitis-B and C. On Uni-Variate logistic regression we found that males participants are less likely to have adequate Hepatitis-C knowledge in comparison of female participants (OR=0.152). We also found that participants who have Hepatitis-B family history, have more likely to have adequate Hepatitis-C knowledge (OR=1.874) and males participants are less likely to have adequate Hepatitis-B knowledge in comparison of female participants (OR=0.212). Only 45(17.2%) workers were fully vaccinated with Hepatitis-B and 126(48.3%) had knowledge of adequate sterilization technique of equipment’s.

Conclusion: This study showed that overall awareness among workers of women beauty salon in Karachi about Hepatitis-B and C is inadequate with low vaccination rates. There is dire need to organize awareness programs with mass vaccination campaigns for safe practices and to curb viral transmission.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6166

How to cite this:Bashir HH, Kamani L, Usman M, Kishwar K. Awareness and safe practices of Hepatitis-B and C prevention and transmission among workers of women beauty salons. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6166

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Inscriptions from Abdera and Maroneia
Authors: Thonemann Peter
Published: October 2022

The present article is concerned with three inscriptions from the Greek citiesof Abdera and Maroneia in coastal Thrace. Nos. 1 (Abdera) and 2 (Maroneia) were first published in the 2004 corpus of the inscriptions of Aegean Thrace (I.Thrac.Aeg. E1 and E181α), and improved texts of both are offered here; no.3 (Maroneia) is new. The first text is a fragmentary early-fifth century law from Abdera, concerned with upper and lower ages of eligibility for military service, and with what will happen in the event of a revolution or naval incursion at Abdera. The inscription is tentatively dated to the immediate aftermath of the Persian Wars, perhaps around 475 BC. The second text is an ad hominem decree of the city of Maroneia, probably of the first century BC or the first century AD, granting permission to a civic magistrate named Proklesto adopt his own infant orphaned grandson; the content of the decree has no close parallels elsewhere in the Greek world. The third text is a poorly preserved twelve-line epigram in the form of a hymn or prayer to several deities, asking them to protect the city of Maroneia; its letter-forms suggest a date in the later Hellenistic period.
Une nouvelle fête macédonienne dans une inscription de Kibyra
Authors: Hatzopoulos Miltiade B.
Published: October 2022

An early second century BC fragmentary inscription from Kibyra in honour of a local athlete mentions among others two victories won at festivals whichwere presided by “king Philip”, who can be no other than Philip V. The first festival was the Erotideia at a city the name of which has been lost. The second one was the Herakleia at a city in Macedonia, the name of which is not preserved. The author of the present article argues that the rst city was Thespiai in Boiotia, and that the second one was Beroia. He bases his argument on an epigram by Chrysogonos from the Anthologia Palatina explained in 1934 by Charles Edson, who on literary and numismatic evidence submitted that the Antigonids hailed from Beroia. Several inscriptions discovered locally since then leave no doubt that Herakles Kynagidas was the principal divinity of that city. Going a step further, the author connects the festival Herakleia with a list of victors from various parts of the Greek world, found at Beroia, which was known from the time of Alfred Delacoulonche, but had remained uninterpreted. A diagramma of Philip V from Amphipolis offers fresh evidence on the rules under which foreign athletes participated in Macedonian festivals.
New Funerary Epigram from Kibyra
Authors: Acar Özge , Kokkinia Christina
Published: October 2022

The Greek epigram published in this article was discovered in 2016 in modern Turkey, at Kibyra in southwest Asia Minor, during excavations under the directorship of Assoc. Prof. Şükrü Özüdoğru of the University of Burdur. Six lines preserving 3 elegiac distichs are carved on a stone that also features a relief showing a round shield with two greaves on either side. The epigram probably dates between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE and evokes the classical ideal of both physical and civic excellence in commemorating a man who died fighting as a citizen-soldier.
Ο «θησαυρός» Πέλλα/2011. Παρατηρήσεις στη νομισματοκοπία των διοικητικο-πολιτικών ενοτήτων της Μακεδονίας του 2ου αι. π.Χ.
Authors: Ακαμάτης Νικόλαος
Published: October 2022

This article presents a small hoard of nine bronze coins that was discovered during excavations in room 29 of the east wing of the Agora of Pella, buried below a clay floor of the Hellenistic period. It contains one bronze coin in the name of the Amphaxians, three in the name of the Macedonians Amphaxians, four in the name of the Macedonians Botteatai, and one in the name of the Macedonians. Their description is the following (see p. 205, images 1-9):

no. 1: Head of Herakles r. / Club, ΑΜΦΑ-ΞΙΩΝ, all in laurel wreath

nos. 2-4: Head of Apollo r. / Tripod, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ (monogram: ΑΜΦ)

nos. 5-8: Head of Zeus r. / Winged thunderbolt, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ (monogram: ΒΟΤ)

no. 9: Head of Apollo r. / kithara, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ

Both the dating and the circulation pattern of the bronze issues of the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians have been discussed extensively; it is now generally accepted that they were minted during the reign of the two last kings, Philip V and Perseus to serve for the needs of the local economies, but their issuing continued after the battle of Pydna and the control of Macedonia by the Romans. The iconography and the mintmarks of these coins can be connected to two other groups of bronze coins that were minted after 168 BC, namely the coins of the Roman quaestors in Macedonia and the autonomous coins of three major cities of the region, Thessaloniki, Pella and Amphipolis. The hoard from Pella is a rare case, because it only contains coins minted by the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians whereas no issues of Philip V and Perseus, the Roman quaestors or the three cities are present, as in most hoards. It is also worth mentioning that the type Heracles/club of the Amphaxians found in the Pella hoard, so far has been only encountered in hoards dated after the abolishment of the monarchy in 168. For these reasons, we suggest that the hoard Pella/2011 should be dated to the years 168-148 BC, that is after the battle of Pydna and before the creation of the Roman province of Macedonia.
Predictive factor of renal function recoverability in upper-tract obstructive uropathy after percutaneous nephrostomy and Double -J stent insertion in Indonesian National Referral Hospital
Authors: Soeroto Adhitama Alam , Situmorang Gerhard Reinaldi , Rasyid Nur
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Obstructive uropathy (OU) is defined as an alteration in any level of the urinary tract that is caused by abnormalities of its system organs, or external pathological factors. Hydronephrosis and progressive renal impairment are signs of upper-tract OU. OU  accounted to be around 0,9% - 3,8% of prevalence for etiology of hydronephrosis. The aim of OU treatment is to achieve optimal urinary diversion, either by retrograde intra-ureteral stenting or percutaneous drainage. However, improvement of renal function after urinary diversion is not always evident. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors of improvement in renal function following ureteral stent insertion or percutaneous nephrostomy in OU cases.

Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study on patients with OU, who underwent ureteral stenting with Double J (DJ) stent or percutaneous nephrostomy. Several commonly measured clinical indices were documented, including preoperative haemoglobin, Ht, leucocyte, thrombocyte, serum creatinine, blood urea, electrolyte, blood urea to serum creatinine ratio, and renal parenchymal thickness. We focused on finding which parameters correlated with postsurgical decrease in serum creatinine level.

Result: We evaluate 567 patients that underwent DJ stent insertion and percutaneous nephrostomy. There was a statistically significant relationship between parenchymal thickness with post-operative creatinine serum decrease, with an OR of 11.24 (p<0.01, CI 7,5 – 16,8). Another parameter that has a statistically significant relationship with successful operative outcomes was blood urea to serum creatinine with OR = 27,9 (p-value < 0.01, 95% CI 17,4 – 44,8. Other laboratory factors had no statistical significance in predicting renal function recoverability.

Conclusion: There was a statistically significant relationship between renal parenchymal thickness and blood urea-creatinine ratio with a favourable operational outcome in OU, as evidenced by a reduction in postoperative creatinine serum level.
Mental health problems of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients in hospitel in Thailand: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kerdcharoen Nitchawan , Kirdchok Pantri , Wonglertwisawakorn Chayut , Naviganuntana Yingrat , Polruamngern Nongnuch , Chinvararak Chotiman
Published: October 2022

Background

There is evidence that patients with COVID-19 have a higher prevalence of mental health problems than the normal population. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mental health problems and their associated factors in patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic in the hospitel in Thailand.

Methods

Mental health problems were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 items, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The prevalence of mental health problems was presented by frequency and percentage. McNemar's test was used to compare the prevalence of mental health problems between day 1 and day 7. Binary logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors of mental health problems.

Results

A total of 186 participants (68.3% female; mean age = 37.21 years (SD 13.66) were recruited. The depression, anxiety, and stress rate on day 1 of admission was 26.9%, 32.3% and 25.8%, respectively. Having mild COVID-19 symptoms was a significantly associated factor with anxiety (OR=2.69, 95%CI: 1.05-6.89) and stress (OR=4.53, 95%CI: 1.32-15.55).

Conclusions

There was a high rate of mental health problems in COVID-19 patients. Detecting and managing mental health problems should be considered standard care for COVID-19 patients.
Music education technologies
Authors: Nadolinskaya Tat'yana , Rapackaya Lyudmila , Krasil'nikov Igor'
Published: October 2022

The textbook reveals the theoretical foundations of the use of music education technologies in secondary schools. The ways of implementing technologies in various types of musical activity are described and characterized, the main methods of diagnosing the musical development of schoolchildren are revealed, the ways of interaction of musical and theatrical pedagogy in regular and extracurricular activities are revealed, the multifunctional nature of the professional activity of a teacher-musician based on the use of integrated theatrical technologies is shown. The manual includes six chapters, including a workshop on the development of pedagogical game technology, methodological developments of integrated music lessons.
It is addressed to undergraduate students studying in the areas of training 44.03.01 "Pedagogical education" (profile 44.03.01.07 "Music") and 44.03.05 "Pedagogical education (with two training profiles)" (profiles: 44.03.05.28 "Preschool education and music", 44.03.05.39 "Music and additional education (teacher-organizer)").