bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
St. Jude Survivorship Portal: Sharing and Analyzing Large Clinical and Genomic Datasets from Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Matt Gavriel Y. , Sioson Edgar , Shelton Kyla , Wang Jian , Lu Congyu , Zaldivar Peraza Airen , Gangwani Karishma , Paul Robin , Reilly Colleen , Acić Aleksandar , Liu Qi , Sandor Stephanie R. , McLeod Clay , Patel Jaimin , Wang Fan , Im Cindy , Wang Zhaoming , Sapkota Yadav , Wilson Carmen L. , Bhakta Nickhill , Ness Kirsten K. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Hudson Melissa M. , Robison Leslie L. , Zhang Jinghui , Yasui Yutaka , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2024

Childhood cancer survivorship studies generate comprehensive datasets comprising demographic, diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and genomic data from survivors. To broadly share this data, we created the St. Jude Survivorship Portal (https://survivorship.stjude.cloud), the first data portal for sharing, analyzing, and visualizing pediatric cancer survivorship data. More than 1,600 phenotypic variables and 400 million genetic variants from more than 7,700 childhood cancer survivors can be explored on this free, open-access portal. Summary statistics of variables are computed on-the-fly and visualized through interactive and customizable charts. Survivor cohorts can be customized and/or divided into groups for comparative analysis. Users can also seamlessly perform cumulative incidence and regression analyses on the stored survivorship data. Using the portal, we explored the ototoxic effects of platinum-based chemotherapy, uncovered a novel association between mental health, age, and limb amputation, and discovered a novel haplotype in MAGI3 strongly associated with cardiomyopathy specifically in survivors of African ancestry.

Significance: The St. Jude Survivorship Portal is the first data portal designed to share and explore clinical and genetic data from childhood cancer survivors. The portal provides both open- and controlled-access features and will fulfill a wide range of data sharing needs of the survivorship research community and beyond.
Proactive Diagnosis and Tailor-Made Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Preterm Infants with Routine Echocardiography in Japan: A post hoc Analysis of the PLASE Study
Authors: Tomotaki Seiichi , Isayama Tetsuya , Kobayashi Tohru , Masutani Satoshi , Kawasaki Hidenori , Nakayama Atsushi , Ikeda Toshifumi , Toyoshima Katsuaki ,   the PLASE Study Group Investigators
Published: April 2024

Introduction: A feature of the management of extremely preterm infants in Japan is proactive circulatory management using early routine echocardiography performed by neonatologists. Methods: This study was a post hoc analysis of the Patent ductus arteriosus and Left Atrial Size Evaluation in preterm infants (PLASE) study, which is a prospective cohort study including preterm infants admitted to 34 tertiary neonatal intensive care units in Japan between October 2015 and December 2016. We described the details of the treatment strategy of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) based on early routine echocardiography. Results: In total, 613 preterm infants were included into the analysis. Twenty percent of infants with prophylactic indomethacin were switched to therapeutic cyclooxygenase inhibitor (COX-I) before the completion of the full prophylactic indomethacin course. Therapeutic COX-I was mostly administered based on echocardiographic findings before PDA became symptomatic or hemodynamically significant. Therapeutic COX-I was frequently discontinued after one or two doses before the full course (three doses) was completed. The proportion of infants requiring additional treatment (additional therapeutic COX-I course or surgical PDA closure) after discontinued COX-I courses (<3 doses) compared to infants after completed 3 doses course was significantly lower (after the first therapeutic COX-I course 46% vs. 68%, p < 0.001) or without a significant difference (after the second or third course). Conclusions: The clinical management of PDA in Japan featured (1) COX-I administration based on echocardiographic findings before symptomatic or hemodynamically significant PDA appeared and (2) frequent discontinuation of therapeutic COX-I before completing the standard three doses course.
Exploring Genetic Associations of 3 Types of Risk Factors With Ischemic Stroke: An Integrated Bioinformatics Study
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Weili , Cui Xin , Lyu Jian , Xie Yanming
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests a strong association between blood pressure, blood glucose, circulating lipids, and IS. Nonetheless, the genetic association of these 3 risk factors with IS remains elusive.

METHODS:

We screened genetic instruments related to blood pressure, blood glucose, and circulating lipids and paired them with IS genome-wide association study data to conduct Mendelian randomization analysis. Positive Mendelian randomization findings were then subjected to colocalization analysis. Subsequently, we utilized the Gene Expression Omnibus data set to perform differential expression analysis, aiming to identify differentially expressed associated genes. We determined the importance scores of these differentially expressed associated genes through 4 machine learning models and constructed a nomogram based on these findings.

RESULTS:

The combined results of the Mendelian randomization analysis indicate that blood pressure (systolic blood pressure: odds ratio [OR], 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01–1.02]; diastolic blood pressure: OR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.03–1.04]) and some circulating lipids (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.01–1.12]; apoA1: OR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.92–0.98]; apoB: OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01–1.09]; eicosapentaenoic acid: OR, 2.36 [95% CI, 1.41–3.96]) have causal relationships with the risk of IS onset. We identified 73 genes that are linked to blood pressure and circulating lipids in the context of IS, and 16 are differentially expressed associated genes.
FURIN
,
MAN2A2
,
HDDC3
,
ALDH2
, and
TOMM40
were identified as feature genes for constructing the nomogram that provides a quantitative prediction of the risk of IS onset.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study indicates that there are causal links between blood pressure, certain circulating lipids, and the development of IS. The potential mechanisms underlying these causal relationships involve the regulation of lipid metabolism, blood pressure, DNA repair and methylation, cell apoptosis and autophagy, immune inflammation, and neuronal protection, among others.
Substituting Anthropomorphisms?
Authors: De Doncker Ellen
Published: April 2024

With the theological dimensions of the Septuagint (LXX) gaining interest, this paper focuses on anthropomorphisms—instances attributing human-like traits to God—as a noteworthy element of LXX-theology, where the avoidance of such attributions is considered indicative of a more transcendent conception of God. The article examines the anthropomorphism of God’s “mouth” in the Pentateuch, particularly the unique translation in Num 20:24. Doing so, the study reveals a discrepancy in translating the human and divine “mouth,” employing more literal equivalents for the former and less-literal equivalents for the latter, contributing to the characterization of LXX-Numbers as anti-anthropomorphic. The examination of Num 20:24, where a different Vorlage is posited, underscores the importance of meticulous analysis in understanding the Greek translation of anthropomorphisms, and suggests the need for nuanced assessments.
Do Adjectives Matter? Exploring the ‘Islamic’ in Constitutions and Constitutionalism(s)
Authors: Ali Shaheen Sardar , Kazmi Arjumand Bano , Kunnummal Ashraf
Published: April 2024

This paper calls for a paradigm shift in the face of the remarkably common, but ultimately stereotypical and simplistic perceptions of ‘Islamic’ constitutions requiring all laws to conform to Shari’a. It problematizes the term ‘Islamic’ to describe disparate constitutions and constitutionalism(s) in Muslim majority countries demonstrating the plurality of ‘Islamic’ constitutions, locating this descriptor within varied socio-cultural, historical and political contexts of the Muslim world. Plural interpretations of the religious texts in Islam — i.e., the Qur’an and Sunna — and meanings of complex concepts — ‘Shari’a’ and ‘Islamic law’, are integral to Islam’s (legal) traditions. In Muslimmajority countries, a variety of constitutional texts, court decisions and state practices, demonstrate this plurality. We argue that use of ‘Islamic’ as a descriptor for heterogeneous constitutional texts, is a product of ‘realpolitik’ and deployed in this manner, un-nuanced, simplistic, and reductive of the dynamic and plural nature of Shari’a
A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic species of the ant genus Tapinoma Mayr 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: SEIFERT BERNHARD , KAUFMANN BERNARD , FRAYSSE LORENZO
Published: April 2024

A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic species of the ant genus Tapinoma Emery 1861 is provided. Due to the extreme rarity of discernable characters, the female castes of 64% of the species are not separable by primary visual perception of an expert and are thus truly cryptic. The main working rationale of the revision is Numeric Morphology-Based Alpha-Taxonomy (NUMOBAT) with formation of species hypotheses largely based on exploratory data analyses and checking these hypotheses by discriminant analysis. NUMOBAT data of all considered species comprise 648 worker samples with 2014 individuals and 30,000 primary data. Species are depicted by z-stack imaging in three standard visual positions. Numeric data on 15 phenotypical characters are presented in comparative tables and supplementary verbal descriptions are given. Analysis of nuclear DNA was based on evaluation of 15 microsatellite loci in 274 nest samples. The NUMOBAT-based classification of eight species of the Tapinoma nigerrimum and T. simrothi group which are inseparable by subjective visual inspection was confirmed by nuclear DNA data in 98.3% of 169 samples where both morphological and nuDNA data were available. The three cases of disagreement between NUMOBAT and nuDNA classification were discussed. Excluding Nomina Nuda and unavailable names, the revision recognized 34 available names which divide into 21 valid species, 11 junior synonyms and two names placed under Incertae Sedis. Four species are described as new: Tapinoma hispanicum n. sp., T. insularis n. sp., T. dabashanica n. sp. and T. sichuense n. sp. The following synonymies were stated: T. collina Foerster 1850, T. erraticum platyops Emery 1925 and T. erraticum bononiensis Emery 1925 as synonyms of T. erraticum (Latreille 1798); T. tauridis Emery 1925 and T. breve Emery 1925 as synonyms of T. glabrella (Nylander 1849) that is erected to species level; T. minor Bernard 1945 as synonym of T. simrothi Krausse-Heldrungen 1911; T. simrothi azerbaidzhanica Karavajev 1932 as synonym of Tapinoma karavaievi Emery 1925 that is erected here to species level; T. erraticum ambiguum Emery 1925 as synonym of T. madeirense Forel 1895 and T. emeryanum Kuznetzov-Ugamsky 1927 as synonym of T. sinense Emery 1925. Despite an insufficient separation of the female castes of Tapinoma madeirense and T. subboreale Seifert 2011 by NUMOBAT characters and detection of a hybrid zone in southern France, the heterospecific status of the two taxa was maintained based on sufficient differences in male genitalia and of nuclear DNA over a larger geographic scale. Formica caerulescens Losana 1834 is removed from genus Tapinoma and recognized as member of the subfamily Formicinae.
Are Atmospheric Models Too Cold in the Mountains? The State of Science and Insights from the SAIL Field Campaign
Authors: Rudisill William , Rhoades Alan , Xu Zexuan , Feldman Daniel R.
Published: April 2024

Mountains play an outsized role in water resource availability, and the amount and timing of water they provide depend strongly on temperature. To that end, we ask the question: How well are atmospheric models capturing mountain temperatures? We synthesize results showing that high-resolution, regionally relevant climate models produce 2-m air temperature (T2m) measurements colder than what is observed (a “cold bias”), particularly in snow-covered midlatitude mountain ranges during winter. We find common cold biases in 44 studies across global mountain ranges, including single-model and multimodel ensembles. We explore the factors driving these biases and examine the physical mechanisms, data limitations, and observational uncertainties behind T2m. Our analysis suggests that the biases are genuine and not due to observation sparsity or resolution mismatches. Cold biases occur primarily on mountain peaks and ridges, whereas valleys are often warm biased. Our literature review suggests that increasing model resolution does not clearly mitigate the bias. By analyzing data from the Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory (SAIL) field campaign in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, we test various hypotheses related to cold biases and find that local wind circulations, longwave (LW) radiation, and surface-layer parameterizations contribute to the T2m biases in this particular location. We conclude by emphasizing the value of coordinated model evaluation and development efforts in heavily instrumented mountain locations for addressing the root cause(s) of T2m biases and improving predictive understanding of mountain climates.
Depictions of Firearms and Other Projectile Weapons in Top-Selling Japanese Manga
Authors: Lee Yen-Han , DeJong William
Published: April 2024

Firearm violence is a pressing public health issue in the United States and becoming increasingly so worldwide. This concern has prompted researchers to examine the prevalence of such violence in media entertainment. Japanese manga have a large youth readership in the U.S., yet research on their depictions of firearms is presently lacking. We randomly selected 50 chapters from each of ten top-selling manga series worldwide ( N = 500) to identify dialogue, action, and other illustrations involving handguns, rifles, machine guns, other projectile weapons, and bombs. Of the 500 chapters, 129 (25.8%) had at least one depiction of a firearm or other projectile weapon, with 684 instances of characters handling (e.g., carrying, holding, firing, reloading) such a weapon. Of the 384 unique characters so depicted, the vast majority were males (88.3%), adults (92.2%), and “good” characters (73.4%). Manga readers, especially male adolescents and preteens, are frequently exposed to storylines in which one or more characters are using a firearm or other projectile weapon. Working collaboratively, manga publishers and distributors should act to develop and implement a comprehensive rating system to flag content that may be harmful to youth so that parents can more easily monitor what their children are reading.
A virtual reference trajectory scheme for tracking control of wheeled mobile robots with slip disturbances
Authors: Wu Quanwei , Wang Xiangyu
Published: April 2024

The problem of trajectory tracking control for wheeled mobile robots with slip disturbances is investigated in this paper. A virtual reference trajectory scheme is proposed based on disturbance compensations. Different from the conventional design philosophy of adding disturbance compensations to the controller, the proposed scheme integrates slip disturbance estimates into the reference trajectory. The proposed scheme consists of two parts. First, the slip disturbance estimates and the reference trajectory are fused to generate a virtual reference trajectory, where the slip disturbances are estimated using a disturbance approximation method. Second, a controller is designed to enable the wheeled mobile robot’s odometry position and yaw angle track the virtual reference trajectory, and then the actual position of the wheeled mobile robot track the position of the real reference trajectory. Comparison simulations and experiments are provided to illustrate the validity and advantages of the proposed scheme.
Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Breaking Down Barriers through Comprehensive Educational Frameworks
Authors: Birchall S. Jeff , MacDonald Seghan , Bonnett Nicole
Published: April 2024

The planning profession sits at the forefront of local climate adaptation action. Yet, novel challenges exist for coordinating and implementing comprehensive actions. Through key actor interviews, this qualitative study examines the role of planners in navigating these challenges. In order to understand how planners are being prepared for this role, attention to how climate adaptation features in required courses across accredited planning programs in Canada is included. This study finds that while planners excel at a range of key skills related to communication, in the context of climate adaptation, these strengths are constrained by a lack of technical knowledge.
Nutritional Supplements for Healthy Aging: A Critical Analysis Review
Authors: Kaufman Matthew W. , DeParis Sarah , Oppezzo Marily , Mah Cheri , Roche Megan , Frehlich Levi , Fredericson Michael
Published: April 2024

Background: Healthy aging is defined as survival to advanced age while retaining autonomy in activities of daily living, high societal participation, and good quality of life. Sarcopenia, insomnia, cognitive impairment, and changes in sensation can be key hinderances to healthy aging, but nutritional supplements may abate their impact. As research advances, an updated review on their efficacy on age-related conditions is warranted. Results: Sarcopenia can be mitigated through proper protein intake, supplements like creatine, and in certain situations Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Vitamin D, in adults over 65. Melatonin supplementation has moderate evidence for improving sleep, while valerian root lacks evidence. Magnesium, tart cherry, and kiwifruits have shown promising impacts on sleep in limited articles. Magnesium, Vitamin D, and B vitamin supplementation have been shown to improve cognition in those with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease but require further study prior to recommendation. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study supplement combination is routinely recommended to reduce risk of progression to advance stages of age-related macular degeneration. Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Folate have been investigated for their roles in mitigating age-related hearing losses. Conclusions: Nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes may mitigate disabilities across multiple domains of age-related illnesses and promote healthy aging.
Cellulose and lignin purified from Metroxylon sagu palm fronds by a new technology with 2-methylanthraquinone cooking and peroxymonosulfuric acid bleaching
Authors: Evelyn  , Yusnimar  , Iwan Fermi Muhammad , Saputra Edy , Utami Syelvia Putri , Komalasari  , Rahmi Sri Wahdini , Ohi Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

The demand for high-purity cellulose, optimization of wood utilization, and environmentally friendly processes has increased in dissolving pulp (DP) production. Sago palm fronds (SPF), an abundant agricultural waste in Indonesia, hold great potential as a raw material for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin production. This study aimed to explore the production of from SPF by employing a combination of prehydrolysis, soda cooking with 2-methylanthraquinone (MAQ) as a green additive (PHS-MAQ), and totally chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching with peroxymonosulfuric acid (Psa). Furthermore, lignin was recovered from the black liquor of PHS-MAQ. The results showed that prehydrolysis at 150 ºC for 3 h, followed by soda-MAQ cooking at 160 ºC for 1.5 h using 0.03% of MAQ, 23% active alkali (AA), and a five-stage bleaching with oxygen (O), Psa, alkaline extraction with hydrogen peroxide (Ep), Psa, and Ep successfully produced high-purity cellulose as DP, with properties of 94.3% α-cellulose content, 89.9% ISO brightness (SNI ISO 2470–1:2016), 9.1 cP viscosity, and 0.13% ash content. Moreover, the soda-MAQ cooking method exhibited superior delignification compared to prehydrolysis kraft (PHK) and prehydrolysis soda (PHS) processes in a range of kappa numbers of 9.4–22.6 at 17–25% AA. The inclusion of MAQ increased pulp yields by 4.6–4.9% and decreased kappa number by 1.6–3.1 compared to the PHS without additives at similar AA. Lignin was separated from the PHS-MAQ, with yields of 69–77%. This work demonstrated the suitability of SPF processed by PHS-MAQ cooking and Psa bleaching for the preparation of viscose rayon and cellulose derivatives. The lignin recovery could be an attractive biorefinery process in modern pulp mills.
Onset of Alzheimer disease in apolipoprotein ɛ4 carriers is earlier in butyrylcholinesterase K variant carriers
Authors: Lane Roger M. , Darreh-Shori Taher , Junge Candice , Li Dan , Yang Qingqing , Edwards Amanda L. , Graham Danielle L. , Moore Katrina , Mummery Catherine J.
Published: April 2024

Background

The authors sought to examine the impact of the K-variant ofbutyrylcholinesterase(BCHE-K) carrier status on age-at-diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) inAPOE4carriers.

Methods

Patients aged 50–74 years with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker-confirmed AD, were recruited to clinical trial (NCT03186989 since June 14, 2017). Baseline demographics, disease characteristics, and biomarkers were evaluated in 45 patients according toBCHE-KandAPOE4allelic status in this post-hoc study.

Results

InAPOE4carriers (N = 33), the mean age-at-diagnosis of AD inBCHE-Kcarriers (n = 11) was 6.4 years earlier than inBCHE-Knoncarriers (n = 22,P < .001, ANOVA). InAPOE4noncarriers (N = 12) there was no observed influence ofBCHE-K.APOE4carriers withBCHE-Kalso exhibited slightly higher amyloid and tau accumulations compared toBCHE-Knoncarriers. A predominantly amyloid, limited tau, and limbic-amnestic phenotype was exemplified byAPOE4homozygotes withBCHE-K. In the overall population, multiple regression analyses demonstrated an association of amyloid accumulation withAPOE4carrier status (P < .029), larger total brain ventricle volume (P < .021), less synaptic injury (Ng,P < .001), and less tau pathophysiology (p-tau181,P < .005). In contrast, tau pathophysiology was associated with more neuroaxonal damage (NfL,P = .002), more synaptic injury (Ng,P < .001), and higher levels of glial activation (YKL-40,P = .01).

Conclusion

These findings have implications for the genetic architecture of prognosis in early AD, not the genetics of susceptibility to AD. In patients with early AD aged less than 75 years, the mean age-at-diagnosis of AD inAPOE4carriers was reduced by over 6 years inBCHE-Kcarriers versus noncarriers. The functional status of glia may explain many of the effects ofAPOE4andBCHE-Kon the early AD phenotype.

Trial registration

NCT03186989 since June 14, 2017
Outcome of illuminated microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy following failed angle surgery in PAX6 aniridic glaucoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Tingyi , Cui Cui , Li Yuanting , Hong Ying , Zhang Chun
Published: April 2024

Background

Aniridia is a rare eye disorder with a high incidence of glaucoma, and surgical intervention is often needed to control the intraocular pressure (IOP). Here, we reported a case of illuminated microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy (MAT) performed on an aniridic glaucoma patient following a previous failed angle surgery. The surgical procedures for aniridic glaucoma were also reviewed.

Case presentation

A 21-year-old man, diagnosed with aniridic glaucoma, came to our hospital consulting for the poor control of left eye’s IOP despite receiving goniotomy surgery 3 years ago. The IOP was 26 mmHg with maximum topical antiglaucoma eyedrops. The central cornea was opaque and the majority of iris was absent. The gonioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) demonstrated that 360° anterior chamber angle was closed. The whole exome sequencing of peripheral blood confirmed a 13.39 Mb copy number loss at chromosome 11p15.1p13, containing PAX6 and WT1 gene. The 360° MAT surgery was performed on his left eye. At 1-year follow-up, the IOP was 19mmHg with 2 kinds of topical antiglaucoma medications, and the postoperative UBM demonstrated the successful incision of the anterior chamber angle.

Conclusions

The case presented here exhibited a case of aniridic glaucoma treated by MAT surgery. The MAT surgery may be an effective option for IOP control in aniridic glaucoma patients following a previous failed angle surgery.
Association of major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with thyroid cancer: a bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomized study
Authors: Qiu Rongliang , Lin Huihui , Jiang Hongzhan , Shen Jiali , He Jiaxi , Fu Jinbo
Published: April 2024

Background

Major depressive disease (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and bipolar disorder (BD) are common psychiatric disorders, and their relationship with thyroid cancer has been of great interest. This study aimed to investigate the potential causal effects of MDD, SCZ, BD, and thyroid cancer.

Methods

We used publicly available summary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies to select genetic variant loci associated with MDD, SCZ, BD, and thyroid cancer as instrumental variables (IVs), which were quality controlled and clustered. Additionally, we used three Mendelian randomization (MR) methods, inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR–Egger regression and weighted median estimator (WME) methods, to estimate the bidirectional causal relationship between psychiatric disorders and thyroid cancer. In addition, we performed heterogeneity and multivariate tests to verify the validity of the IVs.

Results

We used two-sample bidirectional MR analysis to determine whether there was a positive causal association between MDD and thyroid cancer risk. The results of the IVW analysis (OR = 3.956 95% CI = 1.177–13.299; P = 0.026) and the WME method (OR = 5.563 95% CI = 0.998–31.008; P = 0.050) confirmed that MDD may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Additionally, our study revealed a correlation between genetic susceptibility to SCZ and thyroid cancer (OR = 1.532 95% CI = 1.123–2.088; P = 0.007). The results of the WME method analysis based on the median estimate (OR = 1.599 95% CI = 1.014–2.521; P = 0.043) also suggested that SCZ may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Furthermore, our study did not find a causal relationship between BD and thyroid cancer incidence. In addition, the results of reverse MR analysis showed no significant causal relationships between thyroid cancer and MDD, SCZ, or BD (P > 0.05), ruling out the possibility of reverse causality.

Conclusions

This MR method analysis provides new evidence that MDD and SCZ may be positively associated with thyroid cancer risk while also revealing a correlation between BD and thyroid cancer. These results may have important implications for public health policy and clinical practice. Future studies will help elucidate the biological mechanisms of these associations and potential confounders.
Network analysis of posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth symptoms among women in subsequent pregnancies following pregnancy loss
Authors: Shen Qiaoqiao , Fu Qi , Mao Chen
Published: April 2024

Background

Pregnant women who have undergone pregnancy loss often display both posttraumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). However, the precise relationship and structure of symptomatic levels of PTS and PTG have not been well understood. This study aimed to assess the associations between PTS and PTG symptoms in women during subsequent pregnancies following a previous pregnancy loss.

Methods

A total of 406 pregnant women with a history of pregnancy loss were included in this study. The Impact of Events Scale-6 (IES-6) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF) were used to assess symptoms of PTS and PTG, respectively. The Graphical Gaussian Model was employed to estimate the network model. Central symptoms and bridge symptoms were identified based on “expected influence” and “bridge expected influence” indices, respectively. The stability and accuracy of the network were examined using the case-dropping procedure and nonparametric bootstrapped procedure.

Results

The network analysis identified PTG3 (“Ability to do better things”) as the most central symptom, followed by PTS3 (“Avoidance of thoughts”) and PTG6 (“New path for life”) in the sample. Additionally, PTS3 (“Avoidance of thoughts”) and PTG9 (“Perception of greater personal strength”) were bridge symptoms linking PTS and PTG clusters. The network structure was robust in stability and accuracy tests.

Conclusions

Interventions targeting the central symptoms identified, along with key bridge symptoms, have the potential to alleviate the severity of PTS experienced by women with a history of pregnancy loss and promote their personal growth.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B and C virus infection and associated factors among adults living at selected woredas in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chonka Tamiru , Endashaw Gesila , Zerihun Eshetu , Beyene Shashamo Bereket
Published: April 2024

Background

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver tissue. It is one of the serious public health problems. Though an individuals’ knowledge, attitude, and practice level is very vital in order to ensure the control of its adverse health impacts, little is known regarding these issues in the community level. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B and C virus infection and associated factors among adults living at selected woredas in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

Community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 633 adults living at selected woredas in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected by pretested, well-structured questionnaire. The collected data were checked, coded and entered into Epi-data version 4.6.0.2 and were exported to SPSS version 25 for analyses. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were done to identify independent factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B and C virus infection.

Results

According to this study, 366(58.1%), 95% CI: (54.23–61.96) of the participants had good knowledge. 381(60.5%), 95% CI: (56.65–64.30) of the participants had favourable attitude. 317(50.3%), 95% CI: (46.40–54.23) of the participants had good practice. From factor analysis, sex, number of sexual partners, sharing sharp material, and vaccination status were significantly associated with knowledge; residence, occupational status, income level, sharing sharp material, and vaccination status were significantly associated with attitude; and residence, occupational status, and vaccination status were identified to be significantly associated with practice towards Hepatitis B and C virus infection.

Conclusion

Based on the study findings, it could be observed that good knowledge, favourable attitude, and good practice were indicated nearly above the half, only by half, and nearly above the half of the study participants respectively. Implementing actions that could increase awareness regarding limiting the number of sexual partner, not sharing sharp materials, and urbanization is recommended. Moreover, woreda administrators, and other related authorities should consider knowledge, attitude, and practice as an implementation area, and also it would be better to create an opportunities to promote vaccination practices.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of insulin among diabetic patients and pharmacists in Egypt: “cross-sectional observational study”
Authors: Mohamed Alaa H. , Abbassi Maggie M. , Sabry Nirmeen A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Diabetes recently has been identified as a growing epidemic. Although insulin’s vital role in both types of diabetes, it is considered one of the harmful medications if used incorrectly. In Egypt, effective usage of insulin remains a challenge due to insufficient knowledge of insulin and diabetes management, leading to errors in insulin therapy. As pharmacists are experts in pharmacological knowledge, they are uniquely situated to assess adherence to treatment regimens, the effect of drug therapy, or potential alterations in drug therapy to meet patient goals. To provide effective patient education and counseling, community pharmacists in Egypt should be efficiently knowledgeable about diabetes and insulin.

Objective

To identify the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists and patients about insulin. To identify pharmacists’ educational preparedness and confidence in counseling diabetic patients.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with two knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys. This study was carried out from September 2016 to February 2023. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients, and a paper-based questionnaire was administered to pharmacists. The two questionnaires were adapted from previous studies.

Results

A total of 492 patients and 465 pharmacists participated in this study. The mean knowledge score of correct answers among patients and pharmacists was 10.67 ± 1.9 and 15 ± 3.6. Most of the patients and pharmacists had a positive attitude regarding insulin’s role in improving health and to better control blood glucose. On the negative side, around half of the patients reported that they believe that regular use of insulin leads to addiction, while only 14.5% of the pharmacists believed that insulin could cause addiction. Self-confidence scores for pharmacists differed statistically with sex, years of experience, and pharmacist’s direct exposure to diabetic patients.

Conclusions

This study uncovers considerable deficiencies in patients’ and pharmacists’ knowledge about insulin therapy. This study also strongly recommends higher education and a more structured pharmacist training schedule.
Proteomic studies of VEGFR2 in human placentas reveal protein associations with preeclampsia, diabetes, gravidity, and labor
Authors: Ho Shannon J. , Chaput Dale , Sinkey Rachel G. , Garces Amanda H. , New Erika P. , Okuka Maja , Sang Peng , Arlier Sefa , Semerci Nihan , Steffensen Thora S. , Rutherford Thomas J. , Alsina Angel E. , Cai Jianfeng , Anderson Matthew L. , Magness Ronald R. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Cummings Derek A. T. , Tsibris John C. M.
Published: April 2024

VEGFR2 (Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) is a central regulator of placental angiogenesis. The study of the VEGFR2 proteome of chorionic villi at term revealed its partners MDMX (Double minute 4 protein) and PICALM (Phosphatidylinositol-binding clathrin assembly protein). Subsequently, the oxytocin receptor (OT-R) and vasopressin V1aR receptor were detected in MDMX and PICALM immunoprecipitations. Immunogold electron microscopy showed VEGFR2 on endothelial cell (EC) nuclei, mitochondria, and Hofbauer cells (HC), tissue-resident macrophages of the placenta. MDMX, PICALM, and V1aR were located on EC plasma membranes, nuclei, and HC nuclei. Unexpectedly, PICALM and OT-R were detected on EC projections into the fetal lumen and OT-R on 20–150 nm clusters therein, prompting the hypothesis that placental exosomes transport OT-R to the fetus and across the blood–brain barrier. Insights on gestational complications were gained by univariable and multivariable regression analyses associating preeclampsia with lower MDMX protein levels in membrane extracts of chorionic villi, and lower MDMX, PICALM, OT-R, and V1aR with spontaneous vaginal deliveries compared to cesarean deliveries before the onset of labor. We found select associations between higher MDMX, PICALM, OT-R protein levels and either gravidity, diabetes, BMI, maternal age, or neonatal weight, and correlations only between PICALM-OT-R (p < 2.7 × 10–8), PICALM-V1aR (p < 0.006), and OT-R-V1aR (p < 0.001). These results offer for exploration new partnerships in metabolic networks, tissue-resident immunity, and labor, notably for HC that predominantly express MDMX.
Unsupervised robot-assisted rehabilitation after stroke: feasibility, effect on therapy dose, and user experience
Authors: Devittori Giada , Dinacci Daria , Romiti Davide , Califfi Antonella , Petrillo Claudio , Rossi Paolo , Ranzani Raffaele , Gassert Roger , Lambercy Olivier
Published: April 2024

Background

Unsupervised robot-assisted rehabilitation is a promising approach to increase the dose of therapy after stroke, which may help promote sensorimotor recovery without requiring significant additional resources and manpower. However, the unsupervised use of robotic technologies is not yet a standard, as rehabilitation robots often show low usability or are considered unsafe to be used by patients independently. In this paper we explore the feasibility of unsupervised therapy with an upper limb rehabilitation robot in a clinical setting, evaluate the effect on the overall therapy dose, and assess user experience during unsupervised use of the robot and its usability.

Methods

Subacute stroke patients underwent a four-week protocol composed of daily 45 min-sessions of robot-assisted therapy. The first week consisted of supervised therapy, where a therapist explained how to interact with the device. The second week was minimally supervised, i.e., the therapist was present but intervened only if needed. After this phase, if participants learnt how to use the device, they proceeded to two weeks of fully unsupervised training. Feasibility, dose of robot-assisted therapy achieved during unsupervised use, user experience, and usability of the device were evaluated. Questionnaires to evaluate usability and user experience were performed after the minimally supervised week and at the end of the study, to evaluate the impact of therapists’ absence.

Results

Unsupervised robot-assisted therapy was found to be feasible, as 12 out of the 13 recruited participants could progress to unsupervised training. During the two weeks of unsupervised therapy participants on average performed an additional 360 min of robot-assisted rehabilitation. Participants were satisfied with the device usability (mean System Usability Scale scores > 79), and no adverse events or device deficiencies occurred.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that unsupervised robot-assisted therapy in a clinical setting with an actuated device for the upper limb was feasible and can lead to a meaningful increase in therapy dose. These results support the application of unsupervised robot-assisted therapy as a complement to usual care in clinical settings and pave the way to its application in home settings.

Trial registration

Registered on 13.05.2020 on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04388891).
A monetary model of global peace and health
Authors: Bastanifar Iman
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aims to expand on the concept of peace and health by drawing from Keynes' theory of the economic consequences of peace, in light of the global pandemic experienced in 2020 due to COVID_19.

Methods

In this paper, I will elaborate on the concept of ‘security’, as an indicator of peace in the time of biological shocks, in order to expand the definition of Keynesian precautionary motivation. This puts forth a new monetary policy model developed to make contributions to achieving global peace. In so doing, I will calculate the optimal growth rate of discount rate through utilizing the Global Peace Index (GPI), adjusted by the Case Fatality Risk (CFR) of COVID-19 in a dynamic shopping time monetary model. This analysis is comprised of the top 15 GDP countries as well as the 10 most and least peaceful countries in 2020.

Results

The results indicate that households in more peaceful and healthy countries tend to hold less money compared to those in less peaceful and healthy countries. Besides, the discount rate needs to be reduced due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the decrease in the level of peace in the economy.

Conclusion

Insofar as the imposition of fines through international legal circles on countries with an insignificant health and peace policy will increase the cost of liquidity, other alternative methods of financing will be affor dable for the countries.
Perceval-S over time. Clinical outcomes after ten years of usage
Authors: Schizas Nikolaos , Samiotis Ilias , Nazou Georgia , Iliopoulos Dimitrios C. , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Kousta Maria , Papaioannou Nafsika , Argiriou Mihalis , Dedeilias Panagiotis
Published: April 2024

Background

Perceval-S has become a reliable and commonly used option in surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) since its first implantation in humans 15 years ago. Despite the fact that this aortic valve has been proven efficient enough in the short and mid-term period, there is still lack of evidence for the long-term outcomes.

Materials and methods

This is an observational retrospective study in a high-volume cardiovascular center. Pertinent data were collected for all the patients in whom Perceval-S was implanted from 2013 to 2020.

Results

The total number of patients was 205 with a mean age 76.4 years. Mean survival time was 5.5 years (SE = 0.26). The overall survival probability of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with Perceval-S at 6 months was 91.0% (Standard Error SE = 2.0%), at one year 88.4% (SE = 2.3%) and at 5-years 64.8% (SE = 4.4%). A detrimental cardiac event leading to death was the probable cause of death in 35 patients (55.6%). The initiation of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program in our center in 2017 was associated with a decline in the number of very high-risk patients treated with sutureless bioprosthesis. This fact is demonstrated by the significant shift towards lower surgical risk cases, as median Euroscore II was reduced from 5,550 in 2016 to 3,390 in 2020. Mini sternotomy was implemented in 79,5% of cases favoring less invasive approach. Low incidence of reinterventions, patient prosthesis mismatch and structural valve degeneration was detected.

Conclusions

The survival rate after aortic valve replacement with implantation of Perceval-S is satisfactory in the long-term follow-up. Cases of bioprosthesis dysfunction were limited. Mini sternotomy was used in the majority of cases. TAVR initiation program impacted on the proportion of patients treated with Perceval-S with reduction of high-risk patients submitted to surgery.
Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: a systematic review and PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Bin , Liu Yang , Yao Yun-tai ,   the Evidence in Cardiovascular Anesthesia (EICA) Group
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Perioperative bleeding poses a significant issue during thoracic surgery. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is one of the most commonly used antifibrinolytic agents for surgical patients. The purpose of the current study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TXA in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Methods

An extensive search of PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane Library (trials), Embase, OVID, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP electronic databases was performed to identify studies published between the inception of these databases and March 2023. The primary outcomes included perioperative blood loss and blood transfusions. Secondary outcomes of interest included the length of stay (LOS) in hospital and the incidence of thromboembolic events. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine treatment effects for continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively.

Results

Five qualified studies including 307 thoracic surgical patients were included in the current study. Among them, 65 patients were randomly allocated to the group receiving TXA administration (the TXA group); the other 142 patients were assigned to the group not receiving TXA administration (the control group). TXA significantly reduced the quantity of hemorrhage in the postoperative period (postoperative 12h: WMD = -81.90 ml; 95% CI: -139.55 to -24.26; P = 0.005; postoperative 24h: WMD = -97.44 ml; 95% CI: -121.44 to -73.44; P< 0.00001); The intraoperative blood transfusion volume (WMD = -0.54 units; 95% CI: -1.06 to -0.03; P = 0.04); LOS in hospital (WMD = -0.6 days; 95% CI: -1.04 to -0.16; P = 0.008); And there was no postoperative thromboembolic event reported in the included studies.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that TXA significantly decreased blood loss within 12 and 24 hours postoperatively. A qualitative review did not identify elevated risks of safety outcomes such as thromboembolic events. It also suggested that TXA administration was associated with shorter LOS in hospital as compared to control. To validate this further, additional well-planned and adequately powered randomized studies are necessary.
Radiotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 and TKI for primary cardiac angiosarcoma considering the joint assessment of TLSs and PD-L1: a case report
Authors: Deng Shuzhe , Yang Xinxin , He Lin , Zhang Qian , Zhao Chunbo , Meng Hongxue
Published: April 2024

Background

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma(PCA) has a low incidence rate and poor prognosis. Currently, no unified clinical treatment standards are available.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 48-year-old man presenting chest tightness, breathlessness, and dyspnea. Imaging and postoperative histopathologic studies confirmed PCA and that the tumor had invaded the entire right atrium. The patient developed progressive disease (PD) during postoperative radiotherapy. We used immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy based on the results of molecular profile and evaluation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). After treatment, the metastatic lymph nodes of the patient were reduced to a certain extent, indicating that combination therapy was effective.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of radiotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI) for PCA. In addition, this is the first report on immunotherapy for PCA based on new evaluation methods, including TLSs, PD-L1, and genomic profile.
Genotype-phenotype associations in microtia: a systematic review
Authors: Wahdini Siti Isya , Idamatussilmi Fina , Pramanasari Rachmaniar , Prawoto Almas Nur , Wungu Citrawati Dyah Kencono , Putri Indri Lakhsmi , Gunadi
Published: April 2024

Background

Microtia is a congenital ear malformation that can occur as isolated microtia or as part of a syndrome. The etiology is currently poorly understood, although there is strong evidence that genetics has a role in the occurrence of microtia. This systematic review aimed to determine the genes involved and the abnormalities in microtia patients' head and neck regions.

Methods

We used seven search engines to search all known literature on the genetic and phenotypic variables associated with the development or outcome of microtia. The identified publications were screened and selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessed for methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. We found 40 papers in this systematic review with phenotypic data in microtia involving 1459 patients and 30 articles containing genetic data involved in microtia.

Result

The most common accompanying phenotype of all microtia patients was external ear canal atresia, while the most common head and neck abnormalities were the auricular, mental, and oral regions. The most common syndrome found was craniofacial microsomia syndrome. In the syndromic microtia group, the most common genes were TCOF1 (43.75%), SIX2 (4.69%), and HSPA9 (4.69%), while in the non-syndromic microtia group, the most frequently found gene was GSC exon 2 (25%), FANCB (16.67%), HOXA2 (8.33%), GSC exon 3 (8.33%), MARS1 (8.33%), and CDT1 (8.33%).

Conclusions

Our systematic review shows some genes involved in the microtia development, including TCOF1, SIX2, HSPA9, GSC exon 2, FANCB, HOXA2, GSC exon 3, MARS1, and CDT1 genes. We also reveal a genotype-phenotype association in microtia. In addition, further studies with more complete and comprehensive data are needed, including patients with complete data on syndromes, phenotypes, and genotypes.