bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining health inequalities in Australia: the contribution of income, wealth and employment
Authors: Flavel Joanne , McKee Martin , Tesfay Fisaha Haile , Musolino Connie , Freeman Toby , van Eyk Helen , Baum Fran
Published: July 2022

Background Studies show widespread widening of socioeconomic and health inequalities. Comprehensive primary health care has a focus on equity and to enact this requires more data on drivers of the increase in inequities. Hence, we examined trends in the distribution of income, wealth, employment and health in Australia. Methods We analysed data from the Public Health Information Development Unit and Australian Bureau of Statistics. Inequalities were assessed using rate ratios and the slope index of inequality. Results We found that the social gradient in health, income, wealth and labour force participation has steepened in Australia, and inequalities widened between the quintile living in the most disadvantaged areas and the quintile living in the least disadvantaged areas. Conclusion Widening income, wealth and employment inequalities have been accompanied by increasing health inequalities, and have reinforced and amplified adverse health effects, leading to increased mortality inequality. Effective comprehensive primary health care needs to be informed by an understanding of structural factors driving economic and health inequities.
Feral cat GPS tracking and simulation models to improve the conservation management of night parrots
Authors: Murphy Stephen A. , McGregor Hugh , Leseberg Nicholas P. , Watson James , Kutt Alex S.
Published: July 2022

Context Night parrots (Pezoporus occidentalis) are one of Australia’s most endangered birds, and there is evidence suggesting feral cats (Felis catus) are a major cause of decline. However, because night parrots currently have a restricted distribution, little is known of the ecology of feral cats around their remaining populations. This limits the development of effective management strategies. Aims The aims of this study were to understand feral cat movement and habitat selection around night parrots, and to then estimate the effectiveness of possible management actions. Methods Research was conducted around the only confirmed night parrot population in eastern Australia. In 2019 and 2020, we obtained GPS data from nine feral cats, and used step selection functions to assess preferred habitats. Management options were then simulated based on cat movement data, including altering trap numbers and layout, and changing routes for night spotlight shooting (using existing roads, random walking or creating new roads in preferred habitats). Key results Feral cats preferred alluvial and riparian habitats and avoided rocky woodlands and roads. Simulated control efforts were more successful if traps are placed at ‘pinch points’ where drainage lines converged, and if new roads were created near to creek lines and alluvial habitats. Conclusions Feral cats move around the last known population of night parrots in eastern Australia, travelling through and using many shared habitats. Targeting creek lines and alluvial areas in cat control operations would improve effectiveness and potentially reduce predation impacts on night parrots. Implications Conservation of endangered birds like night parrots can be enhanced through understanding the ecology of threats such as feral cats to develop locally tailored control operations.
Graphene metasurface-based switchable terahertz half-/quarter-wave plate with a broad bandwidth
Authors: Luo Xiaoqing , Luo Juan , Hu Fangrong , Li Guangyuan
Published: July 2022

Metasurfaces incorporating graphene hold great promise for the active manipulation of terahertz waves. However, it remains challenging to design a broadband graphene-based terahertz metasurface with switchable functionality of half-wave plate (HWP) and quarter-wave plate (QWP). Here, we propose a graphene–metal hybrid metasurface for achieving broadband switchable HWP/QWP in the terahertz regime. Simulation results show that, by varying the Fermi energy of graphene from 0 eV to 1 eV, the function of the reflective metasurface can be switched from an HWP with polarization conversion ratio exceeding 97% over a wide band ranging from 0.7 THz to 1.3 THz, to a QWP with ellipticity above 0.92 over 0.78 THz–1.33 THz. The sharing bandwidth reaches up to 0.52 THz and the relative bandwidth is as high as 50%. We expect this broadband and dynamically switchable terahertz HWP/QWP will find applications in terahertz sensing, imaging, and telecommunications.
SiC gate-controlled bipolar field effect composite transistor with polysilicon region for improving on-state current
Authors: Duan Baoxing , Luo Kaishun , Yang Yintang
Published: July 2022

A novel silicon carbide gate-controlled bipolar field effect composite transistor with polysilicon region (SiC GCBTP) is proposed. Different from the traditional electrode connection mode of SiC vertical diffused MOS (VDMOS), the P+ region of P-well is connected with the gate in SiC GCBTP, and the polysilicon region is added between the P+ region and the gate. By this method, additional minority carriers can be injected into the drift region at on-state, and the distribution of minority carriers in the drift region will be optimized, so the on-state current is increased. In terms of static characteristics, it has the same high breakdown voltage (811 V) as SiC VDMOS whose length of drift is 5.5 μm. The on-state current of SiC GCBTP is 2.47 × 10−3 A/μm (V
G = 10 V, V
D = 10 V) which is 5.7 times of that of SiC IGBT and 36.4 times of that of SiC VDMOS. In terms of dynamic characteristics, the turn-on time of SiC GCBTP is only 0.425 ns. And the turn-off time of SiC GCBTP is similar to that of SIC insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), which is 114.72 ns.
Spin current in a spinor Bose–Einstein condensate induced by a gradient magnetic field
Authors: Tian Li , Zheng Ningxuan , Jian Jun , Liu Wenliang , Wu Jizhou , Li Yuqing , Fu Yongming , Li Peng , Sovkov Vladimir , Ma Jie , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: July 2022

We develop a research of spin currents in a 23Na spinor Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) by applying a magnetic field gradient. The spin current is successfully induced by the spin-dependent force arising from the magnetic field gradient. The dynamics of the spin components under the magnetic force is investigated. The study is promising to be extended to produce a longer spin-coherence and to enhance the sensitivity of the spin-mixing interferometry in a spinor BEC.
A Photometric Study of Two Contact Binaries: CRTS J025408.1+265957 and CRTS J012111.1+272933
Authors: Ma Shuo , Liu Jin-Zhong , Zhang Yu , Hu Qingshun , Lü Guo-Liang
Published: July 2022

We performed new photometric observations for two contact binaries (i.e., CRTS J025408.1+265957 and CRTS J012111.1+272933), which were observed by the 1.0 m telescope at Xingjiang Astronomical Observatory. From our light curves and several survey data, we derived several sets of photometric solutions. We found that CRTS J025408.1+265957 and CRTS J012111.1+272933 were A- and W-type W UMa, respectively. The results imply that the spot migrates or disappears in the two contact binaries, which were identified by chromospheric activity emissions (e.g., H
α
emission) from LAMOST spectra. From the O−C curves, the orbital periods of the two contact binaries may be increasing, which is interpreted by the mass transfer from the less massive component to the more massive one. With mass transferring, the two contact binaries may evolve from the contact configurations to semi-detached ones as predicted by the theory of thermal relaxation oscillation.
Superconvergence in free probability limit theorems for arbitrary triangular arrays
Authors: Bercovici Hari , Ho Ching-Wei , Wang Jiun-Chau , Zhong Ping
Published: July 2022

It is known that limit theorems for triangular arrays with identically distributed rows yields convergence of densities rather than just convergence in distribution. We show that this superconvergence result holds—at least at points at which the limit density is nonzero—even if the rows of the array are not identically distributed.
A systematic evaluation of the computational tools for ligand-receptor-based cell–cell interaction inference
Authors: Wang Saidi , Zheng Hansi , Choi James S , Lee Jae K , Li Xiaoman , Hu Haiyan
Published: July 2022

Cell–cell interactions (CCIs) are essential for multicellular organisms to coordinate biological processes and functions. One classical type of CCI interaction is between secreted ligands and cell surface receptors, i.e. ligand-receptor (LR) interactions. With the recent development of single-cell technologies, a large amount of single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data has become widely available. This data availability motivated the single-cell-resolution study of CCIs, particularly LR-based CCIs. Dozens of computational methods and tools have been developed to predict CCIs by identifying LR-based CCIs. Many of these tools have been theoretically reviewed. However, there is little study on current LR-based CCI prediction tools regarding their performance and running results on public scRNA-Seq datasets. In this work, to fill this gap, we tested and compared nine of the most recent computational tools for LR-based CCI prediction. We used 15 well-studied scRNA-Seq samples that correspond to approximately 100K single cells under different experimental conditions for testing and comparison. Besides briefing the methodology used in these nine tools, we summarized the similarities and differences of these tools in terms of both LR prediction and CCI inference between cell types. We provided insight into using these tools to make meaningful discoveries in understanding cell communications.
Propensity score matching enables batch-effect-corrected imputation in single-cell RNA-seq analysis
Authors: Xu Xinyi , Yu Xiaokang , Hu Gang , Wang Kui , Zhang Jingxiao , Li Xiangjie
Published: July 2022

Developments of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies have enabled biological discoveries at the single-cell resolution with high throughput. However, large scRNA-seq datasets always suffer from massive technical noises, including batch effects and dropouts, and the dropout is often shown to be batch-dependent. Most existing methods only address one of the problems, and we show that the popularly used methods failed in trading off batch effect correction and dropout imputation. Here, inspired by the idea of causal inference, we propose a novel propensity score matching method for scRNA-seq data (scPSM) by borrowing information and taking the weighted average from similar cells in the deep sequenced batch, which simultaneously removes the batch effect, imputes dropout and denoises data in the entire gene expression space. The proposed method is testified on two simulation datasets and a variety of real scRNA-seq datasets, and the results show that scPSM is superior to other state-of-the-art methods. First, scPSM improves clustering accuracy and mixes cells of the same type, suggesting its ability to keep cell type separation while correcting for batch. Besides, using the scPSM-integrated data as input yields results free of batch effects or dropouts in the differential expression analysis. Moreover, scPSM not only achieves ideal denoising but also preserves real biological structure for downstream gene-based analyses. Furthermore, scPSM is robust to hyperparameters and small datasets with a few cells but enormous genes. Comprehensive evaluations demonstrate that scPSM jointly provides desirable batch effect correction, imputation and denoising for recovering the biologically meaningful expression in scRNA-seq data.
A Multi-Analyte LC–MS/MS Method for Determination and Quantification of Six Nitrosamine Impurities in Sartans like Azilsartan, Valsartan, Telmisartan, Olmesartan, Losartan and Irbesartan
Authors: Gopireddy Ramana Reddy , Maruthapillai Arthanareeswari , Mahapatra Sudarshan
Published: July 2022

A sensitive and robust method for determination and quantification of potential genotoxic impurities in sartans has been developed. These impurities need to be controlled at trace levels during quantification in drug substances and drug products for safe consumption. Recent regulatory requirements also suggested the need to have highly sensitive analytical method for trace level quantification of nitrosamine impurities. In this paper, we have described a simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for six potential genotoxic nitrosamine impurities: N-Nitroso dimethyl amine (NDMA), N-Nitroso diethyl amine (NDEA), N-Nitroso Ethyl Iso propylamine (NIPEA), N-Nitroso-Nmethyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA) N-Nitroso diisopropylamino (NDIPA) and N-Nitroso dibutyl amine (NDBA) in Azilsartan (AZL), Valsartan (VAL), Telmisartan (TEL), Olmesartan (OLM), Losartan (LOS) and Irbesartan (IRB) with a limit of quantification of less than 0.003 ppm. Chromatographic separation is achieved using Poroshell HPH- C18, 150 × 4.6 mm, 2.7 μm column with 0.1% formic acid in water as mobile phase A and 0.1% formic acid in methanol as mobile phase B at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min using gradient mode of elution at a total run time of 20 min. Six nitrosamine impurities are ionized and quantified in positive mode of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization using multiple reaction monitoring. As per ICH guidelines, method validation is performed and evaluated the limit of quantification and detection and found to give good S/N ratios with good linearity range of 0.003–0.045 ppm with regression coefficient > 0.999 for all the six nitrosamine impurities. Method recoveries are also established using three-step sample preparation and are found to be satisfactory within 80–120%. The single method can be used routinely applied for the detection of nitrosamines in AZL, VAL, TEL, OLM, LOS and IRB.
Efficacy and safety of triamcinolone acetonide in the prevention of esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Yuting , Guo Bin , Zhang Wenbin , Li Erfeng , Zhang Quanmao
Published: July 2022

Aim

The role of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in the prevention of esophageal stricture is not well established. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate its safety and efficacy for the prevention of esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed in electronic databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase for possible controlled studies. The primary outcomes were stenosis rate and endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) sessions required, and secondary outcome included complications. Random effects were used to calculate the pooled outcome. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted to verify the robustness and reliability of the results. Results: Ten studies containing 499 patients were obtained. In the pooled analysis, statistical significance was found in triamcinolone acetonide injection reduced the incidence of stenosis (OR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.11, 0.80], P < 0.05) and the number of endoscopic balloon dilation (MD = −3.33, 95% CI [−4.15, −2.50], P < 0.0001) compared with control. Triamcinolone acetonide injection therapy did not increase the risk of complications (OR = −0.77%, CI [−1.62, 0.09], P = 0.08). Subgroup analysis indicated that the single injection of triamcinolone acetonide after endoscopic submucosal dissection significantly reduced the incidence of stenosis compared with without any prophylaxis. Different concentrations and single session volume of triamcinolone acetonide reduced the incidence of stenosis. It also showed that the dose according to the size of the lesion was more effective than the fixed dose in preventing esophageal stricture. Conclusion: Triamcinolone acetonide injection can reduce the incidence of stricture formation as well as the need for EBD sessions without increasing complications.
Association of Proinflammatory Diet With Frailty Onset Among Adults With and Without Depressive Symptoms: Results From the Framingham Offspring Study
Authors: Millar Courtney L , Dufour Alyssa B , Hebert James R , Shivappa Nitin , Okereke Olivia I , Kiel Douglas P , Hannan Marian T , Sahni Shivani
Published: July 2022

Background

Dietary inflammation is associated with increased risk of frailty. Those with depressive symptoms may be at higher risk of frailty onset because they typically have higher levels of inflammation. The study objective was to determine the association between a proinflammatory diet and frailty onset in those with and without clinically relevant depressive symptoms.

Methods

This prospective study included 1 701 nonfrail individuals with self-reported baseline (1998–2001) data available for the evaluation of energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DIITM; calculated from food frequency questionnaires), depressive symptoms (from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression; CES-D), and follow-up frailty measurements (2011–2014). Frailty was defined as fulfilling ≥3 Fried frailty criteria (i.e., slow gait, weak grip strength, unintentional weightloss, low physical activity, and self-reported exhaustion). Results are presented by baseline CES-D scores <16 or ≥16 points, which denotes the absence or presence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms, respectively. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) between E-DII and frailty onset, adjusting for confounders.

Results

In all study participants, mean (SD) age was 58(8) years and E-DII was −1.95 (2.20; range: −6.71 to +5.40, higher scores denote a more proinflammatory diet), and 45% were male. In those without clinically relevant depressive symptoms, 1-unit higher E-DII score was associated with 14% increased odds (95% CI: 1.05–1.24) of frailty. In those with depressive symptoms, 1-unit higher E-DII score was associated with 55% increased odds of frailty (95% CI: 1.13–2.13).

Conclusions

The association between inflammatory diet and increased odds of frailty appeared somewhat stronger among those with depressive symptoms. This preliminary finding warrants further investigation.
African Penguins and Localized Fisheries Management: Response to Butterworth and Ross-Gillespie
Authors: Sydeman W J , Hunt G L , Pikitch E K , Parrish J K , Piatt J F , Boersma P D , Kaufman L , Anderson D W , Thompson S A , Sherley R B
Published: July 2022

We present a response to Butterworth and Ross-Gillespie's (2022) comment on our perspectives on how forage fish fisheries are impacting the endangered African penguin (Sphenicus demersus), and corresponding management options. Butterworth and Ross-Gillespie overstate model uncertainties and downplay the clear ecological and conservation significance of the fisheries closure experiment. We demonstrate that their criticism of “pseudo-replication” is weak, and not in line with their own analyses nor with the interpretations of many international scientific review panels commissioned by the government of South Africa to evaluate experimental results. Their comment does not alter our fundamental conclusions that forage fisheries operating near penguin breeding colonies compete with the birds for food resources, are detrimental to the penguin's population health, and are impeding recovery. Given that sardines are depleted (DFFE, 2021) and the African penguin is approaching a conservation crisis, we reiterate our position that continuing the precautionary approach of closures at the local scale of central-place foraging penguins is warranted to facilitate their population growth under fisheries management goals to conserve and maintain ecosystem functions.
Mapping habitat loss in the deep-sea using current and past presences of Isidella elongata (Cnidaria: Alcyonacea)
Authors: González-Irusta José Manuel , Cartes Joan E , Punzón Antonio , Díaz David , de Sola Luis Gil , Serrano Alberto
Published: July 2022

The bamboo coral Isidella elongata is an engineering species that forms a characteristic biogenic habitat in the bathyal mud of the Mediterranean Sea. This habitat has been severely reduced in recent decades due to trawling impacts, and there is a growing concern about its conservation status. In this work, the habitat loss of I. elongata was computed using a novel approach that combines the realized niche of the species with the estimation of its past distribution (before trawling) to delineate potential areas of habitat loss with different levels of uncertainty. The realized niche of the species was modelled using only live colonies and including trawling effort as explanatory variable whereas the past distribution was estimated also using the leftovers of dead colonies as presences. Trawling effort had a statistically significant negative effect on the extent of the realized niche of I. elongata, confirming previous results on the impact of this pressure on its distribution. The novel approach used in this work has allowed us to map for the first time several areas of potential habitat loss for I. elongata in the studied area, opening new opportunities to provide this essential information for future management and restoration actions of vulnerable marine ecosystems worldwide.
Effects of calcium salts of palm oil inclusion and ad libitum feeding regimen on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide concentration of feedlot steers
Authors: Pittaluga Alejandro M , Ortiz-Fraguada Mairim Y , Parker Anthony Joseph , Relling Alejandro E
Published: July 2022

Sixty Angus × SimAngus-crossbred steers (body weight [BW] 279 ± 16 kg) were used to evaluate the effect of calcium salts of palm oil inclusion (CPO) and the amount of feed offered (AFO) on plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) concentration and its association with energy metabolism and marbling score (MS) in feedlot steers. Steers were blocked by BW and gain to feed (G:F) and randomly assigned to individual feedlot pens. Treatments (2 × 2 factorial) consisted of ad libitum-fed steers without (ANF) or with (AWF) the inclusion of CPO or restricted-fed steers (85% of the ad libitum intake of ANF) without (RNF) or with the inclusion of CPO (RWF). After weaning, steers were adapted to individual pens and fed a corn silage-based diet for 30 d and subsequently placed in a ground corn (GC)–based diet. Diets were given ad libitum or at 85% of the ANF intake and with or without CPO. After 59 d on the finishing diet, all steers had ad libitum access to the finishing diet until harvest. Measurements of CO2 emission and O2 consumption to estimate respiratory quotient (RQ) were taken (n = 9/treatment). Correlations between plasma GIP and insulin concentrations and RQ were analyzed. A linear regression was performed to evaluate the association of plasma GIP and MS. All data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. During the first 103 d of the trial, there were AFO × CPO interactions (P ≤ 0.01) for BW, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and net energy for maintenance (NEm) intake. Ad libitum-fed steers without CPO presented the greatest DMI among dietary treatments and had greater BW and ADG compared with steers in the RWF and RNF treatments. After all steers had ad libitum access to dietary treatments, steers that were previously restricted showed a 30% and 19% increase (P ≤ 0.01) in ADG and G:F, respectively. There was a three-way interaction time × CPO × AFO (P = 0.04) for plasma GIP concentration. There was no correlation (P = 0.96) of GIP with RQ, whereas insulin demonstrated marginal significance for a positive (P = 0.07) and negative (P = 0.08) correlation with plasma GIP and RQ, respectively. There was no association (P = 0.30) between GIP and MS. These data indicate that GIP secretion results from an interaction between CPO and energy intake depending on the time relative to feed intake that GIP might indirectly regulate energy metabolism through insulin secretion, and that GIP does not appear to be associated with MS.
Identifying and Assisting Burn Patients and Their Families With Needs Through Administration of an Assessment Tool on Admission
Authors: Fassel Mikenzy , Ong Jia Ern , Galet Colette , Wibbenmeyer Lucy
Published: July 2022

Using a modified Safe Environment for Every Kid Questionnaire (Needs Survey), we previously showed a significant correlation between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and family needs. Herein, we retrospectively assessed whether patients’ and their families’ needs identified using the Needs Survey were addressed prior to discharge. We hypothesized that, without the knowledge gained by administering this tool, many basic needs may not have been fully addressed. Seventy-nine burn patients and families previously enrolled in our ACE studies were included. Answers to the Needs Surveys were reviewed to identify families with needs. Medical records were reviewed to determine if a social worker assessment (SWA) was completed per standard of care and if their needs were addressed prior to discharge. Of the 79 burn patients who received inpatient care and completed the Needs Survey, family needs were identified in 67 (84.8%); 42 (62.7%) received an SWA, and 25 (37.3%) did not. Those who did not receive a SWA had a shorter hospitalization and suffered less severe burns. Demographics, socioeconomics, ACEs, and identified needs were similar between the groups. Our study showed that SWA was performed on many patients with basic needs. However, with the focus of SWAs being on discharge arrangements, not all needs were addressed, and individualized resources were often not provided. Administering the Needs Survey on admission may help our social workers streamline and expedite this process to help support successful recovery for our burn patients and their families.
Inadvertent Radiation Exposures in Combat Zones: Risk of Contamination and Radiobiologic Consequences
Authors: Jensen Kirk , Vasko Vasyl
Published: July 2022

On February 24, 2022, Russia began a military invasion of Ukraine. Missile and air strikes were reported throughout the country, shortly followed by a large ground invasion from multiple directions. Four major theaters developed: the Kyiv offensive, the Northeastern Ukraine offensive, the Eastern Ukraine offensive, and the Southern Ukraine offensive, with continued missile and air strikes far into Western Ukraine. Advancing Russian military units launched an attack and captured the Chernobyl nuclear station. Russian troops dug trenches into the area commonly known as the “Red Forest,” violating the established radiation safety measures and threatening security within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The placement of military units in such close proximity to the station also sparked concerns of possible damage occurring to the containment vessel constructed around the station’s wrecked fourth reactor. There are 15 operating nuclear reactors in Ukraine. Each is vulnerable to an attack or sabotage that could precipitate a malfunction and possible release of radioactive isotopes. In this short commentary, we will discuss radiobiologic data obtained after the analysis of historical nuclear power plant (NPP) accidents and emphasize new challenges for nuclear security when NPPs are found and are possible targets within a conflict zone.
A search for monochromatic light towards the Galactic Centre
Authors: Marcy Geoffrey W , Tellis Nathaniel K , Wishnow Edward H
Published: July 2022

A region 140 square degrees towards the Galactic Centre was searched for monochromatic optical light, both pulses shorter than 1 s and continuous emission. A novel instrument was constructed that obtains optical spectra of every point within 6 square deg every second, able to distinguish lasers from astrophysical sources. The system consists of a modified Schmidt telescope, a wedge prism over the 0.28-m aperture, and a fast CMOS camera with 9500 × 6300 pixels. During 2021, a total of 34 800 exposures were obtained and analysed for monochromatic sources, both subsecond pulses and continuous in time. No monochromatic light was found. A benchmark laser with a 10-m aperture and located 100 light years (ly) away would be detected if it had a power more than ∼60 megawatt (MW) during 1 s, and from 1000 ly away, 6000 MW is required. This non-detection of optical lasers adds to previous optical SETI non-detections from more than 5000 nearby stars of all masses, from the Solar gravitational lens focal points of Alpha Centauri, and from all-sky searches for broadband optical pulses. These non-detections, along with those of broadband pulses, constitute a growing SETI desert in the optical domain.
Reoperation in adult patients with recurrent glioblastoma: A matched cohort analysis
Authors: Yang Kaiyun , Ellenbogen Yosef , Martyniuk Amanda , Sourour Michel , Takroni Radwan , Somji Mohamed , Gardiner Emily , Hui Katrina , Odedra Devang , Larrazabal Ramiro , Algird Almunder , Kachur Edward , Reddy Kesava , Murty Naresh , Farrokhyar Forough , Singh Sheila K
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite maximal safe cytoreductive surgery and postoperative adjuvant therapies, glioblastoma (GBM) inevitably recurs and leads to deterioration of neurological status and eventual death. There is no consensus regarding the benefit of repeat resection for enhancing survival or quality of life in patients with recurrent GBM. We aimed to examine if reoperation for GBM recurrence incurs a survival benefit as well as examine its complication profile.

Methods

We performed a single-center retrospective chart review on all adult patients who underwent resection of supratentorial GBM between January 1, 2008 and December 1, 2013 at our center. Patients with repeat resection were manually matched for age, sex, tumor location, and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) with patients who underwent single resection to compare overall survival (OS), and postoperative morbidity.

Results

Of 237 patients operated with GBM, 204 underwent single resection and 33 were selected for repeat surgical resections. In a matched analysis there was no difference in the OS between groups (17.8 ± 17.6 months vs 17 ± 13.5 months, P = .221). In addition, repeat surgical resection had a higher rate of postoperative neurological complications compared to the initial surgery.

Conclusions

When compared with matched patients who underwent a single surgical resection, patients undergoing repeat surgical resection did not show significant increase in OS and may have incurred more neurological complications related to the repeat resection. Further studies are required to assess which patients would benefit from repeat surgical resection and optimize timing of the repeat resection in selected patients.
Warm glow and consumers’ valuation of ethically certified products
Authors: Iweala Sarah , Spiller Achim , Nayga Rodolfo M , Lemken Dominic
Published: July 2022

A number of self-beneficial motives can trigger pro-environmental and prosocial behavior of individuals. We focus on the role of the warm glow of giving—the personal benefit people experience when doing good irrespective of the consequences—in the valuation of ethically certified food products. Our data is based on an online experimental auction with more than 800 consumers in Germany. Participants bid on tea and chocolate advertised with prosocial and pro-environmental certifications after being randomly exposed to affectively and informatively framed messages. We also measured the experienced warm glow of participants. Our main results are (1) that the experienced warm glow is only linked to a higher willingness-to-pay of older and higher income respondents; (2) that the experienced warm glow does not differ between prosocial and pro-environmental causes; and (3) that treatment effects do not differ according to the participants’ warm glow level but according to the certification itself.
Are Non-animal Systemic Safety Assessments Protective? A Toolbox and Workflow
Authors: Middleton Alistair M , Reynolds Joe , Cable Sophie , Baltazar Maria Teresa , Li Hequn , Bevan Samantha , Carmichael Paul L , Dent Matthew Philip , Hatherell Sarah , Houghton Jade , Kukic Predrag , Liddell Mark , Malcomber Sophie , Nicol Beate , Park Benjamin , Patel Hiral , Scott Sharon , Sparham Chris , Walker Paul , White Andrew
Published: July 2022

An important question in toxicological risk assessment is whether non-animal new approach methodologies (NAMs) can be used to make safety decisions that are protective of human health, without being overly conservative. In this work, we propose a core NAM toolbox and workflow for conducting systemic safety assessments for adult consumers. We also present an approach for evaluating how protective and useful the toolbox and workflow are by benchmarking against historical safety decisions. The toolbox includes physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models to estimate systemic Cmax levels in humans, and 3 bioactivity platforms, comprising high-throughput transcriptomics, a cell stress panel, and in vitro pharmacological profiling, from which points of departure are estimated. A Bayesian model was developed to quantify the uncertainty in the Cmax estimates depending on how the PBK models were parameterized. The feasibility of the evaluation approach was tested using 24 exposure scenarios from 10 chemicals, some of which would be considered high risk from a consumer goods perspective (eg, drugs that are systemically bioactive) and some low risk (eg, existing food or cosmetic ingredients). Using novel protectiveness and utility metrics, it was shown that up to 69% (9/13) of the low risk scenarios could be identified as such using the toolbox, whilst being protective against all (5/5) the high-risk ones. The results demonstrated how robust safety decisions could be made without using animal data. This work will enable a full evaluation to assess how protective and useful the toolbox and workflow are across a broader range of chemical-exposure scenarios.
Genomic epidemiology of seasonal influenza circulation in China during prolonged border closure from 2020 to 2021
Authors: Xie Ruopeng , Adam Dillon C , Edwards Kimberly M , Gurung Shreya , Wei Xiaoman , Cowling Benjamin J , Dhanasekaran Vijaykrishna
Published: July 2022

China experienced a resurgence of seasonal influenza activity throughout 2021 despite intermittent control measures and prolonged international border closure. We show genomic evidence for multiple A(H3N2), A(H1N1), and B/Victoria transmission lineages circulating over 3 years, with the 2021 resurgence mainly driven by two B/Victoria clades. Phylodynamic analysis revealed unsampled ancestry prior to widespread outbreaks in December 2020, showing that influenza lineages can circulate cryptically under non-pharmaceutical interventions enacted against COVID-19. Novel haemagglutinin gene mutations and altered age profiles of infected individuals were observed, and Jiangxi province was identified as a major source for nationwide outbreaks. Following major holiday periods, fluctuations in the effective reproduction number were observed, underscoring the importance of influenza vaccination prior to holiday periods or travel. Extensive heterogeneity in seasonal influenza circulation patterns in China determined by historical strain circulation indicates that a better understanding of demographic patterns is needed for improving effective controls.
Costs of Physician Continuous Professional Development: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cook David A. , Wilkinson John M. , Foo Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

An essential yet oft-neglected step in cost evaluations is the selection of resources (ingredients) to include in cost estimates. The ingredients that most influence the cost of physician continuous professional development (CPD) are unknown, as are the relative costs of instructional modalities. This study’s purpose was to estimate the costs of cost ingredients and instructional modalities in physician CPD.

Method

The authors conducted a systematic review in April 2020, searching MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library for comparative cost evaluations of CPD for practicing physicians. Two reviewers, working independently, screened articles for inclusion and extracted information on costs (converted to 2021 U.S. dollars) for each intervention overall, each ingredient, and each modality.

Results

Of 3,338 eligible studies, 62 were included, enumerating costs for 86 discrete training interventions or instructional modalities. The most frequently reported ingredients were faculty time (25 of 86 interventions), materials (24), administrator/staff time (23), and travel (20). Ingredient costs varied widely, ranging from a per-physician median of $4 for postage (10 interventions) to $525 for learner time (13); equipment (9) and faculty time were also relatively expensive (median > $170). Among instructional modalities (≤ 11 interventions per modality), audit and feedback performed by physician learners, computer-based modules, computer-based virtual patients, in-person lectures, and experiences with real patients were relatively expensive (median > $1,000 per physician). Mailed paper materials, video clips, and audit and feedback performed by others were relatively inexpensive (median ≤ $62 per physician). Details regarding ingredient selection (10 of 62 studies), quantitation (10), and pricing (26) were reported infrequently.

Conclusions

Some ingredients, including time, are more important (i.e., contribute more to total costs) than others and should be prioritized in cost evaluations. Data on the relative costs of instructional modalities are insightful but limited. The methods and reporting of cost valuations merit improvement.
COVID-19 in children: epidemic issues and candidate vaccines
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wei Mingwei , Jing Pengfei , Li Zhuopei , Li Jingxin , Zhu Fengcai
Published: July 2022

A large-scale vaccination of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in adults has been conducted for nearly a year, and there is a growing recognition that immunization for children is also essential. It has been months since emergency use of pediatric COVID-19 vaccine was approved, we reviewed the prevalence and transmission of COVID-19 in children. The prevalence of COVID-19 in children is reduced due to vaccination even in a Delta prevalent period, so an increase in the vaccination rate is needed in children. Although the precise role of children in the transmission requires more research to uncover, they likely played a significant role, according to the available literature. We also described four candidate COVID-19 vaccines for children on their safety and immunogenicity and the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants on childhood vaccination. Safety issues on pediatric vaccines post-approval, like adverse events following immunization and adverse events of special interest require studies on long-term and effective regulatory mechanisms.
Research progress in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for gastric cancer
Authors: Li Xuewei , Xu Jun , Xie Jun , Yang Wenhui
Published: July 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Its incidence ranks the 5th among all malignant tumors globally, and it is the 3rd leading cause of death among patients with cancer. Surgical treatment is the first choice in clinical practice. However, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other treatment methods have also become research hotspots at home and abroad with the development of individualized precision therapy in recent years, besides traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. At present, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are methods used for treating GC, and they have important clinical application value and prospects. This study aimed to review the research progress of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for GC, focusing on its mechanism of action and related important clinical trials, hoping to provide references for the clinical treatment of GC.
Chinese expert consensus on the surgical treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis (2021 version)
Authors: Liu Yanguo , Weng Wenhan , Tu Yuanrong , Wang Jun ,   on behalf of Chinese Expert Committee on Palmar Hyperhidrosis
Published: July 2022

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) is a pathologic condition of excessive sweating on hands that has adverse impacts on patients’ social activity, professional life, and psychological state. Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy (ETS) is by far the treatment choice for PPH with the most stable and durable curative effects, but special attention should be given to the side effects of the surgery, especially compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH). This consensus is the second version of the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Surgical Treatment of PPH by the China Expert Committee on Palmar Hyperhidrosis (CECPH), which was published 10 years ago. This consensus emphasizes the need for special attention and careful assessment of the patients’ feelings, as well as their emotional and mental state, and emphasizes that distress due to palmar sweating and the desire for treatment are prerequisites for diagnosis. It also provides a more nuanced delineation of CH and reviews all new attempts to prevent and treat this side effect. New evidence of the epidemiology, pathogenesis of PPH, and indications for surgery were also assessed or recommended.
Dysfunctional gene splicing in glucose metabolism may contribute to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Deng Shengfeng , Yi Peng , Xu Mingliang , Yi Qian , Feng Jianguo
Published: July 2022

The glucose metabolism is crucial for sustained brain activity as it provides energy and is a carbon source for multiple biomacromolecules; glucose metabolism decreases dramatically in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may be a fundamental cause for its development. Recent studies reveal that the alternative splicing events of certain genes effectively regulate several processes in glucose metabolism including insulin receptor, insulin-degrading enzyme, pyruvate kinase M, receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, and others, thereby, influencing glucose uptake, glycolysis, and advanced glycation end-products-mediated signaling pathways. Indeed, the discovery of aberrant alternative splicing that changes the proteomic diversity and protein activity in glucose metabolism has been pivotal in our understanding of AD development. In this review, we summarize the alternative splicing events of the glucose metabolism-related genes in AD pathology and highlight the crucial regulatory roles of splicing factors in the alternative splicing process. We also discuss the emerging therapeutic approaches for targeting splicing factors for AD treatment.
A zero-sum game or an interactive frame? Iron competition between bacteria and humans in infection war
Authors: Wu Zhenchao , Shao Jiqi , Zheng Jiajia , Liu Beibei , Li Zhiyuan , Shen Ning
Published: July 2022

Iron is an essential trace element for both humans and bacteria. It plays a vital role in life, such as in redox reactions and electron transport. Strict regulatory mechanisms are necessary to maintain iron homeostasis because both excess and insufficient iron are harmful to life. Competition for iron is a war between humans and bacteria. To grow, reproduce, colonize, and successfully cause infection, pathogens have evolved various mechanisms for iron uptake from humans, principally Fe3+-siderophore and Fe2+-heme transport systems. Humans have many innate immune mechanisms that regulate the distribution of iron and inhibit bacterial iron uptake to help resist bacterial invasion and colonization. Meanwhile, researchers have invented detection test strips and coupled antibiotics with siderophores to create tools that take advantage of this battle for iron, to help eliminate pathogens. In this review, we summarize bacterial and human iron metabolism, competition for iron between humans and bacteria, siderophore sensors, antibiotics coupled with siderophores, and related phenomena. We also discuss how competition for iron can be used for diagnosis and treatment of infection in the future.
EHA Guidelines on Management of Antithrombotic Treatments in Thrombocytopenic Patients With Cancer
Authors: Falanga Anna , Leader Avi , Ambaglio Chiara , Bagoly Zsuzsa , Castaman Giancarlo , Elalamy Ismail , Lecumberri Ramon , Niessner Alexander , Pabinger Ingrid , Szmit Sebastian , Trinchero Alice , Ten Cate Hugo , Rocca Bianca
Published: July 2022

In cancer patients, thrombocytopenia can result from bone marrow infiltration or from anticancer medications and represents an important limitation for the use of antithrombotic treatments, including anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and fibrinolytic agents. These drugs are often required for prevention or treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis or for cardioembolic prevention in atrial fibrillation in an increasingly older cancer population. Data indicate that cancer remains an independent risk factor for thrombosis even in case of thrombocytopenia, since mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia does not protect against arterial or venous thrombosis. In addition, cancer patients are at increased risk of antithrombotic drug-associated bleeding, further complicated by thrombocytopenia and acquired hemostatic defects. Furthermore, some anticancer treatments are associated with increased thrombotic risk and may generate interactions affecting the effectiveness or safety of antithrombotic drugs. In this complex scenario, the European Hematology Association in collaboration with the European Society of Cardiology has produced this scientific document to provide a clinical practice guideline to help clinicians in the management of patients with cancer and thrombocytopenia. The Guidelines focus on adult patients with active cancer and a clear indication for anticoagulation, single or dual antiplatelet therapy, their combination, or reperfusion therapy, who have concurrent thrombocytopenia because of either malignancy or anticancer medications. The level of evidence and the strength of the recommendations were discussed according to a Delphi procedure and graded according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine.
The Evolving Story of CNLDO: Serial Photographic Documentation and Parental Perspectives
Authors: Singh Swati , Ali Mohammad Javed
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to report the temporal sequence of symptomatology of bilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and parental perspectives of 2 established lacrimal surgeons studying the natural history of their newborn child.

Methods:

Prospective observational report. Once epiphora was noted, a daily assessment and documentation of several symptoms and signs were initiated using iPhone 11 pro camera. These include epiphora, associated discharge, tear meniscus level, matting of lashes, day-night variation in symptomatology, difficulty in eye-opening upon waking up, conjunctival congestion, periocular changes, especially in the tear trough area and lateral canthus, changes in symptom severity with time, regurgitation on pressure over lacrimal sac area, the fullness of the lacrimal sac area or palpable lacrimal sac swelling, and other associated clinical findings.

Results:

The weekly course of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction showed similar patterns in OU, although the phase of severe symptoms was spaced by a 6-week interval between the eyes. The epiphora appeared first, followed by rapidly increasing discharge, the severity of which was alarming to the parents. Periocular skin developed excoriation due to persistent epiphora and cleaning attempts. Focused and regular lacrimal sac compressions resulted in abrupt resolution of epiphora at different time points in each eye. The baby was comfortable when compressions were performed during breastfeeding. Cleaning the discharge regularly can be a daunting task for the new parents. The use of wet ‘eye wipes’ was more effective and comfortable than a cotton bud or cloth piece. Both the parents were lacrimal surgeons, and they did not overtly feel socially embarrassed due to the congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, but questions from family and friends were discomforting.

Conclusion:

Parental perspectives of the temporal sequence of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction provide better insights into disease management and counseling.