bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-diagnostic anti-EBV antibodies and primary liver cancer risk: a population-based nested case-control study in southern China
Authors: Du Yun , Yu Xia , Chang Ellen T. , Lian Shifeng , Wu Biaohua , Li Fugui , Chu Bing , Wei Kuangrong , Zhan Jiyun , Liang Xuejun , Ye Weimin , Ji Mingfang
Published: March 2023

Background

We aimed to investigate associations between pre-diagnostic anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies, including interactions with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and risk of primary liver cancer in southern China.

Methods

In a population-based nested case-control study, we measured pre-diagnostic immunoglobulin A (IgA) against EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) and viral capsid antigen (VCA) in 125 primary liver cancer cases and 2077 matched controls. We also explored the interaction between HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-EBV antibodies.

Results

Participants with positive EBNA1-IgA, positive VCA-IgA or single-positive anti-EBV antibodies had two-fold odds of developing liver cancer, compared with seronegative subjects. The odds ratios (ORs) between the relative optical density of EBNA1-IgA and VCA-IgA and primary cancer, controlling for age and HBsAg, were 1.59 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17, 2.14) and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.41), respectively. Subjects with both HBsAg and anti-EBV antibody seropositivity were at 50-fold increased risk compared with those negative for both biomarkers (OR: 50.67, 95% CI: 18.28, 140.46), yielding a relative excess risk due to interaction of 30.81 (95% CI: 3.42, 114.93).

Conclusion

Pre-diagnostic seropositivity for EBNA1-IgA and/or VCA-IgA was positively associated with primary liver cancer risk, especially in combination with HBsAg positivity. EBV may interact with HBV in the development of primary liver cancer, and anti-EBV antibodies might be potential biomarkers for primary liver cancer in this high-risk population.
Negative life events and aggression among Chinese rural left-behind adolescents: do self-esteem and resilience mediate the relationship?
Authors: Yang Si Lan , Tan Chu Xia , Li Juan , Zhang Jie , Chen Yi Ping , Li Yi Fei , Tao Ying Xiang , Ye Bi Yun , Chen Shi Hao , Li Hui Yuan , Zhang Jing Ping
Published: March 2023

Background

Left-behind adolescents (LBAs) are adolescents aged 11–18 years who are separated from their parents and left behind in local cities by one or both parents for a period of more than 6 months. LBAs in rural areas are likely to engage in aggressive behavior, which can affect interpersonal relationships, reduce academic performance, and even lead to anxiety and depression. To our knowledge, no studies have examined the mediating effect of resilience and self-esteem on the relationship between negative life events and aggression among Chinese rural LBAs. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between negative life events and aggression among Chinese rural LBAs and how self-esteem and resilience mediate the association.

Methods

Using a stratified random sampling method, 1344 LBAs in Hunan Province of China were investigated. Information was collected by a self-designed sociodemographic questionnaire, Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, Resilience Scale Chinese Adolescent, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Aggression Scales to assess the psychology of LBAs. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis to estimate direct and indirect effects using bootstrap analysis.

Results

Negative life events were significantly related to self-esteem (r = − 0.338), resilience (r = − 0.359), and aggression (r = 0.441). Aggression was directly affected by self-esteem (β = − 0.44) and resilience (β = − 0.34). Negative life events were not only directly related to aggression (β = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.275 ~ 0.398) but also showed an indirect effect on aggression through self-esteem and resilience. The direct effect, total effect and indirect effect of negative life events on aggression through self-esteem and resilience were 0.3364, 0.4344 and 0.0980, respectively. The mediating effect of self-esteem and resilience accounted for 22.56% of the relationship between negative life events and aggression.

Conclusions

We found that self-esteem and resilience mediated most negative life events on aggression. It is imperative for educators and families to improve LBAs’ self-esteem and resilience to reduce the occurrence of aggression. Future intervention studies should be designed to strengthen self-esteem and resilience.
Specialty preferences of studying-abroad medical students from low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Li Wen , Gillies Robyn M. , Liu Chang , Wu Changhao , Chen Jiayi , Zhang Xiaoning , Cheng Bin , Dai Jing , Fu Ning , Li Lin , Liu Shenjun , Sun Hong
Published: March 2023

Background

This study explored the specialty preferences of China-educated international medical students (IMSs), who are mainly from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and constitute a potential medical workforce both for their home countries and foreign countries, and the influence of migration intentions on their specialty preferences.

Methods

A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted at 5 universities in China. The questionnaire link was distributed electronically among the IMSs at the 5 universities via emails. The questionnaire enquired IMSs’ demographic information, migration intentions and their specialty preferences. The Chi-square test was applied to determine the influence of the respondent’s gender, intention to practise in the home country and intention to practise in a high-income country on their specialty choices. The Chi-square test was also applied to determine the influence of the respondent’s gender, year of study and country of origin on their preferences for generalist-orientated or non-generalist orientated specialties.

Results

Altogether, 452 IMSs returned their responses, yielding a response rate of 64.1%. Approximately half of the IMSs planned to not return to their home country. The most selected specialty was general surgery and the least selected specialty was physical medicine and rehabilitation. No significant differences were evident in most specialty preferences between those who intended to return home and those who intended to stay abroad. Among the IMSs having intentions of returning to their home country, male students tended to choose a generalist-orientated specialty, while female students tended to choose a non-generalist-orientated specialty.

Conclusion

China-educated IMSs could play important roles in the primary care services as well as other shortage specialties both for their home countries or foreign countries. Therefore, it is recommended that governments in these countries plan migration and recruitment policies that cater for these studying-abroad medical students from LMICs, especially in this challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canine distemper virus N protein induces autophagy to facilitate viral replication
Authors: Chen Fei , Guo Zijing , Zhang Rui , Zhang Zhixiong , Hu Bo , Bai Ling , Zhao Shuaiyang , Wu Yongshu , Zhang Zhidong , Li Yanmin
Published: March 2023

Background

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the most contagious and lethal viruses known to the Canidae, with a very broad and expanding host range. Autophagy serves as a fundamental stabilizing response against pathogens, but some viruses have been able to evade or exploit it for their replication. However, the effect of autophagy mechanisms on CDV infection is still unclear.

Results

In the present study, autophagy was induced in CDV-infected Vero cells as demonstrated by elevated LC3-II levels and aggregation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-LC3 spots. Furthermore, CDV promoted the complete autophagic process, which could be determined by the degradation of p62, co-localization of LC3 with lysosomes, GFP degradation, and accumulation of LC3-II and p62 due to the lysosomal protease inhibitor E64d. In addition, the use of Rapamycin to promote autophagy promoted CDV replication, and the inhibition of autophagy by Wortmannin, Chloroquine and siRNA-ATG5 inhibited CDV replication, revealing that CDV-induced autophagy facilitated virus replication. We also found that UV-inactivated CDV still induced autophagy, and that nucleocapsid (N) protein was able to induce complete autophagy in an mTOR-dependent manner.

Conclusions

This study for the first time revealed that CDV N protein induced complete autophagy to facilitate viral replication.
Clinical observation of autologous platelet rich fibrin assisted revascularization of mature permanent teeth
Authors: Wu Zhaojun , Lin Yao , Xu Xuehong , Chen Zhiqun , Xiang Yan , Yang Lvli , Zhang Wei , Xiao Suli , Chen Xiaoling
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical observation of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) assisting the revascularization of mature permanent teeth.

Methods

Twenty patients with mature permanent teeth were divided into experimental group and control group. The control group was treated with classic revascularization, and the experimental group was treated with PRF-assisted mature permanent tooth revascularization.

Results

After treatment, the total effective rate of the experimental group (100.00%) was higher than that of the control group (50.00%); the thickness of the root canal wall of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group, and the crown root length was lower than that of the control group; The bite degree, chewing function, color, overall aesthetic score, and satisfaction rate of the patients were higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Autologous PRF assists in revascularization of mature permanent teeth, which can achieve ideal results, and promote pulp regeneration.
CircFOXK2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and leads to a poor clinical prognosis via regulating the Warburg effect
Authors: Zheng Jun , Yan Xijing , Lu Tongyu , Song Wen , Li Yang , Liang Jinliang , Zhang Jiebin , Cai Jianye , Sui Xin , Xiao Jiaqi , Chen Haitian , Chen Guihua , Zhang Qi , Liu Yubin , Yang Yang , Zheng Kanghong , Pan Zihao
Published: March 2023

Background

The Warburg effect is well-established to be essential for tumor progression and accounts for the poor clinical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. An increasing body of literature suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators for HCC. However, few circRNAs involved in the Warburg effect of HCC have hitherto been investigated. Herein, we aimed to explore the contribution of circFOXK2 to glucose metabolism reprogramming in HCC.

Methods

In the present study, different primers were designed to identify 14 circRNAs originating from the FOXK2 gene, and their differential expression between HCC and adjacent liver tissues was screened. Ultimately, circFOXK2 (hsa_circ_0000817) was selected for further research. Next, the clinical significance of circFOXK2 was evaluated. We then assessed the pro-oncogenic activity of circFOXK2 and its impact on the Warburg effect in both HCC cell lines and animal xenografts. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of how circFOXK2 regulates the Warburg effect of HCC were explored.

Results

CircFOXK2 was aberrantly upregulated in HCC tissues and positively correlated with poor clinical outcomes in patients that underwent radical hepatectomy. Silencing of circFOXK2 significantly suppressed HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circFOXK2 upregulated the expression of protein FOXK2-142aa to promote LDHA phosphorylation and led to mitochondrial fission by regulating the miR-484/Fis1 pathway, ultimately activating the Warburg effect in HCC.

Conclusions

CircFOXK2 is a prognostic biomarker of HCC that promotes the Warburg effect by promoting the expression of proteins and miRNA sponges that lead to tumor progression. Overall, circFOXK2 has huge prospects as a potential therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
Image-based modeling of vascular organization to evaluate anti-angiogenic therapy
Authors: Ascheid David , Baumann Magdalena , Funke Caroline , Volz Julia , Pinnecker Jürgen , Friedrich Mike , Höhn Marie , Nandigama Rajender , Ergün Süleyman , Nieswandt Bernhard , Heinze Katrin G. , Henke Erik
Published: March 2023

In tumor therapy anti-angiogenic approaches have the potential to increase the efficacy of a wide variety of subsequently or co-administered agents, possibly by improving or normalizing the defective tumor vasculature. Successful implementation of the concept of vascular normalization under anti-angiogenic therapy, however, mandates a detailed understanding of key characteristics and a respective scoring metric that defines an improved vasculature and thus a successful attempt. Here, we show that beyond commonly used parameters such as vessel patency and maturation, anti-angiogenic approaches largely benefit if the complex vascular network with its vessel interconnections is both qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. To gain such deeper insight the organization of vascular networks, we introduce a multi-parametric evaluation of high-resolution angiographic images based on light-sheet fluorescence microscopy images of tumors. We first could pinpoint key correlations between vessel length, straightness and diameter to describe the regular, functional and organized structure observed under physiological conditions. We found that vascular networks from experimental tumors diverted from those in healthy organs, demonstrating the dysfunctionality of the tumor vasculature not only on the level of the individual vessel but also in terms of inadequate organization into larger structures. These parameters proofed effective in scoring the degree of disorganization in different tumor entities, and more importantly in grading a potential reversal under treatment with therapeutic agents. The presented vascular network analysis will support vascular normalization assessment and future optimization of anti-angiogenic therapy.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of [131I]iodocarvedilol as a potential radiopharmaceutical for heart imaging
Authors: Motaleb M. A. , Attalah K M , Shweeta H A , Ibrahim I. T.
Published: March 2023

The optimization of the radiolabeling yield of carvedilol with iodine-131 was described. Dependence of the labeling yield of [131I]iodocarvedilol on the concentration of carvedilol, chloramine-T content, pH of the reaction mixture and reaction time was studied in details. Carvedilol was labeled with iodine-131 at pH 6 with a labeling yield of 92.6 ± 2.77% by using 100 µg carvedilol, 200 µg chloramin-T (CAT) and 30 min reaction time. The formed [131I]iodocarvedilol was nearly stable for a time up to one day. Biodistribution of [131I]iodocarvedilol was investigated in experimental animals. [131/123I]iodocarvedilol was located in the heart with a concentration of 19.6 ± 0.41% of the injected dose at 60 min post injection. It has a high heart uptake and heart to liver ratio, both of which are beneficial for high-quality SPECT (single-photon emission computerized tomography) myocardial imaging. [131/123I]iodocarvedilol solve most the drawbacks of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved 99mTc-sestamibi.
The sex pheromone heptacosane enhances the mating competitiveness of sterile Aedes aegypti males
Authors: Wang Lin-Min , Li Ni , Zhang Mao , Tang Qi , Lu Hong-Zheng , Zhou Qing-Ya , Niu Jia-Xuan , Xiao Liang , Peng Zhe-Yu , Zhang Chao , Liu Miao , Wang Duo-Quan , Deng Sheng-Qun
Published: March 2023

Background

Aedes aegypti is a vector that transmits various viral diseases, including dengue and Zika. The radiation-based sterile insect technique (SIT) has a limited effect on mosquito control because of the difficulty in irradiating males without reducing their mating competitiveness. In this study, the insect sex pheromone heptacosane was applied to Ae. aegypti males to investigate whether it could enhance the mating competitiveness of irradiated males.

Methods

Heptacosane was smeared on the abdomens of Ae. aegypti males that were allowed to mate with untreated virgin females. The insemination rate was used to assess the attractiveness of heptacosane-treated males to females. The pupae were irradiated with different doses of X-rays and γ-rays, and the emergence, survival time, egg number, and hatch rate were detected to find the optimal dose of X-ray and γ-ray radiation. The males irradiated at the optimal dose were smeared with heptacosane, released in different ratios with untreated males, and mated with females. The effect of heptacosane on the mating competitiveness of irradiated mosquitoes was then evaluated by the hatch rate, induced sterility, and mating competitiveness index.

Results

Applying heptacosane to Ae. aegypti males significantly increased the insemination rate of females by 20%. Pupal radiation did not affect egg number but significantly reduced survival time and hatch rate. The emergence of the pupae was not affected by X-ray radiation but was affected by γ-ray radiation. Pupae exposed to 60 Gy X-rays and 40 Gy γ-rays were selected for subsequent experiments. After 60 Gy X-ray irradiation or 40 Gy γ-ray irradiation, the average hatch rate was less than 0.1%, and the average survival time was more than 15 days. Moreover, at the same release ratio, the hatch rate of the irradiated group perfumed with heptacosane was lower than that of the group without heptacosane. Conversely, the male sterility and male mating competitiveness index were significantly increased due to the use of heptacosane.

Conclusions

The sex pheromone heptacosane enhanced the interaction between Ae. aegypti males and females. Perfuming males irradiated by X-rays or γ-rays with heptacosane led to a significant increase in mating competitiveness. This study provided a new idea for improving the application effect of SIT.

Graphical Abstract
Causal relationship between insulin resistance and sarcopenia
Authors: Liu Zi-jian , Zhu Cui-feng
Published: March 2023

Sarcopenia is a multifactorial disease characterized by reduced muscle mass and function, leading to disability, death, and other diseases. Recently, the prevalence of sarcopenia increased considerably, posing a serious threat to health worldwide. However, no clear international consensus has been reached regarding the etiology of sarcopenia. Several studies have shown that insulin resistance may be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of induced muscle attenuation and that, conversely, sarcopenia can lead to insulin resistance. However, the causal relationship between the two is not clear. In this paper, the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is analyzed, the possible intrinsic causal relationship between sarcopenia and insulin resistance examined, and research progress expounded to provide a basis for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and study of the mechanism of sarcopenia.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability
Authors: Newell Victoria , Phillips Lucy , Jones Chris , Townsend Ellen , Richards Caroline , Cassidy Sarah
Published: March 2023

Background

Suicidality is highly prevalent in autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disabilities, and high autistic traits are found in adults who have attempted suicide. However, prevalence rates for both autistic and possibly autistic people have not been synthesised meta-analytically.

Aims

To (1) calculate pooled prevalence estimates of suicidality in autistic people and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability; (2) evaluate the influence of participant and study level characteristics on heterogeneity; and (3) determine the quality of evidence.

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed. PsycINFO, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science were systematically searched from 1992 to January 25, 2022. Empirical quantitative studies reporting prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide plans, or suicide attempts and behaviours were considered for inclusion. Random effects models were used to estimate pooled prevalence of each suicidality outcome with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was explored using sensitivity and moderator analyses.

Results

Data from 48,186 autistic and possibly autistic participants in 36 primary studies were meta-analysed. Pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation was 34.2% (95% CI 27.9–40.5), suicide plans 21.9% (13.4–30.4), and suicidal attempts and behaviours 24.3% (18.9–29.6). High levels of heterogeneity (I2 > 75) were observed in all three analyses. Estimates did not differ between autistic or possibly autistic samples. Geographical location (p = 0.005), transgender or gender non-conforming samples (p < 0.001) and type of report (p < 0.001) significantly moderated suicidal ideation, whereas age group (p = 0.001) and measure of suicidality (p = 0.001) significantly moderated suicide plans. There was a significant association between the proportion of male participants and prevalence of suicide plans, with a decrease in the proportion of males for every unit change of suicide plan prevalence (p = 0.013). No variables were found to moderate estimates of suicide attempts and behaviours.

Conclusions

The results confirm suicidality is highly prevalent in both autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability and highlights potential moderators. Possibly autistic individuals require more attention in clinical and research considerations going forward to further understand and prevent suicide in both groups.
The toxic effects of anabolic steroids “nandrolone decanoate” on cardiac and skeletal muscles with the potential ameliorative effects of silymarin and fenugreek seeds extract in adult male albino rats
Authors: Hassan Dalia Abd Elwahab , Ghaleb Sherien S. , Zaki Amr reda , Abdelmenem Ahmed , Nabil Shimaa , Alim Mostafa Abdallah Abdel
Published: March 2023

Background

Anabolic steroids (AS) are commonly abused by body builders and athletes aiming to increase their strength and muscle mass but unfortunately, the long-term use of AS may lead to serious side effects. Nandrolone Decanoate is one of the Class II anabolic androgenic steroids which quickly spread globally and used clinically and illicitly. Our research was directed to assess the toxic effects of anabolic steroids on cardiac and skeletal muscles in male albino rats and to evaluate the potential ameliorative effects of fenugreek seeds extract and silymarin.

Methods

Our research was done on 120 male albino rats that were allocated into 6 groups; group I: Served as a control group, group II: Received the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Decanoate, group III: Received silymarin orally, group IV: Received fenugreek seeds extract orally, group (V): Received the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Decanoate and silymarin and group (VI): Received the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Decanoate and fenugreek seeds extract. By the end of the study, rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and autopsy samples for histopathological examination.

Results

The anabolic steroids toxic effects on rats showed a significant decrease in serum High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level and increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels. There was a significant elevation in cardiac troponin I level. As regards to histopathological examination of the cardiac and skeletal muscles, the study showed marked degenerative changes and necrosis. Both silymarin and fenugreek seeds extract provided a protective effect on the biochemical and histopathological changes. The antioxidant effects of silymarin and fenugreek seeds extract were evaluated on the heart, skeletal muscles and showed that, the tissue levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) decreased in AS treated rats compared to the control group. On the other hand, the tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were elevated.

Conclusions

Anabolic steroids have a toxic effect on the cardiac and skeletal muscles of albino rats with improvement by treatment with fenugreek seeds extract and silymarin.
Exogenous and endogenous factors affecting the social impact of cultural projects: the case of Barcelona ecosystem
Authors: Bonet Lluís , Calvano Giada , Fernández Compañ Pablo
Published: March 2023

Cultural projects, particularly when aiming at social impact, are usually the result of the context, values, and social fabric. Some endogenous factors, such as governance models and availability of resources, mainly committed human resources, could explain their particular development as well, despite being widely recurrent. Cultural policies are also determined by dominant social values and usually respond to the territorial context. But to what extent are these also enabling factors for the development of cultural projects with specific social goals? The present article intends to study the emergence of cultural projects with a clear intentionality of social impact in the local context of Barcelona. Starting from the analysis of 14 cases, the article evaluates the exogenous and endogenous factors and typologies of programmes implemented in order to understand the non-linear complexity of social impact generation in the case of cultural projects.
Conversion surgery after lenvatinib treatment for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Yamazaki Haruhiko , Masudo Katsuhiko , Kanada Sachie , Inayama Yoshiaki , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Fujii Yu , Rino Yasushi
Published: March 2023

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive form of thyroid carcinoma. Lenvatinib, a multikinase inhibitor, is rarely used in preoperative settings due to adverse effects including delayed wound healing and fistula formation. Herein, we report the use of lenvatinib treatment prior to conversion surgery for the treatment of ATC.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with suspected thyroid cancer with recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion and cervical lymph node metastasis based on the results of ultrasonography. Computed tomography demonstrated the presence of a thyroid tumor invading the trachea and esophagus with no evidence of distant metastasis. Fine needle aspiration of the left cervical lymph node indicated the lymph node metastasis of ATC. As the tumor had widely invaded the trachea and esophagus, unresectable ATC was diagnosed and treatment with lenvatinib was initiated at a dose of 24 mg/day. On day 13 of lenvatinib treatment, the primary tumor and lymph node metastases demonstrated a partial response to therapy. As the tumor was now considered resectable, the decision was made to perform conversion surgery. Total thyroidectomy and left lateral neck node dissection were performed 7 days after the withdrawal of lenvatinib. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 with no complications. Histopathological examination demonstrated that the tumor contained the component of papillary thyroid carcinoma, squamoid ATC cells, and granulation tissue. In areas of granulation tissue, atypical cells with spindle-shaped or polygonal morphology, pyknotic nuclei, and scant cytoplasm were observed. Immunohistochemically, these cells were positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, TTF-1, and p53 and negative for thyroglobulin and PAX8. Therefore, the areas of granulation tissue observed within tumor samples were also considered ATC that were affected by lenvatinib treatment. In total, approximately 50% of resected tumor comprised ATC, and 70% of them had been changed to granulation tissue.

Conclusions

The findings in the present case indicate that lenvatinib may have significant antitumor effects in preoperative settings. Lenvatinib may represent a promising candidate therapy for unresectable ATC by increasing tumor resectability.
Efficacy of a Smoking Cessation Intervention for Survivors of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia or Cervical Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vidrine Jennifer I. , Sutton Steven K. , Wetter David W. , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Ramondetta Lois M. , Elting Linda S. , Walker Joan L. , Smith Katie M. , Frank-Pearce Summer G. , Li Yisheng , Jones Sarah R. , Kendzor Darla E. , Simmons Vani N. , Vidrine Damon J.
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

Women who smoke and have a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer represent a vulnerable subgroup at elevated risk for recurrence, poorer cancer treatment outcomes, and decreased quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Motivation And Problem Solving (MAPS), a novel treatment well-suited to meeting the smoking cessation needs of this population.

METHODS

Women who were with a history of CIN or cervical cancer, age 18 years and older, spoke English or Spanish, and reported current smoking (≥100 lifetime cigarettes plus any smoking in the past 30 days) were eligible. Participants (N = 202) were recruited in clinic in Oklahoma City and online nationally and randomly assigned to (1) standard treatment (ST) or (2) MAPS. ST consisted of repeated referrals to a tobacco cessation quitline, self-help materials, and combination nicotine replacement therapy (patch plus lozenge). MAPS comprised all ST components plus up to six proactive telephone counseling sessions over 12 months. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations evaluated the intervention. The primary outcome was self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence from tobacco at 18 months, with abstinence at 3, 6, and 12 months and biochemically confirmed abstinence as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

There was no significant effect for MAPS over ST at 18 months (14.2% v 12.9%, P = .79). However, there was a significant condition × assessment interaction ( P = .015). Follow-up analyses found that MAPS ( v ST) abstinence rates were significantly greater at 12 months (26.4% v 11.9%, P = .017; estimated OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.19 to 5.89).

CONCLUSION

MAPS led to a greater than two-fold increase in smoking abstinence among survivors of CIN and cervical cancer at 12 months. At 18 months, abstinence in MAPS declined to match the control condition and the treatment effect was no longer significant.
Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity: A Concise Review of the Burden, Prevention, and Interception Strategies
Authors: Chattaraj Asmi , Syed Masood Pasha , Low Carissa A. , Owonikoko Taofeek K.
Published: March 2023

Cisplatin is a bedrock of cancer management and one of the most used chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of germ cell, lung, bladder, ovarian, and head and neck cancers. Approximately 500,000 patients diagnosed annually with these cancer types in the United States could be candidates for treatment with cisplatin. There is a 5-fold increase in the risk of hearing impairment or ototoxicity with cisplatin, which can manifest as ringing in the ear (tinnitus), high-frequency hearing loss, and at late stages, a decreased ability to hear normal conversation. More than half of adult and pediatric patients with cancer treated with cisplatin developed hearing impairment with major impact on patients' health-related quality of life. A considerable evidence gap persists regarding the burden and effective prevention and interception strategies for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, especially in adult patients with cancer. We conducted a review of the published literature to provide an update on the status of this important clinical challenge. We also surveyed practicing oncologists within our network of academic and community practices to gain a better understanding of how the published literature compares with real-world practice. Our review of the literature showed a lack of standardized guidelines for monitoring and treatment of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, especially in the adult cancer patient population. Our survey of practicing oncologists mirrored the findings from the published literature with a heterogeneity of practice, which highlights the need for standardization.
Thermodynamic studies of a rotating polytropic black hole: Outer and interior regions
Authors: Haldar Amritendu , Haldar Anendu
Published: March 2023

In this letter, considering the metric of a rotating polytropic black hole in the Boyer-Lindquist coordinates, at first, we derive the thermodynamic parameters such as entropy S, Helmholtz free energy F, internal energy U and Gibbs free energy G and study its dependence on the outer horizon by depicting suitable graphs. Then after reconstruction of the metric of the same in the Eddington-Finkelstein coordinates, we establish the interior volume of the black hole. We further analyze the variations of the interior volume with the small change of the advanced time with respect to the radius. Here we show the existence of a certain value of the radius for which this variation becomes maximum. Moreover, we show the dependence of this maximum value of the radius on the mass of the black hole. We derive the differential form of the interior volume for this limit of the radius and hence the maximal interior volume of the said black hole. Finally, we analyze the same thermodynamic parameters inside the black hole and present a comparative study between the parameters in the outer and interior regions of the black hole.
Sleep Disturbances Across a Woman's Lifespan: What Is the Role of Reproductive Hormones?
Authors: Haufe Annika , Leeners Brigitte
Published: March 2023

Fluctuations of reproductive hormones are associated with various forms of sleep disturbances and specific sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep-disordered breathing, across different stages of reproductive aging. During the menstrual cycle, sleep is particularly disrupted during the late luteal phase, as demonstrated by both objective and subjective measurements of sleep. Progesterone and its metabolites generally have sleep-promoting effects. A steep decline in progesterone, for example, during the late luteal phase, is associated with sleep disruption. Endogenous estrogen shows no clear correlation with sleep alterations in relation to the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, sleep disruption is not associated with changes in estrogen or progesterone but rather with changing physiological factors, such as nocturnal micturition, gastroesophageal reflux, or musculoskeletal discomfort, all substantial factors that most likely mask any effect of hormones. Both endogenous and exogenous estrogen, as well as progesterone, are positively associated with sleep during the menopausal transition. A marked improvement of sleep disturbances is observed with perimenopausal hormone therapy. As this effect is not seen in younger women receiving contraceptive therapy, other causes of sleep disturbances, such as aging and related changes in metabolism of stress hormones, secondary effects of vasomotor symptoms, or depression, must be considered. Gonadotropins are less associated with sleep disturbances than ovarian hormones, except for during the menopausal transition where follicle-stimulating hormone is related to sleep disruption. Further, hyperandrogenism, as seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, is associated with sleep disturbances and specific sleep disorders, for example, obstructive sleep apnea.
The Queerness of Character-Details
Authors: Bradway Teagan
Published: March 2023

This essay reconsiders the skepticism toward queer characters and the default privilege given to antirepresentational aesthetics in queer theory. To grasp the queer affordances of character, the essay identifies character-detail as an iconic and embodied dimension of character as an aesthetic form. Character-details beckon for queer uptake, or the recirculation of character-details into contexts, genres, and media to unlock new narrative trajectories for queerness. Character-details thus highlight the promiscuously queer relationality of character as an aesthetic form. The essay then turns to A. K. Summers’s graphic memoir, Pregnant Butch: Nine Long Months Spent in Drag (2014), which takes up the character-details of Tintin to expand the narration of gender nonconformity. Finally, the essay traces how character-details focalize bisexual queer eroticism in Carmen Maria Machado’s short story “Inventory” from Her Body and Other Parties (2017). Taken together, these texts exemplify the centrality of queer characters to—and character as an aesthetic form in—contemporary queer literature.
Breaking Up Evening Sitting with Resistance Activity Improves Postprandial Glycemic Response: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: GALE JENNIFER T. , WEI DOROTHY L. , HASZARD JILLIAN J. , BROWN RACHEL C. , TAYLOR RACHAEL W. , PEDDIE MEREDITH C.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Interrupting sedentary time during the day reduces postprandial glycemia (a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease). However, it is not known if benefits exist for postprandial glucose, insulin and triglyceride responses in the evening, and if these benefits differ by body mass index (BMI) category.

Methods

In a randomized crossover study, 30 participants (25.4 ± 5.4 yr old; BMI 18.5–24.9: n = 10, BMI 25–29.9: n = 10, BMI ≥30: n = 10) completed two intervention arms, beginning at ~1700 h: prolonged sitting for 4 h, and sitting with regular activity breaks of 3 min of resistance exercises every 30 min. Plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride concentrations were measured in response to two meals fed at baseline and 120 min. Four-hour incremental area under the curve was compared between interventions. Moderation by BMI status was explored.

Results

Overall, when compared with prolonged sitting, regular activity breaks lowered plasma glucose and insulin incremental area under the curve by 31.5% (95% confidence interval = −49.3% to −13.8%) and 26.6% (−39.6% to −9.9%), respectively. No significant differences were found for plasma triglyceride area under the curve. Interactions between BMI status and intervention was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Interventions that interrupt sedentary time in the evening may improve cardiometabolic health by some magnitude in all participants regardless of bodyweight.
Competition and Collaboration on Fundraising for Short-Term Disaster Response: The Impact on Earmarking and Performance
Authors: Aflaki Arian , Pedraza-Martinez Alfonso J.
Published: March 2023

Problem definition: Most humanitarian organizations (HOs) allow donors to earmark their donations (i.e., designate their contributions to a specific purpose). Allowing earmarking may increase donations; however, it creates operational inefficiencies that undermine the impact of those donations. Extant literature has mainly studied earmarking and its operational consequences in the absence of funding competition. We examine how competition for funding impacts earmarking decisions, fundraising costs, and HO performance in short-term disaster response. In addition to the competition model, we analyze two collaborative fundraising models: (i) full collaboration, where HOs contact donors as a unit and donors cannot donate to specific HOs on the fundraiser, and (ii) partial collaboration, where HOs contact donors as a unit and donors choose among the contacting HOs. Methodology: We use game theory to model the interactions between multiple HOs and a market of donors and build a multinomial logit model for the donor choice problem. Results: We find that competition for funding contributes to the prevalence of earmarked donations, increases fundraising costs, and hurts HO performance and utility. We show that two collaborative fundraising models can mitigate these issues depending on the availability of funding resources. When funding is abundant, full collaboration improves HO utility and reduces earmarking and fundraising costs. When funding is scarce, partial collaboration reduces fundraising costs and improves performance and HO utility. When funding is intermediate, these two forms of collaboration do not necessarily benefit HOs. Managerial implications: We illustrate how funding availability drives earmarking and fundraising decisions and key performance metrics of different funding models during short-term disaster response. Using data from the 2010 Haiti earthquake, our numerical study indicates that partial collaboration benefits response to disasters with funding shortage, whereas full collaboration suits disaster response with sufficient funding. HOs competing for funds can use our insights to improve their response effectiveness.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.1202 .
Improving outcomes for older people with emergency care needs
Authors: van Oppen James , Conroy Simon
Published: March 2023

This article describes work on emergency care for older people. It summarises patient experience in emergency care settings, the evidence base relating to improvement of outcomes and emerging interventions and describes tools that can support teams as they work on service improvement. Finally, it calls for the measurement of outcomes that matter to older people, as a mechanism to drive more person-centred approaches to emergency care.
Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, biochemical markers and probability of occurrence of severe dengue: A multicenter hospital-based study in Bangladesh
Authors: Yang Jingli , Mosabbir Abdullah Al , Raheem Enayetur , Hu Wenbiao , Hossain Mohammad Sorowar
Published: March 2023

Establishing reliable early warning models for severe dengue cases is a high priority to facilitate triage in dengue-endemic areas and optimal use of limited resources. However, few studies have identified the complex interactive relationship between potential risk factors and severe dengue. This research aimed to assess the potential risk factors and detect their high-order combinative effects on severe dengue. A structured questionnaire was used to collect detailed dengue outbreak data from eight representative hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2019. Logistic regression and machine learning models were used to examine the complex effects of demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, and biochemical markers on severe dengue. A total of 1,090 dengue cases (158 severe and 932 non-severe) were included in this study. Dyspnoea (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.87, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.72 to 4.77), plasma leakage (OR = 3.61, 95% CI: 2.12 to 6.15), and hemorrhage (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.46 to 3.73) were positively and significantly associated with the occurrence of severe dengue. Classification and regression tree models showed that the probability of occurrence of severe dengue cases ranged from 7% (age >12.5 years without plasma leakage) to 92.9% (age ≤12.5 years with dyspnoea and plasma leakage). The random forest model indicated that age was the most important factor in predicting severe dengue, followed by education, plasma leakage, platelet, and dyspnoea. The research provides new evidence to identify key risk factors contributing to severe dengue cases, which could be beneficial to clinical doctors to identify and predict the severity of dengue early.
B-cell epitope discovery: The first protein flexibility-based algorithm–Zika virus conserved epitope demonstration
Authors: Biner Daniel W. , Grosch Jason S. , Ortoleva Peter J.
Published: March 2023

Antibody-antigen interaction–at antigenic local environments called B-cell epitopes–is a prominent mechanism for neutralization of infection. Effective mimicry, and display, of B-cell epitopes is key to vaccine design. Here, a physical approach is evaluated for the discovery of epitopes which evolve slowly over closely related pathogens (conserved epitopes). The approach is 1) protein flexibility-based and 2) demonstrated with clinically relevant enveloped viruses, simulated via molecular dynamics. The approach is validated against 1) seven structurally characterized enveloped virus epitopes which evolved the least (out of thirty-nine enveloped virus-antibody structures), 2) two structurally characterized non-enveloped virus epitopes which evolved slowly (out of eight non-enveloped virus-antibody structures), and 3) eight preexisting epitope and peptide discovery algorithms. Rationale for a new benchmarking scheme is presented. A data-driven epitope clustering algorithm is introduced. The prediction of five Zika virus epitopes (for future exploration on recombinant vaccine technologies) is demonstrated. For the first time, protein flexibility is shown to outperform solvent accessible surface area as an epitope discovery metric.
The short-term economic consequences of COVID-19: Exposure to disease, remote work and government response
Authors: Beland Louis-Philippe , Brodeur Abel , Wright Taylor
Published: March 2023

We examine the determinants of the consequences of COVID-19 on employment and wages in the United States. Guided by a pre-analysis plan, we investigate whether the economic consequences of COVID-19 were larger for certain occupations, using four indexes: workers relatively more exposed to disease, workers that work with proximity to coworkers, essential/critical workers and workers who can easily work remotely. We find that individuals that work in proximity to others are more affected while individuals able to work remotely and essential workers are less affected by the pandemic. We also present suggestive evidence that our indexes are likely explanations why certain demographic groups such as younger and minority workers have worse labor market outcomes during the pandemic.
SPARK Resilience in the workplace: Effectiveness of a brief online resilience intervention during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Boniwell Ilona , Osin Evgeny , Kalisch Larissa , Chabanne Justine , Abou Zaki Line
Published: March 2023

Science asserts that resilience at work can be developed, with evidence pinpointing to multiple resources that can be built through deliberate coaching, training and interventions. This paper presents a mixed-methods study exploring the effectiveness of group coaching using SPARK Resilience training, a model and a structured coaching protocol that have been administered in educational and workplace settings in face-to-face format and remotely. The study used a non-randomised controlled design with a pre-test and a post-test in a sample of French adults (N = 101 in the intervention group and N = 86 in the waitlist control group). The SPARK Resilience programme was administered online with 8 sessions spanning 4 weeks in April 2020, during the very early stage of the pandemic and lockdown in France. The results indicate beneficial effects of the intervention on meaning, resilience, positive affect, and perceived stress outcomes (d in the .40-.56 range), as well as weaker effects on negative affect (d = .35) and work engagement (d = .21). Moderator analyses suggest that the effects of the intervention on perceived stress and negative affect tended to be stronger for older adults. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention and provided 151 responses to three open-ended questions that were coded using thematic analysis, revealing specific benefits of the intervention. The findings are interpreted within the pandemic context, showing the way resilience interventions can help people overcome unprecedented challenges.