bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience, Rationality, Situation and Fallibilism: Establishing a Feminist Pragmatist Epistemology in Game Studies
Authors: Chiapello Laureline
Published: July 2023

Since the seventies, the definition of scientific knowledge has undergone major shifts. However, game researchers do not sufficiently reflect upon those epistemological changes. This paper suggests that to make game studies more inclusive—for women especially and diverse voices in general—game researchers need to shift from traditional, objective epistemologies toward pragmatist ones instead. To support such an argument, this paper first focuses on the central concepts of pragmatist feminist epistemology: experience, rationality, situation and fallibilism. Those concepts are then used for a rereading of game studies epistemological stances. I argue that game studies initially adhered to traditional epistemologies, which formed hostile attitudes toward women and minorities in the field. On the contrary, several authors now develop their scholarship congruently with a feminist pragmatist epistemology. Their works are analyzed to observe how pragmatist feminist concepts concretely manifest in research.
What We Can Learn About Emotion by Talking With the Hadza
Authors: Hoemann Katie , Gendron Maria , Crittenden Alyssa N. , Mangola Shani Msafiri , Endeko Endeko S. , Dussault Èvelyne , Barrett Lisa Feldman , Mesquita Batja
Published: July 2023

Emotions are often thought of as internal mental states centering on individuals’ subjective feelings and evaluations. This understanding is consistent with studies of emotion narratives, or the descriptions people give for experienced events that they regard as emotions. Yet these studies, and contemporary psychology more generally, often rely on observations of educated Europeans and European Americans, constraining psychological theory and methods. In this article, we present observations from an inductive, qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with the Hadza, a community of small-scale hunter-gatherers in Tanzania, and juxtapose them with a set of interviews conducted with Americans from North Carolina. Although North Carolina event descriptions largely conformed to the assumptions of eurocentric psychological theory, Hadza descriptions foregrounded action and bodily sensations, the physical environment, immediate needs, and the experiences of social others. These observations suggest that subjective feelings and internal mental states may not be the organizing principle of emotion the world around. Qualitative analysis of emotion narratives from outside of a U.S. (and western) cultural context has the potential to uncover additional diversity in meaning-making, offering a descriptive foundation on which to build a more robust and inclusive science of emotion.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oils From the Pseudostem and Leaves of Meistera tomrey Growing in Vietnam
Authors: Doan Tuan Quoc , Nguyen Duc Danh , Nguyen Hoai Thi , Ogunwande Isiaka Ajani
Published: July 2023

Meistera tomrey, Zingiberaceae is a species native to Indochina. The present study reports the chemical compositions of essential oils extracted from the pseudostem and leaves of M tomrey. The results of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed varying compositions of specific compounds in both the pseudostem and leaves. In the pseudostem, β-pinene accounted for 14.2% and 1,8-cineole for 13.5%. As for the leaves, β-pinene comprised 6.6% and 1,8-cineole 16.7%. α-Pinene represented 6.9% in the pseudostem and 4.6% in the leaves, while borneol contributed 4.6% in the pseudostem and 4.2% in the leaves. Additionally, ( E)-caryophyllene constituted 3.6% in the pseudostem and 4.4% in the leaves, and ( E)-nerolidol 3.5% in the pseudostem and 7.6% in the leaves. This is the first report on the chemical compositions of essential oil from M tomrey.
Rate of Infection and Causative Organisms in a Lateral Approach Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Alhaddab Yasser A. , Mittal Rajat , Symes Michael J. , Wines Andrew P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Although the rate of both superficial and deep infection in total ankle replacement (TAR) can reach up to 13% as reported in the literature, there is little information on the causative organisms, especially in laterally implanted prosthesis. This study aims to identify organisms causing infections to ultimately guide to better antibiotic prophylaxis.

Methods

Between September 2016 and April 2021, we retrospectively reviewed patients who had an infection after a lateral TAR. Cause of the infection, causative organisms, and implant survival were recorded.

Results

Out of 130 patients, 10 of 130 patients (7.6%) had a superficial infection whereas 3 of 130 patients (2.3%) had a deep infection. Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species were found to be the most common. No significant difference was found between the type of plate used for fibula fixation regarding wound dehiscence.

Conclusions

Infection after lateral TAR is generally polymicrobial in nature with Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species being the most common.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV Case Series
Crocin Inhibits the Type 2 Inflammatory Response Produced by ILC2s in Eosinophilic Nasal Polyps
Authors: Xiaodong Xu , Tao Li , Jianmin Liu , Jing Zhou , Bing Zhong , Jintao Du , Bachert Claus , Luo Ba
Published: July 2023

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is subdivided into type 1 and type 2 inflammatory responses according to the mucosal inflammatory patterns. Crocin can reduce the level of T-helper type 2 cell (Th2) cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), and inhibit the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the role of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in type 2 inflammation in eosinophilic nasal polyps and the inhibitory effect of crocin on this inflammation.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of transcription factors and the infiltration of ILC2s in tissues. An ILC2 stimulation model in vitro was constructed based on IL-33 stimulation and treated with crocin. The explant models were constructed and treated with crocin to detect the expression of type 2 inflammation-related factors.

Results

Significantly more GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA3)-positive cells and chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on T-helper type 2 cell (CRTH2)-positive cells, but fewer T-box expressed in T cell (T-bet)-positive cells, were found in eosinophilic nasal polyps (NPwEos). The expression levels of GATA3 and CRTH2 were significantly higher in NPwEos. Recombinant IL-33 stimulation increased the expression of GATA3, CRTH2, and type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in ILC2s. In an IL-33-stimulated in vitro ILC2 culture model, crocin inhibited the type 2 inflammatory response, especially at lower concentrations (10 µM). The explant organoids of NPwEos were constructed in vitro, and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) was used to construct the type 2 inflammation model. Crocin at 10 µM concentration inhibited type 2 inflammation induced by SEB-stimulated explants.

Conclusion

Crocin inhibited type 2 inflammation induced by ILC2 activation at low concentrations via inhibiting the activation of NF-κB.
Mobile phone use before and during the COVID-19 pandemic – a panel study of older adults in seven countries
Authors: Taipale Sakari , Oinas Tomi , Ivan Loredana , Rosenberg Dennis
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in older adults’ mobile phone use from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. The media displacement and digital divide approaches served as the theoretical frameworks of the study. The data were drawn from the 2018 and 2020 waves of the Aging + Communication + Technology cross-national longitudinal panel study. The sample consisted of older Internet users, aged 62 to 96 (in 2018), from Austria, Canada, Finland, Israel, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain, who participated in both waves (N = 4,398). Latent class analysis and latent transition analysis with multinomial regression models were the main methods applied to the data. With regard to the findings, three mobile phone function use profiles—Narrow Use, Medium Use, and Broad Use—were identified from the data. Lower age, being married, higher income, and place of residence (in 2018) predicted belonging to the three profiles, while country differences in the prevalence of the profiles were substantial. Between 2018 and 2020, transition from one profile to another was relatively rare but typically toward the “Broad Use” category. Profile transitions were most common in Romania, while stability was highest in Finland, Israel, and Canada. In addition, gender, age, marital status, and place of residence predicted the likelihood of changing from one profile to another between 2018 and 2020. The results suggest that older adults’ mobile phone function use is relatively stable over a two-year time span. While new mobile phone functions are adopted, they seem to augment the spectrum of mobile usage rather than displace older similar functionalities. In addition, demographic, socioeconomic, and country-level digital divides, although slightly modified over time, remain significant among older adults.
A case of Chopra-Amiel-Gordon syndrome with a novel heterozygous variant in the ANKRD17 gene: A case report
Authors: Tinatin Tkemaladze , Kakha Bregvadze , Mikheil Gogoberishvili , Tamari Sopromadze-Diebold , Elene Abzianidze
Published: July 2023

Chopra-Amiel-Gordon syndrome (OMIM: 619504) is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, speech delay, epilepsy, dysmorphic craniofacial features, ophthalmological abnormalities, and recurrent infections. It is caused by heterozygous loss-of-function pathogenic variants in the ANKRD17 gene, which codes for an ankyrin repeat-containing protein. Currently, about 35 cases of Chopra-Amiel-Gordon syndrome are described in the medical literature. We report on a 4-year-old female patient with a novel heterozygous variant in the ANKRD17 gene.
Providing Hepatitis C Treatment Locally for Substance-Using Patients
Authors: Clapp Susan B. , Johnson Christopher B.
Published: July 2023

This quality improvement (QI) project provided Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment at a Federally Qualified Health Clinic (FQHC) for persons who use illicit drugs. Many of these individuals sought treatment at the local Infectious Disease (ID) clinic but were denied care as they require a patient be drug-free for 6 months prior to HCV treatment. These individuals expressed a desire to be cured of HCV, which can lead to liver failure or cirrhosis if left untreated. This project bridged the existing gap in HCV treatment that currently exists for substance-users in this city. Pre-treatment HCV levels were obtained from 20 participants who completed an 8-week daily regimen of Mavyret, a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agent, prescribed by a primary care Nurse Practitioner (NP), trained to treat HCV. Pre-treatment HCV loads were compared to the sustained viral load, obtained 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR-12), which is considered the “test of cure.” The results indicate that 100% of returning patients were considered cured of HCV. This program successfully integrated HCV treatment at a community health center, in a population affected by substance use. Adoption of similar programs in primary care clinics can help meet the clinical needs of this often stigmatized and vulnerable population as well as cure them of HCV.
Beyond Cuddling Canines: Exploring Students’ Perceptions of the Importance of Touch in an On-Campus Canine-Assisted Intervention
Authors: Green Freya L. L. , Binfet John-Tyler
Published: July 2023

Despite the increasing popularity of canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) across a variety of contexts, there is a paucity of literature exploring participants’ perceptions of the mechanisms that contribute to the benefits reported by researchers. This study aimed to expand on the knowledge obtained by our Phase I findings and to better understand undergraduate participants’ ( N = 280) perceptions and experiences of direct, physical contact versus indirect, close contact with therapy dogs and spending time with therapy dog handlers alone. Participants’ responses revealed that direct contact with therapy dogs was more likely to elicit benefits in positive affect, including reducing stress and improving mood, than those in the indirect or handler-only groups. Conversely, spending time with the handlers only was more likely to elicit social benefits, such as feeling more connected and less homesick. These findings hold implications for post-secondary CAIs and for therapy dog programs.
Descriptive Analysis of Preoperative Breast Reconstruction Patient Expectations Using the BREAST-Q Expectations Module
Authors: Kim Leslie N. , Rubenstein Robyn N. , Haglich Kathryn , Kim Minji , Coriddi Michelle , Pusic Andrea L. , Nelson Jonas A , McCarthy Colleen M.
Published: July 2023

Background: Patient expectations have been shown to influence postoperative outcomes across surgical specialties. However, the impact of expectations in breast reconstruction is not well understood. The purpose of this project is to perform the first large-scale analysis and classification of BREAST-Q Expectations responses in patients undergoing implant-based reconstruction. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent postmastectomy implant-based reconstruction and completed the BREAST-Q Expectations module preoperatively between 2012 and 2021. Variables of interest included patient demographics, comorbidities, and surgical characteristics. Outcomes of interest included BREAST-Q Expectations module scores. Shapiro Wilk Normality Tests demonstrated that none of the domains had a normal distribution of scores; scores were categorized by thirds to generate thresholds for optimistic, neutral, and pessimistic scores. Results: 298 patients met criteria. The mean age of the cohort was 50.3 and the mean BMI was 25.4. Half of the patients had at least one comorbidity – most commonly obesity, followed by diabetes. About two-thirds had a psychiatric diagnosis. Scores on all domains were skewed overwhelmingly positive (expectations of Medical Team, Coping, Appearance, Self-feelings, and Sexuality) or overwhelmingly negative (expectations of Pain and Recovery), which informed score categorization and interpretation. Conclusions: Preoperative expectations in patients undergoing implant-based reconstruction skew overwhelmingly optimistic for most domains, but overwhelmingly pessimistic on expectations of Pain and Recovery. These results emphasize a need for improved preoperative patient education and counseling as well as a closer analysis of the relationship between preoperative expectations and postoperative outcomes and quality of life.
At-Risk Tackling Techniques and Effectiveness in NCAA Division I Collegiate Football
Authors: Hirase Takashi , Bondar Kevin , Doucet Dakota , Moore Brady , Saifi Comron , Marco Rex A.W.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Head-down tackling has been associated with injuries to the brachial plexus, cervical spine, and head in high school and collegiate American football. Head-down tackling has also been associated with decreased effectiveness in successful tackles compared with head-up tackling.

Purpose:

To assess tackling techniques used during National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I football games and to evaluate the successful tackling rates according to technique.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Three reviewers analyzed 1000 consecutive solo defensive tackling attempts made in the 2021 season (October to December) by 8 universities within the NCAA Southeastern Conference. Slow-motion replays were used to analyze the success of the tackling attempt, the tackling method, and the initial point of contact with respect to the offensive player’s waist. The chi-square or Fisher exact test was used to analyze categorical data, and the 2-tailed Student t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze continuous data.

Results:

Head-up and head-down tackling occurred in 902 (90.2%) and 98 (9.8%) tackle attempts, respectively. Head-up tackles were successful in 76.2% of the attempts compared with 55.1% for head-down tackles ( P < .001). Tackles were made at or above the offensive player’s waist in 777 (77.7%) attempts and below the waist in 223 (22.3%) attempts. Tackles at or above the waist were successful in 77.6% of the attempts compared with 61.9% of tackles below the waist ( P < .001). The inside-shoulder method was used in 592 (59.2%) tackles, the arm method in 317 (31.7%), the head-across-the-bow method in 72 (7.2%), and the helmet-to-helmet method in 19 (1.9%). Inside-shoulder tackles had the highest success rate of 93.2%, compared with 41.6% for arm ( P < .001), 59.7% for head-across-the-bow ( P < .001), and 73.7% for helmet-to-helmet ( P = .001) tackles. Inside-shoulder tackles resulted in head-up tackling in 92.9% compared with 41.7% for head-across-the-bow ( P < .001) and 57.9% for helmet-to-helmet ( P < .001) tackles. There were no recorded injuries to the tackler.

Conclusion:

Head-up tackles, tackles made at or above the offensive player’s waist, and inside-shoulder tackles had the highest success rates. Head-down tackling and tackling below the waist were associated with poor tackling methods, including head-across-the-bow and helmet-to-helmet tackles, which had lower success rates.
A Wire-Driven Series Elastic Mechanism Based on Ultrasonic Motor for Walking Assistive System
Authors: Ren Weihao , Yoshioka Hiroki , Yang Lin , Morita Takeshi
Published: July 2023

In order to improve the elderly people’s quality of life, supporting their walking behaviors is a promising technology. Therefore, based on one ultrasonic motor, a wire-driven series elastic mechanism for walking assistive system is proposed and investigated in this research. In contrast to tradition, it innovatively utilizes an ultrasonic motor and a wire-driven series elastic mechanism to achieve superior system performances in aspects of simple structure, high torque/weight ratio, quiet operation, quick response, favorable electromagnetic compatibility, strong shock resistance, better safety, and accurately stable force control. The proposed device is mainly composed of an ultrasonic motor, a linear spring, a steel wire, four pulleys and one rotating part. To overcome the ultrasonic motor’s insufficient output torque, a steel wire and pulleys are smartly combined to directly magnify the torque instead of using a conventional gear reducer. Among the pulleys, there is one tailored pulley playing an important role to keep the reduction ratio as 4.5 constantly. Meanwhile, the prototype is manufactured and its actual performance is verified by experimental results. In a one-second operating cycle, it only takes 86 ms for this mechanism to output an assistive torque of 1.6 N·m. At this torque, the ultrasonic motor’s speed is around 4.1 rad/s. Moreover, experiments with different operation periods have been conducted for different application scenarios. This study provides a useful idea for the application of ultrasonic motor in walking assistance system.
Genomic virulence features of Beauveria bassiana as a biocontrol agent for the mountain pine beetle population
Authors: Li Janet X. , Fernandez Kleinberg X. , Ritland Carol , Jancsik Sharon , Engelhardt Daniel B. , Coombe Lauren , Warren René L. , van Belkum Marco J. , Carroll Allan L. , Vederas John C. , Bohlmann Joerg , Birol Inanc
Published: July 2023

Background

The mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae, is an irruptive bark beetle that causes extensive mortality to many pine species within the forests of western North America. Driven by climate change and wildfire suppression, a recent mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreak has spread across more than 18 million hectares, including areas to the east of the Rocky Mountains that comprise populations and species of pines not previously affected. Despite its impacts, there are few tactics available to control MPB populations. Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus used as a biological agent in agriculture and forestry and has potential as a management tactic for the mountain pine beetle population. This work investigates the phenotypic and genomic variation between B. bassiana strains to identify optimal strains against a specific insect.

Results

Using comparative genome and transcriptome analyses of eight B. bassiana isolates, we have identified the genetic basis of virulence, which includes oosporein production. Genes unique to the more virulent strains included functions in biosynthesis of mycotoxins, membrane transporters, and transcription factors. Significant differential expression of genes related to virulence, transmembrane transport, and stress response was identified between the different strains, as well as up to nine-fold upregulation of genes involved in the biosynthesis of oosporein. Differential correlation analysis revealed transcription factors that may be involved in regulating oosporein production.

Conclusion

This study provides a foundation for the selection and/or engineering of the most effective strain of B. bassiana for the biological control of mountain pine beetle and other insect pests populations.
XGBoost-based machine learning test improves the accuracy of hemorrhage prediction among geriatric patients with long-term administration of rivaroxaban
Authors: Chen Cheng , Yin Chun , Wang Yanhu , Zeng Jing , Wang Shuili , Bao Yurong , Xu Yixuan , Liu Tongbo , Fan Jiao , Liu Xian
Published: July 2023

Background

Hemorrhage is a potential and serious adverse drug reaction, especially for geriatric patients with long-term administration of rivaroxaban. It is essential to establish an effective model for predicting bleeding events, which could improve the safety of rivaroxaban use in clinical practice.

Methods

The hemorrhage information of 798 geriatric patients (over the age of 70 years) who needed long-term administration of rivaroxaban for anticoagulation therapy was constantly tracked and recorded through a well-established clinical follow-up system. Relying on the 27 collected clinical indicators of these patients, conventional logistic regression analysis, random forest and XGBoost-based machine learning approaches were applied to analyze the hemorrhagic risk factors and establish the corresponding prediction models. Furthermore, the performance of the models was tested and compared by the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

A total of 112 patients (14.0%) had bleeding adverse events after treatment with rivaroxaban for more than 3 months. Among them, 96 patients had gastrointestinal and intracranial hemorrhage during treatment, which accounted for 83.18% of the total hemorrhagic events. The logistic regression, random forest and XGBoost models were established with AUCs of 0.679, 0.672 and 0.776, respectively. The XGBoost model showed the best predictive performance in terms of discrimination, accuracy and calibration among all the models.

Conclusion

An XGBoost-based model with good discrimination and accuracy was built to predict the hemorrhage risk of rivaroxaban, which will facilitate individualized treatment for geriatric patients.
Does COVID-19 vaccine exacerbate rotator cuff symptoms? A prospective study
Authors: İğrek Servet , Ulusoy İbrahim , Çeliksöz Aytek Hüseyin
Published: July 2023

Background

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a rare but increasing complication after vaccination. The aim of this study was to increase awareness of post-vaccination shoulder pain and to investigate the effect of the clinical condition of the shoulder before vaccination on the loss of function that may occur after vaccination.

Methods

This prospective study included 65 patients aged > 18 years who were diagnosed with unilateral shoulder impingement and/or bursitis. The first vaccination was performed on the shoulders with rotator cuff symptoms, then the second vaccination was performed on healthy shoulders of same patients as soon as the health system allowed. Pre-vaccination MRI of the symptomatic shoulders of the patients was performed and VAS, ASES and Constant scores were evaluated. At 2 weeks after vaccination of the symptomatic shoulder, scores were reassessed. For the patients with changes in the scores, MRI was performed again and the treatment of all patients was started. A second vaccination was given to asymptomatic shoulders and the patients were recalled two weeks later and their scores were evaluated.

Results

After vaccination, the symptomatic shoulder of 14 patients was affected. No clinical changes were observed in the asymptomatic shoulders after vaccination. The VAS scores of the symptomatic shoulders evaluated after vaccination were significantly higher than the scores evaluated before vaccination (p = 0.001). The ASES and Constant scores of symptomatic shoulders evaluated after vaccination were significantly decreased compared to the scores evaluated before vaccination (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Exacerbation of symptoms may occur if symptomatic shoulders are vaccinated. Before vaccination, a detailed anamnesis should be taken from the patients and vaccination should be performed to the asymptomatic side.
Development of a nomogram model for prediction of new adjacent vertebral compression fractures after vertebroplasty
Authors: Qian Yadong , Hu Xiao , Li Chen , Zhao Jingwei , Zhu Yanjing , Yu Yan , Xie Ning , Ma Bin , Zeng Zhili , Cheng Liming
Published: July 2023

Background

Vertebroplasty is the main minimally invasive operation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), which has the advantages of rapid pain relief and shorter recovery time. However, new adjacent vertebral compression fracture (AVCF) occurs frequently after vertebroplasty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors of AVCF and establish a clinical prediction model.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients who underwent vertebroplasty in our hospital from June 2018 to December 2019. The patients were divided into a non-refracture group (289 cases) and a refracture group (43 cases) according to the occurrence of AVCF. The independent predictive factors for postoperative new AVCF were determined by univariate analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A nomogram clinical prediction model was established based on relevant risk factors, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the prediction effect and clinical value of the model. After internal validation, patients who underwent vertebroplasty in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2020, including a non-refracture group (156 cases) and a refracture group (21 cases), were included as the validation cohort to evaluate the prediction model again.

Results

Three independent risk factors of low bone mass density (BMD), leakage of bone cement and “O” shaped distribution of bone cement were screened out by LASSO regression and logistic regression analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model in the training cohort and the validation cohort was 0.848 (95%CI: 0.786–0.909) and 0.867 (95%CI: 0.796–0.939), respectively, showing good predictive ability. The calibration curves showed the correlation between prediction and actual status. The DCA showed that the prediction model was clinically useful within the whole threshold range.

Conclusion

Low BMD, leakage of bone cement and “O” shaped distribution of bone cement are independent risk factors for AVCF after vertebroplasty. The nomogram prediction model has good predictive ability and clinical benefit.
MiR-183-5p promotes migration and invasion of prostate cancer by targeting TET1
Authors: Feng Yuehua , Wang Kai , Qin Minchao , Zhuang Qianfeng , Chen Zhen
Published: July 2023

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the common malignant tumors worldwide. MiR-183-5p has been reported involved in the initiation of human PCa, this study aimed to investigate whether miR-183-5p affects the development of prostate cancer.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the expression of miR-183-5p in PCa patients and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters based on TCGA data portal. CCK-8, migration assay and invasion and wound-healing assay were performed to detect proliferation, migration and invasion in PCa cells.

Results

We found the expression of miR-183-5p was significantly increased in PCa tissues, and high expression of miR-183 was positively associated with poor prognosis of PCa patients. Over-expression of miR-183-5p promoted the migration, invasion capacities of PCa cells, whereas knockdown of miR-183-5p showed reversed function. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay showed TET1 was identified as a direct target of miR-183-5p, which was negatively correlation with miR-183-5p expression level. Importantly, rescue experiments demonstrated TET1 over-expression could reverse miR-183-5p mimic induced-acceleration of PCa malignant progression.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that miR-183-5p could act as a tumor promoter in PCa and it accelerated the malignant progression of PCa by directly targeting and down-regulating TET1.
Pheochromocytoma crisis with refractory Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Takotsubo syndrome, emergency adrenalectomy, and need for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in a previously undiagnosed and asymptomatic patient, due to the use of metoclopramide
Authors: Xie Yuhua , Zhang An , Qi Min , Xiong Bin , Zhang Suhua , Zhou Jianzhong , Cao Yunxing
Published: July 2023

Background

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) crisis is a rare life-threatening endocrine emergency. The diagnosis and treatment of PCC crisis, with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as the first manifestation, is highly challenging, and traditional PCC management strategies are no longer suitable for these patients.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old female patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following sudden-onset acute respiratory distress and subsequent initiation of mechanical ventilation via endotracheal intubation. She was initially suspected of having a PCC crisis through the bedside critical care ultrasonic examination protocol. The computed tomography examination revealed a left adrenal neoplasm of 6.5cm × 5.9cm. The plasma-free metanephrine level was 100 times higher than the reference value. These findings were compatible with her PCC diagnosis. Alpha-blockers and fluid intake were started immediately. The endotracheal intubation was removed on the 11th day after admission to the ICU. The patient progressed to severe ARDS again, and invasive ventilation and continuous renal replacement therapy were needed. Despite aggressive therapy, her condition deteriorated. Therefore, she underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO)-assisted emergency adrenalectomy after multidisciplinary discussion. Postoperatively, the patient was supported by VA-ECMO for 7days. She was discharged from the hospital on day 30 after tumor resection.

Conclusions

This case highlighted the challenges in diagnosing and managing ARDS associated with PCC crisis. The traditional preoperative preparation protocol and optimal operation timing for patients with PCC are not suitable for patients with PCC crisis. Patients with life-threatening PCC crisis may benefit from early tumor removal, and VA-ECMO could maintain hemodynamic stability during and after surgery.
Knowledge, attitude, and associated factor towards cervical cancer prevention among primary and secondary school female teachers in Gondar town, North West Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Negash Birtukan Atena , Bayu Netsanet Habtie , Woretaw Ashenafi Worku
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Cervical cancer is uncontrolled proliferation of cells on the cervix. Worldwide, millions of women suffer from this disease. Cervical cancer can be prevented by increasing awareness and changing negative attitude about the cause and prevention of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to identify the gap of knowledge, attitude and associated factor about cervical cancer prevention.

Method

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 633 female teachers who were working in primary and secondary schools in Gondar town by using a stratified sampling technique. The collected data were checked for any inconsistency, coded, and entered by using EPI INFO version 7 and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Both Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was computed to identify the association between the dependent variable with independent variables. Variables having P-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Result

The response rate of this study was 96.4% (610). Of these 38.4% (95% CI; 34.49–42.23) and 56.2% (95% CI; 52.28–60.18) of teachers had good knowledge and positive attitude on cervical cancer prevention respectively. Factors affecting teachers knowledge level were studied language [AOR; 3.9; (1.509–10.122)], Natural Science [AOR 2.9;( 1.128–7.475)], being married [AOR: 0.386; [95% (0.188–0.792)], and heard information from health professionals [AOR; 0.53(0.311–0.925)]. Working in secondary school [AOR; 1.83(1.03–3.25)], have regular menstrual period [AOR; 2.32(1.49–3.62)], no history of abortion, (AOR; 0.45(0.23–0.89), and good knowledge status (AOR, 2.56(1.64–4.00) were significantly associated with positive attitude.

Conclusion

Most of teacher’s knowledge and attitude regarding to cervical cancer prevention were poor. Being married, the field of study, and natural science, heard information from health professionals were factors associated with knowledge. Working in secondary school, having regular menstrual period, no history of abortion, and good knowledge were factors associated attitude regarding to cervical cancer prevention. Therefore, enhancing health promotion through mass media and established counseling program with reproductive health is important.
Transcriptional level of inflammation markers associates with short-term brain structural changes in first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Cui Long-Biao , Wang Xian-Yang , Fu Yu-Fei , Liu Xiao-Fan , Wei Yongbin , Zhao Shu-Wan , Gu Yue-Wen , Fan Jing-Wen , Wu Wen-Jun , Gong Hengfen , Lin Bochao Danae , Yin Hong , Guan Fanglin , Chang Xiao
Published: July 2023

Background

Inflammation has been implicated in the pathology of schizophrenia and may cause neuronal cell death and dendrite loss. Neuroimaging studies have highlighted longitudinal brain structural changes in patients with schizophrenia, yet it is unclear whether this is related to inflammation. We aim to address this question, by relating brain structural changes with the transcriptional profile of inflammation markers in the early stage of schizophrenia.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 51 healthy controls were included. High-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical assessments were performed at baseline and 2 ~ 6 months follow-up for all subjects. Changes in the brain structure were analyzed using surface-based morphological analysis and correlated with the expression of immune cells-related gene sets of interest reported by previous reviews. Transcriptional data were retrieved from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. Furthermore, we examined the brain structural changes and peripheral inflammation markers in association with behavioral symptoms and cognitive functioning in patients.

Results

Patients exhibited accelerated cortical thickness decrease in the left frontal cortices, less decrease or an increase in the superior parietal lobule and right lateral occipital lobe, and increased volume in the bilateral pallidum, compared with controls. Changes in cortical thickness correlated with the transcriptional level of monocyte across cortical regions in patients (r = 0.54, p < 0.01), but not in controls (r =  − 0.05, p = 0.76). In addition, cortical thickness change in the left superior parietal lobule positively correlated with changes in digital span-backward test scores in patients.

Conclusions

Patients with schizophrenia exhibit regional-specific cortical thickness changes in the prefrontal and parietooccipital cortices, which is related to their cognitive impairment. Inflammation may be an important factor contributing to cortical thinning in first-episode schizophrenia. Our findings suggest that the immunity-brain-behavior association may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Free fatty acids and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are correlated with chronic inflammation in obesity
Authors: Liqiang Su , Fang-Hui Li , Minghui Quan , Yanan Yang , Haichun Chen
Published: July 2023

Obesity-related chronic inflammation is closely related to the ability of immune cells to adapt to the body’s needs, research has shown that excess FAs can further activate pro-inflammatory transcription factors in the nucleus by interacting with various receptors such as CD36 and TLR4, thereby affecting the inflammatory state of cells. However, how the profile of various fatty acids in the blood of obese individuals is associated with chronic inflammation remains unclear.

Objective

The biomarkers associated with obesity were identified from 40 fatty acids (FAs) in the blood, and analyze the relationship between the biomarkers and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, by analyzing the difference in the expression of CD36, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) between obese and standard weight people, understand that immunophenotype PBMC is associated with chronic inflammation.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from the Yangzhou Lipan weight loss training camp from May 2020 to July 2020. The sample size was 52 individuals, including 25 in the normal weight group and 27 in the obesity group. Individuals with obesity and controls of normal weight were recruited to identify biomarkers associated with obesity from 40 fatty acids in the blood; correlation analysis was conducted between the screened potential biomarkers FAs and the chronic inflammation index hs-CRP to identify FA biomarkers associated with chronic inflammation. Changes in the fatty acid receptor CD36, inflammatory receptor TLR4, and inflammatory nuclear transcription factor NF-κB p65 in PBMC subsets were used to further test the relationship between fatty acids and the inflammatory state in individuals with obesity.

Results

23 potential FA biomarkers for obesity were screened, eleven of the potential obesity biomarkers were also significantly related to hs-CRP. Compared to the control group, in monocytes the obesity group expressed higher TLR4, CD36, and NF-κB p65 in lymphocytes, the obesity group expressed higher TLR4 and CD36; and in granulocytes the obesity group expressed higher CD36.

Conclusion

Blood FAs are associated with obesity and are associated with chronic inflammation through increased CD36, TLR4, and NF-κB p65 in monocytes.
Detection of β-amyloid aggregates/plaques in 5xFAD mice by labelled native PLGA nanoparticles: implication in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Govindarajan Karthivashan , Kar Satyabrata
Published: July 2023

Evidence suggests that increased level/aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, together with enhanced phosphorylation/aggregation of tau protein, play a critical role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. At present, AD diagnosis is based primarily on cognitive assessment, neuroimaging, and immunological assays to detect altered levels/deposition of Aβ peptides and tau protein. While measurement of Aβ and tau in the cerebrospinal fluid/blood can indicate disease status, neuroimaging of aggregated Aβ and tau protein in the brain using positron emission tomography (PET) enable to monitor the pathological changes in AD patients. With advancements in nanomedicine, several nanoparticles, apart from drug-delivery, have been used as a diagnostic agent to identify more accurately changes in AD patients. Recently, we reported that FDA approved native PLGA nanoparticles can interact with Aβ to inhibit its aggregation/toxicity in cellular and animal models of AD. Here, we reveal that fluorescence labelled native PLGA following acute intracerebellar injection can identify majority of the immunostained Aβ as well as Congo red labelled neuritic plaques in the cortex of 5xFAD mice. Labelling of plaques by PLGA is apparent at 1 h, peak around 3 h and then start declining by 24 h after injection. No fluorescent PLGA was detected in the cerebellum of 5xFAD mice or in any brain regions of wild-type control mice following injection. These results provide the very first evidence that native PLGA nanoparticles can be used as a novel nano-theragnostic agent in the treatment as well as diagnosis of AD pathology.
Clinical profile and prognosis of elderly patients with left ventricular thrombus after anticoagulation
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhang Zhongfan , Zheng Haikuo , Wang Chengbing , Yu Miao , Si Daoyuan , Zhang Wenqi
Published: July 2023

Background

Contemporary data regarding the clinical characteristics and prognosis of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) in older adults (aged ≥ 65 years old) are lacking. In this study, we characterized elderly patients with LVT (aged ≥ 65 years old) and investigated the long-term prognosis in this highly vulnerable patient population.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2022. Patients with a reported LVT were assessed primarily by transthoracic echocardiography (TEE) and classified into two groups: elderly LVT groups and younger LVT groups. All patients were treated with anticoagulant treatment. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as the composite of all-cause mortality, systemic embolism, and rehospitalization for cardiovascular events. Survival analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional-hazard model.

Results

A total of 315 eligible patients were included. Compared to the younger LVT group (n = 171), the elderly LVT group (n = 144) had a lower proportion of males and lower serum creatinine clearance, as well as a higher level of NT-proBNP, and a higher rate of history of systemic embolism. LVT resolution occurred in 59.7% and 69.0% of patients in the elderly LVT group and younger LVT group, respectively, with no significant difference (adjusted HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.74–1.28; P = 0.836). Yet, elderly patients with LVT, had higher prevalence rates of MACE (adjusted HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.10–2.11; P = 0.012), systemic embolism (adjusted HR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.20–6.59; P = 0.017) and all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.29–3.74; P = 0.004) compared with younger patients with LVT. After adjusting for mortality in the Fine–Gray model, similar results were observed. Additionally, patients treated with different anticoagulation therapies (DOACs vs. warfarin) achieved a similar improvement in prognosis (P > 0.05) or LVT resolution (P > 0.05) in elderly patients with LVT.

Conclusions

Our results found that elderly patients experiencing LVT have a poor prognosis compared with the younger ones. Clinical prognosis in elderly patients did not significantly differ with the type of anticoagulant used. With aging societies worldwide, further evidence of antithrombotic therapy in elderly individuals with LVT is necessary.
Health data hubs: an analysis of existing data governance features for research
Authors: Alvarez-Romero Celia , Martínez-García Alicia , Bernabeu-Wittel Máximo , Parra-Calderón Carlos Luis
Published: July 2023

Background

Digital transformation in healthcare and the growth of health data generation and collection are important challenges for the secondary use of healthcare records in the health research field. Likewise, due to the ethical and legal constraints for using sensitive data, understanding how health data are managed by dedicated infrastructures called data hubs is essential to facilitating data sharing and reuse.

Methods

To capture the different data governance behind health data hubs across Europe, a survey focused on analysing the feasibility of linking individual-level data between data collections and the generation of health data governance patterns was carried out. The target audience of this study was national, European, and global data hubs. In total, the designed survey was sent to a representative list of 99 health data hubs in January 2022.

Results

In total, 41 survey responses received until June 2022 were analysed. Stratification methods were performed to cover the different levels of granularity identified in some data hubs’ characteristics. Firstly, a general pattern of data governance for data hubs was defined. Afterward, specific profiles were defined, generating specific data governance patterns through the stratifications in terms of the kind of organization (centralized versus decentralized) and role (data controller or data processor) of the health data hub respondents.

Conclusions

The analysis of the responses from health data hub respondents across Europe provided a list of the most frequent aspects, which concluded with a set of specific best practices on data management and governance, taking into account the constraints of sensitive data. In summary, a data hub should work in a centralized way, providing a Data Processing Agreement and a formal procedure to identify data providers, as well as data quality control, data integrity and anonymization methods.