bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DPYD genotyping and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) phenotyping in clinical oncology. A clinically focused minireview
Authors: Paulsen Niels Herluf , Vojdeman Fie , Andersen Stig Ejdrup , Bergmann Troels K. , Ewertz Marianne , Plomgaard Peter , Hansen Morten Rix , Esbech Peter Skov , Pfeiffer Per , Qvortrup Camilla , Damkier Per
Published: August 2022

Background

In clinical oncology, systemic 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and its oral pro‐drugs are used to treat a broad group of solid tumours. Patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency are at elevated risk of toxicity if treated with standard doses of 5‐FU. DPYD genotyping and measurements of plasma uracil concentration (DPD phenotyping) can be applied as tests for DPD deficiency. In April 2020, the European Medicines Agency recommended pre‐treatment DPD testing to reduce the risk of 5‐FU‐related toxicity.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to present the current evidence for DPD testing in routine oncological practice.

Methods

Two systematic literature searches were performed following the PRISMA guidelines. We identified studies examining the possible benefit of DPYD genotyping or DPD phenotyping on the toxicity risk.

Findings

Nine and 12 studies met the criteria for using DPYD genotyping and DPD phenotyping, respectively.

Conclusions

The evidence supporting either DPYD genotyping or DPD phenotyping as pre‐treatment tests to reduce 5‐FU toxicity is poor. Further evidence is still needed to fully understand and guide clinicians to dose by DPD activity.
Split liver transplantation with extended right grafts on adult recipients: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Vargas Paola A. , Dalzell Christina , Robinson Todd , Cunningham Michaela , Henry Zachary , Stotts Matthew J. , Su Feng , Argo Curtis , Pelletier Shawn , Oberholzer Jose , Goldaracena Nicolas
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Split liver transplantation (SLT) emerged due to its potential to contribute to the organ pool and reduce organ shortage. However, SLT is technically challenging and has been associated with higher rates of postoperative complications leading to concerns about graft and patient survival. Moreover, there are few studies on matched‐pair adult recipients of SLT and whole‐liver transplant (WLT), with conflicting results.

Methods

This retrospective study analyze outcomes among adults who underwent SLT at our institution from 2010 to 2019. A 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was performed based on important donor and recipient variables. Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed and compared between groups. Actuarial graft and patient survival were analyzed by KM curves.

Results

Out of 592 adults receiving a LT in our institution, 21 SLT adult recipients were identified and matched with 21 adults undergoing WLT. As expected donor age was significantly lower in SLT recipients (16 (15–22) vs. 32 (17–47), P = .012). Additional donor characteristics, including anthropometrics, and ischemic times were similar between groups. Baseline recipient characteristics and postoperative outcomes, including length of stay, vascular complications, biliary complications, and re‐transplantation were comparable between SLT and WLT recipients. Graft (95/95/95 vs. 100/94/94, P = .98) and patient (100/100/100 vs. 100/94/94, P = .30) survival at 1‐, 3‐, 5‐years, were similar between the SLT‐ and WLT group, respectively.

Conclusion

Split liver transplantation has the potential to increase the availability of organs for adult recipients without compromising individual outcomes.
In‐hospital incidence of and risk factors for influenza‐associated respiratory failure
Authors: Ayuso García Blanca , Marchan Alvaro , Arrieta Ortubay Estíbaliz , Castillo Maza Cristina , Romay Lema Eva , Lalueza Antonio , Lumbreras Carlos
Published: August 2022

Background

Respiratory failure (RF) is the most important complication of influenza virus infection. Its definition and incidence are heterogeneous in the literature.

Methods

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to determine the incidence of and risk factors for RF in patients hospitalized with influenza. Electronic databases were searched for articles on RF in patients hospitalized for influenza infection up to December 2021 regardless of their geographical location. Observational and experimental studies were considered for inclusion, excluding case series. The Newcastle‐Ottawa and Johanna Briggs scales were used for quality assessment. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed, followed by subgroup analyses according to, among others, presence/absence of pneumonia, RF definition, serotype and time period. PRISMA guidelines were followed for this review.

Results

Thirty‐six studies were finally included in the meta‐analysis. Overall, RF incidence was 24% (range 5%–85%, 95% confidence interval [95CI] 19%–31%). Significantly higher incidences of RF were found in patients with pneumonia (42%, 95CI 28%–57%, p = .006), when RF was defined as hypoxemia (58%, 95CI 31%–81%, p < .001), and during the 2009 pandemic (25%, 95CI 16%–36%) and postpandemic period (23%, 95CI 15%–34%, p = .01). No differences were found between human influenza serotypes. Assessment of risk factors associated with the development of RF was not possible due to their inconsistent and heterogeneous reporting.

Conclusion

Respiratory failure is frequent in hospitalized influenza patients, especially in patients with pneumonia and since the 2009 pandemic, although its definition and reporting widely vary in the literature. This complicates its characterization and comparison between cohorts and with other respiratory viruses.
Remotely‐sensed slowing down in spatially patterned dryland ecosystems
Authors: Veldhuis Michiel P. , Martinez‐Garcia Ricardo , Deblauwe Vincent , Dakos Vasilis
Published: August 2022

Regular vegetation patterns have been predicted to indicate a system slowing down and possibly desertification of drylands. However, these predictions have not yet been observed in dryland vegetation due to the inherent logistic difficulty to gather longer‐term in situ data. Here, we evaluate the theoretical prediction that regular vegetation patterns are associated with empirically derived temporal indicators (autocorrelation, variance, responsiveness) of critical slowing down in a dryland ecosystem in Sudan using different remote sensing products.

We use recently developed methods using remote‐sensing EVI time‐series in combination with classified regular vegetation patterns along a rainfall gradient in Sudan to test the predicted slowing down. We tested our empirical findings against theoretical predictions from a stochastic version of a spatial explicit model that has been used to describe vegetation dynamics in drylands under aridity stress.

Overall, three temporal indicators (responsiveness, temporal autocorrelation, variance) show slowing down as vegetation patterns change from gaps to labyrinths to spots towards more arid conditions, confirming predictions. However, this transition exhibits non‐linearities, specifically when patterns change configuration. Model simulations reveal that the transition between patterns temporarily slows down the system affecting the temporal indicators. These transient states when vegetation patterns reorganize thus affect the systems resilience indicators in a non‐linear way.

Our findings suggest that spatial self‐organization of dryland vegetation is associated with critical slowing down, but this transition towards reduced resilience happens in a non‐linear way. Future work should aim to better understand transient dynamics in regular vegetation patterns in dryland ecosystems, because long transients make regular vegetation patterns of limited use for management in anticipating critical transitions.
Inter‐individual variability in dorsal stream dynamics during word production
Authors: Liégeois‐Chauvel Catherine , Dubarry Anne‐Sophie , Wang Irene , Chauvel Patrick , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge A. , Alario F.‐Xavier
Published: August 2022

The current standard model of language production involves a sensorimotor dorsal stream connecting areas in the temporo‐parietal junction with those in the inferior frontal gyrus and lateral premotor cortex. These regions have been linked to various aspects of word production such as phonological processing or articulatory programming, primarily through neuropsychological and functional imaging group studies. Most if not all the theoretical descriptions of this model imply that the same network should be identifiable across individual speakers. We tested this hypothesis by quantifying the variability of activation observed across individuals within each dorsal stream anatomical region. This estimate was based on electrical activity recorded directly from the cerebral cortex with millisecond accuracy in awake epileptic patients clinically implanted with intracerebral depth electrodes for pre‐surgical diagnosis. Each region's activity was quantified using two different metrics—intra‐cerebral evoked related potentials and high gamma activity—at the level of the group, the individual and the recording contact. The two metrics show simultaneous activation of parietal and frontal regions during a picture naming task, in line with models that posit interactive processing during word retrieval. They also reveal different levels of between‐patient variability across brain regions, except in core auditory and motor regions. The independence and non‐uniformity of cortical activity estimated through the two metrics push the current model towards sub‐second and sub‐region explorations focused on individualized language speech production. Several hypotheses are considered for this within‐region heterogeneity.
Spatial–temporal pattern of propagation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and effect on survival: A cohort study
Authors: Yang Tianmi , Wei Qianqian , Li Chunyu , Cao Bei , Ou Ruwei , Hou Yanbing , Zhang Lingyu , Gu Xiaojing , Liu Kuncheng , Lin Junyu , Cheng Yangfan , Jiang Zheng , Yang Jing , Kang Simin , Zhang Meng , Xiao Yi , Zhao Bi , Chen Yongping , Chen Xueping , Shang Huifang
Published: August 2022

Background and purpose

Clarification of propagation patterns in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is challenging, but understanding these has implications for individual prognostication and clinical trial design. However, systematic knowledge in this area is lacking. The aim of this study was to characterize the spatial and temporal features of propagation patterns in ALS, and to evaluate the association between propagation patterns and survival.

Methods

A cohort of 833 patients with ALS, diagnosed between January 2018 and December 2019 and followed to August 2021, was analysed. Spatial and temporal features of propagation patterns were determined based on the involved functional regions (bulbar, cervical, thoracic/respiratory and lumbar) in time order. The final propagation pattern was identified in patients with at least three functional regions involved. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 21.2 months, 19 final propagation patterns were identified in 657 patients (78.9%). In survival analysis, we found that the earlier the respiratory functional region becomes involved, the higher the risk of death (time order: 1st: hazard ratio [HR], 3.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–9.15; 2nd: HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.55–3.87; 3rd: HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.52–2.49), adjusting for age, sex, diagnostic delay, revised ALS Functional Rating Scale score, cognitive impairment and riluzole. Shorter interval time between involved regions was an independent adverse prognostic factor.

Conclusions

The propagation patterns of ALS are varied. The order in which the respiratory region becomes involved and the interval time between involvement of functional regions are predictors for prognosis.
Metformin improves neurobehavioral impairments of streptozotocin‐treated and western diet‐fed mice: Beyond glucose‐lowering effects
Authors: Delanogare Eslen , Bullich Sebastien , Barbosa Lucas Antônio dos Santos , Barros Wellinghton de Medeiros , Braga Sara Pereira , Kraus Scheila Iria , Kasprowicz Júlia Nahir , dos Santos Gustavo Jorge , Guiard Bruno Pierre , Moreira Eduardo Luiz Gasnhar
Published: August 2022

Brain insulin resistance has been pointed to as a possible link between diabetes and neuropsychiatric disorders; therefore, therapeutic approaches using anti‐diabetic drugs to improve insulin levels or signaling could prevent type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D)‐induced brain dysfunction. The present study aimed to determine whether metformin exerts beneficial effects on metabolic and neurobehavioral outcomes in the streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced T1D model and western diet (WD)‐induced obesity model in male Swiss mice. T1D was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg, for five consecutive days). The animals were then treated daily with saline or metformin (200 mg/kg/day, oral gavage), and a battery of tests recapitulating different neurobehavioral anomalies related to anxiogenic/depressive‐like phenotype was conducted after 18 days. WD‐induced obesity was modeled in mice by high‐fat and high‐fructose diet (HFFD) feeding for 15 days. In the sequence, control and diet‐induced obesity mice were treated daily with saline or metformin (200 mg/kg/day), and a battery of behavioral tests was performed after 17 days. STZ injection and WD feeding induced metabolic and neurobehavioral impairments in mice. Remarkably, metformin improved the metabolic and neurobehavioral parameters in WD‐induced obesity mice. Moreover, metformin ameliorated STZ‐induced neurobehavioral deficits while it failed to improve the associated metabolic impairments. The beneficial effects of metformin in STZ‐induced neurobehavioral impairments were not mediated by improving peripheral insulin signaling. Our results suggest that conventional diabetes treatment could be repurposed to simultaneously improve neurobehavioral symptoms and diabetes.
Enzyme kinetics by GH7 cellobiohydrolases on chromogenic substrates is dictated by non‐productive binding: insights from crystal structures and MD simulation
Authors: Haataja Topi , Gado Japheth E. , Nutt Anu , Anderson Nolan T. , Nilsson Mikael , Momeni Majid Haddad , Isaksson Roland , Väljamäe Priit , Johansson Gunnar , Payne Christina M. , Ståhlberg Jerry
Published: August 2022

Cellobiohydrolases (CBHs) in the glycoside hydrolase family 7 (GH7) (EC3.2.1.176) are the major cellulose degrading enzymes both in industrial settings and in the context of carbon cycling in nature. Small carbohydrate conjugates such as p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐d‐cellobioside (pNPC), p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐d‐lactoside (pNPL) and methylumbelliferyl‐β‐d‐cellobioside have commonly been used in colorimetric and fluorometric assays for analysing activity of these enzymes. Despite the similar nature of these compounds the kinetics of their enzymatic hydrolysis vary greatly between the different compounds as well as among different enzymes within the GH7 family. Through enzyme kinetics, crystallographic structure determination, molecular dynamics simulations, and fluorometric binding studies using the closely related compound o‐nitrophenyl‐β‐d‐cellobioside (oNPC), in this work we examine the different hydrolysis characteristics of these compounds on two model enzymes of this class, TrCel7A from Trichoderma reesei and PcCel7D from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Protein crystal structures of the E212Q mutant of TrCel7A with pNPC and pNPL, and the wildtype TrCel7A with oNPC, reveal that non‐productive binding at the product site is the dominating binding mode for these compounds. Enzyme kinetics results suggest the strength of non‐productive binding is a key determinant for the activity characteristics on these substrates, with PcCel7D consistently showing higher turnover rates (kcat) than TrCel7A, but higher Michaelis–Menten (KM) constants as well. Furthermore, oNPC turned out to be useful as an active‐site probe for fluorometric determination of the dissociation constant for cellobiose on TrCel7A but could not be utilized for the same purpose on PcCel7D, likely due to strong binding to an unknown site outside the active site.
Ki67 assessment in invasive luminal breast cancer: a comparative study between different scoring methods
Authors: Lashen Ayat , Toss Michael S , Green Andrew R , Mongan Nigel P , Rakha Emad
Published: August 2022

Background

Ki67 reflects the proliferation activity in breast cancer (BC). However, an optimal method for its assessment in clinical settings has yet to be robustly defined. In this study we compared several methods to score Ki67 to identify a reliable and reproducible method for routine practice.

Methods

Sections from luminal BC cohort (n = 1662) were immunohistochemically stained with Ki67 and were assessed for the percentage, pattern, and intensity of expression. Ki67 positivity was evaluated using three methods: (i) quantification of Ki67‐positive cells among 1000 invasive tumour cells within hotspot, (ii) average estimation of Ki67 within a defined hotspot, and (iii) average estimation of Ki67 positivity within the whole section. Time required for scoring, interobserver agreement and association with outcome were determined.

Results

The mean percentage of Ki67 expression per 1000 cells method was 16%, while the mean value of Ki67 scores using the average estimation within hotspot and whole slide were 14% and 12%, respectively. Quantification of Ki67‐positive cells within 1000 cells had the highest degree of consistency between observers, and the highest hazard ratio predicting patient outcome when compared to using different common Ki67 cutoffs, which was independent of the other two methods. Granular pattern of Ki67 expression was associated with poorer outcome as compared to the other patterns.

Conclusion

Assessment of Ki67 expression using quantification positive cells among 1000 tumour cells is an optimal method to achieve high reliability and reproducibility. Comment on the predominant Ki67 expression pattern would add prognostic and predictive value in luminal BC.
Early culture conversion is a poor marker of treatment outcome among people with HIV and drug‐resistant TB
Authors: Baluku Joseph Baruch , Nabwana Martin , Mwanahamisi Suleiman Bwika , Kansiime Grace , Nuwagira Edwin , Turyahabwe Stavia , Kirenga Bruce
Published: August 2022

Objective

Our objective was to determine associations between early (≤2 months) culture conversion (ECC) among people with HIV and drug‐resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) in Uganda.

Methods

This was a countrywide retrospective cohort of people with bacteriologically confirmed DRTB and a positive baseline culture at 16 centres in Uganda between 2013 and 2019. Data were abstracted from treatment files and unit DRTB registers. Monthly sputum cultures were performed using the Lowenstein–Jensen solid medium.

Results

We included 664 people with DRTB and a positive baseline culture, of whom 353 (53.4%) also had HIV. Among those living with HIV, 225 (63.7%) were male and 331 (94.3%) were on antiretroviral therapy. The median month of culture conversion was 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1–3). ECC was observed among 226 people living with HIV (64.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 58.9–68.9). A DRTB treatment regimen of six or more drugs was associated with ECC among people living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]  3.82; 95% CI 1.06–13.82; p = 0.041). Cure and overall treatment success was observed among 232 (65.7%) and 269 (76.2%) people living with HIV, respectively. However, ECC was not associated with cure (crude odds ratio [OR]  0.97; 95% CI 0.61–1.54; p = 0.901), death (OR 1.12; 95% CI 0.61–2.29; p = 0.610), or overall treatment success (OR 1.29; 95% CI 0.78–2.13; p = 0.326).

Conclusion

The majority of people living with HIV and DRTB achieve ECC. However, ECC does not predict cure, death, or treatment success. Moreover, it may require six or more drugs to achieve ECC. ECC is not an excellent indicator of the effectiveness of DRTB regimens among people living with HIV.
Focal therapy of localized prostate cancer
Authors: Fujihara Atsuko , Ukimura Osamu
Published: August 2022

In the treatment of localized prostate cancer, controlling the cancer and maintaining quality of life are important. Focal therapy of localized prostate cancer aims to treat the lesion/part of the prostate that includes the index lesion, which determines the prognosis. We performed a non‐systematic review of novel studies on focal therapy of localized prostate cancer as primary treatment published between 2016 and 2021. For mainly intermediate‐risk patients, therapeutic technology, such as cryoablation, brachytherapy, high‐intensity focused ultrasound, photodynamic therapy, microwave‐coagulation, electroporation, and laser ablation, etc., were performed. These procedures are minimally invasive and safe, and provide good functional outcome: a 94–100% pad‐free rate against urinary incontinence and 47–86% erectile function, which is sufficient for sexual intercourse. Accurate three‐dimensional mapping of the targeted lesion could be an essential navigation technique for therapeutic success. Intermediate‐ to short‐term oncological outcomes were good, resulting in downstaging of the patient's status to no clinically significant cancer; however, transition to conventional whole‐gland treatment was necessary in about 10–30% of patients. It is important to select appropriate patients by both multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and targeted biopsy, and to follow‐up postoperatively with methods such as active surveillance. Clinically significant prostate‐specific antigen reduction, image response using preoperative and postoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, and histological analysis should be combined for follow‐up.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of customized allogeneic bone block versus autogenous bone block for ridge augmentation: 6 Month results of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wang Maoxia , Li Yazhen , Su Zhenya , Mo Anchun
Published: August 2022

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of customized allogeneic bone block (CABB) for ridge augmentation compared with autogenous bone block.

Materials and Methods

Patients (N = 24) in need of ridge augmentation were randomly assigned to one of two treatment modalities: CABBs (CABB group) and autogenous bone blocks (ABB group). The primary outcome of the present study was the horizontal bone gain at 1 mm below the alveolar ridge crest (HBG1). Secondary outcomes were the bone gain at other levels, bone resorption rate, ridge width, operative time, postoperative pain score, and histological results. The data obtained from the current study were analysed using a generalized linear mixed effects model, two‐sample t‐test, or a Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Twenty‐four patients completed a 6‐month follow‐up. One patient in the CABB group exhibited block exposure. The CABB group had significantly more horizontal bone gain (HBG1) and less horizontal bone resorption (HBRR1) at 1 mm below the alveolar ridge crest when compared with those in the ABB group (HBG1: CABB group [4.29 ± 1.48 mm] and ABB group [1.12 ± 3.25 mm]; HBRR0: CABB group [42.15 ± 14.03%] and ABB group [92.52 ± 55.78%], p < .05). In addition, a longer operative time was reported in the ABB group compared with the CABB group (p < .05). The histological observation indicated a new bone formation in both groups.

Conclusions

The use of CABBs resulted in more horizontal bone gain and less horizontal bone resorption at 1 mm below the alveolar ridge crest at 6 months post‐surgery compared with ABBs while reducing the operative time in the treatment of ridge augmentation.
Oral health status of adult hypophosphatasia patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Weider Margareta , Schlagenhauf Ulrich , Seefried Lothar
Published: August 2022

Aim

This study evaluated the oral health status of adult patients with hypophosphatasia (HPP).

Materials and Methods

Parameters of oral health assessment comprised decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level (CAL) as well as documentation of tooth loss and periodontal health status according to CCD/AAP criteria. Findings were compared with national reference data (DMS V survey) reporting oral health status in age‐related controls. Within‐group comparisons were made between the HPP patients harbouring one versus two alkaline phosphatase liver/bone/kidney type (ALPL) gene variants.

Results

Of 80 HPP patients (64 female) with a mean age of 46.4 years (range 24–78) and one (n = 55) or two (n = 18) variants (n = 7 lacking testing) within the ALPL gene, those with two variants displayed substantially higher tooth loss rate (14.0 ± 9.3) than those affected by only one ALPL variant (4.1 ± 5.4), who did not differ substantially from healthy DMS V controls. While DMFT score and severe periodontal diseases (PDs) of HPP patients with one variant only increased with progressing age, the two‐variant sub‐cohort age independently exhibited increased DMFT scores and a higher rate of severe PDs.

Conclusions

HPP patients affected by two variants of the ALPL gene exhibited a higher risk of periodontitis and tooth loss than the general population, while patients with one variant developed clinically relevant oral disease symptoms with progressing ageing. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02291497.
Genotype‐driven NPC1L1 and PCSK9 inhibition and reduced risk of periodontitis
Authors: Baumeister Sebastian‐Edgar , Holtfreter Birte , Reckelkamm Stefan Lars , Kocher Thomas , Alayash Zoheir , Ehmke Benjamin , Baurecht Hansjörg , Nolde Michael
Published: August 2022

Aim

Epidemiological and pre‐clinical studies suggest a chemoprotective role of lipid‐lowering agents in periodontitis. We tested the association of genetically proxied inhibition of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), Niemann‐Pick C1‐Like 1 (NPC1L1) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) with periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Genetic variants in HMGCR, NCP1L1 and PCSK9 associated with low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) meta‐analysis (N = 188,578) were used to proxy therapeutic inhibition of HMGCR, NPC1L1 and PCSK9. For these genetic variants, associations with periodontitis were obtained from GWAS of 17,353 cases and 28,210 controls in the GeneLifestyle Interactions in Dental Endpoints consortium. Generalized weighted least squares analysis accounted for linkage disequilibrium of genotypes to derive pooled estimates.

Results

While genetically proxied HMGCR inhibition equivalent to 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL was not associated with odds of periodontitis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.92 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73; 1.16]; p = .4905; false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.4905), genetically proxied NPC1L1 (OR = 0.53 [95% CI: 0.35; 0.81]; p = .0038; FDR = 0.0077) and PCSK9 (OR = 0.84 [95% CI: 0.74; 0.95]; p = .0051; FDR = 0.0077) inhibition lowered the odds of periodontitis.

Conclusions

Genetically proxied inhibition of NCP1L1 and PCSK9 was associated with lower odds of periodontitis.
Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia in cancer patients: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Gao Ya , Liu Ming , Yao Liang , Yang Zhirong , Chen Yamin , Niu Mingming , Sun Yue , Chen Ji , Hou Liangying , Sun Feng , Wu Shanshan , Zhang Zeqian , Zhang Junhua , Li Lun , Li Jiang , Zhao Ye , Fan Jingchun , Ge Long , Tian Jinhui
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the most effective delivery format of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) on insomnia in cancer patients.

Methods

We searched five databases up to February 2021 for randomized clinical trials that compared CBT‐I with inactive or active controls for insomnia in cancer patients. Outcomes were insomnia severity, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and total sleep time (TST). Pairwise meta‐analyses and frequentist network meta‐analyses with the random‐effects model were applied for data analyses.

Results

Sixteen unique trials including 1523 participants met inclusion criteria. Compared with inactive control, CBT‐I could significantly reduce insomnia severity (mean differences [MD] = −4.98 points, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.82 to −4.14), SOL (MD = −12.29 min, 95%CI: −16.48 to −8.09), and WASO (MD = −16.58 min, 95%CI: −22.00 to −11.15), while increasing sleep efficiency (MD = 7.62%, 95%CI: 5.82% to 9.41%) at postintervention. Compared with active control, CBT‐I could significantly reduce insomnia severity (MD = −2.75 points, 95%CI: −4.28 to −1.21), SOL (MD = −13.56 min, 95%CI: −18.93 to −8.18), and WASO (MD = −6.99 min, 95%CI: −11.65 to −2.32) at postintervention. These effects diminished in short‐term follow‐up and almost disappeared in long‐term follow‐up. Most of the results were rated as “moderate” to “low” certainty of evidence. Network meta‐analysis showed that group CBT‐I had an increase in sleep efficiency of 10.61%, an increase in TST of 21.98 min, a reduction in SOL of 14.65 min, and a reduction in WASO of 24.30 min, compared with inactive control at postintervention, with effects sustained at short‐term follow‐up.

Conclusions

CBT‐I is effective for the management of insomnia in cancer patients postintervention, with diminished effects in short‐term follow‐up. Group CBT‐I is the preferred choice based on postintervention and short‐term effects. The low quality of evidence and limited sample size demonstrate the need for robust evidence from high‐quality, large‐scale trials providing long‐term follow‐up data.
Using social media analysis to study population dietary behaviours: A scoping review
Authors: Titova Jasmine , Cottis Georgia , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret
Published: August 2022

Background

The rapid adoption and sustained use of social media globally has provided researchers with access to unprecedented quantities of low‐latency data at minimal costs. This may be of particular interest to nutrition research because food is frequently posted about and discussed on social media platforms. This scoping review investigates the ways in which social media is being used to understand population food consumption, attitudes and behaviours.

Methods

The peer‐reviewed literature was searched from 2003 to 2021 using four electronic databases.

Results

The review identified 71 eligible studies from 25 countries. Two‐thirds (n = 47) were published within the last 5 years. The USA had the highest research output (31%, n = 22) and Twitter was the most used platform (41%, n = 29). A diverse range of dataset sizes were used, with some studies relying on manual techniques to collect and analyse data, whereas others required the use of advanced software technology. Most studies were conducted by disciplines outside health, with only two studies (3%) being conducted by nutritionists.

Conclusions

It appears the development of methodological and ethical frameworks as well as partnerships between experts in nutrition and information technology may be required to advance the field in nutrition research. Moving beyond traditional methods of dietary data collection may prove social media as a useful adjunct to inform recommended dietary practices and food policies.
ATTITUDES, WORK ROLES AND BARRIERS TO NUTRITION CARE – INTERVIEWS WITH AUSTRALIAN AND UK‐BASED MEDICAL DOCTORS
Authors: Lepre Breanna , Mansfield Kylie J. , Beck Eleanor J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Poor diet is implicated in multiple chronic diseases. Although doctors may be well placed to facilitate nutrition care, nutrition remains a low priority in medical education internationally. Consensus is required on nutrition competencies as a benchmark for education with a regulatory framework to ensure implementation. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore work roles, attitudes, barriers and enablers in the delivery of nutrition care among a cohort of Australian and UK doctors.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with primary care doctors/general practitioners (n = 14) and medical specialists (n = 8) based in Australia and the United Kingdom to explore work roles, attitudes, barriers and enablers in the delivery of nutrition care.

Results

Framework analysis identified five key themes: (1) knowledge and skills in nutrition to support medical nutrition care, (2) the delivery of nutrition education, (3) multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care, (4) systemic barriers and facilitators to care and (5) the need for a paradigm shift. Participants acknowledged nutrition as an important component of medical care but recognised they are currently ill‐equipped to support such care, identifying limitations to the systems supporting integrated care. Participants identified that nutrition sits within both a health promotion and medical/treatment model, but they currently work only within the latter.

Conclusion

Participants highlighted a lack of knowledge and training regarding nutrition, without which change is not possible. Efforts to improve the nutrition capacity of the medical workforce must be matched by increased investments in primary prevention, including nutrition – a paradigm shift from the medical model.
LncRNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 aggravates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through activating early growth response‐1/RNA binding motif protein 25 axis
Authors: Cao Jing‐Wei , Tang Zhan‐Bin , Zhao Ji‐Wei , Zhao Jing‐Kun , Yao Jia‐Lin , Sheng Xiao‐Meng , Zhao Mian‐Qiao , Duan Qiong , Han Bai‐Chao , Duan Shu‐Rong
Published: August 2022

Ischemic stroke is a major global health issue. Ischemia and subsequent reperfusion results in stroke‐related brain injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEATa and early growth response 1 (EGR1) are involved in ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury). In this study, we aimed to explore the roles of NEAT1/EGR1 axis as well as its downstream effector RNA binding motif protein 25 (RBM25) in cerebral IR injury. Oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were used to establish in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral IR injury, respectively. According to our data, NEAT1, EGR1, and RBM25 levels were elevated in OGD/R‐exposed SK‐N‐SH and SH‐SY5Y cells and cerebral cortex of MCAO mice. NEAT1, EGR1, or RBM25 knockdown effectively reduced infarct volumes and apoptosis, and improved neurological function. Mechanistically, NEAT1 directly interacted with EGR1, which restrained WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1)‐mediated ubiquitination of EGR1 and subsequently caused EGR1 accumulation. EGR1 bound to RBM25 promoter and transcriptionally activated RBM25. Rescue experiments indicated that RBM25 overexpression abolished the therapeutic effects of NEAT1 knockdown. In conclusion, this work identified a novel NEAT1/EGR1/RBM25 axis in potentiating brain injury after IR insults, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.

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A giant penis‐like vulval soft fibroma in a case of external genital malformation
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Wu Yanhong , Qu Quanxin
Published: August 2022

Soft fibroma is a common benign skin tumour. The size varies from 1 to 10 mm, and giant soft fibromas were rare. Mostly, the appearances of soft fibromas were pedicled, filiform and papular. We reported a female adolescent with a giant penis‐like soft fibroma in her vulva, meanwhile with an external genital malformation. We recalled our treatment process, including diagnosis and surgery, and aimed to broaden the understanding of soft fibroma through our case report.
Postpartum symptom clusters in birthing individuals: A systematic review
Authors: Scroggins Jihye Kim , Ledbetter Leila S. , Jones‐Hepler Bonnie , Brandon Debra , Reuter‐Rice Karin
Published: August 2022

Background

Birthing individuals experience various postpartum symptoms which have been associated with adverse health outcomes. Previous systematic reviews have focused on the examination of individual symptoms and their impact on health, which have limited our understanding of postpartum symptom clusters.

Objective

To examine the compositions of symptom clusters, analytic methodologies and predictors of symptom clusters in birthing individuals up to 1 year postpartum.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

This systematic review was reported following the PRISMA. Five databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO and Scopus. Two reviewers performed title and abstract and full‐text screening independently. Standard Quality Assessment Criteria were used to assess the articles' qualities. Key information was extracted into evidence table, which was checked for accuracy and completeness. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

A total of 30 articles were included. Studies were conducted in 16 countries, mostly in Europe (n = 9) and North America (n = 7). The majority were quantitative (n = 27) and cross‐sectional (n = 27). Factor analysis was the most frequently used analytic methodology (n = 21). All three qualitative studies used grounded theory. Taking into consideration the variations among the studies, stress (n = 15, infant or partner‐related and from other sources), depression (n = 12), somatic (n = 12) and anxiety clusters (n = 10) were most frequently identified. Symptom cluster predictors were examined in less than half of the included studies (n = 13). Among these, most were focused on how individual postpartum symptoms influence symptom clusters.

Conclusions

Stress, depression, somatic and anxiety clusters are the most frequently identified postpartum symptom clusters. Future studies should examine the consistency, stability and clinical meaningfulness of these four symptom clusters.

Relevance to clinical practice

The identification and management of the four symptom clusters should be of particular interest to clinicians and researchers.

No patient or public contribution

This systematic review did not directly involve patient or public contribution to the manuscript.
Can Capitalism Solve Its Own Rural Problems? Japanese Lessons for the World Bank's Vision of Rural‐Led Development
Authors: Cohen Mark
Published: August 2022

Recent research and policy advice by international development organizations have, by their own account, sought to reverse a prior neglect of conditions in agriculture and rural areas. In pursuit of this, they have developed a vision of dynamic but incremental development in rural areas, anchored in a smallholder‐based and economically diversified market economy. This vision, articulated in the World Bank's 2008 World Development Report and continuing to animate research and policy advice today, presents itself as a solution to persistent poverty in the world's least developed countries. This paper adopts a historical sociological lens to use the case of Japan, in the period from the latter half of the nineteenth century to the opening decades of the twentieth, to assess how realistic this vision is. This analysis shows that the lessons of Japan's experience are chastening for this vision of rural development. The mechanisms of growth in Japan were remarkably similar to those advertised by the World Bank's vision. However, its rural economic dynamism was based on deep socioeconomic inequalities and brought improved material conditions and greater economic security to agricultural households only with excruciating slowness, if at all. Rather than demonstrating the potential of incremental, market‐oriented rural development to offer a path towards widespread poverty reduction, Japan instead serves as a warning of this development model's limitations.
White Kids on the Block: On Race, Identity and Criminality Among Incarcerated White Youth
Authors: Muñiz Julissa O. , Marshall Jessica M. W.
Published: August 2022

This study contributes to efforts already underway to attend to the reproduction of white supremacy and the ways whiteness manifests across contexts. We examine whiteness and white racial identity development among incarcerated youth, both a group and place not often studied in relation to these two concepts. Using critical ethnographic methods, we explore how processes of white identity development unfold among incarcerated white youth and the ways in which whiteness is lived, negotiated, and challenged within the carceral context. Findings suggest that white youth used pre‐existing racial scripts about race, whiteness, and criminality to make sense of and navigate life in the carceral context. Still, we found that these racial scripts were often seeped in anti‐black racist logics about criminality in service of whiteness and the construction of superior white identities.
Demographic assessment using physical and genetic sampling finds stable polar bear subpopulation in Gulf of Boothia, Canada
Authors: Dyck Markus , Regehr Eric V. , Ware Jasmine V.
Published: August 2022

Knowledge of long‐term demographic trends is important for managing large carnivore populations under changing environmental conditions, management objectives, and human values. From 2015 to 2017, we biopsy‐sampled polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Gulf of Boothia (GB) subpopulation to genetically identify individuals. This less‐invasive sampling method was more compatible with stakeholder values than chemical immobilization. We analyzed the biopsy data together with live‐capture study data (1998–2000), opportunistically collected live‐capture data (1976–1997), and harvest recovery data (1976–2017). From 2015 to 2017, the mean model‐averaged abundance estimate was 1,525 bears (SE = 294), similar to both the 1998–2000 estimate from the current analysis (1,610 ± 266) and previously published estimate (1,592 ± 361). Total survival from 2015–2017 varied by sex and age class, with higher estimates for adult females (0.95, 95% CI [0.81, 0.99]) than adult males (0.85, 95% CI [0.74, 0.92]). Mean number of yearlings per adult female was 0.36, 95% CI [0.26, 0.47], suggesting healthy reproduction. Body condition improved between 1998–2000 and 2015–2017. Our findings suggest the GB subpopulation is currently productive and stable. Forecasts of continued sea‐ice loss and environmental change due to climate warming emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring of this subpopulation.
Tinea pedis in underrepresented groups: All of Us database analysis
Authors: Moseley Isabelle , Ragi Sara D. , Ouellette Samantha , Rao Babar
Published: August 2022

Background

Tinea pedis is the most common form of dermatophytosis resulting in interdigital infections. All of Us (AoU) is a National Institute of Health initiative with an emphasis on patient populations traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research.

Objectives

Our objective was to evaluate the burden of tinea pedis in underrepresented groups in the United States, utilising the novel AoU research program.

Methods

We analysed AoU Registered Tier dataset version 5, which includes data collected between 30 May, 2017, and 1 April, 2021. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis linking survey and electronic health record (EHR) data to estimate the prevalence of tinea pedis in underrepresented groups.

Results

All of Us data release includes 329,038 participants. Of these, 251,597 (76.5%) had electronic health record data and 6932 had tinea pedis (overall prevalence, 2.76%; 95% CI, 2.69–2.82). Multivariate analyses revealed that compared with White participants, Black and Hispanic participants had a higher adjusted odds of tinea pedis (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.20–1.38 and OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.28–1.48, respectively). Higher adjusted odds of tinea pedis were observed in underrepresented groups defined by: age > =75 years (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.33–1.57), LGBTQ status (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09–1.27), less than a high school education (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11–1.34), income <$35,000 (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02–1.16) and physical disability (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.08–1.24).

Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with overall age, and gender‐specific prevalence estimates from prior epidemiologic studies, validating the scientific consistency of the new AoU database. Additionally, there may be an increased burden of tinea pedis among Black and Hispanic individuals.
High‐resolution impedance manometry for comparing bolus transit between patients with non‐obstructive dysphagia and asymptomatic controls
Authors: Cha Boram , Choi Kyungmin , Jung Kee Wook , Kim Hwa Jung , Kim Ga Hee , Na Hee Kyong , Ahn Ji Yong , Lee Jeong Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Kim Do Hoon , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Joo Segyeong
Published: August 2022

Background

Currently, there are no high‐resolution impedance manometry (HRIM)‐based diagnostic criteria for non‐obstructive dysphagia (NOD). New impedance parameters, such as the esophageal impedance integral (EII) and volume of inverted impedance (VII) ratios, have shown strong correlations with bolus transit. This study compared the EII and VII ratios as diagnostic tools for NOD.

Methods

We analyzed 36 participants (12 patients with achalasia, 12 patients with NOD [7 with normal motility and 5 with ineffective esophageal motility], and 12 asymptomatic controls) who underwent HRIM with a maximum of 5 swallows per participant. The EII and VII ratios were calculated as Z2 (post‐swallow)/Z1 (pre‐swallow). Bolus transit was retrospectively evaluated using transluminal impedance analysis.

Key Results

Both EII and VII ratios could effectively distinguish the achalasia group from the non‐achalasia groups (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.83 for VII vs. 0.80 for EII; p = 0.73). However, the VII ratio was significantly better in discriminating asymptomatic controls from patients with dysphagia (NOD + achalasia) (AUROC: 0.81 vs. 0.68; p = 0.01). Moreover, the VII ratio was better in discriminating asymptomatic controls from patients with NOD (AUROC: 0.68 vs. 0.51; p = 0.06). In repeated swallows, the VII ratio was consistently the lowest in controls and the highest in patients with achalasia, whereas the EII ratio did not show a consistent pattern.

Conclusions & Inferences

The VII ratio was more reliable than the EII ratio for describing bolus transit and distinguishing patients with NOD from asymptomatic controls, even during repeated measures of subsequent swallows.
Differences in stereoacuity between crossed and uncrossed disparities reduce with practice
Authors: Clayton Robin , Siderov John
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Stereoacuity, like many forms of hyperacuity, improves with practice. We investigated the effects of repeated measurements over multiple visits on stereoacuity using two commonly utilised clinical stereotests, for both crossed and uncrossed disparity stimuli.

Methods

Participants were adults with normal binocular vision (n = 17) aged between 18 and 50 years. Stereoacuity was measured using the Randot and TNO stereotests on five separate occasions over a six week period. We utilised both crossed and uncrossed stimuli to separately evaluate stereoacuity in both disparity directions. A subset of the subject group also completed a further five visits over an additional six week period. Threshold stereoacuity was determined by the lowest disparity level at which the subjects could correctly identify both the position and disparity direction (crossed or uncrossed) of the stimulus. Data were analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Stereoacuity for crossed and uncrossed stimuli improved significantly across the first five visits (F1,21 = 4.24, p = 0.05). The main effect of disparity direction on stereoacuity was not significant (F1 = 0.02, p = 0.91). However, a significant interaction between disparity direction and stereotest was identified (F1 = 7.92, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Stereoacuity measured with both the TNO and Randot stereotests improved significantly over the course of five repetitions. Although differences between crossed and uncrossed stereoacuity were evident, they depended on the stereotest used and reduced or disappeared after repeated measurements. A single measure of stereoacuity is inadequate for properly evaluating adult stereopsis clinically.