bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new genera of coastal Talitridae (Amphipoda: Senticaudata) from Chile, with the first record of Platorchestia Bousfield, 1982 in the southeastern Pacific coast
Authors: PÉREZ-SCHULTHEISS JORGE , FERNÁNDEZ LEONARDO D. , RIBEIRO FELIPE BEZERRA
Published: July 2024

Using samples of talitrid amphipods collected on the coast of Chile, we describe two new monotypic genera characterized by particular types of sexual dimorphism, and we report the first record of the genus Platorchestia Bousfield, 1982 in the southeastern Pacific coast. In the subfamily Platorchestiinae, the genus Atacamorchestia gen. nov. and its new species Atacamorchestia atacamensis sp. nov. was collected in marine rocky coasts, in several localities in northern Chile. This new taxon is characterized principally by presence of T setae in male appendages, a feature shared with the genus Vallorchestia from Australia, but with a different distribution of these structures. The first specimens of Platorchestia in the Southeastern Pacific were obtained in Antofagasta, northern Chile, however they were identified only to genus level because a more in-depth taxonomic analysis will be necessary to determine their status. Finally, in the subfamily Talitrinae, Lafkenorchestia gen. nov. and its new species Lafkenorchestia oyarzuni sp. nov. were found on rocky marine shores and in estuaries in southern Chile, between La Araucania and Los Lagos regions. This new taxon is characterized by distinct modifications in basis and merus of male pereopod 7, showing some morphological similarities with the New Zealand genera Subantarctorchestia and Pictonorchestia. For each species, descriptions and illustrations are presented.
New records of the primarily Sri Lankan Pseudophilautus regius (Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda, 2005) (Amphibia; Rhacophoridae) from the Eastern Ghats of India, crossing the Palk Strait saltwater barrier in the Indian Ocean
Authors: B BHARATH. , DINESH K. P. , M KARUTHAPANDI. , KUNTE KALYANI BAI , SHABNAM A. , JAISWAL DEEPA , JADHAV S.S.
Published: July 2024

Pseudophilautus regius is a bush frog originally described from the dry zones of Sri Lanka. In the present study, P. regius is being reported from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India as a new record for the country. The Indian population of P. regius being polytypic, identity confirmation was aided by genetic data. Earlier data for the genus Pseudophilautus indicated that three endemic species were known from the Western Ghats, India and 75 endemic species occurred in Sri Lanka. This report forms the first report of a bush frog exhibiting distribution in both India and Sri Lanka across the saltwater barrier of the Palk Strait in the Indian ocean. Discussions are made regarding other lineages which have distributions across both India and Sri Lanka.
A new species of Centrozoros Kukalová-Peck & Peck, 1993 (Zoraptera: Spiralizoridae) from high elevations in the northwestern Andes of Colombia
Authors: LIMA SHEILA P. , OLIVEIRA ISMAEL B. , MAZARIEGOS LUIS A. , FERNANDES DANIELL R. R. , RAFAEL JOSÉ A.
Published: July 2024

This study aims to expand the knowledge of angel insects in Colombia. A new species of Centrozoros Kukalová-Peck & Peck, 1993 (Zoraptera: Spiralizoridae) from a high elevation area of Colombia is described. Centrozoros mesenia Lima, Oliveira & Rafael sp. nov. was collected from Andean cloud forest at the Mesenia-Paramillo Nature Reserve. The new species is described based on a male specimen and is characterized mainly by the presence of a leaf-like sclerotized projection at the base of the aedeagus. We present digital images of the new species and a distribution map of the species of Zoraptera registered for Colombia until now.
Transcriptomic responses of Mediterranean sponges upon encounter with symbiont microbial consortia
Authors: Marulanda-Gomez Angela Maria , Ribes Marta , Franzenburg Sören , Hentschel Ute , Pita Lucia
Published: July 2024

Background

Sponges (phylum Porifera) constantly interact with microbes. They graze on microbes from the water column by filter-feeding and they harbor symbiotic partners within their bodies. In experimental setups, sponges take up symbionts at lower rates compared with seawater microbes. This suggests that sponges have the capacity to differentiate between microbes and preferentially graze in non-symbiotic microbes, although the underlying mechanisms of discrimination are still poorly understood. Genomic studies showed that, compared to other animal groups, sponges present an extended repertoire of immune receptors, in particular NLRs, SRCRs, and GPCRs, and a handful of experiments showed that sponges regulate the expression of these receptors upon encounter with microbial elicitors. We hypothesize that sponges may rely on differential expression of their diverse repertoire of poriferan immune receptors to sense different microbial consortia while filter-feeding. To test this, we characterized the transcriptomic response of two sponge species, Aplysina aerophoba and Dysidea avara, upon incubation with microbial consortia extracted from A. aerophoba in comparison with incubation with seawater microbes. The sponges were sampled after 1 h, 3 h, and 5 h for RNA-Seq differential gene expression analysis.

Results

D. avara incubated with A. aerophoba-symbionts regulated the expression of genes related to immunity, ubiquitination, and signaling. Within the set of differentially-expressed immune genes we identified different families of Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain (NOD)-Like Receptors (NLRs). These results represent the first experimental evidence that different types of NLRs are involved in microbial discrimination in a sponge. In contrast, the transcriptomic response of A. aerophoba to its own symbionts involved comparatively fewer genes and lacked genes encoding for immune receptors.

Conclusion

Our work suggests that: (i) the transcriptomic response of sponges upon microbial exposure may imply “fine-tuning” of baseline gene expression as a result of their interaction with microbes, (ii) the differential response of sponges to microbial encounters varied between the species, probably due to species-specific characteristics or related to host’s traits, and (iii) immune receptors belonging to different families of NLR-like genes played a role in the differential response to microbes, whether symbionts or food bacteria. The regulation of these receptors in sponges provides further evidence of the potential role of NLRs in invertebrate host-microbe interactions. The study of sponge responses to microbes exemplifies how investigating different animal groups broadens our knowledge of the evolution of immune specificity and symbiosis.
Step-up approach for the treatment of infected necrotising pancreatitis: real life data from a single-centre experience with long-term follow-up
Authors: Valentin Claire , Le Cosquer Guillaume , Tuyeras Géraud , Culetto Adrian , Barange Karl , Hervieu Pierre-Emmanuel , Carrère Nicolas , Muscari Fabrice , Mokrane Fatima , Otal Philippe , Bournet Barbara , Suc Bertrand , Buscail Louis
Published: July 2024

Background

About 20% of patients with acute pancreatitis develop a necrotising form with a worse prognosis due to frequent appearance of organ failure(s) and/or infection of necrosis. Aims of the present study was to evaluate the “step up” approach treatment of infected necrosis in terms of: feasibility, success in resolving infection, morbidity of procedures, risk factors associated with death and long-term sequels.

Methods

In this observational retrospective monocentric study in the real life, necrotizing acute pancreatitis at the stage of infected walled-off necrosis were treated as follow: first step with drainage (radiologic and/or endoscopic-ultrasound-guided with lumen apposing metal stent); in case of failure, minimally invasive necrosectomy sessions(s) by endoscopy through the stent and/or via retroperitoneal surgery (step 2); If necessary open surgery as a third step. Efficacy was assessed upon to a composite clinical-biological criterion: resolution of organ failure(s), decrease of at least two of clinico-biological criteria among fever, CRP serum level, and leucocytes count).

Results

Forty-one consecutive patients were treated. The step-up strategy: (i) was feasible in 100% of cases; (ii) allowed the infection to be resolved in 33 patients (80.5%); (iii) Morbidity was mild and rapidly resolutive; (iv) the mortality rate at 6 months was of 19.5% (significant factors: SIRS and one or more organ failure(s) at admission, fungal infection, size of the largest collection ≥ 16 cm). During the follow-up (median 72 months): 27% of patients developed an exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, 45% developed or worsened a previous diabetes, 24% had pancreatic fistula and one parietal hernia.

Conclusions

Beside a very good feasibility, the step-up approach for treatment of infected necrotizing pancreatitis in the real life displays a clinico-biological efficacy in 80% of cases with acceptable morbidity, mortality and long-term sequels regarding the severity of the disease.
Ultrasound-based nomogram to predict the recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma using machine learning
Authors: Zhou Binqian , Liu Jianxin , Yang Yaqin , Ye Xuewei , Liu Yang , Mao Mingfeng , Sun Xiaofeng , Cui Xinwu , Zhou Qin
Published: July 2024

Background and aims

The recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is not unusual and associated with risk of death. This study is aimed to construct a nomogram that combines clinicopathological characteristics and ultrasound radiomics signatures to predict the recurrence in PTC.

Methods

A total of 554 patients with PTC who underwent ultrasound imaging before total thyroidectomy were included. Among them, 79 experienced at least one recurrence. Then 388 were divided into the training cohort and 166 into the validation cohort. The radiomics features were extracted from the region of interest (ROI) we manually drew on the tumor image. The feature selection was conducted using Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. And multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to build the combined nomogram using radiomics signatures and significant clinicopathological characteristics. The efficiency of the nomogram was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the recurrence-free survival (RFS) in different radiomics scores (Rad-scores) and risk scores.

Results

The combined nomogram demonstrated the best performance and achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.851 (95% CI: 0.788 to 0.913) in comparison to that of the radiomics signature and the clinical model in the training cohort at 3 years. In the validation cohort, the combined nomogram (AUC = 0.885, 95% CI: 0.805 to 0.930) also performed better. The calibration curves and DCA verified the clinical usefulness of combined nomogram. And the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that in the training cohort, the cumulative RFS in patients with higher Rad-score was significantly lower than that in patients with lower Rad-score (92.0% vs. 71.9%, log rank P < 0.001), and the cumulative RFS in patients with higher risk score was significantly lower than that in patients with lower risk score (97.5% vs. 73.5%, log rank P < 0.001). In the validation cohort, patients with a higher Rad-score and a higher risk score also had a significantly lower RFS.

Conclusion

We proposed a nomogram combining clinicopathological variables and ultrasound radiomics signatures with excellent performance for recurrence prediction in PTC patients.
Clinical applications of telemedicine services using a regional telemedicine platform for cancer treatment: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cui Fangfang , Zhang Xu , He Xianying , Liu Dongqing , Shi Jinming , Ye Ming , Wang Linlin , Chu Yuntian , Zhao Jie
Published: July 2024

Background

Telemedicine is beneficial for improving treatment efficiency and reducing medical expenses of cancer patients. This study focuses on cancer patients participating in teleconsultations through a regional telemedicine platform in China, analyzes the consultation process, and provides references for the clinical application of telemedicine.

Methods

We collected information on teleconsultations of cancer patients conducted from 2015 to 2022 through the regional telemedicine platform. Utilizing SPSS 23.0 software, we conducted descriptive analysis to summarize the distribution of patient gender, age, region, and disease types. The ordinal logistic regression analysis was adopted to analyze the factors influencing the waiting time and consultation duration for teleconsultations.

Results

From 2015 to 2022, a total of 23,060 teleconsultations were conducted for cancer patients via regional telemedicine platform, with an average growth rate of 11.09%. The main types of consultations were for lung cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer, accounting for 18.14%, 10.49%, and 9.46% respectively. 57.05% of teleconsultations had a waiting time of less than 24 h, while patient age, consultation expert level, and disease type were the main factors influencing the waiting time. 50.06% of teleconsultations had a duration of more than 20 min, and the inviting hospital level and the title of invited consultant were the main factors influencing the consultation duration.

Conclusions

In China, telemedicine has been widely employed in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancers, covering various types of oncological diseases. However, the waiting time for teleconsultations was generally more than 12 h, indicating the need to enhance consultation scheduling and allocate more expert resources to further optimize the efficiency of teleconsultations. Additionally, further exploration is required for remote health management of outpatients with cancers outside the hospital.
KK-LC-1, a biomarker for prognosis of immunotherapy for primary liver cancer
Authors: Zhu Sihui , Jin Yuncheng , Zhou Mingzhen , Li Lin , Song Xueru , Su Xinyu , Liu Baorui , Shen Jie
Published: July 2024

Purpose

There is mounting evidence that patients with liver cancer can benefit from Immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, due to the high cost and low efficacy, we aimed to explore new biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Methods

Specimens and medical records of liver cancer patients treated at Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University were collected, and the expression of Kita-Kyushu lung cancer antigen-1 (KK-LC-1) in tissues as well as the corresponding antibodies in serum were examined to find biomarkers related to the prognosis of immunotherapy and to explore its mechanism in the development of liver cancer.

Results

KK-LC-1 expression was found to be 34.4% in histopathological specimens from 131 patients and was significantly correlated with Foxp3 expression (P = 0.0356). The expression of Foxp3 in the tissues of 24 patients who received immunotherapy was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0247), and there was also a tendency for prolonged OS in patients with high expression of KK-LC-1. In addition, the expression of KK-LC-1 antibody in the serum of patients who received immunotherapy with a first efficacy evaluation of stable disease (SD) was significantly higher than those with partial response (PR) (P = 0.0413).

Conclusions

Expression of KK-LC-1 in both tissues and serum has been shown to correlate with the prognosis of patients treated with immunotherapy, and KK-LC-1 is a potential therapeutic target for oncological immunotherapy.
Comparative immune profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression among South African patients
Authors: Elebo Nnenna , Abdel-Shafy Ebtesam A. , Omoshoro-Jones Jones A. O. , Nsingwane Zanele , Hussein Ahmed A. A. , Smith Martin , Candy Geoffrey , Cacciatore Stefano , Fru Pascaline , Nweke Ekene Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

Background

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer characterized by an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Patients from specific ethnicities and population groups have poorer prognoses than others. Therefore, a better understanding of the immune landscape in such groups is necessary for disease elucidation, predicting patient outcomes and therapeutic targeting. This study investigated the expression of circulating key immune cell markers in South African PDAC patients of African ancestry.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from a total of 6 healthy volunteers (HC), 6 Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) and 34 PDAC patients consisting of 22 resectable (RPC), 8 locally advanced (LAPC) and 4 metastatic (MPC). Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain reactions (RT-qPCR), Metabolomics, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and Immunophenotyping assays were conducted. Statistical analysis was conducted in R (v 4.3.2). Additional analysis of single-cell RNA data from 20 patients (16 PDAC and 4 controls) was conducted to interrogate the distribution of T-cell and Natural Killer cell populations.

Results

Granulocyte and neutrophil levels were significantly elevated while lymphocytes decreased with PDAC severity. The total percentages of CD3 T-cell subpopulations (helper and double negative T-cells) decreased when compared to HC. Although both NK (p = 0.014) and NKT (p < 0.001) cell levels increased as the disease progressed, their subsets: NK CD56dimCD16−(p = 0.024) and NKTs CD56+(p = 0.008) cell levels reduced significantly. Of note is the negative association of NK CD56dimCD16−(p < 0.001) cell levels with survival time. The gene expression analyses showed no statistically significant correlation when comparing the PDAC groups with the controls. The inflammatory status of PDAC was assessed by ROS levels of serum which were elevated in CP (p = 0.025), (RPC (p = 0.003) and LAPC (p = 0.008)) while no significant change was observed in MPC, compared to the HC group. ROS was shown to be positively correlated with GlycA (R = 0.45,p = 0.0096). Single-cell analyses showed a significant difference in the ratio of NKT cells per total cell counts in LAPC (p < 0.001) and MPC (p < 0.001) groups compared with HC, confirming observations in our sample group.

Conclusion

The expression of these immune cell markers observed in this pilot study provides insight into their potential roles in tumour progression in the patient group and suggests their potential utility in the development of immunotherapeutic strategies.
Melanoma risk, tumour stage, and melanoma-specific mortality in individuals with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tønder Jens Ejrnæs , Bønnelykke-Behrndtz Marie Louise , Laurberg Tinne , Røssell Eeva-Liisa , Sollie Martin
Published: July 2024

Background

Cancer has become the leading diabetes-related cause of death in high-income countries, and more knowledge is needed to clarify the impact of diabetes on site-specific cancers. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between diabetes and malignant melanoma by conducting a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Using predefined eligibility criteria, PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science were systematically searched up to February 22, 2023. Exposure was defined as diabetes or type 2 diabetes and the outcomes were defined as melanoma incidence, melanoma stage or melanoma-specific mortality. The identified articles were evaluated by two independent reviewers and quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 on melanoma risk using adjusted risk estimates and on melanoma stage using a dichotomous model.

Results

The literature search revealed 20 studies in total eligible for inclusion, 14 for the analysis of melanoma risk, 3 for melanoma thickness and ulceration, and 4 for melanoma-specific survival. According to the meta-analyses, diabetes did not impact the risk of developing melanoma (RR:1.05, 95%CI:0.99–1.12, p = 0.10). However, type 2 diabetes was associated with more advanced melanoma stages at the time of diagnosis (Breslow-thickness > 1 mm: RR 1.35, 95%CI: 1.22–1.49, p = < 0.001) and presence of ulceration (RR 1.30, 95%CI: 1.00-1.68, p = 0.05). A meta-analysis on the association between diabetes and melanoma-specific mortality was not feasible due to diverse study designs.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis found no association between diabetes and the risk of developing melanoma, but diabetes was associated with increased tumour thickness and the presence of ulceration at the time of diagnosis. Further research is warranted to explore the association between diabetes melanoma stage and prognosis.

Trial registration

PROSPERO ID CRD42023394187.
Availability of published evidence on coverage, cost components, and funding support for digitalisation of infectious disease surveillance in Africa, 2003–2022: a systematic review
Authors: Kaburi Basil Benduri , Harries Manuela , Hauri Anja M. , Kenu Ernest , Wyss Kaspar , Silenou Bernard Chawo , Klett-Tammen Carolina J , Ressing Cordula , Awolin Jannis , Lange Berit , Krause Gérard
Published: July 2024

Background

The implementation of digital disease surveillance systems at national levels in Africa have been challenged by many factors. These include user applicability, utility of IT features but also stable financial support. Funding closely intertwines with implementations in terms of geographical reach, disease focus, and sustainability. However, the practice of evidence sharing on geographical and disease coverage, costs, and funding sources for improving the implementation of these systems on the continent is unclear.

Objectives

To analyse the key characteristics and availability of evidence for implementing digital infectious disease surveillance systems in Africa namely their disease focus, geographical reach, cost reporting, and external funding support.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature for the period 2003 to 2022 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022300849). We searched five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE over Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and websites of WHO, Africa CDC, and public health institutes of African countries. We mapped the distribution of projects by country; identified reported implementation cost components; categorised the availability of data on cost components; and identified supporting funding institutions outside Africa.

Results

A total of 29 reports from 2,033 search results were eligible for analysis. We identified 27 projects implemented in 13 countries, across 32 sites. Of these, 24 (75%) were pilot projects with a median duration of 16 months, (IQR: 5–40). Of the 27 projects, 5 (19%) were implemented for HIV/AIDs and tuberculosis, 4 (15%) for malaria, 4 (15%) for all notifiable diseases, and 4 (15%) for One Health. We identified 17 cost components across the 29 reports. Of these, 11 (38%) reported quantified costs for start-up capital, 10 (34%) for health personnel compensation, 9 (31%) for training and capacity building, 8 (28%) for software maintenance, and 7(24%) for surveillance data transmission. Of 65 counts of external funding sources, 35 (54%) were governmental agencies, 15 (23%) foundations, and 7 (11%) UN agencies.

Conclusions

The evidence on costing data for the digitalisation of surveillance and outbreak response in the published literature is sparse in quantity, limited in detail, and without a standardised reporting format. Most initial direct project costs are substantially donor dependent, short lived, and thus unsustainable.
Geographical coverage of SARS-CoV-2 screening and care centers in Haiti: what do national surveillance data tell us?
Authors: Presume Marcmy , Gaudart Jean , Michel Edwige , Marseille Samson , Altmann Mathias
Published: July 2024

Background

In Haiti, reported incidence and mortality rates for COVID-19 were lower than expected. We aimed to analyze factors at communal and individual level that might lead to an underestimation of the true burden of the COVID-19 epidemic in Haiti during its first two years.

Methods

We analyzed national COVID-19 surveillance data from March 2020 to December 2021, to describe the epidemic using cluster detection, time series, and cartographic approach. We performed multivariate Quasi-Poisson regression models to determine socioeconomic factors associated with incidence and mortality. We performed a mixed-effect logistic regression model to determine individual factors associated with the infection.

Results

Among the 140 communes of Haiti, 57 (40.7%) had a COVID-19 screening center, and the incidence was six times higher in these than in those without. Only 22 (15.7%) communes had a COVID-19 care center, and the mortality was five times higher in these than in those without. All the richest communes had a COVID-19 screening center while only 30.8% of the poorest had one. And 75% of the richest communes had a COVID-19 care center while only 15.4% of the poorest had one. Having more than three healthcare workers per 1000 population in the commune was positively associated with the incidence (SIR: 3.31; IC95%: 2.50, 3.93) and the mortality (SMR: 2.73; IC95%: 2.03, 3.66). At the individual level, male gender (adjusted OR: 1.11; IC95%: 1.01, 1.22), age with a progressive increase of the risk compared to youngers, and having Haitian nationality only (adjusted OR:2.07; IC95%: 1.53, 2.82) were associated with the infection.

Conclusions

This study highlights the weakness of SARS-CoV-2 screening and care system in Haiti, particularly in the poorest communes, suggesting that the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths were probably greatly underestimated.
Work ability and return-to-work of patients with post-COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ottiger Marcel , Poppele Iris , Sperling Naveen , Schlesinger Torsten , Müller Katrin
Published: July 2024

Background

In addition to several sequelae of post-COVID-19, individuals also experience significant limitations in work ability, resulting in negative consequences for the return-to-work (RTW) process. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the impact of post-COVID-19 on work ability and RTW of individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Studies on the work ability and RTW of patients with post-COVID-19 (more than 12 weeks after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection) were regarded eligible for inclusion. Systematic search of literature was performed up to March 2023 using five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and WHO COVID 19). Study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Statement. A meta-analysis estimated the overall success rate of RTW. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

19 relevant studies, published between 2021 and 2023, were included in the systematic review, involving 21.155 patients from 14 different countries. The findings indicate that a significant proportion of individuals with post-COVID-19 experience persistent symptoms and functional impairments, with fatigue being the most prominent symptom. These persistent symptoms can have a considerable (negative) impact on individuals’ physical and psychological capacity to participate in work-related activities, leading to lower work ability and increased absenteeism. The RTW for post-COVID-19 patients is complex, with approximately 60.9% of patients successfully returning to work after 12 or more weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among those who successfully returning to work, a considerable number need modifications in their work duties or hours to cope with residual impairments. Factors such as workplace accommodations, supportive policies, and occupational rehabilitation programs play a crucial role in facilitating successful RTW.

Conclusions

The systematic review underscores the substantial impact of post-COVID-19 on work-related outcomes. The implications of this research highlight the need for healthcare providers, employers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating inclusive work environments and implementing tailored rehabilitation programs to support individuals recovering from post-COVID-19. Further research should focus on long-term follow-up studies with mixed methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the long-term consequences of post-COVID-19 on work ability and RTW outcomes.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023385436.
Assessment of traumatic mandibular nerve using MR neurography sequence: a preliminary study
Authors: Yang Hyunwoo , Son Nak-hoon , Kim Dongwook , Chun Jae-Hee , Kim Jin Sung , Oh Tae Kyung , Lee Minwook , Kim Hyung Jun
Published: July 2024

Background

Iatrogenic mandibular nerve damage resulting from oral surgeries and dental procedures is painful and a formidable challenge for patients and oral surgeons alike, mainly because the absence of objective and quantitative methods for diagnosing nerve damage renders treatment and compensation ambiguous while often leading to medico-legal disputes. The aim of this study was to examine discriminating factors of traumatic mandibular nerve within a specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol and to suggest tangible diagnostic criteria for peripheral trigeminal nerve injury.

Methods

Twenty-six patients with ipsilateral mandibular nerve trauma underwent T2 Flex water, 3D short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) acquired by periodically rotating overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) pulse sequences; 26 injured nerves were thus compared with contra-lateral healthy nerves at anatomically corresponding sites. T2 Flex apparent signal to noise ratio (FSNR), T2 Flex apparent nerve-muscle contrast to noise ratio (FNMCNR) 3D STIR apparent signal to noise ratio (SSNR), 3D STIR apparent nerve-muscle contrast to noise ratio (SNMCNR), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and area of cross-sectional nerve (Area) were evaluated.

Results

Mixed model analysis revealed FSNR and FNMCNR to be the dual discriminators for traumatized mandibular nerve (p < 0.05). Diagnostic performance of both parameters was also determined with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC for FSNR = 0.712; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.5660, 0.8571 / AUC for FNMCNR = 0.7056; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.011, 1.112).

Conclusions

An increase in FSNR and FNMCNR within our MRI sequence seems to be accurate indicators of the presence of traumatic nerve. This prospective study may serve as a foundation for sophisticated model diagnosing trigeminal nerve trauma within large patient cohorts.
LGBTQIA health in medical education: a national survey of Australian medical students
Authors: Wynn Sophia Nicolades , Solanki Pravik , Millington Jayde , Copeland Anthony , Lu Jessie , McNair Ruth , Sanchez Asiel Adan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) individuals experience poorer health outcomes than other individuals. Insufficient LGBTQIA health education of doctors in existing medical curricula contributes to these outcomes. We sought to explore medical students’ experiences of content coverage and mode of delivery, as well as their preparedness, attitudes and learning needs regarding LGBTQIA health education in Australia.

Methods

Using a conceptual framework specific to curricular development, we adapted a previous cross-sectional national survey. This included 28 questions (analysed statistically) and 5 free text responses (analysed deductively using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework). Data was compared between LGBTQIA and non-LGBTQIA respondents, and clinical and preclinical students.

Results

There were 913 participants from 21 of 23 medical schools, with most preclinical (55%) and clinical (89%) students reporting no teaching specific to LGBTQIA health. Reported content coverage was highest for sexual history taking (30%), and especially low for transgender and intersex health (< 16%), and intersectional LGBTQIA health (< 7%). Participants had positive attitudes towards LGBTQIA health, with 89% agreeing LGBTQIA topics were important and need to be covered in detail. Students desired longitudinal integration of LGBTQIA content, and LGBTQIA community involvement and case-based teaching that allows for interaction and questions. Self-perceived competency was low in all LGBTQIA health topics, although LGBTQIA participants reported higher preparedness than non-LGBTQIA participants.

Conclusions

Majority of survey participants reported limited teaching of LGBTQIA health-specific content, highlighting the limited coverage of LGBTQIA health in Australian medical schools. Participants expressed positive attitudes towards LGBTQIA content and broadly agreed with statements supporting increased integration of LGBTQIA health content within medical curricula.
Developing an entrustable professional activity for providing health education and consultation in occupational therapy and examining its validity
Authors: Fu Chung-Pei , Huang Ching-Kai , Yang Yi-Chiun , Liao Wei-Sheng , Huang Shih-Min , Chang Wei-Di , Chen Yi-Ju , Li Ming-Wei , Lin Yi-Ju , Wu Chin-Lung , Chi Hsin-Yu , Lee Chia-Yi , Chiang Fu-Mei , Chen Yu-Lan , Tsou Ching-Fen , Liu Tzu-Hung , Su Chia-Ting , Yang Ai-Lun , Kuo Nung-Chen , Chang Wan-Ying
Published: July 2024

Background

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA)-based assessment is easily and intuitively used in evaluating the learning outcomes of competency-based medical education (CBME). This study aimed to develop an EPA for occupational therapy focused on providing health education and consultation (TP-EPA3) and examine its validity.

Methods

Nineteen occupational therapists who had completed online training on the EQual rubric evaluation participated in this study. An expert committee identified six core EPAs for pediatric occupational therapy. TP-EPA3 was developed following the EPA template and refined through consensus meetings. The EQual rubric, a 14-item, five-point criterion-based anchor system, encompassing discrete units of work (DU), entrustable, essential, and important tasks of the profession (EEIT), and curricular role (CR), was used to evaluate the quality of TP-EPA3. Overall scores below 4.07, or scores for DU, EEIT, and CR domains below 4.17. 4.00, and 4.00, respectively, indicate the need for modifications.

Results

The TP-EPA3 demonstrated good validity, surpassing the required cut-off score with an average overall EQual score of 4.21 (SD = 0.41). Specific domain scores for DU, EEIT, and CR were 3.90 (SD = 0.69), 4.46 (SD = 0.44), and 4.42 (SD = 0.45), respectively. Subsequent revisions clarified observation contexts, enhancing specificity and focus. Further validation of the revised TP-EPA3 and a thorough examination of its reliability and validity are needed.

Conclusion

The successful validation of TP-EPA3 suggests its potential as a valid assessment tool in occupational therapy education, offering a structured approach for developing competency in providing health education and consultation. This process model for EPA development and validation can guide occupational therapists in creating tailored EPAs for diverse specialties and settings.
USP8 promotes the tumorigenesis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma via stabilizing OGT
Authors: Long Guo , Wang Dong , Tang Jianing , Hu Kuan , Zhou Ledu
Published: July 2024

Ubiquitination was considered to be a crucial factor in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) development. Herein, we identified Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) as a key regulator for promoting the tumorigenesis of iCCA cell via stabilizing OGT. USP8 was overexpressed in human tumor tissues and correlated with worse survival. Moreover, the mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that USP8 interacted with OGT. USP8 worked as a bona fide deubiquitylase of OGT. It stabilized OGT in a deubiquitylation activity-dependent manner. Meanwhile, DUB-IN3, the USP8 inhibitor, could also restrain the malignancy of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In addition, USP8 depletion promoted the response of iCCA to pemigatinib. In conclusion, our findings pointed to a previously undocumented catalytic role for USP8 as a deubiquitinating enzyme of OGT. The USP8-OGT axis could be a potential target for iCCA therapy.
Proactive home-based malaria management in rural communities of Bassar Health District in northern Togo from 2014 to 2017: PECADOM + , a pilot experiment
Authors: Bakai Tchaa A. , Gense Maë , Vanhems Philippe , Iwaz Jean , Thomas Anne , Atcha-Oubou Tinah , Tchadjobo Tchassama , Voirin Nicolas , Khanafer Nagham
Published: July 2024

Background

Togo's National Malaria Control Programme has initiated an active home-based malaria management model for all age groups in rural areas of Bassar Health District. This report describes the model, reports its main results, and determines the factors associated with positive rapid diagnostic test results.

Methods

From 2014 to 2017, in three peripheral care units of Bassar Health District (Binaparba, Nangbani, and Baghan), community health workers visited residents' homes weekly to identify patients with malaria symptoms, perform rapid diagnostic tests in symptomatic patients, and give medication to positive cases. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the factors associated with positive tests.

Results

The study covered 11,337 people (817 in 2014, 1804 in 2015, 2638 in 2016, and 6078 in 2017). The overall mean age was 18 years (95% CI 5–29; min–max: 0–112 years). The median age was 10 years (SD: 16.9). The proportions of people tested positive were 75.3% in Binaparba, 77.4% in Nangbani, and 56.6% in Baghan. The 5–10 age group was the most affected category (24.2% positive tests). Positive tests were more frequent during the rainy than during the dry season (62 vs. 38%) and the probability of positive test was 1.76 times higher during the rainy than during the dry season (adjusted OR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.60–1.90). A fever (37.5 °C or higher) increased significantly the probability of positive test (adjusted OR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.89–2.54). The risk of positive test was 1.89 times higher in passive than in active malaria detection (adjusted OR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.73–2.0).

Conclusions

This novel experimental community and home-based malaria management in Togo suggested that active detection of malaria cases is feasible within 24 h, which allows rapid treatments before progression to often-fatal complications. This PECADOM + program will help Togo's National Malaria Control Programme reduce malaria morbidity and mortality in remote and hard-to-reach communities.
Exploring fine-scale urban landscapes using satellite data to predict the distribution of Aedes mosquito breeding sites
Authors: Teillet Claire , Devillers Rodolphe , Tran Annelise , Catry Thibault , Marti Renaud , Dessay Nadine , Rwagitinywa Joseph , Restrepo Johana , Roux Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

Background

The spread of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as dengue is a major public health issue worldwide. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, a primary vector for dengue, thrives in urban environments and breeds mainly in artificial or natural water containers. While the relationship between urban landscapes and potential breeding sites remains poorly understood, such a knowledge could help mitigate the risks associated with these diseases. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between urban landscape characteristics and potential breeding site abundance and type in cities of French Guiana (South America), and to evaluate the potential of such variables to be used in predictive models.

Methods

We use Multifactorial Analysis to explore the relationship between urban landscape characteristics derived from very high resolution satellite imagery, and potential breeding sites recorded from in-situ surveys. We then applied Random Forest models with different sets of urban variables to predict the number of potential breeding sites where entomological data are not available.

Results

Landscape analyses applied to satellite images showed that urban types can be clearly identified using texture indices. The Multiple Factor Analysis helped identify variables related to the distribution of potential breeding sites, such as buildings class area, landscape shape index, building number, and the first component of texture indices. Models predicting the number of potential breeding sites using the entire dataset provided an R² of 0.90, possibly influenced by overfitting, but allowing the prediction over all the study sites. Predictions of potential breeding sites varied highly depending on their type, with better results on breeding sites types commonly found in urban landscapes, such as containers of less than 200 L, large volumes and barrels. The study also outlined the limitation offered by the entomological data, whose sampling was not specifically designed for this study. Model outputs could be used as input to a mosquito dynamics model when no accurate field data are available.

Conclusion

This study offers a first use of routinely collected data on potential breeding sites in a research study. It highlights the potential benefits of including satellite-based characterizations of the urban environment to improve vector control strategies.
tRF-His-GTG-1 enhances NETs formation and interferon-α production in lupus by extracellular vesicle
Authors: Chen Yi-Ming , Tang Kuo-Tung , Liu Hung-Jen , Huang Shih-Ting , Liao Tsai-Ling
Published: July 2024

Background

Hyperactive neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation plays a crucial role in active severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, what triggers the imbalance in dysregulated NETs formation in SLE is elusive. Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are novel non-coding RNAs, which participate in various cellular processes. We explore the role of tsRNAs on NETs formation in SLE.

Methods

We analyzed the levels of NETs DNA and platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs) from 50 SLE patients and 20 healthy control subjects. The effects of pEVs on NETs formation were evaluated by using immunofluorescence assay and myeloperoxidase-DNA PicoGreen assay. The regulatory mechanism of pEVs on NETs formation and inflammatory cytokines production were investigated using an in vitro cell-based assay.

Results

Increased circulating NETs DNA and pEVs were shown in SLE patients and were associated with disease activity (P < 0.005). We demonstrated that SLE patient-derived immune complexes (ICs) induced platelet activation, followed by pEVs release. ICs-triggered NETs formation was significantly enhanced in the presence of pEVs through Toll-like receptor (TLR) 8 activation. Increased levels of tRF-His-GTG-1 in pEVs and neutrophils of SLE patients were associated with disease activity. tRF-His-GTG-1 interacted with TLR8 to prime p47phox phosphorylation in neutrophils, resulting in reactive oxygen species production and NETs formation. Additionally, tRF-His-GTG-1 modulated NF-κB and IRF7 activation in neutrophils upon TLR8 engagement, resulting IL-1β, IL-8, and interferon-α upregulation, respectively.

Conclusions

The level of tRF-His-GTG-1 was positively correlated with NETs formation in SLE patients; tRF-His-GTG-1 inhibitor could efficiently suppress ICs-triggered NETs formation/hyperactivation, which may become a potential therapeutic target.
Reduction in vertical transmission rate of bean common mosaic virus in bee-pollinated common bean plants
Authors: Mhlanga Netsai M. , Pate Adrienne E. , Arinaitwe Warren , Carr John P. , Murphy Alex M.
Published: July 2024

Vertical transmission, the transfer of pathogens across generations, is a critical mechanism for the persistence of plant viruses. The transmission mechanisms are diverse, involving direct invasion through the suspensor and virus entry into developing gametes before achieving symplastic isolation. Despite the progress in understanding vertical virus transmission, the environmental factors influencing this process remain largely unexplored. We investigated the complex interplay between vertical transmission of plant viruses and pollination dynamics, focusing on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The intricate relationship between plants and pollinators, especially bees, is essential for global ecosystems and crop productivity. We explored the impact of virus infection on seed transmission rates, with a particular emphasis on bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV), and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Under controlled growth conditions, BCMNV exhibited the highest seed transmission rate, followed by BCMV and CMV. Notably, in the field, bee-pollinated BCMV-infected plants showed a reduced transmission rate compared to self-pollinated plants. This highlights the influence of pollinators on virus transmission dynamics. The findings demonstrate the virus-specific nature of seed transmission and underscore the importance of considering environmental factors, such as pollination, in understanding and managing plant virus spread.
Neuroanatomical correlates of musicianship in left-handers
Authors: Villar-Rodríguez Esteban , Marin-Marin Lidón , Avila César , Parcet Maria Antònia
Published: July 2024

Background

Left-handedness is a condition that reverses the typical left cerebral dominance of motor control to an atypical right dominance. The impact of this distinct control — and its associated neuroanatomical peculiarities — on other cognitive functions such as music processing or playing a musical instrument remains unexplored. Previous studies in right-handed population have linked musicianship to a larger volume in the (right) auditory cortex and a larger volume in the (right) arcuate fasciculus.

Results

In our study, we reveal that left-handed musicians (n = 55), in comparison to left-handed non-musicians (n = 75), exhibit a larger gray matter volume in both the left and right Heschl’s gyrus, critical for auditory processing. They also present a higher number of streamlines across the anterior segment of the right arcuate fasciculus. Importantly, atypical hemispheric lateralization of speech (notably prevalent among left-handers) was associated to a rightward asymmetry of the AF, in contrast to the leftward asymmetry exhibited by the typically lateralized.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that left-handed musicians share similar neuroanatomical characteristics with their right-handed counterparts. However, atypical lateralization of speech might potentiate the right audiomotor pathway, which has been associated with musicianship and better musical skills. This may help explain why musicians are more prevalent among left-handers and shed light on their cognitive advantages.