bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the impact of measurement error in police recorded crime rates through sensitivity analysis
Authors: Pina-Sánchez Jose , Brunton-Smith Ian , Buil-Gil David , Cernat Alexandru
Published: July 2023

It is well known that police recorded crime data is susceptible to substantial measurement error. However, despite its limitations, police data is widely used in regression models exploring the causes and effects of crime, which can lead to different types of bias. Here, we introduce a new R package (‘rcme’: Recounting Crime with Measurement Error) that can be used to facilitate sensitivity assessments of the impact of measurement error in analyses using police recorded crime rates across a wide range of settings. To demonstrate the potential of such sensitivity analysis, we explore the robustness of the effect of collective efficacy on criminal damage across Greater London’s neighbourhoods. We show how the crime reduction effect attributed to collective efficacy appears robust, even when most criminal damage incidents are not recorded by the police, and if we accept that under-recording rates are moderately affected by collective efficacy.
Phages are unrecognized players in the ecology of the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Matrishin Cole B. , Haase Elaine M. , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Mark Welch Jessica L. , Miranda-Sanchez Fabiola , Chen Tsute , MacFarland Donald C. , Kauffman Kathryn M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Porphyromonas gingivalis (hereafter “Pg”) is an oral pathogen that has been hypothesized to act as a keystone driver of inflammation and periodontal disease. Although Pg is most readily recovered from individuals with actively progressing periodontal disease, healthy individuals and those with stable non-progressing disease are also colonized by Pg. Insights into the factors shaping the striking strain-level variation in Pg, and its variable associations with disease, are needed to achieve a more mechanistic understanding of periodontal disease and its progression. One of the key forces often shaping strain-level diversity in microbial communities is infection of bacteria by their viral (phage) predators and symbionts. Surprisingly, although Pg has been the subject of study for over 40 years, essentially nothing is known of its phages, and the prevailing paradigm is that phages are not important in the ecology of Pg.

Results

Here we systematically addressed the question of whether Pg are infected by phages—and we found that they are. We found that prophages are common in Pg, they are genomically diverse, and they encode genes that have the potential to alter Pg physiology and interactions. We found that phages represent unrecognized targets of the prevalent CRISPR-Cas defense systems in Pg, and that Pg strains encode numerous additional mechanistically diverse candidate anti-phage defense systems. We also found that phages and candidate anti-phage defense system elements together are major contributors to strain-level diversity and the species pangenome of this oral pathogen. Finally, we demonstrate that prophages harbored by a model Pg strain are active in culture, producing extracellular viral particles in broth cultures.

Conclusion

This work definitively establishes that phages are a major unrecognized force shaping the ecology and intra-species strain-level diversity of the well-studied oral pathogen Pg. The foundational phage sequence datasets and model systems that we establish here add to the rich context of all that is already known about Pg, and point to numerous avenues of future inquiry that promise to shed new light on fundamental features of phage impacts on human health and disease broadly.
CVD-associated SNPs with regulatory potential reveal novel non-coding disease genes
Authors: Zhu Chaonan , Baumgarten Nina , Wu Meiqian , Wang Yue , Das Arka Provo , Kaur Jaskiran , Ardakani Fatemeh Behjati , Duong Thanh Thuy , Pham Minh Duc , Duda Maria , Dimmeler Stefanie , Yuan Ting , Schulz Marcel H. , Krishnan Jaya
Published: July 2023

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) appearing in non-coding genomic regions in CVDs. The SNPs may alter gene expression by modifying transcription factor (TF) binding sites and lead to functional consequences in cardiovascular traits or diseases. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, it is crucial to identify which variations are involved and how they affect TF binding.

Methods

The SNEEP (SNP exploration and analysis using epigenomics data) pipeline was used to identify regulatory SNPs, which alter the binding behavior of TFs and link GWAS SNPs to their potential target genes for six CVDs. The human-induced pluripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), monoculture cardiac organoids (MCOs) and self-organized cardiac organoids (SCOs) were used in the study. Gene expression, cardiomyocyte size and cardiac contractility were assessed.

Results

By using our integrative computational pipeline, we identified 1905 regulatory SNPs in CVD GWAS data. These were associated with hundreds of genes, half of them non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), suggesting novel CVD genes. We experimentally tested 40 CVD-associated non-coding RNAs, among them RP11-98F14.11, RPL23AP92, IGBP1P1, and CTD-2383I20.1, which were upregulated in hiPSC-CMs, MCOs and SCOs under hypoxic conditions. Further experiments showed that IGBP1P1 depletion rescued expression of hypertrophic marker genes, reduced hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte size and improved hypoxia-reduced cardiac contractility in hiPSC-CMs and MCOs.

Conclusions

IGBP1P1 is a novel ncRNA with key regulatory functions in modulating cardiomyocyte size and cardiac function in our disease models. Our data suggest ncRNA IGBP1P1 as a potential therapeutic target to improve cardiac function in CVDs.
Work addiction in Chinese white-collar workers: the psychometric properties of its measure and its comorbidity with general anxiety in network analysis
Authors: SUN Ruimei , LAM Long W. , WU Anise M. S.
Published: July 2023

Background

Work addiction (WA) threatens occupation-related health in many countries including China. This research aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Bergen Work Addiction Scale (BWAS), the most common measure of WA, to facilitate relevant studies in Chinese workers. A network analysis was further conducted to identify central and bridge symptoms within the WA-anxiety network to improve intervention practices.

Methods

A total of 694 Chinese white-collar workers completed an online questionnaire survey in March of 2022, and the responses to BWAS from a subsample of 50 participants one month after this survey were also collected.

Results

The unidimensionality of BWAS was supported by results of exploratory factor analysis, exploratory graph analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis and we found satisfactory internal consistency and acceptable test-retest reliability. Multiple-group factor analyses confirmed the measurement invariance of BWAS across genders, districts (i.e., central China, eastern China, western China, and northeastern China), and age groups (i.e., young and middle-aged adults) while the convergent validity of BWAS was demonstrated by its significant correlations with Dutch Work Addiction Scale (r = 0.62,p < 0.001) and its criterion validity was indicated by its significant correlations with general anxiety, weekly work hours, and health status (r =-0.16 to 0.31,p < 0.001–0.01). Network analysis further revealed two central symptoms (WA-tolerance and WA-problems) and three bridge symptoms (WA-problems, WA-mood modification, and mouth dryness of general anxiety) maintaining the WA-anxiety comorbidity.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that BWAS is a valid measure of WA in Chinese workers and interventions should put special attention to the identified central and bridge symptoms underlying the WA-anxiety network.
Three dimensional evaluation of cerebrovascular density and branching in chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Authors: Rosen Grace , Kirsch Daniel , Horowitz Sarah , Cherry Jonathan D. , Nicks Raymond , Kelley Hunter , Uretsky Madeline , Dell’Aquila Kevin , Mathias Rebecca , Cormier Kerry A. , Kubilus Caroline A. , Mez Jesse , Tripodis Yorghos , Stein Thor D. , Alvarez Victor E. , Alosco Michael L. , McKee Ann C. , Huber Bertrand R.
Published: July 2023

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) and characterized by perivascular accumulations of hyperphosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) at the depths of the cortical sulci. Studies of living athletes exposed to RHI, including concussive and nonconcussive impacts, have shown increased blood–brain barrier permeability, reduced cerebral blood flow, and alterations in vasoreactivity. Blood–brain barrier abnormalities have also been reported in individuals neuropathologically diagnosed with CTE. To further investigate the three-dimensional microvascular changes in individuals diagnosed with CTE and controls, we used SHIELD tissue processing and passive delipidation to optically clear and label blocks of postmortem human dorsolateral frontal cortex. We used fluorescent confocal microscopy to quantitate vascular branch density and fraction volume. We compared the findings in 41 male brain donors, age at death 31–89 years, mean age 64 years, including 12 donors with low CTE (McKee stage I–II), 13 with high CTE (McKee stage III–IV) to 16 age- and sex-matched non-CTE controls (7 with RHI exposure and 9 with no RHI exposure). The density of vessel branches in the gray matter sulcus was significantly greater in CTE cases than in controls. The ratios of sulcus versus gyrus vessel branch density and fraction volume were also greater in CTE than in controls and significantly above one for the CTE group. Hyperphosphorylated tau pathology density correlated with gray matter sulcus fraction volume. These findings point towards increased vascular coverage and branching in the dorsolateral frontal cortex (DLF) sulci in CTE, that correlates with p-tau pathology.
Patterns of synaptic loss in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis spinal cord: a clinicopathological study
Authors: Aousji Oumayma , Feldengut Simone , Antonucci Stefano , Schön Michael , Boeckers Tobias M. , Matschke Jakob , Mawrin Christian , Ludolph Albert C. , Del Tredici Kelly , Roselli Francesco , Braak Heiko
Published: July 2023

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is mainly characterized by the degeneration of corticospinal neurons and spinal α-motoneurons; vulnerable cells display prominent pTDP-43 inclusions. Evidence gathered from genetics, murine models, and iPSC-derived neurons point to the early involvement of synapses in the disease course and their crucial role in the pathogenic cascade. However, pathology studies, with specimens from large post-mortem cohorts, mapping the pattern of synaptic disturbances over clinical and neuropathological hallmarks of disease progression, are currently not available. Thus, the appearance and progression of synaptic degeneration in human ALS patients are currently not known, preventing a full validation of the murine and in vitro models. Here, we investigated the loss of synaptophysin-positive terminals in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal cord samples from a retrospective cohort of n = 33 ALS patients and n = 8 healthy controls, and we correlated the loss of synapses against clinicodemographic features and neuropathological ALS stage. We found that, although dorsal and intermediate spinal cord laminae do not lose synapses, ALS patients displayed a substantial but variable loss of synapses in the ventral horn of lumbar and cervical spinal cord. The amount of synaptic loss was predicted by disease duration, by the clinical site of onset, and by the loss of α-motoneurons, although not by the fraction of pTDP-43-immunopositive α-motoneurons. Taken together, our findings validate the synaptic pathology observed in other models and suggest that pathogenic pathways unfolding in the spinal microenvironment are critical to the progressive disassembly of local synaptic connectivity.
Ferroptosis induces detrimental effects in chronic EAE and its implications for progressive MS
Authors: Jhelum Priya , Zandee Stephanie , Ryan Fari , Zarruk Juan G. , Michalke Bernhard , Venkataramani Vivek , Curran Laura , Klement Wendy , Prat Alexandre , David Samuel
Published: July 2023

Ferroptosis is a form of lipid peroxidation-mediated cell death and damage triggered by excess iron and insufficiency in the glutathione antioxidant pathway. Oxidative stress is thought to play a crucial role in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in which iron deposition occurs. In this study we assessed if ferroptosis plays a role in a chronic form of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (CH-EAE), a mouse model used to study MS. Changes were detected in the mRNA levels of several ferroptosis genes in CH-EAE but not in relapsing–remitting EAE. At the protein level, expression of iron importers is increased in the earlier stages of CH-EAE (onset and peak). While expression of hemoxygenase-1, which mobilizes iron from heme, likely from phagocytosed material, is increased in macrophages at the peak and progressive stages. Excess iron in cells is stored safely in ferritin, which increases with disease progression. Harmful, redox active iron is released from ferritin when shuttled to autophagosomes by ‘nuclear receptor coactivator 4’ (NCOA4). NCOA4 expression increases at the peak and progressive stages of CH-EAE and accompanied by increase in redox active ferrous iron. These changes occur in parallel with reduction in the antioxidant pathway (system xCT, glutathione peroxidase 4 and glutathione), and accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation. Mice treated with a ferroptosis inhibitor for 2 weeks starting at the peak of CH-EAE paralysis, show significant improvements in function and pathology. Autopsy samples of tissue sections of secondary progressive MS (SPMS) showed NCOA4 expression in macrophages and oligodendrocytes along the rim of mixed active/inactive lesions, where ferritin+ and iron containing cells are located. Cells expressing NCOA4 express less ferritin, suggesting ferritin degradation and release of redox active iron, as indicated by increased lipid peroxidation. These data suggest that ferroptosis is likely to contribute to pathogenesis in CH-EAE and SPMS.
Pursuing pademelon provenance: a pilot study using portable XRF to trace field-collection of museum mammal specimens
Authors: Cramer Celia , Carter Elizabeth A. , Swarbrick Brad , Philp Jude , Lay Peter A.
Published: July 2023

Internationally, the value and usefulness of museum zoological specimens are compromised when supporting contextual data are lost or disconnected from the specimen. In this pilot study, twelve Macropodidae Thylogale (pademelon) skins with known provenance from the Australian Museum (Sydney) were analysed using portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and principal component analysis. Elemental composition of preservative residues was assessed to establish if common patterns existed and could be associated with particular field collectors. Specimens were differentiated, and the field collector deduced, based on elemental analysis of preservative residues on skins. Each of the nineteenth century field collectors, in this study, were found to have applied the same or similar preservatives to zoological specimens over a number of years, which showed a consistent pattern of practice. Additionally, the specimens obtained by each of the field collectors could be distinguished from one another based on the preservative residues. These discoveries provide exciting prospects for the use of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to couple museum specimens with unknown contextual data via their field collector and associated archival evidence, and hence, enable a considerable enhancement of their value as museum and research objects.
i-Ntervene: applying an evidence-based learning analytics intervention to support computer programming instruction
Authors: Utamachant Piriya , Anutariya Chutiporn , Pongnumkul Suporn
Published: July 2023

Apart from good instructional design and delivery, effective intervention is another key to strengthen student academic performance. However, intervention has been recognized as a great challenge. Most instructors struggle to identify at-risk students, determine a proper intervention approach, trace and evaluate whether the intervention works. This process requires extensive effort and commitment, which is impractical especially for large classes with few instructors. This paper proposes a platform, namelyi-Ntervene, that integrates Learning Management System (LMS) automatic code grader, and learning analytics features which can empower systematic learning intervention for large programming classes. The platform supports instructor-pace courses on both Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and traditional classroom setting. The platform iteratively assesses student engagement levels through learning activity gaps. It also analyzes subject understanding from programming question practices to identify at-risk students and suggests aspects of intervention based on their lagging in these areas. Students’ post-intervention data are traced and evaluated quantitatively to determine effective intervention approaches. This evaluation method aligns with the evidence-based research design. The developed i-Ntervene prototype was tested on a Java programming course with 253 first-year university students during the Covid-19 pandemic in VLE. The result was satisfactory, as the instructors were able to perform and evaluate 12 interventions throughout a semester. For this experimental course, the platform revealed that the approach of sending extrinsic motivation emails had more impact in promoting learning behavior compared to other types of messages. It also showed that providing tutorial sessions was not an effective approach to improving students’ subject understanding in complex algorithmic topics. i-Ntervene allows instructors to flexibly trial potential interventions to discover the optimal approach for their course settings which should boost student’s learning outcomes in long term.
Uncertainties of monthly ocean bottom pressure from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE): a case study at the Drake Passage
Authors: Yang Chengcheng , Cheng Xuhua , Qin Jianhuang
Published: July 2023

Several studies reported some aliasing errors of Ocean bottom pressure (OBP) data from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), although this data have been widely used to estimate the oceanic transports. In this study, the performances of monthly OBP data from six GRACE products with two different solutions are evaluated by comparisons with the observed records at the Drake Passage. Result shows that spherical harmonic products have a better ability to capture monthly OBP variability than mascon products at the Drake Passage. In all GRACE products, higher skills occur to the south of Polar Front than those in the northern Drake Passage, and the correlations with observations reach minimum in the Local Dynamics Array (LDA) region. Such spatial differences are mainly attributed to local mesoscale processes, accompanied with high-frequency bottom eddy kinetic energy (EKE). It indicates that the monthly OBP variations from GRACE products are not reliable in the eddy-rich regions.
Use of repurposed whole textile for enhancement of pavement soils
Authors: Guzman Ivan L. , Payano Cesar
Published: July 2023

The common availability of recycled textile from clothing represents an untapped resource which can be used as soil reinforcement. Recent efforts to use fibers as soil reinforcement have mostly concentrated on adding thin long fibers to natural soils. The techniques when applied to production often encounter mass production issues such as the difficulty in preventing localization, entanglement of the fibers and adhesion between the fiber and soil matrix interface. This experimental study uses small amounts (0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0%) of repurposed textile from polyester clothing cut into small pieces to reinforce a poorly graded sand. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test was used to quantitatively assess the strength characteristics of sand reinforced by adding whole textiles. The results of the laboratory program indicate a significant increase in CBR numbers and offers insight into the possible increase in other strength parameters such as ultimate bearing capacity. The increase in CBR values changes the suitability of the reinforced sand from subbase soils only, to also include base soils within pavements. During laboratory procedures localization and entanglement of textile reinforcement during mixing was not observed which suggests minimal difficulties when implementing the technology during construction applications. The results indicate that the use of the technique can lead to cost savings associated with the use of low-cost aggregates within a pavement base and subbase, thinner base and subbase layers, smaller footprints related to steeper slopes, and decreased periodic maintenance requirements of pavements.
High-dose vitamin D supplementation is related to an improvement in serum alkaline phosphatase in COVID-19 patients; a randomized double-blinded clinical trial
Authors: Moghaddam Reza Rezvani , Khorasanchi Zahra , Noor Ayad Rasool , Moghadam MohammadReza Shadmand Foumani , Esfahani Ali Jafarzadeh , Alyakobi Abdullah Khalaf Merhej , Alboresha MohammedHadi Lafta , Sharifan Payam , Bahari Ali , Rezvani Reza , Aghasizade Malihe , Heshmati Maryam , Darban Reza Assaran , Ferns Gordon , Mobarhan Majid Ghayour
Published: July 2023

Background

The benefits and harms of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of COVID-19 have not yet been fully documented. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on liver function tests in COVID-19.

Method

This double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on 140 hospitalized patients aged > 30 years. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either intervention group (n = 70 receiving 50,000 IU of vitamin D capsules orally as a single dose and then 10,000 IU syrup daily from the second day of admission for 30 days) and the control group (n = 70 receiving 1000 IU vitamin D syrup orally per day). Liver function tests (LFT), including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Decision tree analysis was performed to identify the predictors for change in liver enzymes.

Results

Among COVID-19 patients, a significant decrease was observed in serum level of ALP between intervention and placebo groups (p = 0.04). In addition, decision tree analysis revealed that GGT, temperature, serum magnesium level at baseline and gender were the most important predictors of ALT changes in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion

High-dose vitamin D supplementation improved ALP markers among COVID-19 patients. More randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up times will be required.
Impact of vitamin D deficiency on the severity of COVID 19 infection in pediatrics: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdelrazic Marwa Ibrahem , Rateeb Alshimaa Mohammed , Eid Walid Abdelwahab , Abdelrazik Eman Fathi , Abuelela Ibtehal Saad
Published: July 2023

Background

Vitamin D has immunomodulating actions which have a major role in the regulation of the inflammatory response. In this study, we aimed to determine the presence of an association between the serum level of vitamin D (25 OH vitamin D) and the severity of symptoms and outcomes in children with COVID-19.

Results

Fifty-six children who were diagnosed to have COVID-19 were selected for our study. The demographic data and clinical and laboratory parameters including vit. D serum levels were also collected. According to the WHO guidelines in COVID-19 clinical severity, only hospitalized cases will be included in this study and classified into the (1) moderate group (patients in whom pneumonia was confirmed by physical examination and radiographic imaging with or without oxygen need) and (2) severe group (consisted of hospitalized patients who need positive respiratory support). Our study found a statistically significant difference regarding vitamin D deficiency with more deficient serum levels in the severe group; also, we found a negative correlation between serum vitamin D level and the inflammatory markers in children and adolescents with COVID-19.

Conclusions

This study confirms that there is a strong relationship between vit. D deficiency and COVID-19 clinical severity and outcomes in PICU-admitted pediatric population.
Stochastic analysis for bending capacity of precast prestressed concrete bridge piers using Monte-Carlo simulation and gradient boosted regression trees algorithm
Authors: Lai Xiaopan , Lu Zhao , Xu Xinyu , Yu Chuanjin
Published: July 2023

The use of precast prestressed concrete bridge piers is rapidly evolving and widely applied. Nevertheless, the probabilistic behavior of the bending performance of precast prestressed concrete bridge piers has often been overlooked. This study aims to address this issue by utilizing actual precast bridge piers as the engineering context. Through the implementation of the Monte-Carlo simulation and Gradient Boosted Regression Trees (GBRT) algorithm, the stochastic distribution of the bending performance and their critical factors are identified. The results show that the normal distribution is the most suitable for the random distribution of bending performance indicators. The variability of the elastic modulus of ordinary steel bars, initial strain of prestressed steel hinge wires, and constant load axial force has little effect on the bending moment performance, while the yield stress of ordinary steel bars, elastic modulus of concrete, compressive strength of unrestrained concrete, and elastic modulus of prestressed steel hinge wires have a greater impact on the bending performance. Additionally, the compressive strength of unrestrained concrete has a significant influence on the equivalent bending moment of the cross-section that concerns designers.
Multi-Omic Integration of Blood-Based Tumor-Associated Genomic and Lipidomic Profiles Using Machine Learning Models in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fang Shikai , Zhe Shandian , Lin Hui-Ming , Azad Arun A. , Fettke Heidi , Kwan Edmond M. , Horvath Lisa , Mak Blossom , Zheng Tiantian , Du Pan , Jia Shidong , Kirby Robert M. , Kohli Manish
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE

To determine prognostic and predictive clinical outcomes in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) and metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) on the basis of a combination of plasma-derived genomic alterations and lipid features in a longitudinal cohort of patients with advanced prostate cancer.

METHODS

A multifeature classifier was constructed to predict clinical outcomes using plasma-based genomic alterations detected in 120 genes and 772 lipidomic species as informative features in a cohort of 71 patients with mHSPC and 144 patients with mCRPC. Outcomes of interest were collected over 11 years of follow-up. These included in mHSPC state early failure of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) and exceptional responders to ADT; early death (poor prognosis) and long-term survivors in mCRPC state. The approach was to build binary classification models that identified discriminative candidates with optimal weights to predict outcomes. To achieve this, we built multi-omic feature-based classifiers using traditional machine learning (ML) methods, including logistic regression with sparse regularization, multi-kernel Gaussian process regression, and support vector machines.

RESULTS

The levels of specific ceramides (d18:1/14:0 and d18:1/17:0), and the presence of CHEK2 mutations, AR amplification, and RB1 deletion were identified as the most crucial factors associated with clinical outcomes. Using ML models, the optimal multi-omics feature combination determined resulted in AUC scores of 0.751 for predicting mHSPC survival and 0.638 for predicting ADT failure; and in mCRPC state, 0.687 for prognostication and 0.727 for exceptional survival. The models were observed to be superior than using a limited candidate number of features for developing multi-omic prognostic and predictive signatures.

CONCLUSION

Using a ML approach that incorporates multiple omic features improves the prediction accuracy for metastatic prostate cancer outcomes significantly. Validation of these models will be needed in independent data sets in future.
Reduced Mortality and Radiation Necrosis After Surgery With Postoperative Stereotactic Radiation in Patients With Multiple Brain Metastases
Authors: Bhave Varun M. , Lamba Nayan , Tjong Michael C. , Aizer Ayal A. , Bi Wenya Linda
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Although stereotactic radiation has frequently supplanted whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in treating patients with multiple brain metastases, the role of surgery for these patients remains unresolved. No randomized trials have compared surgical resection with postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) to SRS/SRT alone. Previous studies addressing surgery for patients with multiple brain metastases are often limited by small sample sizes, a lack of appropriate comparison groups, or a focus on patients treated before recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. We compared outcomes in patients with multiple brain metastases treated with surgical resection and postoperative SRS/SRT to those treated with SRS/SRT alone.

METHODS:

We studied 734 patients with multiple newly diagnosed brain metastases (surgery with SRS/SRT, n = 228; SRS/SRT alone, n = 506) from 2011 to 2022 in a retrospective, single-institution cohort. Patients who received upfront whole-brain radiotherapy were excluded. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed for overall survival and additional intracranial outcomes.

RESULTS:

After adjustment for potential confounders, surgery with postoperative SRS/SRT was associated with decreased all-cause mortality compared with SRS/SRT alone (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.67, 95% CI [0.50-0.89], P = 5.56 × 10−3). The association between surgical resection and overall survival was replicated in a subset of the cohort after cardinality matching (HR: 0.64, 95% CI [0.46-0.88], P = 6.68 × 10−3). Patients with melanoma benefited significantly less from surgical resection compared with patients with other tumor types, most notably non–small-cell lung cancer. Compared with definitive SRS/SRT, cavity SRS/SRT was associated with a significantly reduced risk of both symptomatic radiation necrosis (HR: 0.22, 95% CI [0.08-0.59], P = 2.70 × 10−3) and radiographic radiation necrosis (HR: 0.23, 95% CI [0.09-0.57], P = 1.43 × 10−3) in multivariable models.

CONCLUSION:

In patients with multiple brain metastases, surgical resection before SRS/SRT is associated with reduced mortality and radiation necrosis. Prospective studies may further delineate patient populations that benefit from aggressive local, brain-directed treatment even with significant intracranial disease burden.
Is Choosing Wisely Wise for Lobular Carcinoma in Patients Over 70 Years of Age? A National Cancer Database Analysis of Sentinel Node Practice Patterns
Authors: Goldhaber Nicole H. , O’Keefe Thomas , Kang Jessica , Douglas Sasha , Blair Sarah L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Controversy continues in the treatment of breast cancer in women over 70 years of age. In 2016, the Society of Surgical Oncology recommended against routine use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNBx) as part of the ‘Choosing Wisely Campaign’. This study examines the oncologic safety of avoidance of routine SLNBx in patients over 70 years of age with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).

Methods

The National Cancer Database was used to identify women with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and ILC diagnosed between 2012 and 2020. Clinical and pathological staging, axillary staging, surgery type, and lymph node positivity between patients with IDC or ILC were compared.

Results

Among women with T1 tumors, 85,949 (79.6%) patients with IDC and 12,761 (81.5%) patients with ILC underwent SLNBx (p < 0.001). Among patients who underwent SLNBx, those with IDC were more likely to have positive nodes (n = 7535, 8.8%) than those with ILC (n = 1041, 8.2%; p = 0.02). During the time interval of interest, for both IDC and ILC patients, the rate of axillary lymph node dissection decreased and rates of SLNBx or no axillary staging increased. On multivariate analysis, ILC histology was associated with use of SLNBx, but without nodal positivity.

Conclusion

A trend de-escalation of axillary staging was identified in this study, however the majority of patients meeting the ‘Choosing Wisely’ criteria are still undergoing SLNBx. No increased risk of nodal positivity was identified among patients with ILC, suggesting that surgeons can continue to choose wisely and limit the use of SLNBx in women over 70 years of age with T1 ILC tumors.
Synthesis of block copolymers with high Flory-Huggins χ interaction parameter
Authors: Αγγελοπούλου-Ξανθοπούλου Πολυξένη
Published: July 2023

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή περιγράφεται η σύνθεση, ο χαρακτηρισμός και η αυτο-οργάνωση συμπολυμερών με συστάδες που παρουσιάζουν υψηλή ασυμβατότητα (high-χ). Περιγράφεται η σύνθεση συμπολυμερών μικρού μοριακού βάρους αποτελούμενων από πολυστυρένιο και πολυ(μονομεθακρυλικό εστέρα της γλυκερόλης) (PS-b-PGMA). Αρχικά, πολυμερίστηκαν μέσω Ανιοντικού Πολυμερισμού τα πρόδρομα συμπολυμερή πολυ(στυρένιο)-b-πολυ(μεθακρυλικός (2,2-διμεθυλο-1,3-διοξολανο-4-υλο)μεθυλεστέρας) (PS-b-PSMA) τα οποία μέσω όξινης υδρόλυσης μετατράπηκαν στα επιθυμητά συμπολυμερή, PS-b-PGMA, που παρουσιάζουν υψηλή ασυμβατότητα συστάδων. Ακολούθησε δομικός και μορφολογικός χαρακτηρισμός και καταγράφηκαν οργανωμένες δομές εξαιρετικά μικρών περιοδικών διαστάσεων. Η δεύτερη μελέτη που αναφέρεται σε αυτή την εργασία αφορά στη σύνθεση, το δομικό και θερμικό χαρακτηρισμό ομοπολυμερών πολυ(Ν-οξειδίου της βινυλοπυριδίνης) (PVPNO), καθώς και συμπολυμερών πολυ(στυρενίου)-b-πολυ(Ν-οξειδίου της βινυλοπυριδίνης) (PS-b-PVPNO). Αυτά τα πολυμερή συντέθηκαν μέσω οξείδωσης πρόδρομων πολυμερών πολυ(βινυλοπυριδίνης) (PVP). Τα πρόδρομα συμπολυμερή πολυ(στυρενίου)-b-πολύ(βινυλοπυριδίνης) (PS-b-PVP) συντέθηκαν μέσω Ανιοντικού Πολυμερισμού. Ο διαχωρισμός φάσεων εξετάστηκε με τις τεχνικές SAXS και AFM. Η οξείδωση της πολυ(βινυλοπυριδίνης) αύξησε αποτελεσματικά την ασυμβατότητα με το πολυ(στυρένιο), και παρατηρήθηκαν καλά οργανωμένες δομές κάτω των 10 nm. Η τρίτη μελέτη που περιγράφεται αφορά στη σύνθεση και το δομικό χαρακτηρισμό ομοπολυμερών πολυ(καρβοξυ βεταΐνης) (PVPCOO-) και συμπολυμερών πολυ(στυρενίου)-b-πολυ(καρβοξυ βεταΐνης) (PS-b-PVPCOO-) τα οποία πιστεύεται ότι παρουσιάζουν ισχυρή ασυμβατότητα. Τα πολυμερή αυτά συντέθηκαν μέσω τροποποίησης πρόδρομων πολυμερών πολυ(βινυλοπυριδίνης) (PVP). Τα πρόδρομα συμπολυμερή πολυ(στυρενίου)-b-πολυ(βινυλοπυριδίνης) (PS-b-PVP) συντέθηκαν μέσω Ανιοντικού Πολυμερισμού ή Ελεγχόμενου Ριζικού Πολυμερισμού. Τέλος, αναφέρεται η σύνθεση στατιστικών συμπολυμερών πολυ(στυρενίου)-co-πολυ(2-βινυλοπυριδίνης) με ακραία υδροξυλομάδα μέσω Ελεγχόμενου Ριζικού Πολυμερισμού.
The role of educational technology, artificial intelligence, and gamification in improving education and students’ cognitive and social-emotional development
Authors: Λαμπρόπουλος Γεώργιος
Published: July 2023

Αποτελεί αναμφισβήτητο γεγονός πως οι σημερινοί μαθητές δεν είναι πλέον τα ίδια άτομα για τα οποία το εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα είχε σχεδιαστεί να εκπαιδεύσει. Καθώς οι μαθητές μεγαλώνουν και ωριμάζουν σε σύγχρονες και ευέλικτες κοινωνίες χρησιμοποιώντας όλο και πιο συχνά τεχνολογικές εφαρμογές στην καθημερινή τους ζωή, οι εκπαιδευτικές τους ανάγκες για αποτελεσματικότερη και ουσιαστικότερη μάθηση έχουν αλλάξει δραστικά. Επομένως, η αναθεώρηση και ο μετασχηματισμός της εκπαίδευσης και της παιδαγωγικής στα πλαίσια του 21ου αιώνα κρίνονται απαραίτητα. Η ενσωμάτωση νέων τεχνολογιών και προσεγγίσεων στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία μπορεί να βοηθήσει ουσιαστικά στην κάλυψη των νέων απαιτήσεων και στην προσαρμογή στις νέες συνθήκες. Ο βασικός σκοπός αυτής της διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι να διερευνήσει εάν, σε ποιο βαθμό, και με ποιον τρόπο η εκπαιδευτική τεχνολογία και συγκεκριμένα η εφαρμογή των τεχνολογιών της εκτεταμένης πραγματικότητας (επαυξημένη πραγματικότητα, εικονική πραγματικότητα και μικτή πραγματικότητα), της αναλυτικής εκπαιδευτικών δεδομένων και της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης, καθώς και η χρήση καινοτόμων εκπαιδευτικών προσεγγίσεων, όπως η παιχνιδοποίηση, τα ψηφιακά παιχνίδια και τα παιχνίδια σοβαρού σκοπού μπορούν συνδυαστικά να επηρεάσουν τον εμπλουτισμό της εκπαιδευτικής διαδικασίας και την προαγωγή της γνωστικής και κοινωνικο-συναισθηματικής ανάπτυξης των μαθητών που με τη σειρά τους θα τους οδηγήσουν στην επίτευξη ατομικής και κοινωνικής ευημερίας. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή εκτός από το θεωρητικό υπόβαθρο, παρουσιάζεται η διαδικασία και τα αποτελέσματα τριών μελετών και παρέχονται συμπεράσματα σύμφωνα με τα ευρήματα. Η πρώτη μελέτη περιλαμβάνει μια εκτενή συστηματική βιβλιογραφική επισκόπηση και τη διερεύνηση 15 ερευνητικών ερωτημάτων (ΕΕ). Η δεύτερη μελέτη περιλαμβάνει την ανάλυση μεγάλων δεδομένων εξετάζοντας 6 ΕΕ και χρησιμοποιώντας πάνω από 17 εκατομμύρια δεδομένων. Η τρίτη μελέτη εξετάζει 10 EE και περιλαμβάνει το σχεδιασμό και την ανάπτυξη εκπαιδευτικών εφαρμογών και παιχνιδιών σοβαρού σκοπού χρησιμοποιώντας τις προαναφερθείσες τεχνολογίες και προσεγγίσεις για τη δημιουργία ευφυών, εμβυθιστικών και διαδραστικών περιβαλλόντων μάθησης, τη δημιουργία ενός εργαλείου αξιολόγησης και τη διεξαγωγή ενός πειράματος στο οποίο συμμετείχαν φοιτητές/τριες τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης. Συνεπώς, η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή συμβάλλει στην ανάπτυξη των θεωρητικών και πρακτικών πτυχών του εξελισσόμενου αυτού πεδίου μελέτης στο πλαίσιο των εκπαιδευτικών τεχνολογιών, ενισχύοντας, έτσι, την κατανόησή μας και εμπλουτίζοντας τις γνώσεις μας για αυτό τον αναδυόμενο τομέα και τις εφαρμογές του.
Mortality due to traffic accidents in Colombia: Profiles of pedestrians and cyclists, 1998-2019
Authors: Montenegro-Martínez Gino , Agudelo-Cifuentes Maite-Catalina , Muñoz-Rodriguez Diana-Isabel
Published: July 2023

Background: Traffic accidents are an important issue for public health and a threat for sustainable development, with pedestrians and cyclists having been recognized as the most vulnerable actors on the streets. The objective of this study was to analyze the profiles of pedestrians and cyclists who died as a result of traffic accidents in Colombia during the 1998-2019 period.

Methods: An observational and descriptive study, with the deaths due to traffic accidents in Colombia between 1998 and 2019 as data source. Secondary data were taken from the Vital statistics of Colombia (EEVV), published by Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE). A trend analysis of the number of deaths during the period under study was performed, and such number was examined against sex to identify potential differences. Multiple correspondence analysis was employed to elaborate the profile of pedestrians and cyclists who die due to traffic accidents. Three profiles were prepared for each road actor: a global profile, one for 1998, and another for 2019.

Results: The mortality profiles are different for pedestrians and cyclists, and, in turn, there are also demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic conditions in each type of road actor, which determine higher mortality risks. High population density, younger age group in the cyclists and adults among the pedestrians, low schooling levels and absence of health insurance are suggested as key factors in these profiles. Related to sex, for men is not possible to establish a profile. Women's cases are commonly related to health insurance, age, and population density.

Conclusions: Several contextual and demographic characteristics in pedestrians and cyclists allow delimiting mortality profiles. The profiles that were identified suggest the need to articulate road safety policies with other social and development policies in order to coordinate and integrate intersectoral actions that reduce mortality in these road actors.
Prevalence and predictors of virologic failure among HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in Makueni County: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kamau Yvonne N. , Mweu Marshal , Mulinge Martin
Published: July 2023

Background: The growing number of people on antiretroviral therapy in Kenya has led to a decrease in HIV morbidity and mortality. However, virologic failure (VF) threatens to reverse these gains. In Makueni County, existing data indicate challenges in achieving viral load (VL) suppression among persons living with HIV (PLHIV). Few studies have been carried out investigating VF in the region despite its high incidence of HIV infections.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among PLHIV in Makueni County to investigate the determinants and estimate the prevalence of VF. The prevalence of VF and its associated 95% exact binomial confidence interval was estimated, and a mixed-effects logistic regression model used to evaluate the relationship between the predictors and VF.

Results: The estimated period prevalence of VF between October 2018 and June 2019 was 13.2% (95% CI: 12.7%–13.8%). Being 15 years or older (aOR=0.53; 95% CI: 0.44 – 0.645) and having blood samples tested for reasons other than baseline VL measurement was associated with lower odds of VF: breastfeeding mothers (aOR=0.1; 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.97); clinical failure (aOR=0.08; 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.44); confirmation of VF (aOR=0.2; 95% CI: 0.07 – 0.62); no VL data (aOR=0.06; 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.31); routine VL (aOR=0.04; 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.12); drug substitution (aOR=0.03; 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.08). Taking ABC-based, AZT-based, or other non-TDF-Based regimens increased the odds of VF (aOR=1.61; 95% CI: 1.34 – 1.94), (aOR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.52 - 2.01), and (aOR=1.55; 95% CI: 0.99 - 2.44) respectively.

Conclusion: This study showed that over 13% of HIV patients on ART in Makueni County had VF between October 2018 and June 2019. The significant risk factors associated with VF were found to be age lower than 15 years, taking a non-TDF-based ART regimen, and blood sampling for baseline VL measurements.
The prevalence of depression and its associated factors among the geriatric age group living in the rural area of Wardha District Maharashtra: A cross-sectional study
Authors: vishwakrma deepak , Gaidhane Dr. Abhay
Published: July 2023

Background: In India, the percentage of adults over 60 years is rising. Depression is the most prevalent neuropsychiatric condition. People live longer, and households are smaller and crowded, creating stress. These issues influence the mental health of elderly persons and can cause depression. Depression poses a serious threat to public health, especially for senior citizens and inhibits cognitive function and decreases the quality of life.  The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of depression and evaluate its relationship with sociodemographic factors among older people.  Methods: Cross-sectional community research will be conducted in the Wardha district. The whole sample of elderly age groups will be examined using a semi-structured survey to identify the sociodemographic features and related risk factors for depression. Using a pre-tested survey called the short version of the Geriatric depression scale (GDS-15), the prevalence of depression in the geriatric age groups of both sexes will be assessed. Conclusions: Older people (those 60 years and older) play important roles in families and the workplace as volunteers. This study will help formulate policies that will inculcate old people to get an insight into how much mental health implications impact everyone, be it adolescents, middle-aged people, or old people. Its significance in public health will pave the road to include mental health screening of old people in non-governmental bodies like NGOs and other organizations like old age homes. Furthermore, the government should pay more attention to old-age depression in the current mental health program so that the burden of the disease can be overcome.
The trend of oral cancer screening in Bangladesh, perceptions, and risk factors: a model comparison approach
Authors: Yasmin Irin , Rokon Md. Shahariar , Illias Elnaz , Khan Md. Nafiul Alam , Alam Md. Mahbub , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain , Malakar Rajib Kumar , Mohsin Faroque Md.
Published: July 2023

Background: Oral cancer (OC) is a leading cause of death among cancer patients and a major public health concern in Bangladesh. Timely OC screening can help in the early detection of OC and could reduce the mortality rate in Bangladesh. We aimed to assess the tend of OC screening, perception and risk factors among dental patients.

Methods: This was a facility-based cross-sectional study among 423 participants with dental problems using a convenience sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed by IBM SPSS 25 and various statistics, such as the chi-squared test, Poisson regression, logistic regression, etc., were used to attain the objectives.

Results: Only 2.4% of the study participants underwent OC screening before the study period. The use of smokeless tobacco and smoking were significantly associated with the tend of OC screening.  According to the Poisson model, previous smokeless tobacco users were 5 times (odds ratio (OR): 5.403, P<0.05) more likely than non-users to go for OC screening, which was 8 times (OR: 7.729, P=0.033) for the binary logistic regression.  Having a family history of OC increased the odds of receiving an OC screening by nine times (OR: 9.544, P<0.002) compared to individuals without a family history of OC; it was 16 times (OR: 16.438, P=0.001) for the binary logistic regression.

Conclusions: This study shows former smokeless tobacco users and past smokers are more likely to uptake OC screening than non-users. In addition, patients having a family history of OC increased the odds of receiving OC screening than subjects without a family history of OC. The lack of OC screening in Bangladesh highlights the need to implement a national-level screening program to help with the early diagnosis of OC and its prevention.