bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of digital technologies for public health surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review
Authors: Donelle Lorie , Comer Leigha , Hiebert Brad , Hall Jodi , Shelley Jacob J. , Smith Maxwell J. , Kothari Anita , Burkell Jacquelyn , Stranges Saverio , Cooke Tommy , Shelley James M. , Gilliland Jason , Ngole Marionette , Facca Danica
Published: May 2023

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of digital technologies have been leveraged for public health surveillance worldwide. However, concerns remain around the rapid development and deployment of digital technologies, how these technologies have been used, and their efficacy in supporting public health goals. Following the five-stage scoping review framework, we conducted a scoping review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify the types and nature of digital technologies used for surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the success of these measures. We conducted a search of the peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 1 December 2019 and 31 December 2020 to provide a snapshot of questions, concerns, discussions, and findings emerging at this pivotal time. A total of 147 peer-reviewed and 79 grey literature publications reporting on digital technology use for surveillance across 90 countries and regions were retained for analysis. The most frequently used technologies included mobile phone devices and applications, location tracking technologies, drones, temperature scanning technologies, and wearable devices. The utility of digital technologies for public health surveillance was impacted by factors including uptake of digital technologies across targeted populations, technological capacity and errors, scope, validity and accuracy of data, guiding legal frameworks, and infrastructure to support technology use. Our findings raise important questions around the value of digital surveillance for public health and how to ensure successful use of technologies while mitigating potential harms not only in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also during other infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics.
Correlation and differences of patient-reported outcomes vs. Likert-Rating of MS symptoms in a real-world cohort using a digital patient app
Authors: Mountford Steffeni , Kahn Maria , Balakrishnan Preetha , Jacyshyn-Owen Elizabeth , Eberl Markus , Friedrich Benjamin , Joschko Natalie , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: May 2023

Background

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurological autoimmune disease currently affecting 250,000 individuals in Germany. Patients suffering from the disease can be severely impaired in their day-to-day activities. BRISA is a digital app specifically designed to help MS patients monitor their disease by regularly tracking symptoms. Lengthy and time-consuming questionnaires for patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are the standard method to assess the patients’ current condition. Here, we examine whether simplified versions of these questionnaires can provide comparable information regarding individual symptom presentations in BRISA users.

Methods

828 users were included in the analysis. Patients who provided onboarding information and answered at least one questionnaire and the corresponding simplified smiley symptoms assessment were included. Correlation of questionnaire and symptom scores was calculated using Pearson's correlation.

Results

Our analysis cohort predominantly consisted of female, 26–55-year-olds. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) was the most common MS type recorded. Most patients were diagnosed 2–5 years ago. Questionnaires regarding fatigue and vision impairment were among the most answered, those regarding bowel movement and sexual satisfaction received fewest responses. Overall, the scores from questionnaires and symptoms correlated positively. Scoring correlation could also be shown across the subgroups divided by gender, age groups, type of MS, and time since diagnosis of the disease.

Conclusion

Scores recorded from traditional PRO questionnaires can be reflected more easily as a trend in a simplified scale using smileys. Nevertheless, traditional questionnaires are needed to also maintain a more objective assessment. In conclusion, the patient will benefit most from an adaptive combination of regular traditional PRO questionnaire assessments and simplified symptom recording.
Driving across the warscape: Syrian cross-border taxi drivers and the politics of mobility
Authors: Monroe Kristin V
Published: May 2023

In this paper, I draw on ethnographic research with Syrian cross border taxi drivers in developing an argument about how their mobility is a crucible of the interlocking relations between the production of masculinity and political economy during wartime. I propose that thinking with the Syrian cross-border taxi driver advances our theoretical approaches to the temporality of war and the conceptualization of warscape. In so doing, I challenge the unidirectional (out of Syria) notions of movement which have dominated our spatial understandings of the long conflict and which circulate around the figure of the refugee.
Benign Esophageal Disorders: The Thing About Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Addo Alex , Connors Kevin , Park Adrian
Published: May 2023

The aim of this review is to highlight the racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence, presentation, management, and outcomes of benign foregut disorders. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and achalasia make up the most common benign esophageal disorders. There are limited data in the literature regarding racial and ethnic disparities in the care and management of these disorders. However, studies have shown that racial and ethnic disparities play a role in the management of these disorders. To minimize the impact of these disparities, more effort is needed in identifying the interplay between race, insurance status, socioeconomic status and their underlying mechanism.
Heart Rate Variability and Perceived Stress in Teacher Training: Facing the Reality Shock With Mindfulness?
Authors: Beuchel Philipp , Cramer Colin
Published: May 2023

Background

The beginning of the career of teachers is a demanding phase. In the combined roles of teacher and trainee, and in the shift from academic to practical learning, trainee teachers have to acquire competencies in teaching as well as coping with stress. In this phase, the phenomenon of “reality shock” is widely observed.

Objective

A mindfulness training was developed to support teacher trainees during their first year. This intervention study investigated perceived and physiological stress at teachers’ career start and the stress reducing effects of the mindfulness training in this phase.

Methods

In a quasi-experimental design, 19 out of 42 participants from this sample underwent mindfulness-based stress reduction training and a wait-list control group (N = 23) underwent a compact course after post measurements. We measured physiological stress parameters and perceived stress at 3 different time points. Heart rate signals were acquired in ambulatory assessment sequences, including teaching, rest periods, and cognitive tasks. The data were analyzed in linear mixed-effects models.

Results

We found high physiological stress in the very beginning of teacher training, which attenuated over time. The mindfulness intervention only led to a greater reduction in heart rate ( d = .53 to .74) in situations where the intervention group had shown higher heart rate levels initially, but not in heart rate variability. However, the mindfulness group significantly reduced ( d = .63) their perceived stress and maintained ( d = .55) this improvement, while the control group maintained a highly elevated perceived stress level throughout.

Conclusion

The mindfulness training could reduce subjective stress, which otherwise seems to be a long-lasting aspect of beginning teachers’ “reality shock”. Indications of a superior reduction of physiological stress in demanding situations were weak, while generally, undue physiological stress seems to be a temporary phenomenon in the initial phase of teacher induction.
Pulmonary exacerbations in insured patients with bronchiectasis over 2 years
Authors: Flume Patrick A. , Feliciano Joseph , Lucci Matthew , Wu Jasmanda , Fucile Sebastian , Hassan Mariam , Chatterjee Anjan
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients with bronchiectasis experience persistent symptoms and frequent pulmonary exacerbations; this study investigated the frequency of exacerbations and all-cause hospitalisation.

Methods

This longitudinal, retrospective, claims database study (IBM® MarketScan®) identified patients aged ≥18 years from 1 July 2015 through 30 September 2018. Exacerbations were identified by bronchiectasis inpatient claim or a healthcare interaction, followed by antibiotic prescription within 7 days. Patients with ≥36 months of continuous health plan enrolment (12 months preceding the first bronchiectasis claim,i.e., baseline period and ≥24 months of follow-up) were included. Patients with cystic fibrosis at baseline were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression model identified baseline factors associated with having ≥2 exacerbations over the 2-year follow-up period.

Results

In total, 14 798 patients with bronchiectasis were identified; 64.5% were female, 82.7% were aged ≥55 years and 42.7% had ≥2 exacerbations at baseline. Having ≥2 exacerbations after 2 years was positively associated with chronic macrolide use, long-acting β2 agonist use, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, heart failure andPseudomonas aeruginosa. Frequent exacerbations (≥2) at baseline were significantly associated with greater likelihood of experiencing ≥2 exacerbations during the first and second year's follow-up (unadjusted odds ratios 3.35 (95% CI 3.1–3.6) and 2.96 (95% CI 2.8–3.2), respectively). The proportion of patients experiencing ≥1 all-cause hospitalisation cumulatively increased from 41.0% in the first year of follow-up to 51.1% over 2 years' follow-up.

Conclusion

Frequent exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis may increase the likelihood of future exacerbations over 2 years of follow-up, with increased hospitalisation rates over time.
Impact of targeted pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies in severe pulmonary hypertension in chronic lung diseases
Authors: Naud Romain , Bermudez Julien , Resseguier Noémie , Nieves Ana , Coltey Bérengère , Dufeu Nadine , Gautier Clarisse , Trigui Youssef , Laine Marc , Coiffard Benjamin , Reynaud-Gaubert Martine
Published: May 2023

Research questions

Patients with severe pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic lung disease have a poor prognosis. Targeted pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies might improve exercise capacity and outcome, but there are no guidelines on treatments which are not recommended because of an unproven benefit, with discordant results from few studies in this context. The aim of our study was to evaluate targeted pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies for severe group 3 pulmonary hypertension patients.

Study design and methods

We conducted an observational retrospective monocentre study on patients with severe group 3 pulmonary hypertension diagnosed on right heart catheterisation treated with targeted therapies. Primary outcome was an improvement of the distance on 6-min walk test of ≥30 m. Secondary end-points included changes in haemodynamics (pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP)) and identification of potential predictive factors of therapeutic response.

Results

139 patients were enrolled. Most patients had monotherapy with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (n=128; 92%). Mean change in 6-min walk distance was +1.5 m after treatment (p=0.59). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity were not predictive factors for response. We found a significant improvement of PVR and mPAP of −1.0 Wood Units (p<0.001) and −4 mmHg (p<0.001), respectively, under treatment. 18% of patients had to withdraw treatment for intolerance. Treatment duration <3 months was associated with poor survival (hazard ratio 2.75, p=0.0005).

Conclusion

Oral targeted pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies do not improve exercise capacity in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic lung disease, but could improve haemodynamic parameters.
Dietary fibre in relation to lung function and respiratory symptoms from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Sdona Emmanouela , Ekström Sandra , Hallberg Jenny , Andersson Niklas , Håkansson Niclas , Wolk Alicja , Kull Inger , Melén Erik , Bergström Anna
Published: May 2023

Background

Epidemiological studies suggest beneficial associations between dietary fibre intake, lung function and chronic respiratory symptoms in adults. Our aim was to investigate the association between dietary fibre intake in childhood and respiratory health up to adulthood.

Methods

The individual fibre intake of 1956 participants from the Swedish population-based birth cohort BAMSE was estimated from 98- and 107-item food frequency questionnaires at ages 8 and 16 years, respectively. At 8, 16 and 24 years, lung function was measured by spirometry. Respiratory symptoms (cough, mucus production, breathing difficulties/wheeze) were assessed by questionnaires, and airway inflammation by exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FENO) (≥25 ppb) at 24 years. Longitudinal associations with lung function were analysed by mixed-effects linear regression; associations with respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation were analysed by logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

There were no associations between fibre intake at 8 years, as total and from different sources, spirometry measurements and respiratory symptoms at 24 years. Higher fruit fibre intake tended to be inversely associated with airway inflammation at 24 years (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.48–1.00), which became non-significant after exclusion of participants with food-related allergic symptoms (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.49–1.10). No associations between fibre intake at 8 and 16 years as an updated lagged exposure and spirometry measurements up to 24 years were observed.

Conclusion

In this longitudinal study, we observed no consistent association between dietary fibre intake in childhood and lung function or respiratory symptoms up to adulthood. Further research on dietary fibre in relation to respiratory health across the life course is needed.
Identification of diurnal rhythmic blood markers in bronchial asthma
Authors: Krakowiak Karolina , Maidstone Robert J. , Chakraborty Amlan , Kendall Alexandra C. , Nicolaou Anna , Downton Polly , Cristian Andreea-Daniela , Singh Dave , Loudon Andrew S.I. , Ray David W. , Durrington Hannah J.
Published: May 2023

Rationale

Asthma is a rhythmic inflammatory disease of the airway, regulated by the circadian clock. “Spill-over” of airway inflammation into the systemic circulation occurs in asthma and is reflected in circulating immune cell repertoire. The objective of the present study was to determine how asthma impacts peripheral blood diurnal rhythmicity.

Methods

10 healthy and 10 mild/moderate asthma participants were recruited to an overnight study. Blood was drawn every 6 h for 24 h.

Main results

The molecular clock in blood cells in asthma is altered;PER3is significantly more rhythmic in asthma compared to healthy controls. Blood immune cell numbers oscillate throughout the day, in health and asthma. Peripheral blood mononucleocytes from asthma patients show significantly enhanced responses to immune stimulation and steroid suppression at 16:00 h, compared to at 04:00 h. Serum ceramides show complex changes in asthma: some losing and others gaining rhythmicity.

Conclusions

This is the first report showing that asthma is associated with a gain in peripheral blood molecular clock rhythmicity. Whether the blood clock is responding to rhythmic signals received from the lung or driving rhythmic pathology within the lung itself is not clear. Dynamic changes occur in serum ceramides in asthma, probably reflecting systemic inflammatory action. The enhanced responses of asthma blood immune cells to glucocorticoid at 16:00 h may explain why steroid administration is more effective at this time.
A suite of modular, all-synthetic suicide vectors for allelic exchange mutagenesis in multidrug resistant Acinetobacter strains
Authors: Pokhrel Alaska , Li Liping , Short Francesca L. , Paulsen Ian T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic human pathogen that causes a variety of infections in immunosuppressed individuals and patients in intensive care units. The success of this pathogen in nosocomial settings can be directly attributed to its persistent nature and its ability to rapidly acquire multidrug resistance. It is now considered to be one of the top priority pathogens for development of novel therapeutic approaches. Several high-throughput techniques have been utilised to identify the genetic determinants contributing to the success of A. baumannii as a global pathogen. However, targeted gene-function studies remain challenging due to the lack of appropriate genetic tools.

Results

Here, we have constructed a series of all-synthetic allelic exchange vectors – pALFI1, pALFI2 and pALFI3 – with suitable selection markers for targeted genetic studies in highly drug resistant A. baumannii isolates. The vectors follow the Standard European Vector Architecture (SEVA) framework for easy replacement of components. This method allows for rapid plasmid construction with the mutant allele, efficient conjugational transfer using a diaminopimelic acid-dependent Escherichia coli donor strain, efficient positive selection using the suitable selection markers and finally, sucrose-dependent counter-selection to obtain double-crossovers.

Conclusions

We have used this method to create scar-less deletion mutants in three different strains of A. baumannii, which resulted in up to 75% deletion frequency of the targeted gene. We believe this method can be effectively used to perform genetic manipulation studies in multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains.
Prevention of human milk-acquired cytomegalovirus infection in very-low-birth-weight infants
Authors: Chung Mi Lim , Sung Heungsup , Jung Euiseok , Lee Byong Sop , Kim Ki Soo , Kim Ellen Ai-Rhan
Published: May 2023

Background

The aim of the study was to determine the rate of cytomegalovirus virolactia in the human milk (HM) of mothers of VLBW infants, compare the CMV infection rates and the changes in CMV DNA viral load and nutrient profile among different HM preparation methods.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled study was performed in infants with gestational age < 32 weeks or birth-weight < 1500 g admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Asan Medical Center and Haeundae Paik Hospital who were given mother’s own milk. Enrolled infants were randomized into three groups according to the HM preparation methods: freezing-thawing (FT), FT + low-temperature Holder pasteurization (FT + LP), and FT + high-temperature short-term pasteurization (FT + HP). Urine CMV culture and PCR were obtained at birth and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. HM CMV culture and PCR were obtained at birth and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Changes in macronutrients in HM was obtained at 4 ~ 6 weeks.

Results

Of 564 infants, 217 mothers (38.5%) produced CMV PCR positive milk. After exclusion, a total of 125 infants were randomized into the FT (n = 41), FT + LP (n = 42), and FT + HP (n = 42) groups, whose rate of HM-acquired CMV infection was 4.9% (n = 2), 9.5% (n = 4), and 2.4% (n = 1), respectively. Out of seven CMV infected infants, two infants fed with FT + LP HM developed CMV infection- associated symptoms. Ages at diagnoses were earlier (28.5 days after birth) and at younger post conceptional age (< 32 weeks) in comparison to infants with asymptomatic CMV infection. CMV DNA viral load significantly decreased after pasturizations, especially in FT + HP group.

Conclusions

HM-acquired symptomatic CMV infection rate is low and its impact on clinical course was not serious in our VLBW infants. However, evidences showing poor neurodevelopmental outcome in later life, we need to generate a guideline to protect VLBW infant form HM transmitted CMV infection. Based on our small sized study, we did not find any superiority in pasteurizing HM with frequently used LP in comparison to frozen or HP HM. More research is needed to determine the method and duration of pasteurization to reduce the HM-acquired CMV infection.
Sleep disorder, Mediterranean diet, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yongle , Fan Hongxuan , Ren Zhaoyu , Liu Xuchang , Niu Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2023

Background

There is a bidirectional effect between sleep disorders and Mediterranean diet (MED), but the joint effect of MED and sleep disorders on mortality is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a synergistic effect of adherence to MED and sleep disorders on all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Methods

The study included 23,212 individuals in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2014. A 9-point evaluation score, alternative Mediterranean diet (aMED) index was used to assess adherence to MED. Sleep disorder and hours of sleep were assessed by structured questionnaires. Cox regression models were used to assess the relationship between sleep disorders, aMED and all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular-related death, cancer-related death). The interaction effect of sleep disorders with aMED on mortality was further assessed.

Results

Results showed that participants with lower aMED and presence of sleep disorders had significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related mortality (HR, 2.16, 95% CI, 1.49–3.13, P < 0.0001; HR, 2.68, 95% CI, 1.58–4.54, P = 0.0003). A significant interaction effect was found between aMED and sleep disorders on cardiovascular mortality (p for interaction = 0.033). No significant interaction existed between aMED and sleep disorders on all-cause mortality (p for interaction = 0.184) and cancer-related mortality (p for interaction = 0.955).

Conclusions

Poorer adherence to MED and sleep disorders synergistically increased long-term all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in NHANES population.
Dietary advanced glycation end products are associated with an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Iranian adults
Authors: Jahromi Mitra Kazemi , Tehrani Asal Neshatbini , Teymoori Farshad , Daftari Ghazal , Ahmadirad Hamid , Saber Niloufar , Salehi-Sahlabadi Ammar , Farhadnejad Hossein , Mirmiran Parvin
Published: May 2023

Background

Dietary advanced glycation end products(AGEs) may contribute to increased inflammation and oxidative stress as risk factors for chronic diseases such as liver disease. In the current study, we aimed to examine the possible association of dietary AGEs with the odds of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Iranian adults.

Methods

A total of 675 participants (225 newly diagnosed NAFLD cases and 450 controls), aged  20–60 years, were recruited for this case-control study. Nutritional data were measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and dietary AGEs were determined for all participants. An ultrasound scan of the liver performed the detection of NAFLD in participants of the case group without alcohol consumption and other causes of hepatic disorders. We used logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, to estimate the odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence interval(CI) of NAFLD across tertiles of dietary AGEs.

Results

Mean ± SD age and body mass index of the participants were 38.13 ± 8.85 years and 26.85 ± 4.31 kg/m2, respectively. The median(IQR) of dietary AGEs in participants was 3262(2472–4301). In the sex and age-adjusted model, the odds of NAFLD were increased across tertiles of dietary AGEs intake(OR:16.48;95%CI:9.57–28.40, Ptrend<0.001). Also, in the final model, after controlling for confounding effects of BMI, smoking, physical activity, marital status, socio-economic status, and energy intake, the odds of NAFLD were increased across tertiles of dietary AGEs intake(OR:12.16; 95%CI:6.06–24.39, Ptrend<0.001).

Conclusion

Our results showed that greater adherence to dietary pattern with high dietary AGEs intake was significantly related to increased odds of NAFLD.
Palatal asymmetry assessed by intraoral scans: effects of sex, orthodontic treatment, and twinning. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Simon Botond , Mangano Francesco Guido , Pál Adrienn , Simon István , Pellei Dalma , Shahbazi Arvin , Vág János
Published: May 2023

Background

Symmetry is critical in perceived attractiveness, especially in female faces. The palate determines the teeth’ alignment and supports facial soft tissues. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the effects of sex, orthodontic treatment, age, and heritability on the directional, anti-, and fluctuational asymmetry in the digital palatal model.

Methods

The palate of 113 twins, 86 female and 27 male subjects, with and without previous orthodontic treatment, were scanned by the Emerald (Planmeca) intraoral scanner. Three lines were constructed horizontally in the digital model, one between the right and left first upper molars and two between the first molars and incisive papilla. Two observers calculated the left and right angles between the mid-sagittal plane and molar-papilla lines. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess the inter-observer absolute agreement. The directional symmetry was determined by comparing the mean left and right angles. The antisymmetry was estimated from the distribution curve of the signed side difference. The fluctuating asymmetry was approximated from the magnitude of the absolute side difference. Finally, the genetic background was assessed by correlating the absolute side difference between monozygotic twin siblings.

Results

The right angle (31.1 degrees) was not significantly different from the left one (31.6 degrees). The signed side difference followed a normal distribution with a mean of -0.48 degrees. The absolute side difference (2.29 degrees, p < 0.001) was significantly different from zero and negatively correlated (r=-0.46, p < 0.05) between siblings. None of the asymmetries was affected by sex, orthodontic treatment or age.

Conclusions

The palate illustrates neither directional asymmetry nor antisymmetry, indicating that most people’s palates are symmetric. However, the significant fluctuating asymmetry suggests that some subject has considerable asymmetry but is not influenced by sex, orthodontic treatment, age, and genetics. The proposed digital method is a reliable and non-invasive tool that could facilitate achieving a more symmetrical structure during orthodontic and aesthetic rehabilitation.

Trial registration

The Clinicatrial.gov registration number is NCT05349942 (27/04/2022).
A survey on automatic generation of medical imaging reports based on deep learning
Authors: Pang Ting , Li Peigao , Zhao Lijie
Published: May 2023

Recent advances in deep learning have shown great potential for the automatic generation of medical imaging reports. Deep learning techniques, inspired by image captioning, have made significant progress in the field of diagnostic report generation. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent research efforts in deep learning-based medical imaging report generation and proposes future directions in this field. First, we summarize and analyze the data set, architecture, application, and evaluation of deep learning-based medical imaging report generation. Specially, we survey the deep learning architectures used in diagnostic report generation, including hierarchical RNN-based frameworks, attention-based frameworks, and reinforcement learning-based frameworks. In addition, we identify potential challenges and suggest future research directions to support clinical applications and decision-making using medical imaging report generation systems.
Engineered extracellular vesicles mediated CRISPR-induced deficiency of IQGAP1/FOXM1 reverses sorafenib resistance in HCC by suppressing cancer stem cells
Authors: He Cong , Jaffar Ali Doulathunnisa , Qi Yuhua , Li Yumin , Sun Beicheng , Liu Rui , Sun Bo , Xiao Zhongdang
Published: May 2023

Background

Sorafenib resistance poses therapeutic challenges in HCC treatment, in which cancer stem cells (CSCs) plays a crucial role. CRISPR/Cas9 can be utilized as a potential technique to overcome the drug resistance. However, a safe, efficient and target specific delivery of this platform remains challenging. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), the active components of cell to cell communication, hold promising benefits as delivery platform.

Results

Herein we report the normal epithelial cell –derived EVs engineered with HN3(HLC9-EVs) show competing tumor targeting ability. Anchoring HN3 to the membrane of the EVs through LAMP2, drastically increased the specific homing of HLC9-EVs to GPC3+Huh-7 cancer cells rather than co-cultured GPC3−LO2 cells. Combination therapy of HCC with sorafenib and HLC9-EVs containing sgIF to silence IQGAP1 (protein responsible for reactivation of Akt/PI3K signaling in sorafenib resistance) and FOXM1 (self-renewal transcription factor in CSCs attributed to sorafenib resistance), exhibited effective synergistic anti-cancer effect both in vitro and in vivo. Our results also showed that disruption of IQGAP1/FOXM1 resulted in the reduction of CD133+population that contribute to the stemness of liver cancer cells.

Conclusion

By reversing sorafenib resistance using combination therapeutic approach with engineered EVs encapsulated CRISPR/Cas9 and sorafenib, our study foreshadows a path for a better, accurate, reliable and successful anti-cancer therapy in the future.

Graphical Abstract
Placental-fetal distribution of carbon particles in a pregnant rabbit model after repeated exposure to diluted diesel engine exhaust
Authors: Bongaerts Eva , Nawrot Tim S , Wang Congrong , Ameloot Marcel , Bové Hannelore , Roeffaers Maarten BJ , Chavatte-Palmer Pascale , Couturier-Tarrade Anne , Cassee Flemming R
Published: May 2023

Background

Airborne pollution particles have been shown to translocate from the mother’s lung to the fetal circulation, but their distribution and internal placental-fetal tissue load remain poorly explored. Here, we investigated the placental-fetal load and distribution of diesel engine exhaust particles during gestation under controlled exposure conditions using a pregnant rabbit model. Pregnant dams were exposed by nose-only inhalation to either clean air (controls) or diluted and filtered diesel engine exhaust (1 mg/m3) for 2 h/day, 5 days/week, from gestational day (GD) 3 to GD27. At GD28, placental and fetal tissues (i.e., heart, kidney, liver, lung and gonads) were collected for biometry and to study the presence of carbon particles (CPs) using white light generation by carbonaceous particles under femtosecond pulsed laser illumination.

Results

CPs were detected in the placenta, fetal heart, kidney, liver, lung and gonads in significantly higher amounts in exposed rabbits compared with controls. Through multiple factor analysis, we were able to discriminate the diesel engine exposed pregnant rabbits from the control group taking all variables related to fetoplacental biometry and CP load into consideration. Our findings did not reveal a sex effect, yet a potential interaction effect might be present between exposure and fetal sex.

Conclusions

The results confirmed the translocation of maternally inhaled CPs from diesel engine exhaust to the placenta which could be detected in fetal organs during late-stage pregnancy. The exposed can be clearly discriminated from the control group with respect to fetoplacental biometry and CP load. The differential particle load in the fetal organs may contribute to the effects on fetoplacental biometry and to the malprogramming of the fetal phenotype with long-term effects later in life.
Time-averaging principle for G-SDEs based on Lyapunov condition
Authors: Zong Gaofeng
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we tame the uncertainty about the volatility in time-averaging principle for stochastic differential equations driven by G-Brownian motion (G-SDEs) based on the Lyapunov condition. That means we treat the time-averaging principle for stochastic differential equations based on the Lyapunov condition in the presence of a family of probability measures, each corresponding to a different scenario for the volatility. The main tool for the mathematical analysis is the G-stochastic calculus, which is introduced in the book by Peng (Nonlinear Expectations and Stochastic Calculus Under Uncertainty. Springer, Berlin, 2019). We show that the solution of a standard equation converges to the solution of the corresponding averaging equation in the sense of sublinear expectation with the help of some properties of G-stochastic calculus. Numerical results obtained using PYTHON illustrate the efficiency of the averaging method.
Novel biological aqua crust enhances in situ metal(loid) bioremediation driven by phototrophic/diazotrophic biofilm
Authors: Wang Guobao , Yin Xiuran , Feng Zekai , Chen Chiyu , Chen Daijie , Wu Bo , Liu Chong , Morel Jean Louis , Jiang Yuanyuan , Yu Hang , He Huan , Chao Yuanqing , Tang Yetao , Qiu Rongliang , Wang Shizhong
Published: May 2023

Background

Understanding the ecological and environmental functions of phototrophic biofilms in the biological crust is crucial for improving metal(loid) (e.g. Cd, As) bioremediation in mining ecosystems. In this study, in combination with metal(loid) monitoring and metagenomic analysis, we systematically evaluated the effect of biofilm in a novel biological aqua crust (biogenic aqua crust—BAC) on in situ metal(loid) bioremediation of a representative Pb/Zn tailing pond.

Results

We observed strong accumulation of potentially bioavailable metal(loid)s and visible phototrophic biofilms in the BAC. Furthermore, dominating taxa Leptolyngbyaceae (10.2–10.4%, Cyanobacteria) and Cytophagales (12.3–22.1%, Bacteroidota) were enriched in biofilm. Along with predominant heterotrophs (e.g. Cytophagales sp.) as well as diazotrophs (e.g. Hyphomonadaceae sp.), autotrophs/diazotrophs (e.g. Leptolyngbyaceae sp.) in phototrophic biofilm enriched the genes encoding extracellular peptidase (e.g. family S9, S1), CAZymes (e.g. CBM50, GT2) and biofilm formation (e.g. OmpR, CRP and LuxS), thus enhancing the capacity of nutrient accumulation and metal(loid) bioremediation in BAC system.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that a phototrophic/diazotrophic biofilm constitutes the structured communities containing specific autotrophs (e.g. Leptolyngbyaceae sp.) and heterotrophs (e.g. Cytophagales sp.), which effectively control metal(loid) and nutrient input using solar energy in aquatic environments. Elucidation of the mechanisms of biofilm formation coupled with metal(loid) immobilization in BAC expands the fundamental understanding of the geochemical fate of metal(loid)s, which may be harnessed to enhance in situ metal(loid) bioremediation in the aquatic ecosystem of the mining area.
Reversed L-shaped incision for resection of a large azygos vein aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Tamura Kazuki , Konishi Yasunobu , Tatsuishi Wataru , Abe Tomonobu
Published: May 2023

Background

Azygos vein aneurysms are rare and asymptomatic in many cases. The management for these aneurysms is controversial, and there is no clear guideline or evidence-based threshold for surgical or interventional therapy.

Case presentation

Herein, we report the case of a giant azygos vein aneurysm in a 78-year-old man that was treated with a reversed L-shaped incision. A 56 × 77 mm saccular azygos vein aneurysm was incidentally detected on computed tomography. Subsequently, surgical resection with interventional radiology and reversed L-shaped thoracotomy was performed. First, we performed coil embolization of the azygos vein aneurysm inflow. Next, a cardiopulmonary bypass was established through a reversed L-shaped sternotomy, and the aneurysm was excised.

Conclusions

In this case, surgical resection via reversed L incision was effective.
Macular vascular features of different types of diabetic macular edema using ocular coherence tomography angiography- a comparative study
Authors: Nassar Ghada A. , Maqboul Ibrahim M. , El-Nahry Ayman Gehad , Hassan Lameece Moustafa , Shalash Ahmed B.
Published: May 2023

Background

To compare the microvascular features of different subtypes of diabetic macular edema (DME) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

A cross-sectional study including treatment-naive patients with DME. Eyes were divided according to optical coherence tomography determined morphology into two groups: cystoid macular edema (CME) and diffuse retinal thickening (DRT), with further subdivision according to the presence of subretinal fluid. All patients underwent 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 mm OCTA scans of the macula to compare the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, vascular density (VD) of the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexus and choriocapillaris flow (CF). Laboratory findings (HbA1C and triglyceride levels) were also correlated with the OCTA findings.

Results

The study included 52 eyes, 27 had CME and 25 had DRT. There were no significant differences between the VD of the SCP (p = 0.684) and DCP (p = 0.437), FAZ of SCP (p = 0.574), FAZ of DCP (p = 0.563) and CF (p = 0.311). Linear regression analysis revealed that DME morphology was the strongest predictor for BCVA. Other significant predictors included HbA1C and triglyceride levels.

Conclusion

The morphology of DME, irrespective of SRF, was most significantly correlated with BCVA in treatment-naive patients and CME subtype could be an independent predictor of poor BCVA in patients with DME.
Measuring parental stress, illness perceptions, coping and quality of life in families of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Papadopoulos Angelos , Siafaka Vassiliki , Tsapara Angeliki , Tafiadis Dionysios , Kotsis Konstantinos , Skapinakis Petros , Tzoufi Meropi
Published: May 2023

Background

A variety of psychosocial factors have been shown to affect the quality of life of families (FQoL).

Aim

This study aimed to assess the impact of mother's demographic characteristics, parental stress, illness perceptions about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), coping strategies, ASD severity and time since diagnosis on FQoL during the initial period following diagnosis (≤6 months).

Method

Fifty-three mothers of children newly diagnosed with ASD completed the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale, the Autism Parenting Stress Index, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory. A descriptive analysis was conducted on the demographic characteristics of the family. Eta coefficients and Pearson's analysis were used to determine the associations between the variables and the FQoL dimensions. Hierarchical regression was used to determine whether variables explained a statistically significant family quality of life variance.

Results

Pearson's analysis and eta coefficients indicated several correlations. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that higher parental stress related to core autism symptoms was associated with poorer FQoL (95% CI −0.08 to −0.02, P = 0.001), and higher perceived treatment control was associated with better FQoL (95% CI 0.04–0.16, P = 0.001). In addition, stronger perceived personal control was associated with higher physical/material well-being (95% CI 0.01–0.16, P = 0.022) and higher disability-related support (95% CI 0.30–0.61, P = 0.001). Higher family monthly income was associated with better FQoL (95% CI 0.08–0.027, P = 0.000), whereas marital status (divorced mother) was correlated with poorer FQoL (95% CI −0.68 to −0.16, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Interventions should emphasise managing the disorder's characteristics and implementing psychoeducational and supportive programmes for parents, immediately after the diagnosis, to enhance FQoL.
Survival in Older Japanese Adults With Advanced Cancer Before and After Implementation of a Geriatric Oncology Service
Authors: Nishijima Tomohiro F. , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Komoda Masato , Hanamura Fumiyasu , Okumura Yuta , Morita Masaru , Toh Yasushi , Esaki Taito , Muss Hyman B.
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

Research studies have demonstrated that comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) improves outcomes in older adults with cancer treated with chemotherapy. We compared survival outcomes on older adults with advanced cancer before and after the initiation of a geriatric oncology service (GOS) in a single Japanese cancer center.

METHODS

This was a comparative study of two groups of consecutive patients 70 years and older with advanced cancer who were referred to medical oncology for first-line chemotherapy before (controls; n = 151, September 2015-August 2018) and after (GOS; n = 191, September 2018-March 2021) implementation of the GOS. When the treating physician requested a consultation from the GOS, a geriatrician and an oncologist performed CGA and provided recommendations for cancer treatment and geriatric interventions. Time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The median age for all patients was 75 (range, 70-95) years, and 85% had GI cancers. In the GOS group, 82 patients received the CGA before a treatment decision and oncologic treatment plans were changed in 49 patients (60%). The overall implementation rate of the CGA-based geriatric interventions was 45%. Two hundred and eighty-two patients received chemotherapy (controls; n = 128 and GOS; n = 154), and 60 patients were treated with best supportive care only (controls; n = 23 and GOS; n = 37). Among patients receiving chemotherapy, TTF event rates for the GOS group compared with the control group were 5.7% versus 14% at 30 days ( P = .02) and 13% versus 29% at 60 days ( P = .001). The GOS group had longer OS than the control group with a hazard ratio of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.44 to 0.93; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

In this study, older adults with advanced cancer managed after the implementation of a GOS had improved survival outcomes compared with a historical control of patients.
Regulation of autophagy gene expression and its implications in cancer
Authors: Metur Shree Padma , Lei Yuchen , Zhang Zhihai , Klionsky Daniel J.
Published: May 2023

Autophagy is a catabolic cellular process that targets and eliminates superfluous cytoplasmic components via lysosomal degradation. This evolutionarily conserved process is tightly regulated at multiple levels as it is critical for the maintenance of homeostasis. Research in the past decade has established that dysregulation of autophagy plays a major role in various diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. However, modulation of autophagy as a therapeutic strategy requires identification of key players that can fine tune the induction of autophagy without complete abrogation. In this Review, we summarize the recent discoveries on the mechanism of regulation of ATG (autophagy related) gene expression at the level of transcription, post transcription and translation. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the role of aberrant expression of ATG genes in the context of cancer.
Fish food-web structure of a southern Mediterranean lagoon (El Mellah Lagoon, Algeria): what we can learn from stable isotope analysis
Authors: DENIS JEREMY , BOUAZIZ RYM , DRAREDJA BRAHIM , MUNARON JEAN MARIE , BORHANE DJEBAR ABDELLAH , AMARA RACHID , LE LOC’H FRANÇOIS , BEN RAIS LASRAM FRIDA
Published: May 2023

The structure of a fish food-web was described for the first time in a coastal lagoon in the southern Mediterranean Sea by analysing stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes of fish species and their potential food sources. The El Mellah Lagoon (EML) located in extreme north-eastern Algeria, is the only coastal lagoon in the southern Mediterranean with low human pressure due to few human activities and its protected status under the Ramsar Convention. We investigated the structure of the fish food-web in the spring at four stations in the lagoon that differed in their proximity to rivers and the channel, which connects to the sea. The results provided insight into ecological functions of EML as a feeding area for all fish species caught in the lagoon, in particular marine migrant juveniles and resident species. The δ13C results highlighted the importance of marine organic matter on the functioning of the EML fish food-web, to which organic matter in marine sediments and likely microphytobenthos contribute most. Our study also revealed the importance of seagrass (Ruppia sp.) for detritivorous fish (i.e., Mugilidae species) and for their potential to shelter a wide variety of benthic invertebrates that are potential food sources for benthivorous fish. Our study revealed the small influence of freshwater inputs on the functioning of the EML food-web and that juvenile marine fish may use the lagoon for reasons other than feeding, most likely to avoid predation and obtain physiological advantages.
New Alien Mediterranean Biodiversity Records (2023b)
Authors: ARTICLE A COLLECTIVE
Published: May 2023

New Alien Mediterranean Biodiversity Records (2023b)
Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCS) in India and their compliance with government benchmarks: A scoping review
Authors: Bahl Deepika , Bassi Shalini , Manna Subhanwita , Arora Monika
Published: May 2023

Background: Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) are one of the critical pillars of India’s Adolescent Health Programme-Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. The goal is to empower all adolescents to make informed decisions about their health and to access health services, allowing them to fully reach their potential. A review was conceptualised to assess the compliance of AFHCs with the benchmark proposed by the Government under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram.

Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched for articles published between 2014 and 2022. A snowball search strategy was also used to retrieve all published articles. Based on the search strategy eight studies were included.

Results: Evidence from the primary studies showed that the benchmarks need attention as privacy was lacking (six out of seven studies), unavailability of IEC material (four out of five), signages (two out of four), referrals (one out of two), and judgemental attitude of health care provider (one out of 3).

Conclusions: It is crucial to address the existing gaps in order to make the clinics adolescent-friendly, as this could lead to increase utilization of services available in AFHCs and an overall improvement in their health, education, and employment. The improved health will catalyse achieving the Sustainable Development Goals indicators related to nutrition, reproductive health, sexual and intimate partner violence, child marriage, education, and employment.