bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Election Campaigns, News Consumption Gaps, and Social Media: Equalizing Political News Use When It Matters?
Authors: Haugsgjerd Atle , Karlsen Rune
Published: July 2022

We investigate how inequalities in political media use develop throughout election campaigns, and in particular whether social media use helps counterbalance traditional news consumption gaps. Using a four-wave individual-level panel survey of the Norwegian 2017 national election campaign, we run a series of latent growth models to investigate whether differences in news consumption based on gender, age, education, and political interest increase or decrease during campaigns. We find that news consumption gaps are either stable or converge throughout the campaign. Importantly, social media provides political information to those groups that use traditional media channels the least and thereby reduce overall gaps in political media consumption. In this way, election campaigns, to some extent, equalize inequalities in political news consumption when it matters the most.
Trends in Utilization of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Stroke Patients With Cardiac Rhythm Devices
Authors: Culbertson Collin J. , Perino Alexander C. , Gardner Rebecca M. , Balasubramanian Vidhya , Vora Nirali
Published: July 2022

Background and Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is safe for most patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). However, patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (AIS/TIA) who have CIEDs may undergo MRI less frequently than patients without devices. We assessed contemporary use of MRI for patients with AIS/TIA and the effect of a recent coverage revision by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on MRI utilization.

Methods

Using Optum® claims data from January 2012 to June 2019, we performed an interrupted time series analysis of MRI utilization during AIS/TIA hospitalizations with the April 2018 CMS coverage revision serving as the intervention. For patients treated after the coverage revision, we used multivariable logistic regression to determine the association between lack of CIED and MRI utilization for AIS/TIA.

Results

We identified 417,899 patient hospitalizations for AIS/TIA, of which 30,425 (7%) had a CIED present (CIED vs non-CIED patients: age 77.6 ± 9.8 vs 72.7 ± 12.3 years; 45.5% vs 54.3% female). From 2012 to 2019, annual MRI utilization increased from 3% to 20% for CIED patients and 58% to 66% for non-CIED patients. The CMS coverage revision was associated with a 4.2% absolute additional increase in MRI utilization for CIED patients. Non-CIED patients treated after the CMS coverage revision were substantially more likely than CIED patients to undergo MRI (adjusted OR 6.7, 95% CI: 6.3-7.1, P<.001).

Conclusions

MRI utilization has increased for stroke patients with CIEDs but remains far lower than in similar patients without devices.
COVID-19 and the hidden threat of diabetic microvascular complications
Authors: Zaghloul Hadeel , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: July 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected at least 200 million individuals worldwide and resulted in nearly 5 million deaths as of October 2021. According to the latest data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2021, the diabetes pandemic has affected 537 million people and is associated with 6.7 million deaths. Given the high prevalence of both diabetes and COVID-19 and common pathological outcomes, a bidirectional relationship could have a catastrophic outcome. The increased risk of COVID-19 in those with obesity and diabetes and higher morbidity and mortality has received considerable attention. However, little attention has been given to the relationship between COVID-19 and microvascular complications. Indeed, microvascular complications are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in diabetes. This review assesses the evidence for an association between diabetic microvascular complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy) and COVID-19. It draws parallels between the pathological changes occurring in the microvasculature in both diseases and assesses whether microvascular disease is a prognostic factor for COVID-19 outcomes in diabetes.
Book review: Peter Ronald deSouza, Hilal Ahmed and Mohd. Sanjeer Alam, Democratic Accommodations: Minorities in Contemporary India
Authors: Mukherjee Krishnamurari
Published: July 2022

Peter Ronald deSouza, Hilal Ahmed and Mohd. Sanjeer Alam, Democratic Accommodations: Minorities in Contemporary India (New Delhi: Bloomsbury Publishing House, 2019), 203 pp. ₹1,299.
Near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring during endovascular treatment for acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Collette Sabine L , Venema Allart M , Eleveld Nick , Absalom Anthony R , Scheeren Thomas WL , Verhoeve Simon , de Groot Jan Cees , Elting Jan Willem J , Uyttenboogaart Maarten , Bokkers Reinoud PH , Sahinovic Marko M
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

The aim of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischaemic stroke is to relieve the cerebral tissue hypoxia in the area supplied by the occluded artery. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring is developed to assess regional cerebral tissue oxygen haemoglobin saturation (rSO2). We aimed to investigate whether NIRS can detect inter- and intra-hemispheric rSO2 differences during EVT.

Patients and methods:

In this prospective, observational study, patients undergoing EVT for a proximal intracranial occlusion of the anterior circulation between May 2019 and November 2020, were included. A four-wavelength NIRS monitor (O3® Regional Oximeter (Masimo, Irvine, CA)) was used to measure rSO2 during EVT with sensors placed over the temporal lobes in 20 patients and over the frontal lobes in 13 patients. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test for inter-hemispheric rSO2 differences after groin puncture and after recanalisation, and intra-hemispheric rSO2 changes before and after recanalisation.

Results:

In the temporal cohort, no inter-hemispheric rSO2 differences were observed after groin puncture (median [IQR] rSO2 affected hemisphere, 70% [67–73] and unaffected hemisphere, 70% [66–72]; p = 0.79) and after recanalisation. There were no intra-hemispheric rSO2 changes over time. In the frontal cohort, no inter- and intra-hemispheric rSO2 differences or changes were found.

Discussion and conclusion:

A NIRS monitor could not detect inter- and intra-hemispheric rSO2 differences or changes during EVT, irrespective of the sensor position. It is likely that even with temporal sensor application, a significant proportion of the received NIRS signal was influenced by oxygenation of surrounding tissues.
The transmission of ritual related characters from the Shang to the Zhou: Taking Liao and Di as examples
Authors: Sato Shinya
Published: July 2022

Numerous characters that are presumably the names of rituals in the Shang dynasty’s oracle-bone inscriptions were also discovered in the bronze inscriptions of Western Zhou. It is likely that the names of the rituals and their script, along with their method of practice, had been passed from the Shang to the Zhou. However, despite sharing the same name, there are differences between the Shang and the Zhou’s rituals. For example, in the Shang period, Liao (燎) is conducted as part of a ritual praying for crops or rain, or for before or after hunting expeditions and patrols. In the Western Zhou period, however, they developed the latter method into a ritual to be performed before and after a conquest. Similarly, Di (禘) is a ritual concerning ancestral spirits and other various divine spirits, which was written as 帝 during the Shang period; during the Western Zhou period, the ritual was written as 啻 and transformed into a ritual concerning descendants of a direct bloodline. This study will discuss the script related to the rituals, Liao (燎) and Di (禘), that were passed down from the Shang to the Zhou and elucidates on the aspects of culture and systems inherited by the Zhou along with what these characters represent.
Outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in adults with fusions associated with Ph-like ALL
Authors: Aldoss Ibrahim , Yang Dongyun , Tomasian Vanina , Mokhtari Sally , Jackson Ryan , Gu Zhaohui , Telatar Milhan , Yew Hooi , Al Malki Monzr M. , Salhotra Amandeep , Khaled Samer , Ali Haris , Aribi Ahmed , Sandhu Karamjeet S. , Mei Matthew , Arslan Shukaib , Koller Paul , Artz Andrew , Aoun Patricia , Gu Dongqing , Snyder David , Stewart Forrest M. , Curtin Peter , Stein Anthony S. , Pillai Raju , Marcucci Guido , Forman Stephen J. , Pullarkat Vinod , Nakamura Ryotaro , Afkhami Michelle
Published: July 2022

Allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is a well-established curative modality for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), yet large amounts of data describing alloHCT outcomes in Philadelphia (Ph)-like ALL are lacking. We retrospectively analyzed archived DNA samples from consecutive adults with B-cell Ph-negative ALL who underwent alloHCT in complete remission (CR) (n = 127) at our center between 2006 and 2020. Identification of fusions associated with Ph-like ALL was performed using cumulative results from RNA-seq, conventional cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and whole genome array studies. Fusions associated with Ph-like ALL were detected in 56 (44%) patients, of whom 38 were carrying CRLF2r. Compared with other non–Ph-like ALL (n = 71), patients with fusions associated with Ph-like ALL were more frequently Hispanic (P = .008), were less likely to carry high-risk cytogenetics (P < .001), and were more likely to receive blinatumomab prior to HCT (P = .019). With the median followup of 3.5 years, patients with Ph-like ALL fusions had comparable posttransplant outcomes compared with other B-cell ALL: 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) (41% vs 44%; P = .36), overall survival (OS) (51% vs 50%; P = .59), and relapse (37% vs 31%; P = .47). In multivariable analysis, age (P = .023), disease status at the time of transplant (P < .001), and donor type (P = .015) influenced OS. RFS (primary endpoint) was significantly influenced by disease status (P < .001) and conditioning regimen intensity (P = .014). In conclusion, our data suggest that alloHCT consolidation results in similarly favorable survival outcomes in adult patients with Ph-like fusions and other high-risk B-cell ALL.
Risk factors for secondary Glaucoma in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease
Authors: Alvarez-Guzman Carlos , Hartleben-Matkin Curt , Ruiz-Lozano Raul E. , Rodriguez-Garcia Alejandro , Quiroga-Garza Manuel E. , Valdez-Garcia Jorge E.
Published: July 2022

Background/purpose

Identify the prevalence and risk factors for secondary glaucoma among Mexican-mestizo patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease (VKH).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study analyzing the demographic, clinical, and epidemiological variables. Risk estimates were calculated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

One hundred eyes of 50 patients, 44 (88%) women and 6 men (12%) with a median age of 35.5 years (IQR 29–46) and a median follow-up time of 72 months (IQR 13.7–126.7) were analyzed. The prevalence of glaucoma was 20%, with angle-closure accounting for 70% of all cases. Significant clinical risk factors for glaucoma development were a chronic recurrent stage at presentation (RR 2.88, 95% CI 1.11–12.63, p = 0.037), ≥ 2 episodes of recurrent anterior uveitis (RR 8.52, 95% CI 2.02–35.92, p < 0.001), angle-closure disease (ACD, RR 7.08, 95% CI 2.44–20.48, p < 0.001), iris bombé (RR 5.0, 95% CI 2.10–11.90, p < 0.001), and peripapillary atrophy (RR 3.56, 95% CI 1.43–8.85, p < 0.001). Exposure to > 24 months of oral (RR 9.33, 95% CI 2.21–39.28, p < 0.001) or > 12 months of topical corticosteroids (RR 3.88, 95% CI 1.31–11.46, p = 0.007) were associated with an increased likelihood for secondary glaucoma development.

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a frequent complication of VKH, often attributed to mixed pathogenic mechanisms. Chronic disease at presentation, recurrent inflammation, angle-closure mechanisms, iris bombé, and peripapillary atrophy represent clinically significant risk factors for developing secondary glaucoma. Prompt and aggressive steroid-spearing immunosuppressive therapy for adequate inflammation control may lower the risk of glaucoma in VKH.
Joint deep learning for batch effect removal and classification toward MALDI MS based metabolomics
Authors: Niu Jingyang , Yang Jing , Guo Yuyu , Qian Kun , Wang Qian
Published: July 2022

Background

Metabolomics is a primary omics topic, which occupies an important position in both clinical applications and basic researches for metabolic signatures and biomarkers. Unfortunately, the relevant studies are challenged by the batch effect caused by many external factors. In last decade, the technique of deep learning has become a dominant tool in data science, such that one may train a diagnosis network from a known batch and then generalize it to a new batch. However, the batch effect inevitably hinders such efforts, as the two batches under consideration can be highly mismatched.

Results

We propose an end-to-end deep learning framework, for joint batch effect removal and then classification upon metabolomics data. We firstly validate the proposed deep learning framework on a public CyTOF dataset as a simulated experiment. We also visually compare the t-SNE distribution and demonstrate that our method effectively removes the batch effects in latent space. Then, for a private MALDI MS dataset, we have achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy, with about 5.1 ~ 7.9% increase on average over state-of-the-art methods.

Conclusions

Both experiments conclude that our method performs significantly better in classification than conventional methods benefitting from the effective removal of batch effect.
The miR-199a-5p/PD-L1 axis regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in follicular thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Lin Jianguang , Qiu Yanru , Zheng Xueqin , Dai Yijun , Xu Tianwen
Published: July 2022

Background

Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common cancer of the thyroid and easily develops into distant metastasis. PD-L1 is known to be associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of thyroid carcinoma. Our study aimed to investigate the biological functions of PD-L1 and to identify miRNAs that were responsible for modulating the activity of PD-L1.

Methods

A total of 72 patients with FTC at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were enrolled in this retrospective study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was used to measure PD-L1 expression in FTC. The association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was evaluated. Bioinformatics analysis, RT–qPCR and western blotting were used to examine the relationships between miR-199a-5p, PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated by using CCK8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays. Target prediction and luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the binding between miR-199a-5p and PD-L1. Rescue assay was performed to confirm whether PD-L1 downregulation abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-199a-5p.

Results

Among 72 pairs of tumor and normal specimens, the proportion of PD-L1 positive samples was higher in FTC tissues than in normal tissues. The results of ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT illustrated that there was a positive correlation between PD-L1 expression and immune infiltration, especially regulatory T cells and M1 macrophages. Prediction of immunotherapy revealed that patients with high PD-L1 expression might benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Transwell migration and invasion assays showed that PD-L1 downregulation in FTC cells could significantly inhibit cell migration and invasion. The bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity results indicated that PD-L1 was a potential target of miR-199a-5p. Knockdown of PD-L1 reversed the miR-199a-5p inhibitor mediated promotion effect. In addition, we found that PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with Claudin-1 expression and that miR-199a-5p affected the progression of FTC cells through the negative regulation of PD-L1 and Claudin-1.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that PD-L1 expression was elevated in FTC and was closely associated with tumor aggressiveness and progression. MiR-199a-5p has a functional role in the progression and metastasis of FTC by regulating PD-L1 and Claudin-1 expression.
Factor structure, measurement invariance, and concurrent validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale-7 in a Norwegian psychiatric outpatient sample
Authors: Brattmyr Martin , Lindberg Martin Schevik , Solem Stian , Hjemdal Odin , Havnen Audun
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to test factor structure, measurement invariance, and concurrent validity of the nine item Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the seven item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale-7 (GAD-7) in a heterogeneous outpatient sample.

Method

Outpatients completed the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and the Working Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) before starting treatment. Study design was cross-sectional, with convenience sampling. The total sample consisted of 831 participants (61% women).

Results

Both PHQ-9 and GAD-7 demonstrated better fit statistics with two-factor and bifactor solutions consisting of a cognitive and somatic factor. Omega hierarchical was .78 for PHQ-9 and .81 for GAD-7. Both instruments achieved scalar invariance across gender, diagnosis, and comorbidity. However, the somatic factors demonstrated poor discriminant validity. These factors are not well separatable and risks being too similar if used together. The general factors of both instruments were most associated with functional impairment, although PHQ-9 demonstrated a stronger association with WSAS (γ = .74, r2 = .62) than GAD-7 (γ = .54, r2 = .32). Using latent mean difference, women and patients with comorbidity had significantly higher scores of both depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

This study shows that the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 may be used as one-dimensional instruments in clinical settings. Tests for measurement invariance supported that both measures are understood and interpreted comparably across gender and diagnostic subgroups.
Implementation of buprenorphine services in NYC syringe services programs: a qualitative process evaluation
Authors: Jakubowski Andrea , Rath Caroline , Harocopos Alex , Wright Monique , Welch Alice , Kattan Jessica , Navos Behrends Czarina , Lopez-Castro Teresa , Fox Aaron D.
Published: July 2022

Background

Syringe services programs (SSPs) hold promise for providing buprenorphine treatment access to people with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are reluctant to seek care elsewhere. In 2017, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) provided funding and technical assistance to nine SSPs to develop “low-threshold” buprenorphine services as part of a multipronged initiative to lower opioid-related overdose rates. The aim of this study was to identify barriers to and facilitators of implementing SSP-based buprenorphine services.

Methods

We conducted 26 semi-structured qualitative interviews from April 2019 to November 2019 at eight SSPs in NYC that received funding and technical assistance from DOHMH. Interviews were conducted with three categories of staff: leadership (i.e., buprenorphine program management or leadership, eight interviews), staff (i.e., buprenorphine coordinators or other staff, eleven interviews), and buprenorphine providers (six interviews). We identified themes related to barriers and facilitators to program implementation using thematic analysis. We make recommendations for implementation based on our findings.

Results

Programs differed in their stage of development, location of services provided, and provider type, availability, and practices. Barriers to providing buprenorphine services at SSPs included gaps in staff knowledge and comfort communicating with participants about buprenorphine, difficulty hiring buprenorphine providers, managing tension between harm reduction and traditional OUD treatment philosophies, and financial constraints. Challenges also arose from serving a population with unmet psychosocial needs. Implementation facilitators included technical assistance from DOHMH, designated buprenorphine coordinators, offering other supportive services to participants, and telehealth to bridge gaps in provider availability. Key recommendations include: (1) health departments should provide support for SSPs in training staff, building health service infrastructure and developing policies and procedures, (2) SSPs should designate a buprenorphine coordinator and ensure regular training on buprenorphine for frontline staff, and (3) buprenorphine providers should be selected or supported to use a harm reduction approach to buprenorphine treatment.

Conclusions

Despite encountering challenges, SSPs implemented buprenorphine services outside of conventional OUD treatment settings. Our findings have implications for health departments, SSPs, and other community organizations implementing buprenorphine services. Expansion of low-threshold buprenorphine services is a promising strategy to address the opioid overdose epidemic.
Pyrokinin receptor silencing in females of the southern cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is associated with a reproductive fitness cost
Authors: Wulff Juan P. , Temeyer Kevin B. , Tidwell Jason P. , Schlechte Kristie G. , Xiong Caixing , Lohmeyer Kimberly H. , Pietrantonio Patricia V.
Published: July 2022

Background

Rhipicephalusmicroplus is the vector of deadly cattle pathogens, especially Babesia spp., for which a recombinant vaccine is not available. Therefore, disease control depends on tick vector control. However, R.microplus populations worldwide have developed resistance to available acaricides, prompting the search for novel acaricide targets. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in the regulation of many physiological processes and have been suggested as druggable targets for the control of arthropod vectors. Arthropod-specific signaling systems of small neuropeptides are being investigated for this purpose. The pyrokinin receptor (PKR) is a GPCR previously characterized in ticks. Myotropic activity of pyrokinins in feeding-related tissues of Rhipicephalussanguineus and Ixodesscapularis was recently reported.

Methods

The R.microplus pyrokinin receptor (Rhimi-PKR) was silenced through RNA interference (RNAi) in female ticks. To optimize RNAi, a dual-luciferase assay was applied to determine the silencing efficiency of two Rhimi-PKR double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) prior to injecting dsRNA in ticks to be placed on cattle. Phenotypic variables of female ticks obtained at the endpoint of the RNAi experiment were compared to those of control female ticks (non-injected and beta-lactamase dsRNA-injected). Rhimi-PKR silencing was verified by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR in whole females and dissected tissues.

Results

The Rhimi-PKR transcript was expressed in all developmental stages. Rhimi-PKR silencing was confirmed in whole ticks 4 days after injection, and in the tick carcass, ovary and synganglion 6 days after injection. Rhimi-PKR silencing was associated with an increased mortality and decreased weight of both surviving females and egg masses (P < 0.05). Delays in repletion, pre-oviposition and incubation periods were observed (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Rhimi-PKR silencing negatively affected female reproductive fitness. The PKR appears to be directly or indirectly associated with the regulation of female feeding and/or reproductive output in R.microplus. Antagonists of the pyrokinin signaling system could be explored for tick control.

Graphical abstract
Effectiveness and safety of allergen immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis complicated by rheumatic autoimmune diseases: a case series study
Authors: Fujioka Kazuki , Kasahara Akiko , Kida Takashi , Fujii Wataru , Seno Takahiro , Wada Makoto , Kohno Masataka , Kawahito Yutaka
Published: July 2022

Background

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment that has modified the natural history of allergic diseases. However, since its overall effect on the immune system has not been elucidated, AIT is either absolutely or relatively contraindicated in patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases (RADs). Therefore, there have been no long-term observations of patients with RADs receiving AIT; thus, the effectiveness and safety of AIT in these patients remain unclear.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective observational study. RAD patients receiving AIT for allergic rhinitis at our institution were selected. Changes in the activity of RAD patients were investigated for 2 years from baseline, including those who discontinued AIT. The effectiveness of AIT was also investigated using the Japan Allergic Rhinitis Standard Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Results

Thirteen patients with RADs were enrolled in the study. All patients received sublingual immunotherapy, of which four discontinued AIT owing to adverse events. Among all patients, the symptoms of RADs in three patients worsened during the observation period; however, none of them were causally related to AIT. Most of the adverse events associated with AIT were mild, in which only one patient required drug intervention due to worsening rhinitis symptoms. In the nine patients who were able to continue AIT, their eye and nasal symptom scores showed a significant improvement from 1.67 (1.5–2.0) at baseline to 0.67 (0–1.17) in the 2nd year of treatment (p = 0.0141).

Conclusions

AIT is a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with allergic rhinitis complicated by RADs.
Gross hematuria can be an impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination on immunoglobulin A nephropathy: a case report
Authors: Kanamori Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

Background

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy is typically accelerated by upper respiratory tract infections and can relapse following vaccination. There have been reports of patients who presented with immunoglobulin A nephropathy flares with or without gross hematuria following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. However, this relationship remains to be elucidated.

Case presentation

Herein, we present the case of a patient with newly diagnosed immunoglobulin A nephropathy who presented with gross hematuria following the second dose of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine. A 21-year-old Japanese woman presented with fever and new-onset gross hematuria 1 day after receiving the second dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine (Pfizer). She had microhematuria without proteinuria for 2 years at the time of her medical check-up. Gross hematuria resolved 6 days after the second dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine; however, microhematuria (> 100 per high-power field) and mild proteinuria were observed. She was admitted to our hospital 4 weeks after the second vaccination because of persistent urinary abnormalities. She was well before the vaccination and did not have any pulmonary involvement on chest radiography or any symptoms suggestive of coronavirus disease 2019. Renal biopsy revealed an immunoglobulin A nephropathy. The Oxford MEST-C score was M0E0S0T0C0. Our patient’s urinary abnormalities implied exacerbation of immunoglobulin A nephropathy after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination.

Conclusions

In our case, gross hematuria served as a trigger for immunoglobulin A nephropathy diagnosis, suggesting that nephrologists should pay close attention to gross hematuria and urinalysis after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination.
Clinical status of patients 1 year after hospital discharge following recovery from COVID-19: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Dapeng , Liao Xuejiao , Ma Zhenghua , Zhang Lina , Dong Jingke , Zheng Guoqin , Zi Mei , Peng Wujian , Wei Lanlan , Li Zhiyan , Kong Yingjun , Wang Lifei , Liu Dongjing , Wang Fang , He Qing , Li Guobao , Zhang Zheng , Liu Lei
Published: July 2022

Background

The long-term clinical status of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in recovered patients remains largely unknown. This prospective cohort study evaluated clinical status of COVID-19 and explored the associated risk factors.

Methods

At the outpatient visit, patients underwent routine blood tests, physical examinations, pulmonary function tests, 6-min walk test, high-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the chest, and extrapulmonary organ function tests.

Results

230 patients were analyzed. Half (52.7%) reported at least one symptom, most commonly fatigue (20.3%) and sleep difficulties (15.8%). Anxiety (8.2%), depression (11.3%), post-traumatic symptoms (10.3%), and sleep disorders (26.3%) were also reported. Diffusion impairments were found in 35.4% of the patients. Abnormal chest CT scans were present in 63.5% of the patients, mainly reticulation and ground-glass opacities. Further, a persistent decline in kidney function was observed after discharge. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies of IgA, IgG, and IgM were positive in 56.4%, 96.3%, and 15.2% of patients, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed that disease severity, age, and sex were closely related to patient recovery.

Conclusions

One year after hospital discharge, patients recovered from COVID-19 continued to experience both pulmonary and extrapulmonary dysfunction. While paying attention to pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19, follow-up studies on extrapulmonary manifestations should be strengthened.
Burden of female breast cancer in the Middle East and North Africa region, 1990–2019
Authors: Safiri Saeid , Noori Maryam , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Sullman Mark J. M. , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Kolahi Ali-Asghar
Published: July 2022

Background

There is no region-specific publication investigating the attributable burden of breast cancer, particularly among females. This article reported the burden of female breast cancer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and its attributable risk factors between 1990 and 2019, by age, sex, and socio-demographic index (SDI).

Methods

Publicly available data on the incidence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study for the 21 countries and territories in MENA, between 1990 and 2019, along with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). The relationship between the burden of female breast cancer, in terms of DALYs, and the SDI were also assessed using Smoothing Spline models.

Results

In 2019, the regional age-standardised incidence and death rates of female breast cancer were 37.5 and 15.2 per 100,000, which represent a 90.9 and 24.0% increase since 1990, respectively. In addition, in 2019 the regional age-standardised DALY rate was 472.7 per 100,000, which was 19.5% higher than in 1990. In 2019, the death rate increased steadily with advancing age, while the DALY rate increased steeply with age and reached its peak in the 70–74 age group. There was a positive association between SDI and the burden of breast cancer over the period 1990 to 2019. Moreover, in 2019 high fasting plasma glucose (6.9%) contributed to the largest proportion of attributable DALYs for female breast cancer in the MENA region.

Conclusions

There was a significant increase in the incidence rate of female breast cancer in MENA over the past three decades, although the death and DALY rates were both largely unchanged. Preventive programs targeting the major risk factors should be implemented in the region.
Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients
Authors: Adams James B. , Kirby Jasmine K. , Sorensen Jacob C. , Pollard Elena L. , Audhya Tapan
Published: July 2022

The blood levels of most vitamins decrease during pregnancy if un-supplemented, including vitamins A, C, D, K, B1, B3, B5, B6, folate, biotin, and B12. Sub-optimal intake of vitamins from preconception through pregnancy increases the risk of many pregnancy complications and infant health problems. In the U.S., dietary intake of vitamins is often below recommended intakes, especially for vitamin D, choline and DHA. Many studies suggest that insufficient vitamin intake is associated with a wide range of pregnancy complications (anemia, Cesarean section, depression, gestational diabetes, hypertension, infertility, preeclampsia, and premature rupture of membranes) and infant health problems (asthma/wheeze, autism, low birth weight, congenital heart defects, intellectual development, intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, neural tube defects, orofacial defects, and preterm birth). The primary goal of this paper is to review the research literature and propose evidence-based recommendations for the optimal level of prenatal supplementation for each vitamin for most women in the United States. A secondary goal was to compare these new recommendations with the levels of vitamins in over 180 commercial prenatal supplements. The analysis found that prenatal supplements vary widely in content, often contained only a subset of essential vitamins, and the levels were often below our recommendations. This suggests that increasing prenatal vitamin supplementation to the levels recommended here may reduce the incidence of many pregnancy complications and infant health problems which currently occur.
Calculation and management of ketogenic diet parenteral nutrition in super-refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Zeng Ya , Mu Jie , Zhou Dong
Published: July 2022

Super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is an important neurological emergency associated with high mortality and morbidity and poses a heavy economic burden on patients. Ketogenic diet parenteral nutrition (KD-PN) is ketogenic diet therapy provided through parenteral administration and may be an adjuvant treatment for these who cannot accept enteral diet. However, the calculation and management of KD-PN presents a challenge for clinicians. This review focuses on the practical aspects of KD-PN therapy for treatment of SRSE, including the dietary composition, potential drug-diet interactions, and monitoring during KD-PN treatment. As with all SRSE treatments, KD-PN has many adverse effects, like hyperlipemia, hepatotoxicity, metabolic acidosis, insufficient ketosis or hyper-ketosis, and propofol infusion syndrome. We summarize monitoring and treatment methods in our review. This review provides some practical aspects for treatment of SRSE.
Neurophysiological evaluation of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Thabet Alaa M. , Elnwam Sara A. , Mekky Jaidaa F. , Abdelghany Hayam M. , Fathy Hanan M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this work was to study the nervous system clinically and electrophysiologically in children with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Results

The study was carried out on thirty-eight children with SLE. Their age ranged from 5 to 16 years. The most encountered neurologic manifestations were tremors. It was observed in 47.4% of children, followed by headache in 39.5%, sensory manifestation as numbness in 23.7%, cerebrovascular stroke in 5.3%, and chorea in 2.6%, which was unilateral mostly in the upper limb, tics, and convulsion had the same percentage. Around 16% of children had positive findings in MRI, such as cerebrovascular disease, minimal hematoma, pseudotumorcerebri, vasculitis, and ectatic ventricles. Subclinical peripheral neuropathy was reported in nearly 52.6% of children, and clinical peripheral neuropathy was reported in 23.6%. Pure sensory subclinical peripheral neuropathy was detected in 13.1% of children, but mixed subclinical peripheral neuropathy was detected in 39.4%. Nearly 53% of studied children had an abnormal somatosensory-evoked potential study of posterior tibial and median nerves.

Conclusion

The current study reported that the clinical neurological manifestations in juvenile SLE is common. Peripheral neuropathy is commonly detected, which could be either clinical or sub-clinical. Somatosensory evoked potential study is of value for early detection of central affection.

So, we recommend more studies to determine the guidelines when to order these informative investigations for children with JSLE.
Attachment behaviour in autism versus attachment disorders
Authors: Biswas Asit B. , Beardsworth Peter
Published: July 2022

Differentiating between autism spectrum disorder and attachment disorders such as reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) can be difficult. We comment on Davidson et al's article on this problem, note the dearth of validated assessment tools for RAD and DSED, and point to the utility of the Early Trauma-Related Disorders Questionnaire.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on presentations to health services following self-harm: systematic review
Authors: Steeg Sarah , John Ann , Gunnell David J. , Kapur Nav , Dekel Dana , Schmidt Lena , Knipe Duleeka , Arensman Ella , Hawton Keith , Higgins Julian P. T. , Eyles Emily , Macleod-Hall Catherine , McGuiness Luke A. , Webb Roger T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Evidence on the impact of the pandemic on healthcare presentations for self-harm has accumulated rapidly. However, existing reviews do not include studies published beyond 2020.

Aims

To systematically review evidence on presentations to health services following self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

A comprehensive search of databases (WHO COVID-19 database; Medline; medRxiv; Scopus; PsyRxiv; SocArXiv; bioRxiv; COVID-19 Open Research Dataset, PubMed) was conducted. Studies published from 1 January 2020 to 7 September 2021 were included. Study quality was assessed with a critical appraisal tool.

Results

Fifty-one studies were included: 57% (29/51) were rated as ‘low’ quality, 31% (16/51) as ‘moderate’ and 12% (6/51) as ‘high-moderate’. Most evidence (84%, 43/51) was from high-income countries. A total of 47% (24/51) of studies reported reductions in presentation frequency, including all six rated as high-moderate quality, which reported reductions of 17–56%. Settings treating higher lethality self-harm were overrepresented among studies reporting increased demand. Two of the three higher-quality studies including study observation months from 2021 reported reductions in self-harm presentations. Evidence from 2021 suggests increased numbers of presentations among adolescents, particularly girls.

Conclusions

Sustained reductions in numbers of self-harm presentations were seen into the first half of 2021, although this evidence is based on a relatively small number of higher-quality studies. Evidence from low- and middle-income countries is lacking. Increased numbers of presentations among adolescents, particularly girls, into 2021 is concerning. Findings may reflect changes in thresholds for help-seeking, use of alternative sources of support and variable effects of the pandemic across groups.
MIG-23 is involved in sperm migration by modulating extracellular ATP levels in Ascaris suum
Authors: Wang Qiushi , He Ruijun , Chen Lianwan , Zhang Qi , Shan Jin , Wang Peng , Wang Xia , Zhao Yanmei
Published: July 2022

In nematodes, spermiogenesis is a process of sperm activation in which nonmotile spermatids are transformed into crawling spermatozoa. Sperm motility acquisition during this process is essential for successful fertilization, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. Herein, we have found that extracellular adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) level regulation by MIG-23, which is a homolog of human ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase), was required for major sperm protein (MSP) filament dynamics and sperm motility in the nematode Ascaris suum. During sperm activation, a large amount of ATP was produced in mitochondria and was stored in refringent granules (RGs). Some of the produced ATP was released to the extracellular space through innexin channels. MIG-23 was localized in the sperm plasma membrane and contributed to the ecto-ATPase activity of spermatozoa. Blocking MIG-23 activity resulted in a decrease in the ATP hydrolysis activity of spermatozoa and an increase in the depolymerization rate of MSP filaments in pseudopodia, which eventually affected sperm migration. Overall, our data suggest that MIG-23, which contributes to the ecto-ATPase activity of spermatozoa, regulates sperm migration by modulating extracellular ATP levels.
Nutrition-dependent juvenile hormone sensitivity promotes flight-muscle degeneration during the aphid dispersal-reproduction transition
Authors: Bai Yu , Pei Xiao-Jin , Ban Ning , Chen Nan , Liu Su-Ning , Li Sheng , Liu Tong-Xian
Published: July 2022

In insects, the loss of flight typically involves a dispersal-reproduction transition, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the parthenogenetic pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, winged females undergo flight-muscle degeneration after flight and feeding on new host plants. Similarly, topical application of a juvenile hormone (JH) mimic to starved aphids also induces flight-muscle degeneration. We found that feeding preferentially upregulated the expression of the JH receptor gene Met and a JH-inducible gene, Kr-h1, in the flight muscles, and, thus, enhanced tissue-specific JH sensitivity and signaling. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Kr-h1 prevented flight-muscle degeneration. Likewise, blocking nutritional signals by pharmacological inhibition of the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) impaired JH sensitivity of the flight muscles in feeding aphids and subsequently delayed muscle degeneration. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that enhanced JH signaling inhibited the transcription of genes involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, likely resulting in reduction of the energy supply, mitochondrial dysfunction and muscle-fiber breakdown. This study shows that nutrient-dependent hormone sensitivity regulates developmental plasticity in a tissue-specific manner, emphasizing a relatively underappreciated mechanism of hormone sensitivity in modulating hormone signaling.
10,589 CT pulmonary angiograms: evaluating the yield of acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: de Boer Henry Charles , Rajaram Smitha , Chopra Annu , Hurdman Judith A , Maclean Ronna M
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

To evaluate the change in the number of CT pulmonary angiograms (CTPAs) performed and the change in the yield of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) on CTPA at a busy tertiary teaching hospital from 2016 to 2019.

Methods:

All CTPA examinations for both in-patients and emergency department patients performed at our busy tertiary teaching hospital between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019 were identified from the radiology information system. A natural language processing technique called phrase matching was employed to assign each of the examination reports a result of either positive, negative or equivocal for acute PE. This algorithm was validated on a sample of 200 reports.

Results:

The number of CTPAs performed increased 59% from 2016 to 2019. The overall yield of acute PE has remained steady averaging 15.9%, ranging from 15.0% to 17.2%.

Conclusions:

Over 3 years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for CTPA examinations. The yield of acute PE has remained steady indicating a justified increase in demand. The yield of acute PE on CTPA within our centre is higher than the Royal College of Radiologists’ suggested minimum of 15.4% which suggests the current guidelines used for the investigation of suspected acute PE within our centre are appropriate.

Advances in knowledge:

The guidelines and subsequent yield of acute PE on CTPA at our tertiary teaching hospital can be used as a reference standard for other similar institutes.
Η μουσική δραματουργία της όψιμης Γαλλικής Ιστορικής Μεγάλης Όπερας στα έργα του Camille Saint Saens και του Jules Massenet
Authors: Χόνδρου Δήμητρα
Published: July 2022

Η όψιμη Γαλλική ιστορική Μεγάλη Όπερα, αντλεί τη θεματολογία της από ποικίλες πηγές – κυρίως όμως από την ιστορία, περιλαμβάνοντας και κάποια μη δυτικά στοιχεία, τα οποία εντάσσονται στην Ευρωπαϊκή οπερική παράδοση που αφορούν το συγκεκριμένο είδος, όπως ο εξωτισμός και το τοπικό χρώμα. Η διατριβή θα επισημάνει τα μουσικοδραματουργικά στοιχεία που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν από τους συνθέτες της όψιμης Γαλλικής ιστορικής Μεγάλης Όπερας, εστιάζοντας στο έργο του Σαιν-Σανς και του Μασνέ. Θα εξετάσει επιλεγμένη εργογραφία, αναζητώντας τα κοινά στοιχεία που η δυτική οπερική τέχνη του είδους ενστερνίστηκε. Κατά τη διάρκεια του 19ου αι. στην πρώιμη περίοδο (1809- 1827), εμφανίστηκαν οι γενικές τάσεις της ιστορικής Μεγάλης Όπερας, ενώ στην περίοδο ακμής (1828- 1867), καθιερώθηκαν τα μουσικά και μη μουσικά στοιχεία που την μορφοποίησαν. Κεντρικό άξονα της διατριβής, αποτελεί η όψιμη περίοδος του είδους, ώστε να αναδειχθούν τα σημαντικά ιδιώματα καθώς και τα μουσικοδραματουργικά χαρακτηριστικά που τη διαμορφώνουν, περιγράφοντας ταυτόχρονα τα παραδοσιακά – συμβατικά στοιχεία που εγκολπώθηκαν. Επιπροσθέτως, βασικό προβληματισμό της διατριβής αποτελεί η θέση που κατείχαν τα ιστορικά θέματα στη θεματολογία της Μεγάλης Όπερας και τις συνέπειες των ιστορικών παραμέτρων στην αισθητική, στην υποδοχή και την ανάπτυξη του είδους, αλλά κυρίως την επίδραση που είχαν τα παραπάνω κατά τη διάρκεια της όψιμης περιόδου δημιουργίας.
Mathematical models for dynamic eco-driving in signalized intersections in the context of cooperative intelligent transportation systems
Authors: Μίντσης Ευάγγελος
Published: July 2022

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αναπτύσσει μεθόδους που βελτιώνουν τον ανθρωποκεντρικό σχεδιασμό των συστημάτων περιβαλλοντικά φιλικής οδήγησης, προτυποποιούν την προσαρμογή των οδηγών σε ενεργειακά αποδοτικές στρατηγικές οδήγησης ανάντη σηματοδοτημένων διασταυρώσεων με τη χρήση δένδρων αποφάσεων και εμπειρικών δεδομένων που συλλέχθηκαν κατά την πιλοτική εφαρμογή ενός συστήματος περιβαλλοντικά φιλικής οδήγησης κατά μήκος μιας αστικής οδικής αρτηρίας, ποσοτικοποιούν τις συναφείς περιβαλλοντικές και κυκλοφοριακές επιπτώσεις, καθώς και καθιστούν εφικτή τη σύγκριση επιδόσεων με αυτοματοποιημένα συστήματα περιβαλλοντικά φιλικής οδήγησης, όπου το όχημα είναι ταυτοχρόνως εξοπλισμένο με συστήματα αυτοματοποιημένης οδήγησης που επιτρέπουν την ακριβή προσαρμογή σε ενεργειακά αποδοτικά προφίλ ταχυτήτων. Επιπλέον, η αξιολόγηση επιπτώσεων των συστημάτων περιβαλλοντικά φιλικής οδήγησης γίνεται μέσω της ανάπτυξης λογισμικού που προσομοιώνει τη λειτουργία τους στα πλαίσια μοντέλου μικροσκοπικής προσομοίωσης της κυκλοφορίας για διαφορετικές συνθήκες ζήτησης μετακινήσεων αλλά και διείσδυσης της συγκεκριμένης τεχνολογίας στο συνολικό στόλο των οχημάτων.Τα αποτελέσματα των αναλύσεων της μικροσκοπικής προσομοίωσης της κυκλοφορίας κατέδειξαν ότι οι προσαρμογές στη δομή των υφιστάμενων μοντέλων περιβαλλοντικά φιλικής οδήγησης που αποσκοπούν στην βελτίωση της αποδοχής τους από τους χρήστες αλλά και στην βελτίωση της οδικής ασφάλειας δεν επηρεάζουν αρνητικά την απόδοσή τους αναφορικά με τη μείωση της ενεργειακής κατανάλωσης και των εκπομπών αέριων ρύπων. Επίσης, το περιβαλλοντικό αποτύπωμα διασυνδεδεμένων οχημάτων που είναι εξοπλισμένα με συμβουλευτικού τύπου συστήματα περιβαλλοντικά φιλικής οδήγησης είναι σημαντικά μικρότερο σε σχέση με συμβατικά οχήματα όταν το ποσοστό διείσδυσης στο στόλο των παραπάνω συστημάτων είναι υψηλό. Είναι όμως αξιοσημείωτο, ότι σε οδικές αρτηρίες πολλαπλών λωρίδων η μεγιστοποίηση των περιβαλλοντικών και κυκλοφοριακών πλεονεκτημάτων των συστημάτων περιβαλλοντικά φιλικής οδήγησης συμβαίνει όταν αυτά είναι αυτοματοποιημένου τύπου και η διείσδυσή τους στο στόλο είναι μέγιστη. Τελικώς, αναλύονται οι επιπτώσεις των ευρημάτων της συγκεκριμένης διδακτορικής διατριβής αναφορικά με τον ανθρωποκεντρικό σχεδιασμό των συστημάτων περιβαλλοντικής οδήγησης συμβουλευτικού τύπου και τη ορθή εφαρμογή τους σε πραγματικές κυκλοφοριακές συνθήκες.
Control of blown pack spoilage in vacuum packaged chilled meats
Authors: Μοσχονάς Γαλάτιος
Published: July 2022

Η διδακτορική διατριβή εξετάζει ένα είδος μικροβιολογικής αλλοίωσης κρέατος συσκευασμένου σε κενό αέρος, και συντηρημένου σε θερμοκρασίες ψύξης.