bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicenter analysis of the efficacy of early cholecystectomy and preoperative cholecystostomy for severe acute cholecystitis: a retrospective study of data from the multi-institutional database of the Hiroshima Surgical Study Group of Clinical Oncology
Authors: Abe Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Kuroda Shintaro , Hamaoka Michinori , Mashima Hiroaki , Onoe Takashi , Honmyo Naruhiko , Oishi Koichi , Ohdan Hideki
Published: October 2024

Background

Severe acute cholecystitis (AC) is a challenging disease because it comprises coexisting systemic infections that lead to vital organ dysfunction. This study evaluated the optimal surgical timing and efficacy of preoperative percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for patients with severe AC.

Methods

Data of 142 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for severe AC between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively collected from the multi-institutional database of the Hiroshima Surgical Study Group of Clinical Oncology. Patients were divided into the early cholecystectomy (EC) group (within 72 h of symptom onset) and delayed cholecystectomy (DC) group. They were also subdivided into the upfront cholecystectomy group and preoperative PC before cholecystectomy group. The diagnosis and severity of AC were graded according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018. Clinicopathological variables and outcomes were compared.

Results

No significant differences in age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and Charlson comorbidity index between the EC and DC groups were observed. Preoperative drainage was more commonly performed for the DC group than for the EC group. Local severe AC features were more commonly detected in the DC group than in the EC group. The postoperative outcomes of the EC and DC groups were comparable. Compared to the PC before cholecystectomy group, the upfront cholecystectomy group included more patients with ASA physical status ≥ 3 and more patients who used oral warfarin. Warfarin usage and cardiovascular dysfunction rates of the PC after cholecystectomy group were higher than those of the upfront cholecystectomy group. PC was associated with significantly less intraoperative bleeding and shorter hospital stays.

Conclusions

Patients who can tolerate general anesthesia are good candidates for EC. Patients who use warfarin and those with cardiovascular dysfunction are considered to be at high risk for postoperative complications; therefore, to prevent AC recurrence during the waiting period, PC before cholecystectomy during the same admission is more appropriate than upfront cholecystectomy for these patients.
Prevalence of problem drinking in the Swedish workforce: differences between labour market industries based on gender composition and main job activity
Authors: Tareq Hasan , Nyberg Anna , Wennberg Peter , Redmalm David , Toivanen Susanna , Mensah Aziz
Published: October 2024

Background

Identifying problem drinking patterns across industries is essential for addressing drinking problems in the workforce. Still, it is not well understood how problem drinking differs across industries and whether it is associated with industry gender composition. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of problem drinking (PPD) across Swedish industries and investigate possible associations between gender-typed industries and problem drinking.

Methods

9,155 current workers were selected from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH) data collected in 2020. Participants’ work industries were identified through the Swedish Standard Industrial Classification (SNI) codes. Seven gender-typed industry categories were created based on gender composition and main job activity in each industry. Self-reported problem drinking was measured using a slightly modified Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye-opener (CAGE) questionnaire and a cut-off score 2 was used to determine problem drinking. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to investigate the association between gender-typed industries and problem drinking.

Results

PPD in the workforce was 6.6%. Men (8.5%) had a higher prevalence than women (5.3%). Across industries, PPD varied from 2.3% in Water supply and waste management to 15.4% in Mining and quarrying. The highest prevalence for men was in Mining and quarrying (18.2%), whereas for women it was in Construction (11.1%). Within gender-typed industries, the highest PPD was in male-dominated Goods and Energy Production (7.7%), and the lowest was in female-dominated Health and Social Care (4.7%). In the regression analysis, both Education (aPR: 1.39, p = 0.03) and Labour-intensive Services (aPR: 1.39, p = 0.02) had higher adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) compared with Health and Social Care. However, there was no significant difference in aPR among gender-typed industries when considering the gender composition of industries only.

Conclusions

PPD in the Swedish workforce varied significantly across industries, with differences observed between men and women. Problem drinking differed between industries when categorized by gender composition and main job activity, but not when categorized by gender composition only. Future research should investigate how industry-specific psychosocial factors influence individual alcohol consumption.
Decellularized extracellular matrix derived from dental pulp stem cells promotes gingival fibroblast adhesion and migration
Authors: Nowwarote Nunthawan , Chahlaoui Zakaria , Petit Stephane , Duong Lucas T. , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , Chansaenroj Ajjima , Kornsuthisopon Chatvadee , Osathanon Thanaphum , Ferre Francois Come , Fournier Benjamin P.J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) has been proposed as a useful source of biomimetic materials for regenerative medicine due to its biological properties that regulate cell behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of decellularized ECM derived from dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on gingival fibroblast (GF) cell behaviors. Cells were isolated from dental pulp and gingival tissues. ECM was derived from culturing dental pulp stem cells in growth medium supplemented with ascorbic acid. A bioinformatic database of the extracellular matrix was constructed using Metascape. GFs were reseeded onto dECM, and their adhesion, spreading, and organization were subsequently observed. The migration ability of the cells was determined using a scratch assay. Protein expression was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Type 1 collagen and fibronectin were detected on the ECM and dECM derived from DPSCs. Negative phalloidin and nuclei were noted in the dECM. The proteomic database revealed enrichment of several proteins involved in ECM organization, ECM–receptor interaction, and focal adhesion. Compared with those on the controls, the GFs on the dECM exhibited more organized stress fibers. Furthermore, cultured GFs on dECM exhibited significantly enhanced migration and proliferation abilities. Interestingly, GFs seeded on dECM showed upregulation of FN1, ITGB3, and CTNNB1 mRNA levels.

Conclusions

ECM derived from DSPCs generates a crucial microenvironment for regulating GF adhesion, migration and proliferation. Therefore, decellularized ECM from DPSCs could serve as a matrix for oral tissue repair.
Inclusion of phase III clinical trial costs in health economic evaluations
Authors: Gandjour Afschin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Protocol-driven trial activities contribute to the utility gain demonstrated in the phase III clinical trial of a new drug. If this utility gain cannot be distinguished from the effects of the new drug itself, protocol-driven trial costs cannot be easily dismissed for consistency reasons. This study aims to estimate the impact of including per-patient costs of phase III clinical trials on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Methods

The analysis utilized a modeling approach with secondary data from an ad-hoc literature review, considering both societal and payer perspectives. While the costs of phase III clinical trials may cancel out during the period of “normal” life-years due to the incremental cost calculation, they do not cancel out when differential early treatment termination occurs (e.g., due to differential mortality). Assuming the presence of differential mortality, per-patient phase III trial costs were calculated for the period of added life-years. These costs were then included in the ICER of a new drug, under the assumption that direct patient-related costs constitute 30–70% of the total trial costs. Capital costs were also incorporated from a societal perspective.

Results

Based on assumptions of $40,000 out-of-pocket expenses per patient enrolled in a phase III trial and a life expectancy gain of three months, incremental costs increased by $27,000 from a societal perspective. From a payer perspective, the estimate was $12,000.

Conclusions

The costs of phase III trials are a relevant component of the ICER, and excluding it is generally not appropriate for consistency reasons. Properly considering these trial costs is essential for a comprehensive evaluation of a new drug’s cost-effectiveness.
A multi-dimensional Sustainable Diet Index (SDI) for Ghanaian adults under transition: the RODAM Study
Authors: Okekunle Akinkunmi Paul , Nicolaou Mary , De Allegri Manuela , Meeks Karlijn A.C. , Osei-Kwasi Hibbah , Stockemer Julia , de-Graft Aikins Ama , Agbemafle Isaac , Bahendeka Silver , Boateng Daniel , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Beune Erik , Agyemang Charles , Schulze Matthias B. , Danquah Ina
Published: October 2024

Background

The sustainability of diets consumed by African populations under socio-economic transition remains to be determined. This study developed and characterized a multi-dimensional Sustainable Diet Index (SDI) reflecting healthfulness, climate-friendliness, sociocultural benefits, and financial affordability using individual-level data of adults in rural and urban Ghana and Ghanaian migrants in Europe to identify the role of living environment in dietary sustainability.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data from the multi-centre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants Study (N = 3169; age range: 25–70 years). For the SDI construct (0–16 score points), we used the Diet Quality Index-International, food-related greenhouse gas emission, the ratio of natural to processed foods, and the proportion of food expenditure from income. In linear regression analyses, we estimated the adjusted ß-coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the differences in mean SDI across study sites (using rural Ghana as a reference), accounting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Results

The overall mean SDI was 8.0 (95% CI: 7.9, 8.1). Participants in the highest SDI-quintile compared to lower quintiles were older, more often women, non-smokers, and alcohol abstainers. The highest mean SDI was seen in London (9.1; 95% CI: 8.9, 9.3), followed by rural Ghana (8.2; 95% CI: 8.0, 8.3), Amsterdam (7.9; 95% CI: 7.7, 8.1), Berlin (7.8; 95% CI: 7.6, 8.0), and urban Ghana (7.7; 95% CI: 7.5, 7.8). Compared to rural Ghana, the differences between study sites were attenuated after accounting for age, gender and energy intake. No further changes were observed after adjustment for lifestyle factors.

Conclusion

The multi-dimensional SDI describes four dimensions of dietary sustainability in this Ghanaian population. Our findings suggest that living in Europe improved dietary sustainability, but the opposite seems true for urbanization in Ghana.
Superior antitumor immune response achieved with proton over photon immunoradiotherapy is amplified by the nanoradioenhancer NBTXR3
Authors: Hu Yun , Paris Sébastien , Sahoo Narayan , Wang Qi , Wang Qianxia , Barsoumian Hampartsoum B. , Huang Ailing , Da Silva Jordan , Bienassis Célia , Leyton Claudia S. Kettlun , Voss Tiffany A. , Masrorpour Fatemeh , Riad Thomas , Leuschner Carola , Puebla-Osorio Nahum , Gandhi Saumil , Nguyen Quynh-Nhu , Wang Jing , Cortez Maria Angelica , Welsh James W.
Published: October 2024

Recent findings suggest that immunoradiotherapy (IRT), combining photon radiotherapy (XRT) or proton radiotherapy (PRT) with immune checkpoint blockade, can enhance systemic tumor control. However, the comparative efficacy of XRT and PRT in IRT remains understudied. To address this, we compared outcomes between XRT + αPD1 and PRT + αPD1 in murine αPD1-resistant lung cancer (344SQR). We also assessed the impact of the nanoparticle radioenhancer NBTXR3 on both XRT + αPD1 and PRT + αPD1 for tumor control and examined the tumor immune microenvironment using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). Additionally, mice cured by NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 were rechallenged with three lung cancer cell lines to evaluate memory antitumor immunity. PRT + αPD1 showed superior local tumor control and abscopal effects compared to XRT + αPD1. NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 significantly outperformed NBTXR3 + XRT + αPD1 in tumor control, promoting greater infiltration of antitumor lymphocytes into irradiated tumors. Unirradiated tumors treated with NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 had more NKT cells, CD4 T cells, and B cells, with fewer Tregs, than those treated with NBTXR3 + XRT + αPD1. NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 also stimulated higher expression of IFN-γ, GzmB, and Nkg7 in lymphocytes, reduced the TGF-β pathway, and increased tumor necrosis factor alpha expression compared to NBTXR3 + XRT + αPD1. Moreover, NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 resulted in greater M1 macrophage polarization in both irradiated and unirradiated tumors. Mice achieving remission through NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 exhibited a robust memory immune response, effectively inhibiting growth of subsequent tumors from three distinct lung cancer cell lines. Proton IRT combined with NBTXR3 offers enhanced tumor control and survival rates over photon-based treatments in managing αPD1-resistant lung cancer, indicating its potential as a potent systemic therapy.

Graphical Abstract
Adaptor protein Abelson interactor 1 in homeostasis and disease
Authors: Petersen Max , Dubielecka Pat
Published: October 2024

Dysregulation of Abelson interactor 1 (ABI1) is associated with various states of disease including developmental defects, pathogen infections, and cancer. ABI1 is an adaptor protein predominantly known to regulate actin cytoskeleton organization processes such as those involved in cell adhesion, migration, and shape determination. Linked to cytoskeleton via vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family (WAVE), and neural-Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP)-associated protein complexes, ABI1 coordinates regulation of various cytoplasmic protein signaling complexes dysregulated in disease states. The roles of ABI1 beyond actin cytoskeleton regulation are much less understood. This comprehensive, protein-centric review describes molecular roles of ABI1 as an adaptor molecule in the context of its dysregulation and associated disease outcomes to better understand disease state-specific protein signaling and affected interconnected biological processes.
Automatic gait evoking in healthy adults through Vojta’s peripheric somatosensory stimulation: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Perales-López Luis , Sanz-Esteban Ismael , Jiménez-Antona Camen , Serrano J. Ignacio , San-Martín-Gómez Ana , Vives-Gelabert Xisca , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto
Published: October 2024

Background

To study the effects of different interventions on automatic gait processing in contrast with voluntary gait processing in healthy subjects.

Methods

A double-blind randomised controlled trial was designed (120 able-body persons between 18 and 65 years old entered and completed the study), with pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The participants were randomly distributed into four groups. Prior to intervention, all participants performed voluntary gait on the ground (VoG) in a calibrated circuit following the 6MWT. The presence of automatic gait (AG) was explored post-intervention without a voluntary demand in the same circuit following the 6MWT. Each group received a different intervention for 30 min: Vojta stimulation, MOTOMED® at no less than 60 revolutions/minute, treadmill walking at 3 km/h, and resting in a chair (control). The main assessment, conducted by a blinded rater, was the difference in distance covered (in meters) during the 6MWT between pre- and post-intervention. Surface electromyography (sEMG) average root mean square (RMS) signals in the right tibialis anterior, right soleus, right rectus femoris, and right biceps femoris were also considered outcome measures.

Results

The Vojta group was the only one that initiated AG after the intervention (476.4 m ± 57.1 in VoG versus 9.0 m ± 8.9 in AG, p < 0.001) with comparable kinematics and EMG parameters during voluntary gait, except for ankle dorsal flexion. Within the Vojta group, high variability in kinematics, sEMG activity, and distance covered was observed.

Conclusions

AG isolation is approachable through Vojta at only one session measurable with the 6MWT without any voluntary gait demand. No automatic gait effects were observed post-intervention in the other groups.

Trial registration

NCT04689841 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
The dose effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave on plantar flexor spasticity of ankle in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Shu-Mei , Chen Yen-Hua , Lu You-Lin , Wu Chueh-Hung , Chen Wen-Shiang , Lin Meng-Ting
Published: October 2024

Background

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been proven beneficial for post-stroke spasticity (PSS) of ankle plantar flexor muscles. This study aims to investigate the dose-response effectiveness of focused-ESWT and the duration of its effect on the treatment of ankle PSS in stroke patients.

Methods

In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, stroke patients diagnosed with PSS in the ankle plantar flexor muscles were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received double-dose ESWT (4000 pulses per session) targeting spastic calf muscles, while the control group received half the dose (2000 pulses per session). Both groups underwent four sessions over two weeks. The outcomes, including modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), modified Tardieu Scale (MTS), passive range of motion (PROM) of the ankle, Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, Barthel index and strain elastography were evaluated at baseline, 1st, 4th, 12th, and 24th week after ESWT.

Results

Within-group analysis revealed significant improvements in MAS, PROM, TUG Test, and Barthel index for the double-dose ESWT group and improvements in Barthel index for the control group. Between-group analysis revealed greater improvements in TUG Test, Barthel Index and strain elastography for the double-dose ESWT group. Generalized estimating equations analysis indicated that the double-dose ESWT group achieved superior outcomes in the TUG Test, Barthel Index, and strain elastography across various time points and groups.

Conclusions

Double-dose ESWT showed better functional improvement and elastography compared to the control group. ESWT demonstrated dose-response effectiveness for PSS of ankle-equinus.

Trial registration

NCT05878223.
Histopathological features of subcutaneous and cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs
Authors: Minnoye Stella , De Vos Shana , Beck Samuel , Duchateau Luc , Hubers Mike , David Sieglinde , Fortrie Ruth , de Rooster Hilde
Published: October 2024

Background

Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are the most common malignant skin neoplasms in dogs. In the past, the distinction between cutaneous MCTs (cMCTs), originating from the dermis, and subcutaneous MCTs (scMCTs), originating from the subcutaneous tissue, was not made. Histopathological differentiation, including grading, is important for prognosis. However, the Patnaik and Kiupel grading systems were proposed for cMCTs only. The objective of our study was to describe and compare the signalment of dogs with scMCTs and cMCTs and histopathological features, anticipating similarities in both groups. Data of dogs histologically diagnosed with scMCTs or cMCTs between September 2020 and July 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Signalment, tumor location, histopathological features, completeness of removal and lymph node status were recorded.

Results

Data on 305 scMCTs and 1291 cMCTs were collected. Breed distribution was different between scMCTs and cMCTs (P < 0.0001). Mitotic count (MC) was not different between scMCTs (1.63) and cMCTs (1.58) (P = 0.8490). Compared to cMCTs, scMCTs more often had anisokaryosis, bizarre nuclei and multinucleation. Kiupel high grade was more often assigned to scMCTs (51/292, 17.5%) than cMCTs (154/1291, 11.9%) (P = 0.009). The odds of MCTs being assigned a high grade in scMCT was 1.578 higher than in cMCTs (95% confidence interval [1.116–2.232]).

Conclusions

Histopathological differences between scMCTs and cMCTs were observed. A Kiupel high grade was more often assigned to scMCTs than cMCTs. Whether these histopathological findings correlate with clinical outcome has to be established in additional studies.
Derivation and validation of generalized sepsis-induced acute respiratory failure phenotypes among critically ill patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Choudhary Tilendra , Upadhyaya Pulakesh , Davis Carolyn M. , Yang Philip , Tallowin Simon , Lisboa Felipe A. , Schobel Seth A. , Coopersmith Craig M. , Elster Eric A. , Buchman Timothy G. , Dente Christopher J. , Kamaleswaran Rishikesan
Published: October 2024

Background

Septic patients who develop acute respiratory failure (ARF) requiring mechanical ventilation represent a heterogenous subgroup of critically ill patients with widely variable clinical characteristics. Identifying distinct phenotypes of these patients may reveal insights about the broader heterogeneity in the clinical course of sepsis, considering multi-organ dynamics. We aimed to derive novel phenotypes of sepsis-induced ARF using observational clinical data and investigate the generalizability of the derived phenotypes.

Methods

We performed a multi-center retrospective study of ICU patients with sepsis who required mechanical ventilation for ≥ 24 h. Data from two different high-volume academic hospital centers were used, where all phenotypes were derived in MICU of Hospital-I (N = 3225). The derived phenotypes were validated in MICU of Hospital-II (N = 848), SICU of Hospital-I (N = 1112), and SICU of Hospital-II (N = 465). Clinical data from 24 h preceding intubation was used to derive distinct phenotypes using an explainable machine learning-based clustering model interpreted by clinical experts.

Results

Four distinct ARF phenotypes were identified: A (severe multi-organ dysfunction (MOD) with a high likelihood of kidney injury and heart failure), B (severe hypoxemic respiratory failure [median P/F = 123]), C (mild hypoxia [median P/F = 240]), and D (severe MOD with a high likelihood of hepatic injury, coagulopathy, and lactic acidosis). Patients in each phenotype showed differences in clinical course and mortality rates despite similarities in demographics and admission co-morbidities. The phenotypes were reproduced in external validation utilizing the MICU of Hospital-II and SICUs from Hospital-I and -II. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant difference in 28-day mortality across the phenotypes (p < 0.01) and consistent across MICU and SICU of both Hospital-I and -II. The phenotypes demonstrated differences in treatment effects associated with high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) strategy.

Conclusion

The phenotypes demonstrated unique patterns of organ injury and differences in clinical outcomes, which may help inform future research and clinical trial design for tailored management strategies.
Shotgun metagenomic analysis reveals the diversity of PHA producer bacterial community and PHA synthase gene in Addis Ababa municipal solid waste disposal area ‘Qoshe’
Authors: Mamo Zuriash , Abera Sewunet , Tafesse Mesfin
Published: October 2024

Background

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are naturally produced biopolymers with significant scientific and biotechnological potential. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of the PHA-producing bacterial community and PhaC genes in soil samples collected from a municipal solid waste disposal site known as “Qoshe” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, using a shotgun metagenomics approach. The SqueezeMeta pipeline was used to analyze the microbial community in the waste samples. A CD search against the TIGRFAM protein family database was performed to identify the complete-length multidomain sequences of PhaC genes and classify them into their respective classes. Statistical analysis and data visualization were performed using RStudio with R version 4.2.3.

Results

The findings of this study suggest that known and unknown taxa likely contribute to the phaC genes of municipal solid waste. Taxonomic profiling of the metagenomic data revealed that the majority of the PHA-producing taxa belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria (80%), followed by Actinomycetota (16.5%). Furthermore, this study identified Thiomonas and unclassified Mycobacterium as the main contributors to class I PhaC genes. Class II PhaC genes are predominantly associated with the Pseudomonadaceae family, followed by unclassified Hyphomicrobials and Acidimicrobiales. Class III PhaC genes are abundantly related to the Methylococcaceae family, specifically the Methylocaldum genus. The analysis of PhaC gene sequences revealed high level of diversity, with a significant proportion of putative PhaC genes exhibiting low sequence identity with each other and PhaC gene in the database. Notably, the sequence variation observed within the same PhaC gene classes suggests the potential presence of previously unidentified PhaC gene variants.

Conclusions

Overall, this research improves our understanding of the diversity of PHA-producing taxa and PhaC genes in municipal solid waste environments, providing opportunities for sustainable PHA production and waste management strategies. However, additional studies, including the isolation and characterization of specific strains, are necessary to confirm the PHA production capabilities of these strains and explore their biotechnological potential.
Positive behavior support in school – a quasi-experimental mixed methods study and a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Karlberg Martin , Klang Nina , Svahn Johanna
Published: October 2024

Background

While positive school climate is important for students’ well-being and mental health, school personnel may experience challenges in creating a nurturing school climate. School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS) has shown positive effects on school climate and children’s prosocial behaviors, but fewer studies have been conducted in a European context.

Aim

This project aims to investigate the effectiveness of SW-PBIS program for students’ social-emotional skills and academic achievement as well as teachers’ and students’ perceptions of classroom learning environment. Furthermore, the study intends to evaluate how school-level factors mediate or moderate the effects of the intervention. In addition, the study includes a qualitative evaluation of the dynamic interaction processes that occur during program implementation in local school contexts.

Methods

Data on school- and individual-level measures are collected in intervention and control schools. With regard to challenges in retaining control groups over extended time periods, two waves of recruitment are used. In the first wave, an active control group is used and data are collected during three time points. In the second wave, a wait-list control group will be used and data will be collected during two time points during one school year. Hierarchical regression analyses will be conducted to explore the effects of SW-PBIS on the outcomes of the study. An ethno-methodological approach will be applied to provide a detailed examination of the social interactional and meaning-making practices of different school implementation teams, and the negotiation of normative expectations and rules of conduct in peer-teacher-student interactions in different classrooms.

Discussion

The study is expected to contribute to knowledge on the effects of the SW-PBIS program and how these effects may be mediated or moderated by school-level factors. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the significance of school contexts in the implementation of the SW-PBIS program constitutes the strength of the study. The challenge in the study is the extended period of implementation of SW-PBIS, which entails difficulties in retaining a control group over the required time period. Therefore, two waves of recruitment are used, encompassing different procedures of allocation to intervention or control group.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06270914 on the 22nd of February, 2024 (retrospectively registered).
A single-center outcome of choosing catheter ablation as the initial treatment in tachycardia–bradycardia syndrome and a new predictive factor for pacemaker implantation
Authors: Kim Hye Ree , Kim Juwon , Kim Ju Youn , Park Seung-Jung , Park Kyoung-Min , On Young Keun
Published: October 2024

Background

The relationship between sinus node dysfunction and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been well known. The reversibility of sinus node dysfunction is indeed a critical factor in determining the treatment strategy in patients with tachycardia–bradycardia syndrome (TBS). We aimed to assess the clinical outcome of choosing catheter ablation as the initial treatment in tachycardia–bradycardia syndrome and predictive factors leading to the implantation of a permanent pacemaker (PPM) in these patients.

Methods

Patients with TBS who had been taken AF catheter ablation from 2012 to 2021 were reviewed, and 113 patients were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether a “sinus pause episode of more than 3 s unrelated to tachyarrhythmia” coexists (Group I, n = 20) or not (Group II, n = 93).

Results

Compared to Group II, baseline characteristics showed that Group I was comprised of more female gender (p = 0.043), with hypertension (p = 0.033), and with enlarged left atrium (p = 0.003). An average three-year follow-up found that eight patients (8/113, 7%) were implanted PPM (5/20, 25% in Group I vs. 3/93, 3.2% in Group II, p = 0.001). Using a multivariate model, a “sinus pause episode unrelated to tachyarrhythmia” was strongly associated with PPM implantation after catheter ablation in patients with TBS (HR 6.765, 95% CI 1.355–33.763, p = 0.020). Only four out of 113 patients (3.5%) progressed to persistent or permanent AF.

Conclusions

After catheter ablation as the initial treatment in TBS, only 7% underwent PPM implantation, and an isolated sinus pause was a predictive factor for requiring PPM implantation. In addition, even in patients who undergo catheter ablation with subsequent PPM implantation, we can expect to improve the clinical outcome associated with a reduced AF burden.
Enhancing full-waveform inversion of field GPR data: A source-independent approach with dynamic reference selection via SE-Wave-U-Net
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Chen Junhong , Liu Hai
Published: October 2024

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a widely used nondestructive detection tool. Full-waveform inversion (FWI) offers a reliable algorithm for accurately imaging GPR data. Despite its potential, FWI’s effectiveness is often compromised by unknown excitation sources, which can lead to computational failures, diminished imaging accuracy, or both. Addressing this challenge, this paper introduces a convolution-type objective function designed to mitigate the detrimental effects of these unknown excitation sources on FWI imaging. Critical to the success of this function is the precise selection of reference traces. Further refining the capability for signal separation, we have integrated squeeze-and-excitation (SE) modules into the traditional Wave-U-Net architecture, culminating in the development of the SE-Wave-U-Net framework. This framework is adept at dynamically extracting accurate reference traces from field GPR data, which are essential for accurate FWI imaging. The efficacy, accuracy, and practical applicability of our methods are validated through extensive analysis of numerical, laboratory experiments, and field GPR data. Our algorithm not only establishes a high-precision computational framework for FWI but also enhances the reliability of GPR imaging in complex environments.
Provenance characteristics from the Mesozoic to the Cenozoic era and their implications for basin-mountain system evolution in the southwestern Junggar Basin: Insights from field outcrop observations in the Tostai area
Authors: Li Qianye , Zhang Zengbao , Huang Xinyu , Zhang Xuecai , Cao Haifang , Wang Yong , Cheng Changling , Xu Tao
Published: October 2024

The Mesozoic-Cenozoic formations in the southwestern Junggar Basin are a key target for oil and gas exploration. However, complex provenance conditions hinder a comprehensive understanding of sedimentary reservoirs. Based on the petrology and elemental geochemistry analysis of field outcrops in the Tostai area, research is conducted on the tectonic background, sediment transport distances, compositions of parent rocks, and evolutionary characteristics of provenance conditions in the provenance areas. It is generally believed that there have been three notable shifts in basin-mountain relationships during this period. Initially, from the Triassic to the Jurassic, the Northern Tianshan magmatic rock area predominated as the primary provenance, with decreasing basin-mountain proximity and predominantly magmatic rock sediment composition indicating near provenance. Subsequently, heightened Cretaceous tectonic activity in the Tianshan Mountains leads to significant uplift of metamorphic rock regions in the Middle Tianshan Mountains, gradually becoming the provenance for the study area. This increased distance between the provenance and sedimentary areas is marked by a substantial presence of metamorphic rocks in sediments, indicating a far provenance. Finally, the Cenozoic Himalayan movement resulted in the vigorous uplift of the magmatic rock area in the northern Tianshan Mountains, re-establishing it as the primary provenance. This minimized the basin-mountain distance, leading to the deposition of the near-provenance transported alluvial fans, braided rivers, and predominantly magmatic rock sediments.
Reviews
Authors: Aitken Julie
Published: October 2024

Muography — Exploring Earth's Subsurface with Elementary Particles, edited by László Oláh, Hiroyuki K. M. Tanaka, and Dezsö Varga, 2023
Impact of an Epstein-Barr Virus Serology-Based Screening Program on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Mortality: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Wen-Jie , Yu Xia , Lu Yu-Qiang , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Ling Wei , Xie Shang-Hang , Wu Zhi-Cong , Li Xue-Qi , Fan Yu-Ying , Wu Biao-Hua , Wei Kuang-Rong , Rao Hui-Lan , Huang Qi-Hong , Guo Xiang , Sun Ying , Ma Jun , Liu Qing , Hildesheim Allan , Hong Ming-Huang , Zeng Yi-Xin , Ji Ming-Fang , Liu Zhiwei , Cao Su-Mei
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Screening for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has shown an improvement in early detection and survival rates of NPC in endemic regions. It is critical to evaluate whether NPC screening can reduce NPC-specific mortality in the population.

METHODS

Sixteen towns in Sihui and Zhongshan cities, China, were selected; eight were randomly allocated to the screening group and eight to the control group. Residents age 30-69 years with no history of NPC were included from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2015. Residents in the screening towns were invited to undergo serum Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen/nuclear antigen 1-immunoglobulin A antibody tests; others received no intervention. The population was followed until December 31, 2019. Nonparametric tests and Poisson regression models were used to estimate the screening effect on NPC mortality, accounting for the cluster-randomized design. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier:
NCT00941538
).

RESULTS

A total of 174,943 residents in the screening group and 186,263 residents in the control group were included. NPC incidence and overall mortality were similar between the two groups. A total of 52,498 (30.0% of 174,943) residents participated in the serum EBV antibody test. The overall compliance rate for endoscopic examination and/or biopsies among baseline and ever-classified high-risk participants was 65.9% (1,110 of 1,685) and 67.6% (1,703 of 2,518), respectively. A significant 30% reduction in NPC mortality was observed in the screening group compared with the control group (standardized NPC-specific mortality rate of 8.2 NPC deaths per 1,000 person-years versus 12.5; adjusted rate ratio [RR], 0.70 [95% CI, 0.49 to 0.997];
P
= .048). This benefit was most evident among individuals age 50 years and older (RR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.37 to 0.85];
P
= .007) compared with those younger than 50 years (RR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.64 to 1.46];
P
= .856).

CONCLUSION

In this 12-year trial, EBV antibody testing resulted in a significant reduction in NPC mortality.
Sexual Health and Quality of Life in Patients With Low-Risk Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: Results From GCIG/CCTG CX.5/SHAPE Trial Comparing Simple Versus Radical Hysterectomy
Authors: Ferguson Sarah E. , Brotto Lori A. , Kwon Janice , Samouelian Vanessa , Ferron Gwenael , Maulard Amandine , Kroon Cor de , Driel Willemien Van , Tidy John , Williamson Karin , Mahner Sven , Kommoss Stefan , Goffin Frederic , Tamussino Karl , Eyjolfsdottir Brynhildur , Kim Jae-Weon , Gleeson Noreen , Tu Dongsheng , Shepherd Lois , Plante Marie
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Simple hysterectomy and pelvic node assessment (SHAPE) is a phase III randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT01658930
) reporting noninferiority of simple compared with radical hysterectomy for oncologic outcomes in low-risk cervical cancer. This study presents secondary outcomes of sexual health and quality of life (QOL) of the SHAPE trial.

METHODS

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either radical or simple hysterectomy. Sexual health was assessed up to 36 months postoperatively using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised and QOL using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and Cervical Cancer-Specific Module (QLQ-CX24) questionnaires.

RESULTS

Among participants with at least one QOL measure, clinical and pathologic characteristics were balanced and with no differences in preoperative baseline scores for sexual health or QOL between groups. FSFI total score met the cutoff for dysfunction up to 6 months (
P
= .02) in the radical hysterectomy group. Group differences favored simple hysterectomy for FSFI subscales: desire and arousal at 3 months (
P
≤ .001) and pain and lubrication up to 12 months (
P
≤ .018). Both groups met the cutoff for sexual distress but was higher in radical hysterectomy at 3 months (
P
= .018). For QLQ-CX24, symptom experience was significantly better up to 24 months (
P
= .031) and body image better at 3, 24, and 36 months (
P
≤ .01) for simple hysterectomy. Sexual-vaginal functioning was significantly better up to 24 months (
P
≤ .022) and more sexual activity up to 36 months (
P
= .024) in the simple hysterectomy arm. Global health status was significantly higher at 36 months for simple hysterectomy (
P
= .025).

CONCLUSION

Simple hysterectomy was associated with lower rates of sexual dysfunction than radical hysterectomy, with a lower proportion of women having sustained sexual-vaginal dysfunction. These results further support the benefit of surgical de-escalation for low-risk cervical cancer.
The Post–World War II Rise of AmorePacific: Women’s Labor, South Korea’s Cosmetic-Product Industry, and the Park Chung Hee Regime of 1961–1979
Authors: Kwon Hye-Kyoung
Published: October 2024

AmorePacific, the creator of renowned product lines such as the Color Control Cushion Compact, Laneige, and Sulwhasoo, stands prominently among the top ten global cosmetic companies, epitomizing the pinnacle of “K-beauty.” This article delves into how K-beauty, beyond its contemporary global allure, is deeply rooted in the historical and politico-economic landscape of the Park Chung Hee regime (1961–79). Through an examination of AmorePacific’s extensive archives, the article traces the company’s development, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping South Korea’s cosmetics industry since 1945. The evolving history of AmorePacific provides a lens to explore the often-overlooked roles of women in an industry previously characterized by underground trafficking, post exchange (PX) stores, and counterfeit production. As AmorePacific navigated new economic policy and rigorous rhetoric under the Park regime, Korean women began to assume new economic and sociopolitical roles, including in factory work, as door-to-door salespeople, and as models and moral consumers in state-led campaigns. Thus the work of women was vitally involved with AmorePacific, the nation’s growing cosmetic-product industry as a whole, and the Park regime’s stringent regulation of South Korea’s extensive black market, which was critical to its economic formalization.
The Apotheosis of Mountains: Sacred Space, Symbolic Landscape, and National Consciousness in Ch’oe Namsŏn’s T’aebaek Poetry
Authors: Stampton Owen
Published: October 2024

Ch’oe Namsŏn was a key figure in the introduction of geography into the print media culture of early twentieth-century Chosŏn. Ch’oe used geography as a tool, creating a new territorial consciousness for national cohesion, and this article explores how this greatly shaped his poetic landscape. Locating itself between the boundaries of literary studies and cultural geography, this work looks at Ch’oe’s underexplored T’aebaek poetry, in which his interests in geography, history, and national identity significantly converge. Drawing on “Mount Taebaek” of Korea’s past, Ch’oe fashions the mountain into a pseudo-religious icon of nationhood. A symbolic landscape, evocative of a uniquely Korean past yet rising as a global icon going into a modern world, Ch’oe’s poetry creates a godlike figure for the Korean people to look to in a changing time of imperialism, nationalism, and modern progress. Through various iterations of T’aebaek—benevolent deity, bringer of modernity, omnipotent ruler of the world—one sees the mountain play a vital role in the shaping of Ch’oe’s nationalist project, which would have continued influence on his writings later in life.
Partial role of volatile organic compounds in behavioural responses of mice to bedding from cancer-affected congeners
Authors: Gouzerh Flora , Dormont Laurent , Buatois Bruno , Hervé Maxime R. , Mancini Maicol , Maraver Antonio , Thomas Frédéric , Ganem Guila
Published: October 2024

Tumours induce changes in body odours. We compared volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soiled bedding of a lung adenocarcinoma male mouse model in which cancer had (CC) versus had not (NC) been induced by doxycycline at three conditions: before (T0), after 2 weeks (T2; early tumour development), after 12 weeks (T12; late tumour development) of the induction. In an earlier study, wild-derived mice behaviourally discriminated between CC and NC soiled bedding at T2 and T12. Here, we sought to identify VOCs present in the same soiled bedding that could have triggered the behavioural discrimination. Solid phase micro-extraction was performed to extract VOCs from 3 g-sample stimuli. While wild-derived mice could discriminate the odour of cancerous mice at a very early stage of tumour development (T2), the present study did not identify VOCs that could explain this behaviour. However, consistent with the earlier behavioural study, four VOCs, including two well-known male mouse sex pheromones, were found to be present in significantly different proportions in soiled bedding of CC as compared to NC at T12. We discuss the potential involvement of non-volatile molecules such as proteins and peptides in behavioural discrimination of early tumour development (T2), and point-out VOCs that could help diagnose cancer.
Supporting the evolution of infectious disease research
Authors: Hooper Kirsty
Published: October 2024

Summary: In anticipation of our Special Issue, ‘Infectious Disease: Evolution, Mechanism and Global Health’, we celebrate recent advances made in this field and the success of our Infectious Disease Journal Meeting.
The Efficacy of Blood Flow Restriction Training to Improve Quadriceps Muscle Function after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: ERICKSON LAUREN N. , OWEN MEREDITH K. , CASADONTE KELSEY R. , JANATOVA TEREZA , LUCAS KATHRYN , SPENCER KYLIE , BRIGHTWELL BENJAMIN D. , GRAHAM MEGAN C. , WHITE MCKENZIE S. , THOMAS NICHOLAS T. , LATHAM CHRISTINE M. , JACOBS CALE A. , CONLEY CAITLIN E. , THOMPSON KATHERINE L. , JOHNSON DARREN L. , HARDY PETER A. , FRY CHRISTOPHER S. , NOEHREN BRIAN
Published: October 2024

Background

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a popular rehabilitation intervention after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, there are a lack of clinical trials establishing the efficacy of using BFRT during rehabilitation to improve quadriceps muscle function.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of blood flow restriction training to improve quadriceps muscle strength, morphology, and physiology, and knee biomechanics in individuals after ACLR in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT03364647).

Methods

Forty-eight athletes (20 females/28 males) were randomly assigned to low-load strength training with active BFRT or standard of care strength training with a sham unit. Treatment occurred for 1-month pre-surgery and 4 to 5 months post-surgery with both groups following the same standard rehabilitation protocol. Outcome variables were measured at baseline and 4 to 5 months post-surgery. Quadriceps muscle strength (isometric and isokinetic peak torque and rate of torque development) was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. Quadriceps muscle morphology (physiological cross-sectional area, fibrosis) was determined using magnetic resonance imaging. Quadriceps muscle physiology (fiber type, fiber cross-sectional area, satellite cell abundance, collagen content, fibrogenic/adipogenic progenitor cells) was evaluated with muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis. Knee extensor moment and knee flexion angle were measured via three-dimensional gait analysis. Change scores were calculated as: post-intervention – baseline. Two-sample t-tests were then used to assess between-group differences for each outcome variable.

Results

No significant between-group differences were found for any outcome variable.

Conclusions

The addition of BFRT to a rehabilitation program for athletes pre- and post-ACLR was no more effective than standard rehabilitation for improving quadriceps muscle function. Clinicians should consider the value of BFRT relative to the cost, time, and discomfort for patients in light of these results.