bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do hospital workers experience a higher risk of respiratory symptoms and loss of lung function?
Authors: Heibati Behzad , Jaakkola Maritta S. , Lajunen Taina K. , Ducatman Alan , Veysi Rahmat , Karimi Ali , Jaakkola Jouni J. K.
Published: August 2022

Background

Hospital work environment contains various biological and chemical exposures that can affect indoor air quality and have impact on respiratory health of the staff. The objective of this study was to investigate potential effects of occupational exposures on the risk of respiratory symptoms and lung function in hospital work, and to evaluate potential interaction between smoking and occupational exposures.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 228 staff members in a hospital and 228 employees of an office building as the reference group in Shiraz, Iran. All subjects completed a standardized ATS respiratory questionnaire and performed a spirometry test.

Results

In Poisson regression, the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) among the hospital staff were elevated for cough (aPR 1.90, 95% CI 1.15, 3.16), phlegm production (aPR 3.21, 95% CI 1.63, 6.32), productive cough (aPR 2.83, 95% CI 1.48, 5.43), wheezing (aPR 3.18, 95% CI 1.04, 9.66), shortness of breath (aPR 1.40, 95% CI 0.93, 2.12), and chest tightness (aPR 1.73, 95% CI 0.73, 4.12). Particularly laboratory personnel experienced increased risks of most symptoms. In linear regression adjusting for confounding, there were no significant differences in lung function between the hospital and office workers. There was an indication of synergism between hospital exposures and current smoking on FEV1/FVC% (interaction term β = − 5.37, 95% CI − 10.27, − 0.47).

Conclusions

We present significant relations between hospital work, especially in laboratories, and increased risks of respiratory symptoms. Smoking appears to enhance these effects considerably. Our findings suggest that policymakers should implement evidence-based measures to prevent these occupational exposures.
Oncologic and functional outcomes of different reconstruction modalities after resection of chondrosarcoma of the scapula: a medium- to long-term follow-up study
Authors: Yu Xiao-Jun , Liu Qi-Kun , Wang Ying-Guang , Wang Shan-Xi , Lu Rui , Xu Hao-Ran , Wan Jun-Lai , Kang Hao
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the oncologic and functional results of scapular reconstruction after partial or total scapulectomy for chondrosarcoma.

Materials and methods

Twenty-one patients with chondrosarcoma who underwent partial or total scapulectomy between January 2005 and July 2019 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 62.6 months (range, 13–123 months), four patients developed local recurrence, and three developed distant metastases, one of which developed both recurrence and metastasis. The overall survival rate of patients at 5 years was 84.6%, the disease-free survival rate was 69.3%, and the complication rate was 19% (4/21). The 1993 American Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS93) scores of patients in the partial scapulectomy group, total scapulectomy + humeral suspension group and prosthetic reconstruction group were 26.50 ± 1.38, 19.00 ± 2.58, and 21.38 ± 2.62, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the partial scapulectomy group and the total scapulectomy + humeral suspension or prosthetic reconstruction group ( P = 0.006 and 0.0336, respectively). The range of motion of the shoulder joint for forward flexion was 80.83° ± 11.14°, 51.25° ± 21.36°, and 52.50° ± 11.02°, respectively. The p-values for the comparison between the partial scapulectomy group and the total scapulectomy + humeral suspension or prosthetic reconstruction group were 0.0493 and 0.0174, respectively. And the range of motion of abduction was 75.00° ± 10.49°, 32.50° ± 11.90°, 41.88° ± 11.63°, respectively. Patients in the partial scapulectomy group had significantly better postoperative shoulder abduction function than the total scapulectomy + humeral suspension or prosthetic reconstruction group (P = 0.0035 and 0.0304, respectively). There was no significant difference in MSTS93 scores and flexion and abduction function of the shoulder joint in the upper extremity after total scapulectomy with humeral suspension or prosthetic reconstruction (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of chondrosarcoma of the scapula can achieve a satisfactory prognosis and shoulder function. Total scapulectomy followed by prosthetic reconstruction or humeral suspension are both feasible treatments.
Quality assessment and relevant clinical impact of randomized controlled trials on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Zhao Ming , Gao Qing-He , Liu Sheng-Jing , Deng Ying-Jun , Wang Hao , Yu Wen-Xiao , Guo Jun
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study evaluated the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for RCTs (original articles) on CP/CPPS published from database establishment to 2021. The RCT quality assessment was performed using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) statement and the improved Jadad scale.

Results

In total, 77 RCTs were included. According to the evaluation, 26 (33.77%) papers presented the description of the specific random methods, only 6 (7.79%) papers described the allocation concealment methods, and 26 (33.77%) articles referred to the “blind method”. Of the RCTs, 34 (44.16%) papers recorded the number of patients who withdrew from the study, and 67 (87.01%) papers reported adverse reactions. However, few reports mentioned the sample size calculation, clinical trial registration, or information about the relevant research programs and funding. In addition, 19 (24.68%) reports had Jadad scale scores of ≥ 4 points, and 58 (75.32%) reports had Jadad scale scores of ≤ 3 points.

Conclusion

To date, the quality of RCT reports on CP/CPPS needs to be further improved, and the results of the RCTs should be accepted and utilized cautiously. It is suggested that researchers should follow the CONSORT statement and the improved Jadad scale to standardize the design and implementation of RCTs to improve the quality of RCTs and provide reliable evidence for the treatment of CP/CPPS.
3D printed scaffold for repairing bone defects in apical periodontitis
Authors: Li Cong , Xu Xiaoyin , Gao Jing , Zhang Xiaoyan , Chen Yao , Li Ruixin , Shen Jing
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate the feasibility of the 3D printed scaffold for periapical bone defects.

Methods

In this study, antimicrobial peptide KSL-W-loaded PLGA sustainable-release microspheres (KSL-W@PLGA) were firstly prepared followed by assessing the drug release behavior and bacteriostatic ability against Enterococcus faecalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis. After that, we demonstrated that KSL-W@PLGA/collagen (COL)/silk fibroin (SF)/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) (COL/SF/nHA) scaffold via 3D-printing technique exhibited significantly good biocompatibility and osteoconductive property. The scaffold was characterized as to pore size, porosity, water absorption expansion rate and mechanical properties. Moreover, MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded into sterile scaffold materials and investigated by CCK-8, SEM and HE staining. In the animal experiment section, we constructed bone defect models of the mandible and evaluated its effect on bone formation. The Japanese white rabbits were killed at 1 and 2 months after surgery, the cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) and micro-CT scanning, as well as HE and Masson staining analysis were performed on the samples of the operation area, respectively. Data analysis was done using ANOVA and LSD tests. (α = 0.05).

Results

We observed that the KSL-W@PLGA sustainable-release microspheres prepared in the experiment were uniform in morphology and could gradually release the antimicrobial peptide (KSL-W), which had a long-term antibacterial effect for at least up to 10 days. HE staining and SEM showed that the scaffold had good biocompatibility, which was conducive to the adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The porosity and water absorption of the scaffold were (81.96 ± 1.83)% and (458.29 ± 29.79)%, respectively. Histological and radiographic studies showed that the bone healing efficacy of the scaffold was satisfactory.

Conclusions

The KSL-W@PLGA/COL/SF/nHA scaffold possessed good biocompatibility and bone repairing ability, and had potential applications in repairing infected bone defects.

Clinical significance The 3D printed scaffold not only has an antibacterial effect, but can also promote bone tissue formation, which provides an alternative therapy option in apical periodontitis.
Examining the adoption and implementation of behavioral electronic health records by healthcare professionals based on the clinical adoption framework
Authors: Yoo Sooyoung , Lim Kahyun , Jung Se Young , Lee Keehyuck , Lee Donghyun , Kim Seok , Lee Ho-Young , Hwang Hee
Published: August 2022

Background

While various quantitative studies based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Technology Acceptance Models (TAM) exist in the general medical sectors, just a few have been conducted in the behavioral sector; they have all been qualitative interview-based studies.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to assess the adoption dimensions of a behavioral electronic health record (EHR) system for behavioral clinical professionals using a modified clinical adoption (CA) research model that incorporates a variety of micro, meso, and macro level factors.

Methods

A questionnaire survey with quantitative analysis approach was used via purposive sampling method. We modified the existing CA framework to be suitable for evaluating the adoption of an EHR system by behavioral clinical professionals. We designed and verified questionnaires that fit into the dimensions of the CA framework. The survey was performed in five US behavioral hospitals, and the adoption factors were analyzed using a structural equation analysis.

Results

We derived a total of seven dimensions, omitting those determined to be unsuitable for behavioral clinical specialists to respond to. We polled 409 behavioral clinical experts from five hospitals. As a result, the ease of use and organizational support had a substantial impact on the use of the behavioral EHR system. Although the findings were not statistically significant, information and service quality did appear to have an effect on the system's ease of use. The primary reported benefit of behavioral EHR system adoption was the capacity to swiftly locate information, work efficiently, and access patient information via a mobile app, which resulted in more time for better care. The primary downside, on the other hand, was an unhealthy reliance on the EHR system.

Conclusions

We demonstrated in this study that the CA framework can be a useful tool for evaluating organizational and social elements in addition to the EHR system's system features. Not only the EHR system's simplicity of use, but also organizational support, should be considered for the effective implementation of the behavioral EHR system.

Trial Registration: The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (IRB No.: B-1904-534-301).
Encounters and management of oral conditions at general medical practices in Australia
Authors: Cheng An-Lun , Eberhard Joerg , Gordon Julie , Balasubramanian Madhan , Willink Amber , Sohn Woosung , Dai Jennifer , Harrison Christopher
Published: August 2022

Background

Poor oral health has been widely recognised as an ongoing public health issue. Patients with oral conditions may visit either a general practitioner (GP) or a dental practitioner for management. The aims of this study are to report (i) the GP management rate of oral health conditions by patient and GP demographics, (ii) what specific oral conditions were managed, and (iii) how GPs managed oral conditions.

Methods

Data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health study (2006 to 2016 inclusive) were analysed. Descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals around point estimates were used to summarise data. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the independent effect of patient and GP characteristics.

Results

A total of 972,100 GP encounters were included in the dataset, with oral condition-related encounters managed at a rate of 1.19 oral conditions per 100 GP encounters. Patients who were aged 54 years or younger, resided in a socioeconomically disadvantaged area, came from a non-English speaking background or Indigenous background were more likely to have oral conditions managed by GPs. The most commonly reported oral conditions were dental and oral mucosa-related. Over 60% of oral conditions were managed by GPs through prescribed medications.

Conclusions

This study provided an overview of management of oral conditions by GPs in Australia. Patients from certain vulnerable demographic groups were more likely to attend a GP for management of oral conditions. Common oral conditions and management approaches were identified. The findings of this study contribute to public health and health policy discussions around optimising primary care provision in oral health.
Patient’s satisfaction in physiotherapy outpatient departments of Amhara regional comprehensive specialized hospitals, Ethiopia
Authors: Guadie Yisak Girma , Kibret Alemu Kassaw , Adem Kedir Sany , Yalew Ermias Solomon
Published: August 2022

Background

Satisfaction is basically the state of being gratified and act of fulfilling one's need or desires. Nowadays, evidence-based practice concept is prevailing and there has been a growing interest in the measurement of patient satisfaction in healthcare research. Patient satisfaction surveys provide several benefits for healthcare professionals. Assessing patient’s satisfaction with physiotherapy service could generate knowledge that can utilized for improving or maintaining quality service. Although a wide coverage and high emphasis givens to patient satisfaction studies in developed counties, there are few research’s done in Africa. This study aimed to assess satisfaction in physiotherapy service and identify predictors that affect satisfaction among patient treated in physiotherapy outpatient department.

Objectives

To assess satisfaction in physiotherapy service and identify associated factors among patients in physiotherapy outpatient department in Amhara regional state comprehensive specialized hospitals.

Method

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among physiotherapy outpatients from April to June 2021, at three selected Comprehensive specialized hospitals. Data were collected by interviewing participants using semi-structured questionnaire. Patient satisfaction was determined by using Medrisk tool. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression method were used to identify predictor factors.

Result

A total of 409 participants with a response rate of 95% were included in this study. The overall satisfaction among physiotherapy outpatient attendee was 50.1% with 95% CI (46.2–55.7). Pain level (AOR = 5.59 95%CI (2.58–12.1), longitudinal continuity of care (AOR = 3.02 95%CI (1.46–6.62) and self-rated health improvement (AOR = 3.76, 95% CI (1.78–7.94) were significantly associated factors.

Conclusion

The overall satisfaction in this study were found to be low in Amhara regional state comprehensive specialized hospitals. pain level, self-rated health improvement and longitudinal continuity of care were significantly associated factors.
Ethnicity should be included as a risk factor for coronary artery calcium score
Authors: Al-Sawalha Ibrahim , Alzoubi Dalia
Published: August 2022

Coronary artery calcium score (CACs) is a measurement of calcification in coronary arteries using a computed tomography scan. It has a predictive role for future myocardial infarction thus it aids in cardiovascular risk assessment and physician decision making. Multiple risk factors have been attributed to coronary artery calcification including age, male gender and ethnicity. Herein, we report our concerns regarding neglecting ethnicity within participants demographics and data analysis, which may affect the findings of the study.
Deep learning for predicting refractive error from multiple photorefraction images
Authors: Xu Daoliang , Ding Shangshang , Zheng Tianli , Zhu Xingshuai , Gu Zhiheng , Ye Bin , Fu Weiwei
Published: August 2022

Background

Refractive error detection is a significant factor in preventing the development of myopia. To improve the efficiency and accuracy of refractive error detection, a refractive error detection network (REDNet) is proposed that combines the advantages of a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a recurrent neural network (RNN). It not only extracts the features of each image, but also fully utilizes the sequential relationship between images. In this article, we develop a system to predict the spherical power, cylindrical power, and spherical equivalent in multiple eccentric photorefraction images.

Approach

First, images of the pupil area are extracted from multiple eccentric photorefraction images; then, the features of each pupil image are extracted using the REDNet convolution layers. Finally, the features are fused by the recurrent layers in REDNet to predict the spherical power, cylindrical power, and spherical equivalent.

Results

The results show that the mean absolute error (MAE) values of the spherical power, cylindrical power, and spherical equivalent can reach 0.1740 D (diopters), 0.0702 D, and 0.1835 D, respectively.

Significance

This method demonstrates a much higher accuracy than those of current state-of-the-art deep-learning methods. Moreover, it is effective and practical.
The association between organophosphate insecticides and blood pressure dysregulation: NHANES 2013–2014
Authors: Glover Frank , Eisenberg Michael L. , Belladelli Federico , Del Giudice Francesco , Chen Tony , Mulloy Evan , Caudle W. Michael
Published: August 2022

Background

Organophosphate (OP) insecticides represent one of the largest classes of sprayed insecticides in the U.S., and their use has been associated with various adverse health outcomes, including disorders of blood pressure regulation such as hypertension (HTN).

Methods

In a study of 935 adults from the NHANES 2013–2014 cycle, we examined the relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes and urinary concentrations of three OP insecticides metabolites, including 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), oxypyrimidine, and para-nitrophenol. These metabolites correspond to the parent compounds chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and methyl parathion, respectively. Weighted, multivariable linear regression analysis while adjusting for potential confounders were used to model the relationship between OP metabolites and blood pressure. Weighted, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to model the odds of HTN for quartile of metabolites.

Results

We observed significant, inverse association between TCPy on systolic blood pressure (β-estimate = -0.16, p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (β-estimate = -0.15, p < 0.001). Analysis with para-nitrophenol revealed a significant, positive association with systolic blood pressure (β-estimate = 0.03, p = 0.02), and an inverse association with diastolic blood pressure (β-estimate = -0.09, p < 0.001). For oxypyrimidine, we observed significant, positive associations between systolic blood pressure (β-estimate = 0.58, p = 0.03) and diastolic blood pressure (β-estimate = 0.31, p < 0.001). Furthermore, we observed significant interactions between TCPy and ethnicity on systolic blood pressure (β-estimate = 1.46, p = 0.0036). Significant interaction terms were observed between oxypyrimidine and ethnicity (β-estimate = -1.73, p < 0.001), as well as oxypyrimidine and BMI (β-estimate = 1.51 p < 0.001) on systolic blood pressure, and between oxypyrimidine and age (β-estimate = 1.96, p = 0.02), race (β-estimate = -3.81 p = 0.004), and BMI on diastolic blood pressure (β-estimate = 0.72, p = 0.02). A significant interaction was observed between para-nitrophenol and BMI for systolic blood pressure (β-estimate = 0.43, p = 0.01), and between para-nitrophenol and ethnicity on diastolic blood pressure (β-estimate = 2.19, p = 0.006). Lastly, we observed a significant association between the odds of HTN and TCPy quartiles (OR = 0.65, 95% CI [0.43,0.99]).

Conclusion

Our findings support previous studies suggesting a role for organophosphate insecticides in the etiology of blood pressure dysregulation and HTN. Future studies are warranted to corroborate these findings, evaluate dose–response relationships between organophosphate insecticides and blood pressure, determine clinical significance, and elucidate biological mechanisms underlying this association.
Apolipoprotein A5 ameliorates MCT induced pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting ER stress in a GRP78 dependent mechanism
Authors: Chen Jingyuan , Luo Jun , Qiu Haihua , Tang Yi , Yang Xiaojie , Chen Yusi , Li Zilu , Li Jiang
Published: August 2022

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic, progressive lung vascular disease accompanied by elevated pulmonary vascular pressure and resistance, and it is characterized by increased pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation. Apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) improves monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH and right heart failure; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here we speculate that ApoA5 has a protective effect in pulmonary vessels and aim to evaluate the mechanism.

Methods

ApoA5 is overexpressed in an MCT-induced PAH animal model and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferating PASMCs. Lung vasculature remodeling was measured by immunostaining, and PASMC proliferation was determined by cell counting kit‐8 and 5‐ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine5‐ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine incorporation assays. Coimmunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry was used to investigate the probable mechanism. Next, its role and mechanism were further verified by knockdown studies.

Results

ApoA5 level was decreased in MCT-induced PAH lung as well as PASMCs. Overexpression of ApoA5 could help to inhibit the remodeling of pulmonary artery smooth muscle. ApoA5 could inhibit PDGF-BB-induced PASMC proliferation and endoplasmic reticulum stress by increasing the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). After knocking down GRP78, the protecting effects of ApoA5 have been blocked.

Conclusion

ApoA5 ameliorates MCT-induced PAH by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in a GRP78 dependent mechanism.
Recombinant LH supplementation improves cumulative live birth rates in the GnRH antagonist protocol: a multicenter retrospective study using a propensity score-matching analysis
Authors: Wang Meng , Huang Rui , Liang Xiaoyan , Mao Yundong , Shi Wenhao , Li Qian
Published: August 2022

Background

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is critical in follicle growth and oocyte maturation. However, the value of recombinant LH (r-LH) supplementation to recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (r-FSH) during controlled ovarian stimulation in the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist regimen is controversial.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective cohort study recruited 899 GnRH antagonist cycles stimulated with r-LH and r-FSH in 3 reproductive centers and matched them to 2652 r-FSH stimulating cycles using propensity score matching (PSM) for potential confounders in a 1:3 ratio. The primary outcome was the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per complete cycle.

Results

The baseline characteristics were comparable in the r-FSH/r-LH and r-FSH groups after PSM. The r-FSH/r-LH group achieved a higher CLBR than the r-FSH group (66.95% vs. 61.16%, p = 0.006). R-LH supplementation also resulted in a higher 2-pronuclear embryo rate, usable embryo rate, and live birth rate in both fresh embryo transfer cycles and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. No significant differences were found in the rate of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), or cycle cancellation rate in the prevention of OHSS.

Conclusions

R-LH supplementation to r-FSH in the GnRH antagonist protocol was significantly associated with a higher CLBR and live birth rate in fresh and FET cycles, and improved embryo quality without increasing the OHSS rate and cycle cancellation rate.
Selection and validation of chemotherapy beneficiaries among elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): a large real-world study
Authors: Wu Yan-Ling , Yang Kai-Bin , Huang Ying , Shi Jing-Rong , He Qing-Shui , Chen Lei , Li Wen-Fei , Huang Xiao-Dan , Lin Li , Chen Yu-Pei , Mao Yan-Ping , Tang Ling-Long , Ma Jun
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Using real-world evidence, this study aimed to identify elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients who would benefit from chemotherapy.

Methods and materials

1714 elderly NPC patients between April 2007 and December 2017 were identified. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was used to generate risk-stratified outcomes. Prognostic factors were performed for individual comparisons of different risk groups to assess chemotherapy benefits.

Results

The median follow-up was 59.3 (0.39–170.09) months. Epstein Barr virus (EBV) DNA and T stage were included in the RPA-generated risk stratification, categorizing patients into a good-prognosis group (EBV DNA ≤ 4000 copies/mL & T1–2), and a poor-prognosis group (EBV DNA ≤ 4000 copies/mL & T3–4 and EBV DNA > 4000 copies/mL & any T). Overall survival (OS) was significantly higher in the good-prognosis group compared with the training set (HR = 0.309, 95% CI 0.184–0.517; P < 0.001), and validated in the testing set (HR = 0.276, 95% CI 0.113–0.670; P = 0.002). In the poor-prognosis group, a significantly improved OS for chemoradiotherapy (CRT) compared with RT alone was observed (HR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.55–0.88; P = 0.003). Patients who received induction chemotherapy (IC) + concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and CCRT had a significantly improved OS compared with RT alone (IC + CCRT vs. RT alone: P = 0.002; CCRT vs. RT alone: P = 0.008) but not in the IC + RT group (P = 0.306). The 5-year OS for CRT versus RT-alone with ACE-27 scores of 0, 1 and 2 were 76.0% versus 70.0% (P = 0.014), 80.5% versus 68.2% (P = 0.150) and 58.5% versus 62.2% (P = 0.490), respectively; for those aged 60–64, 65–70 and ≥ 70 years old they were 80.9% versus 75.9% (P = 0.068), 73.3% versus 63.4% (P = 0.270) and 64.8% versus 67.1% (P = 0.820), respectively.

Conclusions

For elderly NPC patients a simple screening cutoff for chemotherapy beneficiaries might be EBV DNA < 4000 copies/ml & T3–4 and EBV DNA ≥ 4000 copies/ml & any T, but not for those > 70 years old and with an ACE-27 score > 1. IC + CCRT and CCRT were effective forms of chemotherapy.
The effect of osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic individuals’ T cell-derived exosomes on osteoblast cells’ bone remodeling related genes expression and alkaline phosphatase activity
Authors: Omidvar Mohammad Hasan , Soltani-Zangbar Mohammad Sadegh , Zamani Majid , Motavalli Roza , Jafarpoor Mehdi , Dolati Sanam , Ahmadi Majid , Mehdizadeh Amir , Khabbazi Alireza , Hajialilo Mehrzad , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder attributed to age and is defined as a systematic degradation of bone mass and the microarchitecture leading to bone fractures. Exosomes have been reported in almost all biological fluids and during the failure of bone remodeling. 20 ml of blood samples were obtained from osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women. After the isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T cells were separated via the magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) technique. Exosomes were driven from T cells of non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic volunteers. Subsequently, normal osteoblasts were treated with obtained T cell exosomes to assess osteoblastic function and gene expression.

Results

Runx2, type I collagen, osteopontin, and osteocalcin expression decreased in osteoblasts treated by osteoporotic T cell exosomes. In contrast, an increased expression of the mentioned genes was observed following non-osteoporotic T cell exosome treatment. Additionally, osteoblast alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity treated with non-osteoporotic T cell exosomes increased. However, this activity decreased in another group. Our data demonstrated that T cell exosomes obtained from osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic individuals could alter the osteoblastic function and gene expression by affecting the genes essential for bone remodeling.
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Costello Fiona
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the cardinal clinical features, distinct immunopathology, current diagnostic criteria, relapse-related risk factors, emerging biomarkers, and evolving treatment strategies pertaining to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

RECENT FINDINGS

The discovery of the pathogenic aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG autoantibody and characterization of NMOSD as an autoimmune astrocytopathy have spearheaded the identification of key immunologic therapeutic targets in this disease, including but not limited to the complement system, the interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor, and B cells. Accordingly, four recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of three new NMOSD therapies, namely eculizumab, satralizumab, and inebilizumab.

Currently, NMOSD poses both diagnostic and treatment challenges. It is debated whether individuals who are seropositive for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG belong within the neuromyelitis optica spectrum. This discussion is fueled by disparities in treatment responses between patients who are AQP4-IgG seropositive and seronegative, suggesting different immunopathologic mechanisms may govern these conditions. As our understanding regarding the immune pathophysiology of NMOSD expands, emerging biomarkers, including serum neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), may facilitate earlier relapse detection and inform long-term treatment decisions. Future research focal points should include strategies to optimize relapse management, restorative treatments that augment neurologic recovery, and practical solutions that promote equitable access to approved therapies for all patients with NMOSD.
Dynamic Pricing with Demand Learning and Reference Effects
Authors: den Boer Arnoud V. , Keskin N. Bora
Published: August 2022

We consider a seller’s dynamic pricing problem with demand learning and reference effects. We first study the case in which customers are loss-averse: they have a reference price that can vary over time, and the demand reduction when the selling price exceeds the reference price dominates the demand increase when the selling price falls behind the reference price by the same amount. Thus, the expected demand as a function of price has a time-varying “kink” and is not differentiable everywhere. The seller neither knows the underlying demand function nor observes the time-varying reference prices. In this setting, we design and analyze a policy that (i) changes the selling price very slowly to control the evolution of the reference price and (ii) gradually accumulates sales data to balance the trade-off between learning and earning. We prove that, under a variety of reference-price updating mechanisms, our policy is asymptotically optimal; that is, its T-period revenue loss relative to a clairvoyant who knows the demand function and the reference-price updating mechanism grows at the smallest possible rate in T. We also extend our analysis to the case of a fixed reference price and show how reference effects increase the complexity of dynamic pricing with demand learning in this case. Moreover, we study the case in which customers are gain-seeking and design asymptotically optimal policies for this case. Finally, we design and analyze an asymptotically optimal statistical test for detecting whether customers are loss-averse or gain-seeking.

This paper was accepted by Omar Besbes, revenue management and market analytics.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING TIKTOK TO IMPROVE EFL LEARNERS’ SPEAKING ABILITY
Authors: Diko Putri Syifa Mutiara
Published: August 2022

People are drawn to the internet as technology progresses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has become a requirement in the education sector. Therefore, the researchers want to find the effectiveness of TikTok in improving EFL learners' speaking ability. The subject of this paper was 20 from the English Educational Study Program at Tidar University. This study used the qualitative research method. Based on the researchers' study with 20 students from the English Educational Study Program, the researcher concludes that the TikTok application improved students' speaking skills well. In addition, students' sentiments toward using TikTok in language learning were favorable.
REGISTER OF TRANSNATIONAL TERRORIST GROUP: FORM, MEANING, PURPOSE, AND FUNCTIONS
Authors: Zahra Tsurayya Yusra Zahirah
Published: August 2022

The register is a language variation that can become the identity of a community group. The register is also a marker of an individual a member of a particular community group. One of them is the register used by terrorist groups. Indonesia has detected two streams of transnational terrorist groups in this country, namely ISIS and Al-Qaeda. The Sociolinguistics studies specification in the uses of registers by the two terrorism groups investigated using a qualitative descriptive method. This research takes the main sources from the electronic news platform and channel belonging to one of the suspected terrorist groups. The results showed that there were differences in the form of language selection in the use of registers in each group. In addition, the analysis of the use of terrorist registers from the two groups also clearly shows the intent and purpose of using the registers. Through this research, researcher hoping that the community can increase awareness and sensitivity to all social processes around them, especially in the process of speech acts in the community, by not ignoring linguistic signs that they do not know.
ANALISIS KONTRASTIF PENANDA NEGASI DALAM KALIMAT BAHASA PRANCIS DAN BAHASA INDONESIA
Authors: Arrasyid Noor Diana
Published: August 2022

This study examines the peculiarities, similarities, and differences of negation patterns in French and Indonesian sentences. The data analyzed are declarative, interrogative, and negative imperative sentences taken from the Leipzig Corpora Collection.  The analysis results found that there are similarities in the formation of negation markers in French “ne … jamais” and Indonesian negation markers “tidak pernah”. The equivalence also appears in the arrangement of negative imperative sentence markers, which are formulated with negative ne+adverbs pas+verb and jangan+verb. Regarding the differences, the negation marker in French is present in two mandatory components, while in Indonesian, it is marked with one marker. There is even more variety of negations in French. In Indonesian, there is a standard rule between the combination of negation markers and the type of predicate in a sentence, but French tends to be more accessible. The formation of past and passive negative sentences is also different. Finally, in negative imperative sentences in French, the verb that is negated must be conjugated according to the subject, but in Indonesian, this is not the case.
The interim report of the Cass review into the NHS gender identity development service: a discussion
Authors: McIntosh Bryan , Koseda Ellie
Published: August 2022

Professor Bryan McIntosh and Ellie Koseda provide an overview of the review into the NHS's only gender identity development service, led by Dr Hilary Cass, following the publication of the interim report in February 2022. Key issues in this complex and developing field are discussed.
Dispelling the myths around the role of a general practice nurse
Authors: Butler Sarah
Published: August 2022

There are many myths surrounding the general practice nurse role. Sarah Butler looks at these myths and clears up some of the misunderstandings that are often repeated

In the UK there is a need to promote and increase the number of general practice nurses working in primary care. In comparison to their counterparts in secondary care, practice nurse numbers are significantly reduced. In recent years emphasis was placed on keeping individuals well and out of hospital and their conditions managed in primary care where possible. The role of the general practice nurse is still lesser known compared to the role of a staff nurse. Myths still remain around the general practice nurse position including those eligible to apply and the development that is offered.
Optical Bistability of a Nanowire at Microwatt Power Levels
Authors: Papas Dimitrios , Ou Jun-Yu , Plum Eric , Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: August 2022

Optically bistable light scattering is observed on oscillating nanowires decorated with plasmonic patterns. Coupling between plasmonic and highly nonlinear mechanical subsystems of the nanostructure facilitates bistability at only a few μW of incident optical power.
Picophotonics: Sub-Brownian Detection of Nanowire Position with Atomic-scale Resolution using Topologically Structured Light
Authors: Liu T. , Ou J. Y. , Xu J. , Macdonald K. F. , Zheludev N. I.
Published: August 2022

The first realization of sub-Brownian motion metrology is reported. The position of a nanowire is measured with resolution better than 100 picometers via deep learning analysis of topologically structured light scattering on the nanowire.
Reconfiguring Photonic Metamaterials with the Pressure of Light
Authors: Li Jinxiang , MacDonald Kevin F. , Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: August 2022

Resonant ponderomotive non-thermal optical forces can control the optical response of a nanowire metamaterial. Strong optical nonlinearity achieved via coupling of optical and mechanical resonances enables all-optical transmission modulation at microwatt power levels.
Analyzing Thermal Tolerance of Mirror-based Optical Redistribution for Co-packaged Optics
Authors: Nakamura Fumi , Suda Satoshi , Kurosu Takayuki , Ibusuki Yasuhiro , Noriki Akihiro , Tamai Isao , Ukita Akio , Takemura Koichi , Aoki Tsuyoshi , Amano Takeru
Published: August 2022

The thermal tolerance of mirror-based optical redistribution is analyzed for co-packaged optics. In physical optics propagation analysis, considering thermal deformation, a coupling efficiency of over 0.9 is obtained in the range 0–100 °C.
3D Position Nanometrology of a Coronavirus-like Nanoparticle with Topologically Structured Light
Authors: Wang Y. , Rendón-Barraza C. , MacDonald K. F. , Plum E. , Ou J. Y. , Zheludev N. I.
Published: August 2022

Scattering of topologically structured light is highly sensitive to the position of a scattering object. We show that the position of a coronavirus-like 100 nm polystyrene sphere can be measured optically with deeply subwavelength accuracy.
Experimental Demonstration of Enhanced Misalignment Tolerance for Recovering Phase and Amplitude Encoding in a Pilot-Assisted Self-Coherent Free-Space Optical Link
Authors: Su Xinzhou , Zhang Runzhou , Zhou Huibin , Song Hao , Zou Kaiheng , Song Haoqian , Duan Yuxiang , Pang Kai , Hu Nanzhe , Zhou Yiyu , Boyd Robert W. , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E.
Published: August 2022

We experimentally demonstrate a 6-Gbit/s 16-QAM pilot-assisted self-coherent free-space optical link with enhanced misalignment tolerance. BER performance below the 7% FEC threshold can be achieved for up to 0.13° angular- or 9-mm lateral misalignments.
Suppressing Transverse Mode Instability in Multimode Fiber Amplifiers
Authors: Chen Chun-Wei , Wisal Kabish , Eliezer Yaniv , Stone A. Douglas , Cao Hui
Published: August 2022

We demonstrate numerically and theoretically that the transverse-mode stability for a high-power fiber amplifier is greatly increased via simultaneous excitation of many high-order modes, while the amplified light maintains spatially coherent and high beam quality.
Insertions and deletions as phylogenetic signal in an alignment-free context
Authors: Birth Niklas , Dencker Thomas , Morgenstern Burkhard
Published: August 2022

Most methods for phylogenetic tree reconstruction are based on sequence alignments; they infer phylogenies from substitutions that may have occurred at the aligned sequence positions. Gaps in alignments are usually not employed as phylogenetic signal. In this paper, we explore an alignment-free approach that uses insertions and deletions (indels) as an additional source of information for phylogeny inference. For a set of four or more input sequences, we generate so-calledquartet blocksof four putative homologous segments each. Forpairsof such quartet blocks involving the same four sequences, we compare the distances between the two blocks in these sequences, to obtain hints about indels that may have happened between the blocks since the respective four sequences have evolved from their last common ancestor. A prototype implementation that we callGap-SpaMis presented to infer phylogenetic trees from these data, using aquartet-treeapproach or, alternatively, under themaximum-parsimonyparadigm. This approach should not be regarded as an alternative to established methods, but rather as a complementary source of phylogenetic information. Interestingly, however, our software is able to produce phylogenetic trees from putative indels alone that are comparable to trees obtained with existing alignment-free methods.
Evidence of co-exposure with Brucella spp, Coxiella burnetii, and Rift Valley fever virus among various species of wildlife in Kenya
Authors: Gakuya Francis , Akoko James , Wambua Lillian , Nyamota Richard , Ronoh Bernard , Lekolool Isaac , Mwatondo Athman , Muturi Mathew , Ouma Collins , Nthiwa Daniel , Middlebrook Earl , Fair Jeanne , Gachohi John , Njenga Kariuki , Bett Bernard
Published: August 2022

Background

Co-infection, especially with pathogens of dissimilar genetic makeup, may result in a more devastating impact on the host. Investigations on co-infection with neglected zoonotic pathogens in wildlife are necessary to inform appropriate prevention and control strategies to reduce disease burden in wildlife and the potential transmission of these pathogens between wildlife, livestock and humans. This study assessed co-exposure of various Kenyan wildflife species with Brucella spp, Coxiella burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV).

Methodology

A total of 363 sera from 16 different wildlife species, most of them (92.6%) herbivores, were analysed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG antibodies against Brucella spp, C. burnetii and RVFV. Further, 280 of these were tested by PCR to identify Brucella species.

Results

Of the 16 wildlife species tested, 15 (93.8%) were seropositive for at least one of the pathogens. Mean seropositivities were 18.9% (95% CI: 15.0–23.3) for RVFV, 13.7% (95% CI: 10.3–17.7) for Brucella spp and 9.1% (95% CI: 6.3–12.5) for C. burnetii. Buffaloes (n = 269) had higher seropositivity for Brucella spp. (17.1%, 95% CI: 13.0–21.7%) and RVFV (23.4%, 95% CI: 18.6–28.6%), while giraffes (n = 36) had the highest seropositivity for C. burnetii (44.4%, 95% CI: 27.9–61.9%). Importantly, 23 of the 93 (24.7%) animals positive for at least one pathogen were co-exposed, with 25.4% (18/71) of the positive buffaloes positive for brucellosis and RVFV. On molecular analysis, Brucella DNA was detected in 46 (19.5%, CI: 14.9–24.7) samples, with 4 (8.6%, 95% CI: 2.2–15.8) being identified as B. melitensis. The Fisher’s Exact test indicated that seropositivity varied significantly within the different animal families, with Brucella (p = 0.013), C. burnetii (p = <0.001) and RVFV (p = 0.007). Location was also significantly associated (p = <0.001) with Brucella spp. and C. burnetii seropositivities.

Conclusion

Of ~20% of Kenyan wildlife that are seropositive for Brucella spp, C. burnetii and RVFV, almost 25% indicate co-infections with the three pathogens, particularly with Brucella spp and RVFV.
A gene-based capture assay for surveying patterns of genetic diversity and insecticide resistance in a worldwide group of invasive mosquitoes
Authors: Aardema Matthew L. , Campana Michael G. , Wagner Nicole E. , Ferreira Francisco C. , Fonseca Dina M.
Published: August 2022

Understanding patterns of diversification, genetic exchange, and pesticide resistance in arthropod disease vectors is necessary for effective population management. With the availability of next-generation sequencing technologies, one of the best approaches for surveying such patterns involves the simultaneous genotyping of many samples for a large number of genetic markers. To this end, the targeting of gene sequences of known function can be a cost-effective strategy. One insect group of substantial health concern are the mosquito taxa that make up the Culex pipiens complex. Members of this complex transmit damaging arboviruses and filariae worms to humans, as well as other pathogens such as avian malaria parasites that are detrimental to birds. Here we describe the development of a targeted, gene-based assay for surveying genetic diversity and population structure in this mosquito complex. To test the utility of this assay, we sequenced samples from several members of the complex, as well as from distinct populations of the relatively under-studied Culex quinquefasciatus. The data generated was then used to examine taxonomic divergence and population clustering between and within these mosquitoes. We also used this data to investigate genetic variants present in our samples that had previously been shown to correlate with insecticide-resistance. Broadly, our gene capture approach successfully enriched the genomic regions of interest, and proved effective for facilitating examinations of taxonomic divergence and geographic clustering within the Cx. pipiens complex. It also allowed us to successfully survey genetic variation associated with insecticide resistance in Culex mosquitoes. This enrichment protocol will be useful for future studies that aim to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution of these ubiquitous and increasingly damaging disease vectors.