bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-dimensional approach to unravel the intricacies of lactylation related signature for prognostic and therapeutic insight in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Huixia , Chen Keji , Zhu Yifei , Hu Zijuan , Wang Yaxian , Chen Jiayu , Li Yuxue , Li Dawei , Wei Ping
Published: February 2024

Background

Lactylation, a novel contributor to post-translational protein modifications, exhibits dysregulation across various tumors. Nevertheless, its intricate involvement in colorectal carcinoma, particularly for non-histone lactylation and its intersection with metabolism and immune evasion, remains enigmatic.

Methods

Employing immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray with clinical information and immunofluorescence on colorectal cell lines, we investigated the presence of global lactylation and its association with development and progression in colorectal cancer as well as its functional location. Leveraging the AUCell algorithm alongside correlation analysis in single-cell RNA sequencing data, as well as cox-regression and lasso-regression analysis in TCGA dataset and confirmed in GEO dataset, we identified a 23-gene signature predicting colorectal cancer prognosis. Subsequently, we analyzed the associations between the lactylation related gene risk and clinical characteristics, mutation landscapes, biological functions, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy responses, and drug sensitivity. Core genes were further explored for deep biological insights through bioinformatics and in vitro experiments.

Results

Our study innovatively reveals a significant elevation of global lactylation in colorectal cancer, particularly in malignant tumors, confirming it as an independent prognostic factor for CRC. Through a comprehensive analysis integrating tumor tissue arrays, TCGA dataset, GEO dataset, combining in silico investigations and in vitro experiments, we identified a 23-gene Lactylation-Related Gene risk model capable of predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients. Noteworthy variations were observed in clinical characteristics, biological functions, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, immunotherapy responses and drug sensitivity among distinct risk groups.

Conclusions

The Lactylation-Related Gene risk model exhibits significant potential for improving the management of colorectal cancer patients and enhancing therapeutic outcomes, particularly at the intersection of metabolism and immune evasion. This finding underscores the clinical relevance of global lactylation in CRC and lays the groundwork for mechanism investigation and targeted therapeutic strategies given the high lactate concentration in CRC.
Human serum-derived α-synuclein auto-antibodies mediate NMDA receptor-dependent degeneration of CNS neurons
Authors: Garg Pretty , Würtz Franziska , Hobbie Fabian , Buttgereit Klemens , Aich Abhishek , Leite Kristian , Rehling Peter , Kügler Sebastian , Bähr Mathias
Published: February 2024

Background

Presence of autoantibodies against α-synuclein (α-syn AAb) in serum of the general population has been widely reported. That such peripheral factors may be involved in central nervous system pathophysiology was demonstrated by detection of immunoglobulins (IgGs) in cerebrospinal fluid and brain of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Thus, blood-borne IgGs may reach the brain parenchyma through an impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Findings

The present study aims to evaluate the patho-physiological impact of α-syn AAbs on primary brain cells, i.e., on spontaneously active neurons and on astrocytes. Exposure of neuron-astrocyte co-cultures to human serum containing α-syn AAbs mediated a dose-dependent reduction of spontaneous neuronal activity, and subsequent neurodegeneration. Removal specifically of α-syn AAbs from the serum prevented neurotoxicity, while purified, commercial antibodies against α-syn mimicked the neurodegenerative effect. Mechanistically, we found a strong calcium flux into neurons preceding α-syn AAbs-induced cell death, specifically through NMDA receptors. NMDA receptor antagonists prevented neurodegeneration upon treatment with α-syn (auto)antibodies. α-syn (auto)antibodies did not affect astrocyte survival. However, in presence of α-syn, astrocytes reacted to α-syn antibodies by secretion of the chemokine RANTES.

Conclusion

These findings provide a novel basis to explain how a combination of BBB impairment and infiltration of IgGs targeting synuclein may contribute to neurodegeneration in PD and argue for caution with α-syn immunization therapies for treatment of PD.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles exacerbate skin epithelial cell damage by upregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and exosome secretion in M1 macrophages following UVB irradiation-induced skin injury
Authors: Wang Bour-Jr , Chen Yu-Ying , Chang Hui-Hsuan , Chen Rong-Jane , Wang Ying-Jan , Lee Yu-Hsuan
Published: February 2024

Background

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are common materials used in skin-related cosmetics and sunscreen products due to their whitening and strong UV light absorption properties. Although the protective effects of ZnONPs against UV light in intact skin have been well demonstrated, the effects of using ZnONPs on damaged or sunburned skin are still unclear. In this study, we aimed to reveal the detailed underlying mechanisms related to keratinocytes and macrophages exposed to UVB and ZnONPs.

Results

We demonstrated that ZnONPs exacerbated mouse skin damage after UVB exposure, followed by increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) levels, cell death and epithelial thickness. In addition, ZnONPs could penetrate through the damaged epithelium, gain access to the dermis cells, and lead to severe inflammation by activation of M1 macrophage. Mechanistic studies indicated that co-exposure of keratinocytes to UVB and ZnONPs lysosomal impairment and autophagy dysfunction, which increased cell exosome release. However, these exosomes could be taken up by macrophages, which accelerated M1 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, ZnONPs also induced a lasting inflammatory response in M1 macrophages and affected epithelial cell repair by regulating the autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome and macrophage exosome secretion.

Conclusions

Our findings propose a new concept for ZnONP-induced skin toxicity mechanisms and the safety issue of ZnONPs application on vulnerable skin. The process involved an interplay of lysosomal impairment, autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome and macrophage exosome secretion. The current finding is valuable for evaluating the effects of ZnONPs for cosmetics applications.
Organize and mobilize for implementation effectiveness to improve overdose education and naloxone distribution from syringe services programs: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lambdin Barrot H. , Bluthenthal Ricky N. , Garner Bryan R. , Wenger Lynn D. , Browne Erica N. , Morris Terry , Ongais Lee , Megerian Cariné E. , Kral Alex H.
Published: February 2024

Background

The United States (US) continues to face decades-long increases in opioid overdose fatalities. As an opioid overdose reversal medication, naloxone can dramatically reduce opioid overdose mortality rates when distributed to people likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose and packaged with education on its use, known as overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND). Syringe services programs (SSPs) are ideal venues for OEND with staff who are culturally competent in providing services for people who are at risk of experiencing or observing an opioid overdose. We carried out a randomized controlled trial of SSPs to understand the effectiveness of the organize and mobilize for implementation effectiveness (OMIE) approach at improving OEND implementation effectiveness within SSPs.

Methods

Using simple randomization, 105 SSPs were enrolled into the trial and assigned to one of two study arms — (1) dissemination of OEND best practice recommendations (Control SSPs) or the OMIE approach along with dissemination of the OEND best practice recommendations (i.e., OMIE SSPs). OMIE SSPs could participate in 60-min OMIE sessions once a month for up to 12 months. At 12-month post-baseline, 102 of 105 SSPs (97%) responded to the follow-up survey.

Results

The median number of sessions completed by OMIE SSPs was 10. Comparing OMIE SSPs to control SSPs, we observed significant increases in the number of participants receiving naloxone (incidence rate ratio: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.42, 3.25; p < 0.01) and the rate of naloxone doses distributed per SSP participant (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.18, 3.30; p = 0.01). We observed no statistically significant difference in the number of adopted best practices between conditions (difference in means 0.2, 95% CI: − 0.7, 1.0; p = 0.68). We also observed a threshold effect where SSPs receiving a higher OMIE dose had greater effect sizes with regard to the number of people given naloxone and the number of naloxone doses distributed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the multifaceted OMIE approach was effective at increasing naloxone distribution from SSPs, despite substantial external shocks during the trial. These findings have major implications for addressing the overdose crisis, which has continued unabated for decades.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03924505. Registered 19 April 2019.
Determination of ITS1 haplotypes of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus by amplicon sequencing
Authors: Wu Hoi-Yan , Wong Ka-Lok , Law Sean Tsz-Sum , Nong Wenyang , Chan Kwun-Tin , Hui Jerome Ho-Lam , Lin Ge , Chan Wing-Han , Shaw Pang-Chui
Published: February 2024

Background

Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus is an antitussive and expectorant Chinese medicinal material derived from the dried bulbs of six Fritillaria species. In the 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) is the officially listed method for their authenfication. Specifically, the ~ 300-bp ITS1 amplicon of only Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus but not other Fritillaria species can be cleaved into two smaller fragments with restriction enzyme SmaI. Considering repeated reported cases of incomplete digestion of ITS1 amplicon, this study aims to investigate the possibility of heterogeneous ITS1 sequences contained in the Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus.

Methods

In this study, ITS1 amplicons of Fritillaria Cirrhosae Bulbus and four other Fritillaria species were sequenced on Illumina platform. We utilised high-throughout amplicon sequencing to determine ITS1 haplotypes and their frequencies in Fritillaria genomes.

Results

Our results showed that all six botanical sources of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus indeed possess ITS1 haplotypes with no SmaI restriction site, and the average percentages of ITS1 reads containing SmaI restriction site ranged from 63.60% to 91.81%.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the incomplete digestion in PCR–RFLP analysis of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus is caused by the presence of ITS1 haplotypes without SmaI restriction site due to intragenomic heterogeneity.
Lack of mitochondrial complex I assembly factor NDUFAF2 results in a distinctive infantile-onset brainstem neurodegenerative disease with early lethality
Authors: Abu Hanna Firas , Zehavi Yoav , Cohen-Barak Eran , Khayat Morad , Warwar Nasim , Shreter Roni , Rodenburg Richard J. , Spiegel Ronen
Published: February 2024

Background

Congenital disorders of the mitochondrial respiratory chain are a heterogeneous group of inborn errors of metabolism. Among them, NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I, CI) deficiency is the most common. Biallelic pathogenic variants in NDUFAF2, encoding the nuclear assembly CI factor NDUFAF2, were initially reported to cause progressive encephalopathy beginning in infancy. Since the initial report in 2005, less than a dozen patients with NDUFAF2-related disease have been reported.

Methods

Clinical, biochemical, and neuroradiological features of four new patients residing in Northern Israel were collected during 2016–2022 at Emek Medical Center. Enzymatic activities of the five respiratory-chain complexes were determined in isolated fibroblast mitochondria by spectrophotometric methods. Western blot analyses were conducted with anti-human NDUFAF2 antibody; antibody against the mitochondrial marker VDAC1 was used as a loading control. Genetic studies were performed by chromosome microarray analysis using Affymetrix CytoScan 750 K arrays.

Results

All four patients presented with infantile-onset growth retardation, ophthalmological impairments with nystagmus, strabismus (starting between 5 and 9 months), and further progressed to life-threatening episodes of apnea usually triggered by trivial febrile illnesses (between 10 and 18 months) with gradual loss of acquired developmental milestones (3 of 4 patients). Serial magnetic-resonance imaging studies in two of the four patients showed a progressive pattern of abnormal T2-weighted hyperintense signals involving primarily the brainstem, the upper cervical cord, and later, the basal ganglia and thalami. Magnetic-resonance spectroscopy in one patient showed an increased lactate peak. Disease progression was marked by ventilatory dependency and early lethality. 3 of the 4 patients tested, harbored a homozygous 142-kb partial interstitial deletion that omits exons 2–4 of NDUFAF2. Mitochondrial CI activity was significantly decreased in the only patient tested. Western blot analysis disclosed the absence of NDUFAF2 protein compared to normal controls. In addition, we reviewed all 10 previously reported NDUFAF2-deficient cases to better characterize the disease.

Conclusions

Biallelic loss-of-function mutations in NDUFAF2 result in a distinctive phenotype in the spectrum of Leigh syndrome with clinical and neuroradiological features that are primarily attributed to progressive brainstem damage.
Efficacy of chlorfenapyr-pyrethroid and piperonyl butoxide-pyrethroid long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) compared to pyrethroid-only LLINs for malaria control in Côte d’Ivoire: a three group, cluster randomised trial
Authors: Sih Colette , Protopopoff Natacha , Koffi Alphonsine A. , Ahoua Alou Ludovic P. , Dangbenon Edouard , Messenger Louisa A. , Kulkarni Manisha A. , Zoh Marius G. , Camara Soromane , Assi Serge B. , N’Guessan Raphael , Cook Jackie
Published: February 2024

Background

The massive scale-up of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) has led to a major reduction in malaria burden in many sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued a strong recommendation for the use of chlorfenapyr-pyrethroid LLINs compared to standard pyrethroid-only LLINs in areas of high insecticide resistance intensity. However, there is still a lack of conclusive evidence on the efficacy of piperonyl butoxide-pyrethroid (PBO-py) LLINs, especially in West Africa, where vector composition and resistance mechanisms may be different from vectors in East Africa.

Methods

This is a three-arm, superiority, triple-blinded, cluster randomised trial, with village as the unit of randomisation. This study conducted in Côte d’Ivoire will evaluate the efficacy on epidemiological and entomological outcomes of (1) the control arm: MAGNet® LN, which contains the pyrethroid, alpha-cypermethrin, (2) VEERALIN® LN, a net combining the synergist PBO and alpha-cypermethrin, and (3) Interceptor® G2 LN, which incorporates chlorfenapyr and alpha-cypermethrin, two adulticides with different mechanisms of action. A total of 33 villages with an average of 200 households per village will be identified, mapped, and randomised in a ratio of 1:1:1. Nets will be distributed at a central point following national guidelines with 1 net for every 2 people. The primary outcome of the trial will be incidence of malaria cases (confirmed by rapid diagnostic test (RDT)) in a cohort of 50 children aged 6 months to 10 years in each cluster, followed for 12 months (active case detection). Secondary outcomes are cross-sectional community prevalence of malaria infection (confirmed by RDT) in the study population at 6 and 12 months post-intervention (50 randomly selected persons per cluster), vector density, entomological inoculation rate (EIR), and phenotypic and genotypic insecticide resistance at baseline and 12 months post-intervention in 3 sentinel villages in each treatment arm.

Discussion

In addition to generating further evidence for next-generation LLINs, this study will also provide the first evidence for pyrethroid-PBO nets in a West African setting. This could further inform WHO recommendations on the pragmatic use of pyrethroid-PBO nets.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05796193. Registered on April 3, 2023.
Experience with a hybrid recruitment approach of patient-facing web portal screening and subsequent phone and medical record review for a neurosurgical intervention trial for chronic ischemic stroke disability (PISCES III)
Authors: Kolls Brad J. , Muir Keith W. , Savitz Sean I. , Wechsler Lawrence R. , Pilitsis Julie G. , Rahimi Scott , Beckman Richard L. , Holmes Vincent , Chen Peng R. , Albers David S. , Laskowitz Daniel T.
Published: February 2024

Background

Recruitment of participants is the greatest risk to completion of most clinical trials, with 20–40% of trials failing to reach the targeted enrollment. This is particularly true of trials of central nervous system (CNS) therapies such as intervention for chronic stroke. The PISCES III trial was an invasive trial of stereotactically guided intracerebral injection of CTX0E03, a fetal derived neural stem cell line, in patients with chronic disability due to ischemic stroke. We report on the experience using a novel hybrid recruitment approach of a patient-facing portal to self-identify and perform an initial screen for general trial eligibility (tier 1), followed by phone screening and medical records review (tier 2) prior to a final in-person visit to confirm eligibility and consent.

Methods

Two tiers of screening were established: an initial screen of general eligibility using a patient-facing web portal (tier 1), followed by a more detailed screen that included phone survey and medical record review (tier 2). If potential participants passed the tier 2 screen, they were referred directly to visit 1 at a study site, where final in-person screening and consent were performed. Rates of screening were tracked during the period of trial recruitment and sources of referrals were noted.

Results

The approach to screening and recruitment resulted in 6125 tier 1 screens, leading to 1121 referrals to tier 2. The tier 2 screening resulted in 224 medical record requests and identification of 86 qualifying participants for referral to sites. The study attained a viable recruitment rate of 6 enrolled per month prior to being disrupted by COVID 19.

Conclusions

A tiered approach to eligibility screening using a hybrid of web-based portals to self-identify and screen for general eligibility followed by a more detailed phone and medical record review allowed the study to use fewer sites and reduce cost. Despite the difficult and narrow population of patients suffering moderate chronic disability from stroke, this strategy produced a viable recruitment rate for this invasive study of intracranially injected neural stem cells.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03629275
Neonatal pyocele originating from a urinary tract infection: a case report
Authors: Jamali Zahra , Shafie’ei Mohammad , Soltani Nejad Najmeh
Published: February 2024

Background

The origins of pyocele are primarily idiopathic, with reports suggesting the spread from intraperitoneal or hematogenous infection. However, we found no information in the literature regarding the pathogen’s spread from the urinary tract.

Case presentation

We report here a case of a 23-day-old term Iranian boy (Fars ethnicity) with complaints of new-onset fever, irritability, poor feeding, right hemiscrotal erythema, and edema. Moreover, the physical examination revealed an enlarged, erythematous, tender right hemiscrotum and edematous scrotal walls. Along with leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein levels, the urine culture indicated an infection with Escherichia coli. However, as the color Doppler ultrasonographic examination was inconclusive, he underwent surgical exploration on which a hydrocele sac with reddish cloudy pus fluid was noted, with its culture indicating growth with the same mentioned pathogen. Therefore, an appropriate antibiotic regimen was administered, and the patient was discharged a few days later after achieving full recovery and demonstrating no urinary tract structural abnormalities.

Conclusion

In neonatal pyocele, the spectrum of evaluating the source of the infection should also be extended to the urinary tract. Moreover, administering suitable antibiotics would produce favorable results in cases with no structural abnormalities.
Sevoflurane preconditioning in living liver donation is associated with better initial graft function after pediatric transplantation: a retrospective study
Authors: Dieu Audrey , Benoit Loïc , Dupont Candice , de Magnée Catherine , Reding Raymond , Pirotte Thierry , Steyaert Arnaud
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Initial allograft function determines the patient’s immediate prognosis in pediatric liver transplantation. Ischemia-reperfusion injuries play a role in initial poor graft function (IPGF). In animal studies, preconditioning with inhaled anesthetic agents has demonstrated a protective effect on the liver. In humans, the few available studies are conflicting. This study assesses the association between the hypnotic agent used to maintain anesthesia during hepatectomy in living donors and the occurrence of IPGF after pediatric transplantation.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of children who received a living donor liver transplant (LDLT) between 2010 and 2019. We analyzed the incidence of EAD according to the hypnotic agent used to maintain general anesthesia during donor hepatectomy.

Results

We included 183 pairs of patients (living donors-recipients). The anesthetics used in the donor were propofol (n = 85), sevoflurane (n = 69), or propofol with sevoflurane started 30 min before clamping (n = 29). Forty-two children (23%) developed IPGF. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors significantly associated with the occurrence of IPGF were the anesthesia maintenance agent used in the donor (p = 0.004), age of the donor (p = 0.03), duration of transplant surgery (p = 0.009), preoperative receiver neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.02), and albumin (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Significantly fewer children who received a graft from a donor in whom only sevoflurane was used to maintain anesthesia developed IPGF. Although additional research is needed, this preconditioning strategy may provide an option to prevent IPGF after living liver donation.
The combined application of hand hygiene and non-sterile gloves by nurses in a tertiary hospital: a multi methods study
Authors: Dekker Mireille , van Mansfeld Rosa , Borgert Marjon , Maaskant Jolanda , Paulus Frederique , Seller Annamarike , Jongerden Irene P.
Published: February 2024

Background

The application of hand hygiene (HH) and the use of non-sterile gloves (NSG) in daily care is highly intertwined. We aimed (1) to assess the combined application of HH and NSG among nurses and (2) to explore determinants that influence their ability to combine both measures in their care.

Methods

In a multi-methods study, we combined direct observations of care episodes with semi-structured interviews with nurses in two affiliated university hospitals. Topics were based on Flottorp’s checklist of determinants of practice.

Results

In total, we observed 205 care episodes and interviewed 10 nurses. Observations revealed that the combination of NSG and HH was correctly applied in 19% of care episodes in which a single procedure was executed, and in 2% of care episodes in which multiple procedures were performed. From the interviews, we found determinants that influenced compliance, covered mainly by three out of seven of Flottorp’s checklist domains. Nurses indicated that their knowledge of protocols was limited to HH and protocols were hardly ever actively consulted; visual reminders within their workplace were used as sources of information. Nurses’ behavior was primarily influenced by their ability to operationalize this information and their ability to integrate both infection prevention measures into their care. The intention to apply and combine HH and NSG use was influenced by their risk assessment of cross-contamination, by the urge to self-protect and gut feeling. The feasibility to execute HH and NSG protocols is influenced by the urgency and the complexity of the care episode.

Conclusions

The combined correct application with HH and NSG measures by nurses is low. Nurses are instructed in a fragmented way while in the day to day care HH and NSG use are highly intertwined. Operationalization and simplification of infection prevention protocols, in which instructions on both infection prevention measures are fused, should be considered. Strategies to improve practice should consider the power of habit and nurses urge to self-protect.
Systematic scoping review of automated systems for the surveillance of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections related to intravascular catheters
Authors: Lotfinejad Nasim , Januel Jean-Marie , Tschudin-Sutter Sarah , Schreiber Peter W , Grandbastien Bruno , Damonti Lauro , Lo Priore Elia , Scherrer Alexandra , Harbarth Stephan , Catho Gaud , Buetti Niccolò ,   Swissnoso Group
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Intravascular catheters are crucial devices in medical practice that increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and related health-economic adverse outcomes. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of published automated algorithms for surveillance of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI).

Methods

We performed a scoping review based on a systematic search of the literature in PubMed and EMBASE from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. Studies were included if they evaluated predictive performance of automated surveillance algorithms for CLABSI/CRBSI detection and used manually collected surveillance data as reference. We assessed the design of the automated systems, including the definitions used to develop algorithms (CLABSI versus CRBSI), the datasets and denominators used, and the algorithms evaluated in each of the studies.

Results

We screened 586 studies based on title and abstract, and 99 were assessed based on full text. Nine studies were included in the scoping review. Most studies were monocentric (n = 5), and they identified CLABSI (n = 7) as an outcome. The majority of the studies used administrative and microbiological data (n = 9) and five studies included the presence of a vascular central line in their automated system. Six studies explained the denominator they selected, five of which chose central line-days. The most common rules and steps used in the algorithms were categorized as hospital-acquired rules, infection rules (infection versus contamination), deduplication, episode grouping, secondary BSI rules (secondary versus primary BSI), and catheter-associated rules.

Conclusion

The automated surveillance systems that we identified were heterogeneous in terms of definitions, datasets and denominators used, with a combination of rules in each algorithm. Further guidelines and studies are needed to develop and implement algorithms to detect CLABSI/CRBSI, with standardized definitions, appropriate data sources and suitable denominators.
Effect of global postural reeducation on chronic low pain patients with lower cross syndrome
Authors: Kandil Enas Ahmed , Yamany Abeer Abd El Rhaman , Alsaka Samir Saad Daghash , Abd El-Azeim Alshaymaa Shabaan
Published: February 2024

Background

Today, low back pain is a serious global health issue. Currently, 85% of low back pain is caused by muscular imbalance and is a result of Lower cross syndrome (LCS), which are chronic postural defects. The physical therapy technique
known as Global Postural Re-education (GPR) was created in France and is based on the concept that muscle chains make up the entire muscular system.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of global postural re-education on low back pain patients with lower cross syndrome.

Design

Prospective pre and post-test, single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Outpatient physio therapy clinic at Damanhur teaching hospital.

Population

Fifty participants (25 to 40 years old) suffer from low back pain with lower cross syndrome.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to two equal groups: global posture re-education approach and conventional physiotherapy was given to study group "A" and conventional physiotherapy was given to control group "B" throughout the course
of 15 treatment sessions, twice sessions weekly. The patients' pre- and post-treatment progress was assessed using the clinometer digital smartphone application to measure anterior pelvic tilting, flexible ruler to measure lumbar lordosis, Modified Thomas test to measure hip flexor flexibility, Visual analogue scale (VAS) to measure pain and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire Arabic version to measure function disability.

Results

Comparing the study group and the control group after treatment showed that the study group had a significantly lower anterior pelvic tilting (P = 0.001), lower lumbar lordosis (p = 0,024), higher flexibility of hip flexor muscle (p = 0,001), lower VAS (p = 0,001) and improving in function disability (p = 0,001) compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Adding a Global postural re-education approach is thought to be effective in treating low back pain patients with lower cross syndrome.

Clinical Rehabilitation Impact

Global postural re-education approach decreases anterior pelvic tilting angle, lumbar lordotic angle, pain, and disability caused by low back pain and increase hip flexor flexibility.
Therapy for Stage IV Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer With Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2023.3
Authors: Jaiyesimi Ishmael A. , Leighl Natasha B. , Ismaila Nofisat , Alluri Krishna , Florez Narjust , Gadgeel Shirish , Masters Gregory , Schenk Erin L. , Schneider Bryan J. , Sequist Lecia , Singh Navneet , Bazhenova Lyudmila , Blanchard Elizabeth , Freeman-Daily Janet , Furuya Naoki , Halmos Balazs , Azar Ibrahim Hanna , Kuruvilla Sara , Mullane Michael , Naidoo Jarushka , Reuss Joshua E. , Spigel David R. , Owen Dwight H. , Patel Jyoti D.
Published: February 2024

Living guidelines are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in recommended clinical practice. Living guidelines are updated on a regular schedule by a standing expert panel that systematically reviews the health literature on a continuous basis, as described in the ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual . ASCO Living Guidelines follow the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy Implementation for Clinical Practice Guidelines . Living Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating provider and do not account for individual variation among patients. See complete disclaimer in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 for more. Updates are published regularly and can be found at https://ascopubs.org/nsclc-da-living-guideline .

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations for patients with stage IV non–small cell lung cancer with driver alterations.

METHODS

This ASCO living guideline offers continually updated recommendations based on an ongoing systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with the latest time frame spanning February to October 2023. An Expert Panel of medical oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest include efficacy and safety. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

This guideline consolidates all previous updates and reflects the body of evidence informing this guideline topic. Eight new RCTs were identified in the latest search of the literature to date.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Evidence-based recommendations were updated to address first, second, and subsequent treatment options for patients based on targetable driver alterations. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/living-guidelines .
Therapy for Stage IV Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2023.3
Authors: Jaiyesimi Ishmael A. , Leighl Natasha B. , Ismaila Nofisat , Alluri Krishna , Florez Narjust , Gadgeel Shirish , Masters Gregory , Schenk Erin L. , Schneider Bryan J. , Sequist Lecia , Singh Navneet , Bazhenova Lyudmila , Blanchard Elizabeth , Freeman-Daily Janet , Furuya Naoki , Halmos Balazs , Azar Ibrahim Hanna , Kuruvilla Sara , Mullane Michael , Naidoo Jarushka , Reuss Joshua E. , Spigel David R. , Owen Dwight H. , Patel Jyoti D.
Published: February 2024

Living guidelines are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in recommended clinical practice. Living guidelines are updated on a regular schedule by a standing expert panel that systematically reviews the health literature on a continuous basis, as described in the ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual . ASCO Living Guidelines follow the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy Implementation for Clinical Practice Guidelines . Living Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating provider and do not account for individual variation among patients. See complete disclaimer in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 for more. Updates are published regularly and can be found at https://ascopubs.org/nsclc-non-da-living-guideline .

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations for patients with stage IV non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without driver alterations.

METHODS

This ASCO living guideline offers continually updated recommendations based on an ongoing systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with the latest time frame spanning February to October 2023. An Expert Panel of medical oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest include efficacy and safety. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

This guideline consolidates all previous updates and reflects the body of evidence informing this guideline topic. Ten new RCTs were identified in the latest search of the literature to date.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Evidence-based recommendations were updated to address first, second, and subsequent treatment options for patients without driver alterations. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/living-guidelines .
Plateau-Rayleigh instability of a viscous film on a soft fiber
Authors: Bharti  , Carlson Andreas , Chan Tak Shing , Salez Thomas
Published: February 2024

We theoretically study the Plateau-Rayleigh instability of a thin viscous film covering a fiber consisting of a rigid cylindrical core coated with a thin compressible elastic layer. We develop a soft-lubrication model, combining the capillary-driven flow in the viscous film to the elastic deformation of the soft coating, within the Winkler-foundation framework. We perform a linear-stability analysis and derive the dispersion relation. We find that the growth rate is larger when the soft coating is more compliant. As such, softness acts as a destabilising factor. In contrast, increasing the thickness of the soft coating reduces the growth rate, due to the dominating geometrical effect.
Partial- and full-tunneling processes across potential barriers
Authors: Flores Philip Caesar , Pablico Dean Alvin L. , Galapon Eric A.
Published: February 2024

We introduce the concept of partial-tunneling and full-tunneling processes to explain the seemingly contradictory non-zero and vanishing tunneling times often reported in the literature. Our analysis starts by considering the traversal time of a quantum particle through a potential barrier, including both above- and below-barrier traversals, using the theory of time-of-arrival operators. We then show that there are three traversal processes corresponding to non-tunneling, full tunneling, and partial tunneling. The distinction among the three depends on the support of the incident wave packet's energy distribution in relation to the shape of the barrier. Non-tunneling happens when the energy distribution of the quantum particle lies above the maximum of the potential barrier. Otherwise, full-tunneling process occurs when the energy distribution of the particle is below the minimum of the potential barrier. For this process, the obtained traversal time is interpreted as the tunneling time. Finally, the partial-tunneling process occurs when the energy distribution lies between the minimum and maximum of the potential barrier. This signifies that the quantum particle tunneled only through some portions of the potential barrier. We argue that the duration for a partial-tunneling process should not be interpreted as the tunneling time but instead as a partial traversal time to differentiate it from the full-tunneling process. We then show that a full-tunneling process is always instantaneous, while a partial-tunneling process takes a non-zero amount of time. We are then led to the hypothesis that experimentally measured non-zero and vanishing tunneling times correspond to partial- and full-tunneling processes, respectively.
HCR spectral imaging: 10-plex, quantitative, high-resolution RNA and protein imaging in highly autofluorescent samples
Authors: Schulte Samuel J. , Fornace Mark E. , Hall John K. , Shin Grace J. , Pierce Niles A.
Published: February 2024

Signal amplification based on the mechanism of hybridization chain reaction (HCR) provides a unified framework for multiplex, quantitative, high-resolution imaging of RNA and protein targets in highly autofluorescent samples. With conventional bandpass imaging, multiplexing is typically limited to four or five targets owing to the difficulty in separating signals generated by fluorophores with overlapping spectra. Spectral imaging has offered the conceptual promise of higher levels of multiplexing, but it has been challenging to realize this potential in highly autofluorescent samples, including whole-mount vertebrate embryos. Here, we demonstrate robust HCR spectral imaging with linear unmixing, enabling simultaneous imaging of ten RNA and/or protein targets in whole-mount zebrafish embryos and mouse brain sections. Further, we demonstrate that the amplified and unmixed signal in each of the ten channels is quantitative, enabling accurate and precise relative quantitation of RNA and/or protein targets with subcellular resolution, and RNA absolute quantitation with single-molecule resolution, in the anatomical context of highly autofluorescent samples.
Synergistic modelling of human disease
Authors: Hmeljak Julija , Hooper Kirsty M.
Published: February 2024

Summary: Increasingly complex research questions can be answered by using complimentary models of human disease. These systems can build a holistic representation of human disease and enable better translation to the clinic.
Cash and Conflict: Large-Scale Experimental Evidence from Niger
Authors: Premand Patrick , Rohner Dominic
Published: February 2024

Conflict undermines development, while adverse economic shocks, in turn, can increase conflict risk. Policy interventions such as cash transfers could attenuate conflict risk by raising poor households’ opportunity costs. However, cash transfers may also trigger looting, and expanding government programs may attract attacks to undermine state legitimacy. We study the net effect across these forces based on the large-scale randomization of a government-led cash transfer program and georeferenced conflict events. Cash transfers did not yield greater pacification but—if anything—triggered a short-term increase in conflict events (by 0.63 percentage points), substantially driven by terrorist attacks by foreign rebel groups. (JEL D72, D74, H53, I38, O15, O17)
OS ESTUDANTES SURDOS E O PROCESSO DE INCLUSÃO EM AMBIENTES DE APRENDIZAGEM NO ENSINO REGULAR
Authors: Vieira Josimar de Aparecido , Santos Juliete Michely Ribeiro dos , Silva Danielli da Costa
Published: February 2024

A identidade, a cultura e a língua natural de pessoas surdas ou com surdez estão sendo revistas no sentido de garantir direitos e deveres. Nesta direção, este estudo tem a finalidade de analisar relações interpessoais envolvendo estudantes surdos ou com surdez em ambientes de aprendizagem, apontando alternativas de ação que contribuam para a sua inclusão no ensino regular. Constituída como pesquisa descritiva, com dimensão exploratória, seguiu abordagem qualitativa, acompanhada por tratamento quantitativo. Foi realizada por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica, análise documental e de campo, do tipo estudo de caso, com a aplicação de um questionário, envolvendo doze sujeitos (professores, técnicos administrativos e gestores) que atuam numa escola localizada no município de Porto Grande, Amapá. Na sua constituição, consta: introdução, percurso metodológico, resultados e discussões e considerações finais. Os resultados indicam que a educação e inclusão de estudantes surdos ou com surdez devem ser promovidas de forma que permita o desenvolvimento de suas potencialidades dentro de suas limitações.
ADOÇÃO INTUITU PERSONAE:
Authors: Carvalho Laura de Freitas , Lobo Fabíola Albuquerque
Published: February 2024

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo discorrer acerca do instituto da adoção intuitu personae, situação na qual os pais biológicos ou, mais frequentemente, a mãe biológica, entrega seu filho aos cuidados de terceiro de forma direta, ou seja, sem que este esteja necessariamente inscrito e habilitado no Cadastro Nacional de Adoção e, consequentemente, burlando a ordem cronológica do referido cadastro, assim como em desacordo com as determinações do art. 50 do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. Como metodologia, iniciou-se uma revisão bibliográfica e documental sobre a temática. Assim, à míngua de regulamentação ou expressa vedação, pretende-se a análise desta modalidade de adoção à luz da Constituição Federal de 1988, do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (Lei nº 8.069/90), Lei Nacional de Adoção (Lei nº 12.010/09), da doutrina e jurisprudência pátrias, assim como dos princípios norteadores do Direito de Família brasileiro, notadamente o do melhor interesse da criança e do adolescente e da afetividade.
Palavras-chave: Adoção; Adoção intuitu personae; Cadastro Nacional de Adoção; Afetividade; Melhor interesse da criança.
ARGUIÇÃO DE FALSIDADE E A AÇÃO DECLARATÓRIA INCIDENTAL NO CÓDIGO DE PROCESSO CIVIL
Authors: Antônio Sagulo Borges de Aquino Álvaro
Published: February 2024

Analisa-se o regime do incidente de arguição de falsidade, que pode ser instaurado após a produção da prova documental. Dependendo de como seja instrumentalizada, no curso do processo, a arguição de falsidade poderá ter natureza de mero incidente ou de ação declaratória incidental. Como ação declaratória incidental, examina-se a possibilidade do seu cabimento, considerando que a Lei nº 13.105, de 16 de março de 2015, Código de Processo Civil vigente, deixou de prevê-la, expressamente, como o fazia o Código de Processo Civil de 1973, Lei nº 5.869, de 11 de janeiro de 1973, em seu artigo 325, que assim estabelecia: “contestando o réu o direito que constitui fundamento do pedido, o autor poderá requerer, no prazo de 10 (dez) dias, que sobre ele o juiz profira sentença incidente, se da declaração da existência ou da inexistência do direito depender, no todo ou em parte, o julgamento da lide (art. 5º). Para tanto, será necessário examinar a noção de questão prejudicial, bem como o conceito e a finalidade da ação declaratória incidental.
Palavras-chave: Ação declaratória incidental; Arguição de falsidade; Falsidade documental; Questão prejudicial.
MURRAY, Roseana & Amorim, William. Balaio de felicidades. Itapira: Estrela Cultural, 2023, p.1-42
Authors: Santana Rafael
Published: February 2024

Balaio: 1) termo originário da antiga Bretanha, cuja etimologia aponta, em princípio,para o conceito de vassoura; 2) cesto composto por folhas de palmeira ou de dendezeiro,bastante popular entre algumas tribos indígenas seja da Bolívia, seja do Brasil; 3) recipientepor meio do qual se costuma presentear a ancestralidade, muito especialmente naquilo quetange à ritualística dos cultos de matriz africana.
Encontros com professoras-pesquisadoras: educação, práxis e discurso
Authors: Moraes D'Olivo Fernanda , Maciel Carlos Leite Milene
Published: February 2024

Colaça, Joyce; De Farias, Michel; Costa, Thais; Encontros com professoras-pesquisadoras: educação, práxis e discurso. Campinas, SP: Unicamp/Publicações IEL, 2023, 245 p.
Reward longevity to retain and attract childcare staff
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: February 2024

Derren Hayes editor, Children & Young People Now derren.hayes@markallengroup.com
Practice example: Social landlord offers youth job training
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: February 2024

IN SUMMARY

Housing provider employs dedicated employment advisers to support young residents, care leavers and vulnerable young adults into work through in-house and external apprenticeship programmes
Children's services leadership
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: February 2024

Strong leadership is key to ensuring children and families receive high-quality support – as reflected in children's services inspections. Jo Stephenson assesses trends and key ingredients for a good leader
Call to action on care
Authors: Downie Jen , Bury James
Published: February 2024

Jen Downie and James Bury set out changes care-experienced young people need from policymakers
Neonatal Orthoptic Screening Battery (NOSB): Four-decade Experience of Orthoptic Best Practice
Authors: Flora Mondelli , Rita Barone , Andrea Buscemi , Marinella Coco
Published: February 2024

The present study describes the neonatal orthoptic screening battery (NOSB), a comprehensive orthoptic screening, based on four decades of application, aimed at early identification of signs and symptoms of ocular pathology or functional disorders. The NOSB allows for verifying the integrity of ocular components and early detection of functional alterations in ocular movements that could lead to the development of amblyopia or strabismus. The NOSB is the result of 45 years of screening activity in a primary health center assured by the National Health System in the city of Ragusa – Italy. It aims to examine and assess the neonate within the first 3 days of extrauterine life to identify visual system issues as early as possible. The NOSB may be conducted by Orthoptists, healthcare professionals specializing in neonatal and pediatric visual prevention. The Neonatal Orthoptic Screening battery (NOSB) here reported is proposed as a standard suitable for widespread adoption to be considered a "Best Practice".