bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endometrial stem cells alleviate cisplatin-induced ferroptosis of granulosa cells by regulating Nrf2 expression
Authors: Pan Rumeng , Wang Rongli , Cheng Feiyan , Wang Lihui , Cui Zhiwei , She Jing , Yang Xinyuan
Published: April 2024

Background

Premature ovarian failure (POF) caused by cisplatin is a severe and intractable sequela for young women with cancer who received chemotherapy. Cisplatin causes the dysfunction of granulosa cells and mainly leads to but is not limited to its apoptosis and autophagy. Ferroptosis has been also reported to participate, while little is known about it. Our previous experiment has demonstrated that endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) can repair cisplatin-injured granulosa cells. However, it is still unclear whether EnSCs can play a repair role by acting on ferroptosis.

Methods

Western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were applied to detect the expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes. CCK-8 and 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell viability. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to detect ferroptosis in morphology. And the extent of ferroptosis was assessed by ROS, GPx, GSSG and MDA indicators. In vivo, ovarian morphology was presented by HE staining and the protein expression in ovarian tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Our results showed that ferroptosis could occur in cisplatin-injured granulosa cells. Ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and EnSCs partly restored cell viability and mitigated the damage of cisplatin to granulosa cells by inhibiting ferroptosis. Moreover, the repair potential of EnSCs can be markedly blocked by ML385.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that cisplatin could induce ferroptosis in granulosa cells, while EnSCs could inhibit ferroptosis and thus exert repair effects on the cisplatin-induced injury model both in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, Nrf2 was validated to participate in this regulatory process and played an essential role.
Gender and non-communicable diseases in Mexico: a political mapping and stakeholder analysis
Authors: Orozco-Núñez Emanuel , Ojeda-Arroyo Enai , Cerecer-Ortiz Nadia , Guerrero-López Carlos M. , Ramírez-Pérez Beatriz M. , Heredia-Pi Ileana , Allen-Leigh Betania , Feeny Emma , Serván-Mori Edson
Published: April 2024

Background

Mexico and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) present a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with gender-differentiated risk factors and access to prevention, diagnosis and care. However, the political agenda in LMICs as it relates to health and gender is primarily focused on sexual and reproductive health rights and preventing violence against women. This research article analyses public policies related to gender and NCDs, identifying political challenges in the current response to women’s health needs, and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care in Mexico.

Methods

We carried out a political mapping and stakeholder analysis during July–October of 2022, based on structured desk research and interviews with eighteen key stakeholders related to healthcare, gender and NCDs in Mexico. We used the PolicyMaker V5 software to identify obstacles and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care, from the perspective of the political stakeholders interviewed.

Results

We found as a political obstacle that policies and stakeholders addressing NCDs do not take a gender perspective, while policies and stakeholders addressing gender equality do not adequately consider NCDs. The gendered social and economic aspects of the NCD burden are not widely understood, and the multi-sectoral approach needed to address these aspects is lacking. Economic obstacles show that budget cuts exacerbated by the pandemic are a significant obstacle to social protection mechanisms to support those caring for people living with NCDs.

Conclusions

Moving towards an effective, equity-promoting health and social protection system requires the government to adopt an intersectoral, gender-based approach to the prevention and control of NCDs and the burden of NCD care. Despite significant resource constraints, policy innovation may be possible given the willingness among some stakeholders to collaborate, particularly in the labour and legal sectors. However, care will be needed to ensure the implementation of new policies has a positive impact on both gender equity and health outcomes. Research on successful approaches in other contexts can help to identify relevant learnings for Mexico.
Comparison of current relative value unit-based prices and utility between common surgical procedures, including orthopedic surgeries, in South Korea
Authors: Choi Yoon Hyo , Kwon Tae Hun , Chung Chin Youb , Jeong Naun , Lee Kyoung Min
Published: April 2024

Background

The medical pricing system strongly influences physicians’ job satisfaction and patient health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the current relative value unit (RVU)-based pricing and utility of patients in commonly performed surgical procedures in South Korea.

Methods

Fifteen common surgical procedures were selected from OECD statistics, and three additional orthopedic procedures were examined. The current pricing of each surgical procedure was retrieved from the Korea National Health Insurance Service, and the corresponding utilities were obtained as quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains from previous studies. The relationship between the current prices (RVUs) and the patients’ utility (incremental QALY gains/year) was analyzed. Subgroup analysis was performed between fatal and non-fatal procedures and between orthopedic and non-orthopedic procedures.

Results

A significant negative correlation (r = − 0.558, p < 0.001) was observed between RVU and incremental QALY among all 18 procedures. The fatal subgroup had a significantly higher RVU than the non-fatal subgroup (p < 0.05), while the former had a significantly lower incremental QALY than the latter (p < 0.001). Orthopedic procedures showed higher incremental QALY values than non-orthopedic procedures, but they did not show higher prices (RVU).

Conclusions

This paradoxical relationship between current prices and patient utility is attributed to the higher pricing of surgical procedures for fatal and urgent conditions. Orthopedic surgery has been found to be a cost-effective treatment strategy. These findings could contribute to a better understanding of the potential role of incremental QALY in pursuing value-based purchasing or reasonable modification of the current medical fee schedule.
CDK7 in breast cancer: mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential
Authors: Gong Ying , Li Huiping
Published: April 2024

Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) serves as a pivotal regulator in orchestrating cellular cycle dynamics and gene transcriptional activity. Elevated expression levels of CDK7 have been ubiquitously documented across a spectrum of malignancies and have been concomitantly correlated with adverse clinical outcomes. This review delineates the biological roles of CDK7 and explicates the molecular pathways through which CDK7 exacerbates the oncogenic progression of breast cancer. Furthermore, we synthesize the extant literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancement of CDK7-specific small-molecule inhibitors, encapsulating both preclinical and clinical findings in breast cancer contexts. The accumulated evidence substantiates the conceptualization of CDK7 as a propitious therapeutic target in breast cancer management.
Endomucin selectively regulates vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 endocytosis through its interaction with AP2
Authors: Cano Issahy , Wild Melissa , Gupta Urvi , Chaudhary Suman , Ng Yin Shan Eric , Saint-Geniez Magali , D’Amore Patricia A. , Hu Zhengping
Published: April 2024

The endothelial glycocalyx, located at the luminal surface of the endothelium, plays an important role in the regulation of leukocyte adhesion, vascular permeability, and vascular homeostasis. Endomucin (EMCN), a component of the endothelial glycocalyx, is a mucin-like transmembrane glycoprotein selectively expressed by venous and capillary endothelium. We have previously shown that knockdown of EMCN impairs retinal vascular development in vivo and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 isoform (VEGF165)-induced cell migration, proliferation, and tube formation by human retinal endothelial cells in vitro and that EMCN is essential for VEGF165-stimulated clathrin-mediated endocytosis and signaling of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is an essential step in receptor signaling and is of paramount importance for a number of receptors for growth factors involved in angiogenesis. In this study, we further investigated the molecular mechanism underlying EMCN’s involvement in the regulation of VEGF-induced endocytosis. In addition, we examined the specificity of EMCN's role in angiogenesis-related cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase endocytosis and signaling. We identified that EMCN interacts with AP2 complex, which is essential for clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Lack of EMCN did not affect clathrin recruitment to the AP2 complex following VEGF stimulation, but it is necessary for the interaction between VEGFR2 and the AP2 complex during endocytosis. EMCN does not inhibit VEGFR1 and FGFR1 internalization or their downstream activities since EMCN interacts with VEGFR2 but not VEGFR1 or FGFR1. Additionally, EMCN also regulates VEGF121-induced VEGFR2 phosphorylation and internalization.

Graphical Abstract
Job description and perception of clinical research personnel working in a network of French intensive care units
Authors: Adda Mireille , Dupuis Claire , Gouby Gérald , Dubray Claude , Reignier Jean , Souweine Bertrand , Dualé Christian
Published: April 2024

Background

There is a lack of information about the organisation and management of clinical research personnel in Europe and of their professional activity in intensive care. We therefore conducted a cross-sectional survey among personnel currently working in a French intensive care research network that involves 41 centres nationwide. The aim of the survey was to describe the personnel’s personal and institutional organisation and management, their job perception in terms of satisfaction and stress, and suggestions for improvement.

Methods

Over 3 months in 2023, the research personnel received an electronic questionnaire on their personal and professional profile, past and present training, workplace and functions currently performed, personal knowledge about job skills required, job satisfaction and stress by as measured on a rating scale, and suggested ways of improvement.

Results

Ninety seven people replied to the questionnaire (a response rate of 71.3%), of whom 78 (57.3%) were sufficiently involved in intensive care to provide complete answers. This core sample had profiles in line with French recruitment policies and comprised mainly Bachelor/Master graduates, with nurses accounting for only 21.8%. The female to male ratio was 77:23%. Many responders declared to have a shared activity of technician (for investigation) and assistant (for quality control). More than 70% of the responders considered that most of the tasks required of each worker were major. Figures were much lower for project managers, who were few to take part in the survey. On a scale of 10, the median of job satisfaction was 7 for personal work organisation, 6 for training and for institutional organisation, and only 5 for personal career management. The median of job stress was 5 and was inversely correlated with satisfaction with career management. Respect of autonomy, work-sharing activity between investigation and quality control, a better career progression, financial reward for demanding tasks, and participation in unit staff meetings were the main suggestions to improve employee satisfaction.

Conclusion

This nationwide survey provides a new insight into the activity of French clinical research personnel and points to ways to improve the quality and efficiency of this workforce.
Vitamin D as an intervention for improving quadriceps muscle strength in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: study protocol for a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ong Michael Tim-yun , Lu Xiaomin , Choi Ben Chi-yin , Wan Siu-Wai , Wang Qianwen , Man Gene Chi-wai , Lui Pauline Po-yee , Fong Daniel Tik-Pui , Mok Daniel Kam-wah , Yung Patrick Shu-hang
Published: April 2024

Background

The goal of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is to restore the preinjury level of knee function to return to play (RTP). However, even after completing the rehabilitation programme, some patients may have persistent quadriceps muscle weakness affecting knee function which ultimately leads to a failure in returning to play. Vitamin D has been long recognized for its musculoskeletal effects. Vitamin D deficiency may impair muscle strength recovery after ACLR. Correcting vitamin D levels may improve muscle strength.

Methods

This is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation during the post-operative period on quadriceps muscle strength in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injured patients. Patients aged 18–50 with serum vitamin D < 20 ng/ml, unilateral ACL injury, > 90% deficit in total quadriceps muscle volume on the involved leg compared with uninvolved leg, Tegner score 7 + , and no previous knee injury/surgery will be recruited. To assess patient improvement, we will perform isokinetic and isometric muscle assessments, ultrasound imaging for quadriceps thickness, self-reported outcomes, KT-1000 for knee laxity, biomechanical analysis, and Xtreme CT for bone mineral density. To investigate the effect of vitamin D status on quadriceps strength, blood serum samples will be taken before and after intervention.

Discussion

Patients with low vitamin D levels had greater quadriceps fibre cross-sectional area loss and impaired muscle strength recovery after ACL. The proposed study will provide scientific support for using vitamin D supplementation to improve quadriceps strength recovery after ACLR.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05174611. Registered on 28 November 2021.
Biophysical models applied to dementia patients reveal links between geographical origin, gender, disease duration, and loss of neural inhibition
Authors: Moguilner Sebastian , Herzog Rubén , Perl Yonatan Sanz , Medel Vicente , Cruzat Josefina , Coronel Carlos , Kringelbach Morten , Deco Gustavo , Ibáñez Agustín , Tagliazucchi Enzo
Published: April 2024

Background

The hypothesis of decreased neural inhibition in dementia has been sparsely studied in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data across patients with different dementia subtypes, and the role of social and demographic heterogeneities on this hypothesis remains to be addressed.

Methods

We inferred regional inhibition by fitting a biophysical whole-brain model (dynamic mean field model with realistic inter-areal connectivity) to fMRI data from 414 participants, including patients with Alzheimer’s disease, behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, and controls. We then investigated the effect of disease condition, and demographic and clinical variables on the local inhibitory feedback, a variable related to the maintenance of balanced neural excitation/inhibition.

Results

Decreased local inhibitory feedback was inferred from the biophysical modeling results in dementia patients, specific to brain areas presenting neurodegeneration. This loss of local inhibition correlated positively with years with disease, and showed differences regarding the gender and geographical origin of the patients. The model correctly reproduced known disease-related changes in functional connectivity.

Conclusions

Results suggest a critical link between abnormal neural and circuit-level excitability levels, the loss of grey matter observed in dementia, and the reorganization of functional connectivity, while highlighting the sensitivity of the underlying biophysical mechanism to demographic and clinical heterogeneities in the patient population.
Dilated cardiomyopathy due to hypocalcaemia: a case report
Authors: Rupasinghe Nilushka , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Wanninayake Leonard
Published: April 2024

Background

Hypocalcaemia is a rare, but reversible, cause of dilated cardiomyopathy causing heart failure. Several case reports have been reported on reversible cardiomyopathy secondary to hypocalcaemia.

Case presentation

We report a case of 54-year-old female Sri Lankan patient who presented with shortness of breath and was diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction due to dilated cardiomyopathy. The etiology for dilated cardiomyopathy was identified as hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy, secondary to primary hypoparathyroidism, which was successfully treated with calcium and vitamin D replacement therapy.

Conclusion

This adds to literature of this rare cause of reversible cardiomyopathy secondary to hypocalcemia reported from the South Asian region of the world. This case highlights the impact of proper treatment improving the heart failure in patients with hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy.
Supervised Attention Multi-Scale Temporal Convolutional Network for monaural speech enhancement
Authors: Zhang Zehua , Zhang Lu , Zhuang Xuyi , Qian Yukun , Wang Mingjiang
Published: April 2024

Speech signals are often distorted by reverberation and noise, with a widely distributed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). To address this, our study develops robust, deep neural network (DNN)-based speech enhancement methods. We reproduce several DNN-based monaural speech enhancement methods and outline a strategy for constructing datasets. This strategy, validated through experimental reproductions, has effectively enhanced the denoising efficiency and robustness of the models. Then, we propose a causal speech enhancement system named Supervised Attention Multi-Scale Temporal Convolutional Network (SA-MSTCN). SA-MSTCN extracts the complex compressed spectrum (CCS) for input encoding and employs complex ratio masking (CRM) for output decoding. The supervised attention module, a lightweight addition to SA-MSTCN, guides feature extraction. Experiment results show that the supervised attention module effectively improves noise reduction performance with a minor increase in computational cost. The multi-scale temporal convolutional network refines the perceptual field and better reconstructs the speech signal. Overall, SA-MSTCN not only achieves state-of-the-art speech quality and intelligibility compared to other methods but also maintains stable denoising performance across various environments.
Palliative care needs of people and/or their families with serious and/or chronic health conditions in low- or middle-income country (LMIC) humanitarian settings—a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: McGannan Michelle , Grant Liz , Fearon David , Dozier Marshall , Barber-Fleming Victoria
Published: April 2024

Background

Palliative care in low- or middle-income country (LMIC) humanitarian settings is a new area, experiencing a degree of increased momentum over recent years. The review contributes to this growing body of knowledge, in addition to identifying gaps for future research. The overall aim is to systematically explore the evidence on palliative care needs of patients and/or their families in LMIC humanitarian settings.

Methods

Arksey and O’Malley’s (Int J Soc Res Methodol. 8:19-32, 2005) scoping review framework forms the basis of the study design, following further guidance from Levac et al. (Implement Sci 5:1-9, 2010), the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Peters et al. (JBI Reviewer’s Manual JBI: 406-452, 2020), and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) from Tricco et al. (Ann Intern Med 169:467-73, 2018). This incorporates a five-step approach and the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework. Using already identified key words/terms, searches for both published research and gray literature from January 2012 to October 2022 will be undertaken using databases (likely to include Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, Scopus, Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Web of Science, Policy Commons, JSTOR, Library Network International Monetary Fund and World Bank, Google Advanced Search, and Google Scholar) in addition to selected pre-print sites and websites. Data selection will be undertaken based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and will be reviewed at each stage by two reviewers, with a third to resolve any differences. Extracted data will be charted in a table. Ethical approval is not required for this review.

Discussion

Findings will be presented in tables and diagrams/charts, followed by a narrative description. The review will run from late October 2022 to early 2023. This is the first systematic scoping review specifically exploring the palliative care needs of patients and/or their family, in LMIC humanitarian settings. The paper from the review findings will be submitted for publication in 2023.
Exemplar Hospital initiation trial to Enhance Treatment Engagement (EXHIT ENTRE): protocol for CTN-0098B a randomized implementation study to support hospitals in caring for patients with opioid use disorder
Authors: Bart Gavin , Korthuis P. Todd , Donohue Julie M. , Hagedorn Hildi J. , Gustafson Dave H. , Bazzi Angela R. , Enns Eva , McNeely Jennifer , Ghitza Udi E. , Magane Kara M. , Baukol Paulette , Vena Ashley , Harris Jacklyn , Voronca Delia , Saitz Richard
Published: April 2024

Background

Hospitalizations involving opioid use disorder (OUD) are increasing. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce mortality and acute care utilization. Hospitalization is a reachable moment for initiating MOUD and arranging for ongoing MOUD engagement following hospital discharge. Despite existing quality metrics for MOUD initiation and engagement, few hospitals provide hospital based opioid treatment (HBOT). This protocol describes a cluster-randomized hybrid type-2 implementation study comparing low-intensity and high-intensity implementation support strategies to help community hospitals implement HBOT.

Methods

Four state implementation hubs with expertise in initiating HBOT programs will provide implementation support to 24 community hospitals (6 hospitals/hub) interested in starting HBOT. Community hospitals will be randomized to 24-months of either a low-intensity intervention (distribution of an HBOT best-practice manual, a lecture series based on the manual, referral to publicly available resources, and on-demand technical assistance) or a high-intensity intervention (the low-intensity intervention plus funding for a hospital HBOT champion and regular practice facilitation sessions with an expert hub). The primary efficacy outcome, adapted from the National Committee on Quality Assurance, is the proportion of patients engaged in MOUD 34-days following hospital discharge. Secondary and exploratory outcomes include acute care utilization, non-fatal overdose, death, MOUD engagement at various time points, hospital length of stay, and discharges against medical advice. Primary, secondary, and exploratory outcomes will be derived from state Medicaid data. Implementation outcomes, barriers, and facilitators are assessed via longitudinal surveys, qualitative interviews, practice facilitation contact logs, and HBOT sustainability metrics. We hypothesize that the proportion of patients receiving care at hospitals randomized to the high-intensity arm will have greater MOUD engagement following hospital discharge.

Discussion

Initiation of MOUD during hospitalization improves MOUD engagement post hospitalization. Few studies, however, have tested different implementation strategies on HBOT uptake, outcome, and sustainability and only one to date has tested implementation of a specific type of HBOT (addiction consultation services). This cluster-randomized study comparing different intensities of HBOT implementation support will inform hospitals and policymakers in identifying effective strategies for promoting HBOT dissemination and adoption in community hospitals.

Trial registration

NCT04921787.
Evaluation of commonly used reinforcement materials for color paintings on ancient wooden architecture in China
Authors: Han Kezhu , Teri Gele , Cheng Cong , Tian Yuxiao , Huang Dan , Ge Mantang , Fu Peng , Luo Yujia , Li Yuhu
Published: April 2024

Over recent decades, various heritage institutions have utilized a multitude of materials to reinforce the painted layers of ancient Chinese wooden architecture. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the properties and durability of four widely used reinforcement agents, i.e., AC33, B72, FKM, and FEVE, using a series of techniques, including contact angle tests, water vapor permeability measurements, color difference evaluations, tensile strength tests, UV–vis spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrate that the transmittance rates of the films made from these four reinforcement agents are approximately 100% in the visible light range. Among them, the B72 film exhibits the highest hydrophobicity. The AC33 film has better permeability, fair tensile strength, and is more hydrophilic. FKM film is more hydrophobic but has lower permeability and tensile strength. Overall, the FEVE film presents the best comprehensive properties, including better hydrophobicity, higher permeability, and tensile strength. This research provides data evidence to guide heritage conservators and curators in decision-making when selecting appropriate reinforcement materials in practice.
A CT-based radiomics nomogram for predicting histologic grade and outcome in chondrosarcoma
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Shi Xianglong , Wang Yanmei , Pang Jing , Zhao Xia , Xu Yuchao , Li Qiyuan , Wang Ning , Duan Feng , Nie Pei
Published: April 2024

Objective

The preoperative identification of tumor grade in chondrosarcoma (CS) is crucial for devising effective treatment strategies and predicting outcomes. The study aims to build and validate a CT-based radiomics nomogram (RN) for the preoperative identification of tumor grade in CS, and to evaluate the correlation between the RN-predicted tumor grade and postoperative outcome.

Methods

A total of 196 patients (139 in the training cohort and 57 in the external validation cohort) were derived from three different centers. A clinical model, radiomics signature (RS) and RN (which combines significant clinical factors and RS) were developed and validated to assess their ability to distinguish low-grade from high-grade CS with area under the curve (AUC). Additionally, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to examine the association between RN-predicted tumor grade and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of CS. The predictive accuracy of the RN was evaluated using Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), hazard ratio (HR) and AUC.

Results

Size, endosteal scalloping and active periostitis were selected to build the clinical model. Three radiomics features, based on CT images, were selected to construct the RS. Both the RN (AUC, 0.842) and RS (AUC, 0.835) were superior to the clinical model (AUC, 0.776) in the validation set (P = 0.003, 0.040, respectively). A correlation between Nomogram score (Nomo-score, derived from RN) and RFS was observed through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in the training and test cohorts (log-rank P < 0.050). Patients with high Nomo-score tumors were 2.669 times more likely to suffer recurrence than those with low Nomo-score tumors (HR, 2.669, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The CT-based RN performed well in predicting both the histologic grade and outcome of CS.
Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE): how valuable and how hard? An evaluation of ALL_EARS@UoS PPIE group, 18 months on
Authors: Hough Kate , Grasmeder Mary , Parsons Heather , Jones William B , Smith Sarah , Satchwell Chris , Hobday Ian , Taylor Sarah , Newman Tracey
Published: April 2024

Background

ALL_EARS@UoS is a patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group for people with lived experience of hearing loss. The purpose of the group is to share experiences of hearing loss and hearing healthcare, inform research and improve services for patients at University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service. A year after inception, we wanted to critically reflect on the value and challenges of the group. Four members of ALL_EARS@UoS were recruited to an evaluation steering group. This paper reports the evaluation of the group using the UK Standards for Public Involvement.

Methods

An anonymous, mixed-methods questionnaire was co-designed and shared with members of ALL_EARS@UoS using an online platform. The questionnaire was designed to capture satisfaction, individual feedback through free-text answers, and demographic information. Descriptive statistics have been used to express the satisfaction and demographic data. Reflexive thematic analysis has been used to analyse the free-text responses. Group engagement and activity data over time were monitored and collected.

Results

The questionnaire response rate was 61% (11/18). Areas identified as strengths were ‘Communication’ and ‘Working together’. Five themes were developed from the thematic analysis; (1) Increased knowledge and awareness around the topic of hearing health for group members and wider society, (2) supporting research, (3) inclusivity within the group, (4) opportunity to make a difference for people in the future and (5) running of the group/group organisation. The data highlighted the value and challenges of PPIE. Members described feeling listened to and appreciation of being able to share experiences. Time of day and meeting format were identified as challenges as they affected who could attend the meetings. The ability to secure and maintain sufficient funding and time to support inclusive and diverse PPIE activities is a challenge for researchers.

Conclusions

We have identified how PPIE added value to both group members and researchers, emphasising the true benefit of PPIE. We have highlighted challenges we are facing and our plan to tackle these. We aim to continue to develop and sustain a group that reflects the diversity of the Deaf/deaf or hard of hearing community and of our local community.
Cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction as a result of Panitumumab
Authors: Senechal Isabelle , Vogiatzakis Nikolaos , Andres Maria Sol , Tong Jieli , Ramalingam Sivatharshini , Rosen Stuart D , Lyon Alexander R , Nazir Muhummad Sohaib
Published: April 2024

Panitumumab is a human immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody designed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which is used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer alone or in combination with chemotherapy. In this report, we present a case of new onset heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in a patient following panitumumab therapy. A 73-year-old gentleman with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma presented to his local hospital with increased shortness of breath, two months after his first and only dose of panitumumab. A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated dilated left ventricle with global hypokinesis and an estimated left ventricular ejection fraction of 25%. Our patient underwent a comprehensive diagnostic assessment at his presentation, including ECG, transthoracic echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), invasive coronary angiogram and 18F-FDG PET-CT. These investigations revealed no evidence of ischemic events or inflammatory processes that could account for the severe left ventricular dysfunction. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction linked to panitumumab with subsequent deep phenotyping. The current guidelines do not recommend specific cardiovascular monitoring protocols for patients receiving anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Until more data are available, it would be prudent to implement the same cardiovascular surveillance measures outlined for individuals receiving osimertinib, which is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Online and offline dating violence: same same, but different?
Authors: Jaureguizar Joana , Dosil-Santamaria Maria , Redondo Iratxe , Wachs Sebastian , Machimbarrena Juan M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Violent behaviors in romantic relationships among adolescents and young people are pressing social matter as they have an effect on both victims and aggressors. Moreover, in the last decades, new forms of harassment, control, and abuse through social networks and mobile phones have arisen. Therefore, now forms of online and offline dating violence coexist.

Objectives

The aim was to analyze the prevalence rates by sex and age and the co-occurrence of online and offline dating violence. Moreover, the roles of online and offline dating violence aggressors and victims for their self-esteem, hostility, general psychological state, and emotional intelligence were investigated.

Method

Three hundred forty-one university students from the Basque Country, Spain, participated in the study. They completed six validated instruments related to the mentioned variables.

Results

Results highlight the high prevalence of online and offline dating violence in the sample and the co-occurrence of both types. No gender nor sex differences were found for online and offline dating violence perpetration and victimization. The correlation between online and offline dating violence was confirmed, and the reciprocity of violence is greater for offline violence. In relation to the role, both types of victims (online and offline) showed higher levels of hostility and psychological symptomatology than non-victims, but differences in self-esteem and emotional regulation were found in these modalities. Online and offline perpetrators shared hostility and some psychological symptoms as characteristics compared to non-victims, but differed in other symptoms and emotional intelligence.

Conclusion

There is a continuum between offline and online victimization perpetration albeit differences in the characteristics such as self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and general functioning exist.
Feedback sources in essay writing: peer-generated or AI-generated feedback?
Authors: Banihashem Seyyed Kazem , Kerman Nafiseh Taghizadeh , Noroozi Omid , Moon Jewoong , Drachsler Hendrik
Published: April 2024

Peer feedback is introduced as an effective learning strategy, especially in large-size classes where teachers face high workloads. However, for complex tasks such as writing an argumentative essay, without support peers may not provide high-quality feedback since it requires a high level of cognitive processing, critical thinking skills, and a deep understanding of the subject. With the promising developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly after the emergence of ChatGPT, there is a global argument that whether AI tools can be seen as a new source of feedback or not for complex tasks. The answer to this question is not completely clear yet as there are limited studies and our understanding remains constrained. In this study, we used ChatGPT as a source of feedback for students’ argumentative essay writing tasks and we compared the quality of ChatGPT-generated feedback with peer feedback. The participant pool consisted of 74 graduate students from a Dutch university. The study unfolded in two phases: firstly, students’ essay data were collected as they composed essays on one of the given topics; subsequently, peer feedback and ChatGPT-generated feedback data were collected through engaging peers in a feedback process and using ChatGPT as a feedback source. Two coding schemes including coding schemes for essay analysis and coding schemes for feedback analysis were used to measure the quality of essays and feedback. Then, a MANOVA analysis was employed to determine any distinctions between the feedback generated by peers and ChatGPT. Additionally, Spearman’s correlation was utilized to explore potential links between the essay quality and the feedback generated by peers and ChatGPT. The results showed a significant difference between feedback generated by ChatGPT and peers. While ChatGPT provided more descriptive feedback including information about how the essay is written, peers provided feedback including information about identification of the problem in the essay. The overarching look at the results suggests a potential complementary role for ChatGPT and students in the feedback process. Regarding the relationship between the quality of essays and the quality of the feedback provided by ChatGPT and peers, we found no overall significant relationship. These findings imply that the quality of the essays does not impact both ChatGPT and peer feedback quality. The implications of this study are valuable, shedding light on the prospective use of ChatGPT as a feedback source, particularly for complex tasks like argumentative essay writing. We discussed the findings and delved into the implications for future research and practical applications in educational contexts.
Serrated plastic flow in deforming complex concentrated alloys: universal signatures of dislocation avalanches
Authors: Karimi Kamran , Esfandiarpour Amin , Papanikolaou Stefanos
Published: April 2024

Under plastic flow, multi-element high/medium-entropy alloys (HEAs/MEAs) commonly exhibit complex intermittent and collective dislocation dynamics owing to inherent lattice distortion and atomic-level chemical complexities. Using atomistic simulations, we report on an avalanche study of model face-centered cubic (fcc) NiCoCrFeMn and NiCoCr chemically complex alloys aiming for microstructural/topological characterization of associated dislocation avalanches. The results of our avalanche simulations reveal a close correspondence between the observed serration features in the stress response of the deforming HEA/MEA and the incurred slip patterns within the bulk crystal. We show that such correlations become quite pronounced within the rate-independent (quasi-static) regime exhibiting scale-free statistics and critical scaling features as universal signatures of dislocation avalanches.
Determination of IL-23 receptor expression and gene polymorphism (rs1884444) in Iranian patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Mellati Atiyeh , Soltani Samaneh , Kazemi Tohid , Ahmadzadeh Nooshin , Akhtari Maryam , Madreseh Elham , Jamshidi Ahmadreza , Farhadi Elham , Mahmoudi Mahdi
Published: April 2024

Background

Through investigating genetic variations, it has been demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-23 receptor (IL23R) gene have a critical role in the pathophysiology of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Here, we investigated whether the IL23R variant (rs1884444) is associated with AS in the Iranian population.

Methods and material

In this research, we analyzed rs1884444 in a group of 425 patients with AS and 400 matched controls. For DNA extraction, the phenol/chloroform technique was utilized. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from the whole blood of 39 patients and 43 healthy controls and total RNA was extracted. Genotyping was performed by amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS)–PCR method. Afterward, the expression level of IL23R was analyzed by the real-time quantitative (Q)-PCR method.

Results

We observed no significant association between the distribution of alleles and genotypes of rs1884444 and susceptibility to AS. In addition, the expression level of IL23R did not differ between PBMCs from AS patients compared to the control group (P = 0.167). Furthermore, the relative expression level of IL23R was positively correlated with the BASDAI (P < 0.01) and BASFI (P < 0.05) scores of the patients.

Conclusion

It appears that IL23R polymorphism (rs1884444) and the level of gene expression might not contribute to the susceptibility to AS in the Iranian population. The correlation of IL23R expression with the level of BASDAI and BASFI scores in patients may be due to the role of the IL-23/IL-23R signaling cascade in inflammation and exert a critical role in the development of AS.
Progress in polymer nonwoven textile materials in electromagnetic interference shielding applications
Authors: Orasugh Jonathan Tersur , Botlhoko Orebotse Joseph , Temane Lesego Tabea , Ray Suprakas Sinha
Published: April 2024

Multifunctional flexible conductive materials have generated significant interest in developing future portable electronic systems, including wearable electronics, implantable devices, and many more. Producing wearable electronics materials that are dependable in all-weather situations and provide high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding remains challenging. "electromagnetic textile materials" refers to these wearable EMI shielding garments. One key material that can address the EMI problem facing systems such as wearable/flexible circuit working environments and human health is conductive polymeric nonwoven (NW) textile materials. In this review, our focus is primarily limited to the polymeric NW textile and their composites family as effective EMI shielding materials. The study provides the fundamentals of NW-based EMI shielding mechanisms, mechanisms to mitigate EM reflection, and fabrication techniques of EMI shielding NW materials. Also, the standard for future researchers to select the ideal material combination for effectively mitigating EMI waves as shields/filters is presented. Review articles exist on EMI shielding textiles in general, but no single article is dedicated to NW textile-based EMI shields. Again, no review article exists presenting the approaches employed towards mitigating EM wave reflection in NW -based EMI shield design and fabrication. In addition, the challenges encountered with the fabrication and/or application of NW-based EMI shielding materials are presented in this paper. The question of why NW selection is the primary structure for EMI shield fabrication is presented herewith for the first time in this article.
Guillain-barré syndrome (GBS) with antecedent chikungunya infection: a case report and literature review
Authors: V. Sreelakshmi , Pattanaik Amrita , Marate Srilatha , Mani Reeta S , Pai Aparna R. , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay
Published: April 2024

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune neuropathy. Antecedent infections have been seen to be significant triggering factors for developing GBS. Among them, arboviral infections are rapidly gaining importance as significant triggers, especially in the areas where they are endemic. Chikungunya, an arboviral infection that usually causes a self-limiting acute febrile illness can lead to GBS as one its severe complications. Herein, we describe a case of a 21-year-old female who presented with weakness in all four limbs and paresthesia. Nerve conduction study and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed axonal, demyelinating motor and sensory neuropathy with albuminocytological dissociation indicating Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN) variant of GBS. Serum IgM antibodies against ganglioside GM1 were detected. Anti-Chikungunya IgM antibodies were found in both serum and CSF samples. The patient was initiated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. In view of hypoxia, she was intubated and was on mechanical ventilation. After 2 weeks of being comatose, the patient gradually improved and was discharged with no sequelae.

A literature review on antecedent infections in GBS is presented alongside the case report to better understand the association of GBS with antecedent infections, especially the endemic arboviral infections like Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika. This will help in reinforcing the significance of having robust surveillance and public health control measures for infectious diseases.
Characteristics associated with occurrence of stroke in patients with infective endocarditis – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schuermann H. , von Rennenberg R. , Riegler C. , Rangus I. , Litmeier S. , Scheitz J. F. , Doehner W. , Audebert H. , Braemswig T. B. , Nolte C. H.
Published: April 2024

Background

Stroke is a severe complication of infective endocarditis (IE), associated with high rates of mortality. Data on how IE patients with and without stroke differ may help to improve understanding contributing mechanisms.

Methods

All patients treated for IE between 2019 and 2021 with and without associated stroke were identified from the medical records of three academic tertiary care hospitals in Germany, all part of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with the occurrence of stroke.

Results

The study population consisted of 353 patients diagnosed with IE. Concomitant stroke occurred in 96/353 (27.2%) patients. Acute stroke was independently associated with co-occurring extracerebral arterial embolism [adjusted Odds ratio (aOR = 2.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35–4.71)], acute liver failure (aOR = 2.62; 95% CI 1.06–6.50), dental focus of infection (aOR = 3.14; 95% CI 1.21–8.12) and left-sided IE (aOR = 28.26; 95% CI 3.59-222.19). Stroke was found less often in IE patients with congenital heart disease (aOR = 0.20; 95% CI 0.04–0.99) and atypical pathogens isolated from blood culture (aOR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.14–0.72).

Conclusions

Stroke is more likely to occur in individuals with systemic complications affecting other organs, too. Special attention should be addressed to dental status. The low incidence of stroke in patients with congenital heart disease may reflect awareness and prophylactic measures.
Superstitions of composure: the Ayn Rand cult and the pop-psychology of self-esteem
Authors: Kolkenbrock Marie
Published: April 2024

Ayn Rand is known as an advocate of rugged individualism and unregulated capitalism, which has led to a scholarly focus on her influence on neoliberal and right-wing politics. This article focuses on the psychologically unrealistic conceptualisation of self-esteem in Rand's ethics, which arguably prevails in today's self-help culture. Rand endorsed Nathaniel Branden, her acolyte and lover, as official therapist for her circle. In this role, he promoted the positive effects of living according to Randian principles on mental health. Rand's so-called objectivism therefore provides not only a questionable philosophical framework for neoliberal politics but also, and perhaps predominantly for its followers, a set of guidelines for the project of self-optimisation. The fact that Rand's ideal of radical self-sufficiency is ultimately psychologically unliveable makes its use in applied psychotherapy ineffective and harmful. The article offers a cultural-historical case study about the ideological entanglements of philosophy and pop-psychological concepts and of clinical malpractice.