bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-exploration of prognosis in type B thymomas: establishment of a predictive nomogram model
Authors: Zhao Ke , Liu Lei , Zhou Xiaoyun , Wang Guige , Zhang Jiaqi , Gao Xuehan , Yang Libing , Rao Ke , Guo Chao , Zhang Ye , Huang Cheng , Liu Hongsheng , Li Shanqing , Chen Yeye
Published: January 2024

Objective

To explore the risk factors for disease progression after initial treatment of type B thymomas using a predictive nomogram model.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study of patients with type B thymoma was performed. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Variables with statistical and clinical significance in the multivariate Cox regression were integrated into a nomogram to establish a predictive model for disease progression.

Results

A total of 353 cases with type B thymoma were retrieved between January 2012 and December 2021. The median follow-up was 58 months (range: 1–128 months). The 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 91.8%. The final nomogram model included R0 resection status and Masaoka stage, with a concordance index of 0.880. Non-R0 resection and advanced Masaoka stage were negative prognostic factors for disease progression (p < 0.001). No benefits of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) were observed in patients with advanced stage and non-R0 resection (p = 0.114 and 0.284, respectively).

Conclusion

The best treatment strategy for type B thymoma is the detection and achievement of R0 resection as early as possible. Long-term follow-up is necessary, especially for patients with advanced Masaoka stage and who have not achieved R0 resection. No prognostic benefits were observed for PORT.
Detecting prokaryote-specific gene and other bacterial signatures in thrombi from patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Xiaoke , Gao Jie , Chen Yantong , Zhang Xiaohao , Dai Zhengze , Dai Qiliang , Peng Mengna , Xiao Lulu , Jia Xuerong , Cai Haodi , Mou Tao , Li Xiang , Xu Gelin
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose

Microbial infection has been associated with thrombogenesis. This study aimed to detect bacterium-specific genes and other signatures in thrombi from patients with acute ischemic stroke and to relate these signatures to clinical characteristics.

Methods

Blood samples were collected before thrombectomy procedures, and thrombus samples were obtained during the procedure. Identification and classification of bacteria in the samples were accomplished using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Bacterium-specific structures were observed with transmission electron microscopy. Bacterium-specific biomarkers were detected through immunohistochemical staining.

Results

16 S rRNA gene was detected in 32.1% of the thrombus samples from 81 patients. Bacillus (0.04% vs. 0.00046%, p = 0.003), Parabacteroides (0.20% vs. 0.09%, p = 0.029), Prevotella (1.57% vs. 0.38%, p = 0.010), Streptococcus (1.53% vs. 0.29%, p = 0.001), Romboutsia (0.18% vs. 0.0070%, p = 0.029), Corynebacterium (1.61% vs. 1.26%, p = 0.026) and Roseburia (0.53% vs. 0.05%, p = 0.005) exhibited significantly higher abundance in thrombi compared to arterial blood. Bacteria-like structures were observed in 22 (27.1%), while whole bacteria-like structures were observed in 7 (8.6%) thrombi under transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical staining detected bacterium-specific monocyte/macrophage markers in 51 (63.0%) out of 81 thrombi. Logistic regression analysis indicated that alcohol consumption was associated with a higher bacteria burden in thrombi (odds ratio = 3.19; 95% CI, 1.10–9.27; p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Bacterial signatures usually found in the oral cavity and digestive tract were detected in thrombi from patients with ischemic stroke. This suggests a potential involvement of bacterial infection in the development of thrombosis. Long-term alcohol consumption may potentially enhance this possibility.
Interference of pseudorabies virus infection on functions of porcine granulosa cells via apoptosis modulated by MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Deng Lingcong , Min Wenpeng , Guo Songyangnian , Deng Jiping , Wu Xiaosong , Tong Dewen , Yuan Anwen , Yang Qing
Published: January 2024

Background

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is one of the major viral pathogens leading to reproductive disorders in swine. However, little is known about the effects of PRV infection on porcine reproductive system. Ovarian granulosa cells are somatic cells surrounding oocytes in ovary and required for folliculogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the interference of PRV on functions of porcine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro.

Methods

Primary granulosa cells were isolated from porcine ovaries. To investigate the PRV infectivity, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to check the presence of viral particles, and the expression of viral gE gene was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in PRV-inoculated cells. After PRV infection, cell viability was detected by MTS assay, Ki67 for proliferative status was determined by immunofluorescence assay (IFA), cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry, and progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) were determined by radioimmunoassay. The checkpoint genes of cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins were studied by qPCR and western blotting.

Results

Virus particles were observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of PRV-infected granulosa cells by TEM imaging, and the expression of viral gE gene increased in a time-dependent manner post infection. PRV infection inhibited cell viability and blocked cell cycle at S phase in porcine granulosa cells, accompanied by decreases in expression of Ki67 protein and checkpoint genes related to S phase. Radioimmunoassay revealed decreased levels in P4 and E2, and the expressions of key steroidogenic enzymes were also down-regulated post PRV-infection. In addition, PRV induced apoptosis with an increase in Bax expression and activation of caspase 9, and the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK and p38 MAPKs were significantly up-regulated in porcine ovarian granulosa cells post PRV infection.

Conclusions

The data indicate that PRV causes infection on porcine ovarian granulosa cells and interferes the cell functions through apoptosis, and the MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the viral pathogenesis.
Cone beam CT-based adaptive intensity modulated proton therapy assessment using automated planning for head-and-neck cancer
Authors: Xu Yihang , Jin William , Butkus Michael , De Ornelas Mariluz , Cyriac Jonathan , Studenski Matthew T. , Padgett Kyle , Simpson Garrett , Samuels Stuart , Samuels Michael , Dogan Nesrin
Published: January 2024

Background

To assess the feasibility of CBCT-based adaptive intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) using automated planning for treatment of head and neck (HN) cancers.

Methods

Twenty HN cancer patients who received radiotherapy and had pretreatment CBCTs were included in this study. Initial IMPT plans were created using automated planning software for all patients. Synthetic CTs (sCT) were then created by deforming the planning CT (pCT) to the pretreatment CBCTs. To assess dose calculation accuracy on sCTs, repeat CTs (rCTs) were deformed to the pretreatment CBCT obtained on the same day to create deformed rCT (rCTdef), serving as gold standard. The dose recalculated on sCT and on rCTdef were compared by using Gamma analysis. The accuracy of DIR generated contours was also assessed. To explore the potential benefits of adaptive IMPT, two sets of plans were created for each patient, a non-adapted IMPT plan and an adapted IMPT plan calculated on weekly sCT images. The weekly doses for non-adaptive and adaptive IMPT plans were accumulated on the pCT, and the accumulated dosimetric parameters of two sets were compared.

Results

Gamma analysis of the dose recalculated on sCT and rCTdef resulted in a passing rate of 97.9% ± 1.7% using 3 mm/3% criteria. With the physician-corrected contours on the sCT, the dose deviation range of using sCT to estimate mean dose for the most organ at risk (OARs) can be reduced to (− 2.37%, 2.19%) as compared to rCTdef, while for V95 of primary or secondary CTVs, the deviation can be controlled within (− 1.09%, 0.29%). Comparison of the accumulated doses from the adaptive planning against the non-adaptive plans reduced mean dose to constrictors (− 1.42 Gy ± 2.79 Gy) and larynx (− 2.58 Gy ± 3.09 Gy). The reductions result in statistically significant reductions in the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) of larynx edema by 7.52% ± 13.59%. 4.5% of primary CTVs, 4.1% of secondary CTVs, and 26.8% tertiary CTVs didn’t meet the V95 > 95% constraint on non-adapted IMPT plans. All adaptive plans were able to meet the coverage constraint.

Conclusion

sCTs can be a useful tool for accurate proton dose calculation. Adaptive IMPT resulted in better CTV coverage, OAR sparing and lower NTCP for some OARs as compared with non-adaptive IMPT.
The correlation between tumor radiological features and spread through air spaces in peripheral stage IA lung adenocarcinoma: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Jia Chao , Jiang Hai-Cheng , Liu Cong , Wang Yu-Feng , Zhao Hong-Ying , Wang Qiang , Xue Xiu-Qing , Li Xiao-Feng
Published: January 2024

Background

The consolidation tumor ratio (CTR) is a predictor of invasiveness in peripheral T1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma. However, its association with spread through air spaces (STAS) remains largely unexplored. We aimed to explore the correlation between the CTR of primary tumors and STAS in peripheral T1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We collected data from patients who underwent surgery for malignant lung neoplasms between January and November 2022. Univariate and multivariate analyses following propensity-score matching with sex, age, BMI, were performed to identify the independent risk factors for STAS. The incidence of STAS was compared based on pulmonary nodule type. A smooth fitting curve between CTR and STAS was produced by the generalized additive model (GAM) and a multiple regression model was established using CTR and STAS to determine the dose-response relationship and calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

17 (14.5%) were diagnosed with STAS. The univariate analysis demonstrated that the history of the diabetes, size of solid components, spiculation, pleural indentation, pulmonary nodule type, consolidation/tumor ratio of the primary tumor were statistically significant between the STAS-positive and STAS-negative groups following propensity-score matching(p = 0.047, 0.049, 0.030, 0.006, 0.026, and < 0.001, respectively), and multivariate analysis showed that the pleural indentation was independent risk factors for STAS (with p-value and 95% CI of 0.043, (8.543–68.222)). Moreover, the incidence of STAS in the partially solid nodule was significantly different from that in the solid nodule and ground-glass nodule (Pearson Chi-Square = 7.49, p = 0.024). Finally, the smooth fitting curve showed that CTR tended to be linearly associated with STAS by GAM, and the multivariate regression model based on CTR showed an OR value of 1.24 and a p-value of 0.015.

Conclusions

In peripheral stage IA lung adenocarcinoma, the risk of STAS was increased with the solid component of the primary tumor. The pleural indentation of the primary tumor could be used as a predictor in evaluating the risk of the STAS.
Distinguishing sterile inflammation from graft infection
Authors: Mitsuishi Atsuyuki , Miura Yujiro , Arakawa Yu , Noguchi Tatsuya
Published: January 2024

We describe the case of a 68-year-old man who underwent ascending aortic replacement and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Four years later, the patient developed neck pain on the right side and chest computed tomography showed expansion of fluid in the mediastinum which had extended to the neck. Echocardiography revealed advanced severity of aortic regurgitation and decreased ejection fraction. Given the progression of aortic regurgitation, decreased cardiac function, and rapidly expanding fluid accumulation causing neck pain, reoperation was indicated. All microbiological test including polymerase chain reaction were negative indicating absence of any infection. The patient is being followed-up without antibiotics and CT has not shown peri-graft fluid 2 years postoperatively. Since infection cannot be excluded completely, it is important to assess the condition with selective medium, extended culture periods, genetic testing, and consultations with microbiology laboratories when normal culture tests for general bacteria, and fungi are negative which can help avoid drug-resistant bacteria count, elevated medical costs, and drug side effects due to the improper use of antibiotics through proper diagnosis.
A study of rural populations’ knowledge, attitude, and practice about brucellosis: a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study
Authors: Montaseri Zahra , Mohebi Zahra , Masoumi Rahil , Dehghan Azizallah , Bijani Mostafa
Published: January 2024

Objective

Brucellosis is a highly contagious disease which is transmitted from animals to humans. One of the populations at high risk of infection is those living in rural areas. The present study was conducted to investigate rural populations’ knowledge, attitude, and practice about brucellosis in Iran. The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design to assess 300 individuals who were living in rural areas. The subjects were selected using convenience sampling from six villages located in the south of Iran. The data gathered were analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS version 23.

Results

From the 300 individuals who were enrolled in this study, 189 were male and 111 were female. The mean age of the participants was 48.27 ± 4.28 years. The mean scores of the study population’s knowledge, attitude, and practice about brucellosis were found to be low. A significant direct correlation was found between the subjects’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding brucellosis.
Diet patterns and cognitive performance in a UK Female Twin Registry (TwinsUK)
Authors: McEvoy Claire T. , Jennings Amy , Steves Claire J. , Macgregor Alexander , Spector Tim , Cassidy Aedin
Published: January 2024

Background

Plant-based diets may provide protection against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, but observational data have not been consistent. Previous studies include early life confounding from socioeconomic conditions and genetics that are known to influence both cognitive performance and diet behaviour. This study investigated associations between Mediterranean (MED) diet and MIND diets and cognitive performance accounting for shared genotype and early-life environmental exposures in female twins.

Methods

Diet scores were examined in 509 female twins enrolled in TwinsUK study. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery was used to assess cognition at baseline and 10 years later (in n = 275). A co-twin case–control study for discordant monozygotic (MZ) twins examined effects of diet on cognitive performance independent of genetic factors. Differences in relative abundance of taxa at 10-year follow-up were explored in subsamples.

Results

Each 1-point increase in MIND or MED diet score was associated with 1.75 (95% CI: − 2.96, − 0.54, p = 0.005 and q = 0.11) and 1.67 (95% CI: − 2.71, − 0.65, p = 0.002 and q = 0.02) fewer respective errors in paired-associates learning. Within each MZ pair, the twin with the high diet score had better preservation in spatial span especially for MED diet (p = 0.02). There were no differences between diet scores and 10-year change in the other cognitive tests. MIND diet adherence was associated with higher relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 (0.30% (95% CI 0.17, 0.62), q = 0.05) which was also associated with less decline in global cognition over 10 years (0.22 (95% CI 0.06, 0.39), p = 0.01).

Conclusions

MIND or MED diets could help to preserve some cognitive abilities in midlife, particularly episodic and visuospatial working memory. Effects may be mediated by high dietary fibre content and increased abundance of short-chain fatty acid producing gut bacteria. Longer follow-up with repeated measures of cognition will determine whether diet can influence changes in cognition occurring in older age.
The impact of manual vacuum-assisted closure technique in wound healing: a case report
Authors: Malini Hema , Ismiati Ismiati , Harahap Wrisma Arif , Oktarina Elvi
Published: January 2024

Background

Diabetic ulcers are complex wounds that require specialized care. Proper wound care is crucial to prevent amputation, and one effective treatment option is negative pressure wound therapy. However, the cost of negative pressure wound therapy can often be a barrier, making it difficult for caregivers and families to access.

Aim

This study aims to develop an alternative system, called the manual vacuum-assisted closure technique, using a 50 cc syringe pump with a pressure value of 93.33 mmHg, to examine the impact of the manual vacuum-assisted closure technique on the continuum of wound status in diabetic ulcers.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old Minangnese man, with a 15-year history of diabetes mellitus and a family history of the disease, presented with a grade IV diabetic ulcer on the dorsal pedis dextra following a postoperative debridement. The wound measured 48 cm2 and had an ankle–brachial index value of 1.0 mmHg. The ulcer originated from being pierced by a nail. Previous treatment involved surgical debridement in early January, followed by twice-daily wound care using gauze and 0.9% NaCl, which showed no improvement. Consequently, the wound worsened and became more painful. The patient also had a history of smoking, which he only quit earlier this year. The wound was assessed using the Bates–Jensen Wound Assessment Tool over a period of 21 days.

Conclusion

After daily manual vacuum-assisted closure technique wound treatment for 21 days in diabetic ulcers, there was a noticeable decrease in the Bates–Jensen Wound Assessment Tool scores. Specifically, on day 5, the score was 38; on day 14, the score was 30; and on day 21, the score was 24. The use of the manual vacuum-assisted closure technique in wound treatment demonstrated significant improvements in diabetic ulcers.
Right ventricular injury in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a descriptive study with standardized echocardiographic follow-up
Authors: Jozwiak Mathieu , Dupuis Claire , Denormandie Pierre , Aurenche Mateu Didac , Louchet Jean , Heme Nathan , Mira Jean-Paul , Doyen Denis , Dellamonica Jean
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) may have right ventricular (RV) injury. The main goal of this study was to investigate the incidence of RV injury and to describe the patient trajectories in terms of RV injury during ICU stay.

Methods

Prospective and bicentric study with standardized transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) follow-up during ICU stay with a maximum follow-up of 28 days. The different patterns of RV injury were isolated RV dilation, RV dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion < 17 mm and/or systolic tricuspid annular velocity < 9.5 cm/s and/or RV fractional area change < 35%) without RV dilation, RV dysfunction with RV dilation and acute cor pulmonale (ACP, RV dilatation with paradoxical septal motion). The different RV injury patterns were described and their association with Day-28 mortality was investigated.

Results

Of 118 patients with complete echocardiographic follow-up who underwent 393 TTE examinations during ICU stay, 73(62%) had at least one RV injury pattern during one or several TTE examinations: 29(40%) had isolated RV dilation, 39(53%) had RV dysfunction without RV dilation, 10(14%) had RV dysfunction with RV dilation and 2(3%) had ACP. Patients with RV injury were more likely to have cardiovascular risk factors, to be intubated and to receive norepinephrine and had a higher Day-28 mortality rate (27 vs. 7%, p < 0.01). RV injury was isolated in 82% of cases, combined with left ventricular systolic dysfunction in 18% of cases and 10% of patients with RV injury experienced several patterns of RV injury during ICU stay. The number of patients with de novo RV injury decreased over time, no patient developed de novo RV injury after Day-14 regardless of the RV injury pattern and 20(31%) patients without RV injury on ICU admission developed RV injury during ICU stay. Only the combination of RV dysfunction with RV dilation or ACP (aHR = 3.18 95% CI(1.16–8.74), p = 0.03) was associated with Day-28 mortality.

Conclusion

RV injury was frequent in COVID-19 patients, occurred within the first two weeks after ICU admission and was most often isolated. Only the combination of RV dysfunction with RV dilation or ACP could potentially be associated with Day-28 mortality.

Clinical trial registration NCT04335162.
A matrix acting between Fock spaces
Authors: Zhuo Zhengyuan , Li Dongxing , Zeng Tiaoying
Published: January 2024

If $\mathcal{H}_{\nu}=(\nu _{n,k})_{n,k\geq 0}$

H
ν

=

(

ν

n
,
k

)

n
,
k
≥
0

is the matrix with entries $\nu _{n,k}=\int _{[0,\infty )}\frac{ t^{n+k}}{n!}\,d\nu (t)$

ν

n
,
k

=

∫

[
0
,
∞
)

t

n
+
k

n
!

d
ν
(
t
)
, where ν is a nonnegative Borel measure on the interval $[0,\infty )$
[
0
,
∞
)
, the matrix $\mathcal{H}_{\nu}$

H
ν

acts on the space of all entire functions $f(z) =\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_{n} z^{n}$
f
(
z
)
=

∑

n
=
0

∞

a
n

z
n

and induces formally the operator in the following way: $$ \mathcal{H}_{\nu}(f) (z)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \Biggl(\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\nu _{n,k}a_{k}\Biggr)z^{n}. $$

H
ν

(
f
)
(
z
)
=

∑

n
=
0

∞

(

∑

k
=
0

∞

ν

n
,
k

a
k

)

z
n

.
In this paper, for $0< p\leq \infty $
0
<
p
≤
∞
, we classify for which measures the operator $\mathcal{H}_{\nu}(f)$

H
ν

(
f
)
is well defined on $F^{p}$

F
p

and also gets an integral representation, and among them we characterize those for which $\mathcal{H}_{\nu}$

H
ν

is a bounded (resp., compact) operator between $F^{p} $

F
p

and $F^{\infty }$

F
∞

.
Multidisciplinary prehabilitation to improve frailty and functional capacity in high-risk elective surgical patients: a retrospective pilot study
Authors: Wong Henry Man Kin , Qi Ding , Ma Bosco Hon Ming , Hou Pik Yi , Kwong Calvin Ka Woon , Lee Anna ,   Prehab Study Group, Lam Stefanie So Ling , Ting Terry Ho Yan , Ip Kenny Wing Moon , Chan Suet Yi , Tsung Peggy Pui Kee , Chan Albert Kam Ming , Lau Vivian Nga Man , Tang Maria Wing Sze , Ng Kelvin Kwok Chai , Yip Hon Chi , Yee Chi Hang , Joynt Gavin Matthew
Published: January 2024

Background

Frailty is associated with worse outcomes and higher healthcare costs. The long waiting time for surgery is a potential ‘teachable’ moment. We examined the feasibility and safety of a pilot prehabilitation programme on high-risk frail patients undergoing major elective surgery.

Methods

A single-centre, retrospective pilot study (Dec 2020–Nov 2021) on a one-stop prehabilitation programme (structured exercise training, nutritional counselling/therapy, and psychological support) in collaboration with geriatricians and allied health professionals. At least 4 weeks before surgery, patients at high risk of frailty or malnutrition, or undergoing major hepatectomy, esophagectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, or radical cystectomy, were referred for prehabilitation (2–3 sessions/week). The primary outcomes were the feasibility and safety of prehabilitation. The secondary outcomes were changes in functional, emotional, and nutritional status and days alive and at home within 30 days after surgery (DAH30) associated with prehabilitation.

Results

Over a 12-month period, 72 out of 111 patients (64.9%) from the Perioperative Medicine Clinic were eligible for prehabilitation, of which 54 (75%) were recruited. The mean (standard deviation) age was 71.9 (6.9) years. The adherence rate to 3 weeks of prehabilitation was high in 52 (96.3%) participants. Prehabilitation improved exercise capacity (P = 0.08), enhanced some functional mobility measures (P = 0.02), and increased nutritional energy (P = 0.04) and protein intakes (P < 0.01). However, prehabilitation-related changes in muscle strength, cognitive function, and emotional resilience were minimal. The median (interquatile range) DAH30 was 19 (14–23) days. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

This outpatient-based, one-stop multidisciplinary prehabilitation programme was feasible, safe, and improved several measures of patient’s physiological reserve and functional capacity.

Clinical trial registration

NCT05668221.
Clinical characteristics, treatment course and outcome of adults treated for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) at a tertiary care eating disorders program
Authors: MacDonald Danielle E. , Liebman Rachel , Trottier Kathryn
Published: January 2024

Background

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is now recognized as a feeding/eating disorder that affects individuals across the lifespan, but research on ARFID in general and particularly in adults remains limited. The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of adults with ARFID seeking treatment at a tertiary care eating disorders program, and to describe the course and outcomes of treatment at three levels of care—inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient individual therapy.

Method

This retrospective chart review study examined the charts of 42 patients who received treatment for ARFID between April 2020 and March 2023. Following diagnostic assessment, patients were referred to either inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, or outpatient individual therapy. All three levels of care involved individual cognitive behaviour therapy. Inpatients typically transitioned to one of the outpatient treatments as part of a continuous care plan. We examined demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment length and completion, and changes in key indicators during treatment.

Results

Patients were diverse with respect to demographics (e.g., 62% cisgender women; 21% cisgender men; 17% transgender, non-binary, or other gender) and comorbid concerns (e.g., 43% had neurodevelopmental disorders; > 50% had mood and anxiety disorders; 40% had posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]; 35% had medical conditions impacting eating/digestion). Most patients presented with more than one ARFID maintaining mechanism (i.e., lack of appetite/interest, sensory sensitivities, and/or fear of aversive consequences of eating). Treatment completion rates and outcomes were good. On average, patients showed significant improvement in impairment related to their eating disorder, and those who were underweight significantly improved on BMI and were not underweight at end of treatment.

Discussion

These findings add to the literature by indicating that ARFID patients are commonly male or have diverse gender identities, and have high rates of neurodevelopmental, mood, anxiety, and gastrointestinal disorders. We also found high rates of PTSD. The findings show promise for treatment outcomes across the continuum of care. Next steps in ARFID treatment and research include incorporating ARFID-specific assessments into routine care, and ongoing research investigating the efficacy and effectiveness of treatments such as CBT-AR.
Progesterone receptor distribution in the human hypothalamus and its association with suicide
Authors: Zhang Lin , Verwer Ronald W.H. , van Heerikhuize Joop , Lucassen Paul J. , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Hol Elly M. , Aronica Eleonora , Dhillo Waljit S. , Meynen Gerben , Swaab Dick F.
Published: January 2024

The human hypothalamus modulates mental health by balancing interactions between hormonal fluctuations and stress responses. Stress-induced progesterone release activates progesterone receptors (PR) in the human brain and triggers alterations in neuropeptides/neurotransmitters. As recent epidemiological studies have associated peripheral progesterone levels with suicide risks in humans, we mapped PR distribution in the human hypothalamus in relation to age and sex and characterized its (co-) expression in specific cell types. The infundibular nucleus (INF) appeared to be the primary hypothalamic structure via which progesterone modulates stress-related neural circuitry. An elevation of the number of pro-opiomelanocortin+(POMC, an endogenous opioid precursor) neurons in the INF, which was due to a high proportion of POMC+neurons that co-expressed PR, was related to suicide in patients with mood disorders (MD). MD donors who died of legal euthanasia were for the first time enrolled in a postmortem study to investigate the molecular signatures related to fatal suicidal ideations. They had a higher proportion of PR co-expressing POMC+neurons than MD patients who died naturally. This indicates that the onset of endogenous opioid activation in MD with suicide tendency may be progesterone-associated. Our findings may have implications for users of progesterone-enriched contraceptives who also have MD and suicidal tendencies.
Adsorption performance of bentonite and clay for Zn(II) in landfill leachate
Authors: Sun Wen-Jing , Tang Qian-Tong , Lu Tian-Hao , Fan Ri-Dong , Sun Gao-Ge , Tan Yun-zhi
Published: January 2024

Background

The increasing prevalence of the Galvanized and dry battery industries has led to a rise in zinc proportions in landfills, posing environmental risks. This study explores the potential of bentonite, renowned for its metal adsorption capability, as a landfill barrier material.

Methods

Adsorption characteristics of Zn(II) in natural bentonite and Shanghai clay were investigated. Various factors affecting Zn(II) adsorption, including pH, Na ion strength, contact time, initial Zn(II) concentration, and adsorption temperature, were analyzed through batch-type adsorption tests.

Results

The change in pH and Na strength demonstrates no significant impact on the adsorption of Zn(II) onto bentonite, highlighting the strong selectivity of bentonite for Zn(II). Conversely, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of Zn(II) onto clay increases with rising pH or decreasing ion strength. The Zn(II) adsorption onto bentonite is well-described by the pseudo-second-order, intra-particle diffusion, and Elovih models, each achieving an R2 value exceeding 0.9. While both physical and chemical adsorption coexist in Zn(II) adsorption onto bentonite or clay, the primary determinant of the adsorption rate is chemical adsorption. The adsorption onto bentonite is spontaneous, whereas onto clay it is not. The mechanism involves van der Waals forces, ion exchange, and chemical actions such as inner-sphere complexation for Zn(II) adsorption onto both bentonite and clay.
Sacituzumab Govitecan in Combination With Pembrolizumab for Patients With Metastatic Urothelial Cancer That Progressed After Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: TROPHY-U-01 Cohort 3
Authors: Grivas Petros , Pouessel Damien , Park Chandler H. , Barthelemy Philippe , Bupathi Manojkumar , Petrylak Daniel P. , Agarwal Neeraj , Gupta Sumati , Fléchon Aude , Ramamurthy Chethan , Davis Nancy B. , Recio-Boiles Alejandro , Sternberg Cora N. , Bhatia Astha , Pichardo Cabilia , Sierecki Mitch , Tonelli Julia , Zhou Huafeng , Tagawa Scott T. , Loriot Yohann
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

Pembrolizumab is standard therapy for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) who progress after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy; however, only approximately 21% of patients respond. Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) is a trophoblast cell surface antigen-2–directed antibody-drug conjugate with US Food and Drug Administration–accelerated approval to treat patients with locally advanced or mUC who previously received platinum-based chemotherapy and a checkpoint inhibitor (CPI). Here, we report the primary analysis of TROPHY-U-01 cohort 3.

METHODS

TROPHY-U-01 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03547973 ) is a multicohort, open-label phase II study. Patients were CPI-naïve and had mUC progression after platinum-based chemotherapy in the metastatic setting or ≤12 months in the (neo)adjuvant setting. Patients received 10 mg/kg of SG once on days 1 and 8 and 200 mg of pembrolizumab once on day 1 of 21-day cycles. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) per central review. Secondary end points included clinical benefit rate (CBR), duration of response (DOR) and progression-free survival (PFS) per central review, and safety.

RESULTS

Cohort 3 included 41 patients (median age 67 years; 83% male; 78% visceral metastases [29% liver]). With a median follow-up of 14.8 months, the ORR was 41% (95% CI, 26.3 to 57.9; 20% complete response rate), CBR was 46% (95% CI, 30.7 to 62.6), median DOR was 11.1 months (95% CI, 4.8 to not estimable [NE]), and median PFS was 5.3 months (95% CI, 3.4 to 10.2). The median overall survival was 12.7 months (range, 10.7-NE). Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 61% of patients; most common were neutropenia (37%), leukopenia (20%), and diarrhea (20%).

CONCLUSION

SG plus pembrolizumab demonstrated a high response rate with an overall manageable toxicity profile in patients with mUC who progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy. No new safety signals were detected. These data support further evaluation of SG plus CPI in mUC.
Plant Foods Intake and Risk of Premature Aging in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort (SJLIFE)
Authors: Wang Mei , Lan Tuo , Williams AnnaLynn M. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Lanctot Jennifer Q. , Jiang Shu , Krull Kevin R. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Hudson Melissa M. , Colditz Graham A. , Robison Leslie L. , Ness Kirsten K. , Park Yikyung
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

To identify dietary factors that are related to premature aging in adult survivors of childhood cancer, we examined the associations between plant food intakes and age-related deficit accumulation.

METHODS

A total of 3,322 childhood cancer survivors (age 18-65 years, mean = 31, standard deviation = 8.4) in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort had total fruit, total vegetables and subgroups, whole grains, refined grains, nuts/seeds, and nutrients intake assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Premature aging at baseline was assessed by the deficit accumulation index (DAI) and categorized as low, medium, and high risk. Multinomial logistic regressions (reference: low risk) adjusting for confounders estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Multivariable linear regression of a continuous intake against a continuous DAI was also performed.

RESULTS

Dark green vegetable (ORhigh v low = 0.47 [95% CI, 0.28 to 0.78] per 1/2 cup/1,000 kcal increment) and nuts/seeds intakes (ORhigh v low = 0.71 [95% CI, 0.47 to 1.08] per 1 oz/1,000 kcal increment; coefficientlinear = -0.0115, P = .02) were associated with a lower risk of premature aging. Conversely, refined grain intake was related to an increased risk of premature aging (ORhigh v low = 1.33 [95% CI, 0.99 to 1.78], per 1 oz/1,000 kcal increment; coefficientlinear = 0.0093, P = .005). Fruit and whole grain intakes were not associated with premature aging risk. Among nutrients abundant in plant foods, dietary folate intake was associated with a lower risk of premature aging (ORhigh v low = 0.89 [95% CI, 0.80 to 0.99] per 50 mcg/1,000 kcal increase). Beta-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and vitamin E intakes from foods were also related to a modestly lower, but not statistically significant, risk of premature aging.

CONCLUSION

Specific plant foods are associated with lower risk of premature aging, providing targets for the interventions to promote healthy aging in childhood cancer survivors.
Multi-soliton solutions and soliton molecules of the (2+1)-dimensional Boiti-Leon-Manna-Pempinelli equation for the incompressible fluid
Authors: Wang Kang-Jia , Shi Feng
Published: January 2024

The (2+1)-dimensional Boiti-Leon-Manna-Pempinelli equation (BLMPE) is explored in this letter. The multi-soliton solutions (MSSs) are probed via the Hirota bilinear form which is extracted by taking advantage of the Cole-Hopf transform. The soliton molecules (SMs) on the different planes such as the (x,y)-, (x,t)- and (y,t)-planes are investigated via assigning the velocity resonance mechanisms. The dynamic characteristics of the results are unveiled graphically to show the corresponding physical behaviors.
Health Care Challenges in the Management of Primary Aldosteronism in Southeast Asia
Authors: Sukor Norlela , Sunthornyothin Sarat , Tran Thang V , Tarigan Tri Juli , Mercado-Asis Leilani B , Sum Satha , Aung Moe Wint , Yong Alice M L , Tedjo Tania , Villa Michael , Khaing Nang Ei Ei , Azizan Elena Aisha , Kang Waye Hann , Lim Vivien , Teo Ada E D , Zhang Meifen , Tran Hieu , Puar Troy H
Published: January 2024

Context

While guidelines have been formulated for the management of primary aldosteronism (PA), following these recommendations may be challenging in developing countries with limited health care access.

Objective

We aimed to assess the availability and affordability of health care resources for managing PA in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, which includes low-middle-income countries.

Methods

We instituted a questionnaire-based survey to specialists managing PA, assessing the availability and affordability of investigations and treatment. Population and income status data were taken from the national census and registries.

Results

Nine ASEAN country members (48 respondents) participated. While screening with aldosterone-renin ratio is performed in all countries, confirmatory testing is routinely performed in only 6 countries due to lack of facilities and local assays, and cost constraint. Assays are locally available in only 4 countries, and some centers have a test turnaround time exceeding 3 weeks. In 7 countries (combined population of 442 million), adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is not routinely performed due to insufficient radiological facilities or trained personnel, and cost constraint. Most patients have access to adrenalectomy and medications. In 6 countries, the cost of AVS and adrenalectomy combined is more than 30% of its annual gross domestic product per capita. While most patients had access to spironolactone, it was not universally affordable.

Conclusion

Large populations currently do not have access to the health care resources required for the optimal management of PA. Greater efforts are required to improve health care access and affordability. Future guideline revisions for PA may need to consider these limitations.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ilioinguinal and Iliohypogastric Nerve Blocks: A Case Report
Authors: Kellegrew Jay , Hicks Anne , Gill Lydia , Chemmanam Isaac , Mountjoy Ryan
Published: January 2024

We present a case report of a consult for a gynecologic patient who presented with unrelenting postsurgical pain and previously underwent laparoscopic surgery. Given the pain distribution, we hypothesized the patient had an ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric nerve entrapment injury. We performed a diagnostic and therapeutic ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block, alleviating the patient’s pain. The patient returned to the operating room to release a fascial stitch, permanently relieving the pain. This is a reminder that anesthesiologists can use regional anesthesia for both diagnosis and treatment.
Vestibular Symptoms Following a Retrobulbar Block: A Case Report
Authors: Medeiros Heitor , Amaral Sara , Souza Matheus , Lombardi Rafael A.
Published: January 2024

A 62-year-old male patient presented for cataract surgery under retrobulbar block anesthesia. After the regional block, the patient exhibited sudden onset and progressive symptoms of nausea, vomiting, central-type vertigo, and hearing loss. These symptoms subsided within 2 hours, and the patient was discharged after 2 days without any residual effects. This report demonstrates a combination of auditory and vertiginous symptoms after a retrobulbar block. It emphasizes continuous care and vigilance when using regional anesthesia due to the potential risks and varied complications.
Antenna arrays based on reactively loaded overlapping sub-arrays
Authors: Μαξιμίδης Ρόνις
Published: January 2024

Στο πλαίσιο της διδακτορικής διατριβής, έχουν αναπτυχθεί νέες αρχιτεκτονικές συστοιχιών κεραιών. Στις προτεινόμενες τοπολογίες συστοιχιών, κάθε υποσυστοιχία αποτελείται από ένα στοιχείο κεραίας που τροφοδοτείται απευθείας και πολλά στοιχεία παθητικού αντιδραστικού φορτίου. Η τροφοδοσία των παθητικών στοιχείων επιτυγχάνεται με την εκμετάλλευση της σύζευξης ελεύθερου χώρου αντί για πιο συμβατικά σχήματα που βασίζονται σε ένα πολύπλοκο δίκτυο διανομής. Αυτό έχει ως αποτέλεσμα μια δραστική μείωση της πολυπλοκότητας της δομής τροφοδοσίας συστοιχιών. Επιπλέον, τα παθητικά στοιχεία της μεμονωμένης υποσυστοιχίας επαναχρησιμοποιούνται σε γειτονικές υποσυστοιχίες, επιτρέποντας σημαντική βελτίωση των χαρακτηριστικών του διαγραμμάτος ακτινοβολίας. Ο σχεδιασμός των ύπο μελέτη δομών συστοιχιών χρησιμοποιώντας αριθμητικές προσεγγίσεις που βασίζονται σε ηλεκτρομαγνητική προσομοίωση πλήρους κύματος είναι εξαιρετικά χρονοβόρη ακόμη και όταν λαμβάνεται υπόψη ένας σχετικά μικρός αριθμός στοιχείων ακτινοβολίας. Για να αντιμετωπίσουμε αυτό το πρόβλημα, έχουμε αναπτύξει μια αποτελεσματική ημι-αναλυτική μεθοδολογία σχεδιασμού χρήσιμη για τη σύνθεση συστοιχιών κεραιών με ένα προκαθορισμένο διάγραμμα ακτινοβολίας της μεμονωμένης υποσυστοιχίας. Αυτό το εργαλείο σχεδίασης επιτρέπει, επίσης, την εισαγωγή πρόσθετων ελέγχων στον συντελεστή ανάκλασης των ενεργών θυρών καθώς και στη σύζευξη μεταξύ τους.
Evaluation of the marginal fit of single-unit, complete-coverage ceramic restorations fabricated after digital and conventional impressions
Authors: Τσιρογιάννης Παναγιώτης-Ειρηναίος
Published: January 2024

Δήλωση προβλήματος. Σε υπάρχουσες δημοσιευμένες αναφορές, ορισμένες μελέτες δείχνουν την υπεροχή του συστήματος ψηφιακής αποτύπωσης ως προς την οριακή ακρίβεια των κεραμικών αποκαταστάσεων, ενώ άλλες δείχνουν ότι η συμβατική μέθοδος παρέχει αποκαταστάσεις με καλύτερη οριακή εφαρμογή από την πλήρη ψηφιακή κατασκευή. Ποια μέθοδος αποτύπωσης παρέχει τις χαμηλότερες μέσες τιμές για τις οριακές η προσαρμογή είναι ασαφές. Τα ευρήματα από αυτές τις μελέτες δεν μπορούν να γενικευτούν εύκολα και in vivo μελέτες που θα μπορούσαν να παρέχουν έγκυρες και ουσιαστικές πληροφορίες είναι περιορισμένες στις υπάρχουσες δημοσιεύσεις. Σκοπός. Σκοπός αυτής της μελέτης ήταν η συστηματική ανασκόπηση των υπαρχουσών αναφορών και η αξιολόγηση της οριακής εφαρμογής κεραμικών αποκαταστάσεων μετά από ψηφιακό ή συμβατικό αποτύπωμα αναλύοντας τα διαθέσιμα στοιχεία σε μια μετα-ανάλυση. Υλικό και μέθοδοι. Η στρατηγική αναζήτησης για αυτή τη συστηματική ανασκόπηση των δημοσιεύσεων βασίζεται σε ένα πλαίσιο Πληθυσμού, Παρέμβασης, Σύγκρισης και Αποτελεσμάτων (PICO). Για τη στατιστική ανάλυση, εξήχθησαν οι μέσες οριακές τιμές προσαρμογής κάθε μελέτης και κατηγοριοποιήθηκαν ανάλογα μετη μέθοδος αποτύπωσης για τον υπολογισμό της μέσης τιμής κάθε κατηγορίας και αξιολογήθηκε η επίδραση κάθε μεθόδου αποτύπωσης στην οριακή προσαρμογή συγκρίνοντας χωριστά ψηφιακές και συμβατικές τεχνικές για in vitro και in vivo μελέτες. Αποτελέσματα. Δώδεκα μελέτες συμπεριλήφθηκαν στη μετα-ανάλυση από τις 63 εγγραφές που προσδιορίστηκαν μετά την αναζήτηση της βάσης δεδομένων. Για τις in vitro μελέτες, όπου κατασκευάστηκαν κεραμικές αποκαταστάσεις μετά απόσυμβατικές αποτυπώσεις, η μέση τιμή της οριακής προσαρμογής ήταν 58,9 mm (95% CI: 41,1-76,7mm), ενώ μετά τις ψηφιακές αποτυπώσεις ήταν 63,3 mm (95% CI: 50,5-76,0 mm). Στις in vivoμελέτες, το μέσο οριακό κενό των αποκαταστάσεων μετά από ψηφιακές αποτυπώσεις ήταν 56,1 mm (95%CI: 46,3-65,8 mm), ενώ μετά από συμβατικές αποτυπώσεις, ήταν 79,2 mm (95% CI: 59,6-98,9 mm). Συμπέρασμα. Δεν παρατηρήθηκε σημαντική διαφορά όσον αφορά το οριακό κενό σε κεραμικές αποκαταστάσεις που κατασκευάζονται μετά από ψηφιακές ή συμβατικές αποτυπώσεις.
Infrastructural inequality: exploring the emergence of digital classes in the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile
Authors: Correa Juan , Felipe Ulloa-Leon  , Francisco Vergara-Perucich  , Carlos Aguirre-Nuñez  , Ricardo Truffello
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the digital divide in the city of Santiago, Chile. The research uses the density of mobile phone antennas as a proxy for digital infrastructure. The findings show that there is a strong correlation between the density of mobile phone antennas and socio-economic status. Areas with higher incomes and more mobile phone antennas have better Internet connectivity than areas with lower incomes and fewer mobile phone antennas. The objective is to shed light on the power dynamics and invisible networks that shape the configuration of infrastructures, highlighting the need for equitable access to the digital world as a fundamental democratic right. The conclusions indicate that communication infrastructures are unevenly distributed and that the transition from analogue to smart cities risks exacerbating social inequalities. Rectifying these disparities is essential to avoid leaving the most vulnerable behind in technological transitions.
„Brakujący element”, czyli o nieznanym nadaniu dla klasztoru wallombrozjanów w Coltibuono z 1201 roku
Authors: Starzyński Marcin
Published: January 2024

Artykuł zawiera komentarz do edycji odnalezionego w zbiorach Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego XIII-wiecznego rotulusa pochodzącego z dawnego archiwum klasztoru wallombrozjanów w Coltibuono. Odkrycie to uzupełnia dotychczasową wiedzę o rozwoju majątku klasztornego na przełomie XII i XIII w.
Ile zarabiał profesor Uniwersytetu Bolońskiego w późnym średniowieczu?
Authors: Sroka Stanisław A.
Published: January 2024

Artykuł jest poświęcony omówieniu wynagrodzeń profesorów Uniwersytetu Bolońskiego w późnym średniowieczu. Oparty jest na analizie zachowanych w Archiwum Państwowym w Bolonii wykazów wynagrodzeń wykładowców z XIV i XV w. Wynagrodzenia profesorów porównano z zarobkami przedstawicieli innych grup społecznych w Bolonii w tym czasie.
Personel kancelarii biskupa krakowskiego Tomasza Strzępińskiego (1455-1460)
Authors: Walczak Tomasz
Published: January 2024

Artykuł poświęcony jest personelowi kancelarii biskupa krakowskiego Tomasza Strzępińskiego (1455-1460). Zidentyfikowano wszystkich kancelistów biskupa, odwołując się do ich występowania na testacjach dokumentów biskupich, subskrypcjach notarialnych na nich zamieszczanych oraz analizy paleograficznej oryginalnych dokumentów. Przeprowadzono studium prozopograficzne kancelistów, skupiając się na takich kwestiach, jak: ich pochodzenie geograficzne i społeczne, wykształcenie oraz drogi karier.
Wykazy członków bractwa różańcowego przy klasztorze dominikanów w Świdnicy z XVI wieku
Authors: Kaczmarek Krzysztof
Published: January 2024

Artykuł dotyczy pochodzących z ok. 1530-1535 r. wykazów członków bractwa różańcowego, działającego pod patronatem klasztoru dominikanów w Świdnicy. Analiza zawartości tych rejestrów została uzupełniona edycją źródła zawartą w Aneksie. Wykazy te przynoszą istotne dane do badań nad działalnością duszpasterską świdnickiego konwentu oraz studiów nad antroponimią ludności zamieszkującej okolice Świdnicy w późnym średniowieczu.
Codzienna polityczna dezinformacja
Authors: Żurawski Jakub
Published: January 2024

This article is intended to discuss disinformation as a common practice in political communication. This is a phenomenon which, contrary to popular belief, is not only a component of propaganda campaigns, but a permanent element of politicians' communication with the public. The aim of the article is to highlight this everyday disinformation, to isolate it from the entire spectrum of activities of a similar nature (deliberate manipulation, fraud or propaganda). The article discusses three definitional issues: the functional and objective aspect of disinformation, its intentionality (and connection with the concept of misinformation) and the purpose. In addition, a catalogue of possible types of everyday disinformation is presented: using the truth (and untruth), unverifiable message, ambiguity of the message, presenting opinions as facts, transforming the opinions of other authors, manipulating the context of the message, departing from the essence of the message in favour of a selected aspect, using stereotypes, myths and proverbs. e analysed types of disinformation are illustrated with examples from Polish political life.