bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parents’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of the Transportation Experiences of Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Xu Tianxi , Zou Chenmingxin , Li Xiaofang , Dong Ping
Published: July 2024

Enhancing transportation skills is crucial in promoting quality of life for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To learn about transportation skill development and improve the transportation experiences of youth with IDD in China, we conducted in-depth interviews with special education teachers and parents of transition-age youth with IDD (i.e., 23 teachers and 19 parents) from five major cities in China. The purpose of this study was to explore the transportation experiences of youth with IDD through parents’ and teachers’ perspectives. Adopting the constructivist grounded theory method, three main themes were identified: (1) the need to develop transportation skills, (2) the practices for supporting transportation, and (3) the challenges of transportation for youth with IDD in China. The findings ascertain the importance of travel training to promote community inclusion of transition-age youth with IDD and disclose the helpful practices and existing barriers for improving youth’s transportation skills. Limitations and implications for research, policy, and practice are also described.
Transiliac-Transsacral Screw Fixation is Superior to Lumbopelvic Stabilization in the Treatment of Minimally Displaced Sacral H-/U-Type Fragility Fractures
Authors: Gewiess Jan , Roth Ysaline Emilie , Heini Paul , Benneker Lorin M. , Albers Christoph Emanuel
Published: July 2024

Study Design

Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives

To compare the outcomes and complications of transiliac-transsacral screw fixation (TIS) and lumbopelvic fixation (LPS), the 2 most common fixation methods for nondisplaced and minimally displaced H-/U- type sacral fragility fractures.

Methods

Medical records of patients treated with TIS or LPS for nondisplaced and minimally displaced H-/U-type sacral fragility fractures at 2 level A trauma centers between 2012 and 2022 were analyzed. Postoperative low back pain and mobility levels were assessed as primary outcomes before discharge and at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Surgery time, blood loss, and surgical complication rates were assessed as secondary outcomes. Statistical analyses consisted of Fisher’s exact tests for frequency distributions and Mann-Whitney-U tests and t-tests for group comparisons.

Results

52 patients undergoing TIS (mean age: 78 ± 9 years) and 36 patients undergoing LPS (74 ± 10 years) with no discrepancy in demographic parameters were identified. There were no differences in low back pain levels between the 2 groups before surgery, before discharge, at 6 weeks postoperatively, and at 6 months postoperatively ( P > 0.05). There were no differences in mobility levels before surgery, before discharge, at 6 weeks postoperatively, and at 6 months postoperatively ( P > 0.05). Duration of surgery was shorter after TIS (36 ± 13 min) compared to LPS (113 ± 31 min) ( P < 0.0001). Intraoperative blood loss was lower for TIS (median <20 mL) compared to LPS (median 125 mL) ( P < 0.0001). Postoperative radiculopathy was less frequent after TIS (n = 1) compared to LPS (n = 3) ( P > 0.05). Median length of stay was shorter after TIS (11 days) compared to LPS (14 days) ( P < 0.05). Rates of reoperations directly related to the index surgery were lower after TIS (n = 2) compared to LPS (n = 10) ( P < 0.01). Implant failures were observed only after LPS (n = 1).

Conclusion

Patients with nondisplaced and minimally displaced H-/U- type sacral fragility fractures may preferably be treated using TIS, as it is equivalent to LPS in terms of low back pain reduction and restoration of mobility, but allows for shorter operative time, less blood loss and lower reoperation rates. Prospective randomized studies should be conducted to substantiate our findings and develop distinct treatment recommendations.
Stand-Alone Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Supplemental Posterior Instrumentation in the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Zhou XiaoCheng , Zhou Qiujun , Jin Xiaoliang , Zhang Jinjie , Song Zhoufeng
Published: July 2024

Study Design

Systematic Review.

Objectives

Compare the outcomes of stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and LLIF with supplemental posterior instrumentation in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease by a Meta-analysis.

Methods

In this meta-analysis, we searched Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to Aug 2023. In this study, only study reporting stand-alone LLIF(stand-alone group) and LLIF with supplemental posterior instrumentation (posterior instrumentation group) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease and we excluded duplicate publications, research without full text, incomplete information or inability to conduct data extraction, animal experiments, reviews, and systematic reviews. STATA 15.1 software was used to analyze the data.

Results

Among the 15 included articles, the total number of patients was 1177, with 469 patients (638 fused segments) in the standalone group and 708 patients (1046 fused segments) in the posterior instrumentation group. The posterior instrumentation group was better than stand-alone group with significant differences in fusion rate, cage subsidence rate,the restoration of disc height and segmental lordosis, the improvement of ODI, and reoperation rate. While, comparing with posterior instrumentation group,the stand-alone group had less intraoperative blood loss.

Conclusions

Both stand-alone and instrumented LLIF were effective in improving the clinical outcomes of patients with lumbar degenerative disease. However, the stand-alone LLIF was associated with lower fusion rate, inferior maintenance of indirect decompression, and higher reoperation rate due to high-grade cage subsidence. For patients with risk factors of high-grade cage subsidence, the LLIF with posterior instrumentation may be a better choice.
Enhancing Educational Outcomes Through Strategic Guest Speaker Selection: A Comparative Study of Alumni and Industry Experts in University Settings
Authors: Phan The Anh , Vu Thi Hong Nhung , Vo Ngoc Thao Nguyen , Le Thu-Hang
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of guest speaker programs on student engagement and skill development in a university setting, focusing on different types of speakers: alumni and industry experts. Through a quantitative analysis involving 159 business students, the research examines how speaker characteristics influence perceived learning outcomes, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. The findings reveal that alumni speakers, sharing a common educational background with the students, significantly enhance students’ perceived learning outcome and communication skills because of their relatability and personal insights. The implications of these findings underscore the need for educational institutions to strategically select guest speakers to optimize educational outcomes and prepare students more effectively for professional environments. This study contributes to the broader discourse on integrating practical experiences within academic curricula to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in higher education.
Pediatric Surgery Workforce Around the World: A Need to Revise Residency Programs?
Authors: Khaleghnejad Tabari Ahmad , Mohajerzadeh Leily , Ebrahimian Manoochehr , Rouzrokh Mohsen , Jahangiri Fariba , Rouzrokh Saghar , Eghbali Zarch Reyhaneh , Ahmadi Amoli Arian
Published: July 2024

Objectives:The study aimed to address the shortage of pediatric surgery specialists globally by investigating the discrepancies in training programs and population metrics across different countries and regions. Methods: An international survey of pediatric surgeons gathered data on training duration, examination procedures, certification, and population metrics like mortality rate and surgeon-to-population ratio. Results: The study included 44 countries. The average length of pediatric surgery training was 5.7 years, with no significant difference between different regions. The pediatric mortality rate and surgeons count per 100 000 people were inversely correlated, while training duration was associated with GDP and life expectancy, but not pediatric mortality rate or surgeons’ count. Conclusion: Many countries’ pediatric surgery training programs do not align with their actual need for pediatric surgeons. Nations with limited economic resources may opt to shorten residency programs or offer pediatric surgery as a direct specialty after medical school to mitigate the shortage effectively.
What Do You Mean? Developing Jargon Literacy for the Workplace
Authors: Weirup Amanda , Taylor Phylicia
Published: July 2024

In the dynamic landscape of workplace communication, business jargon plays a crucial yet potentially divisive role. This experiential learning exercise introduces the concept of jargon literacy, which we define as the ability to recognize, understand, and use specialized terminology within a particular professional context, enabling participants to engage with the complexities of jargon through simulated “manager” and “employee” roles. Aimed at bridging communication gaps and clarifying misunderstandings, this exercise is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate curricula and adaptable for in-person and online formats. Emphasizing clear, inclusive dialogue, the exercise proposes innovative solutions to jargon-related obstacles, fostering effective communication across diverse organizational contexts. Designed to actively engage students, it offers practical insights into overcoming jargon-induced barriers and enhancing essential communication skills for today’s varied workplace settings.
Bridging the divide between the potential & practice of behavioral science in the private sector
Authors: Young Scott
Published: July 2024

This article explores why private sector adoption of behavioral science has been limited and shares strategies for expanding its integration into businesses. After outlining three core barriers to adoption, the author proposes solutions for more effectively communicating the field’s value to business leaders—solutions rooted in his personal experience and supported by observations shared by other successful practitioners. He then focuses on actions that the broader behavioral science community (including academics, policymakers, and practitioners) can take to promote the private sector’s long-term adoption of behavioral science.
Repair, maintenance, and ordinary politics: Patronage relations in the Mexico City public markets’ network
Authors: Téllez Contreras León Felipe
Published: July 2024

This article discusses the significance of understanding repair and maintenance and their political salience as embedded in the broader field of ordinary politics. By drawing on recent literature about repair and maintenance and their political salience, and on political ethnographic definitions of politics, it provides an approach that can enable an exploration of the paradoxical and multifaceted political nature of repair and maintenance and their political outcomes. The article follows the experience of repair and maintenance in the Mexico City public markets’ network to shed light on the capacity of these practices to preserve and transform both urban infrastructures and socio-political orders. Focusing on the ordinary political encounters through which traders, government officials, and politicians negotiate the restoration of deteriorated public markets, repair and maintenance emerge as a central factor in the reproduction of patronage relations in Mexico City. Through cyclical encounters in which repair and maintenance are exchanged for political support, the former are transformed into a point of convergence where political actors and agendas meet and mesh. The perpetuation of patronage in the markets’ network further reveals the ambivalent and contentious political effects of repair and maintenance, as they help to simultaneously reassert state power and preserve the markets as socially valuable urban infrastructure. The article thus contributes to an ongoing discussion concerning the political reach of everyday practices and their variegated political outcomes.
The Emergence of Mythologies in Organisations: A process model
Authors: Paca Esra , Rozuel Cécile
Published: July 2024

Research on organisational storytelling has shed light on different types of narratives. A specific story type, organisational myths, has caught the interest of some scholars in the field, but has not been theorised in any great detail. While it is rarely disputed that organisational members can and do develop emotional connections to myths and mythical stories in their social context, how and why these myths, or ‘sacred stories’, emerge in organisational settings has remained mostly unaddressed. Therefore, drawing upon a Jungian psychosocial approach, we propose a process model for the emergence of mythologised stories in organisations by situating members’ psychological dynamics within the social context in which they emerge. We propose that a conscious understanding of the conditions that lead to the emergence of mythologised stories in organisations can help clarify and deepen the relationship between different types of stories to support and sustain organisational change and development. The paper contributes to the existing literature on organisational storytelling and myths within organisational studies.
A Diagnostic Perplexity in Primary Pelvic Hydatid Disease, Mimicking Tumor and Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Bahadure Sweta , Hatgaonkar Anand , Bankar Nandkishor , Sadavarte Tejas , Tiwade Yugeshwari , Rinait Avinash
Published: July 2024

The differential diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis should be considered in the suspected case of a pelvic mass presenting with vague symptoms. Primary pelvic hydatid cyst is rare, and the achievement of early diagnosis is important, as the involvement of bone in the pelvis is difficult to treat, and the probability of recurrences is greater. This case report presents a rare case of a primary pelvic hydatid cyst in a male in his 30s. The patient presented vague symptoms of difficulty in micturition and chronic pelvic pain. First-line radiological imaging techniques diagnosed it as a neoplastic mass and tuberculosis, while MRI revealed it as a cystic disease, probably a hydatid cyst. Surgical excision and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a primary pelvic hydatid cyst. Acquaintance with the varied presentation of cystic echinococcosis helps to obtain an accurate diagnosis and thus decreases the severe complication associated with the disease. This case report highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of cystic pelvic masses, even in regions with low endemicity.
Preclinical and Clinical Investigations of Potential Drugs and Vaccines for COVID-19 Therapy: A Comprehensive Review With Recent Update
Authors: Mia Md. Easin , Howlader Mithu , Akter Farzana , Hossain Md. Murad
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic-led worldwide healthcare crisis necessitates prompt societal, ecological, and medical efforts to stop or reduce the rising number of fatalities. Numerous mRNA based vaccines and vaccines for viral vectors have been licensed for use in emergencies which showed 90% to 95% efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, safety issues, vaccine reluctance, and skepticism remain major concerns for making mass vaccination a successful approach to treat COVID-19. Hence, alternative therapeutics is needed for eradicating the global burden of COVID-19 from developed and low-resource countries. Repurposing current medications and drug candidates could be a more viable option for treating SARS-CoV-2 as these therapies have previously passed a number of significant checkpoints for drug development and patient care. Besides vaccines, this review focused on the potential usage of alternative therapeutic agents including antiviral, antiparasitic, and antibacterial drugs, protease inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies that are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical investigations to assess their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of COVID-19. Among the repurposed drugs, remdesivir is considered as the most promising agent, while favipiravir, molnupiravir, paxlovid, and lopinavir/ritonavir exhibited improved therapeutic effects in terms of elimination of viruses. However, the outcomes of treatment with oseltamivir, umifenovir, disulfiram, teicoplanin, and ivermectin were not significant. It is noteworthy that combining multiple drugs as therapy showcases impressive effectiveness in managing individuals with COVID-19. Tocilizumab is presently employed for the treatment of patients who exhibit COVID-19-related pneumonia. Numerous antiviral drugs such as galidesivir, griffithsin, and thapsigargin are under clinical trials which could be promising for treating COVID-19 individuals with severe symptoms. Supportive treatment for patients of COVID-19 may involve the use of corticosteroids, convalescent plasma, stem cells, pooled antibodies, vitamins, and natural substances. This study provides an updated progress in SARS-CoV-2 medications and a crucial guide for inventing novel interventions against COVID-19.
Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Altered Calcium Homeostasis, Parathyroid Gland, Bone, and Skeletal Muscle Histology Induced by Subchronic Oral Exposure to Glyphosate-Based Herbicide (GOBARA®) in Wistar Rats
Authors: Tizhe Emmanuel Vandi , Igbokwe Ikechukwu Onyebuchi , Njokwu Celestine Onwu-Ibe , Fatihu Mohammed Yakasai , Tizhe Ussa Delia , Ibrahim Najume Dogon-Giginya
Published: July 2024

Objectives:

The study was carried out to assess the effect of zinc supplementation on changes in calcium homeostasis, and parathyroid gland, bone, and skeletal muscle histology in rats exposed to subchronic oral glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH, GOBARA®) toxicity.

Methods:

Sixty male Wistar rats in 6 equal groups (DW, Z, G1, G2, ZG1, ZG2) were used: DW and Z were given 2 mL/kg distilled water and 50 mg/kg of zinc chloride (2%), respectively; G1 and G2 received 187.5 mg/kg and 375 mg/kg of glyphosate (in GBH), respectively; ZG1 and ZG2 were pretreated with 50 mg/kg of zinc chloride before receiving glyphosate, 1 hour later, at 187.5 and 375 mg/kg, respectively. Treatments were by gavage once daily for 16 weeks. Serum calcium, vitamin D, and parathormone were estimated. Histopathological examination of parathyroid gland, femoral bone and biceps femoris muscle was done.

Results:

GBH exposure caused significant ( P = .0038) decrease in serum calcium concentration in G1, significant ( P = .0337) decrease in serum vitamin D concentration in G1, significant increases in parathormone in G1 ( P = .0168) and G2 ( P = .0079) compared to DW. Significant ( P > .05) changes did not occur in the other parameters of G2 compared to DW. Dose-dependent effect in GBH exposure was not observed after comparing G1 and G2. Necrotic changes occurred in parathyroid gland cells, osteocytes, and muscle cells in G1 and G2. In ZG1 and ZG2, significant ( P > .05) variations in the parameters were not observed and tissue lesions were absent.

Conclusion:

Subchronic GBH exposure impaired calcium homeostasis observed as hypocalcemia, hypovitaminemia D, and secondary hyperparathyroidism and caused tissue damage in parathyroid gland, bone, and muscle of rats and these were mitigated by zinc chloride pretreatment.
Arthroscopic Anterior Labral Repair and Remplissage in a Young, Active Athlete
Authors: Nazzal Ehab M. , Steuer Fritz , Miller Liane , McMahon Sophia , Como Matthew , Herman Zachary J. , Dalton Jonathan F. , Reddy Rajiv , Gong Matthew F. , Lin Albert
Published: July 2024

Background:

Arthroscopic remplissage is an effective adjunct for anterior shoulder stabilization in patients with large engaging Hill-Sachs lesions (HSLs) and without significant glenoid bone loss or on-track HSLs with high risk of recurrence.

Indications:

The arthroscopic remplissage shown was performed in a patient with a high-risk profile for recurrence (age <25, near track) following a first-time traumatic anterior dislocation event. In this specific case, the remplissage was used to fill a near-track HSL, a significant risk factor for recurrence.

Technique Description:

Following diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy, the anterior labral repair is started with placement of the most inferior anchor and passage of the suture around the labrum and capsule. This anchor is not tightened to allow visualization and access to the posterior humeral head. Posterior labral work is then performed if there is a posterior labral tear extension. Next, for the remplissage, 2 double loaded suture anchors are placed spanning the HSL and passed through the capsule/infraspinatus without tightening. The prior placed anterior inferior anchor is then tightened. The remaining anterior labrum is then completed with capsulorraphy using additional 3 knotless suture anchors. Finally, the remplissage is completed using a double pulley method to pull the posterior capsule into fill the HSL.

Results:

Based on literature and the author's experience, addition of a remplissage for arthroscopic anterior stabilization in patients with anterior glenohumeral instability and either off-track HSL, or on-track HSL with high risk of recurrence can significantly reduce rates of recurrent instability when compared to arthroscopic Bankart repair alone.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Arthroscopic remplissage is an effective adjunct for arthroscopic anterior instability in patients with off-track HSLs or on-track HSLs with high risk of recurrence that is efficient with low surgical complication risk when performed with proper technique.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Paramedic educational interventions for out-of-hospital domestic and intimate partner violence cases: A scoping review
Authors: Craig Wesley , Hartnady Natalie , Naidoo Navindhra , Martin Lorna J , Artz Lillian
Published: July 2024

Domestic and intimate partner violence are significant causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The act is usually serial in nature and tends to amplify in severity if not intervened. The first interaction a victim-survivor has with the healthcare system may be through a paramedic. Paramedics are opportunely placed for early violence intervention. Previous research sought to assess the impact of domestic and intimate partner violence education on healthcare professionals, primarily with in-hospital staff, however, there has been relatively minimal inquiry concerning paramedic education and practice. This study aimed to investigate evidence regarding domestic and intimate partner violence educational interventions for pre- and in-service paramedics. Additionally, we describe the nature and extent of interprofessional training and the relevant practice guidelines/policies for paramedic responses. A scoping review, utilising an a priori piloted search strategy (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost), was used to identify literature published from 2002 related to paramedic domestic and intimate partner violence interventions. Academic literature including research produced by organizations outside of conventional academic publishing were searched. A total of 1713 records were identified, and 36 were included for descriptive analysis. Major topic domains identified included teaching content and methods, professionalising best practices for public protection, intersectionality calls for interprofessional training, and the impact of educational interventions. With reports increasingly highlighting the potential role of the paramedic response to violence, there is a paucity of studies related to its improvement. Reported teaching strategies across multiple settings have some consistency. Though interventions may improve behaviour and actual/perceived knowledge and competence, there is no evidence suggesting an impact on victim-survivor experiences and outcomes. Interprofessional collaborations between out-of-hospital services, police, social workers, and in-hospital staff may be useful but remains underreported/underutilised. Future research should focus on domestic and intimate partner violence victim-survivor stakeholder engagement and intervention implementation.
The Right to Healthcare Must Include the Right to Ease of Physical Access: Exploring Geography-Health Nexus in GIDA Communities in the Philippines
Authors: Collado Zaldy C.
Published: July 2024

Using the United Nations’ ‘leave no one behind’ framework for the achievement of sustainable development goals, this article underscores the key role of geography as one of the core factors why certain people are left behind, deprived, and continue to experience inequality in terms of access to (quality) health care facilities and services. This article specifically examines the consequences of physical inaccessibility to health outcomes and health-seeking behavior in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the Philippines. This article illustrates that physical accessibility is an ignored aspect of the public health paradigm. For that reason, public health facilities, no matter how critical the facility is to a person's care, are not an immediate option for GIDA residents who seek medical aid. Responsive policy measures are vital to address this seemingly paradigmatic error. Subsidizing transportation costs and allocating funds for road improvements are called for, among other changes. The government must act on the people's right to ease of access as part of fulfilling fundamental health-related state obligations. But for the government to act, it will be crucial for claimants to health rights to proactively demand these changes. The latter is key for the fulfillment of the affected people's right to get easier access to meaningful health care.
Long-term effect of obstructive sleep apnoea management on blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension: the SARAH study
Authors: Torres Gerard , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel , Gracia-Lavedan Esther , Benitez Ivan D. , Martinez Dolores , Dalmases Mireia , Pinilla Lucía , Minguez Olga , Vaca Rafaela , Pascual Lydia , Aguilá Maria , Cortijo Anunciación , Gort Clara , Martinez-Garcia Miguel Ángel , Mediano Olga , Romero Peralta Sofía , Fortuna-Gutierrez Ana Maria , Ponte Marquez Paola , Drager Luciano F. , Cabrini Mayara , de Barros Silvana , Masa Juan Fernando , Corral Peñafiel Jaime , Felez Miguel , Vázquez Susana , Abad Jorge , García-Rio Francisco , Casitas Raquel , Lee Chi-Hang , Barbé Ferran
Published: July 2024

Background

There is a close relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and resistant hypertension (RH). However, studies assessing the long-term effect of diagnosing and treating OSA on blood pressure (BP) control in these patients are lacking.

Methods

To address this gap, we recruited 478 RH patients from hypertension units and followed them prospectively after they were screened for OSA through a sleep study. By performing 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) annually, the effect of OSA management was assessed.

Results

The patients had a median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of 64.0 (57.2–69.0) years, 67% were males and most were nonsleepy, with a median (IQR) apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) of 15.8 (7.9–30.7) events·h−1. The median (IQR) follow-up time was 3.01 (2.93–3.12) years. At baseline, severe OSA was associated with uncontrolled BP, nocturnal hypertension and a nondipper circadian BP pattern. Moreover, these patients had higher BP values during follow-up than did patients in the other groups. However, among patients with moderate and severe OSA, the management of sleep disordered breathing, including the implementation of continuous positive airway pressure treatment, was associated with a reduction in 24-h ABPM parameters, especially night-time BP values, at the 1-year follow-up. These benefits were attenuated over time and only subjects with severe OSA maintained an ABPM night-time reduction at 3 years. Furthermore, clinical variables such as uncontrolled BP, sex and age showed a predictive value for the BP response at 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion

A favourable long-term decrease in BP was detected by diagnosing and treating OSA in a cohort of RH patients from hypertension units, but over time this decrease was only partially maintained in severe OSA patients.
ERS statement on benign pleural effusions in adults
Authors: Sundaralingam Anand , Grabczak Elzbieta M. , Burra Patrizia , Costa M. Inês , George Vineeth , Harriss Eli , Jankowska Ewa A. , Janssen Julius P. , Karpathiou Georgia , Laursen Christian B. , Maceviciute Kornelija , Maskell Nick , Mei Federico , Nagavci Blin , Panou Vasiliki , Pinelli Valentina , Porcel José M. , Ricciardi Sara , Shojaee Samira , Welch Hugh , Zanetto Alberto , Udayaraj Udaya Prabhakar , Cardillo Giuseppe , Rahman Najib M.
Published: July 2024

The incidence of non-malignant pleural effusions far outweighs that of malignant pleural effusions and is estimated to be at least 3-fold higher. These so-called benign effusions do not follow a “benign course” in many cases, with mortality rates matching and sometimes exceeding those of malignant pleural effusions. In addition to the impact on patients, healthcare systems are also significantly affected, with recent US epidemiological data demonstrating that 75% of resource allocation for pleural effusion management is spent on non-malignant pleural effusions (excluding empyema). Despite this significant burden of disease, and by existing at the junction of multiple medical specialties, reflecting a heterogenous constellation of medical conditions, non-malignant pleural effusions are rarely the focus of research or the subject of management guidelines. With this European Respiratory Society Task Force, we assembled a multispecialty collaborative across 11 countries and three continents to provide a statement based on systematic searches of the medical literature to highlight evidence in the management of the following clinical areas: a diagnostic approach to transudative effusions, heart failure, hepatic hydrothorax, end-stage renal failure, benign asbestos-related pleural effusion, post-surgical effusion and nonspecific pleuritis.
Chlamydia suis undergoes interclade recombination promoting Tet-island exchange
Authors: Seth-Smith Helena , Bommana Sankhya , Dean Deborah , Read Timothy D. , Marti Hanna
Published: July 2024

Background

The obligate intracellular bacterial family Chlamydiaceae comprises a number of different species that cause disease in various vertebrate hosts including humans. Chlamydia suis, primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs, is the only species of the Chlamydiaceae family to have naturally gained tetracycline resistance (TetR), through a genomic island (Tet-island), integrated into the middle of chromosomal invasin-like gene inv. Previous studies have hypothesised that the uptake of the Tet-island from a host outside the Chlamydiaceae family was a unique event, followed by spread among C. suis through homologous recombination. In vitro recombination studies have shown that Tet-island exchange between C. suis strains is possible. Our aim in this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the interclade recombination of the Tet-island, among currently circulating C. suis field strains compared to in vitro-generated recombinants, using published whole genome sequences of C. suis field strains (n = 35) and in vitro-generated recombinants (n = 63).

Results

We found that the phylogeny of inv better reflected the phylogeny of the Tet-island than that of the whole genome, supporting recombination rather than site-specific insertion as the means of transfer. There were considerable differences between the distribution of recombinations within in vitro-generated strains compared to that within the field strains. These differences are likely because in vitro-generated recombinants were selected for a tetracycline and rifamycin/rifampicin resistant background, leading to the largest peak of recombination across the Tet-island. Finally, we found that interclade recombinations across the Tet-island were more variable in length downstream of the Tet-island than upstream.

Conclusions

Our study supports the hypothesis that the occurrence of TetR strains in both clades of C. suis came about through interclade recombination after a single ancestral horizontal gene transfer event.
Immunological factors, important players in the development of asthma
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Li
Published: July 2024

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, and its development is the result of a combination of factors, including genetic factors, environmental factors, immune dysfunction and other factors. Its specific mechanism has not yet been fully investigated. With the improvement of disease models, research on the pathogenesis of asthma has made great progress. Immunological disorders play an important role in asthma. Previously, we thought that asthma was mainly caused by an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses, but this theory cannot fully explain the pathogenesis of asthma. Recent studies have shown that T-cell subsets such as Th1 cells, Th2 cells, Th17 cells, Tregs and their cytokines contribute to asthma through different mechanisms. For the purpose of the present study, asthma was classified into distinct phenotypes based on airway inflammatory cells, such as eosinophilic asthma, characterized by predominant eosinophil aggregates, and neutrophilic asthma, characterized by predominant neutrophil aggregates. This paper will examine the immune mechanisms underlying different types of asthma, and will utilize data from animal models and clinical studies targeting specific immune pathways to inform more precise treatments for this condition.
Refining flowering date enhances sesame yield independently of day-length
Authors: Sabag Idan , Pnini Shaked , Morota Gota , Peleg Zvi
Published: July 2024

Background

The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is a key factor in yield maximization. Sesame (Sesamum indicum), an indeterminate short-day oilseed crop, is rapidly being introduced into new cultivation areas. Thus, decoding its flowering mechanism is necessary to facilitate adaptation to environmental conditions. In the current study, we uncover the effect of day-length on flowering and yield components using F$$_2$$

2

populations segregating for previously identified quantitative trait loci (Si_DTF QTL) confirming these traits.

Results

Generally, day-length affected all phenotypic traits, with short-day preceding days to flowering and reducing yield components. Interestingly, the average days to flowering required for yield maximization was 50 to 55 days, regardless of day-length. In addition, we found that Si_DTF QTL is more associated with seed-yield and yield components than with days to flowering. A bulk-segregation analysis was applied to identify additional QTL differing in allele frequencies between early and late flowering under both day-length conditions. Candidate genes mining within the identified major QTL intervals revealed two flowering-related genes with different expression levels between the parental lines, indicating their contribution to sesame flowering regulation.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the essential role of flowering date on yield components and will serve as a basis for future sesame breeding.
Hippocampal avoidance whole-brain radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost in lung cancer brain metastases and utility of the Hopkins verbal learning test for testing cognitive impairment in Chinese patients: a prospective phase II study
Authors: Li Zhuoran , Wang Jianyang , Deng Lei , Zhai Yirui , Zhang Tao , Bi Nan , Wang Jingbo , Wang Xin , Liu Wenyang , Xiao Zefen , Chen Dongfu , Lv Jima , Feng Qinfu , Wang Wenqing , Zhou Zongmei
Published: July 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of hippocampal avoidance whole-brain radiotherapy with a simultaneous integrated boost (HA-WBRT-SIB) treating brain metastases (BM) and utility of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) (Chinese version) in Chinese lung cancer patients.

Methods

Lung cancer patients with BM undergone HA-WBRT-SIB at our center were enrolled. Brain magnetic resonance imaging, The HVLT total learning score, and side effects were evaluated before radiotherapy and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after radiotherapy. This study analyzed the overall survival rate, progression-free survival rate, and changes in HVLT-R immediate recall scores.

Results

Forty patients were enrolled between Jan 2016 and Jan 2020. The median follow-up time was 14.2 months. The median survival, progression-free survival, and intracranial progression-free survival of all patients were 14.8 months, 6.7 months and 14.8 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that male sex and newly diagnosed stage IV disease were associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival, respectively. HVLT-R scores at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after radiotherapy were 21.94 ± 2.99, 20.88 ± 3.12, 20.03 ± 3.14, and 19.78 ± 2.98, respectively. The HVLT-R scores at 6 months after radiotherapy decreased by approximately 9.8% compared with those at baseline. No grade 3 toxicities occurred in the entire cohort.

Conclusions

HA-WBRT-SIB is of efficiency and cognitive-conserving in treating Chinese lung cancer BM.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov in 24th Feb, 2024. The ClinicalTrials.gov ID is NCT06289023.
Prevalence of dysphagia following posterior fossa tumor resection: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
Authors: Duan Yuyu , Wang Yueli , Zhang Xiaowei , Huang Jingjuan , Zhou Zhihuan , Zhao Qinqin
Published: July 2024

Objective

Dysphagia is common in individuals who have undergone posterior fossa tumor (PFT) resection and negatively impacts on the individual’s quality of life, nutritional status, and overall health. We aimed to quantitatively synthesize data from studies of the prevalence of dysphagia following PFT resection.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, and VIP database were searched for case-control and cross-sectional studies that evaluated the prevalence of dysphagia after PFT surgery. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the prevalence of dysphagia. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to determine the sources of heterogeneity among the studies.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included, involving 20,921 cases. A meta-analysis of the random-effects model showed that the pooled global prevalence of dysphagia following PFT resection was 21.7% (95% confidence interval: 16.9–26.6). The subgroup and meta-regression analyses demonstrated that participant age (P < 0.001), assessment methods (P = 0.004), and geographical region of the study participants (P = 0.001) were sources of heterogeneity among the studies.

Conclusions

Dysphagia has a high prevalence following PFT resection. Individuals with PFTs who are at a high risk for dysphagia should be identified early through screening. Multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia are required to improve the outcomes in the early stages after PFT resection.
MARCH1 negatively regulates TBK1-mTOR signaling pathway by ubiquitinating TBK1
Authors: Li Xiao , Cheng Kai , Shang Meng-Di , Yang Yong , Hu Bin , Wang Xi , Wei Xiao-Dan , Han Yan-Chun , Zhang Xiao-Gang , Dong Meng-Hua , Yang Zhen-Lin , Wang Jiu-Qiang
Published: July 2024

Background

TBK1 positively regulates the growth factor-mediated mTOR signaling pathway by phosphorylating mTOR. However, it remains unclear how the TBK1-mTOR signaling pathway is regulated. Considering that STING not only interacts with TBK1 but also with MARCH1, we speculated that MARCH1 might regulate the mTOR signaling pathway by targeting TBK1. The aim of this study was to determine whether MARCH1 regulates the mTOR signaling pathway by targeting TBK1.

Methods

The co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay was used to verify the interaction between MARCH1 with STING or TBK1. The ubiquitination of STING or TBK1 was analyzed using denatured co-immunoprecipitation. The level of proteins detected in the co-immunoprecipitation or denatured co-immunoprecipitation samples were determined by Western blotting. Stable knocked-down cells were constructed by infecting lentivirus bearing the related shRNA sequences. Scratch wound healing and clonogenic cell survival assays were used to detect the migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Results

We showed that MARCH1 played an important role in growth factor-induced the TBK1- mTOR signaling pathway. MARCH1 overexpression attenuated the growth factor-induced activation of mTOR signaling pathway, whereas its deficiency resulted in the opposite effect. Mechanistically, MARCH1 interacted with and promoted the K63-linked ubiquitination of TBK1. This ubiquitination of TBK1 then attenuated its interaction with mTOR, thereby inhibiting the growth factor-induced mTOR signaling pathway. Importantly, faster proliferation induced by MARCH1 deficiency was weakened by mTOR, STING, or TBK1 inhibition.

Conclusion

MARCH1 suppressed growth factors mediated the mTOR signaling pathway by targeting the STING-TBK1-mTOR axis.
Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of incomplete Kawasaki disease in children in China
Authors: Jiao Fuyong , Pan Yan , Du Zhongdong , Deng Fangming , Yang Xiaodong , Wang Hong , Shen Jie , Xiang Wei , Mu Zhilong , Gao Chunyan , Bai Jinmei
Published: July 2024

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a pyretic ailment predominantly observed in children aged below 5 years. There is currently a dearth of precise markers for timely identification of incomplete Kawasaki disease (IKD). It is imperative to develop updated, comprehensive, and evidence-based guidelines to effectively direct clinical practice.

Methods

The guideline development group comprised individuals with diverse expertise in both content and methodology and carried out an extensive exploration of the following digital repositories: CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, UpToDate, BMJ, Clinical Evidence, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Joanna Briggs Institute Library, Cochrane Library, and PubMed. The entire period from the establishment of these databases until January 1, 2024 was covered. To evaluate IKD, systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials were assessed using the risk of prejudice instrument specified in the Cochrane Handbook, along with the evidence robustness framework established by the GRADE group. The recommendations were formulated based on the findings, considering the evidence strength. After several iterations of expert consensus, the relevant professional committees in China endorsed the ultimate guideline.

Results

These guidelines address clinical questions regarding the classification and definition of KD, diagnosis of IKD, treatment during the acute phase of IKD, and follow-up of IKD.

Conclusions

To provide healthcare professionals with guidance and decision-making bases for the diagnosis and treatment of IKD in China, 13 recommendations were formulated based on expert consensus and evidence of best practices.
Psychometric properties of the Knowledge and Attitudes to Mental Health Scales in a Dutch sample (KAMHS-NL): A comprehensive mental health literacy measure in adolescents
Authors: Tullius Janne M. , Geboers Bas , Stewart Roy E. , Wei Yifeng , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , de Winter Andrea F.
Published: July 2024

Background

Mental health literacy (MHL) is crucial for early recognition of and coping with mental health problems, and for the use and acceptance of mental health services, leading to better health outcomes, especially in adolescence. The prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents is seen as a major public health concern and MHL is an important factor in facilitating positive mental health outcomes. However, the availability of valid measurement instruments for assessing the multifaceted nature of MHL is limited, hindering the ability to make meaningful comparisons across studies. The Knowledge and Attitudes to Mental Health Scales (KAMHS) is a promising comprehensive instrument for measuring adolescents’ mental health literacy but its psychometric properties have not been explored in any other contexts than the Welsh. The aim of this study was to translate the KAMHS into Dutch, adapt it in this context, and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study with Dutch adolescents between the ages 11–16. We translated the KAHMS and assessed its content validity using cognitive interviewing with n = 16 adolescents. Next, n = 406 adolescents were asked to fill in the translated KAMHS-NL and reference scales, on mental health (SDQ and WHO-5), resilience (BRS), and mental health help-seeking behaviors. We assessed construct validity based on a priori hypotheses regarding convergent and divergent correlations between subscales of KAMHS-NL and the reference scales. Finally, we assessed structural validity via confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling.

Results

The KAMHS-NL showed good content validity and satisfactory construct validity. In total, 28 of the 48 hypotheses regarding convergent and divergent correlations between the KAMHS and reference scales were confirmed. Contrary to our expectations, weak, but significant associations were found between MHL and resilience. The KAMHS showed an acceptable to good internal consistency (McDonald’s omega ranging from 0.62 to 0.84). Finally, we could generally confirm the postulated structure of the KAMHS-NL in the Dutch sample with a 5-factor solution (RMSEA = 0.033; CFI = 0.96).

Conclusions

The Dutch version of the KAMHS is a valid measure for detecting differences in MHL levels in adolescents. The KAMHS is a promising instrument for assessing MHL in adolescents in a multifaceted manner in other countries which may facilitate rigorous global MHL research. The instrument therefore deserves further validation research in other settings and comparisons across various cultural contexts.