bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutamine prevents high-fat diet-induced hepatic lipid accumulation in mice by modulating lipolysis and oxidative stress
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Wang Yangli , Liao Xin , Liu Tong , Yang Fengyuan , Yang Kaiqiang , Zhou Zhuohua , Fu Yinxu , Fu Ting , Sysa Aliaksei , Chen Xiandan , Shen Yao , Lyu Jianxin , Zhao Qiongya
Published: March 2024

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is related to metabolic dysfunction and is characterized by excess fat storage in the liver. Several studies have indicated that glutamine could be closely associated with lipid metabolism disturbances because of its important role in intermediary metabolism. However, the effect of glutamine supplementation on MAFLD progression remains unclear. Here, we used a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MAFLD C57BL/6 mouse model, and glutamine was supplied in the drinking water at different time points for MAFLD prevention and reversal studies. A MAFLD prevention study was performed by feeding mice an HFD concomitant with 4% glutamine treatment for 24 weeks, whereas the MAFLD reversal study was performed based on 4% glutamine treatment for 13 weeks after feeding mice an HFD for 10 weeks. In the prevention study, glutamine treatment ameliorated serum lipid storage, hepatic lipid injury, and oxidative stress in HFD-induced obese mice, although glutamine supplementation did not affect body weight, glucose homeostasis, energy expenditure, and mitochondrial function. In the MAFLD reversal study, there were no noticeable changes in the basic physiological phenotype and hepatic lipid metabolism. In summary, glutamine might prevent, but not reverse, HFD-induced MAFLD in mice, suggesting that a cautious attitude is required regarding its use for MAFLD treatment.
Can different osteotomies have an influence on surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion? A systematic review
Authors: Barone Selene , Bennardo Francesco , Salviati Marianna , Calabria Elena , Bocchino Tecla , Michelotti Ambra , Giudice Amerigo
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the randomized and non-randomized clinical trials (RCT; nRCT) concerning the different available osteotomies for surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME): pterygomaxillary disjunction (SARME + PD vs SARME-PD) and segmental Le Fort I osteotomy (2-piece vs 3-piece). Outcomes focused on skeletal, dental, upper airway changes, complications, and relapse. Two authors investigated five databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science) until August 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration Tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale were used for the quality assessment of the included RCTs and nRCTs, respectively. A total of 554 articles were retrieved and after duplicates removing and full-text reading, 40 studies were included. Two RCTs showed a low risk of bias, one an unclear risk and one a high risk. Among the non-RCTs, 15 studies showed a good quality, while 21 exhibited a fair quality score. SARME + PD resulted in more homogeneous posterior bone expansion, with minimal dental effects. No difference between 2-piece and 3-piece in asymmetric expansion was observed, although 3SO showed 1–2 mm of more transverse increase. The oropharynx minimum cross-sectional area, the nasopharynx and the oropharynx volume were greater in SARME + PD. Both dental and bone relapse can occur but no differences between the groups were observed. All osteotomies guaranteed a correction of transverse maxillary deficiency. Lower side effects were described in SARME + PD. Two-piece and 3-piece segmental Le Fort I osteotomies did not show any differences in the symmetry and amount of expansion.
Protocol of a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of deep-inspiration breath-hold daily online adaptive radiotherapy for centrally located lung tumours (PUDDING study)
Authors: Kishi Noriko , Yoneyama Masahiro , Inoo Hiroyuki , Inoue Minoru , Iramina Hiraku , Nakakura Akiyoshi , Ono Tomohiro , Hirashima Hideaki , Adachi Takanori , Matsushita Norimasa , Sasaki Makoto , Fujimoto Takahiro , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Matsuo Yukinori , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: March 2024

Background

Centrally located lung tumours present a challenge because of their tendency to exhibit symptoms such as airway obstruction, atelectasis, and bleeding. Surgical resection of these tumours often requires sacrificing the lungs, making definitive radiotherapy the preferred alternative to avoid pneumonectomy. However, the proximity of these tumours to mediastinal organs at risk increases the potential for severe adverse events. To mitigate this risk, we propose a dual-method approach: deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) radiotherapy combined with adaptive radiotherapy. The aim of this single-centre, single-arm phase II study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of DIBH daily online adaptive radiotherapy.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with centrally located lung tumours according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer recommendations, are enrolled and subjected to DIBH daily online adaptive radiotherapy. The primary endpoint is the one-year cumulative incidence of grade 3 or more severe adverse events, as classified by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0).

Discussion

Delivering definitive radiotherapy for centrally located lung tumours presents a dilemma between ensuring optimal dose coverage for the planning target volume and the associated increased risk of adverse events. DIBH provides measurable dosimetric benefits by increasing the normal lung volume and distancing the tumour from critical mediastinal organs at risk, leading to reduced toxicity. DIBH adaptive radiotherapy has been proposed as an adjunct treatment option for abdominal and pelvic cancers. If the application of DIBH adaptive radiotherapy to centrally located lung tumours proves successful, this approach could shape future phase III trials and offer novel perspectives in lung tumour radiotherapy.

Trial registration. Registered at the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/); registration number: jRCT1052230085 (https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT1052230085).
Effectiveness of asfotase alfa for treatment of adults with hypophosphatasia: results from a global registry
Authors: Kishnani Priya S. , Martos-Moreno Gabriel Ángel , Linglart Agnès , Petryk Anna , Messali Andrew , Fang Shona , Rockman-Greenberg Cheryl , Ozono Keiichi , Högler Wolfgang , Seefried Lothar , Dahir Kathryn M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited disease caused by deficient activity of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. Many adults with HPP have a high burden of disease, experiencing chronic pain, fatigue, limited mobility, and dental issues, contributing to decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HPP may be treated with the enzyme replacement therapy asfotase alfa though real-world data in adults are limited. This analysis was conducted to assess the clinical effectiveness of asfotase alfa among adults in the Global HPP Registry.

Methods

The Global HPP Registry is an observational, prospective, multinational study. Adults ≥ 18 years of age were included in this analysis if they had serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity below the age- and sex-adjusted reference ranges, and/or ALPL variant(s), and received asfotase alfa for ≥ 6 months. Mobility was assessed with the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and patient-reported outcomes tools were used to assess pain (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form), quality of life (36-item Short Form Health Survey, version 2 [SF-36v2]), and disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index) at multiple time points from baseline through Month 36. Data were collected as per usual standard of care; patients may not have contributed data at all time points.

Results

A total of 190 patients met the inclusion criteria. For patients with ≥ 1 follow-up measurement, the mean distance achieved on 6MWT increased from 404 m (range 60–632 m) at baseline (n = 31) to 484 m at Month 12 (range 240–739 m; n = 18) and remained above baseline through Month 36 (n = 7). Improvements in mean self-reported pain severity scores ranged from − 0.72 (95% CI: − 1.23, − 0.21; n = 38) to − 1.13 (95% CI: − 1.76, − 0.51; n = 26) and were observed at all time points. Improvements in the Physical Component Summary score of SF-36v2 were achieved by Month 6 and sustained throughout follow-up. There was a trend toward improvement in the Mental Component Summary score of SF-36v2 at most time points, with considerable fluctuations from Months 12 (n = 28) through 36 (n = 21). The most frequent adverse events were injection site reactions.

Conclusions

Adults with HPP who received asfotase alfa for ≥ 6 months experienced improvements in mobility, physical function, and HRQoL, which were maintained over 3 years of follow-up.

Registration: NCT02306720; EUPAS13514.
Patients’ and physicians’ awareness of clinical symptoms and disease severity in tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Sauter Matthias , Weber Lea , Jung Dominik , Weremko Michael , Bachmann Dorothea , Fischereder Michael , Bachmann Hagen Sjard
Published: March 2024

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare inherited disease with the potential to affect virtually every organ system. Clinical presentation is age- and partly sex-dependent and varies broadly with respect to disease manifestations including treatment-refractory epilepsy, intellectual disability and TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, chronic kidney disease or progressive lung function decline. Given the complexity of this disease, multidisciplinary care in specialized TSC centres is recommended. We aimed to elucidate the state of knowledge of patients/caregivers and physicians on individual disease manifestations. We further examined whether the association to a TSC centre has an impact on the comprehensive consideration of potential disease manifestations. Therefore, a survey was performed in a cohort of German TSC patients and their physicians. Complete information was available for 94 patients with a median age of 18 years [range 1–55] and a sex distribution of 53.2% (male): 48.8% (female). Using almost identical questionnaires for patients/caregivers and their respective physician, there was a good correlation for disease assessments associated with relevant morbidity and mortality like epilepsy, renal angiomyolipoma, cardiac rhabdomyomas or intellectual disability. Correlation was moderate for several neuropsychiatric disorders and only poor for hypomelanotic macules, dental pits or retinal achromic patches. Estimation of overall disease severity using a numeric rating scale correlated highly significantly (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.767; p < 0.001) between patients/caregivers and physicians. In general, physicians more likely quoted items as ‘unknown’ than patients (822 answers vs. 435 answers in the respective groups). Questionnaires completed by physicians who were associated with a specialized TSC centre declared a significantly lower proportion of items as unknown (mean 8.7% vs. 20.5%; p < 0.001). These findings indicate that patients treated by specialized TSC centres seem to obtain a more comprehensive surveillance. Furthermore, it shows that there were reasonable surveillance strategies in general and sufficient patient/caregiver interaction and education in the examined cohort. However, for the most prominent disease characteristics there was a good awareness within both the patients/caregivers and the physicians group.
Biological mechanisms and clinical significance of endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1 alpha (ERO1α) in human cancer
Authors: Chen Peng , Sharma Amit , Weiher Hans , Schmidt-Wolf Ingo G.H.
Published: March 2024

A firm link between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and tumors has been wildly reported. Endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1 alpha (ERO1α), an ER-resident thiol oxidoreductase, is confirmed to be highly upregulated in various cancer types and associated with a significantly worse prognosis. Of importance, under ER stress, the functional interplay of ERO1α/PDI axis plays a pivotal role to orchestrate proper protein folding and other key processes. Multiple lines of evidence propose ERO1α as an attractive potential target for cancer treatment. However, the unavailability of specific inhibitor for ERO1α, its molecular inter-relatedness with closely related paralog ERO1β and the tightly regulated processes with other members of flavoenzyme family of enzymes, raises several concerns about its clinical translation. Herein, we have provided a detailed description of ERO1α in human cancers and its vulnerability towards the aforementioned concerns. Besides, we have discussed a few key considerations that may improve our understanding about ERO1α in tumors.
A glutamine tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells: recent advances in unraveling the ongoing battle
Authors: Wang Bolin , Pei Jinli , Xu Shengnan , Liu Jie , Yu Jinming
Published: March 2024

Glutamine metabolism plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, immune cell function, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism has been implicated in cancer development and immune responses, supported by mounting evidence. Cancer cells heavily rely on glutamine as a critical nutrient for survival and proliferation, while immune cells require glutamine for activation and proliferation during immune reactions. This metabolic competition creates a dynamic tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells. Targeting glutamine transporters and downstream enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism holds significant promise in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic approaches that improve anti-tumor immunity and patient outcomes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in unraveling the tug-of-war of glutamine metabolism between cancer and immune cells and explore potential applications of basic science discoveries in the clinical setting. Further investigations into the regulation of glutamine metabolism in cancer and immune cells are expected to yield valuable insights, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions.
Primary seronegative intermuscular hydatidosis in a child, an infection that should be approached like a tumor: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tavakoli Darestani Reza , Kazemian Gholamhossein , Afzal Sina , Baroutkoub Mojtaba , Aghaalikhani Mahdi , Amouzadeh Omrani Farzad
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Intermuscular hydatid cyst is one of the rarest types of hydatid cyst, and as far as we know, only nine cases were reported in the literature before this study.

Case presentation

We present a 10-year-old Iranian child with an intermuscular cystic mass in the medial-distal thigh. Despite the typical imaging findings, the patient's serological and hematological tests were negative for hydatid cyst. The cyst underwent wide excision accompanied by neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy with Albendazole. No evidence of recurrence was detected during the one-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Hydatid cysts should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue cystic masses in endemic areas, and aspiration or drainage should be avoided as much as possible, even when serological tests are negative and imaging is non-diagnostic. In cases where the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst has been confirmed before the surgery, it is recommended to approach the cyst, like a tumor with chemotherapy using Albendazole both before and after wide cyst excision.
Blow-up and lifespan of solutions for elastic membrane equation with distributed delay and logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Boulaaras Salah , Jan Rashid , Choucha Abdelbaki , Zaraï Aderrahmane , Benzahi Mourad
Published: March 2024

We examine a Kirchhoff-type equation with nonlinear viscoelastic properties, characterized by distributed delay, logarithmic nonlinearity, and Balakrishnan–Taylor damping terms (elastic membrane equation). Under appropriate hypotheses, we establish the occurrence of solution blow-up.
Awareness, experiences, and opinions by owners, breeders, show judges, and veterinarians on canine Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Authors: Åsbjer Elina , Hedhammar Åke , Engdahl Karolina
Published: March 2024

Background

Exaggerated brachycephalic features have been highlighted over the last decade by their profound effect on the health and welfare of the affected dogs. The term brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) was launched in the early 2000s and has received worldwide attention and awareness. At the same time, the popularity of brachycephalic dogs increased. This study aimed to reveal the awareness and experiences of health issues related to the physical appearance of brachycephalic breeds and compare perceptions and opinions on how to counteract these issues by various stakeholders (dog owners, veterinarians, dog breeders, and show judges) by performing an online survey.

Results

Altogether, 1602 owners, 1551 breeders, 118 show judges, and 557 veterinarians participated. Awareness and experiences of conformation-related health issues were common among all stakeholder groups. Most participants agreed fully or partly that health issues related to conformity threaten the health of brachycephalic breeds; that the measures taken so far are positive; and that guidelines on the appearance of a dog should be based on knowledge regarding health issues related to physical appearance. A disagreement was noted on further measures to be taken and the importance of adhering to a breed standard.

Conclusions

All stakeholders were aware of health issues related to the appearance of brachycephalic dogs, but had variable personal experiences of these issues. Most participants agreed fully or partly that health issues related to conformity threaten the health of brachycephalic breeds, and that attention to these issues and measures taken so far are positive. However, there is a disagreement on further actions to be taken and the importance of adhering to a breed standard. These findings could be used to understand and bridge the gap in opinions between stakeholders and to refine methods to influence the health of dogs with exaggerated brachycephalic features.
Impact of age on the host response to sepsis in a murine model of fecal-induced peritonitis
Authors: Sharma Neha , Chen Alex , Heinen Leah , Liu Ruth , Dwivedi Dhruva J. , Zhou Ji , Lalu Manoj M. , Mendelson Asher A. , McDonald Braedon , Kretz Colin A. , Fox-Robichaud Alison E. , Liaw Patricia C.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Despite older adults being more vulnerable to sepsis, most preclinical research on sepsis has been conducted using young animals. This results in decreased scientific validity since age is an independent predictor of poor outcome. In this study, we explored the impact of aging on the host response to sepsis using the fecal-induced peritonitis (FIP) model developed by the National Preclinical Sepsis Platform (NPSP).

Methods

C57BL/6 mice (3 or 12 months old) were injected intraperitoneally with rat fecal slurry (0.75 mg/g) or a control vehicle. To investigate the early stage of sepsis, mice were culled at 4 h, 8 h, or 12 h to investigate disease severity, immunothrombosis biomarkers, and organ injury. Mice received buprenorphine at 4 h post-FIP. A separate cohort of FIP mice were studied for 72 h (with buprenorphine given at 4 h, 12 h, and then every 12 h post-FIP and antibiotics/fluids starting at 12 h post-FIP). Organs were harvested, plasma levels of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, monocyte chemoattract protein (MCP-1)/CCL2, thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, cell-free DNA (CFDNA), and ADAMTS13 activity were quantified, and bacterial loads were measured.

Results

In the 12 h time course study, aged FIP mice demonstrated increased inflammation and injury to the lungs compared to young FIP mice. In the 72 h study, aged FIP mice exhibited a higher mortality rate (89%) compared to young FIP mice (42%) (p < 0.001). Aged FIP non-survivors also exhibited a trend towards elevated IL-6, TAT, CFDNA, CCL2, and decreased IL-10, and impaired bacterial clearance compared to young FIP non-survivors.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the impact of age on survival using the FIP model of sepsis. Our model includes clinically-relevant supportive therapies and inclusion of both sexes. The higher mortality rate in aged mice may reflect increased inflammation and worsened organ injury in the early stage of sepsis. We also observed trends in impaired bacterial clearance, increase in IL-6, TAT, CFDNA, CCL2, and decreased IL-10 and ADAMTS13 activity in aged septic non-survivors compared to young septic non-survivors. Our aging model may help to increase the scientific validity of preclinical research and may be useful for identifying mechanisms of age-related susceptibility to sepsis as well as age-specific treatment strategies.
Market risk spillover and the asymmetric effects of macroeconomic fundamentals on market risk across Vietnamese sectors
Authors: Vo Duc Hong , Nguyen Hung Le-Phuc
Published: March 2024

Global economic downturns and multiple extreme events threaten Vietnam's economy, leading to a surge in stock market risk and significant spillovers. This study investigates market risk spillovers and explores the asymmetric effects of macroeconomic indicators on market risk across 24 sectors in Vietnam from 2012 to 2022. We use the value-at-risk (VaR) technique and a vector autoregression (VAR) model to estimate market risks and their spillovers across Vietnamese sectors. We then examine the asymmetric effects of macroeconomic indicators on market risk using a panel nonlinear autoregressive distribution lag (NARDL) model. Our results confirm that Vietnam’s market risk increases rapidly in response to extreme events. Additionally, market risks exhibit substantial inter-connectedness across the Vietnamese sectors. The Building Materials, Technology, and Securities sectors are primary risk transmitters, whereas the Minerals, Development Investment, and Education sectors are major risk absorbers. Our results also confirm that market risk responds asymmetrically to changes in interest rates, exchange rates (USD/VND), trade openness, financial development, and economic growth in the short and long run. Minerals, Oil & Gas, and Rubber are the sectors that are most affected by macroeconomic indicators in the long run. Based on these important findings, implications focused on limiting market risks and their spillovers, along with sustainable investing, have emerged.
Brain death: a review
Authors: Abdelbari Mattar Mohamed , Mohamed Zakwan Zakaria
Published: March 2024

Background

To date, the recognized medical criteria for BD/DNC (brain death/death according to neurological criteria) in the USA (United States of America) are the 2010 AAN (American Academy of Neurology) standards for identification of the BD/DNC for adult age and the 2011 Society of Critical Care Medicine/Child Neurology Society/American Academy of Pediatrics standards for identification of BD/DNC in Pediatrics.

Main body

Though the definition of death should be constant between clinicians, hospitals, and nations to endorse that whoever is considered dead somewhere will not be regarded as alive in another place. This provoked the construction of the worldwide Brain Death Project that declared a global agreement report on the BD/DNC which is accredited by 5 international federations and 27 medical professional communities from all over the world. This review defines the essential requirements of BD/DNC, its assessment (including apnea test) on a clinical basis, usage of additional examinations, and the arguments for its definition worldwide.

Conclusion

A precise and unbiased methodology is necessary to issue error-free declarations of death by defining BD/DNC while considering local regulations and values. Practitioners must learn to be familiar with the current guidelines, and the contents of the WBDP (world Brain Death Project) standard, which announces an updated International Agreement Report on BD/DNC and certified by 5 International federations and 27 professional medical communities from all over the world.
Improving household water treatment: using zeolite to remove lead, fluoride and arsenic following optimized turbidity reduction in slow sand filtration
Authors: Onyutha Charles , Okello Emmanuel , Atukwase Rebecca , Nduhukiire Pamella , Ecodu Michael , Kwiringira Japheth Nkiriyehe
Published: March 2024

Despite the United Nations 2030 agenda, large number of both urban and rural dwellers in low-income countries continue to lack access to improved water. Thus, increased effort is required towards enhancing low-cost drinking water treatment technologies especially for developing countries. Slow sand filter (SSF) is one of the most commonly used low-cost and efficient technologies for treating household drinking water. However, effectiveness of SSF is substantially affected by very high turbidity and relatively large amounts of dissolved heavy metals. To enhance removal of both turbidity and heavy metals, this study optimized sand bed depth (SBD) of SSF and investigated the potential of natural zeolite from Uganda for removal of lead, arsenite (As(III)) and fluoride ions from water. To remove lead ions, the zeolite was used in its natural form. However, to remove As(III) and fluoride, the natural zeolite was modified using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide solution. Removal of high turbidity was found to require a large optimal SBD. Furthermore, efficiency of treating synthetic turbid water increased with increasing initial turbidity. Variation of final turbidity with SBD was found to be best described by an exponential function. Optimal SBDs on top of an underdrain gravel layer of 0.2 m were 453, 522, 561, and 580 mm for turbidity of 60, 80, 100, and 120 NTU, respectively. Optimized SBD used achieve at least 95% efficiency in removing suspended particles from water with turbidity 120 NTU was found to save up to 35% of the total cost for acquiring sand volume required by a conventional SSF. For a particular zeolite mass, removal efficiencies of lead, As(III) and fluoride generally increased with increasing contact time. Removal efficiencies of lead, As(III), and fluorides were also shown to increase with increasing zeolite mass. Lead removal efficiencies using natural zeolite were 75 and 98% under 20 and 40 min, respectively. Removal of As(III) using modified zeolite mass was 91% within contact time of 10 min. Adsorption of fluoride on modified zeolite was 80% within 5 min. Adsorption of lead, As(III), and fluorides indicated promising potential of natural zeolites from Uganda for treating polluted water.
Addition of vancomycin to cefazolin is often unnecessary for preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis during total joint arthroplasties
Authors: Bains Sandeep S. , Dubin Jeremy A. , Hameed Daniel , Chen Zhongming , Moore Mallory C. , Shrestha Ashesh , Nace James , Delanois Ronald E.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The gold standard to decrease total joint arthroplasty (TJA) periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Despite substantial prevention efforts, rates of PJIs are increasing. While cefazolin is the drug of choice for preoperative prophylaxis, adjunctive vancomycin therapy has been used in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endemic areas. However, studies examining these combinations are lacking. Therefore, we sought to examine complications among vancomycin plus cefazolin and cefazolin-only recipients prior to primary TJA in a single institutional sample and specifically assessed: (1) microbiological aspects, including periprosthetic joint and surgical site infections, microbes cultured from the infection, and frequency of microbes cultured from nasal swab screening; (2) 30-day emergency department (ED) visits and re-admissions; as well as (3) associated risk factors for infection.

Methods

A total of 2,907 patients (1,437 receiving both cefazolin and vancomycin and 1,470 given cefazolin only) who underwent primary TJA between 1 January 2014 and 31 May 2021 were identified. SSI and PJI as well as rates of cultured microbes rates were obtained through one year, those with prior nasal swab screening and 30-day re-admission were identified. Subsequently, multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate potential independent risk factors for PJIs.

Results

There was no significant difference in the rates of SSI (P = 0.089) and PJI (P = 0.279) between the groups at one year after operation. Commonly identified organisms included Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. The VC cohort did have a greater reduction of MRSA in the previously nasal swab-screened subset of patients. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated emergency as well as inpatient admissions as risk factors for PJI.

Conclusions

Adjunctive vancomycin therapy offers increased protection against MRSA in previously screened individuals. However, those negative for MRSA screening do not require vancomycin and have similar protection to infection compared to recipients of cefazolin only in a high-powered single institution analysis in an MRSA endemic area.
DeepNRMS: Unsupervised deep learning for noise-robust CO2 monitoring in time-lapse seismic images
Authors: Park Min Jun , Frigerio Julio , Clapp Bob , Biondi Biondo
Published: March 2024

Monitoring stored [Formula: see text] in carbon capture and storage projects is crucial for ensuring safety and effectiveness. We introduce DeepNRMS, a novel noise-robust method that effectively handles time-lapse noise in seismic images. The DeepNRMS leverages unsupervised deep learning to acquire knowledge of time-lapse noise characteristics from preinjection surveys. By using this learned knowledge, our approach accurately discerns [Formula: see text]-induced subtle signals from the high-amplitude time-lapse noise, ensuring fidelity in monitoring while reducing costs by enabling sparse acquisition. We evaluate our method using synthetic data and field data acquired in the Aquistore project. In the synthetic experiments, we simulate time-lapse noise by incorporating random near-surface effects in the elastic properties of the subsurface model. We train our neural networks exclusively on preinjection seismic images and subsequently predict [Formula: see text] locations from postinjection seismic images. In the field data analysis from Aquistore, the images from preinjection surveys are used to train the neural networks with the characteristics of time-lapse noise, followed by identifying [Formula: see text] plumes within two postinjection surveys. The outcomes demonstrate the improved accuracy achieved by DeepNRMS, effectively addressing the strong time-lapse noise.
HER2 Gene Expression Levels Are Predictive and Prognostic in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Enrolled in CALGB/SWOG 80405
Authors: Battaglin Francesca , Ou Fang-Shu , Qu Xueping , Hochster Howard S. , Niedzwiecki Donna , Goldberg Richard M. , Mayer Robert J. , Ashouri Karam , Zemla Tyler J. , Blanke Charles D. , Venook Alan P. , Kabbarah Omar , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Innocenti Federico
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

The phase III Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB)/SWOG 80405 trial found no difference in overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving first-line chemotherapy in combination with either bevacizumab or cetuximab. We investigated the potential prognostic and predictive value of HER2 amplification and gene expression using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and NanoString data.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Primary tumor DNA from 559 patients was profiled for HER2 amplification by NGS (FoundationOne CDx). Tumor tissue from 925 patients was tested for NanoString gene expression using an 800-gene panel. OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were the time-to-event end points.

RESULTS

High HER2 expression (dichotomized at median) was associated with longer PFS (11.6 v 10 months, P = .012) and OS (32 v 25.3 months, P = .033), independent of treatment. An OS benefit for cetuximab versus bevacizumab was observed in the high HER2 expression group ( P = .02), whereas a worse PFS for cetuximab was seen in the low-expression group ( P = .019). When modeled as a continuous variable, increased HER2 expression was associated with longer OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.83 [95% CI, 0.75 to 0.93]; adjusted P = .0007) and PFS (HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.74 to 0.91]; adjusted P = .0002), reaching a plateau effect after the median. In patients with HER2 expression lower than median, treatment with cetuximab was associated with worse PFS (HR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.12 to 1.71]; adjusted P = .0027) and OS (HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.02 to 1.59]; adjusted P = .03) compared with that with bevacizumab. A significant interaction between HER2 expression and the treatment arm was observed for OS ( P intx = .017), PFS ( P intx = .048), and objective response rate ( P intx = .001).

CONCLUSION

HER2 gene expression was prognostic and predictive in CALGB/SWOG 80405. HER2 tumor expression may inform treatment selection for patients with low HER2 favoring bevacizumab- versus cetuximab-based therapies.
The Landscaped Folds
Authors: Xu Tingting
Published: March 2024

Most of Gong Xian's (1618–1689) long landscape handscrolls were originally structured as accordion albums. This article discusses the morphology and metamorphosis of the accordion folds as a painting format, and rethinks the issues of surface, depth, and depths of Chinese landscape from the perspective of the painter's conception of his work. In the process of landscaping the folds—as opposed to folding the landscapes, Gong Xian subordinated painting to discernable methodologies and sensitives that are inherently related to the folds. The accordion folds were not merely an environmental reference to the representation, but a painter's choice, an authorial impetus and method that effectuated the representation, and an act that realized a work in space. I argue that for Gong Xian, it was not the landscape per se but the painting format that was being represented. Meanwhile, I correlate the issue of format metamorphosis with the increasing ekphrasis in the painting treatises and catalogs compiled in early-modern and modern China to understand image, format, and discourse in a trilateral framework.
Birth Spacing and Parents’ Physical and Mental Health: An Analysis Using Individual and Sibling Fixed Effects
Authors: Barclay Kieron , Kolk Martin , Kravdal Øystein
Published: March 2024

An extensive literature has examined the relationship between birth spacing and subsequent health outcomes for parents, particularly for mothers. However, this research has drawn almost exclusively on observational research designs, and almost all studies have been limited to adjusting for observable factors that could confound the relationship between birth spacing and health outcomes. In this study, we use Norwegian register data to examine the relationship between birth spacing and the number of general practitioner consultations for mothers’ and fathers’ physical and mental health concerns immediately after childbirth (1–5 and 6–11 months after childbirth), in the medium term (5–6 years after childbearing), and in the long term (10–11 years after childbearing). To examine short-term health outcomes, we estimate individual fixed-effects models: we hold constant factors that could influence parents’ birth spacing behavior and their health, comparing health outcomes after different births to the same parent. We apply sibling fixed effects in our analysis of medium- and long-term outcomes, holding constant mothers’ and fathers’ family backgrounds. The results from our analyses that do not apply individual or sibling fixed effects are consistent with much of the previous literature: shorter and longer birth intervals are associated with worse health outcomes than birth intervals of approximately 2–3 years. Estimates from individual fixed-effects models suggest that particularly short intervals have a modest negative effect on maternal mental health in the short term, with more ambiguous evidence that particularly short or long intervals might modestly influence short-, medium-, and long-term physical health outcomes. Overall, these results are consistent with small to negligible effects of birth spacing behavior on (non-pregnancy-related) parental health outcomes.
Identification of genetic suppressors for a BSCL2 lipodystrophy pathogenic variant in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bai Xiaofei , Smith Harold E. , Golden Andy
Published: March 2024

Seipin (BSCL2), a conserved endoplasmic reticulum protein, plays a critical role in lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis and in regulating LD morphology, pathogenic variants of which are associated with Berardinelli–Seip congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 2 (BSCL2). To model BSCL2 disease, we generated an orthologous BSCL2 variant, seip-1(A185P), in Caenorhabditis elegans. In this study, we conducted an unbiased chemical mutagenesis screen to identify genetic suppressors that restore embryonic viability in the seip-1(A185P) mutant background. A total of five suppressor lines were isolated and recovered from the screen. The defective phenotypes of seip-1(A185P), including embryonic lethality and impaired eggshell formation, were significantly suppressed in each suppressor line. Two of the five suppressor lines also alleviated the enlarged LDs in the oocytes. We then mapped a suppressor candidate gene, lmbr-1, which is an ortholog of human limb development membrane protein 1 (LMBR1). The CRISPR/Cas9 edited lmbr-1 suppressor alleles, lmbr-1(S647F) and lmbr-1(P314L), both significantly suppressed embryonic lethality and defective eggshell formation in the seip-1(A185P) background. The newly identified suppressor lines offer valuable insights into potential genetic interactors and pathways that may regulate seipin in the lipodystrophy model.
Annotated type catalogue of Orthalicoidea (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in the Natural History Museum, London: A supplement
Authors: Ablett Jonathan D. , Breure Abraham S. H.
Published: March 2024

Recently a number of previously unrecognised type specimens representing 8 taxa were found in the general collection of the Natural History Museum, belonging to the Orthalicoidea. We have documented this material in this publication, as a supplement to previous papers published in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015. A corrected taxon index to all publications in this series is also part of this paper.
Kırgız Toplumunda Bir Kurum Olarak Aksakallar
Authors: Özensel Ertan
Published: March 2024

Tarih boyunca Orta Asya Türk toplumlarında, resmi olmayan “aksakal” kurumu sürekli olarak varlığını sürdürmüştür. Kırgızistan’da, ortak geçmiş deneyimine sahip, belirli bir yaş sınırında olan bir grup erkek aksakal olur ve söz konusu topluluk aksakal kurumunu temsil ederler. Aksakal olmada sadece yaş belirleyici unsur değildir; hayat tecrübesi esas alınarak, halk tarafından seçimle belirlenir aksakallar. Aksakal, değerler, gelenekler konusunda bilgili, akıllı, ihtiyatlı, tarafsız, adil ve dürüst adamdır. Aksakal, sadece toplumsal sorunları çözmede bir uzlaştırıcı olarak değil, aynı zamanda yönetimde etkin bir konuma da sahiptir. Diğer topluluklarla yaşanan sorunlarda da aksakallar aktif rol oynarlar. Bu bağlamda, kişiler ve topluluklar arası sorunların giderilmesinde, savaş ve barış zamanlarında sürekli etkin roller almışlardır. Aksakallar, sadece devlet otoritesinin zayıf olduğu dönemlerde değil, Çarlık Rusya’sı ve Sovyetler Birliği döneminde de güçlü kısıtlamalara rağmen varlıklarını ve işlevlerini sınırlı da olsa sürdürmüşlerdir. Kırgızistan’da bu kurum, günümüzde de toplumsal saygınlığını korurken yerine getirdiği işlevlerle de güçlü bir şekilde varlığını sürdürmektedir. Bağımsızlık öncesi Kırgızistan’da resmi olmayan bir kurum olarak varlığını sürdüren aksakal kurumu, bağımsızlık sonrası “aksakal mahkemelerinin” kurulmasıyla resmi bir kurum haline dönüşmüştür. Bugün aksakallar, Kırgız toplumunda geleneksel olarak yerine getirdikleri işlevlerin yanı sıra, bağımsızlık sonrası, Kırgız aidiyeti oluşturmada ve bir ulus inşa etmede önemli roller üslenmeye devam etmektedirler. Bu çalışmada, Kırgızistan’da saygın ve önemli işlevlere sahip bir kurum olan aksakalların toplumdaki yeri, önemi, tarihsel süreç içindeki rolleri ve bağımsız Kırgızistan’daki konumları üzerine, alandaki mevcut literatür temelli metin analizi yöntemi kullanarak sosyolojik bir değerlendirilme yapılmıştır.
Rethinking the Debate on Universalism Versus Cultural Relativism Regarding Human Rights: The Case of China
Authors: Alkış Mehmet
Published: March 2024

This study aims to address the debate on universalism versus relativism regarding human rights over the case of China. By the end of the Cold War and with the increasing effects of globalization dynamics, the idea of human rights had become a controversial issue, and interventions in states that violate human rights have come to the agenda of international society. United States of America and the European Union have frequently mentioned the issue of human rights violations with regard to China. However, China has emphasized that no one should intervene with it on this issue, claiming up until the 1990s in the face of these allegations that the issue was its own internal affair. Meanwhile, China has tried to open a discussion about the universality of human rights through cultural values. China focuses on Asian values, claiming that human rights are a product of the Eurocentric Western modern world. This situation can be considered a challenge of postmodern and post-colonial theories that highlight cultural relativism, regarding the mainstream theories represented by realism and liberalism within the discipline of International Relations. However, using these critical theories may reproduce existing power relations by reducing them into a cultural context. This study seeks to reexamine China’s human rights understanding beyond the universalism vs. relativism debate.
Η εμπλοκή της Ελλάδας στον Β΄ παγκόσμιο πόλεμο μέσα από πρωτότυπες πηγές, ντοκουμέντα και μαρτυρίες (1940-1941)
Authors: Γκιουλέκας Κωνσταντίνος
Published: March 2024

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί η παρουσίαση των γεγονότων του Πολέμου του 1940-41, όπως αυτά αποτυπώθηκαν στις σελίδες των εφημερίδων, κυρίως, του αθηναϊκού Τύπου. Επειδή όλη η παρούσα διατριβή έχει ως αντικείμενο την εμπλοκή της Ελλάδας στον Δεύτερο Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο, από τούδε και στο εξής αναφέρεται αυτός ο Πόλεμος ως ο « Πόλεμος», ώστε να διακρίνεται από τις υπόλοιπες πολεμικές επιχειρήσεις στην Ευρώπη.
Quality assessment of systematic literature on uterine fibroids: a systematic review
Authors: Okesola Mary , Okesola Julius , Ogunlana Olubanke , Afolabi Israel
Published: March 2024

Background A systematic literature review (SLR) is a research methodology that examines data and findings of other authors relative to specified research questions (RQ), collects multiple research studies, and summarises them to answer a research question using rigorous methods. Many SLRs have been published on uterine fibroids (UFs) in the last two decades but there is a dearth of knowledge on assessment of the quality to determine the reliability of results. Methods This study employed the SLR method to identify available SLRs published on UFs. Dybå and Dingsøyr quality standards and dichotomous grading scales were employed to determine the quality of primary studies. On February 3rd, 2022, an auto search was conducted twice over Citeseer, EBSCO, ACM, Springer Link, IEE Computer society digital library, and Scopus using 17 search strings. Two teams independently screened papers and compared notes with the inclusion/exclusion criteria. 11 criterial were adapted to evaluate the quality of the SLR’s. Results 33 SLRs were subjected to data extraction after inclusion/exclusion criteria. Answers to our primary research question was positive as the aims and contexts of the SLRs are generally clear and the methodologies employed are all inclusive. The research outputs of the primary studies are valid and justifiable as their research statements were clear and findings unambiguous. Although some studies failed some quality criteria, answers to all RQs were affirmative as the percentage scores of the studies on each of the quality conditions is favourably high. Conclusions The auto search may be incomplete because some qualified SLRs may have been missed as the choice of search strings was limited and may have omitted terminologies. Notwithstanding, with average quality scores of 83% in reporting, 81.2% in rigour, and 79% in credibility, this study concludes that majority of the meta-analysis published so far on UF are valid and reliable.
Study protocol for a systematic review of the social determinants of mental health and well-being of older migrants aged 50 years and above
Authors: Bhatia Pankhuri , McLaren Helen , Huang Yunong
Published: March 2024

Background Migration is a milestone event in a person’s life, bringing with it the challenges of settling down in an unfamiliar environment. The age at which migration takes place and the way migrants negotiate their old and new world significantly impacts their mental health. Thus, this systematic review seeks to analyse and summarize existing research detailing the contexts in which people migrate later in life and the associations between these contexts and social determinants of their mental health and well-being. Methods Seven databases including PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, Applied Social Sciences Index, Abstracts: ASSIA, Ageline, CINAHL, and Informit will be searched systematically for original journal articles published in English. In the first screening stage, the first reviewer (PB) will screen all titles and abstracts and mark all potentially eligible texts for full-text screening. The second reviewer (HM) will review the decisions made. Any potential conflicts will be resolved with discussion. Afterward, full texts of potentially eligible studies will be assessed for eligibility by two reviewers (PB and HM). The methodological quality (or risk of bias) of individual studies will be appraised using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. The thematic synthesis of the data will be performed using a hybrid approach incorporating deductive (framed against a customised social determinants of health framework) and inductive data-driven processes. The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (Reg: CRD42022359881).
The importance of teaching climate-health literacy in psychotherapeutic training and continuing education
Authors: Raile Paolo
Published: March 2024

Climate-health literacy is the ability to find, access, understand, interpret, evaluate, and communicate information about the impact of climate change on human health and to make decisions and act accordingly to that information. Climate change affects people’s health in numerous ways, both directly and indirectly, e.g., by increasing the risks of cardiovascular disease, infections, depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma. It is important for health professionals to understand the complex interaction between climate change and health. A teaching concept is presented that incorporates the core elements of climate-health literacy. On a first level, physical and climatological basics are taught, direct and indirect impacts of climate change on human health, climate protective measures, the psychological background of climate-protective behavior, and professional ethics. Furthermore, via self-awareness and self-reflection, the impact of climate change on the student’s mental health should be evaluated. In an advanced level, the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on mental health are taught, coping strategies, resilience, and vulnerability, as well as the role of health-care professionals in the climate crisis. In expert-level lectures, the knowledge can be deepened, and special content like activist burnout can be addressed.