bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MHBSt167 induced autophagy promote cell proliferation and EMT by activating the immune response in L02 cells
Authors: Cheng Bin , Wang Qiong , Wei Zhiqiang , He Yulin , Li Ruiming , Liu Guohua , Zeng Shaobo , Meng Zhongji
Published: June 2022

Background

Hepatitis B virus can induce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by inducing a host immune response against infected hepatocytes. C-terminally truncated middle surface protein (MHBSt) has been reported to contribute to HCC through transcriptional activation in epidemiology studies, while the underlying mechanism of MHBSt-induced HCC is unknown.

Methods

In this study, a premature stop at codon 167 in MHBS (MHBSt167) was investigated into eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1(-). MHBSt167 expressed plasmid was transfected into the L02 cell line, cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 and high-content screening assays, the cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and autophagy were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. NF-κB activation and the MHBSt167-induced immune response were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. IFN-α, IFN-β and IL-1α expression were analyzed by qPCR. Autophagy inhibitors were used to analyze the relationship between the immune response and autophagy.

Results

The results showed that MHBSt167 promoted L02 cell proliferation, accelerated cell cycle progression from the S to G2 phase and promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through ER-stress, leading to autophagy and NF-κB activation and increased immune-related factor expression. The MHBSt167-induced acceleration of cell proliferation and the cell cycle was abolished by autophagy or NF-κB inhibitors.

Conclusion

In summary, MHBSt167 could promote cell proliferation, accelerate cell cycle progression, induce EMT and activate autophagy through ER-stress to induce the host immune response, supporting a potential role of MHBSt167 in contributing to carcinogenesis.
Assessing organ at risk position variation and its impact on delivered dose in kidney SABR
Authors: Gaudreault Mathieu , Siva Shankar , Kron Tomas , Hardcastle Nicholas
Published: June 2022

Background

Delivered organs at risk (OARs) dose may vary from planned dose due to interfraction and intrafraction motion during kidney SABR treatment. Cases of bowel stricture requiring surgery post SABR treatment were reported in our institution. This study aims to provide strategies to reduce dose deposited to OARs during SABR treatment and mitigate risk of gastrointestinal toxicity.

Methods

Small bowel (SB), large bowel (LB) and stomach (STO) were delineated on the last cone beam CT (CBCT) acquired before any dose had been delivered (PRE CBCT) and on the first CBCT acquired after any dose had been delivered (MID CBCT). OAR interfraction and intrafraction motion were estimated from the shortest distance between OAR and the internal target volume (ITV). Adaptive radiation therapy (ART) was used if dose limits were exceeded by projecting the planned dose on the anatomy of the day.

Results

In 36 patients, OARs were segmented on 76 PRE CBCTs and 30 MID CBCTs. Interfraction motion was larger than intrafraction motion in STO (p-value = 0.04) but was similar in SB (p-value = 0.8) and LB (p-value = 0.2). LB was inside the planned 100% isodose in all PRE CBCTs and MID CBCTs in the three patients that suffered from bowel stricture. SB D0.03cc was exceeded in 8 fractions (4 patients). LB D1.5cc was exceeded in 4 fractions (2 patients). Doses to OARs were lowered and limits were all met with ART on the anatomy of the day.

Conclusions

Interfraction motion was responsible for OARs overdosage. Dose limits were respected by using ART with the anatomy of the day.
Australasian Malignant PLeural Effusion (AMPLE)-3 trial: study protocol for a multi-centre randomised study comparing indwelling pleural catheter (±talc pleurodesis) versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for management of malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Fitzgerald Deirdre B. , Sidhu Calvin , Budgeon Charley , Tan Ai Ling , Read Catherine A. , Kwan Benjamin C. H. , Smith Nicola Ann , Fysh Edward T. , Muruganandan Sanjeevan , Saghaie Tajalli , Shrestha Ranjan , Badiei Arash , Nguyen Phan , Burke Andrew , Goddard John , Windsor Morgan , McDonald Julie , Wright Gavin , Czarnecka Kasia , Sivakumar Parthipan , Yasufuku Kazuhiro , Feller-Kopman David J. , Maskell Nick A. , Murray Kevin , Lee Y. C. Gary
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are common. MPE causes significant breathlessness and impairs quality of life. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) allow ambulatory drainage and reduce hospital days and re-intervention rates when compared to standard talc slurry pleurodesis. Daily drainage accelerates pleurodesis, and talc instillation via the IPC has been proven feasible and safe. Surgical pleurodesis via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered a one-off intervention for MPE and is often recommended to patients who are fit for surgery. The AMPLE-3 trial is the first randomised trial to compare IPC (±talc pleurodesis) and VATS pleurodesis in those who are fit for surgery.

Methods and analysis

A multi-centre, open-labelled randomised trial of patients with symptomatic MPE, expected survival of ≥ 6 months and good performance status randomised 1:1 to either IPC or VATS pleurodesis. Participant randomisation will be minimised for (i) cancer type (mesothelioma vs non-mesothelioma); (ii) previous pleurodesis (vs not); and (iii) trapped lung, if known (vs not). Primary outcome is the need for further ipsilateral pleural interventions over 12 months or until death, if sooner. Secondary outcomes include days in hospital, quality of life (QoL) measures, physical activity levels, safety profile, health economics, adverse events, and survival. The trial will recruit 158 participants who will be followed up for 12 months.

Ethics and dissemination

Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Health Care Group (HREC) has approved the study (reference: RGS356). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings.

Discussion

Both IPC and VATS are commonly used procedures for MPE. The AMPLE-3 trial will provide data to help define the merits and shortcomings of these procedures and inform future clinical care algorithms.

Trial registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12618001013257. Registered on 18 June 2018.

Protocol version: Version 3.00/4.02.19
Diagnosis of animal trypanosomoses: proper use of current tools and future prospects
Authors: Desquesnes Marc , Sazmand Alireza , Gonzatti Marisa , Boulangé Alain , Bossard Géraldine , Thévenon Sophie , Gimonneau Geoffrey , Truc Philippe , Herder Stéphane , Ravel Sophie , Sereno Denis , Waleckx Etienne , Jamonneau Vincent , Jacquiet Philippe , Jittapalapong Sathaporn , Berthier David , Solano Philippe , Hébert Laurent
Published: June 2022

Reliable diagnostic tools are needed to choose the appropriate treatment and proper control measures for animal trypanosomoses, some of which are pathogenic.Trypanosoma cruzi, for example, is responsible for Chagas disease in Latin America. Similarly, pathogenic animal trypanosomoses of African origin (ATAO), including a variety ofTrypanosomaspecies and subspecies, are currently found in Africa, Latin America and Asia. ATAO limit global livestock productivity and impact food security and the welfare of domestic animals. This review focusses on implementing previously reviewed diagnostic methods, in a complex epizootiological scenario, by critically assessing diagnostic results at the individual or herd level. In most cases, a single diagnostic method applied at a given time does not unequivocally identify the various parasitological and disease statuses of a host. These include “non-infected”, “asymptomatic carrier”, “sick infected”, “cured/not cured” and/or “multi-infected”. The diversity of hosts affected by these animal trypanosomoses and their vectors (or other routes of transmission) is such that integrative, diachronic approaches are needed that combine: (i) parasite detection, (ii) DNA, RNA or antigen detection and (iii) antibody detection, along with epizootiological information. The specificity of antibody detection tests is restricted to the genus or subgenus due to cross-reactivity with otherTrypanosomaspp. and Trypanosomatidae, but sensitivity is high. The DNA-based methods implemented over the last three decades have yielded higher specificity and sensitivity for active infection detection in hosts and vectors. However, no single diagnostic method can detect all active infections and/or trypanosome species or subspecies. The proposed integrative approach will improve the prevention, surveillance and monitoring of animal trypanosomoses with the available diagnostic tools. However, further developments are required to address specific gaps in diagnostic methods and the sustainable control or elimination of these diseases.

Graphical Abstract
An introduction to spatial transcriptomics for biomedical research
Authors: Williams Cameron G. , Lee Hyun Jae , Asatsuma Takahiro , Vento-Tormo Roser , Haque Ashraful
Published: June 2022

Single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq) has become essential for biomedical research over the past decade, particularly in developmental biology, cancer, immunology, and neuroscience. Most commercially available scRNA-seq protocols require cells to be recovered intact and viable from tissue. This has precluded many cell types from study and largely destroys the spatial context that could otherwise inform analyses of cell identity and function. An increasing number of commercially available platforms now facilitate spatially resolved, high-dimensional assessment of gene transcription, known as ‘spatial transcriptomics’. Here, we introduce different classes of method, which either record the locations of hybridized mRNA molecules in tissue, image the positions of cells themselves prior to assessment, or employ spatial arrays of mRNA probes of pre-determined location. We review sizes of tissue area that can be assessed, their spatial resolution, and the number and types of genes that can be profiled. We discuss if tissue preservation influences choice of platform, and provide guidance on whether specific platforms may be better suited to discovery screens or hypothesis testing. Finally, we introduce bioinformatic methods for analysing spatial transcriptomic data, including pre-processing, integration with existing scRNA-seq data, and inference of cell-cell interactions. Spatial -omics methods are already improving our understanding of human tissues in research, diagnostic, and therapeutic settings. To build upon these recent advancements, we provide entry-level guidance for those seeking to employ spatial transcriptomics in their own biomedical research.
Clinical experience and treatment strategy of leiomyosarcoma originating from the renal vein
Authors: Baheen Qais , Bi Hai , Wang Kai , Lu Min , Zhang Hongxian , Ma Lulin
Published: June 2022

Background

Leiomyosarcoma originating from the renal vein (RVLMS) is extremely rare. RVLMS lacks specific clinical manifestations and specific imaging features. This article discusses the epidemiological characteristics and diagnostic difficulties of RVLMS, as well as imaging features, differential diagnosis, treatment strategy, and prognostic factors of this disease.

Method

A case of RVLMS at our center, and 55 cases from the literature based on the PubMed search.

Results

Total operation time was 224 min, and total blood loss during the surgery was 200 ml. Resected tumor was irregular in shape, with negative margins. On the 6th day after the operation, the drainage tube was removed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital. Postoperative pathological results confirmed the renal vein leiomyosarcoma: spindle cell sarcoma, diffuse severe atypia, S-100 (-), SMA ( +), desmin ( +), CD34 (−), CD99 ( +).  Twenty-seven months after the surgery, the patient is alive, and without local recurrence or distant metastases.

Conclusion

Unspecific clinical manifestations and imaging features make the diagnosis of RVLMS difficult. Most patients are diagnosed intra-operatively or following postoperative pathology. Differential diagnosis with paraganglioma (PG) and retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) should be made. Early and complete resection is considered as the first choice of treatment, and whether to preserve the kidney is based on the patient's condition. RVLMS is highly malignant, and may recur locally or metastasize to distant locations; therefore, adjuvant therapy and regular follow-up should be carried out after surgery.
Unravelling the construction of silver filigree spheres from a seventeenth century shipwreck using non-invasive imaging
Authors: van der Stok-Nienhuis Janneke , Beentjes Tonny , Ngan-Tillard Dominique , van Eijck Lambert , Joosten Ineke , van Bommel Maarten R.
Published: June 2022

The structure of five rare filigree spheres from a seventeenth century shipwreck was examined in order to unravel their condition, manufacturing process and function. This study focuses on the application of non-invasive imaging techniques: optical microscopy, X-radiography, X-ray micro-computed tomography and neutron computed tomography. A valuation of different aspects of the applied techniques was made, aiding stakeholders in decision-making on research and conservation. The combination of theory and scientific information was used to obtain an improved understanding of the manufacturing process and function of the filigree spheres.
A novel second-stage surgical strategy for severely obese patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: a case report
Authors: Umemura Akira , Sasaki Akira , Nitta Hiroyuki , Katagiri Hirokatsu , Kanno Shoji , Takeda Daiki , Ando Taro , Amano Satoshi , Nishiya Masao , Uesugi Noriyuki , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: June 2022

Background

Severely obese patients can have other diseases requiring surgical treatment. In such patients, bariatric surgeries are considered a precursor to operations targeting the original disease for the purpose of reducing severe perioperative complications. Pancreatic ectopic fat deposition increases pancreas volume (PV) and thickness, which can worsen insulin resistance and islet β cell function. To address this problem, we present a novel two-stage surgical strategy performed on a severely obese patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) consisting of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a metabolic surgery followed by laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP).

Case presentation

A 56-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further investigation of a pancreatic tumor. His initial body weight and body mass index (BMI) were 94.0 kg and 37.2 kg/m2, respectively. Contrast computed tomography revealed an enhanced tumor measuring 15 mm on the pancreatic body. The pancreas thickness and PV were 32 mm and 148 mL, respectively. An endoscopic ultrasonographic fine needle aspiration identified the tumor as PNET-G1. We first performed LSG, the patient’s body weight and BMI had decreased dramatically to 64.0 kg and 25.3 kg/m2 at 6 months after LSG. The pancreas thickness and PV had also decreased to 17 mm and 99 mL, respectively, with no tumor growth. Since LSG has been shown to reduce the perioperative risk factors of LSPDP, and to improve insulin resistance and recovery of islet β cell function, we performed LSPDP for PNET-G1 as a second-stage surgery. The postoperative course was unremarkable, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 14 without symptomatic postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). He was followed without recurrence or type 2 diabetes (T2D) onset for 6 months after LSPDP.

Conclusions

We present a novel two-stage surgical strategy for a severely obese patient with PNET, consisting of LSG as a metabolic surgery for severe obesity, followed by LSPDP after confirmation of good weight loss and metabolic effects. LSG before pancreatectomy may have a potential to reduce pancreas thickness and recovery of islet β cell function in severely obese patients, thereby reducing the risk of clinically relevant POPF and post-pancreatectomy T2D onset.
A Proposed Framework to Describe Movement Variability within Sporting Tasks: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cowin Jake , Nimphius Sophia , Fell James , Culhane Peter , Schmidt Matthew
Published: June 2022

Movement variability is defined as the normal variations in motor performance across multiple repetitions of a task. However, the term “movement variability” can mean different things depending on context, and when used by itself does not capture the specifics of what has been investigated. Within sport, complex movements are performed repeatedly under a variety of different constraints (e.g. different situations, presence of defenders, time pressure). Movement variability has implications for sport performance and injury risk management. Given the importance of movement variability, it is important to understand the terms used to measure and describe it. This broad term of “movement variability” does not specify the different types of movement variability that are currently being assessed in the sporting literature. We conducted a scoping review (1) to assess the current terms and definitions used to describe movement variability within sporting tasks and (2) to utilise the results of the review for a proposed framework that distinguishes and defines the different types of movement variability within sporting tasks. To be considered eligible, sources must have assessed a sporting movement or skill and had at least one quantifiable measure of movement variability. A total of 43 peer-reviewed journal article sources were included in the scoping review. A total of 280 terms relating to movement variability terminology were extracted using a data-charting form jointly developed by two reviewers. One source out of 43 (2%) supplied definitions for all types of movement variability discussed. Moreover, 169 of 280 terms (60%) were undefined in the source material. Our proposed theoretical framework explains three types of movement variability: strategic, execution, and outcome. Strategic variability describes the different approaches or methods of movement used to complete a task. Execution variability describes the intentional and unintentional adjustments of the body between repetitions within the same strategy. Outcome variability describes the differences in the result or product of a movement. These types emerged from broader frameworks in motor control and were adapted to fit the movement variability needs in sports literature. By providing specific terms with explicit definitions, our proposed framework can ensure like-to-like comparisons of previous terms used in the literature. The practical goal of this framework is to aid athletes, coaches, and support staff to gain a better understanding of how the different types of movement variability within sporting tasks contribute to performance. The framework may allow training methods to be tailored to optimise the specific aspects of movement variability that contribute to success. This review was retrospectively registered using the Open Science Framework (OSF) Registries (https://osf.io/q73fd).
A genome-wide association study of lateral root number for Asian cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)
Authors: HU Daowu , HE Shoupu , SUN Gaofei , JIA Yinhua , GENG Xiaoli , WANG Liru , PAN Zhaoe , CHEN Baojun , LI Hongge , ZUBAIR Iqbal , WANG Xiaoyang , ZHAO Zibo , GE Yuting , PANG Baoyin , DU Xiongming
Published: June 2022

Background

The lateral root is one of the most important organs that constitute the root architecture system in plants. It can directly affect the contact area between plants and soil and plays an important role in plant structural support and nutrient absorption. Optimizing root architecture systems can greatly increase crop yields. This study was designed to identify the molecular markers and candidate genes associated with lateral root development in cotton and to evaluate correlations with yield and disease traits.

Result

The number of lateral roots for 14-day old seedlings was recorded for 215 Gossypium arboreum accessions. A correlation analysis showed that the number of lateral roots positively correlates with the sympodial branch node and seed index traits, but negatively correlates with lint percentage. A Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 18 significant SNPs with 19 candidate genes associated with the lateral root number. Expression analysis identified three genes (FLA12, WRKY29, and RBOHA) associated with lateral root development.

Conclusion

GWAS analysis identified key SNPs and candidate genes for lateral root number, and genes of FLA12, WRKY29, and RBOHA may play a pivotal role in lateral root development in Asian cotton.
Exposing the nuances of traditional Malay Kuih in Mersing district, Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Kamaruzaman Mohd Yusof , Ab. Karim Muhammad Shahrim , Che Ishak Farah Adibah , Arshad Mohd Mursyid
Published: June 2022

Traditional food has long been recognised as an integral aspect of community across the globe. It varies from one community to another and is treasured as an image representation. Traditional Malay kuih in Malaysia, however, lacks its definition. The word kuih itself is loosely used to group a collection of either sweet desserts or savoury snacks. Acknowledging that the district of Mersing in Johor is an underexposed heritage site in Malaysia, this study disinters the traditional Malay kuih nuances as a regional ethnic food. Qualitative method was employed involving 14 kuih experts in Mersing to answer the research question “What is the meaning of traditional Malay kuih in Mersing?” in which semi-structured, in-depth, and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim to ensure accurate results. Thematic analysis was used to identify the codes, categories, and themes as the nuances of traditional Malay kuih in Mersing. The themes enlist (i) the use of native crops, (ii) the practice of conventional Malay cooking methods, (iii) the enculturation of Malaysia’s east coast traditions, and (iv) the enrichment of sub-ethnic traditions among the Malays. It was found that the analysed nuances of traditional Malay kuih reinstated the individuality and uniqueness of the Malay ethnic’s gastronomy in Malaysia. In short, this paper provides an in-depth exploration of the Malay’s unique culture and heritage in Malaysia, thus benefitting the scholars, local tourism board, entrepreneurs, consumers, among others.
Sarcoma of unknown primary: myth or reality?
Authors: Rassy Elie , Abou-Jaoude Rosy , Boussios Stergios , Assi Tarek , Kattan Joseph , Khaled Hussein , Pavlidis Nicholas
Published: June 2022

Background

Sarcoma of unknown primary (SUP) designates an enigmatic entity with histologic confirmation of a metastatic tumor without an identifiable primary after a thorough diagnostic workup. The term “unknown primary” is heavily debatable given that sarcomas can arise from any tissue that harbors its histological structure. In this review, we discuss the validity of SUP as a distinct entity.

Main body of the abstract

Medline/PubMed and Google Scholar were searched from 1990 until April 2020 for publications in the English language reporting on SUP. We excluded articles reporting on cases with sarcomas from known organ sites such as lung or uterine sarcomas as well as synovial sarcomas. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compute the median overall survival. A total of 26 patients with SUP were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 17.5 years with a similar prevalence among men and women. The tumors most commonly reported were alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma not otherwise specified. Almost two-thirds of the patients were reported to have more than one metastatic site. Among the 13 patients with survival data, the median overall survival was 10.0 months. Two patients underwent autopsy and had their primary culprit identified in the chest wall and paravertebral.

Conclusions

This review showed that SUP shares with sarcomas of known primary similar clinical features including an aggressive clinical course, generally poor response to chemotherapy, and dismal patient outcomes. Thus, SUP does not appear to display a different natural history and biological properties that would allude to a distinct entity.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: part 2 – wider use in stress and trauma conditions
Authors: Javinsky Tori-Rose , Udo Itoro , Awani Tuoyo
Published: June 2022

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an established psychotherapy that utilises repetitive, bilateral stimulation, such as saccadic eye movements, to treat the symptoms associated with traumatic experiences. Much of the attention EMDR has received has focused on its use in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has resulted in its inclusion in several treatment guidelines. There is, however, emerging evidence that suggests a promising role for EMDR in managing a wide range of other mental and physical health conditions. High-quality studies demonstrate the efficacy of EMDR in managing conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder and chronic pain. Preliminary studies have also investigated its use in conditions such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance misuse, psychotic disorders and sleep disturbances. The major studies exploring these applications of EMDR, outside of PTSD, are reviewed in this article.
Future directions for active matter on ordered substrates
Authors: Reichhardt C. , Libál A. , Reichhardt C. J. O.
Published: June 2022

Active matter is a term encompassing particle-based assemblies with some form of self-propulsion, including certain biological systems as well as synthetic systems such as artificial colloidal swimmers, all of which can exhibit a remarkable variety of new kinds of nonequilibrium phenomena. A wealth of non-active condensed matter systems can be described in terms of a collection of particles coupled to periodic substrates, leading to the emergence of commensurate-incommensurate effects, Mott phases, tribology effects, and pattern formation. It is natural to ask how such phases are modified when the system is active. Here we provide an overview and future directions for studying individual and collectively interacting active matter particles coupled to periodic substrates, where new types of commensuration effects, directional locking, and active phases can occur. Further directions for exploration include directional locking effects, the realization of active solitons or active defects in incommensurate phases, active Mott phases, active artificial spin ice, active doping transitions, active floating phases, active surface physics, active matter time crystals, and active tribology.
The Specialist Anesthesiology Workforce in East, Central, and Southern Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Asingei Juventine , O’Flynn Eric P. , O’Donovan Diarmuid T. , Masuka Sophia C. , Mashava Doreen , Akello Faith V. , Ulisubisya Mpoki M.
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

The populations of the East, Central, and Southern African regions receive only a fraction of the surgical procedures they require, and patients are more likely to die after surgery than the global average. An insufficient anesthetic workforce is a key barrier to safe surgery. The anesthetic workforce in this region includes anesthesiologists and nonphysician anesthesia providers. A detailed understanding of the anesthesiologist workforce in East, Central, and Southern Africa is required to devise strategies for the training, retention, and distribution of the workforce.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study of the anesthesiologist workforce of the 8 member countries of the College of Anaesthesiologists of East, Central, and Southern Africa (CANECSA) was undertaken. Data collection took place between May 2020 and September 2020 using existing databases and was validated through direct contact with anesthesiologists and other hospital staff. Primary outcomes were: total number of anesthesiologists in the region and their demographics, including gender, age, country of practice, current work location, country of origin, and country where they received their initial anesthesia qualification.

RESULTS:

Within the CANECSA member countries, 411 qualified anesthesiologists were identified (0.19 per 100,000 population). The median age was 41 years, and one-third were women. The majority (67.5%) were based in urban areas with a population >1 million people, and most are used by government institutions (61.6%). Most anesthesiologists in the region were trained (89.1%) and currently work (95.1%) in their home country.

CONCLUSIONS:

The numbers of anesthesiologists in CANECSA member countries are extremely low—about 5% of the minimum recommended figures—and poorly distributed relative to the population. Strategies are required to expand the anesthesia workforce and address maldistribution.
Feedforward regulatory logic controls the specification-to-differentiation transition and terminal cell fate during Caenorhabditis elegans endoderm development
Authors: Ewe Chee Kiang , Sommermann Erica M. , Kenchel Josh , Flowers Sagen E. , Maduro Morris F. , Joshi Pradeep M. , Rothman Joel H.
Published: June 2022

The architecture of gene regulatory networks determines the specificity and fidelity of developmental outcomes. We report that the core regulatory circuitry for endoderm development in Caenorhabditis elegans operates through a transcriptional cascade consisting of six sequentially expressed GATA-type factors that act in a recursive series of interlocked feedforward modules. This structure results in sequential redundancy, in which removal of a single factor or multiple alternate factors in the cascade leads to a mild or no effect on gut development, whereas elimination of any two sequential factors invariably causes a strong phenotype. The phenotypic strength is successfully predicted with a computational model based on the timing and levels of transcriptional states. We found that one factor in the middle of the cascade, END-1, which straddles the distinct events of specification and differentiation, functions in both processes. Finally, we reveal roles for key GATA factors in establishing spatial regulatory state domains by repressing other fates, thereby defining boundaries in the digestive tract. Our findings provide a paradigm that could account for the genetic redundancy observed in many developmental regulatory systems.
Long-term therapeutic effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty combined with & without back muscle rehabilitation exercise in elderly patients. A comparative study
Authors: Jin Jun , Shen Weihui
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To know the long-term therapeutic effects and the pain improvement after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) combined with and without back muscle rehabilitation exercises in elderly patients with osteoporotic lumbar compression fractures.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis using records of elderly patients with osteoporotic lumbar compression fracture treated in our hospital from June 2019 to June 2020. We extracted relevant hospitalization treatment and record of follow-up data after discharge from 45 patients treated with PKP (Group-I) and 56 treated with PKP combined with back muscle rehabilitation exercises (Group-II). We compared the total effective lumbar function rates(number of effective and perfectly effective treatments/total number of patients) and inprovement in pain of the two treatment schemes.

Results: The total efficacy in the group receiving treatment in Group-II was 96.43% higher than that of the patients receiving treatment in Group-I (84.44%; P<0.05). The pain VAS scores at one, six and 12 months in patients receiving treatment in Group-II were lower than those patients receiving treatment in Group-I (P<0.05). A year after the operation, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores in patients receiving treatment in Group-II were lower than those patients receiving treatment in Group-I (P<0.05). Whereas Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were higher in the patient’s receiving treatment in Group-II as compared to Group-I (P<0.05).

Conclusion: After elderly patients were treated with PKP combined with back muscle rehabilitation exercise of lumbar and dorsal muscle function, the curative effect was significantly improved, the pain was reduced and the lumbar function was significantly improved.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5873

How to cite this:Jin J, Shen W. Long-term therapeutic effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty combined with & without back muscle rehabilitation exercise in elderly patients. A comparative study. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5873

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Μελέτη των επιπέδων των μετά - μεταγραφικών παραγόντων σε πάσχοντες από καρδιακή ανεπάρκεια και μελέτη της διακύμανσης των επιπέδων τους με τα νατριουριτικά πεπτίδια σε νοσηλευόμενους με οξεία απορύθμιση καρδιακής ανεπάρκειας
Authors: Καλαμπόγιας Αιμίλιος
Published: June 2022

Καρδιακή ανεπάρκεια (ΚΑ) είναι ένα πολύπλοκο σύνδρομο του οποίου η νοσηρότητα και θνησιμότητα παραμένει υψηλή. Η ΚΑ είναι αποτέλεσμα όχι μόνο μυοκαρδιακής βλάβης ή αιμοδυναμικής υπερφόρτωσης αλλά το αποτέλεσμα μίας αλληλεπίδρασης παραγόντων όπως η γενετική προδιάθεση, οι νευροορμονικές διαταραχές, το φλεγμονώδες φορτίο κα. Είναι ενδιαφέρον ότι παρά την ανάπτυξη των διαφόρων διαγνωστικών τεστ για την διάγνωση της καρδιακής ανεπάρκειας, η διάγνωση της νόσου παραμένει κλινική κυρίως βασιζομένη στα συμπτώματα και στα σημεία, υπάρχει δε πτωχή σχέση μεταξύ συμπτωμάτων και βαθμού καρδιακής δυσλειτουργίας. Τα miRNAs αποτελούν αντικειμενικά υπολογίσιμους παράγοντες στο αίμα και στους ιστούς που εκφράζουν φυσιολογικές ή παθολογικές καταστάσεις και μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν για τη διάγνωση και την αντιμετώπιση των παθήσεων. Η οικογένεια των μετα-μεταγραφικών παραγόντων miRNA είναι πολλά υποσχόμενη μελλοντικά στη διαγνωστική φαρέτρα της κλινικής πράξης καθώς η υιοθέτηση τους θα δώσει με ασφάλεια και αντικειμενικότητα μια καλύτερη εικόνα για την εξέλιξη της υπό αξιολόγηση νόσου.
Bayesian subjectivism and psychosocial attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Zatti Alberto , Riva Nicoletta
Published: June 2022

Background: People resistant to vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have been counted in almost all countries worldwide. This anti-scientific subjectivity attitude could be explained by assuming as background the individual probability theory originally elaborated by the statistical school of de Finetti. Methods: This research method is based on a sample of 613 subjects from European countries who completed a questionnaire on attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccinations. On a six-value scale, a questionnaire investigated knowledge, assessments, degree of confidence, level of fear, anguish, and anger. Some items proposed an imaginary bet on the probability of not getting sick to deepen the possible presence of subjectivist assumptions about pandemics. Results: 50.4% were against vaccines and 52.5% against the so-called "Green Pass". Results of t-tests and correlations and stepwise regressions indicate that the sample’s reasons for opposing vaccination are related to an ego centred vision of the values that assign minor, if any, confidence to authority. Conclusions: This result supports the conclusion that No Vax decisions are more based on subjectivist probabilistic assumptions, thus in line with the significant social trend called "individualism".
Atypical odontalgia and trigeminal neuralgia: psychological, behavioral and psychopharmacological approach in a dental clinic – an overview of pathologies related to the challenging differential diagnosis in orofacial pain
Authors: Tizzoni Riccardo , Tizzoni Marta , Clerici Carlo Alfredo
Published: June 2022

Orofacial pain represents a challenge for dentists, especially if it does not have an odontogenic origin. Orofacial neuropathic pain may be chronic, is arduous to localize and may develop without obvious pathology. Comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression, coexist and negatively affect this condition. This article presents one case of atypical odontalgia and one of trigeminal neuralgia treated with psychological and psychopharmacological tailored and adapted therapies, after conventional medications had failed. Additionally, an overview of the pathologies related to the challenging differential diagnosis in orofacial pain is given. 

A 68-year-old man complained of chronic throbbing and burning pain in a maxillary tooth, which worsened upon digital pressure. Symptoms did not abate after amitriptyline therapy; psychological intervention along with antianxiety drug were supplemented and antidepressant agent dosage were incremented. The patient reported improvement and satisfaction with the multidisciplinary approach to his pathology.

A 72-year-old man complained of chronic stabbing, intermittent, sharp, shooting and electric shock-like pain in an upper tooth, radiating and following the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Pain did not recur after psychological intervention and a prescription of antidepressant and antianxiety agents, while carbamazepine therapy had not been sufficient to control pain. Due to concerns with comorbid psychiatric disorders, we adopted a patient-centered, tailored and balanced therapy, favorably changing clinical outcomes.

Comorbid psychiatric disorders have a negative impact on orofacial pain, and dentists should consider adopting tailored therapies, such as psychological counselling and behavioral and psychopharmacologic strategies, besides conventional treatments. They also must be familiar with the signs and symptoms of orofacial pain, obtaining a comprehensive view of the pathologies concerning the differential diagnosis. A prompt diagnosis may prevent pain chronicity, avoiding an increase in complexity and a shift to orofacial neuropathic pain and legal claims.
Utilizing data sampling techniques on algorithmic fairness for customer churn prediction with data imbalance problems
Authors: Maw Maw , Haw Su-Cheng , Ho Chin-Kuan
Published: June 2022

Background: Customer churn prediction (CCP) refers to detecting which customers are likely to cancel the services provided by a service provider, for example, internet services. The class imbalance problem (CIP) in machine learning occurs when there is a huge difference in the samples of the positive class compared to the negative class. It is one of the major obstacles in CCP as it deteriorates performance in the classification process. Utilizing data sampling techniques (DSTs) helps to resolve the CIP to some extent.

Methods: In this paper, we review the effect of using DSTs on algorithmic fairness, i.e., to investigate whether the results pose any discrimination between male and female groups and compare the results before and after using DSTs. Three real-world datasets with unequal balancing rates were prepared and four ubiquitous DSTs were applied to them. Six popular classification techniques were utilized in the classification process. Both classifier’s performance and algorithmic fairness are evaluated with notable metrics.

Results: The results indicated that the Random Forest classifier outperforms other classifiers in all three datasets and, that using SMOTE and ADASYN techniques causes more discrimination in the female group. The rate of unintentional discrimination seems to be higher in the original data of extremely unbalanced datasets under the following classifiers: Logistics Regression, LightGBM, and XGBoost.

Conclusions: Algorithmic fairness has become a broadly studied area in recent years, yet there is very little systematic study on the effect of using DSTs on algorithmic fairness. This study presents important findings to further the use of algorithmic fairness in CCP research.
Stakeholders’ readiness in the development of an Islamic smart city
Authors: Raja Haron Raja Faisal , Mahdee Junainah , Abu Bakar Normazalila
Published: June 2022

Background - Smart City integrates systems with the latest technologies to enable fast track of information and decision making by individuals, government, businesses, and public. Smart City connects people and information to manage public amenities, control crime rates, enhance services effectiveness, create vibrant, competitive, and innovative cities, and improve quality of life. Islamic Smart City can be defined as a smart city that incorporates the Islamic Syariah from Al-Quran and Hadith as a way of life; and impart the main component of Islamic Syariah compliance in individual and organisational behaviour aspects such as ethics, cleanliness, trust, security, and others. This research aims to explore the stakeholders’ readiness in four aspects of technology, human, institutional and Islamic factors, which are important in the development and implementation of the Islamic Smart City.

Methods – This qualitative research design collected data through interviews with 20 selected stakeholders. 

Results– The findings provide the state government with insights into stakeholders’ readiness, which is crucial to the development of Islamic Smart City. The findings also show that the stakeholders’ readiness in the technology is high; but it is lacking in the Institutional and Islamic factors.

Conclusion: This research provides insights that the development of Islamic Smart City requires major concern  such as ensuring the stakeholders’ readiness  for technology,  human factors, the institutional and the Islamic factors are met.
Reflections on recruiting healthcare professionals as research participants: Learning from the ONSPres Study
Authors: Browne Sarah , Dooley Siobhra , Geraghty Aisling , Dominguez Castro Patricia , Reynolds Ciara , Perrotta Carla , Kelly Lucy , McCallum Kimberley , Clyne Barbara , Bradley Catriona , Bury Gerard , Kennelly Sharon , Corish Clare ,   ONSPres Malnutrition Research Study Team
Published: June 2022

The involvement of healthcare professionals (HCPs) as research participants is essential to generate high quality evidence for enhancing health services and practice.  Research teams face many challenges in recruiting HCPs for research, and barriers and enablers for interdisciplinary research are not well described in the literature.  The Oral Nutritional Supplement Prescribing Malnutrition Research Study (ONSPres Study) examined malnutrition identification, management, and appropriate oral nutritional supplement prescribing in primary care in Ireland.  The ONSPres Study offers a unique view of recruiting HCPs for research because a range of disciplines were sought for participation in a mixed methods study.  The purpose of this open letter is to describe the experiences of recruitment and participation.  Sixteen general practitioners (GPs) were recruited to participate in one-to-one interviews, eighty health and social care professionals working in community care (including nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists) were recruited to take part in 12 focus groups, and 31 GPs and trainee GPs were recruited to participate in an education programme developed by the study team.   Strategies required to gain access and reach HCPs differed between disciplines.   Professional networks enhanced access to HCPs working in practice and recruitment was slower and more tailored when those networks were less available to the team.  An interest in malnutrition, to assist in research, to advance patient care, and the opportunity for learning were incentives for the participating HCPs.  Limitations in the diversity of the sample arose, with a bias towards female participants and GPs motivated by an interest in the topic.  It is recommended that study teams collaborate early with relevant HCP disciplines so they can contribute to recruitment planning at project concept and design stages.  To enhance and incentivise HCP participation in research, dedicated time and acknowledgement of participation as continuous professional development is proposed.
Information tools for project management of industrial enterprises development
Authors: Bakaev Dmitriy , Stukalo Oksana , Denisenko Vladimir , Skrypnikov Aleksey , Savchenko Ilona , Zinov'eva Vera
Published: June 2022

The study examines and substantiates the specifics of the project approach to managing the development of industrial enterprises. Various models of the project approach are compared, their functioning within the framework of the modern digital economy is analyzed. A special role in achieving these goals is assigned to projects aimed at developing breakthrough products for the processing industry, the development of innovative infrastructure (test sites, engineering and certification centers, databases, accelerators, etc.), the creation of new businesses in the processing industry based on large enterprises, as well as projects at the final stage of development and bringing products to market for export. In this regard, the issues of project management of the development of industrial economic systems are gaining high importance and need to be clarified and updated. The problem of management of industrial enterprises and other economic systems is that their management structures are overwhelmingly built on a hierarchical principle, are functionally oriented and project management is rejected in them. However, if project management is integrated into the enterprise management system, it is possible to obtain positive results, consisting in improving information, marketing, regulatory, methodological and other support for innovation activities. Analyzes the necessity of introducing a project approach into the management system of the development of industrial enterprises.
La quimera de la objetividad algorítmica: dificultades del aprendizaje automático en el desarrollo de una noción no normativa de salud.
Authors: Guersenzvaig Ariel , Casacuberta David
Published: June 2022

Este ensayo explora si el aprendizaje automático, una subdisciplina de la inteligencia artificial, puede contribuir a desarrollar un acercamiento más objetivo al desarrollo y formulación de conceptos y descripciones, tomando como ejemplo el caso de la definición de salud. Para ello se aborda la teoría naturalista de la salud propuesta por Christopher Boorse y se la contrasta con una serie de posibilidades y problemas que pueden surgir al aplicar el aprendizaje automático a la formulación junto a esta teoría. En base al análisis se concluye que tanto el aprendizaje automático (tanto supervisado como no supervisado) arrastran elementos de normatividad y subjetividad que hacen inviable el desarrollo de conceptos y descripciones de manera neutra y objetiva. Esto no implica que el aprendizaje automático quede invalidado para el análisis evaluativo de la salud, sino que resalta y explicita los elementos subjetivos presentes en él.