bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Outcome of Intact Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm After Endovascular or Open Repair
Authors: Epple Jasmin , Svidlova Yuliya , Schmitz-Rixen Thomas , Böckler Dittmar , Lingwal Neelam , Grundmann Reinhart T. ,   on behalf of the German Institute for Vascular Healthcare Research (DIGG) of the German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine
Published: May 2023

Objective

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been established as a standard treatment option for intact abdominal aortic aneurysm (iAAA) and gained importance due to a lower perioperative mortality than open repair (OAR). However, whether this survival advantage can be maintained or if OAR is beneficial in terms of long-term complications and reinterventions remains questionable.

Design

In this retrospective cohort study data from patients undergoing elective EVAR or OAR for iAAAs in the years 2010-2016 was analyzed. The patients were followed through 2018.

Methods

In the propensity score matched cohorts the perioperative and long-term outcomes of the patients were assessed. We identified 20 683 patients undergoing elective iAAA repair (76.4% EVAR). The propensity matched cohorts included 4886 pairs of patients.

Results

The perioperative mortality was 1.9% for EVAR and 5.9% for OAR ( P = <.001). The perioperative mortality was mainly influenced by patients age (Odds-Ratio (OR):1.073, confidence interval (CI):1.058-1.088, P ≤ .001) and OAR (OR:3.242, CI:2.552-4.119, P ≤ .001). The early survival benefit after endovascular repair persisted for approximately 3 years (estimated survival EVAR 82.3%, OAR 80.9%, P = .021). After that time the estimated survival curves were similar. After 9 years the estimated survival was 51.2% after EVAR as compared to 52.8% after OAR ( P = .102). The operation method didn’t influence long-term survival significantly (Hazard-Ratio (HR): 1.046, CI: .975-1.122, P = .211). The vascular reintervention rate was 17.4% in the EVAR cohort and 7.1% in the OAR cohort ( P ≤ .001).

Conclusion

EVAR has a significantly lower perioperative mortality than OAR, a survival benefit that lasts up to 3 years after intervention. Thereafter, no significant difference in survival was observed between EVAR and OAR. The decision between EVAR or OAR may depend on patient preference, surgeons’ experience, and the institutions’ ability to handle complications.
Anthropometric and morphological characteristics of elite male cricket bowlers and batters over time: A systematic review
Authors: Pote Lee , Nicholls Scott , King Greg , Christie Candice
Published: May 2023

This research investigated the differences in the anthropometric and morphological characteristics of elite male cricket bowlers and batters over time. A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines, between September 2021 and October 2022. A literature search was carried out on three main databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost. This was based on keywords and several inclusion and exclusion criteria. A quality assessment was carried out using the evaluation criteria for quantitative investigations focusing on the problem statement, design of methods, participant characteristics, outcome measures, sample size, analytical methodology, estimation of variance, reporting of results, and overall conclusions, to assess manuscript quality. Data were presented as mean ± SD where appropriate. Fifty-two papers matched all criteria and specific data from each was used for the systematic review. The most common measures investigated were stature, mass, and percentage of body fat. Elite bowlers were found to be significantly ( p  < 0.001; ES = 1.29) heavier (83.54 ± 4.42 kg vs 79.02 ± 4.26 kg) and significantly taller ( p  < 0.01; ES = 1.03) (185.64 ± 3.48 cm vs 181.23 ± 2.57 cm) than batters. A strong, positive and significant ( p  < 0.05) correlation (R2 = 0.77) was shown for batters between stature and time (years) (1987: 179.80 cm; 2021: 183.00 cm). Research on the anthropometrical and morphological characteristics comparing elite cricket bowlers and batters over time is limited. Further inquiry is needed to quantify the effect of these different traits on batting and bowling performance. This is important for player selection, talent identification, and program design.
For ordinary kindness in human geography
Authors: Lizotte Chris
Published: May 2023

In this commentary, I make a case for recognizing and encouraging in human geography a sort of mundane kindness that is unremarkable in its ambition, but potentially profound in its impacts. Although it is important to continue to analyze the conditions that have left so many of us in need of acts of kindness that compensate for the failures and violence of the neoliberal academy, I argue that alongside this critical scholarship we could continue to make room for ‘ordinary’ kindness that does not necessarily need to justify itself through critical reflection.
An Islamic framework for animal ethics: Widening the conversation to include Islamic ethical vegetarianism
Authors: Mukhtar Mohamed , Todd Mary-Justine
Published: May 2023

This article explores normative ways of conceptualizing Islamic ethics, animal ethics, and the divergent positions on the ethical treatment of animals by Muslims within Islamic scholarly discourse. Too often, the literature addressing the intersection between Islamic ethics and animal ethics is narrowly focused on the topic of halal slaughter. Therefore, this article proposes a wider conversation about an alternative relationship between Muslims and nonhuman animals in the industrialized factory farming era, suggesting that an ethical-vegetarian lifestyle may more accurately uphold the Islamic principles of compassion and mercy, as well as the Islamic practice of intellectual effort, ijtihad. At the very least, a reconceptualization to that end deserves rigorous consideration within Islamic scholarship, taking the debate beyond simply the moment and manner of an animal’s death.
Development of Classifier of Engagement in Occupation With Machine Learning (CEOML) for Quantifying Context
Authors: Suzuki Tetsuri , Suzuki Hisayoshi
Published: May 2023

In the evaluation of engagement in occupation, it is important to access the qualitative data, including the client context. However, there are no tools capable of quantifying such data. The purpose of this study is to develop a Classifier of Engagement in Occupation with Machine Learning (CEOML) that is capable of quantifying context and evaluating engagement in occupation through the application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and to validate the model performance. A supervised machine learning approach was adopted in this study for the development of clinical artificial intelligence, and it was conducted based on the Minimum Information about Clinical Artificial Intelligence Modeling. The research object was the Twitter data comprising 1,542 tweets posted over a one-week period, beginning on April 1, 2020. Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers, an NLP model, was fine-tuned to learn a dataset labeled for the status of engagement in occupation. The model performance was validated using indicators (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F-measure, and area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic curve), Cohen’s weighted kappa coefficient, and the attention level of the model to the text. The CEOML demonstrated suitable model performance, on par with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. High interpretability of the CEOML was also confirmed based on its level of attention. The developed CEOML can quantify and classify problems of engagement in occupation based on the client context.
Fungal Endophthalmitis Secondary to Aspergillus terreus Exacerbated by Intravitreal Dexamethasone in a Patient With Sarcoidosis
Authors: Awh Caroline C. , Mammo Danny A. , Bergstrom Reece , Baynes Kimberly , Srivastava Sunil K.
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To report a case of Aspergillus terreus endophthalmitis associated with systemic immunosuppression and an intraocular steroid implant in a patient with sarcoidosis. Methods: A case report was evaluated and a literature review performed. Results: A patient with a history of pulmonary and ocular sarcoidosis presented with new-onset uveitis and was treated for presumed sarcoid flare with oral prednisone and an intravitreal dexamethasone implant before developing worsening vision. She was ultimately diagnosed with A terreus endophthalmitis. Despite both systemic and local antifungals, the visual acuity at the most recent follow-up was no light perception without pain or active inflammation. No definitive source of the fungal disease had been identified. Conclusions: Endophthalmitis resulting from A terreus is associated with poor outcomes. Given the ability of fungal endophthalmitis to mimic other causes of uveitis, one must maintain a high suspicion in patients with any degree of immunosuppression.
Extending COVID-19 Pharmacy Technician Duties: Impact on Safety and Pharmacist Jobs
Authors: Adams Alex J.
Published: May 2023

Background: The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) led to an expanded scope of practice for pharmacy technicians. As the pandemic wanes, state governments are faced with the decision of whether or not to make permanent the authority of pharmacy technicians to perform extended duties. Objective: Determine the impacts on patient safety and job market demands preadoption and postadoption of Idaho’s expanded technician duties in 2017 as a natural experiment for expanded technician duties. Methods: Data from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is used to explore patient safety outcomes in Idaho preadoption and postadoption and as compared with its border states. Data from Pharmacy Demand Reports is used to compare job postings in Idaho and its border state, and National Association of Boards of Pharmacy census data are used to compare growth in the number of pharmacists and technicians in Idaho and its border states over time. Results: For Idaho pharmacists, the average number of disciplinary actions reported against both pharmacists and technicians dropped after implementation of expanded technician duties. Idaho also had a lower rate of discipline for pharmacists and technicians than its border states. Idaho had the third highest job postings for pharmacists and the second highest for technicians among its border states. Idaho also had the largest growth in the number of licensed pharmacists and technicians of the observed states in the study period. Conclusion: Available statewide data from Idaho as compared with its border states suggests that expanded technician duties did not adversely impact patient safety outcomes or the pharmacist job market. Additional states may wish to expand pharmacy technician duties in the years ahead.
Continental weathering as the source of iron in Jurassic iron oolites from Switzerland
Authors: Schunck Stefan , Rickli Jörg , Wohlwend Stephan , Weissert Helmut , Vance Derek
Published: May 2023

Iron is extremely insoluble in oxic seawater. The lack of a large aqueous reservoir means that sediments rich in authigenic iron are rare in the modern ocean. In the Middle Jurassic, however, condensed iron-rich sedimentary rocks are widely distributed. Their formation coincides with increased volcanic activity and continental weathering related to the breakup of Pangea, suggesting iron supply through one of these processes. We studied three Swiss shallow-marine iron oolites from Herznach, Windgällen and Erzegg, all from condensed sedimentary sequences of Middle to early Late Jurassic age, to constrain the source of iron to these rocks, combining radiogenic neodymium, strontium and stable iron isotope analyses. Leached authigenic neodymium isotope compositions, which appear to preserve the primary signature, serve as a tracer for the potential involvement of hydrothermal fluids in the formation of the iron oolites. The three iron oolite successions yield crustal Nd isotope compositions (εNd between − 9 and − 7), providing no evidence for the involvement of such fluids. It is, thus, more likely that iron in the sediments derived from detrital fluvial inputs. Strontium isotope compositions, which could potentially support these findings, point to metamorphic overprinting associated with Alpine thrusting. The light iron isotope signatures associated with Middle to early Late Jurassic condensed sequences, δ56Fe between − 1.49 and − 0.57‰, suggest that microbially-mediated iron reduction was also involved in generating these sediments.
From freshwater inflows to salt lakes and salt deposits in the Qaidam Basin, W China
Authors: Stober I. , Zhong J. , Bucher K.
Published: May 2023

The Qaidam basin in W China is an immense hyperarid intramontane basin with flat vast playas and salt lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The central basin is about 2800–2900 m a.s.l. elevation and enclosed by mountain ranges reaching > 5800 m in the Qilian Mountains and > 6200 m in the eastern Kunlun Mountains. The extensive playas of the basin are covered by gypsum or halite with very subordinate additional solids. In this contribution we report on the chemical composition of salt lakes and inflows to the Qaidam basin (analysis of 30 water samples collected in the summer of 2008 and 2009) together with the composition of 22 salt samples. Salt lakes and small salt ponds formed at topographic depressions. Some of the lakes cover > 300 km2 surface but are very shallow (1–2 m deep). Most salt lakes and salt ponds are NaCl dominated and contain typically 250–300 g kg−1 total dissolved solids (TDS). Some lakes are industrially used and produce KCl fertilizer, LiCl, and boron or are strongly modified by deep water produced in oil fields. Lakes along the borders to the high mountains are typically not fully saturated with halite. However, also these lakes lost most Ca and are drastically enriched in Mg and some lakes also in B and Li. The chemical development of the most natural salt lakes follows a path producing Ca-deficient water that ultimately precipitate Mg-bearing carbonates and chlorites in addition to halite upon evaporation. The salt lakes form by continuous and drastic evaporation of the waters supplied by the inflows to the lakes in the basin. All inflows carry considerable amounts of Cl and are characterized by very high Cl/Br ratios. These chemical characteristics suggest that the salt load of the inflows originates mostly from re-dissolved windblown halite deposited together with sand up to high altitudes in the bordering mountain ranges. Also, thermal waters ascending along deep faults along the Qilian Mountains carry considerable amounts of chloride. Their low Cl/Br ratio however suggests that most of the dissolved Na is derived from minerals of the basement rocks by fluid-rock interaction at T > 130 °C. The thermal fluids also carry considerable amounts of boron, indicating that co-precipitated borax in the salt lakes ultimately also derives from minerals in the basement rocks (tourmaline). Consequently, the presented data improve the understanding how the brines and salt lake waters develop from a wide range of chemically distinct low-TDS inflows and how the sequences of minerals precipitated upon evaporation in the Qaidam basin formed.
Plasma-derived small extracellular vesicles unleash the angiogenic potential in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Tengler Luisa , Schütz Julia , Tiedtke Moritz , Jablonska Jadwiga , Theodoraki Marie-Nicole , Nitschke Katja , Weiß Christel , Seiz Elena , Affolter Annette , Jungbauer Frederic , Lammert Anne , Rotter Nicole , Ludwig Sonja
Published: May 2023

Background

In Head and neck cancer (HNC) angiogenesis is essential for tumor progression and metastasis. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from HNC cell lines alter endothelial cell (EC) functions towards a pro-angiogenic phenotype. However, the role of plasma sEVs retrieved from HNC patients in this process is not clear so far.

Methods

Plasma sEVs were isolated on size exclusion chromatography columns from 32 HNC patients (early-stage UICC I/II: 8, advanced-stage UICC III/IV: 24), 12 patients with no evident disease after therapy (NED) and 16 healthy donors (HD). Briefly, sEVs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), BCA protein assays and Western blots. Levels of angiogenesis-associated proteins were determined using antibody arrays. The interaction of fluorescently-labeled sEVs with human umbilical vein ECs was visualized by confocal microscopy. The functional effect of sEVs on tubulogenesis, migration, proliferation and apoptosis of ECs was assessed.

Results

The internalization of sEVs by ECs was visualized using confocal microscopy. Based on antibody arrays, all plasma sEVs were enriched in anti-angiogenic proteins. HNC sEVs contained more pro-angiogenic MMP-9 and anti-angiogenic proteins (Serpin F1) than HD sEVs. Interestingly, a strong inhibition of EC function was observed for sEVs from early-stage HNC, NED and HD. In contrast, sEVs from advanced-stage HNC showed a significantly increased tubulogenesis, migration and proliferation and induced less apoptosis in ECs than sEVs from HD.

Conclusions

In general, plasma sEVs carry a predominantly anti-angiogenic protein cargo and suppress the angiogenic properties of ECs, while sEVs from (advanced-stage) HNC patients induce angiogenesis compared to HD sEVs. Thus, tumor-derived sEVs within the plasma of HNC patients might shift the angiogenic switch towards angiogenesis.
Probiotic candidates for controlling Paenibacillus larvae, a causative agent of American foulbrood disease in honey bee
Authors: Truong A-Tai , Kang Jeong Eun , Yoo Mi-Sun , Nguyen Thi Thu , Youn So-Youn , Yoon Soon-Seek , Cho Yun Sang
Published: May 2023

Background

American foulbrood (AFB) disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae is dangerous, and threatens beekeeping. The eco-friendly treatment method using probiotics is expected to be the prospective method for controlling this pathogen in honey bees. Therefore, this study investigated the bacterial species that have antimicrobial activity against P. larvae.

Results

Overall, 67 strains of the gut microbiome were isolated and identified in three phyla; the isolates had the following prevalence rates: Firmicutes 41/67 (61.19%), Actinobacteria 24/67 (35.82%), and Proteobacteria 2/67 (2.99%). Antimicrobial properties against P. larvae on agar plates were seen in 20 isolates of the genus Lactobacillus, Firmicutes phylum. Six representative strains from each species (L. apis HSY8_B25, L. panisapium PKH2_L3, L. melliventris HSY3_B5, L. kimbladii AHS3_B36, L. kullabergensis OMG2_B25, and L. mellis OMG2_B33) with the largest inhibition zones on agar plates were selected for in vitro larvae rearing challenges. The results showed that three isolates (L. apis HSY8_B25, L. panisapium PKH2_L3, and L. melliventris HSY3_B5) had the potential to be probiotic candidates with the properties of safety to larvae, inhibition against P. larvae in infected larvae, and high adhesion ability.

Conclusions

Overall, 20 strains of the genus Lactobacillus with antimicrobial properties against P. larvae were identified in this study. Three representative strains from different species (L. apis HSY8_B25, L. panisapium PKH2_L3, and L. melliventris HSY3_B5) were evaluated to be potential probiotic candidates and were selected for probiotic development for the prevention of AFB. Importantly, the species L. panisapium isolated from larvae was identified with antimicrobial activity for the first time in this study.
Pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine insemination without ovarian stimulation in couples affected by unilateral tubal occlusion and male infertility
Authors: Tang Yan , He Yu-Xia , Ye Yun , Zhang Ting-Ting , Wang Jing-Jing , He Qian-Dong
Published: May 2023

Background

Information available to date regarding the pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine insemination (IUI) without ovarian stimulation (OS) in infertile patients with unilateral tubal occlusion remains scarce. The objectives of this study were to investigate for couples affected by unilateral tubal occlusion (diagnosed via hysterosalpingography (HSG)/transvaginal real-time three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (TVS RT-3D-HyCoSy)) and male infertility: (1) whether significant differences exist in pregnancy outcomes between IUI with or without OS cycles, and (2) whether the pregnancy outcomes of IUI without OS in women with unilateral tubal occlusion were similar to those of women with bilateral patent tubes.

Methods

258 couples affected by male infertility completed 399 IUI cycles. The cycles were divided into three groups: group A, IUI without OS in women with unilateral tubal occlusion; group B, IUI with OS in women with unilateral tubal occlusion; and group C, IUI without OS in women with bilateral patent tubes. The main outcome measures, including clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), and first trimester miscarriage rate, were compared between either groups A and B or groups A and C.

Results

Although the number of dominant follicles > 16 mm were significantly higher in group B than that in group A (group B vs. group A: 1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2, P < 0.001), the CPR, LBR, and first trimester miscarriage rate were comparable between these two groups. When comparing group C to group A, the duration of infertility was significantly longer in group C than that in group A (group A vs. group C: 2.3 ± 1.2 (year) vs. 2.9 ± 2.1 (year), P = 0.017). Except for the first trimester miscarriage rate, which was significantly higher in group A (42.9%, 3/7) than that in group C (7.1%, 2/28) (P = 0.044), no significant differences were observed in the CPR and LBR in these two groups. After adjusting for female age, body mass index, and the duration of infertility, similar results were obtained between groups A and C.

Conclusions

In couples affected by unilateral tubal occlusion (diagnosed via HSG/TVS RT-3D-HyCoSy) and male infertility, IUI without OS might be an alternative treatment strategy. However, when compared to patients with bilateral patent tubes, the patients with unilateral tubal occlusion showed a higher first trimester miscarriage rate following IUI without OS cycles. Further studies are warranted to clarify this relationship.
Concealed pregnancy as an act of care? A qualitative analysis of motivations for concealing and non-disclosure of early pregnancy in The Gambia
Authors: Parrish Sabine , Vasan Senthil K. , Karpe Fredrik , Hardy-Johnson Polly , Jarjou Ousman , Bittaye Mustapha , Prentice Andrew M. , Ulijaszek Stanley , Jobe Modou
Published: May 2023

Background

A barrier to achieving first trimester antenatal care (ANC) attendance in many countries has been the widespread cultural practice of not discussing pregnancies in the early stages. Motivations for concealing pregnancy bear further study, as the interventions necessary to encourage early ANC attendance may be more complicated than targeting infrastructural barriers to ANC attendance such as transportation, time, and cost.

Methods

Five focus groups with a total of 30 married, pregnant women were conducted to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of early initiation of physical activity and/or yoghurt consumption in reducing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in pregnant women in The Gambia. Focus group transcripts were coded through a thematic analysis approach, assessing themes as they arose in relation to failure to attend early ANC.

Results

Two reasons for the concealment of pregnancies in the first trimester or ahead of a pregnancy’s obvious visibility to others were given by focus group participants. These were ‘pregnancy outside of marriage’ and ‘evil spirits and miscarriage.’ Concealment on both grounds was motivated through specific worries and fears. In the case of a pregnancy outside of marriage, this was worry over social stigma and shame. Evil spirits were widely considered to be a cause of early miscarriage, and as such, women may choose to conceal their pregnancies in the early stages as a form of protection.

Conclusion

Women’s lived experiences of evil spirits have been under-explored in qualitative health research as they relate specifically to women’s access to early antenatal care. Better understanding of how such sprits are experienced and why some women perceive themselves as vulnerable to related spiritual attacks may help healthcare workers or community health workers to identify in a timely manner the women most likely to fear such situations and spirits and subsequently conceal their pregnancies.
Outcomes and prognostic factors of infantile acquired hydrocephalus: a single-center experience
Authors: Zhou Faliang , Yang Zhao , Tang Zezhong , Zhang Yang , Wang Hongmei , Sun Guoyu , Zhang Rui , Jiang Yi , Zhou Congle , Hou Xinlin , Liu Lili
Published: May 2023

Aim

To assess the etiologies and adverse outcomes of infantile acquired hydrocephalus and predict prognosis.

Methods

A total of 129 infants diagnosed with acquired hydrocephalus were recruited from 2008 to 2021. Adverse outcomes included death and significant neurodevelopmental impairment which was defined as Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III score < 70, cerebral palsy, visual or hearing impairment, and epilepsy. Chi-squared was used to evaluate the prognostic factors of adverse outcomes. A receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to determine the cutoff value.

Results

Of 113 patients with outcome data, 55 patients (48.7%) had adverse outcomes. Late surgical intervention time (13 days) and severe ventricular dilation were associated with adverse outcomes. The combination of surgical intervention time and cranial ultrasonography (cUS) indices was a better predictive marker compared with any of them (surgical intervention time, P = 0.05; cUS indices, P = 0.002). Post-hemorrhage (54/113, 48%), post-meningitis (28/113, 25%), and hydrocephalus arising from both hemorrhage and meningitis (17/113, 15%) accounted for a large proportion of the etiologies in our study. Hydrocephalus occurs secondary to post-hemorrhage and had a favorable outcome compared with other etiologies in both preterm and term groups. A significant difference in adverse outcomes between the inherited error of metabolism as a cause and other etiologies (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Late surgical treatment times and severe ventricular dilation can predict adverse outcomes in infants with acquired hydrocephalus. It is crucial to identify the causes of acquired hydrocephalus to predict the adverse outcomes. Research into measures of improving adverse outcomes following infantile acquired hydrocephalus is urgently necessary.
Identification and validation of radiomic features from computed tomography for preoperative classification of neuroblastic tumors in children
Authors: Zhao Lian , Shi Liting , Huang Shun-gen , Cai Tian-na , Guo Wan-liang , Gao Xin , Wang Jian
Published: May 2023

Background

To identify radiomic features that can predict the pathological type of neuroblastic tumor in children.

Methods

Data on neuroblastic tumors in 104 children were retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 cases of ganglioneuroma, 24 cases of ganglioneuroblastoma, and 65 cases of neuroblastoma. Stratified sampling was used to randomly allocate the cases into the training and validation sets in a ratio of 3:1. The maximum relevance–minimum redundancy algorithm was used to identify the top 10 of two clinical features and 851 radiomic features in portal venous–phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography images. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to classify tumors in two binary steps: first as ganglioneuroma compared to the other two types, then as ganglioneuroblastoma compared to neuroblastoma.

Results

Based on 10 clinical-radiomic features, the classifier identified ganglioneuroma compared to the other two tumor types in the validation dataset with sensitivity of 100.0%, specificity of 81.8%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.875. The classifier identified ganglioneuroblastoma versus neuroblastoma with a sensitivity of 83.3%, a specificity of 87.5%, and an AUC of 0.854. The overall accuracy of the classifier across all three types of tumors was 80.8%.

Conclusion

Radiomic features can help predict the pathological type of neuroblastic tumors in children.
Awareness and care seeking for long COVID symptoms among Coronavirus disease survivors in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: phenomenological study
Authors: Bogale Kassawmar Angaw , Zeru Taye , Tarkegn Molalign , Balew Melashu , Worku Masetewal , Asrat Anemaw , Adamu Ayinengida , Mulu Yared , Getachew Atalay , Ambaw Fentie
Published: May 2023

Background

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has long-term sequels that persisted for months to years and manifested with a spectrum of signs and symptoms. Presentations of long COVID-19 symptoms are heterogeneous, vary from person to person, and can reach up to over 200 symptoms. Limited studies are conducted on the awareness of long COVID-19. So, this study aimed to explore the awareness about and care seeking for long COVID-19 symptoms among COVID survivors in Bahir Dar City in 2022.

Methods

A qualitative study with a phenomenological design was used. Participants of the study were individuals who survived five months or longer after they tested positive for COVID-19 in Bahir Dar city. Individuals were selected purposively. An in-depth interview guide was prepared and used to collect the data. Open Cod 4.03 software was used for coding and synthesizing. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcripts.

Results

The themes emerged from the data were awareness, experience of symptoms and their effects, and care practices of long COVID-19. Although only one participant mentioned the common symptoms of long COVID-19 the survivors experienced general, respiratory, cardiac, digestive, neurological, and other symptoms. These symptoms include rash, fatigue fever, cough, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, and abdominal pain, loss of concentration, loss of smell, sleep disorder, depression, joint and muscle pain. These symptoms brought various physical and psychosocial effects. The majority of the respondents described that long COVID-19 symptoms will go off by themselves. To alleviate the problems some of the participants had taken different measures including medical care, homemade remedies, spiritual solutions, and lifestyle modification.

Conclusions

The result of this study revealed that participants have a significant deficit of awareness about the common symptoms, risk groups, and communicability of Long COVID. However, they experienced the majority of the common symptoms of Long COVID. To alleviate the problems, they had taken different measures including medical care, homemade remedies, spiritual solutions, and lifestyle modification.
Lung cancer risk and exposure to air pollution: a multicenter North China case–control study involving 14604 subjects
Authors: Li Daojuan , Shi Jin , Liang Di , Ren Meng , He Yutong
Published: May 2023

Background

For North Chinese lung cancer patients, there is limited study on the distribution of air pollution and smoking related features based on analyses of large-scale, high-quality population datasets. The aim of the study was to fully analyze risk factors for 14604 Subjects.

Methods

Participants and controls were recruited in 11 cities of North China. Participants’ basic information (sex, age, marital status, occupation, height, and weight), blood type, smoking history, alcohol consumption, history of lung-related diseases and family history of cancer were collected. PM2.5 concentration data for each year in each city of the study area from 2005 to 2018 were extracted based on geocoding of each person's residential address at the time of diagnosis. Demographic variables and risk factors were compared between cases and matched controls using a univariate conditional logistic regression model. Multivariate conditional logistic regression models were applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for risk factors in univariate analysis. The nomogram model and the calibration curve were developed to predict lung cancer probability for the probability of lung cancer.

Results

There was a total of 14604 subjects, comprising 7124 lung cancer cases and 7480 healthy controls included in the study. Marital status of unmarried persons, people with a history of lung-related disease, corporate personnel and production /service personnel were protective factors for lung cancer. People younger than 50 years old, people who were smoking and quit smoking, people who had been drinking consistently, people with family history of cancer and PM2.5 exposure were proven to be a risk factor for lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer varied with sex, smoking status and air pollution. Consistent alcohol consumption, persistent smoking and smoking quit were risk factors for lung cancer in men. By smoking status, male was risk factor for lung cancer in never smokers. Consistent alcohol consumption added risk for lung cancer in never smokers. The combined effects of PM2.5 pollution exposure and ever smoking aggravated the incidence of lung cancer. According to air pollution, lung cancer risk factors are completely different in lightly and heavily polluted areas. In lightly polluted areas, a history of lung-related disease was a risk factor for lung cancer. In heavily polluted areas, male, consistent alcohol consumption, a family history of cancer, ever smokers and smoking quit were all risk factors for lung cancer. A nomogram was plotted and the results showed that PM2.5 was the main factor affecting the occurrence of lung cancer.

Conclusions

The large-scale accurate analysis of multiple risk factors in different air quality environments and various populations, provide clear directions and guidance for lung cancer prevention and precise treatment.
An online survey on coping methods for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, including vulvovaginal atrophy, among Japanese women and their satisfaction levels
Authors: Ohta Hiroaki , Hatta Mariko , Ota Kuniaki , Yoshikata Remi , Salvatore Stefano
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to explore the current situation and existing issues regarding the management of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) or the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). A nationwide web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,031 Japanese women aged 40 years or older.

Materials and methods

Eligible women were asked to complete a questionnaire about how they dealt with their symptoms and how satisfied they were with their coping methods.

Results

Of those highly conscious of their GSM symptoms (n = 208; 20.2%), 158 had sought medical consultation (15.3%), with only 15 currently continuing to seek consultation (11.5%). Of the specialties consulted, gynecology was the most frequently consulted (55%). Furthermore, those unwilling to seek medical consultation despite their symptoms accounted for the greatest proportion (n = 359; 34.8%), with 42 (23.9%) having never sought consultation. Topical agents, e.g., steroid hormone ointments/creams, were the most frequent treatments provided by the clinics (n = 71; 40.3%), followed by oral and vaginal estrogens (n = 27; 15.5%), suggesting that estrogen therapy was not the first choice of treatment at the clinics. While 65% of patients treated at the clinics reported satisfaction with the treatments, this was inconsistent with the fact that many were reported to have remained untreated and very few continued with treatment.

Conclusions

Survey results suggest that GSM, including VVA, remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in Japan. Medical professionals should deepen their understanding of GSM and raise their level of care to select the appropriate treatment for the condition.
CLARITY increases sensitivity and specificity of fluorescence immunostaining in long-term archived human brain tissue
Authors: Woelfle Sarah , Deshpande Dhruva , Feldengut Simone , Braak Heiko , Del Tredici Kelly , Roselli Francesco , Deisseroth Karl , Michaelis Jens , Boeckers Tobias M. , Schön Michael
Published: May 2023

Background

Post mortem human brain tissue is an essential resource to study cell types, connectivity as well as subcellular structures down to the molecular setup of the central nervous system especially with respect to the plethora of brain diseases. A key method is immunostaining with fluorescent dyes, which allows high-resolution imaging in three dimensions of multiple structures simultaneously. Although there are large collections of formalin-fixed brains, research is often limited because several conditions arise that complicate the use of human brain tissue for high-resolution fluorescence microscopy.

Results

In this study, we developed a clearing approach for immunofluorescence-based analysis of perfusion- and immersion-fixed post mortem human brain tissue, termed human Clear Lipid-exchanged Acrylamide-hybridized Rigid Imaging / Immunostaining / In situ hybridization-compatible Tissue-hYdrogel (hCLARITY). hCLARITY is optimized for specificity by reducing off-target labeling and yields very sensitive stainings in human brain sections allowing for super-resolution microscopy with unprecedented imaging of pre- and postsynaptic compartments. Moreover, hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease were preserved with hCLARITY, and importantly classical 3,3’-diaminobenzidine (DAB) or Nissl stainings are compatible with this protocol. hCLARITY is very versatile as demonstrated by the use of more than 30 well performing antibodies and allows for de- and subsequent re-staining of the same tissue section, which is important for multi-labeling approaches, e.g., in super-resolution microscopy.

Conclusions

Taken together, hCLARITY enables research of the human brain with high sensitivity and down to sub-diffraction resolution. It therefore has enormous potential for the investigation of local morphological changes, e.g., in neurodegenerative diseases.
Genomic, functional and structural analyses elucidate evolutionary innovation within the sea anemone 8 toxin family
Authors: Ashwood Lauren M. , Elnahriry Khaled A. , Stewart Zachary K. , Shafee Thomas , Naseem Muhammad Umair , Szanto Tibor G. , van der Burg Chloé A. , Smith Hayden L. , Surm Joachim M. , Undheim Eivind A. B. , Madio Bruno , Hamilton Brett R. , Guo Shaodong , Wai Dorothy C. C. , Coyne Victoria L. , Phillips Matthew J. , Dudley Kevin J. , Hurwood David A. , Panyi Gyorgy , King Glenn F. , Pavasovic Ana , Norton Raymond S. , Prentis Peter J.
Published: May 2023

Background

The ShK toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus has established the therapeutic potential of sea anemone venom peptides, but many lineage-specific toxin families in Actiniarians remain uncharacterised. One such peptide family, sea anemone 8 (SA8), is present in all five sea anemone superfamilies. We explored the genomic arrangement and evolution of the SA8 gene family in Actinia tenebrosa and Telmatactis stephensoni, characterised the expression patterns of SA8 sequences, and examined the structure and function of SA8 from the venom of T. stephensoni.

Results

We identified ten SA8-family genes in two clusters and six SA8-family genes in five clusters for T. stephensoni and A. tenebrosa, respectively. Nine SA8 T. stephensoni genes were found in a single cluster, and an SA8 peptide encoded by an inverted SA8 gene from this cluster was recruited to venom. We show that SA8 genes in both species are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and the inverted SA8 gene has a unique tissue distribution. While the functional activity of the SA8 putative toxin encoded by the inverted gene was inconclusive, its tissue localisation is similar to toxins used for predator deterrence. We demonstrate that, although mature SA8 putative toxins have similar cysteine spacing to ShK, SA8 peptides are distinct from ShK peptides based on structure and disulfide connectivity.

Conclusions

Our results provide the first demonstration that SA8 is a unique gene family in Actiniarians, evolving through a variety of structural changes including tandem and proximal gene duplication and an inversion event that together allowed SA8 to be recruited into the venom of T. stephensoni.
20-Hydroxyecdysone counteracts insulin to promote programmed cell death by modifying phosphoglycerate kinase 1
Authors: Kang Xin-Le , Li Yan-Xue , Dong Du-Juan , Wang Jin-Xing , Zhao Xiao-Fan
Published: May 2023

Background

The regulation of glycolysis and autophagy during feeding and metamorphosis in holometabolous insects is a complex process that is not yet fully understood. Insulin regulates glycolysis during the larval feeding stage, allowing the insects to grow and live. However, during metamorphosis, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) takes over and regulates programmed cell death (PCD) in larval tissues, leading to degradation and ultimately enabling the insects to transform into adults. The precise mechanism through which these seemingly contradictory processes are coordinated remains unclear and requires further research. To understand the coordination of glycolysis and autophagy during development, we focused our investigation on the role of 20E and insulin in the regulation of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1). We examined the glycolytic substrates and products, PGK1 glycolytic activity, and the posttranslational modification of PGK1 during the development ofHelicoverpa armigerafrom feeding to metamorphosis.

Results

Our findings suggest that the coordination of glycolysis and autophagy during holometabolous insect development is regulated by a balance between 20E and insulin signaling pathways. Glycolysis and PGK1 expression levels were decreased during metamorphosis under the regulation of 20E. Insulin promoted glycolysis and cell proliferation via PGK1 phosphorylation, while 20E dephosphorylated PGK1 via phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) to repress glycolysis. The phosphorylation of PGK1 at Y194 by insulin and its subsequent promotion of glycolysis and cell proliferation were important for tissue growth and differentiation during the feeding stage. However, during metamorphosis, the acetylation of PGK1 by 20E was key in initiating PCD. Knockdown of phosphorylated PGK1 by RNA interference (RNAi) at the feeding stage led to glycolysis suppression and small pupae. Insulin via histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) deacetylated PGK1, whereas 20E via acetyltransferase arrest-defective protein 1 (ARD1) induced PGK1 acetylation at K386 to stimulate PCD. Knockdown of acetylated-PGK1 by RNAi at the metamorphic stages led to PCD repression and delayed pupation.

Conclusions

The posttranslational modification of PGK1 determines its functions in cell proliferation and PCD. Insulin and 20E counteractively regulate PGK1 phosphorylation and acetylation to give it dual functions in cell proliferation and PCD.
Dose–response relationship between device-measured physical activity and incident type 2 diabetes: findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study
Authors: Boonpor Jirapitcha , Parra-Soto Solange , Petermann-Rocha Fanny , Lynskey Nathan , Cabanas-Sánchez Verónica , Sattar Naveed , Gill Jason M. R. , Welsh Paul , Pell Jill P. , Gray Stuart R. , Ho Frederick K. , Celis-Morales Carlos
Published: May 2023

Background

Most studies investigating the association between physical activity (PA) and the risk of type 2 diabetes are derived from self-reported questionnaires, with limited evidence using device-based measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the dose–response relationship between device-measured PA and incident type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 40,431 participants of the UK Biobank. Wrist-worn accelerometers were used to estimate total, light, moderate, vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous PA. The associations between PA and incident type 2 diabetes were analysed using Cox-proportional hazard models. The mediating role of body mass index (BMI) was tested under a causal counterfactual framework.

Results

The median follow-up period was 6.3 years (IQR: 5.7–6.8), with 591 participants developing type 2 diabetes. Compared to those achieving < 150 min/week of moderate PA, people achieving 150–300, 300–600 and > 600 min/week were at 49% (95% CI 62–32%), 62% (95% CI 71–50%) and 71% (95% CI 80–59%) lower risk of type 2 diabetes, respectively. For vigorous PA, compared to those achieving < 25 min/week, individuals achieving 25–50, 50–75 and > 75 min/week were at 38% (95% CI 48–33%), 48% (95% CI 64–23%) and 64% (95% CI 78–42%) lower type 2 diabetes risk, respectively. Twelve per cent and 20% of the associations between vigorous and moderate PA and type 2 diabetes were mediated by lower BMI, respectively.

Conclusions

PA has clear dose-response relationship with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Our findings support the current aerobic PA recommendations but suggest that additional PA beyond the recommendations is associated with even greater risk reduction.

Trial registration

The UK Biobank study was approved by the North West Multi-Centre Research Ethics Committee (Ref 11/NW/0382 on June 17, 2011).
First-in-human, double-blind, randomized phase 1b study of peptide immunotherapy IMCY-0098 in new-onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Van Rampelbergh Jean , Achenbach Peter , Leslie Richard David , Ali Mohammad Alhadj , Dayan Colin , Keymeulen Bart , Owen Katharine R. , Kindermans Martin , Parmentier Frédéric , Carlier Vincent , Ahangarani Roxana R. , Gebruers Evelien , Bovy Nicolas , Vanderelst Luc , Van Mechelen Marcelle , Vandepapelière Pierre , Boitard Christian
Published: May 2023

Background

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a CD4+ T cell-driven autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells by CD8+ T cells. Achieving glycemic targets in T1D remains challenging in clinical practice; new treatments aim to halt autoimmunity and prolong β-cell survival. IMCY-0098 is a peptide derived from human proinsulin that contains a thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase motif at the N-terminus and was developed to halt disease progression by promoting the specific elimination of pathogenic T cells.

Methods

This first-in-human, 24-week, double-blind phase 1b study evaluated the safety of three dosages of IMCY-0098 in adults diagnosed with T1D < 6 months before study start. Forty-one participants were randomized to receive four bi-weekly injections of placebo or increasing doses of IMCY-0098 (dose groups A/B/C received 50/150/450 μg for priming followed by three further administrations of 25/75/225 μg, respectively). Multiple T1D-related clinical parameters were also assessed to monitor disease progression and inform future development. Long-term follow-up to 48 weeks was also conducted in a subset of patients.

Results

Treatment with IMCY-0098 was well tolerated with no systemic reactions; a total of 315 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 40 patients (97.6%) and were related to study treatment in 29 patients (68.3%). AEs were generally mild; no AE led to discontinuation of the study or death. No significant decline in C-peptide was noted from baseline to Week 24 for dose A, B, C, or placebo (mean change − 0.108, − 0.041, − 0.040, and − 0.012, respectively), suggesting no disease progression.

Conclusions

Promising safety profile and preliminary clinical response data support the design of a phase 2 study of IMCY-0098 in patients with recent-onset T1D.

Trial registration

IMCY-T1D-001: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03272269; EudraCT: 2016–003514-27; and IMCY-T1D-002: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04190693; EudraCT: 2018–003728-35.