bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective review on tenolysis after phalangeal fractures: A Hong Kong local center experience
Authors: Wong Yan Yu Ruby , Ho Angela Wing-Hang , Ho Sheung Tung
Published: March 2023

Background/Purpose: This is a local retrospective review on the outcomes of tenolysis after phalangeal fracture. Methods: The clinical outcome of nine patients (mean age 51.9 years) with finger fractures and subsequent tenolysis performed were reviewed. Range of motion was evaluated. Results: Extensor tenolysis, capsulotomy with or without flexor tenolysis was performed at a mean of 8.2 months after hand fracture with fracture fixation done. The total active motion (TAM) improved from 121° preoperatively to 173° postoperatively ( p = 0.02). Significant improvement of motion was observed at the proximal interphalangeal joint ( p = 0.012). All patient's range of motion improved after surgery. Conclusion: The gain of motion of 52° is comparable to other series. Release of all pathological anatomy and aggressive mobilization may improve the result further. Tenolysis can provide an encouraging improvement of active motion for stiff finger after phalangeal fractures. Recent results using WALANT technique showed satisfactory outcome. Future study on WALANT technique may further consolidate its potential benefit.
The Impact of Patient Experience on Loyalty in the Context of Medical-Aesthetic Health Services
Authors: Brandão Amélia , Ribeiro Liliana
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the antecedents and consequences of patient experience in the context of medical-aesthetic health services. A quantitative study was conducted and data was collected through online surveys. Moreover, data were provided in the field via the administration of questionnaires to patients of medical clinics. The data were analyzed according to structural equation modeling procedures. The results showed that both the relational (communication and involvement) and functional (environment, tangibles, processes, outcomes, competence, monetary cost) dimensions of care have a direct and positive impact on customer experience (CE). This study shows the prevalence of the functional dimension when compared to the relational one, which more strongly influences a patient’s CE. Moreover, CE positively impacts perceived quality, overall satisfaction, and loyalty behaviors.
Genomic landscape of Down syndrome-associated acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Chang Ti-Cheng , Junco Jacob J , Devidas Meenakshi , Li Yizhen , Yang Wenjian , Huang Xin , Hedges Dale J , Cheng Zhongshan , Shago Mary , Carroll Andrew J. , Heerema Nyla A. , Gastier-Foster Julie M , Wood Brent L. , Borowitz Michael J. , Sanclemente Lauren , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Hunger Stephen P. , Feingold Eleanor , Rosser Tracie C. , Sherman Stephanie L. , Loh Mignon L. , Mullighan Charles G. , Yu Jiyang , Wu Gang , Lupo Philip J , Rabin Karen R , Yang Jun J.
Published: March 2023

Trisomy 21, the genetic cause of Down syndrome (DS), is the most common congenital chromosomal anomaly. It is associated with a 20-fold increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during childhood and results in distinctive leukemia biology. To comprehensively define the genomic landscape of DS-ALL, we performed whole genome sequencing and whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) on 295 cases. Our integrated genomic analyses identified 15 molecular subtypes of DS-ALL, with marked enrichment of CRLF2-r, IGH::IGF2BP1, and C/EBP altered (C/EBPalt) subtypes compared to 2257 non-DS-ALL cases. We observed abnormal activation of the CEBPD, CEBPA, and CEBPE genes in 10.5% of DS-ALL cases, via a variety of genomic mechanisms, including chromosomal rearrangements and noncoding mutations leading to enhancer hijacking. 42.3% of C/EBP-activated DS-ALL also have concomitant FLT3 point mutation or indel, relative to 4.1% in other subtypes (P=7.2×10-6). CEBPD overexpression enhanced the differentiation of mouse hematopoietic progenitor cells into pro-B cells in vitro, particularly in a DS genetic background. Notably, RAG-mediated somatic genomic abnormalities were common in DS-ALL, accounting for a median of 27.5% of structural alterations, compared to 7.7% in non-DS-ALL (P=2.1×10-12). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analyses of CRLF2-rearranged DS-ALL identified substantial heterogeneity within this group, with the BCR::ABL1-like subset linked to an inferior event-free survival (hazard ratio=5.27, P=9.3×10-8), even after adjusting for known clinical risk factors (hazard ratio=4.32; P=0.0020). These results provide important insights into the biology of DS-ALL and point to opportunities for targeted therapy and treatment individualization.
Hyperprogressive disease during atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma from Japanese real-world practice
Authors: Yumita Sae , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Nakagawa Miyuki , Maruta Susumu , Okubo Tomomi , Itokawa Norio , Iino Yotaro , Obu Masamichi , Haga Yuki , Seki Atsuyoshi , Kogure Tadayoshi , Ishino Takamasa , Ogawa Keita , Fujiwara Kisako , Iwanaga Terunao , Fujita Naoto , Sakuma Takafumi , Kojima Ryuta , Kanzaki Hiroaki , Koroki Keisuke , Inoue Masanori , Kobayashi Kazufumi , Kiyono Soichiro , Nakamura Masato , Kanogawa Naoya , Saito Tomoko , Kondo Takayuki , Nakagawa Ryo , Nakamoto Shingo , Muroyama Ryosuke , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Itobayashi Ei , Atsukawa Masanori , Koma Yoshihiro , Azemoto Ryosaku , Ito Kenji , Mizumoto Hideaki , Kato Jun , Kato Naoya
Published: March 2023

Background

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is a phenomenon with greatly accelerated tumor growth and clinical deterioration rates compared to pre-therapy, in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). The aim of this study is to clarify the reality of HPD in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who were treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) using tumor dynamics.

Methods

Medical records of consecutive patients with advanced HCC who were treated with Atez/Bev were retrospectively reviewed. HPD was defined as a more than two- or fourfold increase in tumor growth rate (TGR) or tumor growth kinetics rate (TGKR) before and after treatment. Overall survival (OS) and baseline characteristics with or without HPD were analyzed.

Results

A total of 85 patients were included in the analysis. When HPD was defined as a twofold of TGR or TGKR, 8 patients (8/85, 9.4%) had HPD and 11 had PD without HPD. A total of 5 patients (5/85, 5.9%) were diagnosed with HPD and 14 with PD without HPD when HPD was defined as a fourfold of TGR or TGKR. No significant difference was observed in the baseline characteristics between HPD and non-HPD.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HPD in patients with advanced HCC treated with Atez/Bev was lower than those treated with nivolumab monotherapy. The HPD mechanism in ICI combined with antibodies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) remains to be elucidated.
Aspartate beta-hydroxylase domain containing 1 as a prognostic marker associated with immune infiltration in skin cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Sun Shiquan , Deng Min , Wen Juan , Chen Xiaoyuan , Xu Jiaqi , Liu Yu , Wan Huanhuan , Wang Jin , Yan Leping , He Yong , Xu Yunsheng
Published: March 2023

Background

Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is an extremely malignant tumor and accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Aspartate beta-hydroxylase domain containing 1 (ASPHD1) may participate in cancer progression through controlling α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. However, its role in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) has not been well studied.

Methods

The gene expression data of ASPDH1 and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from TCGA and GTEx were evaluated, and verified via the GEO database. Then, we performed GO/KEGG, GSEA, PPI network analysis to analyze the functional implications of the DEGs related to ASPHD1. Then, the association between the ASPHD1 expression and clinical parameters was investigated by Cox regression analysis. Subsequently, the survival time of SKCM patients was evaluated by plotting Kaplan-Meier curves. Moreover, we investigated the correlation between the ASPHD1 expression and lymphocytic infiltration by using the data from TISIDB and TIMER 2.0. Next, we explored the association between ASPHD1 expression and drug sensitivity. Finally, we validate the expression differences by analyzing the results of qPCR, Western blot from human normal epidermal melanocytes and melanoma cells, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) from non-tumor skin as well as melanoma tissues.

Results

The ASPHD1 expression level was significantly upregulated in several cancers, including SKCM especially SKCM-metastasis tissues, and patients with an increased ASPHD1 expression had longer overall survival time than low expression ones. The functional enrichment analysis of ASPHD1-related DEGs showed an association with cell development regulation and tumorigenic pathways. Furthermore, the increased ASPHD1 expression level was associated with the level of immunostimulors, immunoinhibitors, chemokines, and TILs, such as CD4+, CD8+ T cell, mast cell, Th2 cell, and dendritic cell. More interesting, we found that ASPHD1 expression was tightly associated with CTLA4 and CD276 which are immune checkpoint markers. Moreover, the upregulated expression of ASPHD1 exhibited higher IC50 values for 24 chemotherapy drugs, including doxorubicin, and masitinib. Finally, the differential expression of ASPHD1 in SKCM was validated by the results of qPCR, Western blot, and IHC.

Conclusion

The expression of ASPHD1 in SKCM patients is closely related to patient survival. ASPHD1 may participate in the regulation of tumor immune microenvironment. Additionally, it may serve as a prognostic biomarker for SKCM and future in-depth studies are necessary to explore its value.
How public health insurance expansion affects healthcare utilizations in middle and low-income households: an observational study from national cross-section surveys in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Chi M. , Nguyen Mai P. , Luc Lan D. P.
Published: March 2023

Public health insurance (PHI) has been implemented with different levels of participation in many countries, from voluntary to mandatory. In Vietnam, a law amendment made PHI compulsory nationwide in 2015 with a tolerance phase allowing people a flexible time to enroll. This study aims to examine mechanisms under which the amendment affected the enrollment, healthcare utilization, and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures by middle- and low-income households in this transitioning process.

Using the biennial Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys, the study applied the doubly robust difference-in-differences approach to compare outcomes in the post-amendment period from the 2016 survey with those in the pre-amendment period from the 2014 survey. The approach inheriting advantages from its predecessors, i.e., the difference-in-differences and the augmented inverse-probability weighting methods, can mitigate possible biases in policy evaluations due to the changes within the group and between groups over time in the cross-section observational study.

The results showed health insurance expansion with extensive subsidies in premiums and medical coverage for persons other than the full-time employed, young children or elderly members in the family, significantly increased enrollments in the middle- and low-income groups by 9% and 8%, respectively. The number of visits for PHI-eligible services also increased, approximately 0.5 more visit per person in the middle-income and 1 more visit per person in the low-income. The amendment, however, so far did not show any significant effect on reducing OOP payments, neither for the low nor the middle-income groups. To further expand PHI coverage and financial protections, policymakers should focus on improving public health facilities, contracting PHI to more accredited private health providers, and motivating the high-income group’s enrollments.
Nurses’ promotion of Mental Health First Aid Training Programmes for upper secondary students: a modified Delphi approach
Authors: Costa Tiago Filipe Oliveira , Moreno Poyato Antonio Rafael , Sampaio Francisco Miguel Correia , Lluch Canut María Teresa , Sequeira Carlos Alberto da Cruz
Published: March 2023

Background

Mental Health First Aid Training Programmes can be carried out by nurses in schools. Adolescents have reported the importance of these interventions, the contents to be addressed, and intervention strategies that should be used. Mental health nurses have also discussed the characteristics of these training programmes. This study sought to create a consensus on the features of Mental Health First Aid Training Programmes promoted by nurses aimed at upper secondary students.

Methods

A descriptive mixed method study was developed using the modified e-Delphi technique. Original statements on the topic were drawn from the results section of previous studies with nurses and adolescents. The statements were included in a structured online questionnaire. An expert panel of 78 mental health nurses participated in the two-rounds online survey from October to December 2021. Absolute and relative frequencies of responses were analysed. The experts’ comments were also considered.

Results

In the first round, experts suggested 4 new ideas about training programmes. Experts took a position on a total of 59 declarations. At least 75% of participants agreed with 58 statements about training programmes, namely about facilitators, intervention foci, evaluation methodology, participants, the implementation context, period and regularity, intervention strategies and content. The experts’ opinions differed only in one statement that expressed the impaired sexual behaviour as a mental health problem to be addressed in the training programmes.

Conclusions

Mental health nurses can lead the delivery of training programmes in upper secondary schools, improving adolescent competencies in mental health. Several educational approaches can be used to teach about mental health, related problems and actions underlying these conditions. Valid and appropriate assessment methods must be used. Our findings guide the planning, implementation and evaluation of these interventions in upper secondary schools and encourage nurses to explore these programmes and include them in their educational curricula.
Health system readiness to manage maternal death data and avail evidence for decision-making through the Maternal Death Surveillance System in Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Endris Abduilhafiz A. , Tilahun Tizita
Published: March 2023

Background

Maternal mortality remains a major health problem in Ethiopia. To generate contextual evidence on the burden and distribution of existing causes and contributing factors for programmatic and individual-level decision-making, the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response System was introduced in 2013. This assessment describes the Ethiopian health system's readiness to avail evidence for decision-making through the MDSR system.

Method

A cross-sectional study designed using the WHO framework for evaluating surveillance systems was used. By employing a multistage sampling, 631 health facilities and 539 health posts were included. ODK collect data entry software was used to collect data from September 2019 to April 2020. Findings are presented in text descriptions, graphs, maps, and tables.

Findings

Four hundred (77.1%) health facilities (332 (74.6%) health centers and 68 (91.9%) hospitals) and 264 (71.5%) health posts reported implementing the MDSR system. Of the implementing health facilities, 349 (87.3%) had a death review committee, and only 42 (12.4%) were functional. About 89.4% of health centers and 79.4% of hospitals had sub-optimal maternal death identification and notification readiness. Only 23 (6.96%) and 18 (26.47%) MDSR-implementing health centers and hospitals had optimal readiness to investigate and review maternal deaths, respectively. Moreover, only 39 (14.0%) health posts had locally translated case definitions and 28 (10.6%) had verbal autopsy format to investigate maternal deaths. Six (1.5%) facility officers and 24 (9.1%) health extension workers were engaged in data analysis and evidence generation at least once during 2019/20. Regional variation is observed in system implementation.

Conclusions and recommendations

Sub-optimal MDSR system implementation is recorded. Revitalizing the system by addressing all system components is critical. Having a national-level roadmap for MDSR system implementation and mobilizing all available resources and stakeholders to facilitate this is vital. Establishing a system for routine data quality monitoring and assurance by integrating with the existing PHEM structure, having a system for routine capacity building, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluating the availability and functionality of MDSR committees at health facilities are all critical. Digitalization, designing a system to fit emerging regions' health service delivery, and availing required resources for the system is key.
Lessons learnt while integrating services for children: qualitative interviews with professional stakeholders
Authors: Baxter Vanessa , Speed Ewen , Ioakimidis Vasilios , Ross Matthew
Published: March 2023

Background

In the English NHS, integrated care is seen as an opportunity to deliver joined-up care for children and families. This paper examines the lessons learnt by professional stakeholders in the process of developing different examples of integrated models of care/frameworks for children’s services.

Methods

Initial desk research was undertaken to identify different examples of integrated care models and systems/frameworks for children’s services. This identified forty-three examples in England. Of these, twelve examples were shortlisted after consultation with the senior managers within the Health and Care Partnership that had commissioned the research, and a more detailed online search for published documents was undertaken. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were then conducted with sixteen professional stakeholders in eight of these examples, ranging from one to four interviewees per example. Interviews focused on the lessons learnt from integrating and transforming services. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

Results

The eight examples vary in their design but have several broad commonalities. A number of common themes and learning have emerged, of which two were identified within all eight examples: the first is about focusing on children and young people; the second is about focusing on partner engagement and collaboration and the importance of building trust and relationships between partners. A number of other important themes also emerged together with several challenges.

Conclusions

A number of common factors were identified that are essential to success in integrating health and care systems. Common across all localities were being child-centric and focusing on child outcomes plus the importance of building trust, engagement and relationships with partners. The findings can help health and care system leaders transform services to ensure efficiency, improvement in services and integration.
Reduced virulence in tigecycline-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae caused by overexpression of ompR and down-regulation of ompK35
Authors: Park Suyeon , Kim Hyunkeun , Ko Kwan Soo
Published: March 2023

Background

The development of tigecycline resistance in hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains has resulted in decreased virulence that is associated with reduced production of capsular polysaccharides (CPS). In this study, we investigated the mechanisms that link tigecycline susceptibility to decreased virulence.

Methods

We compared transcriptomes from tigecycline-susceptible wild-type strains and tigecycline-resistant mutants using mRNA sequencing. ompR-overexpressed and ompR-deleted mutants were constructed from wild-type strains and tigecycline-resistant mutants, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed, and string tests and precipitation assays were conducted to identify phenotypic changes related to tigecycline susceptibility and ompR expression. Bacterial virulence was assessed by serum resistance and Galleria mellonella infection assays.

Results

Transcriptomic analyses demonstrated a significant decrease in the expression of ompK35 in the tigecycline-resistant mutants. We observed that tigecycline-resistant mutants overexpressed ompR, and that the expression of ompK35 was regulated negatively by ompR. While tigecycline-resistant mutants and ompR-overexpressed mutants exhibited reduced hypermucoviscosity and virulence, deletion of ompR from tigecycline-resistant mutants restored their hypermucoviscosity and virulence.

Conclusions

In hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains, ompR expression, which is regulated by exposure to tigecycline, may affect the production of CPS, leading to bacterial virulence.
Treatment with decitabine induces the expression of stemness markers, PD-L1 and NY-ESO-1 in colorectal cancer: potential for combined chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Taib Nassiba , Merhi Maysaloun , Inchakalody Varghese , Mestiri Sarra , Hydrose Shereena , Makni-Maalej Karama , Raza Afsheen , Sahir Fairooz , Azizi Fouad , Nizamuddin Parveen B. , Fernandes Queenie , Yoosuf Zeenath Safira K. M. , Almoghrabi Salam , Al-Zaidan Lobna , Shablak Alaaeldin , Uddin Shahab , Maccalli Cristina , Al Homsi Mohammed Ussama , Dermime Said
Published: March 2023

Background

The mechanism of tumor immune escape and progression in colorectal cancer (CRC) is widely investigated in-vitro to help understand and identify agents that might play a crucial role in response to treatment and improve the overall survival of CRC patients. Several mechanisms of immune escape and tumor progression, including expression of stemness markers, inactivation of immunoregulatory genes by methylation, and epigenetic silencing, have been reported in CRC, indicating the potential of demethylating agents as anti-cancer drugs. Of these, a chemotherapeutic demethylating agent, Decitabine (DAC), has been reported to induce a dual effect on both DNA demethylation and histone changes leading to an increased expression of target biomarkers, thus making it an attractive anti-tumorigenic drug.

Methods

We compared the effect of DAC in primary 1076 Col and metastatic 1872 Col cell lines isolated and generated from patients’ tumor tissues. Both cell lines were treated with DAC, and the expression of the NY-ESO-1 cancer-testis antigen, the PD-L1 immunoinhibitory marker, and the CD44, Nanog, KLF-4, CD133, MSI-1 stemness markers were analyzed using different molecular and immunological assays.

Results

DAC treatment significantly upregulated stemness markers in both primary 1076 Col and meta-static 1872 Col cell lines, although a lower effect occurred on the latter: CD44 (7.85 fold; ***p = 0.0001 vs. (4.19 fold; *p = 0.0120), Nanog (4.1 fold; ***p < 0.0001 vs.1.69 fold; ***p = 0.0008), KLF-4 (4.33 fold; ***p < 0.0001 vs.2.48 fold; ***p = 0.0005), CD133 (16.77 fold; ***p = 0.0003 vs.6.36 fold; *p = 0.0166), and MSI-1 (2.33 fold; ***p = 0.0003 vs.2.3 fold; ***p = 0.0004), respectively. Interestingly, in the metastatic 1872 Col cells treated with DAC, the expression of both PD-L1 and NY-ESO-1 was increased tenfold (*p = 0.0128) and fivefold (***p < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions

We conclude that the upregulation of both stemness and immune checkpoint markers by DAC treatment on CRC cells might represent a mechanism of immune evasion. In addition, induction of NY-ESO-1 may represent an immuno-therapeutic option in metastatic CRC patients. Finally, the combination of DAC and anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 antibodies treatment should represent a potential therapeutic intervention for this group of patients.
A policy implementation study of earmarked taxes for mental health services: study protocol
Authors: Purtle Jonathan , Stadnick Nicole A. , Wynecoop Megan , Bruns Eric J. , Crane Margaret E. , Aarons Gregory
Published: March 2023

Background

Insufficient funding is frequently identified as a critical barrier to the implementation and sustainment of evidence-based practices (EBPs). Thus, increasing access to funding is recognized as an implementation strategy. Policies that create earmarked taxes—defined as taxes for which revenue can only be spent on specific activities—are an increasingly common mental health financing strategy that could improve the reach of EBPs. This project’s specific aims are to (1) identify all jurisdictions in the USA that have implemented earmarked taxes for mental health and catalogue information about tax design; (2) characterize experiences implementing earmarked taxes among local (e.g., county, city) mental health agency leaders and other government and community organization officials and assess their perceptions of the acceptability and feasibility of different types of policy implementation strategies; and (3) develop a framework to guide effect earmarked tax designs, inform the selection of implementation strategies, and disseminate the framework to policy audiences.

Methods

The project uses the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework to inform data collection about the determinants and processes of tax implementation and Leeman’s typology of implementation strategies to examine the acceptability and feasibility strategies which could support earmarked tax policy implementation. A legal mapping will be conducted to achieve aim 1. To achieve aim 2, a survey will be conducted of 300 local mental health agency leaders and other government and community organization officials involved with the implementation of earmarked taxes for mental health. The survey will be followed by approximately 50 interviews with these officials. To achieve aim 3, quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated through a systematic framework development and dissemination process.

Discussion

This exploratory policy implementation process study will build the evidence base for outer-context implementation determinants and strategies by focusing on policies that earmarked taxes for mental health services.
Dimensional crossover of Fermi polaron in quasi-low-dimensional traps
Authors: Shi Y.-R. , Wang Y.-R. , Gao K.-Y. , Zhang W.
Published: March 2023

We study the polaron problem of an impurity immersed in the background of a Fermi sea confined in one-dimensional or two-dimensional isotropic traps. By changing the trapping potential from loose to tight, a dimensional crossover from anisotropically trapped three-dimensional to quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) or quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) configurations is investigated by calculating the ground-state energy in a wide range of interaction strength. We adopt a low-dimensional effective Hamiltonian in the form of a two-channel model, where the excited levels in the confined directions are described phenomenologically by a dressed molecule, and use the variational approach up to one pair of particle-hole fluctuations to calculate the energies of polaron and molecule states. We map out the phase diagrams for both quasi-1D and quasi-2D configurations and different mass ratios, and conclude that the polaron phase is preferable with tighter confinement and lighter impurity mass in lower dimensions. We also find that owing to the significant population of excited levels by strong interaction, a strictly low-dimensional system with all particles residing in the ground state of the trap can never work when study polaron-molecule transition, even in the tightly confined limit. This discrepancy has been observed in an experiment of quasi-2D gases of 40K atoms and is well explained by our calculation.
Bethesda III and IV Thyroid Nodules Managed Nonoperatively After Molecular Testing With Afirma GSC or Thyroseq v3
Authors: Kim Na Eun , Raghunathan Rajam S , Hughes Elena G , Longstaff Xochitl R , Tseng Chi-Hong , Li Shanpeng , Cheung Dianne S , Gofnung Yaroslav A , Famini Pouyan , Wu James X , Yeh Michael W , Livhits Masha J
Published: March 2023

Context

Molecular testing has improved risk stratification and increased nonoperative management for patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules, but data on the long-term outcomes of current molecular tests Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier (GSC) and Thyroseq v3 are limited.

Objective

To determine the rate of delayed operation and the false negative rate of the Afirma GSC and Thyroseq v3 in Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules.

Methods

Prospective follow-up of a single center, randomized, clinical trial comparing the performance of Afirma GSC and Thyroseq v3 in the diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid nodules at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Consecutive participants who underwent thyroid biopsy in the UCLA health system with Bethesda III and IV cytology from August 2017 to November 2019. The main outcome measure was false negative rate of molecular testing.

Results

Of 176 indeterminate nodules with negative or benign molecular test results, 14 (8%) nodules underwent immediate resection, with no malignancies found on surgical pathology. Nonoperative management with active surveillance was pursued for 162 (92%) nodules with benign or negative test results. The median surveillance was 34 months (range 12-60 months), and 44 patients were lost to follow-up. Of 15 nodules resected during surveillance, 1 malignancy was found (overall false negative rate of 0.6%). This was a 2.7 cm minimally invasive Hurthle cell carcinoma that initially tested negative with Thyroseq v3 and underwent delayed resection due to sonographic growth during surveillance.

Conclusions

The majority of Bethesda III/IV thyroid nodules with negative or benign molecular test results are stable over 3 years of follow-up. These findings support the high sensitivity of current molecular tests and their role in ruling out malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules.
Central Sensitivity to Free Triiodothyronine With MAFLD and Its Progression to Liver Fibrosis in Euthyroid Adults
Authors: Wan Heng , Yu Genfeng , Xu Sirong , Chen Xingying , Jiang Yuqi , Duan Hualin , Lin Xu , Ma Qintao , Wang Dongmei , Liang Yongqian , Liu Lan , Shen Jie
Published: March 2023

Context

Impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormones has been demonstrated to be positively associated with the prevalence of metabolic disorders. However, the relationship between sensitivity to thyroid hormones and metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and liver fibrosis remained unclear.

Objective

We aimed to determine the associations of thyroid hormone sensitivity indices with MAFLD and its progression to liver fibrosis in Chinese euthyroid adults.

Methods

This community-based study included 7906 euthyroid adults. We calculated the thyroid sensitivity indices, including free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) ratio, Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index by FT4 (TFQIFT4), and Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index by FT3 (TFQIFT3), indicating peripheral and central thyroid hormone sensitivity respectively. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were diagnosed by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). Multivariable logistic/linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were conducted.

Results

Compared with participants in the first quartile (Q1), the prevalence of MAFLD was increased by 62% in the fourth quartile (Q4) of FT3/FT4 ratio (OR 1.62; 95% CI [1.38, 1.91]) and by 40% in Q4 of TFQIFT3 (OR 1.40; 95% CI [1.18, 1.65]) (both P < .05). No associations between TFQIFT4 and the prevalence of MAFLD were found. In addition, compared with participants in Q1, the prevalence of liver fibrosis was increased by 45% in Q4 of TFQIFT3 (OR 1.45; 95% CI [1.03, 2.06]) (P < .05) in participants with MAFLD.

Conclusion

Impaired central sensitivity to FT3 was associated with MAFLD and its progression to liver fibrosis. More prospective and mechanism studies are warranted to confirm these conclusions.
Νευροηθική
Authors: Γούτα Χρυσούλα
Published: March 2023

Η παρούσα ανασκόπηση εκπονήθηκε στο πλαίσιο του μαθήματος Βιοηθικής του ΠΜΣ Τοξικολογίας και αποτελεί μία προσπάθεια σύντομης ιστορικής αναδρομής του αφανούς κλάδου της Νευροηθικής, που, παρότι έκανε εκκωφαντική εμφάνιση πριν από δύο δεκαετίες, ωστόσο σύντομα έχασε σταδιακά το ενδιαφέρον της επιστημονικής κοινότητας. Οι αιτίες για την κάμψη ενός πολλά υποσχόμενου κλάδου αναζητούνται αμφοτερόπλευρα και αναλύονται διεξοδικά, ενώ οι ευθύνες αποδίδονται τόσο στην έλλειψη νοηματικής πληρότητας και συστηματικής μεθοδολογίας του νεοσύστατου κλάδου όσο και στην επιβράδυνση της εξέλιξης των νευροεπιστημών στο σύνολό τους. Παράλληλα, στο παρόν άρθρο επιχειρείται ο σαφής προσδιορισμός των όρων και εννοιών που διαδραματίζουν καίριο ρόλο για την κατανόηση του εν λόγω τομέα και παρατίθεται ένα πρωτόλειο σύστημα υπο-κατηγοριοποίησης που περιλαμβάνει την Εμπειρική Νευροηθική, τη Θεωρητική Νευροηθική και τη Μεθοδολογική Νευροηθική, με την τελευταία να αποτελεί μάλλον ευσεβή πόθο παρά εφαρμοσμένο επιστημονικό υπο-κλάδο. Τέλος, συζητούνται ορισμένα καίρια σύγχρονα ζητήματα Νευροηθικής, όπως η έλλογη συγκατάθεση, η νευρογενετική και η σχέση εγκεφάλου και πνεύματος, και σχολιάζονται με αναφορά στις αρχές της Φιλοσοφίας και της Θεολογίας.
Open science and ethics in energy research
Authors: Alonso Pedrero Raquel , Van de Sande Araujo Felipe
Published: March 2023

Energy research is evolving, with new methodologies, technologies, and challenges, while new communication tools allow for quick and cheap dissemination of information. In contrast, the publication of scientific research is still carried out by specialised journals, which serve a dual purpose as gatekeepers and disseminators but may delay the process of sharing the scientific knowledge. Data used in relevant research is often kept secret, and proprietary code and "black-box" models are barriers to replication. These practices raise ethical concerns as they may hinder the identification of research misconduct. Open science has gained momentum and aims to promote openness, reconnecting with traditional research principles. In this paper, we discuss the ethical and practical implications of the adoption of open science in energy research. Our goal is to give a broad understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of open science and present the ongoing discussions in the research community.
High-throughput sequencing approaches applied to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ong'era Edidah M. , Mohammed Khadija Said , Makori Timothy O. , Bejon Philip , Ocholla-Oyier Lynette Isabella , Nokes D. James , Agoti Charles N. , Githinji George
Published: March 2023

High-throughput sequencing is crucial for surveillance and control of viral outbreaks. During the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, advances in the high-throughput sequencing technology resources have enhanced diagnosis, surveillance, and vaccine discovery. From the onset of the pandemic in December 2019, several genome-sequencing approaches have been developed and supported across the major sequencing platforms such as Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio, MGI DNBSEQTM and Ion Torrent. Here, we share insights from the sequencing approaches developed for sequencing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between December 2019 and October 2022.
Ready for spring at the BACN
Authors: Baker Anna
Published: March 2023

Anna Baker talks about events to come at the BACN this spring
Left Atrial Function as a Predictor for Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Nagi Hassan Khaled , Michael Suzy Fawzy , Hamed Hosam Ahmed , Awadallah Faten Farid
Published: March 2023

Background: One of the most frequent complications following heart surgery is atrial fibrillation (AF). The most popular diagnostic procedure for evaluating atrial function is echocardiography, however it has certain drawbacks. Originally, 2D echocardiography has been used to measure volumes to determine left atrial function. Objective: to examine the relationship between the development of post-operative AF following isolated CABG and preoperative evaluation of LA function using 2D echocardiography and left atrium 2D speckle tracking strain echocardiography. Patients and Methods: A set of 149 consecutive patients enrolled in a prospective observational study, they admitted to cardio-thoracic surgery department for elective isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, during July 2018 to June 2019. 22 patients were excluded from the study due to bad image quality. Results: Readings of speckle tracking data showed significant less LA reservoir strain (OR 1.75, 95% CI: 0.65-4.69, P≤0001), LA conduit strains (OR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.22-1.62, P=0.31) and LA contractile strain (OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.24-1.77, P=0.40) in POAF (+). Remaining parameters were non-significant. Also, Age (P=0.03), LA diameter (P=0.04), and LAVI (P=0.03) were the only factors that were identified as potential predictors of POAF in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: we concluded that, age, LA size and LAVI are significantly associated with the occurrence of POAF in our patients.
Exhumaciones de fosas comunes en el País Valenciano: 10 años de intervenciones científi-cas
Authors: Moreno Martín Andrea , Mezquida Fernández Miguel , Schwab Marisol E.
Published: March 2023

Este artículo aborda, a modo de estado de la cuestión, las exhumaciones de víctimas del franquismo durante la última década en el territorio valenciano. El objetivo principal es ofrecer una actualización de los datos disponibles hasta la fecha, en lo que respecta al número de intervenciones, fosas, víctimas, identificaciones, etc. No obstante, al mismo tiempo, pretendemos reflexionar sobre la urgencia de hacer realidad algunas medidas como la creación del banco de ADN y el censo de víctimas. O abordar la necesidad de un debate profesional sobre algunas cuestiones como el escenario legal existente ante la imposibilidad de judicializar los procesos de exhumación. La finalidad en conjunto es mostrar y defender que las políticas públicas de memoria son un reto que va más allá de la exhumación de víctimas, donde la transversalidad y la profesionalización de procesos y proyectos deben ser una realidad y un compromiso tanto de los equipos técnicos como de las administraciones, sin caer en el error de dejar al margen a la ciudadanía.
Preámbulo. Laura Rubio, académica, colega y amiga
Authors: Vilafranca Isabel , Obiols Núria
Published: March 2023

Preámbulo. Laura Rubio, académica, colega y amiga
Spatial aliasing quantification and sampling frequency selection in imaging sensors
Authors: Mudge Jason
Published: March 2023

Sampling, whether it be spatial or temporal, is a common occurrence. A
result of this fact is the need for an anti-aliasing filter, which
effectively limits high frequencies and prevents them from folding
over and appearing as a low(er) frequency when sampled. In typical
imaging sensors, such as optics plus focal plane detector(s), the
optical transfer function (OTF) acts as a spatial anti-aliasing
filter. However, decreasing this anti-aliasing cutoff frequency (or
lowering the curve in general) via the OTF is tantamount to image
degradation. On the other hand, the lack of high-frequency attenuation
produces aliasing within the image, which is another form of image
degradation. In this work, aliasing is quantified, and a method for
sampling frequency selection is brought forth.
Optical fluorescent sensor based on perovskite QDs for nitric oxide gas detection
Authors: Kumar Divyanshu , Mesin Rispandi , Chu Cheng-Shane
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a new, to the best of our knowledge, optical fluorescent sensor for the sensing of nitric oxide (NO) gas is developed. The optical NO sensor based on CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) is coated on the surface of filter paper. The CsPbBr3 PQD sensing material can be excited with a UV LED of a central wavelength at 380 nm, and the optical sensor has been tested in regard to monitoring different NO concentrations from 0–1000 ppm. The sensitivity of the optical NO sensor is represented in terms of the ratio IN2/I1000ppmNO, where IN2 and I1000ppmNO represent the detected fluorescence intensities in pure nitrogen and 1000 ppm NO environments, respectively. The experimental results show that the optical NO sensor has a sensitivity of 6. In addition, the response time was 26 s when switching from pure nitrogen to 1000 ppm NO and 117 s when switching from 1000 ppm NO to pure nitrogen. Finally, the optical sensor may open a new approach for the sensing of the NO concentration in the harsh reacting environmental applications.
Study on the orthogonality property of Zernike modes in light beams undergoing free space propagation
Authors: Chauhan Akanshu , Boruah Bosanta R.
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a study to investigate how the orthogonality property of Zernike modes gets modified as a light beam carrying the mode in its phase propagates through free space. We use a numerical simulation using scalar diffraction theory to generate propagated light beams carrying the commonly encountered Zernike modes. We present our results in terms of the inner product and orthogonality contrast matrix at propagation distances ranging from near field to far field regions. Our study will help in the understanding of how far the Zernike modes describing the phase profile of a light beam in a given plane remain approximately orthogonal to one another on propagation.
Technique of Distraction, Compression, Extension, Reduction to Reduce and Realign Old Displaced Odontoid Fracture From Posterior Approach: A Novel Technique
Authors: Chandra P. Sarat , Samala Raghu , Doddamani Ramesh , Verma Satish , Singh Pankaj , Chauhan Mahendra Singh
Published: March 2023

Objective: Chronic ‘displaced’ displaced type II fractures, though uncommon, are difficult to manage. They usually require a transoral procedure followed by a posterior instrumented fusion. We describe here, a new method to reduce the fractured displaced odontoid using a posterior cervical approach only.Methods: Prospective and observational, n = 14 had a ‘displaced and irreducible’ old fracture dens causing cord compression (type I, 1; type II, 13). They underwent a novel technique to reduce the fracture. The C1 arch was first drilled and removed. The C1 lateral masses on both sides were then drilled completely and a spacer was placed between the occiput and C2 facet. Following this, an intraoperative reducing maneuver was performed, utilizing the spacer as a fulcrum, and then achieving complete reduction and realignment.Results: All patients improved clinically (mean Nurick preoperative score: 4.07 ± 0.8; the postoperative score was 1.3 ± 0.4). The mean correction in effective canal diameter was 74.3% ± 9.5% and the mean correction in actual canal diameter was 77% ± 8.7%. Solid bone fusion was demonstrated in 12 patients with at least 1-year follow-up (follow-up range, 12–35 months; mean, 21.8 ± 9.8 months).Conclusion: The new described modification of distraction, compression extension, and reduction seems to be effective for ‘displaced’ chronic fracture dens with cord compression. It avoids additional transoral surgery in these patients.
Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Long-Level Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors: A Consecutive Series of 43 Cases
Authors: Zhang Dongao , Fan Tao , Fan Wayne , Zhao Xingang , Liang Cong , Wang Yinqian , Wu Kun
Published: March 2023

Objective: Long-level intramedullary spinal cord tumors (LIMSCTs) cause complex treatment issues. However, LIMSCTs have rarely been analyzed separately. The authors reported a large case series of LIMSCTs and analyzed the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes.Methods: The medical data of patients with LIMSCTs at our institution between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, tumor size and location, pathology, extent of resection, and neurological functional status were collected.Results: A total of 43 consecutive cases were included. Twenty-three cases (53.5%) of LIMSCTs were ependymal tumors. All patients with ependymal tumors achieved gross total resection (GTR). In ependymal tumor cases, 3 cases (13%) of ependymal tumors experienced postoperative neurological deterioration, and 66% of them showed an improvement at follow-up; 25.6% were low-grade astrocytic tumors. The rates of GTR, subtotal resection (STR) and partial resection (PR) were 63.6%, 27.3%, and 9.1%, respectively. Twenty-seven percent cases showed postoperative neurological worsening, and 33% of them had an improvement at follow-up; 20.9% were high-grade astrocytic tumors. The excision rates were 44.4% for GTR, 44.4% for STR, and 11% for PR, respectively. Fifty-five percent cases showed postoperative neurological worsening, and none of them had an improvement at follow-up.Conclusion: In this series, all LIMSCTs were gliomas. Aggressive tumor resection did not increase the risk of long-term functional deterioration in ependymal tumors and low-grade astrocytic tumors, but in high-grade astrocytic tumors, patients had a higher risk of neurological deterioration and difficulty in recovery. In ependymal tumors and low-grade astrocytic tumors, patients can achieve long-time survival after performing aggressive tumor resection.
Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polyetheretherketone Spinal Implants for Treatment of Spinal Tumors: Perceived Advantages and Limitations
Authors: Alvarez-Breckenridge Christopher , Almeida Romulo de , Haider Ali , Muir Matthew , Bird Justin , North Robert , Rhines Laurence , Tatsui Claudio
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Carbon-fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFRP)-based spinal implants are an alternative to titanium, offering less image artifact as their metallic counterparts while maintaining similar biomechanical and biocompatibility properties. Its use in the management of spinal tumors has been reported, however the perceived advantages related to improved imaging quality, radiation treatment planning, and detection of tumor recurrence have not been fully assessed.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of medical records amongst oncologic patients treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center with CFRP implants. Histology, tumor location, construct features, time of follow-up, adjuvant radiation, recurrences, overall survival, and hardware-related complications were recorded.Results: Sixty-nine consecutive patients were assessed (22 primary tumors, 47 metastases) and the median time for follow-up was 5.4 months. Amongst the cohort, a total of 491 CFRP pedicle screws were implanted. Hardware complications were observed in 5 cases (7.04%). Adjuvant radiation was completed in 8 patients with primary tumors and 29 patients with spinal metastases. A total of 28 patients (40.5%) from the combined primary and metastatic cohorts experienced systemic disease progression, with 12 patients (17.3%) demonstrating local recurrences. Amongst primary and metastatic tumors, overall survival (p = 0.363) and rate of local recurrence (p = 0.112) were similar.Conclusion: This largest series of CFRP implants demonstrates safe and effective spinal stabilization for patients with both primary and metastatic tumors. Enhanced postoperative imaging led to minimal imaging artifacts which facilitated postoperative radiation planning and the ability to detect local recurrence.