bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Better late than modern? Between ‘late capitalism’ and ‘late modernity’
Authors: Inglis David
Published: May 2024

Two different ways of naming and narrating historical periods, including the present time, involve using the terms ‘capitalism’ and ‘modernity’. Each terminological set opens certain intellectual vistas, while foreclosing others. This article argues that while ‘late capitalism’ is, despite its many problems, a meaningful concept to use today, ‘late modernity’ is not. Offering a genealogy of each term, the article considers how ascriptions of lateness to modernity result in some absurdity, while ascribing lateness to capitalism does not involve such marked risks. Nonetheless, more comprehensive and all-encompassing definitions of capitalism may be incompatible with ascriptions of lateness to capitalism. These various issues are considered in light of the need to name the current world-condition in a period of accelerating environmental crisis.
‘Towards a Critical Social Theory of the Idea of the Future’: A response to Richard Swedberg’s ‘On the Future as Possibilities’: A review of Gerard Delanty’s Senses of the Future: Conflicting Ideas of the Future in the World Today (Berlin: De Gruyter, 2024)
Authors: Delanty Gerard
Published: May 2024

This essay is a short reply to Richard Swedberg’s review of my book, Senses of the Future: Conflicting Ideas of the Future in the World Today (Berlin: De Gruyter, 2024). The main points are addressed. In addition I sum up the rationale and aims of the book.
Christopher Tam: Brief history and accomplishments
Authors: Viswanathan K , Hu FQ
Published: May 2024

This introduction provides a brief personal background and highlights the scientific accomplishments of Professor Christopher Tam. He has maintained extremely high standards of research and an enviable track record for productivity, spanning more than five decades. The depth and breadth of his technical output are truly breathtaking, and he has inspired scores of researchers and graduate students. When the first author was an Acoustics Engineer at Lockheed, Georgia, he started collaborating with Chris in the early 1990s. There were several joint projects when the author moved to Boeing, which encompassed both fundamental research and applications. The second author has an even longer association with Chris, initially as a PhD advisee in the late 1980s and then as a co-researcher. In this special volume we pay tribute to Chris’s many achievements, an endeavor that provides us with great satisfaction and which is long overdue.
How much is too much? Refining normative evaluations of prescriptive curriculum
Authors: Nikolaidis A. C. , Fitz Julie A. , Warnick Bryan R.
Published: May 2024

As the disruptive effects of COVID-19 on education have prompted conversations about remedial learning and learning recovery, the expectation is increasingly that schools are more productive in less time. This raises concerns regarding potential increase in the use of prescriptive curricula. While critiques regarding the usage of such curricula abound, the lack of clarity about what it is that these curricula do and how they impact instructional processes render critiques too coarse-grained to be of value in both normative evaluations and remedial efforts. To resolve this problem, the authors provide a framework that analyzes what prescriptive curricula entail and how they impact teaching and learning. The framework postulates that prescriptiveness occurs along five dimensions and is a matter of degree along each of these. Subtle differences between how these dimensions and degrees of prescription materialize in individual curricula matter for formulating both targeted critiques about what makes such curricula objectionable and for developing adequate and feasible remedies to undo the harmful effects of prescriptive curricula.
Robot-Assisted Bronchoscopy for Identification of Lung Nodules During Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Resection
Authors: Shahoud James , Weksler Benny , Ghosh Sohini , Ganesh Aarthi , Fernando Hiran
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Small pulmonary nodules can be difficult to identify during minimally invasive surgical (MIS) resection. Previous investigators have reported using standard bronchoscopy with electromagnetic navigation to identify small pulmonary nodules. Robot-assisted bronchoscopy has been introduced into clinical practice and has shown utility for the biopsy of small lesions. We report our experience using robot-assisted bronchoscopy with dye marking to aid in minimally invasive pulmonary resection.

Methods:

Patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules underwent robot-assisted bronchoscopy before a planned minimally invasive resection. Indocyanine green or methylene blue was injected directly into the targeted lesion. Surgical resection was then immediately performed. Success was defined as dye visualization leading to sublobar resection of the target nodule without the need for lobectomy or thoracotomy.

Results:

Thirty patients with a single targeted nodule underwent robot-assisted bronchoscopy followed by MIS resection. The median lesion size was 9 mm (4 to 25 mm), and the median distance from the pleura was 5 mm (1 to 32 mm). The success rate was 83.3% (25 of 30). There were 3 cases in which the dye was not visualized, and in 2 cases there was free extravasation of dye. The targeted nodule was identified in these 5 patients without the need for thoracotomy or lobectomy. Pathology revealed non-small cell lung cancer ( n = 13, 43.3%), metastatic disease ( n = 11, 36.7%), and benign disease ( n = 6, 20%). There were no complications related to the use of robot-assisted bronchoscopy.

Conclusions:

Robot-assisted bronchoscopy with dye marking is safe and effective for guiding minimally invasive resection of small peripheral pulmonary nodules.
Commiphora gileadenesis Extracts Reduce Blood Glucose Levels, HbA1c, Lipid Profile, and CD4+ and CD8+ Subsets in Type 1 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Alhazmi Ayman Saeed , Aldairi Abdullah , Aljuaid Abdulelah , Alghamdi Ahmad , Allahyani Mamdouh
Published: May 2024

Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem that affects the general population. Commiphora gileadensis ( C gileadensis) is a small tree that grows in the Middle East. Objective: This study explored the effect of C gileadensis on blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and T lymphocytes subsets using flow cytometry. Methodology: Forty male mice were classified into four groups: negative control; diabetic nontreated; and two groups of diabetic mice treated with C gileadensis sap and acetone extract. The blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and HbA1c were estimated for each mouse in the four groups. Moreover, total lymphocytes, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD25+ subsets were estimated for all groups. Results: The blood glucose levels, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and HbA1c were significantly reduced in mice treated with C gileadensis sap and acetone extract compared with the diabetic group. Total lymphocyte and CD3+ were reduced in diabetic mice treated with C gileadensis sap and acetone extract compared with the untreated diabetic group ( P < .05). In addition, CD4+ and CD8+ subsets were decreased in the same groups compared with the untreated one ( P < .05). CD4+ CD25+ cells were decreased in all diabetic groups compared with the control group ( P < .05). CD8+ CD25+ were increased in diabetic groups treated with C gileadensis sap and acetone extract compared with the untreated diabetic group ( P < .05). Conclusion: The present study concludes that C gileadensis sap and acetone extracts reduce the blood glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profile in diabetic mice. Moreover, this herb has anti-inflammatory properties that may help in the normalization of glycemic index and prevent T1DM progression.
In Which Cases Do We Operate? Posterior Malleolar Fractures—Intraobserver and Interobserver Reliability of the Bartoníček/Rammelt Classification and Corresponding Surgery Rates
Authors: Sarter Michael , Krane Felix , Leschinger Tim , Hackl Michael , Müller Lars P. , Harbrecht Andreas
Published: May 2024

Introduction. The Bartoníček/Rammelt classification is established for posterior malleolar fractures. It subdivides the fractures into 5 types and outlines treatment recommendations. This study aims to determine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the Bartoníček/Rammelt classification and investigates its applicability regarding treatment recommendations. Materials and methods. Computed tomography (CT) scans of 80 ankle fractures with a posterior malleolar fracture were analyzed by four observers at two different time points 30 days apart (d1 and d2). Intrarater and interrater reliability was measured using kappa values. The corresponding surgery rates of the fracture subtypes were analyzed, and the surgery rates were correlated with fragment sizes and displacements. Results. A moderate interobserver reliability for d1 0.41 (CI 0.35-0.47) and d2 0.42 (CI 0.36-0.48) was detected. Intraobserver reliability was documented as perfect, with a mean kappa of 0.83. Type II fractures were operated on in 50% of cases. In 50% of type II cases, a nonoperative treatment was chosen. Fragment size correlated strongly with the chosen therapy, and osteosynthesis was performed significantly more often when the fragment size exceeded 3 cm3 (P < .01). Conclusions. The Bartoníček/Rammelt classification system showed moderate interobserver reliability and perfect to substantial intraobserver reliability. In clinical practice of this study cohort, the size of the posterior malleolar fragment rather than the dislocation and joint impaction seemed to have the decision to operate on type II or III fractures. Existing treatment recommendations based on the Bartoníček/Rammelt classification correspond to the therapy algorithm carried out in this cohort of patients.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective study
A randomized controlled study of the effects of targeted health education on uptake of contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Nnewi City, South-East Nigeria
Authors: Tyotswam Yanmeer Simeone , Iseme Rosebella Alungata , Makunyi Eliphas Gitonga
Published: May 2024

Objective:

There is a need for contraception uptake among people to enable them to fulfil their right to determine the timing, number and spacing of their children. In regions with poor contraceptive prevalence rates, lack of effective education has been largely implicated, and Nigeria falls among such regions. Thus, the present study is designed to examine the impact of an educational intervention on uptake of contraceptives among women aged 18–49 years seeking care at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi.

Methods:

Being an interventional study to underscore the effect of targeted health education on uptake of contraceptives, a randomized controlled trials design was adopted. A total of 275 women were randomly recruited and allocated into two groups—140 in intervention group and 135 in the control group. Data was collected by trained research assistants using a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

At baseline, the level of uptake of contraceptives was similar in both the control and the intervention group (control = 2.48 points; intervention = 2.55 points). Overall, there were no statistically discernible differences between the two groups at baseline. The level of awareness and knowledge on contraceptives as well as the uptake of contraceptives significantly increased in both groups at the end of the study period. A statistically significantly higher increase was noted in the intervention group when compared to the control in level of awareness ( t = 3.235; p < 0.05) and uptake of contraceptives ( t = 2.628; p < 0.05). Significant positive changes in perceptions of contraceptives were observed more among the intervention group when compared to the control. Logistic regression analysis showed uptake of contraceptives was significantly influenced by occupation, monthly income, source of information, time of first use of contraceptives, level of knowledge on contraceptives as well as the targeted educational intervention.

Conclusion:

The targeted health educational intervention had a significant and positive effect on the level of awareness and uptake of contraceptives, as displayed in the intervention group. A significant and positive change in perception of contraceptives was also noted among the intervention group in almost all the questions. Certain factors were found to significantly impact the uptake of contraceptives. There is a need for studies with longer follow-up to ascertain sustained impact of health education on uptake of contraceptives. Further studies should be carried out in the other facilities in Nnewi to ensure a better coverage and representation of the target population. Finally, related studies should be carried out among men.
Impact of Magnesium and Ferritin Deficiency on Depression Among Adolescent Students
Authors: Abdelmoneam Amany H. , Khafagy Ghada M. , Elbeh Khaled A , Hasan Marwa D. A.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Depression is considered the fourth-leading cause of health problems. It is the fourth-leading cause of health problems and disability, which causes 16% of the worldwide burden of disease and injury among adolescents.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible association of magnesium (Mg) and ferritin deficiency with depression in adolescent students.

Patients and Methods:

This case control study in secondary schools at Al-Ghanayem discrete. The total number included was 358 students. All were screened for depression by the Arabic version of the Beck questionnaire. The students who had positive score was selected as cases 86 and a matched same number of students with negative score was selected as controls. Serum level of ferritin and magnesium was measured in the 2 groups.

Results:

There was statistically significant difference between the studied groups when comparing depression grade with each of ferritin and Mg Depressed group cases had lower mean values of ferritin and Mg. The ferritin cut-off level for the prediction of depression was (35.5 μg/dL, which had a sensitivity of 74.4% and a specificity of 75.6%. The magnesium cut-off levels for the prediction of depression were1.95 mg/dL and 104.5 ng/dL which had a sensitivity of 70% and 64%, respectively.

Conclusion:

There was a statistically significant negative correlation between depression severity and each of socio-economic status ferritin and Mg. Each of ferritin and Mg were predictors for depression.
Mirtazapine Therapy for a Patient With Weight Loss and Gastroparesis Associated With Limited Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Jagadish Ashwin , Notta Shahnawaz , Falasca Gerald
Published: May 2024

Objective: Gastroparesis may be present in individuals with systemic sclerosis. In the United States, metoclopramide is the only medication approved for treating gastroparesis. Our case involves using mirtazapine therapy to help with weight loss and gastroparesis associated with systemic sclerosis. Case: A 70-year-old female with limited systemic sclerosis and sicca syndrome began experiencing weight loss, dysphagia, nausea, and abdominal fullness. Neither an esophageal dilation procedure nor six weeks of metoclopramide therapy alleviated her symptoms. However, 15 mg of mirtazapine once daily provided some symptomatic relief. A gastric emptying scan confirmed gastroparesis. The dose of mirtazapine was later increased to 30 mg once daily. With the mirtazapine therapy, the patient experienced both symptomatic improvement and weight gain benefits. Discussion/Conclusion: Mirtazapine therapy has anti depressive, appetite stimulating, anti-emetic, and prokinetic benefits. Consideration of mirtazapine therapy for patients with weight loss and gastroparesis associated with systemic sclerosis may be beneficial.
Development of mechanics-based fragility curves for the Italian masonry school asset
Authors: Saler Elisa , Follador Veronica , Carpanese Pietro , Donà Marco , da Porto Francesca
Published: May 2024

This article presents the derivation of a fragility model for the Italian masonry school building asset, comprising 265 sets of fragility curves for as many building types, classified on the basis of few parameters: construction age, number of stories, plan area, and type of masonry (i.e. with regular or irregular pattern). The fragility assessment was carried out by means of parametric analyses, generating more than 7500 samples which were then analyzed through the mechanics-based procedure Vulnus. Sample fragilities were then linearly combined to obtain fragility curves consistent with the adopted taxonomy based on few parameters. A macroseismic–heuristic model from the literature was used to extend the fragility model to five damage states, according to the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS98). The proposed model was compared to empirical information in terms of observed damage on three existing schools and fragility curves recently derived by processing data of school damaged by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, showing a satisfactory agreement. In addition, a comparison with fragility sets for residential buildings was carried out. Both fragility models were developed with the same procedure, so as to point out differences between schools and ordinary buildings. Similar fragilities were observed for schools and residential buildings built before 1945, whereas for later periods, schools showed a higher fragility than the residential asset. Finally, seismic damage maps were developed at national scale showing the distribution of expected damage as a possible application of the derived model.
NLRP4E regulates actin cap formation through SRC and CDC42 during oocyte meiosis
Authors: Shi Li-Ya , Wang Yang , Yang Yan-Jie , Li Qian , Yang Zhi-Xia , Sun Li-Hua , Luo Fu-Qiang , He Yu-hao , Zhang Shu-Ping , Su Ning , Liu Jia-Qi , He Ye , Guan Yi-Chun , Wei Zhao-Lian , Cao Yun-Xia , Zhang Dong
Published: May 2024

Background

Members of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain containing (NLRP) family regulate various physiological and pathological processes. However, none have been shown to regulate actin cap formation or spindle translocation during the asymmetric division of oocyte meiosis I. NLRP4E has been reported as a candidate protein in female fertility, but its function is unknown.

Methods

Immunofluorescence, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blotting were employed to examine the localization and expression levels of NLRP4E and related proteins in mouse oocytes. small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antibody transfection were used to knock down NLRP4E and other proteins. Immunoprecipitation (IP)-mass spectrometry was used to identify the potential proteins interacting with NLRP4E. Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to verify the protein interactions. Wild type (WT) or mutant NLRP4E messenger RNA (mRNA) was injected into oocytes for rescue experiments. In vitro phosphorylation was employed to examine the activation of steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) by NLRP4E.

Results

NLRP4E was more predominant within oocytes compared with other NLRP4 members. NLRP4E knockdown significantly inhibited actin cap formation and spindle translocation toward the cap region, resulting in the failure of polar body extrusion at the end of meiosis I. Mechanistically, GRIN1, and GANO1 activated NLRP4E by phosphorylation at Ser429 and Thr430; p-NLRP4E is translocated and is accumulated in the actin cap region during spindle translocation. Next, we found that p-NLRP4E directly phosphorylated SRC at Tyr418, while p-SRC negatively regulated p-CDC42-S71, an inactive form of CDC42 that promotes actin cap formation and spindle translocation in the GTP-bound form.

Conclusions

NLRP4E activated by GRIN1 and GANO1 regulates actin cap formation and spindle translocation toward the cap region through upregulation of p-SRC-Tyr418 and downregulation of p-CDC42-S71 during meiosis I.
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome with central nervous system symptom onset: a case report and literature review
Authors: Shan Dawei , Chen Weibi , Liu Gang , Zhang Huimin , Chai Shuting , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2024

Background

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a natural focal disease transmitted mainly by tick bites, and the causative agent is SFTS virus (SFTSV). SFTS can rapidly progress to severe disease, with multiple-organ failure (MOF) manifestations such as shock, respiratory failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and death, but cases of SFTS patients with central nervous system (CNS) symptoms onset and marked persistent involuntary shaking of the perioral area and limbs have rarely been reported.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old woman with fever and persistent involuntary shaking of the perioral area and limbs was diagnosed with SFTS with CNS symptom onset after metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood identified SFTSV. The patient developed a cytokine storm and MOF during the course of the disease, and after aggressive antiviral, glucocorticoid, and gamma globulin treatments, her clinical symptoms improved, her laboratory indices returned to normal, and she had a good prognosis.

Conclusion

This case gives us great insight that when patients with CNS symptoms similar to those of viral encephalitis combined with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia are encountered in the clinic, it is necessary to consider the possibility of SFTS involving the CNS. Testing for SFTSV nucleic acid in CSF and blood (mNGS or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) should be carried out, especially in critically ill patients, and treatment should be given accordingly.
The impact of early intervention psychosis services on hospitalisation experiences: a qualitative study with young people and their carers
Authors: Powell Tacita , Glozier Nicholas , Conn Katrina , Einboden Rochelle , Buus Niels , Caldwell Patrick , Milton Alyssa
Published: May 2024

Background

While a core aim of early intervention psychosis services (EIPS) is to prevent hospitalisation, many with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) will require inpatient care. We explored young people’s (YP) and their carers’ hospitalisation experiences prior to and during EIPS engagement and how factors across these services influenced these experiences.

Methods

Using purposive sampling, we recruited twenty-seven YP, all of whom had been involved with the hospital system at some stage, and twelve support persons (parents and partners of YP) from state and federally funded EIPS in Australia with different models of care and integration with secondary mental health care. Audio-recorded interviews were conducted face-to-face or via phone. A diverse research team (including lived experience, clinician, and academic researchers) used an inductive thematic analysis process.

Results

Four key themes were identified as influential in shaping participant’s hospital experiences and provide ideas for an approach to care that is improved by the effective coordination of that care, and includes this care being delivered in a trauma informed manner: (1) A two-way street: EIPS affected how participants experienced hospitalisation, and vice versa; (2) It’s about people: the quality and continuity of relationships participants had with staff, in hospital and at their EIPS, was central to their experience; (3) A gradual feeling of agency: participants viewed EIPS as both reducing involuntary care and supporting their self-management; and (4) Care coordination as navigation for the healthcare system: great when it works; frustrating when it breaks down.

Conclusions

Hospitalisation was viewed as a stressful and frequently traumatic event, but a approach to care founded on trust, transparency, and collaboration that is trauma-informed ameliorated this negative experience. Consistent EIPS care coordination was reported as essential in assisting YP and carers navigate the hospital system; conversely, discontinuity in EIPS staff and lack of integration of EIPS with hospital care undermined the positive impact of the EIPS care coordinator during hospitalisation. Care coordinator involvement as a facilitator, information provider, and collaborator in inpatient treatment decisions may improve the usefulness and meaningfulness of hospital interventions.
Network meta-analysis of the intervention effects of different exercise measures on Sarcopenia in cancer patients
Authors: Liu Rui , Gao XY , Wang Li
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of four exercise modes (aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, aerobic combined with resistance multimodal exercise, and stretching) on the physical performance of cancer patients.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were exclusively collected from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library, with a search deadline of April 30, 2023. Different exercise interventions on the physical performance of cancer patients were studied, and the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was employed to evaluate the quality of the included literature. Data analysis was conducted using STATA 15.1 software.

Results

This study included ten randomized controlled trials with a combined sample size of 503 participants. Network meta-analysis results revealed that aerobic combined with resistance multimodal exercise could reduce fat mass in cancer patients (SUCRA: 92.3%). Resistance exercise could improve lean mass in cancer patients (SUCRA: 95.7%). Furthermore, resistance exercise could enhance leg extension functionality in cancer patients with sarcopenia (SUCRA: 83.0%).

Conclusion

This study suggests that resistance exercise may be more beneficial for cancer-related sarcopenia.In clinical practice, exercise interventions should be tailored to the individual patients’ circumstances.

Registration number

This review was registered on INPLASY2023110025; DOI number is https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2023.11.0025 .
PaCO2 is nonlinearly associated with NIV failure in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure
Authors: Xu Xiaoping , Ma Mengyi , Min Yiwei , Hu Wenhui , Bai Linfu , Duan Jun
Published: May 2024

Objective

To explore the association between PaCO2 and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in a respiratory ICU of a teaching hospital. Patients admitted to ICU between 2011 and 2019 were screened. We enrolled the patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. However, patients who used NIV due to acute-on-chronic respiratory failure or heart failure were excluded. Data before the use of NIV were collected. Requirement of intubation was defined as NIV failure.

Results

A total of 1029 patients were enrolled in final analysis. The rate of NIV failure was 45% (461/1029). A nonlinear relationship between PaCO2 and NIV failure was found by restricted cubic splines (p = 0.03). The inflection point was 32 mmHg. The rate of NIV failure was 42% (224/535) in patients with PaCO2 >32 mmHg. However, it increased to 48% (237/494) in those with PaCO2 ≤ 32 mmHg. The crude and adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for NIV failure was 1.36 (95%CI:1.13–1.64) and 1.23(1.01–1.49), respectively, if the patients with PaCO2 >32 mmHg were set as reference. In patients with PaCO2 ≤ 32 mmHg, one unit increment of PaCO2 was associated with 5% reduction of NIV failure. However, it did not associate with NIV failure in patients with PaCO2 >32 mmHg.

Conclusions

PaCO2 and NIV failure was nonlinear relationship. The inflection point was 32 mmHg. Below the inflection point, lower PaCO2 was associated with higher NIV failure. However, it did not associate with NIV failure above this point.
The acute effect of inhaled nitric oxide on the exercise capacity of patients with advanced interstitial lung disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Freidkin Lev , Kramer Mordechai R , Rosengarten Dror , Izhakian Shimon , Taieb Shani , Pertzov Barak
Published: May 2024

Background

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) selectively acts on the pulmonary vasculature of ventilated lung tissue by reducing pulmonary vascular resistance and intrapulmonary shunt. This effect may reduce ventilation/perfusion mismatch and decrease pulmonary hypertension in patients with interstitial lung disease.

Methods

In a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, participants with advanced interstitial lung disease, underwent two separate six-minute walk tests (6MWT): one with iNO and the other with a placebo. The primary outcome measured the difference in meters between the distances covered in the two tests. Secondary outcomes included oxygen saturation levels, distance-saturation product, and Borg dyspnea score. A predefined subgroup analysis was conducted for patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Results

Overall, 44 patients were included in the final analysis. The 6MWT distance was similar for iNO treatment and placebo, median 362 m (IQR 265-409) vs 371 m (IQR 250-407), respectively (p = 0.29). Subgroup analysis for patients with pulmonary hypertension showed no difference in 6MWT distance with iNO and placebo, median 339 (256-402) vs 332 (238-403) for the iNO and placebo tests respectively (P=0.50). No correlation was observed between mean pulmonary artery pressure values and the change in 6MWT distance with iNO versus placebo (spearman correlation Coefficient 0.24, P=0.33).

Conclusion

In patients with advanced interstitial lung disease, both with and without concurrent pulmonary hypertension, the administration of inhaled nitric oxide failed to elicit beneficial effects on the six-minute walk distance and oxygen saturation. The use of inhaled NO was found to be safe and did not lead to any serious side effects.

Trial registration

(NCT03873298, MOH_2018-04-24_002331).
Association between HDL cholesterol with diabetic retinopathy in diabetic patients: a cross-sectional retrospective study
Authors: Xu Wuping , Xu Xuedong , Zhang Min , Sun Chiping
Published: May 2024

Objective

Diabetic patients are often comorbid with dyslipidemia, however, the relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the adult diabetic population remains to be fully elucidated.The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between HDL-C and DR in the United States adults with diabetes.

Methods

A total of 1708 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008 were enrolled in the present study. Fundus images of all study subjects were captured and evaluated using a digital camera and an ophthalmic digital imaging system, and the diagnosis of DR was made by the severity scale of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS).Roche Diagnostics were used to measure serum HDL-C concentration. The relationship of DR with HDL-C was investigated using multivariable logistic regression. The potential non-line correlation was explored with smooth curve fitting approach.

Results

The fully-adjusted model showed that HDL-C positively correlated with DR(OR:1.69, 95%CI: 1.25–2.31).However, an inverted U-shaped association between them was observed by applying the smooth curve fitted method. The inflection point of HDL-C(1.99mmol/l) was calculated by utilizing the two-piecewise logistic regression model. In the subgroup analysis, the inverted U-shaped nonlinear correlation between HDL-C and DR was also found in female, Non-Hispanic White, and lower age groups.

Conclusion

Our study revealed an inverted U-shaped positive relationship between HDL-C and DR.The findings may provide us with a more comprehensive understanding of the association between HDL-C and DR.
3D intraoral scanning techniques support the effects of crown morphology on dental caries
Authors: Hao Jincheng , Kang Yuting , Wei Siyuan , Wang Jing , Wang Haiyan
Published: May 2024

Background

With the development and utilization of three-dimensional (3D) intraoral scanning (IOS) technology, the morphological characteristics of teeth were quantitatively assessed. In this research, we aimed to explore the prevalence of dental caries in relation to each measurable morphological indicator of the tooth body via 3D intraoral scanning techniques.

Methods

A hospital-based single-centre study was conducted at our hospital from Dec. 2021 to Apr. 2023. A total of 53 patients were involved in the study, providing complete morphological data for 79 teeth. Each patient completed an oral hygiene routine questionnaire and underwent examination by an experienced dentist to evaluate caries conditions before undergoing 3D intraoral scanning to obtain a digital dental model. Geomagic Studio 2014 was used to extract oral morphological data from the models. The acquired data were entered, cleaned and edited using Excel 2016 and subsequently exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression analyses were employed to test the associations.

Results

Among the participants, 33 (61.1%) were female, with a mean age of 26.52 ± 10.83 years. Significant associations were found between dental caries and the vertical distance between the distal tip and the gum (OR 14.02; 95% CI 1.80-109.07; P = 0.012), the distal lateral horizontal distance of occlusion (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.18–0.90; P = 0.026), and the mesial horizontal distance of occlusion (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.12–4.31; P = 0.021). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test indicated a P value of 0.33.

Conclusions

The vertical distance between the distal tip and the gum, the distal lateral horizontal distance of the occlusion and the mesial horizontal distance of the occlusion were the influencing factors for dental caries (identified as independent risk factors). We hypothesize that these factors may be associated with the physiological curvature of teeth and the role of chewing grooves in plaque formation over time. However, further studies involving larger population samples and more detailed age stratification are still needed.
“So we brought these players together”: a qualitative study of educators’ experiences to analyze the challenges of creating an e-learning program for neuropalliative care
Authors: Bu Julia , DeSanto-Madeya Susan , Lugassy Mara , Besbris Jessica , Bublitz Sarah , Kramer Neha M. , Gursahani Roop , Lau Winnie , Kim Estella , Rhee John Y. , Paal Piret
Published: May 2024

Background

In recent years, the subspecialty of neuropalliative care has emerged with the goal of improving the quality of life of patients suffering from neurological disease, though gaps remain in neuropalliative care education and training. E-learning has been described as a way to deliver interactive and facilitated lower-cost learning to address global gaps in medical care. We describe here the development of a novel, international, hybrid, and asynchronous curriculum with both self-paced modules and class-based lectures on neuropalliative care topics designed for the neurologist interested in palliative care, the palliative care physician interested in caring for neurological patients, and any other physician or advanced care providers interested in neuropalliative care.

Methods

The course consisted of 12 modules, one per every four weeks, beginning July 2022. Each module is based on a case and relevant topics. Course content was divided into three streams (Neurology Basics, Palliative Care Basics, and Neuropalliative Care Essentials) of which two were optional and one was mandatory, and consisted of classroom sessions, webinars, and an in-person skills session. Evaluation of learners consisted of multiple choice questions and written assignments for each module. Evaluation of the course was based on semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted with both educator and learner, the latter of which will be published separately. Audio files were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. For the discussion of the results, Khan’s e-learning framework was used.

Results

Ten of the 12 participating educators were interviewed. Of the educators, three identified as mid-career and seven as senior faculty, ranging from six to 33 years of experience. Nine of ten reported an academic affiliation and all reported association with a teaching hospital. Themes identified from the educators’ evaluations were: bridging the global gap, getting everybody on board, defining the educational scope, investing extensive hours of voluntary time and resources, benefiting within and beyond the curriculum, understanding the learner’s experience, creating a community of shared learning, adapting future teaching and learning strategies, and envisioning long term sustainability.

Conclusions

The first year of a novel, international, hybrid, and asynchronous neuropalliative care curriculum has been completed, and its educators have described both successes and avenues for improvement. Further research is planned to assess this curriculum from the learner perspective.
Exploring the effects of Hippo signaling pathway on rumen epithelial proliferation
Authors: Yang Bin , Xu Zebang , Qin Yilang , Peng Ying , Luo Yang , Wang Jiakun
Published: May 2024

Background

The current understanding to the mechanism of rumen development is limited. We hypothesized that the Hippo signaling pathway controlled the proliferation of rumen epithelium (RE) during postnatal development. In the present study, we firstly tested the changes of the Hippo signaling pathway in the RE during an early growing period from d5 to d25, and then we expanded the time range to the whole preweaning period (d10-38) and one week post weaning (d45). An in vitro experiment was also carried out to verify the function of Hippo signaling pathway during RE cell proliferation.

Results

In the RE of lambs from d5 to d25, the expression of baculoviral IAP repeat containing (BIRC3/5) was increased, while the expressions of large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2), TEA domain transcription factor 3 (TEAD3), axin 1 (AXIN1), and MYC proto-oncogene (MYC) were decreased with rumen growth. From d10 to d38, the RE expressions of BIRC3/5 were increased, while the expressions of LATS2 and MYC were decreased, which were similar with the changes in RE from d5 to d25. From d38 to d45, different changes were observed, with the expressions of LATS1/2, MOB kinase activator 1B (MOB1B), and TEAD1 increased, while the expressions of MST1 and BIRC5 decreased. Correlation analysis showed that during the preweaning period, the RE expressions of BIRC3/5 were positively correlated with rumen development variables, while LAST2 was negatively correlated with rumen development variables. The in vitro experiment validated the changes of LATS2 and BIRC3/5 in the proliferating RE cells, which supported their roles in RE proliferation during preweaning period.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the LATS2-YAP1-BIRC3/5 axis participates in the RE cell proliferation and promotes rumen growth during the preweaning period.
Where do obesity and male infertility collide?
Authors: Jahangir Melika , Nazari Majid , Babakhanzadeh Emad , Manshadi Saeed Dehghan
Published: May 2024

The parallel rise in obesity and male infertility in modern societies necessitates the identification of susceptibility genes underlying these interconnected health issues. In our study, we conducted a comprehensive search in the OMIM database to identify genes commonly associated with male infertility and obesity. Subsequently, we performed an insilico analysis using the REVEL algorithm to detect pathogenic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region of these candidate genes. To validate our findings in vivo, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of SNPs and gene expression of candidate genes in 200 obese infertile subjects and 240 obese fertile individuals using ARMS-PCR. Additionally, we analyzed 20 fertile and 22 infertile obese individuals using Realtime-qPCR. By removing duplicated queries, we obtained 197 obesity-related genes and 102 male infertility-related genes from the OMIM database. Interestingly, the APOB gene was found in common between the two datasets. REVEL identified the rs13306194 variant as potentially pathogenic with a calculated score of 0.524. The study identified a significant association between the AA (P value = 0.001) genotype and A allele (P value = 0.003) of the APOB rs13306194 variant and infertility in obese men. APOB expression levels were significantly lower in obese infertile men compared to obese fertile controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, the AA genotype of rs13306194 APOB was associated with a significant decrease in APOB gene expression in obese infertile men (p = 0.05). There is a significant association between the Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) and LH with infertility in the obese infertile group. These results are likely to contribute to a better understanding of the causes of male infertility and its association with obesity.
Mitochondrial DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is associated with the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a single cohort study
Authors: Fukihara Jun , Sakamoto Koji , Ikeyama Yoshiki , Furukawa Taiki , Teramachi Ryo , Kataoka Kensuke , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Hashimoto Naozumi , Ishii Makoto
Published: May 2024

Background

Extracellular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is released from damaged cells and increases in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. While increased levels of serum mtDNA have been reported to be linked to disease progression and the future development of acute exacerbation (AE) of IPF (AE-IPF), the clinical significance of mtDNA in BALF (BALF-mtDNA) remains unclear. We investigated the relationships between BALF-mtDNA levels and other clinical variables and prognosis in IPF.

Methods

Extracellular mtDNA levels in BALF samples collected from IPF patients were determined using droplet-digital PCR. Levels of extracellular nucleolar DNA in BALF (BALF-nucDNA) were also determined as a marker for simple cell collapse. Patient characteristics and survival information were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

mtDNA levels in serum and BALF did not correlate with each other. In 27 patients with paired BALF samples obtained in a stable state and at the time of AE diagnosis, BALF-mtDNA levels were significantly increased at the time of AE. Elevated BALF-mtDNA levels were associated with inflammation or disordered pulmonary function in a stable state (n = 90), while being associated with age and BALF-neutrophils at the time of AE (n = 38). BALF-mtDNA ≥ 4234.3 copies/µL in a stable state (median survival time (MST): 42.4 vs. 79.6 months, p < 0.001) and ≥ 11,194.3 copies/µL at the time of AE (MST: 2.6 vs. 20.0 months, p = 0.03) were associated with shorter survival after BALF collection, even after adjusting for other known prognostic factors. On the other hand, BALF-nucDNA showed different trends in correlation with other clinical variables and did not show any significant association with survival time.

Conclusions

Elevated BALF-mtDNA was associated with a poor prognosis in both IPF and AE-IPF. Of note, at the time of AE, it sharply distinguished survivors from non-survivors. Given the trends shown by analyses for BALF-nucDNA, the elevation of BALF-mtDNA might not simply reflect the impact of cell collapse. Further studies are required to explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical applications of BALF-mtDNA in IPF.
Cigarette smoke-induced dysbiosis: comparative analysis of lung and intestinal microbiomes in COPD mice and patients
Authors: Laiman Vincent , Chuang Hsiao-Chi , Lo Yu-Chun , Yuan Tzu-Hsuen , Chen You-Yin , Heriyanto Didik Setyo , Yuliani Fara Silvia , Chung Kian Fan , Chang Jer-Hwa
Published: May 2024

Background

The impact of cigarette smoke (CS) on lung diseases and the role of microbiome dysbiosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been previously reported; however, the relationships remain unclear.

Methods

Our research examined the effects of 20-week cigarette smoke (CS) exposure on the lung and intestinal microbiomes in C57BL/6JNarl mice, alongside a comparison with COPD patients’ intestinal microbiome data from a public dataset.

Results

The study found that CS exposure significantly decreased forced vital capacity (FVC), thickened airway walls, and induced emphysema. Increased lung damage was observed along with higher lung keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) levels by CS exposure. Lung microbiome analysis revealed a rise in Actinobacteriota, while intestinal microbiome showed significant diversity changes, indicating dysbiosis. Principal coordinate analysis highlighted distinct intestinal microbiome compositions between control and CS-exposed groups. In the intestinal microbiome, notable decreases in Patescibacteria, Campilobacterota, Defferibacterota, Actinobacteriota, and Desulfobacterota were observed. We also identified correlations between lung function and dysbiosis in both lung and intestinal microbiomes. Lung interleukins, interferon-ɣ, KC, and 8-isoprostane levels were linked to lung microbiome dysbiosis. Notably, dysbiosis patterns in CS-exposed mice were similar to those in COPD patients, particularly of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 4 patients. This suggests a systemic impact of CS exposure.

Conclusion

In summary, CS exposure induces significant dysbiosis in lung and intestinal microbiomes, correlating with lung function decline and injury. These results align with changes in COPD patients, underscoring the important role of microbiome in smoke-related lung diseases.
Cross-site validation of lung cancer diagnosis by electronic nose with deep learning: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Lee Meng-Rui , Kao Mu-Hsiang , Hsieh Ya-Chu , Sun Min , Tang Kea-Tiong , Wang Jann-Yuan , Ho Chao-Chi , Shih Jin-Yuan , Yu Chong-Jen
Published: May 2024

Background

Although electronic nose (eNose) has been intensively investigated for diagnosing lung cancer, cross-site validation remains a major obstacle to be overcome and no studies have yet been performed.

Methods

Patients with lung cancer, as well as healthy control and diseased control groups, were prospectively recruited from two referral centers between 2019 and 2022. Deep learning models for detecting lung cancer with eNose breathprint were developed using training cohort from one site and then tested on cohort from the other site. Semi-Supervised Domain-Generalized (Semi-DG) Augmentation (SDA) and Noise-Shift Augmentation (NSA) methods with or without fine-tuning was applied to improve performance.

Results

In this study, 231 participants were enrolled, comprising a training/validation cohort of 168 individuals (90 with lung cancer, 16 healthy controls, and 62 diseased controls) and a test cohort of 63 individuals (28 with lung cancer, 10 healthy controls, and 25 diseased controls). The model has satisfactory results in the validation cohort from the same hospital while directly applying the trained model to the test cohort yielded suboptimal results (AUC, 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47─0.76). The performance improved after applying data augmentation methods in the training cohort (SDA, AUC: 0.89 [0.81─0.97]; NSA, AUC:0.90 [0.89─1.00]). Additionally, after applying fine-tuning methods, the performance further improved (SDA plus fine-tuning, AUC:0.95 [0.89─1.00]; NSA plus fine-tuning, AUC:0.95 [0.90─1.00]).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that deep learning models developed for eNose breathprint can achieve cross-site validation with data augmentation and fine-tuning. Accordingly, eNose breathprints emerge as a convenient, non-invasive, and potentially generalizable solution for lung cancer detection.

Clinical trial registration

This study is not a clinical trial and was therefore not registered.