bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Durability of Antibody Responses of Two Doses of High-Dose Relative to Two Doses of Standard-Dose Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schuster Jennifer E , Hamdan Lubna , Dulek Daniel E , Kitko Carrie L , Batarseh Einas , Haddadin Zaid , Stewart Laura S , Stahl Anna , Potter Molly , Rahman Herdi , Kalams Spyros A , Bocchini Claire E , Moulton Elizabeth A , Coffin Susan E , Ardura Monica I , Wattier Rachel L , Maron Gabriela , Grimley Michael , Paulsen Grant , Harrison Christopher J , Freedman Jason L , Carpenter Paul A , Englund Janet A , Munoz Flor M , Danziger-Isakov Lara , Spieker Andrew J , Halasa Natasha B ,   for the Pediatric HCT Flu Study, Goyal Rakesh , Thurber Joanne , McHenry Rendie , Bender Margaret , Barto Shari , Russo Michael , Shoemaker Lauren , Truong Kenny , Dvorak Christopher , Allison Kim J , Naik Swati , Williams Christopher , Blum Samantha , Lacombe Kirsten , Smith Hannah
Published: October 2023

Background

Our previous study established a 2-dose regimen of high-dose trivalent influenza vaccine (HD-TIV) to be immunogenically superior compared to a 2-dose regimen of standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (SD-QIV) in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. However, the durability of immunogenicity and the role of time post-HCT at immunization as an effect modifier are unknown.

Methods

This phase II, multi-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial compared HD-TIV to SD-QIV in children 3–17 years old who were 3–35 months post-allogeneic HCT, with each formulation administered twice, 28–42 days apart. Hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers were measured at baseline, 28–42 days following each dose, and 138–222 days after the second dose. Using linear mixed effects models, we estimated adjusted geometric mean HAI titer ratios (aGMR: HD-TIV/SD-QIV) to influenza antigens. Early and late periods were defined as 3–5 and 6–35 months post-HCT, respectively.

Results

During 3 influenza seasons (2016–2019), 170 participants were randomized to receive HD-TIV (n = 85) or SD-QIV (n = 85). HAI titers maintained significant elevations above baseline for both vaccine formulations, although the relative immunogenic benefit of HD-TIV to SD-QIV waned during the study. A 2-dose series of HD-TIV administered late post-HCT was associated with higher GMTs compared to the early post-HCT period (late group: A/H1N1 aGMR = 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.14–4.08]; A/H3N2 aGMR = 3.20, 95% CI = [1.60–6.39]; B/Victoria aGMR = 1.91, 95% CI = [1.01–3.60]; early group: A/H1N1 aGMR = 1.03, 95% CI = [0.59–1.80]; A/H3N2 aGMR = 1.23, 95% CI = [0.68–2.25]; B/Victoria aGMR = 1.06, 95% CI = [0.56–2.03]).

Conclusions

Two doses of HD-TIV were more immunogenic than SD-QIV, especially when administered ≥6 months post-HCT. Both groups maintained higher titers compared to baseline throughout the season.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02860039.
Two-Year Incidence and Cumulative Risk and Predictors of Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (Anal Precancer) Among Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Stier Elizabeth A , Jain Mayuri , Joshi Himanshu , Darragh Teresa M , Deshmukh Ashish A , Lee Jeannette , Einstein Mark H , Jay Naomi , Berry-Lawhorn J Michael , Palefsky Joel M , Wilkin Timothy , Ellsworth Grant , French Audrey L , Barroso Luis F , Levine Rebecca , Guiot Humberto M , Rezaei M Katayoon , Chiao Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Background

Detection and treatment of anal histologic high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (hHSIL) prevents anal cancer. However, anal hHSIL incidence among women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, WHIV) remains unknown. Performance of anal high-risk human papillomavirus ([hr]HPV), anal cytology (anal-cyt), and both for hHSIL detection longitudinally over 2 years also remains undetermined.

Methods

We determined 2-year incidence and cumulative risk estimates (2-y-CR) of anal hHSIL among WHIV using prevalence and incidence (per 100 person-years [py]) observations stratified by baseline hrHPV and/or anal-cyt results.

Results

In total, 229 WHIV with complete baseline data were included in the analysis; 114 women without prevalent anal hHSIL were followed with 2 annual evaluations. Median age was 51, 63% were Black, and 23% were Hispanic. Anal hrHPV or abnormal anal-cyt was associated with an increased risk of incident anal hHSIL at 2 years (18.9/100py [95% confidence interval {CI} 11.4–31.3] and 13.4/100py [95% CI 8.0–22.7], respectively) compared with no detection of anal HPV or negative cytology (2.8/100py [95% CI 1.1–7.4] and 4.2 [95% CI, 1.8–10.2]) The presence of anal hrHPV with abnormal cytology was associated with 2-y-CR of anal hHSIL of 65.6% (95% CI 55.4%–75%); negative hrHPV with negative cytology was associated with 2-y-CR of anal hHSIL of 9.2% (95% CI 7.0–16.0).

Conclusions

Detection of anal hrHPV or abnormal anal cytology are comparable predictors for 2-y-CR of anal hHSIL. The absence of anal hrHPV combined with negative cytology was predictive of a lower (but measurable) risk of developing anal hHSIL. These findings provide important data to inform anal cancer screening guidelines for WHIV.
Functional Assessment of Vitamin D Status by a Novel Metabolic Approach: The Low Vitamin D Profile Concept
Authors: Herrmann Markus , Zelzer Sieglinde , Cavalier Etienne , Kleber Marcus , Drexler-Helmberg Camilla , Schlenke Peter , Curcic Pero , Keppel Martin H , Enko Dietmar , Scharnagl Hubert , Pilz Stefan , März Winfried
Published: October 2023

Background

Determining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)2D] and the vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR) allows the identification of individuals with a low vitamin D metabolite profile. Here, we evaluated if such a functional approach provides superior diagnostic information to serum 25(OH)D alone.

Methods

25(OH)D, 24,25(OH)2D, and the VMR were determined in participants of the DESIRE (Desirable Vitamin D Concentrations, n = 2010) and the LURIC (Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health, n = 2456) studies. A low vitamin D metabolite profile (vitamin D insufficiency) was defined by a 24,25(OH)2D concentration <1.2 ng/mL (<3 nmol/L) and a VMR <4%. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone turnover markers were measured in both cohorts, whereas 10-year mortality data was recorded in LURIC only.

Results

The median age in DESIRE and LURIC was 43.3 and 63.8 years, respectively. Median 25(OH)D concentrations were 27.2 ng/mL (68.0 nmol/L) and 15.5 ng/mL (38.8 nmol/L), respectively. Serum 25(OH)D deficiency, defined as <20.2 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L), was present in 483 (24.0%) and 1701 (69.3%) participants of DESIRE and LURIC, respectively. In contrast, only 77 (3.8%) and 521 (21.2%) participants had a low vitamin D metabolite profile. Regardless of the serum 25(OH)D concentration, a low vitamin D metabolite profile was associated with a significantly higher PTH, accelerated bone metabolism, and higher all-cause mortality than an unremarkable vitamin D metabolite profile.

Conclusions

The personalized assessment of vitamin D status using a functional approach better identifies patients with accelerated bone metabolism and increased mortality than the use of a fixed 25(OH)D cutoff of 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L).
Percutaneous mitral and tricuspid edge-to-edge repair as a bridge therapy to heart transplantation in advanced heart failure secondary to human immunodeficiency virus: a case report
Authors: Aquino-Bruno Heberto , Andrade-Cuellar Elias Noel , Morales-Portano Julieta D , Alcántara-Meléndez Marco Antonio
Published: October 2023

Background

Patients with end-stage heart failure (HF) and severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) are not eligible for heart transplant due to high mortality risk. Percutaneous interventions as edge-to-edge repair of the mitral/tricuspid valves are a safe and effective therapy as a bridge for transplantation in patients who have contraindications to heart transplantations (HTs).

Case summary

A 44-year-old man with a previous diagnosis of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was admitted at the emergency room for exertional dyspnoea. He was diagnosed with a decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, and high probability of PH. He presented poor response to guided medical treatment, even after implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). He was listed for a cardiac transplant, but after right catheterization, he was not an ideal candidate for transplantation, so it was decided to undergo percutaneous mitral and tricuspid edge-to-edge repair as a bridge to transplantation. The post-operative course was uneventful, with significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class. The patient underwent a successful heart transplant 10 months after the procedure.

Discussion

In patients with advanced HF due to HIV, HT is an adequate treatment option. When there are functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation and severe PH, despite optimal treatment according to current guidelines, percutaneous mitral and tricuspid repair therapy appears to be safe and effective for control of severe PH as a bridge measure for cardiac transplantation.
Tenascin-C as a potential marker for immunohistopathology of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nishikawa Tatsuya , Shiba Mikio , Ikeda Yoshihiko , Ohta-Ogo Keiko , Kondo Takumi , Tabata Tomoka , Oka Toru , Shioyama Wataru , Yamamoto Hironori , Yasui Taku , Higuchi Yoshiharu , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Honma Keiichiro , Izumi Chisato , Higo Shuichiro , Hatakeyama Kinta , Sakata Yasushi , Fujita Masashi
Published: October 2023

Aims

Doxorubicin is used in classical chemotherapy for several cancer types. Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DOX-CM) is a critical issue among cancer patients. However, differentiating the diagnosis of DOX-CM from that of other cardiomyopathies is difficult. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine novel histopathological characteristics to diagnose DOX-CM.

Methods and results

Twelve consecutive patients with DOX-CM who underwent cardiac histopathological examination in two medical centres were included. Twelve patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, who were matched with DOX-CM patients in terms of age, sex, and left ventricular ejection fraction, formed the control group. Another control group comprised five consecutive patients with cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction induced by tyrosine kinase inhibitors or vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors were the controls. The positive area of tenascin-C, number of infiltrating macrophages, and presence of p62- and ubiquitin-positive cardiomyocytes were evaluated. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were used for in vitro investigation. The myocardium exhibited significantly greater tenascin-C-positive area and macrophage number in the DOX-CM group than in the control groups (P < 0.01). The tenascin-C-positive area correlated with the number of both CD68- and CD163-positive cells (r = 0.748 and r = 0.656, respectively). Immunostaining for p62 was positive in 10 (83%) patients with DOX-CM. Furthermore, western blotting analysis revealed significant increase in tenascin-C levels in hiPSC-CMs upon doxorubicin treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The combined histopathological assessment for tenascin-C, macrophages, and p62/ubiquitin may serve as a novel tool for the diagnosis of DOX-CM. Doxorubicin may directly affect the expression of tenascin-C in the myocardium.
Risk of dementia and psychiatric or sleep disorders after diagnosis of adrenal adenomas: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Li Dingfeng , Singh Sumitabh , Zhang Catherine D , Kaur Ravinder Jeet , Ebbehoj Andreas , Atkinson Elizabeth J , Achenbach Sara J , Stricker Nikki H , Mielke Michelle M , Rocca Walter , Bancos Irina
Published: October 2023

Objective

Adrenal adenomas are commonly encountered in clinical practice. To date, population-based data on their impact on cognition, mental health, and sleep are lacking. We aimed to study possible associations between adrenal adenomas and dementia, psychiatric or sleep disorders.

Design

Population-based cohort study, Olmsted County, MN, 1995-2017.

Methods

Patients with adrenal adenoma and absent overt hormone excess were age- and sex-matched 1:1 to a referent person without adrenal adenoma. Outcomes were baseline and incident diagnoses of dementia, psychiatric or sleep disorders, assessed using ICD codes.

Results

Of 1004 patients with adrenal adenomas, 582 (58%) were women, and median age at diagnosis was 63 years. At baseline, and after adjusting for age, sex, education, BMI, and tobacco use, patients with adenoma had higher odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 1.3, 95% CI, 1.1-1.6), anxiety (aOR: 1.4, 95% CI, 1.1-1.8), and substance abuse (aOR: 2.4, 95% CI, 1.7-3.4) compared to referents. During a median follow-up of 6.8 years, and after adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, BMI, tobacco, and substance abuse, patients demonstrated a higher risk of psychiatric and sleep disorders [adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI)]: depression [1.7 (1.3-2.2)], anxiety [1.4, CI (1.1-1.7)], insomnia [1.4 (1.0-1.9)], sleep-related breathing disorders [1.5 (1.1-1.9)], hypersomnias [2.1 (1.0-4.2)], parasomnias [2.1 (1.0-4.2)], and sleep-related movement disorders [1.5 (1.0-2.1)], but not dementia.

Conclusions

Patients with adenomas demonstrate a higher incidence of psychiatric and sleep disorders, possibly due to the underlying subtle increase in cortisol secretion.
3. The Politics of Human Rights
Authors: Goodhart Michael
Published: October 2023

This chapter explores the politics of human rights. As human rights function as an ethical standard in international law and political practice, the standard enabled the naming and shaming strategy that became the mainstay of international human rights nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The chapter covers why human rights as politics generate controversy by referencing the understandings of social constructs, paradox of institutionalization, and cultural relativism. Indeed, human rights are inherently political and controversial. The chapter then discusses the accommodation of inequality through neoliberal conceptions of human rights. It explains the two important contemporary debates about human rights: its effectiveness in combatting economic inequality and precarity, and the evidence of a global backlash against human rights.
14. Human Rights and the Environment
Authors: Atapattu Sumudu
Published: October 2023

This chapter considers the link between human rights and environmental protection. It covers the emergence of environmental rights and its correlation to the human rights framework as it provided relief to victims of environmental degradation and gave a voice to marginalized communities despite its limitations. The chapter provides an outline of the evolution of environmental rights starting from the enactment of the Stockholm Declaration on Human Environment. It then explores the recent development in environmental rights, such as the framework principles on human rights and the environment, Global Pact for the Environment and Environmental Rights Initiative. The UN Human Rights Committee handled the case of Teitiota v. New Zealand which revolved around climate refugees.
15. Indigenous Rights and Language Sovereignty
Authors: Romero Odilia , Berra Joseph , Speed Shannon
Published: October 2023

This chapter covers indigenous rights and language sovereignty. It discusses the underlying logic and role of settler colonialism in the dispossession and erasure of Indigenous people. Human rights practice lies at the intersection of languages, Indigeneity, and sovereignty. The human rights world has been primarily dominated by a Western colonial mindset as the dispossession and forced migration of Indigenous people resulted in the erasure of identities and persistence of racial hierarchies, overt racism, and cultural biases. The chapter clarifies that language is not neutral as the approach and access to language needs to be decolonized and language is inextricably linked to cultural identity. It also expounds on how human rights could harm Indigenous language knowledge keepers by referencing the work of Communidades Indígenas en Liderazgo (CIELO) on language rights and language sovereignty.
Focus on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-related Intestinal Inflammation: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutical Approach
Authors: Del Gaudio Angelo , Di Vincenzo Federica , Petito Valentina , Giustiniani Maria Cristina , Gasbarrini Antonio , Scaldaferri Franco , Lopetuso Loris Riccardo
Published: October 2023

Recently, antitumor immunotherapies have witnessed a breakthrough with the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) including programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors. Unfortunately, the use of ICIs has also led to the advent of a novel class of adverse events that differ from those of classic chemotherapeutics and are more reminiscent of autoimmune diseases, the immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). Herein, we performed an insight of the main IRAEs associated with ICIs, focusing on gastroenterological IRAEs and specifically on checkpoint inhibitor colitis, which represents the most widely reported IRAE to date. We comprehensively dissected the current evidence regarding pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of ICIs-induced colitis, touching upon also on innovative therapies.
A Dynamic Model for Estimating the Retention Duration of Neutralizing Antibody Titers After Vaccination in a COVID-19 Convalescent Population
Authors: Hsu Fang-Chi , Pan Li-Chern , Huang Yen-Fang , Yang Chin-Hui , Shiu Ming-Neng , Lin Hsiu-Ju
Published: October 2023

We measured neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a cohort of 235 convalescent patients (representing 384 analytic samples). They were followed for up to 588 days after the first report of onset in Taiwan. A proposed Bayesian approach was used to estimate nAb dynamics in patients postvaccination. This model revealed that the titer reached its peak (1819.70 IU/mL) by 161 days postvaccination and decreased to 154.18 IU/mL by day 360. Thus, the nAb titers declined in 6 months after vaccination. Protection, against variant B.1.1.529 (ie, Omicron) may only occur during the peak period.
Optimal coordination between photosynthetic acclimation strategy and canopy architecture in two contrasting cucumber cultivars
Authors: Pao Yi-Chen , Stützel Hartmut , Chen Tsu-Wei
Published: October 2023

Crop varieties differing in architectural characteristics (AC) vary in their intra-canopy light distribution. To optimize canopy photosynthesis, we hypothesize that varieties with contrasting AC possess different photosynthetic acclimation strategy (PAS) with respect to photosynthetic nitrogen (Np) partitioning. We firstly used in silico experiments to test this hypothesis and suggested a trade-off in Np partitioning between carboxylation and light harvesting to achieve optimal coordination between PAS, AC and growing light environment. Then, two cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars, Aramon and SC-50, which were bred under greenhouse vertical single-stem and field creeping multi-branch canopy, were selected for studying their differences in AC and PAS using greenhouse and growth chamber experiments, respectively. In the greenhouse, more horizontal leaves of SC-50 resulted in steeper intra-canopy light gradient and a higher degree of self-shading, especially in the upper canopy layer. In growth chamber experiments, Aramon invested more leaf nitrogen into photosynthesis than SC-50, and the proportion (pNp) increased as light was reduced. In contrast, pNp of SC-50 did not respond to light but SC-50 partitioned its limited Np between carboxylation and light harvesting functions more effectively, showing a strategy particularly advantageous for canopies with a high degree of self-shading. This is further confirmed by additional in silico experiments showing that Np partitioning of SC-50 coped better with the impact of strong light competition caused by low light and by leaf clumping under high planting density. These findings provide a comprehensive perspective of genotypic variation in PAS, canopy architectures and their optimal coordination.
A computer vision image differential approach for automatic detection of aggressive behavior in pigs using deep learning
Authors: Fraser Jasmine , Aricibasi Harry , Tulpan Dan , Bergeron Renée
Published: October 2023

Pig aggression is a major problem facing the industry as it negatively affects both the welfare and the productivity of group-housed pigs. This study aimed to use a supervised deep learning (DL) approach based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) and image differential to automatically detect aggressive behaviors in pairs of pigs. Different pairs of unfamiliar piglets (N = 32) were placed into one of the two observation pens for 3 d, where they were video recorded each day for 1 h following mixing, resulting in 16 h of video recordings of which 1.25 h were selected for modeling. Four different approaches based on the number of frames skipped (1, 5, or 10 for Diff1, Diff5, and Diff10, respectively) and the amalgamation of multiple image differences into one (blended) were used to create four different datasets. Two CNN models were tested, with architectures based on the Visual Geometry Group (VGG) VGG-16 model architecture, consisting of convolutional layers, max-pooling layers, dense layers, and dropout layers. While both models had similar architectures, the second CNN model included stacked convolutional layers. Nine different sigmoid activation function thresholds between 0.1 and 1.0 were evaluated and a 0.5 threshold was selected to be used for testing. The stacked CNN model correctly predicted aggressive behaviors with the highest testing accuracy (0.79), precision (0.81), recall (0.77), and area under the curve (0.86) values. When analyzing the model recall for behavior subtypes prediction, mounting and mobile non-aggressive behaviors were the hardest to classify (recall = 0.63 and 0.75), while head biting, immobile, and parallel pressing were easy to classify (recall = 0.95, 0.94, and 0.91). Runtimes were also analyzed with the blended dataset, taking four times less time to train and validate than the Diff1, Diff5, and Diff10 datasets. Preprocessing time was reduced by up to 2.3 times in the blended dataset compared to the other datasets and, when combined with testing runtimes, it satisfied the requirements for real-time systems capable of detecting aggressive behavior in pairs of pigs. Overall, these results show that using a CNN and image differential-based deep learning approach can be an effective and computationally efficient technique to automatically detect aggressive behaviors in pigs.
Influence of serum Gas6 levels on prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hayashi Manabu , Abe Kazumichi , Sugaya Tatsuro , Takahata Yosuke , Fujita Masashi , Takahashi Atsushi , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: October 2023

Objective

The prediction of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients is important for switching treatment. The association between circulating growth arrest-specific 6 levels and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients is unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the association between serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels and clinical findings in 132 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Amongst 132 patients, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage was classified as 0, A, B, C and D in 19, 48, 41, 18 and 6 patients, respectively. Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were higher than those in healthy controls (28.4 ng/mL vs. 19.6 ng/mL, P < 0.001), and growth arrest-specific 6 levels were positively correlated with soluble Axl levels. In the entire cohort, high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a shorter survival period (hazard ratio: 1.78 per 20 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–3.16, P = 0.045). In early and intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (n = 59), we determined a cut-off value of 36.4 ng/mL based on the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict death within 3 years, and high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a high cumulative incidence of portal vein tumour thrombosis (Gray’s test: P = 0.010) and shorter overall survival (log-rank: P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. In early and intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a high incidence of portal vein tumour thrombosis. Circulating growth arrest-specific 6 levels may be a useful prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
A hybrid part-of-speech tagger with annotated Kurdish corpus: advancements in POS tagging
Authors: Maulud Dastan , Jacksi Karwan , Ali Ismael
Published: October 2023

With the rapid growth of online content written in the Kurdish language, there is an increasing need to make it machine-readable and processable. Part of speech (POS) tagging is a critical aspect of natural language processing (NLP), playing a significant role in applications such as speech recognition, natural language parsing, information retrieval, and multiword term extraction. This study details the creation of the DASTAN corpus, the first POS-annotated corpus for the Sorani Kurdish dialect. The corpus, containing 74,258 words and thirty-eight tags, employs a hybrid approach utilizing the bigram hidden Markov model in combination with the Kurdish rule-based approach to POS tagging. This approach addresses two key problems that arise with rule-based approaches, namely misclassified words and ambiguity-related unanalyzed words. The proposed approach’s accuracy was assessed by training and testing it on the DASTAN corpus, yielding a 96% accuracy rate. Overall, this study’s findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid approach and its potential to enhance NLP applications for Sorani Kurdish.
Radically Inconspicuous Absence: Truncated Sonata Forms in Interwar Paris
Authors: Blättler Damian
Published: October 2023

This article identifies a set of sonata-form movements written in interwar Paris that do not recapitulate their secondary theme and yet end simply in major rather than performing cataclysm or transgression. It argues that their ability to leave sonata-form conventions unfulfilled is a consequence of how these pieces make the primary-theme reprise a site of resolved structural tension, not of the theme-and-key mechanisms of sonata form but rather of processes independent from sonata-form logic. These movements are also analyzed as exhibiting ironic troping; their juxtaposition of distinct attitudes toward sonata form negotiates a relationship between the interwar era and its compositional inheritances.
Fever and Leukocytosis Are Poor Predictors of Bacterial Coinfection in Patients With COVID-19 and Influenza Who Are Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Jackson Luke B , Sobieszczyk Michal J , Aden James K , Marcus Joseph E
Published: October 2023

Background

Fever and leukocytosis are 2 parameters commonly cited in clinical practice as indications to perform an infectious workup in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but their utility is unknown.

Methods

All patients who received ECMO between December 2014 and December 2020 with influenza or COVID-19 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Cultures were included if they were drawn from patients without signs of decompensation. Maximum temperature and white blood cell count were recorded on the day of culture collection. Workups with infections were compared with those that were negative.

Results

Of the 137 infectious workups in this 45-patient cohort, 86 (63%) were performed in patients with no signs of decompensation, totaling 165 cultures. These workups yielded 10 (12%) true infections. There were no differences in median (IQR) temperature (100.4 °F [100.2–100.8] vs 100.4 °F [99.3–100.9], P = .90) or white blood cell count (18.6 cells/mL [16.8–20.1] vs 16.7 cells/mL [12.8–22.3], P = .90) between those with and without infections.

Conclusions

In patients with influenza or COVID-19 who require ECMO, fever and leukocytosis were common indications for infectious workups, yet results were frequently negative. Despite their use in clinical practice, fever and leukocytosis are not reliable indicators of infection in patients who are hemodynamically stable and receiving ECMO.
Acyl-CoA binding protein is required for lipid droplet degradation in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Leyland Ben , Novichkova Ekaterina , Dolui Achintya Kumar , Jallet Denis , Daboussi Fayza , Legeret Bertrand , Li Zhongze , Li-Beisson Yonghua , Boussiba Sammy , Khozin-Goldberg Inna
Published: October 2023

Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) accumulate neutral storage lipids in lipid droplets during stress conditions, which can be rapidly degraded and recycled when optimal conditions resume. Since nutrient and light availability fluctuate in marine environments, storage lipid turnover is essential for diatom dominance of marine ecosystems. Diatoms have garnered attention for their potential to provide a sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids. Several independent proteomic studies of lipid droplets isolated from the model oleaginous pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum have identified a previously uncharacterized protein with an acyl-CoA binding (ACB) domain, Phatrdraft_48778, here referred to as Phaeodactylum tricornutum acyl-CoA binding protein (PtACBP). We report the phenotypic effects of CRISPR-Cas9 targeted genome editing of PtACBP. ptacbp mutants were defective in lipid droplet and triacylglycerol degradation, as well as lipid and eicosapentaenoic acid synthesis, during recovery from nitrogen starvation. Transcription of genes responsible for peroxisomal β-oxidation, triacylglycerol lipolysis, and eicosapentaenoic acid synthesis was inhibited. A lipid-binding assay using a synthetic ACB domain from PtACBP indicated preferential binding specificity toward certain polar lipids. PtACBP fused to eGFP displayed an endomembrane-like pattern, which surrounded the periphery of lipid droplets. PtACBP is likely responsible for intracellular acyl transport, affecting cell division, development, photosynthesis, and stress response. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing storage lipid turnover will be crucial for developing diatoms and other microalgae as biotechnological cell factories.
Bitter Taste Receptor Agonist Denatonium Inhibits Stemness Characteristics in Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Pensato Valentina , Laginestra Maria Antonella , Falvo Paolo , Orecchioni Stefania , Talarico Giovanna , De Marchi Elena , Bruno Samantha , Mongiorgi Sara , Mitola Giulia , Bertolini Francesco , Adinolfi Elena , Cavo Michele , Curti Antonio , Salvestrini Valentina
Published: October 2023

Bone marrow microenvironmental stimuli profoundly impact hematopoietic stem cell fate and biology. As G protein-coupled receptors, the bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are key in transmitting extracellular stimuli into an intracellular response, within the oral cavity but also in extraoral tissues. Their expression in the bone marrow (BM)-derived cells suggests their involvement in sensing the BM microenvironmental fluctuation.

In the present study, we demonstrated that umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived CD34+ cells express fully functional TAS2Rs along with the signal transduction cascade components and their activation by the prototypical agonist, denatonium benzoate, significantly modulated genes involved in stemness maintenance and regulation of cell trafficking. The activation of these specific pathways was confirmed in functional in vitro experiments. Denatonium exposure exerted an antiproliferative effect on UCB-derived CD34+ cells, mainly affecting the most undifferentiated progenitor frequency. It also reduced their clonogenicity and repopulating potential in vitro. In addition, the TAS2R signaling activation impaired the UCB-derived CD34+ cell trafficking, mainly reducing the migration toward the chemoattractant agent CXCL12 and modulating the expression of the adhesion molecules CD62L, CD49d, and CD29.

In conclusion, our results in UCB-derived CD34+ cells expand the observation of TAS2R expression in the setting of BM-resident cells and shed light on the role of TAS2Rs in the extrinsic regulation of hematopoietic stem cell functions.
Waterproof Hip Spica Casts for Pediatric Femur Fractures
Authors: Churchill Jessica L. , Kronk Trinity A. , Adamczyk Mark J. , Brown Miraides F. , Ritzman Todd F. , Floccari Lorena V.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Hip spica casting is the treatment of choice for femur fractures in children ages 6 months to 5 years. Traditional spica (TS) casting utilizes cotton padding that precludes patient bathing. Waterproof (WP) casting has inherent advantages, including clearance for bathing and improved family satisfaction. This study examines the safety and efficacy of WP hip spica casting for the treatment of pediatric femur fractures.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, matched cohort study of patients ≤5 years with a femur fracture treated with hip spica casting. Patients with WP casts were matched to patients with TS casts by age, sex, and fracture type. TS casts utilize a Goretex liner and cotton padding, while WP spicas utilize fully WP materials and can be completely submerged in water.

Results:

Fifty patients were included (25 WP, 25 TS) without differences between cohorts in age, weight, or sex. There were no differences in operative time, length of stay, or length of time in cast. Patient charges were significantly lower in the WP group ($230 vs. $301, P<0.001). At cast-off, coronal/sagittal alignment and shortening were similar, while 9 TS patients had minor skin and/or cast complications that required outpatient repair versus only 1 WP patient (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

In a matched comparison, WP spica casting significantly reduces skin and cast complications traditionally associated with cotton-based spica casting, with significantly lower charges for WP cast materials. Fracture healing rate, alignment, and shortening at cast-off are similar in WP versus TS casts. WP spica casting is safe and efficacious for pediatric femur fractures, with the inherent advantage of clearance for bathing.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.
Cleaning Tasks and Products and Asthma Among Health Care Professionals
Authors: Patel Jenil , Gimeno Ruiz de Porras David , Mitchell Laura E. , Carson Arch , Whitehead Lawrence W. , Han Inkyu , Pompeii Lisa , Conway Sadie , Zock Jan-Paul , Henneberger Paul K. , Patel Riddhi , Reyes Joy De Los , Delclos George L.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Health care workers are at risk for work-related asthma, which may be affected by changes in cleaning practices. We examined associations of cleaning tasks and products with work-related asthma in health care workers in 2016, comparing them with prior results from 2003.

Methods

We estimated asthma prevalence by professional group and explored associations of self-reported asthma with job-exposure matrix–based cleaning tasks/products in a representative Texas sample of 9914 physicians, nurses, respiratory/occupational therapists, and nurse aides.

Results

Response rate was 34.8% (n = 2421). The weighted prevalence rates of physician-diagnosed (15.3%), work-exacerbated (4.1%), and new-onset asthma (6.7%) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness symptoms (31.1%) were similar to 2003. New-onset asthma was associated with building surface cleaning (odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–3.33), use of ortho-phthalaldehyde (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.15–2.72), bleach/quaternary compounds (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.10–3.33), and sprays (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.12–3.47).

Conclusion

Prevalence of asthma/bronchial hyperresponsiveness seems unchanged, whereas associations of new-onset asthma with exposures to surface cleaning remained, and decreased for instrument cleaning.
Indocyanine green clearance tests to assess liver transplantation outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Caimano Miriam , Bianco Giuseppe , Marrone Giuseppe , Coppola Alessandro , Agnes Salvatore , Lai Quirino , Spoletini Gabriele
Published: October 2023

Background:

Liver transplantation (LT) is the gold standard for end-stage liver disease, yet postoperative complications challenge patients and physicians. Indocyanine green (ICG) clearance, a quantitative dynamic test of liver function, is a rapid, reproducible, and reliable test of liver function. This study aimed to systematically review and summarize current literature analyzing the association between ICG tests and post-LT outcomes.

Methods:

This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE and Cochrane Library, as main databases, and other sources were searched until August 2022 to identify articles reporting the prognostic value of postoperative ICG tests associated with outcomes of adult LT recipients.

Risk of bias (ROB) of included articles was assessed using Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. Methodological quality varied from low to high across ROB domains.

Results:

Six studies conducted between 1994 and 2018 in Europe, America, and Asia were included. The study population ranged from 50 to 332 participants. ICG clearance on the first postoperative day was associated with early allograft dysfunction (EAD), graft loss, 1- and 3-mo patient survival probability, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital stay. The dichotomized ICG plasma disappearance rate (PDR) provided a strong association with medium- and long-term outcomes: PDR<10%/min with 1-month mortality or re-transplantation (Odds Ratio (OR): 7.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.59-17.34, P<0.001) and PDR<16.0%/min with 3-month patient survival probability (Hazard ratio (HR): 13.90, 95% CI 4.67–41.35, P<0.01). The preoperative model for end-stage liver disease and body mass index were independent prognostic factors for EAD, early complications, and prolonged ICU stay; post-LT prothrombin time and INR were independently associated with graft loss and bilirubin with a prolonged hospital stay.

Conclusion:

This review shows that ICG clearance tests are associated with graft function recovery, suggesting that a potential prognostic role of ICG test, as an aid in predicting the post-LT course, could be considered.
Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy versus R0 resection for resectable colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases and low peritoneal cancer index scores: A collaborative observational study from Korea and Japan
Authors: Kitaguchi Daichi , Park Eun Jung , Baik Seung Hyuk , Sasaki Shoma , Tsukada Yuichiro , Ito Masaaki
Published: October 2023

Background:

The benefits of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis (CPM) remain controversial. R0 resection without peritoneal stripping might be as effective as CRS plus HIPEC. We aimed to compare the long-term oncological outcomes of patients with CPM and peritoneal cancer index (PCI) scores ≤6 who underwent R0 resection in Japan with those who underwent CRS plus HIPEC in Korea.

Materials and Methods:

This international, retrospective cohort study was conducted in Korea and Japan using a prospectively collected clinical database. Patients who underwent surgery from July 2014 to December 2021 for CPM with a PCI score of ≤6 and completeness of the cytoreduction score-0 were included. The primary outcome was relapse-free survival (RFS), and the secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), peritoneal RFS (PRFS), and postoperative outcomes.

Results:

The 3-year RFS was significantly longer in the CRS+HIPEC group than in the R0 resection group: 35.9% versus 6.9% (P<0.001); 31.0% versus 6.7% (P=0.040) after propensity score matching. The median PRFS was significantly longer in the CRS+HIPEC group than in the R0 resection group: 24.5 months versus 17.2 months (P=0.017). The 3-year OS and postoperative complications did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusions:

RFS and PRFS rates were significantly prolonged after CRS plus HIPEC, whereas postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were not increased. Therefore, curative CRS plus HIPEC may be considered a treatment strategy for selected patients with resectable CPM and low PCI scores.
Comparison of efficacy and safety between neoadjuvant chemotherapy and neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Jinxin , Cai Yingjie , Hong Zhinuan , Duan Hongbing , Ke Sunkui
Published: October 2023

Background:

The application of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy(NICT) in treating locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a subject of considerable research interest. In light of this, we undertook a comprehensive meta-analysis aiming to compare the efficacy and safety of this novel approach with conventional neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in the management of ESCC.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to gather relevant literature on the efficacy and safety of NICT compared to conventional NCT in locally advanced ESCC published before June 2023. Effect indicators, including odds ratios (ORs) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were employed to evaluate the safety and efficacy outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool, and subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted to investigate the findings further.

Results:

A total of 9 studies qualified for the meta-analysis, all of which investigated the efficacy and safety of NICT compared to conventional NCT. The pooled rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) and major pathologic response (MPR) in the NICT group were significantly higher compared to the NCT group, with values of 26.9% versus 8.3% (P＜0.00001) and 48.1% versus 24.6% (P＜0.00001), respectively. The ORs for achieving pCR and MPR were 4.24 (95% CI, 2.84–6.32, I2=14%) and 3.30 (95% CI, 2.31–4.71, I2=0%), respectively, indicating a significant advantage for the NICT group. Regarding safety outcomes, the pooled incidences of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) in the NICT group were 64.4% and 11.5%, respectively, compared to 73.8% and 9.3% in the NCT group. However, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of TRAEs (OR=0.67, 95% CI, 0.29–1.54, P=0.35, I2 =58%) or SAEs (OR=1.28, 95% CI, 0.69–2.36, P=0.43, I2=0%). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the NICT and NCT groups regarding R0 resection rates, anastomotic leakage, pulmonary infection, and postoperative hoarseness.

Conclusions:

Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy demonstrate efficacy and safety in treating resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, additional randomized trials are required to confirm the optimal treatment regimen.
Factors for the development of anemia in patients with newly introduced olaparib: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Shiraishi Chihiro , Hirai Toshinori , Kaneda Michiko , Okamoto Akiharu , Kato Hideo , Tanaka Kayo , Kondo Eiji , Ikeda Tomoaki , Iwamoto Takuya
Published: October 2023

Anemia is the most common dose-limiting toxicity of olaparib. However, few studies have analyzed the clinical features of olaparib-induced anemia. This study investigated the clinical features of olaparib-induced anemia. Additionally, the role of folate or vitamin B12 in olaparib-induced anemia was examined. This retrospective case-control study included patients who received olaparib at Mie University Hospital between January 2018 and December 2020. Data were collected between initiation of olaparib and discontinuation of olaparib or till December 2021. We investigated the development of grade ≥ 3 anemia during olaparib administration for at least 1 year. We examined patients with grade ≥ 3 anemia considering the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), its association with gastrointestinal events and cumulative dose of carboplatin. For the sub-study analysis, data on patients treated with olaparib for ovarian or endometrial cancer were collected to evaluate the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) or monthly changes in folate or vitamin B12 levels from baseline to 3 months after olaparib initiation. These data were collected between initiation of olaparib and discontinuation of olaparib or till November 2022. Patients with no data on folic acid or vitamin B12 levels were excluded from the sub-study. In the main study, 40 patients were included. Eighteen patients (45%) developed grade ≥ 3 anemia, and all patients discontinued treatment (94%) or reduced olaparib dose (67%) after developing anemia. Among the patients with grade ≥ 3 anemia, 9 (50%) exhibited macrocytic anemia and 15 (83%) had previously received carboplatin. The incidence of grade ≥ 2 dysgeusia was significantly higher in patients with grade ≥ 3 anemia (P = .034). Moreover, the cumulative dose of previously administered carboplatin was higher in patients who had 3 episodes of anemia (P = .102). In sub-study, 12 had data on folic acid and vitamin B12 levels. Sub-study analysis showed that none fulfilled the criteria for deficiency of folate or vitamin B12, while 3 developed grade 3 anemia. This study revealed that olaparib-induced anemia frequently occurs as macrocytic and normocytic erythroblastic anemia without folate or vitamin B12 deficiencies. A high cumulative dose of previously administered carboplatin and dysgeusia may be associated with olaparib-induced anemia.
Impact of different doses of remifentanil on chronic postsurgical pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Ida Mitsuru , Uyama Kayo , Naito Yusuke , Kawaguchi Masahiko
Published: October 2023

A remifentanil infusion dose of >0.2 μg/kg/min is associated with hyperalgesia, leading to acute postsurgical pain; however, its contribution to the development of chronic postsurgical pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different remifentanil doses on chronic postsurgical pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery. This study included inpatients aged ≥ 55 years who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery under general anesthesia between April 2016 and December 2018. An inverse probability of treatment weighted using stabilized inverse propensity scores was adopted to minimize bias. After adjustments based on patient data, the outcomes of interest were compared with intraoperative covariates using a generalized estimating equation. The primary study outcome was chronic postsurgical pain 1 year after surgery, defined as a pain score ≥1 on a numerical rating scale. Of the 262 eligible patients, 258 with a mean age of 71.2 years were included in this analysis. Chronic postsurgical pain occurred in 23.6% of patients. The generalized estimating equation revealed that a remifentanil infusion dose >0.2 μg/kg/min was associated with chronic postsurgical pain at 1 year after surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–2.27), while remifentanil infusion doses >0.15 μg/kg/min (OR 1.12; 95% CI 0.79–1.59) and >0.175 μg/kg/min (OR 1.17; 95% CI 0.83–1.64) were not associated with our primary outcome. Remifentanil infusions >0.2 μg/kg/min were associated with chronic postsurgical pain 1 year after video-assisted thoracic surgery.