bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review, meta-analysis, and network analysis of diagnostic microRNAs in glaucoma
Authors: Rezaei Masoud , Faramarzpour Mahsa , Shobeiri Parnian , Seyedmirzaei Homa , Sarasyabi Mohammad Sharifi , Dabiri Shahriar
Published: March 2023

Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative process of the optic nerve that is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and early diagnosis of the disease could greatly affect patients’ prognoses. The pathophysiology of glaucoma is complicated by a combination of genetic and epigenetic factors. Deciphering the early diagnostic biomarkers in glaucoma could attenuate the disease's global burden and help us understand the exact mechanisms involved in glaucoma. The microRNAs are members of a larger family of non-coding RNAs that play an essential role in the epigenetic basis of glaucoma. A systematic study and meta-analysis of diagnostic microRNAs in glaucoma, jointly with network analysis of target genes, were carried out on published papers assessing differentially expressed microRNAs in human subjects. In total, 321 articles were found, and, after screening, six studies were eligible for further analysis. 52 differentially expressed microRNAs were found, of which 28 and 24 were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Only 12 microRNAs were qualified for meta-analysis, with overall sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 74%, respectively. Then, using network analysis, it became apparent that the VEGF-A, AKT1, CXCL12, and HRAS genes were the most important targets for the microRNAs. Perturbations in WNT signaling, protein transport, and extracellular matrix organization pathways were discovered to be important in the etiology of glaucoma using the community detection approach. This study tries to uncover the promising microRNAs and their target genes that govern the epigenetics of glaucoma.
Distinguishing inter- and pangenerational food trends
Authors: Mann Stefan , Loginova Daria
Published: March 2023

While food trends are usually described over an entire population, this paper suggests distinguishing between inter- and pangenerational food trends. To classify the food trends for the total population as inter- or pangenerational, we used disaggregated household-based consumption data on 60 food categories over the period from 1990 to 2020 in Switzerland. We followed six different cohorts with a range of 10 birth years each and estimated robust trends for each generation and each product. Our results show that especially for meat, different generations follow different trends and form ‘intergenerational’ trends for the total population, whereas beans and peas would be an example of products with an increasing consumption for every single generation and a ‘pangenerational’ trend. Our study is the first to suggest distinguishing inter- and pangenerational food trends and to cover the most disaggregated available food consumption data in Switzerland for the period from 1990 to 2020. Managers and policymakers should consider the mentioned differences in food consumption to mitigate errors in consumption projections, target consumers more effectively, and promote healthier food consumption.
The association between eating disorders and mental health: an umbrella review
Authors: Tan Eng Joo , Raut Tejeesha , Le Long Khanh-Dao , Hay Phillipa , Ananthapavan Jaithri , Lee Yong Yi , Mihalopoulos Cathrine
Published: March 2023

Objective

There have been an increasing number of systematic reviews indicating the association between eating disorders (ED), including its risk factors, with mental health problems such as depression, suicide and anxiety. The objective of this study was to conduct an umbrella review of these reviews and provide a top-level synthesis of the current evidence in this area.

Method

A systematic search was performed using four databases (MEDLINE Complete, APA PyscInfo, CINAHL Complete and EMBASE). The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis), published in the English language between January 2015 and November 2022. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools for use of JBI Systematic reviews.

Results

A total of 6,537 reviews were identified, of which 18 reviews met the inclusion criteria, including 10 reviews with meta-analysis. The average quality assessment score for the included reviews was moderate. Six reviews investigated the association between ED and three specific mental health problems: (a) depression and anxiety, (b) obsessive-compulsive symptoms and (c) social anxiety. A further 3 reviews focused on the relationship between ED and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) while 2 reviews focused on ED and suicidal-related outcomes. The remaining 7 reviews explored the association between ED and bipolar disorders, personality disorders, and non-suicidal self-injury. Depression, social anxiety and ADHD are likely to have a stronger strength of association with ED relative to other mental health problems.

Discussion

Mental health problems such as depression, social anxiety and ADHD were found to be more prevalent among people suffering from eating disorders. Further research is necessary to understand the mechanism and health impacts of potential comorbidities of ED.
Changes in suicide in California from 2017 to 2021: a population-based study
Authors: Lund Julia J. , Tomsich Elizabeth , Schleimer Julia P. , Pear Veronica A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Suicide is a major public health problem with immediate and long-term effects on individuals, families, and communities. In 2020 and 2021, stressors wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, stay-at-home mandates, economic turmoil, social unrest, and growing inequality likely modified risk for self-harm. The coinciding surge in firearm purchasing may have increased risk for firearm suicide. In this study, we examined changes in counts and rates of suicide in California across sociodemographic groups during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic relative to prior years.

Methods

We used California-wide death data to summarize suicide and firearm suicide across race/ethnicity, age, education, gender, and urbanicity. We compared case counts and rates in 2020 and 2021 with 2017–2019 averages.

Results

Suicide decreased overall in 2020 (4123 deaths; 10.5 per 100,000) and 2021 (4104; 10.4 per 100,000), compared to pre-pandemic (4484; 11.4 per 100,000). The decrease in counts was driven largely by males, white, and middle-aged Californians. Conversely, Black Californians and young people (age 10 to 19) experienced increased burden and rates of suicide. Firearm suicide also decreased following the onset of the pandemic, but relatively less than overall suicide; as a result, the proportion of suicides that involved a firearm increased (from 36.1% pre-pandemic to 37.6% in 2020 and 38.1% in 2021). Females, people aged 20 to 29, and Black Californians had the largest increase in the likelihood of using a firearm in suicide following the onset of the pandemic. The proportion of suicides that involved a firearm in 2020 and 2021 decreased in rural areas compared to prior years, while there were modest increases in urban areas.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic and co-occurring stressors coincided with heterogeneous changes in risk of suicide across the California population. Marginalized racial groups and younger people experienced increased risk for suicide, particularly involving a firearm. Public health intervention and policy action are necessary to prevent fatal self-harm injuries and reduce related inequities.
Feasibility of implementing a surgical patient safety checklist: prospective cross-sectional evaluation
Authors: Harris Kristin , Søfteland Eirik , Moi Asgjerd Litleré , Harthug Stig , Ravnøy Mette , Storesund Anette , Jurmy Elaheh , Skeie Eli , Wæhle Hilde Valen , Sevdalis Nick , Haugen Arvid Steinar
Published: March 2023

Background

The World Health Organization’s Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030 call for attention to patient and family involvement to reduce preventable patient harm. Existing evidence indicates that patients’ involvement in their own safety has positive effects on reducing hospitalisation time and readmissions. One intervention reported in the literature is the use of checklists designed for patients’ completion. Studies on such checklists are small scale, but they are linked to reduction in length of hospital stay and readmissions. We have previously developed and validated a two-part surgical patient safety checklist (PASC). This study aims to investigate the feasibility of the PASC usage and implementation prior to its use in a large-scale clinical trial.

Methods

This is a prospective cross-sectional feasibility study, set up as part of the design of a larger stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial (SW-CRCT). Descriptive statistics were used to investigate patient demographics, reasons for not completing the PASC and percentage of PASC item usage. Qualitative patient interviews were used to identify barriers and drivers for implementation. Interview was analysed through content analysis.

Results

Out of 428 recruited patients, 50.2% (215/428) used both parts of PASC. A total of 24.1% (103/428) of the patients did not use it at all due to surgical or COVID-19-related cancellations. A total of 19.9% (85/428) did not consent to participate, 5.1% (22/428) lost the checklist and 0.7% (3/428) of the patients died during the study. A total of 86.5% (186/215) patients used ≥ 80% of the checklist items. Barriers and drivers for PASC implementation were grouped into the following categories: Time frame for completing the checklist, patient safety checklist design, impetus to communicate with healthcare professionals and support throughout the surgical pathway.

Conclusions

Elective surgical patients were willing and able to use PASC. The study further revealed a set of barriers and drivers to the implementation. A large-scale definitive clinical-implementation hybrid trial is being launched to ascertain the clinical effectiveness and scalability of PASC in improving surgical patient safety.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03105713. Registered 10.04.2017
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties of three implementation measures into Brazilian-Portuguese
Authors: Fioratti Iuri , Santos Verônica S. , Fernandes Lívia G. , Rodrigues Karina A. , Soares Renato J. , Saragiotto Bruno T.
Published: March 2023

Background

To translate and cross-culturally adapt into Brazilian-Portuguese, and to test the measurement properties of the following items of implementation outcome measures: Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM) and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM).

Methods

This was a measurement properties study in accordance with the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). We conducted a translation and cross-cultural adaptation of three implementation measures according to guidelines for translation and cross-cultural adaptation, then we collected information from patients who had participated in remotely delivered physical therapy treatment for musculoskeletal condition. The patients answered the translated versions of the implementation outcome measures. The measurement properties of the three implementation outcome measures were collected in a test–retest assessment, with an interval of 7 to 14 days.. The measurement properties evaluated in this study were interpretability, measured using Ceiling and Floor Effects, reliability in test–retest evaluation, measured using Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient, internal consistency, measured using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and construct validity, measured using Pearson Correlation.

Results

We included 104 participants (76 female). The average age of the sample was 56.8 (SD 14.8) years old. The items of implementation outcome measures (AIM, IAM, and FIM) showed 66.39%, 63.11%, and 63.93% of ceiling effects. The items of implementation outcome measures showed adequate internal consistency measured using Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient (AIM: 0.89, IAM: 0.91, FIM: 0.93) and values of Standard Error of Measurement between 5 and 10%, showing good measurement error. The results of AIM and IAM was classified as moderate reliability and the FIM as substantial reliability. In a total 96 correlations, > 75% of correlations met our prior hypothesis.

Conclusion

The three Brazilian-Portuguese versions of items of implementation outcome measures had adequate internal consistency, measurement error and construct validity. The three implementation outcome measures showed moderate to substantial reliability values. The Ceiling Effect was observed in the three measures, showing maximum values ​​in more than 15% of the evaluations.
Anthracycline cardiotoxicity: current methods of diagnosis and possible role of 18F-FDG PET/CT as a new biomarker
Authors: Becker Mônica M. C. , Arruda Gustavo F. A. , Berenguer Diego R. F. , Buril Roberto O. , Cardinale Daniela , Brandão Simone C. S.
Published: March 2023

Despite advances in chemotherapy, the drugs used in cancer treatment remain rather harmful to the cardiovascular system, causing structural and functional cardiotoxic changes. Positron-emission tomography associated with computed tomography (PET/CT) has emerged like a promising technique in the early diagnosis of these adverse drug effects as the myocardial tissue uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose labeled with fluorine-18 (18F-FDG), a glucose analog, is increased after their use. Among these drugs, anthracyclines are the most frequently associated with cardiotoxicity because they promote heart damage through DNA breaks, and induction of an oxidative, proinflammatory, and toxic environment. This review aimed to present the scientific evidence available so far regarding the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT as an early biomarker of anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity. Thus, it discusses the physiological basis for its uptake, hypotheses to justify its increase in the myocardium affected by anthracyclines, importance of 18F-FDG PET/CT findings for cardio-oncology, and primary challenges of incorporating this technique in standard clinical oncology practice.
A novel cardio-oncology service line model in optimizing care access, quality and equity for large, multi-hospital health systems
Authors: Liu Yan
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite the rapid growth of cardio-oncology as a subspecialty, cancer patients are still underserved from a cardiovascular perspective. A new care model is needed to integrate comprehensive cardio-oncology care with community-based facilities to improve care access, quality, and equity. Here, we present a cardio-oncology service line model for large, multi-hospital health systems to address this need.

Methods

An academic cardio-oncology program was first established using a multidisciplinary approach. Five infrastructure elements for a service line model were created, including strategic accountability, standardized care, dedicated resources, patient experience/education, and branding/identity. We then utilized these elements across our healthcare system to establish a quality-controlled and centrally governed cardio-oncology service line structure. Protocols were created to standardize care and ensure consistency and quality, including referral workflow, imaging, cardiotoxicity surveillance, and clinical management. An IRB-approved cardio-oncology registry was established for outcome tracking.

Results

The standardized cardio-oncology services were expanded to eight hospitals and ten outpatient care centers, including rural outreach offices, resulting in increased patient access and improved clinical quality measures. The service area expanded 17-fold, and an estimated rural population of 204,133 gained access to care. Cardio-oncology office visits increased by approximately 600% three years after implementation of the service line model.

Conclusions

A cardio-oncology service line with standardized care is a feasible and effective care model to improve cardio-oncology care quality, patient access, and health equity in large, multi-hospital health systems. It can be used in conjunction with academic cardio-oncology programs to improve the overall cardio-oncology healthcare efficacy in the US.
Indigenous institutions as adaptive measures to environmental dynamics: an ethnographic study of Loba Community of Upper Mustang, Nepal
Authors: Khattri Man Bahadur , Pandey Rishikesh
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates how different institutions of Loba communities of the Upper Mustang work together and facilitate the community to cope with the environmental dynamics in the region. The indigenous institutions are place-based, and their evolution is concerned with reducing vulnerability and enhancing the resilience capacity of place-based communities to cope with and adapt to local natural and socio-cultural environmental dynamics. The paper is based on anthropological fieldwork. Qualitative data were collected by applying observation and interviews. The paper presents the role of the galbo, (Lo King), ghenba (Village Chief), Lama (Monk), and dhongba (Household) as local institutions that act in close relation and make community-level decisions. The findings reveal that the King is seen as the leader whose governance best suited to the local natural environment, cultural practices, and economy. The Lama plays a major role in reinforcing local rules, while the Ghenba is an agent who mediates the Lo King and people in materializing rules and operationalizing institutional mechanisms. The Dhongbas are units of production of the local social-ecosystem that are entitled to use local resources within the context of the institution’s agreed rules, norms, and values. These local institutions are cooperating well, successfully regulating, managing, and protecting agricultural, forest, and pasture lands, and maintaining the monuments in Lo-manthang for centuries. However, recent social-environmental dynamics such as climate change, migration, and modernization are reducing the relevancies of traditional norms and practices. Nevertheless, the institutions are working hard to continue their existence by frequently modifying their rules and norms.
Clinical risk factors related to post-stroke epilepsy patients in Indonesia: a hospital-based study
Authors: Waafi Afiyf Kaysa , Husna Machlusil , Damayanti Ria , Setijowati Nanik
Published: March 2023

Background

Stroke had been accounted to cause almost 50% of epilepsy in the elderly and may lead to poor functional outcomes. Many studies examining the risk factors have been conducted despite showing inconsistent results and currently still difficult to predict the occurrence of post-stroke epilepsy. The study aimed to determine risk factors related to post-stroke epilepsy that influence clinical seizure, electroencephalography (EEG), and functional outcome of patients. Analytic retrospective case–control study was conducted with a total sampling of 62 samples of post-stroke epilepsy and 62 samples of control from all stroke patients in the Neurology Clinic from January 2019 to December 2021. Epilepsy was classified according to the criteria of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in 2017. The relevant demographic and clinical data were collected.

Result

The study involved 62 patients in the case group (average age of onset = 57.69; 42 men, 20 women; 51 ischemic stroke, 11 hemorrhagic stroke) and 62 patients in the control group (average age of onset = 56.90; 24 men, 38 women; 52 ischemic stroke, 10 hemorrhagic stroke). We found that 31 patients had focal-to-bilateral seizures, 26 patients had generalized seizures and 5 patients had focal seizures. Men (p = 0.001; OR 3.325) and NIHSS Score (p = 0.027; OR 5.094) had significant correlations with post-stroke epilepsy. Ischemic stroke had a significant correlation (p = 0.008) with seizure onset. Women also had a significant correlation (p = 0.012) with EEG abnormalities. The study found that 59 of 62 post-stroke epilepsy patients had poor functional outcomes (mRS > 2).

Conclusion

Our study confirmed that most patients had focal-to-bilateral seizure patterns that occurred in 1–2 years after stroke, and had poor functional outcomes. Men had 3.325 times more likely to develop post-stroke epilepsy than women. Also, NIHSS score ≥ 15 correlated and 5.094 times more likely to develop post-stroke epilepsy. Ischemic stroke had a peak of epilepsy onset at 1–2 years after stroke and women had significant showing abnormalities on EEG recording than men.
Serial perioperative optic nerve sheath measurements for early diagnosis of the transurethral resection of prostate syndrome: an open label pilot study
Authors: Chauhan Bharti , Raina Pamposh , Dogra Ravi Kant , Pathania Jyoti
Published: March 2023

Background

Ultrasound imaging of optic sheath nerve diameter [ONSD] is reported to reflect changes consistent with intracranial pressure changes seen in traumatic brain injury and also in documented serum hyponatremia. We hypothesized that hyponatremia and hypervolemia seen during trans urethral resection of prostate [TURP] surgery may also have some association with different ONSD readings from the baseline perioperatively, resulting in early detection of TURP syndrome. In this prospective observational study, 50 adult male patients scheduled for TURP surgery meeting inclusion criteria were included and the ONSD measurements were serially recorded perioperatively. Patients with measurements ≥ 5.2 mm with either clinical symptoms or electrolyte changes suggested TURP syndrome were taken as true positive.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, positive predictive, and negative predictive value at 95%CI of ONSD for early detection of TURP syndrome was {100% [15.81 to 100.00%], 91.67% [80.02 to 97.68%], 0.96 [0.86 to 0.99%], 33.33% [4.33 to 77.72%], 100% [91.96 to 100.00%]} with a diagnostic accuracy of 95.83%. In univariate logistic regressions, the duration of surgery had a positive association with TURP syndrome [odd ratio 1.066, β coefficient 0.064,p = 0.015]. In multivariate logistic regression, we could not validate the association between these factors and TURP syndrome [p > 0.050].

Conclusions

The ONSD measurements have good diagnostic accuracy for detecting TURP syndrome, but we advocate more multi-centric studies with large sample sizes to validate this association in the multivariate regression model.
Impact of cooking methods on the chemical and antioxidant composition of some indigenous vegetables used in different food dishes in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Ukom Anthony , Albert Miracle , Ojimelukwe Philippa , Offia-Olua Blessing , Nwanagba Lilian
Published: March 2023

Background

Some wild and domesticated vegetables of Ibo ethnic tribe of Southeast, Nigeria, namelyPiper guineense,Ocimum gratissimum,Solanum melongenaL.,Gongronema latifolium,Gnetum africanumandVernonia amygdalina, have gained interest in food culinary uses due to its nutritional, antioxidant potentials and health benefits. These vegetables are rich in fiber, minerals and phyto-nutrients and have significant health benefits against degenerative disorders. Due to these facts, cooking methods aimed at better retention of nutrients and antioxidant compounds were exploited.

Methods

Carefully selected fresh and shredded indigenous vegetables that are commonly used in different food dishes in Southeast Nigeria were cooked (blanched at 98 °C, 2 min and sautéed at 150 °C, 5 min). They were analyzed on a dry weight basis for minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals and antioxidant activity assayed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP.

Results

Results exhibited wild variations showing thatOcimum gratissimumandSolanum melongenaL had higher concentrations of functional minerals Zn, Fe, K and Ca. Vitamins B1and β-carotene had higher concentrations inSolanum melongenaL,Gnetum africanumandVernonia amygdalina.Ocimum gratissimumrevealed higher concentrations of TPC and TFC and maintains strong scavenging activity in ABTS and FRAP, while %DPPH manifested stronger activity inSolanum melongenaL.Vernonia amygdalinaexhibited higher phytochemicals concentrations, especially the alkaloid content.

Conclusion

Sautéed cooking retained more nutrients and had stronger antioxidant activity than the blanched method. Overall, these vegetables possess high concentrations of functional constituents that can make them be used to boost human nutrition and benefit the health of consumers.
What a Difference in Pressure Makes! A Framework Describing Undergraduate Students’ Reasoning about Bulk Flow Down Pressure Gradients
Authors: Doherty Jennifer H. , Scott Emily E. , Cerchiara Jack A. , Jescovitch Lauren N. , McFarland Jenny L. , Haudek Kevin C. , Wenderoth Mary Pat
Published: March 2023

This paper details the development of the first reasoning framework to describe how students’ reasoning about biological bulk flow pressure gradients develop toward scientific, mechanistic reasoning.
Artificial-intelligence-enhanced synthetic thick slabs versus standard slices in digital breast tomosynthesis
Authors: Sauer Stephanie Tina , Christner Sara Aniki , Kuhl Philipp Josef , Kunz Andreas Steven , Huflage Henner , Luetkens Karsten Sebastian , Schlaiß Tanja , Bley Thorsten Alexander , Grunz Jan-Peter
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) can provide additional information over mammography, albeit at the cost of prolonged reading time. This study retrospectively investigated the impact of reading enhanced synthetic 6 mm slabs instead of standard 1 mm slices on interpretation time and readers performance in a diagnostic assessment centre.

Methods:

Three radiologists (R1-3; 6/4/2 years of breast imaging experience) reviewed 111 diagnostic DBT examinations. Two datasets were interpreted independently for each patient, with one set containing artificial-intelligence-enhanced synthetic 6 mm slabs with 3 mm overlap, while the other set comprised standard 1 mm slices. Blinded to histology and follow-up, readers noted individual BIRADS categories and diagnostic confidence while reading time was recorded. Among the 111 examinations, 70 findings were histopathologically correlated including 56 malignancies.

Results:

No significant difference was found between BIRADS categories assigned based on 6 mm vs 1 mm datasets (p ≥ 0.317). Diagnostic accuracy was comparable for 6 mm and 1 mm readings (R1: 87.0% vs 87.0%; R2: 86.1% vs 87.0%; R3: 80.0% vs 84.4%; p ≥ 0.125) with high interrater agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.848 vs 0.865). One reader reported higher confidence with 1 mm slices (R1: p = 0.033). Reading time was substantially shorter when interpreting 6 mm slabs compared to 1 mm slices (R1: 33.5 vs 46.2; R2: 49.1 vs 64.8; R3: 39.5 vs 67.2 sec; all p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Artificial-intelligence-enhanced synthetic 6 mm slabs allow for substantial interpretation time reduction in diagnostic DBT without a decrease in reader accuracy.

Advances in knowledge:

A simplified slab-only protocol instead of 1 mm slices may offset the higher reading time without a loss of diagnosis-relevant image information in first and second readings. Further evaluations are required regarding workflow implications, particularly in screening settings.
An automatic fresh rib fracture detection and positioning system using deep learning
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Zhe , Jiang Chao , Sun Lulu , Li Bingyao , Guo Jun , Liu Feng , Zhou Zhen , Qin Haibo , Tan Weixiong , Tian Lufeng
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the performance and robustness of a deep learning-based automatic fresh rib fracture detection and positioning system (FRF-DPS).

Methods:

CT scans of 18,172 participants admitted to eight hospitals from June 2009 to March 2019 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into development set (14,241), multicenter internal test set (1612), and external test set (2319). In internal test set, sensitivity, false positives (FPs) and specificity were used to assess fresh rib fracture detection performance at the lesion- and examination-levels. In external test set, the performance of detecting fresh rib fractures by radiologist and FRF-DPS were evaluated at lesion, rib, and examination levels. Additionally, the accuracy of FRF-DPS in rib positioning was investigated by the ground-truth labeling.

Results:

In multicenter internal test set, FRF-DPS showed excellent performance at the lesion- (sensitivity: 0.933 [95%CI, 0.916–0.949], FPs: 0.50 [95%CI, 0.397–0.583]) and examination-level. In external test set, the sensitivity and FPs at the lesion-level of FRF-DPS (0.909 [95%CI, 0.883–0.926], p < 0.001; 0.379 [95%CI, 0.303–0.422], p = 0.001) were better than the radiologist (0.789 [95%CI, 0.766–0.807]; 0.496 [95%CI, 0.383–0.571]), so were the rib- and patient-levels. In subgroup analysis of CT parameters, FRF-DPS were robust (0.894–0.927). Finally, FRF-DPS(0.997 [95%CI, 0.992–1.000], p < 0.001) is more accurate than radiologist (0.981 [95%CI, 0.969–0.996]) in rib positioning and takes 20 times less time.

Conclusion:

FRF-DPS achieved high detection rate of fresh rib fractures with low FP values, and precise positioning of ribs, thus can be used in clinical practice to improve the detection rate and work efficiency.

Advances in knowledge:

We developed the FRF-DPS system which can detect fresh rib fractures and rib position, and evaluated by a large amount of multicenter data.
Relationship between Monoclonal Gammopathy of undetermined significance and multiple myeloma via online database analysis
Authors: Lu Weiguo , Liu Jiaming , Luo Man , Xiao Mingfeng
Published: March 2023

Objective: To explore the relationship between Monoclonal Gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and Multiple Myeloma (MM) based on bioinformatics methods.

Methods: In this study, we conducted bioinformatics to identify genes associated with MGUS and MM using the PubMed pubmed2ensemble (http://pubmed2ensembl.ls.manchester. ac.uk/) until 2021. Gene ontology function was used to label overlapping genes, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis was used to identify enriched pathways. The cluster-1 genes obtained from Cytoscape were analyzed by Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD, http://ctdbase.org/) and then used to screen candidate drugs using the DSigDB database (https://amp.pharm.mssm.edu/Enrichr/).

Results: In total, 227 genes were common to both MGUS and MM. These genes were significantly associated with cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The protein-protein interaction network revealed that TNF, IL-1B, IL-6, CSF2, CXCL8, and IL-10 were among the core genes of MM. Finally, eight candidate drugs showed maximum interaction with core genes, which could potentially prevent MGUS from progressing to MM.

Conclusion: The progression of MGUS to MM is driven by aberrant cytokine secretion, which leads to inflammation immune dysfunction, and dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7206

How to cite this: Lu W, Liu J, Luo M, Xiao M. Relationship between Monoclonal Gammopathy of undetermined significance and multiple myeloma via online database analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):715-720. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7206

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparing the effectiveness of pterostilbene and sitagliptin on modulating inflammatory levels and inducing autophagy to improve atherosclerosis outcome: A preclinical study in rabbits
Authors: Sahib Hussam H , Mohammad Bassim I , Hadi Najah R , Al-Shaibany Azhar , Philip Anil K , Mohammed Wisam J , Jamil Dina A , Al-Aubaidy Hayder A
Published: March 2023

Background: Inflammation is the key contributor to the development of atherosclerotic plague. This study aims to evaluate the protective and autophagy induction properties of pterostilbene and sitagliptin on modulating the degree of atherosclerosis in rabbit models treated with an atherogenic diet.

Methods: 80 rabbits were randomly placed into one of four study groups (20 in each group): normal control diet (NC) fed normal diet for eight weeks, atherogenic control (AC) fed atherogenic diet for eight weeks, pterostilbene treated group (PT) fed atherogenic diet with pterostilbene (at 10 mg/kg/day) orally daily for eight weeks, and sitagliptin treated group (ST) fed atherogenic diet with sitagliptin (at 12 mg/kg/day) orally daily for eight weeks.

Results: While serum lipids and F2-isoprostane were elevated significantly in the AC study cohort compared to NC study cohort, (P < 0.001), both pterostilbene and sitagliptin supplementations provided significant improvements in serum lipid parameters and F2-isoprostane in the PT study cohort and ST study cohort, respectively, when compared to the AC study cohort, (P<0.001). Total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels were significantly reduced among the PT and ST study cohorts as compared to the AC study cohort. This was coupled with a significant rise in LC3B levels (marker of tissue autophagy) among the PT study cohort and the ST study cohort, as compared to the AC study cohort, (P < 0.001). The RNA expression of mTORC1 was reduced significantly at both PT study cohort and ST study cohort, (P<0.001). Pterostilbene supplementation induced a significant reduction in tissue expression of PI3K and AKT, (P<0.01), while sitagliptin induced significant reduction in 5’ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels, (P<0.001).

Conclusions: The results indicate that pterostilbene and/or sitagliptin supplementation can significantly improve the outcome of atherosclerosis due to their effects on the inflammatory pathways which hinder the progression of atherosclerotic plaque formation.
The genome sequence of the Loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta Linnaeus 1758
Authors: Chang Glenn , Jones Samantha , Leelakumari Sreeja , Ashkani Jahanshah , Culibrk Luka , O'Neill Kieran , Tse Kane , Cheng Dean , Chuah Eric , McDonald Helen , Kirk Heather , Pandoh Pawan , Pari Sauro , Angelini Valeria , Kyle Christopher , Bertorelle Giorgio , Zhao Yongjun , Mungall Andrew , Moore Richard , Vilaça Sibelle , Jones Steven
Published: March 2023

We present a genome assembly of Caretta caretta (the Loggerhead sea turtle; Chordata, Testudines, Cheloniidae), generated from genomic data from two unrelated females. The genome sequence is 2.13 gigabases in size. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into 28 chromosomal representations with a remaining 2% of the assembly being excluded from these.
Technological tools for the measurement of sensory characteristics in food: A review
Authors: Martinez-Velasco José D , Filomena-Ambrosio Annamaria , Garzón-Castro Claudia L
Published: March 2023

The use of technological tools, in the food industry, has allowed a quick and reliable identification and measurement of the sensory characteristics of food matrices is of great importance, since they emulate the functioning of the five senses (smell, taste, sight, touch, and hearing). Therefore, industry and academia have been conducting research focused on developing and using these instruments. In this review, several of these technological tools are documented, such as the e-nose, e-tongue, artificial vision systems, and instruments that allow texture measurement (texture analyzer, electromyography, others). These allow us to carry out processes of analysis, review, and evaluation of food to determine essential characteristics such as quality, composition, maturity, authenticity, and origin. The determination of these characteristics allows the standardization of food matrices, achieving the improvement of existing foods and encouraging the development of new products that satisfy the sensory experiences of the consumer, driving growth in the food sector.
Hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine among health care practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Almojaibel Abdullah A. , Ansari Khalid , Alzahrani Yahya A. , Alessy Saleh A. , Farooqi Faraz A. , Alqurashi Yousef D.
Published: March 2023

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major public health crisis worldwide. In less than 12 months since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak, several different COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and deployed mostly in developed countries since January 2021. However, hesitancy to accept the newly developed vaccines is a well-known public health challenge that needs to be addressed. The aim of this study was to measure willingness and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines among health care practitioners' (HCPs) in Saudi Arabia.  

Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online self-reported survey was conducted among HCPs in Saudi Arabia between April 4th to April 25th 2021 using snowball sampling. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify the possible factors affecting HCPs’ willingness and hesitancy to receive COVID-19 vaccines.  

Results: Out of 776 participants who started the survey, 505 (65%) completed it and were included in the results. Among all HCPs, 47 (9.3%) either said “no” to receive the vaccine [20 (4%)] or were hesitant to receive it [27 (5.3%)]. Of the total number of the HCPs, 376 (74.5%) already received the COVID-19 vaccine, and 48 (9.50%) were registered to receive it. The main reason of agreement to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was “wanting to protect self and others from getting the infection” (24%).  

Conclusion: Our findings have shown that hesitancy toward receiving COVID-19 vaccines among HCPs in Saudi Arabia is limited and therefore may not be a serious issue. The outcomes of this study may help to understand factors that lead to vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia and help public health authorities to design targeted health education interventions aiming to increase uptake of these vaccines.
The genome sequence of the malaria mosquito, Anopheles funestus, Giles, 1900
Authors: Ayala Diego , Akone-Ella Ousman , Kengne Pierre , Johnson Harriet , Heaton Haynes , Collins Joanna , Krasheninnikova Ksenia , Pelan Sarah , Pointon Damon-Lee , Sims Ying , Torrance James , Tracey Alan , Uliano-Silva Marcela , von Wyschetzki Katharina , Wood Jonathan ,   DNA Pipelines collective, McCarthy Shane , Neafsey Daniel , Makunin Alex , Lawniczak Mara
Published: March 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Anopheles funestus (the malaria mosquito; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Culicidae). The genome sequence is 251 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into three chromosomal pseudomolecules with the X sex chromosome assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length.
Evaluation of Implementation of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Surveillance
Authors: Amanda Qurry , Astuti Fardhiasih Dwi , Fadly Ahmad
Published: March 2023

Background: Dengue fever is still endemic in Indonesia. The government launched a DHF surveillance program. There was found some problems in the surveillance system, and the trend of dengue fever in 2016-2020 which had increased at the Pusat Kesehatan Masyarakat (Puskesmas) of Bantul II. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of DHF surveillance at the Puskesmas Bantul II. Method: This research is an evaluation of the CIPP model (Context, Input, Process, Product) with a qualitative-descriptive approach. This research was conducted in June-July 2021 at the Puskesmas Bantul II. Data was collected by interviewing 5 (five) informants. Results: The implementation of DHF surveillance at the Puskesmas Bantul II is based on input, human resources aren’t skilled epidemiologists, officers still hold concurrent positions, and haven’t received epidemiology/surveillance training. The infrastructure was complete, sufficient, and functioning properly. There is no specific allocation of funds for DHF surveillance. There are SOPs and surveillance guidelines, and DHF activities. Based on the process, the collection, processing, presentation, data analysis, and information dissemination have been carried out. The recommendations haven’t been implemented. The Health Office provides regular feedback, monitoring, and evaluation. Based on the output, reporting once a month on time. But its aren’t complete, some files are missing and damaged. Conclusion: The implementation of DHF surveillance at the Puskesmas Bantul II has been carried out, but several aspects of the input, process, and output do not match the indicators, so it affects the outcomes that are not in accordance with national standards.
La atención y la emergencia de la experiencia cultural humana
Authors: García Carrasco Joaquín , Donoso González Macarena
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCCIÓN. La perspectiva interdisciplinar parece imprescindible para justificar la relevancia biopsicológica de los procesos de transmisión cultural en la filogenia humana. Cada vez aparecen más argumentos que avalan la evolución de los mecanismos atencionales como claves en el proceso de humanización. Investigar las inferencias que sobre la evolución de esos mecanismos aporta el conocimiento científico puede ser de ayuda para la mejor comprensión de los procesos educativos y fuente de iniciativas en la práctica pedagógica. MÉTODO. Rastreamos en los informes científicos el rol del prestar atención en el espacio global de trabajo donde se evidencia el desarrollo de la mente. RESULTADOS. Todo el proceso formativo depende de la calidad del intercambio atencional entre los actores del escenario pedagógico. Tal vez, incluso, fuese el sistema atencional el espacio mental donde evolucionó la consciencia. DISCUSIÓN. En la actualidad, muchos neurocientíficos, entre ellos Stanislas Dehaene, están contribuyendo a reforzar la importancia del prestar atención en la emergencia de la mente y en el sostenimiento de la calidad de la experiencia cultural y, en definitiva, de la calidad de vida. Así, la indagación en torno a los indicios etológicos de la evolución de la atención conjunta, la complejidad funcional del sistema atencional y su papel en la emergencia de la experiencia consciente humana puede constituir un capítulo clave para la antropología de la educación.
Measurement and multiplexing of ultra-low duty cycle Nyquist pulse sequences
Authors: Li Jiakang , Jia Dongfang , Ge Chunfeng , Yao Yusheng , Wang Zhaoying , Yang Tianxin
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, method to our knowledge for generating and accurately measuring Nyquist pulse sequences with an ultra-low duty cycle of only 0.037, which breaks the limitations caused by the noise and bandwidth of the optical sampling oscilloscope (OSO) by using a narrow-bandwidth real-time oscilloscope (OSC) and an electrical spectrum analyzer (ESA). By this method, it is found that the bias point drift of the dual parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) is the main cause of the distortion of the waveform. In addition, we increase the repetition rate of Nyquist pulse sequences by a factor of 16 by multiplexing the unmodulated Nyquist pulse sequences.
Randomized trial evaluating an mHealth intervention for the early community-based detection and follow-up of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural Colombia
Authors: Castillo Mabel , Alexander Neal , Rubiano Luisa , Rojas Carlos , Navarro Andrés , Rincon Domiciano , Bernal Leonardo Vargas , Lerma Yenifer Orobio , Saravia Nancy Gore , Aronoff-Spencer Eliah
Published: March 2023

Background

In Latin America, cutaneous leishmaniasis primarily affects dispersed rural communities, that have limited access to the public health system and medical attention. Mobile health (mHealth) strategies have shown potential to improve clinical management and epidemiological surveillance of neglected tropical diseases, particularly those of the skin.

Methods

The Guaral +ST app for Android was designed to monitor cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment and assess therapeutic response. We carried out a randomized trial in the coastal municipality of Tumaco in southwestern Colombia, with parallel arms comparing a) follow-up aided by the app to b) standard institution-based follow-up. Treatment was prescribed according to national guidelines. Follow-up of therapeutic response was scheduled at the end of treatment and at 7, 13 and 26 weeks after the start of treatment. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants who were monitored at or around week 26, allowing outcome and effectiveness of treatment to be determined.

Results

Follow-up of treatment and outcome assessment was achieved in significantly more patients in the intervention arm than the controls, Of the 75 participants in the two randomized arms, 74 had information on whether or not treatment was followed and outcome determined at or around week 26. Among these, 26/49 (53.1%) were evaluated in the intervention arm, and none (0/25, 0%) in the control arm (difference = 53.1%, 95% confidence interval 39.1–67.0%, p<0.001). Of the 26 participants evaluated at or around week 26 in the intervention arm, 22 (84.6%) had cured. There were no serious adverse events, nor events of severe intensity among patients monitored by CHW using the app.

Conclusion

This study provides proof of concept for mHealth to monitor treatment of CL in remote and complex settings, deliver improved care and to provide information to the health system on the effectiveness of treatment as it is delivered to affected populations.

Clinical Trial Registration

ISRCTN54865992.
On-target inhibition of Cryptosporidium parvum by nitazoxanide (NTZ) and paclitaxel (PTX) validated using a novel MDR1-transgenic host cell model and algorithms to quantify the effect on the parasite target
Authors: Yang Bo , Yan Yueyang , Wang Dongqiang , Zhang Ying , Yin Jigang , Zhu Guan
Published: March 2023

Cryptosporidium parvum is a globally distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes moderate to severe, sometime deadly, watery diarrhea in humans and animals, for which fully effective treatments are yet unavailable. In studying the mechanism of action of drugs against intracellular pathogens, it is important to validate whether the observed anti-infective activity is attributed to the drug action on the pathogen or host target. For the epicellular parasite Cryptosporidium, we have previously developed a concept that the host cells with significantly increased drug tolerance by transient overexpression of the multidrug resistance protein-1 (MDR1) could be utilized to evaluate whether and how much the observed anti-cryptosporidial activity of an inhibitor was attributed to the inhibitor’s action on the parasite target. However, the transient transfection model was only applicable to evaluating native MDR1 substrates. Here we report an advanced model using stable MDR1-transgenic HCT-8 cells that allows rapid development of novel resistance to non-MDR1 substrates by multiple rounds of drug selection. Using the new model, we successfully validated that nitazoxanide, a non-MDR1 substrate and the only FDA-approved drug to treat human cryptosporidiosis, killed C. parvum by fully (100%) acting on the parasite target. We also confirmed that paclitaxel acted fully on the parasite target, while several other inhibitors including mitoxantrone, doxorubicin, vincristine and ivermectin acted partially on the parasite targets. Additionally, we developed mathematical models to quantify the proportional contribution of the on-parasite-target effect to the observed anti-cryptosporidial activity and to evaluate the relationships between several in vitro parameters, including antiparasitic efficacy (ECi), cytotoxicity (TCi), selectivity index (SI) and Hill slope (h). Owning to the promiscuity of the MDR1 efflux pump, the MDR1-transgenic host cell model could be applied to assess the on-parasite-target effects of newly identified hits/leads, either substrates or non-substrates of MDR1, against Cryptosporidium or other epicellular pathogens.