bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD36/Lyn kinase interactions within macrophages promotes pulmonary fibrosis in response to oxidized phospholipid
Authors: Kwak Doyun , Bradley Patrick B. , Subbotina Natalia , Ling Song , Teitz-Tennenbaum Seagal , Osterholzer John J. , Sisson Thomas H. , Kim Kevin K.
Published: December 2023

Recent data from human studies and animal models have established roles for type II alveolar epithelial cell (AEC2) injury/apoptosis and monocyte/macrophage accumulation and activation in progressive lung fibrosis. Although the link between these processes is not well defined, we have previously shown that CD36-mediated uptake of apoptotic AEC2s by lung macrophages is sufficient to drive fibrosis. Importantly, apoptotic AEC2s are rich in oxidized phospholipids (oxPL), and amongst its multiple functions, CD36 serves as a scavenger receptor for oxPL. Recent studies have established a role for oxPLs in alveolar scarring, and we hypothesized that uptake and accrual of oxPL by CD36 would cause a macrophage phenotypic change that promotes fibrosis. To test this hypothesis, we treated wild-type and CD36-null mice with the oxPL derivative oxidized phosphocholine (POVPC) and found that CD36-null mice were protected from oxPL-induced scarring. Compared to WT mice, fewer macrophages accumulated in the lungs of CD36-null animals, and the macrophages exhibited a decreased accumulation of intracellular oxidized lipid. Importantly, the attenuated accrual of oxPL in CD36-null macrophages was associated with diminished expression of the profibrotic mediator, TGFβ. Finally, the pathway linking oxPL uptake and TGFβ expression was found to require CD36-mediated activation of Lyn kinase. Together, these observations elucidate a causal pathway that connects AEC2 injury with lung macrophage activation via CD36-mediated uptake of oxPL and suggest several potential therapeutic targets.
Serum concentrations of proinflammatory biomarker interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a predictor of postoperative complications after elective colorectal surgery
Authors: Procházka Vladimír , Lacina Lukáš , Smetana Karel , Svoboda Martin , Skřivanová Kateřina , Beňovská Miroslava , Jarkovský Jiří , Křen Leoš , Kala Zdeněk
Published: December 2023

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of serum IL-6 as a potential predictive biomarker of postoperative complications (POC) in elective colorectal surgery.

Method

A total of 115 patients underwent colorectal surgery for malignancy. IL-6 was measured on the first and third postoperative days (POD1, POD3), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured on the POD3. POC was analysed in subgroups according to Clavien‒Dindo (CD), antibiotic (ATB) treatment, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. The predictive power of variables for evaluated endpoints was analysed using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and described by area under the curve (AUC). ROC analysis was adopted for the identification of optimal cut-offs. Histological analysis was performed to verify IL-6 production by the tumour.

Results

Out of 115 patients who were analysed, 42% had POC. Patients with POC had significantly higher serum levels of IL-6 on POD1 (p < 0.001) and POD3 (p < 0.001). IL-6 early on POD1 as a predictor of antibiotic treatment, ICU stay and hospital stay (AUC 0.818; 0.811; 0.771) did not significantly differ from the AUC of CRP late on POD3 (0.879; 0.838, 0.752). A cut-off IL-6 value of 113 pg/ml on POD1 and 180.5 pg/ml on POD3 in severe complications (CD > 3a) resulted in 75% and 72% sensitivity, 78.6% and 99% specificity, negative predictive value 96.4% and 97% and positive predictive value 29% and 88.9%.

Conclusion

The serum level of interleukin-6 can predict severe (CD > 3a) POC early on POD1. On POD3, IL-6 is superior to CRP in terms of high positive predictive power of severe POC. Interestingly, the advantage of IL-6 on POD1 is early prediction of the need for antibiotic treatment, ICU stay and hospital stay, which is comparable to the CRP serum level late on the third POD.
Optimising a co-production framework for developing public health interventions: application and testing of school-based Research Action Groups
Authors: Reed Hayley , Murphy Simon , Evans Rhiannon
Published: December 2023

Existing frameworks for developing public health interventions have limited guidance for researchers on how to work with stakeholders to co-produce context-specific interventions. To address this, a promising framework for the co-production of public health interventions was developed through a previous review of school-based co-production. The present study aimed to optimise this co-production framework through applying and testing it in real-world secondary school contexts. Within schools, Research Action Groups (RAGs) were established with multiple school stakeholders supported by an external facilitator to use school data to produce school-specific mental health and wellbeing interventions. A mixed method process evaluation of two contextually diverse case study secondary schools in the UK was used to optimise the co-production framework. The process evaluation sought the views of those involved (students, school staff, school Senior Management Team (SMT) members, and the external co-production facilitator/researcher) on the co-production functions they were involved in so they could be modified, if needed. Data collected for the process evaluation during co-production were a researcher diary (n = 45 entries), and observations of student photography (n = 21) and RAG meetings (n = 8). Post co-production, interviews, and surveys with RAG students (n = 18) and staff (n = 8), and two school-specific SMT focus groups (n = 10) were conducted. The study identified four recommendations to optimise and integrate co-production into real world practice. They include the need to: assess schools for their readiness to undertake co-production; more effectively communicate the necessity to have stakeholders from the whole system involved; work with SMTs throughout co-production functions; involve stakeholders outside the school to support producing solutions to change school mental health and wellbeing priorities. The framework is intended to be used by researchers to integrate stakeholders into a shared decision-making process to develop interventions that meet the needs and contexts of individual schools. It could be transferred to other settings to support the development of public health interventions for other health areas, and populations. Further evaluation to test its use in other settings is needed.
Collider and reporting biases involved in the analyses of cause of death associations in death certificates: an illustration with cancer and suicide
Authors: Laanani Moussa , Viallon Vivian , Coste Joël , Rey Grégoire
Published: December 2023

Background

Mortality data obtained from death certificates have been studied to explore causal associations between diseases. However, these analyses are subject to collider and reporting biases (selection and information biases, respectively). We aimed to assess to what extent associations of causes of death estimated from individual mortality data can be extrapolated as associations of disease states in the general population.

Methods

We used a multistate model to generate populations of individuals and simulate their health states up to death from national health statistics and artificially replicate collider bias. Associations between health states can then be estimated from such simulated deaths by logistic regression and the magnitude of collider bias assessed. Reporting bias can be approximated by comparing the estimates obtained from the observed death certificates (subject to collider and reporting biases) with those obtained from the simulated deaths (subject to collider bias only). As an illustrative example, we estimated the association between cancer and suicide in French death certificates and found that cancer was negatively associated with suicide. Collider bias, due to conditioning inclusion in the study population on death, increasingly downwarded the associations with cancer site lethality. Reporting bias was much stronger than collider bias and depended on the cancer site, but not prognosis.

Results

The magnitude of the biases ranged from 1.7 to 9.3 for collider bias, and from 4.7 to 64 for reporting bias.

Conclusions

These results argue for an assessment of the magnitude of both collider and reporting biases before performing analyses of cause of death associations exclusively from mortality data. If these biases cannot be corrected, results from these analyses should not be extrapolated to the general population.
Accidental traffickers: qualitative findings on labour recruitment in Ethiopia
Authors: Busza Joanna , Shewamene Zewdneh , Zimmerman Cathy , Erulkar Annabel , Hailu Eyasu , Negeri Lemi , Anderson Elizabeth , Lo Yuki
Published: December 2023

Background

The growth of labour migration and associated risks of human trafficking and exploitation remain significant global human rights and health challenges. There is increasing policy interest in addressing structural determinants of adverse migration outcomes such as migrants’ use of informal employment recruiters. In Ethiopia, “safe migration” policies have introduced regulations for registered private employment agencies and penalties for anyone else placing migrants into work overseas. Yet migrants continue to use informal facilitators who are often demonised as traffickers without evidence of their motivations, experiences or perceptions. We conducted qualitative interviews with 28 informal facilitators as part of a study into how recruitment practices shape risks for female migrants seeking domestic work in the Middle East and Gulf States. We present the realities of irregular recruitment on the ground, and how these practices are affected by policies that dichotomise recruiters into legal/safe and illegal/unsafe categories.

Results

We identified four main themes. First, arranging migration from rural areas differs from in the capital, Addis Ababa, where laws and regulations originate. Outside Addis Ababa, registration was difficult for facilitators to arrange, with little incentive to do so due to its lack of importance to prospective migrants. Second, the ability to circumvent legal requirements was considered an advantage of informal facilitators because it reduced costs and expedited migrants’ departure. Third, facilitators did not work alone but operated in long “chains” of diverse actors. This meant migrants’ safety was not determined by any given individual, but spread across numerous people involved in sending a migrant abroad, some of whom might be registered and others not. And finally, facilitators did not believe they could realistically safeguard migrants once they were outside of Ethiopia and working under different laws and employers.

Conclusions

Findings from this study add to a growing body of work demonstrating the diversity of people involved in the migration process, and consequent oversimplification of popular policy solutions. A more effective approach might be to constructively engage informal facilitators and identify ways they could assist with referring migrant workers to registered agencies and safe employment, rather than criminalising their participation.
Accuracy and reproducibility of two-dimensional computed tomography-based positioning of femoral component rotational alignment in preoperative planning for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Kun , Liu Yuandong , Fan Zongqing , Fu Donglin
Published: December 2023

Background

Poor rotation of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can result in various postoperative complications, underscoring the critical importance of preoperative planning.

Purpose

To improve the accuracy of femoral component positioning during TKA, this study compared the accuracy and repeatability of different two-dimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT) measurement methods for measuring the posterior condylar angle (PCA) in preoperative TKA planning.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 75 patients (150 knees) who underwent bilateral lower extremity computed tomography angiography (CTA) at Fuyang People's Hospital from January 2021 to July 2021. Three different methods were used to measure the PCA based on 2D CT images (axial CT slices) and three-dimensional(3D) models (femoral models reconstructed from CT data) in this study. Method 1: Single-plane 2D CT measurement, measuring PCA in the most obvious single-plane CT slice of the surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA); Method 2: multi-plane 2D CT measurement, identifying and locating anatomical landmarks in multiple 2D CT slices and measuring PCA; Method 3: 3D model measurement, measuring PCA in the reconstructed femur 3D model. Compare the differences in PCA measurements between the three measurement methods. A positive PCA measurement was recorded when the sTEA was externally rotated relative to the posterior condylar line (PCL). Any difference exceeding 3° between the PCA measurement in the 2D CT and the PCA reference value in the 3D model was classified as an outlier. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman method were utilized to assess the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of the three measurement methods.

Results

The PCA measurement in the single-plane 2D CT was 1.91 ± 1.94°, with a measurement error of − 1.22 ± 1.32° and 12.7% of outlier values. In the multi-plane 2D CT, the PCA measurement was 2.96 ± 1.68°, with a measurement error of -0.15 ± 0.91° and 6.0% of outlier values. The PCA measurement in the 3D model was 3.12 ± 1.69°. The PCA measurement in single-plane 2D CT was notably smaller than that in multi-plane 2D CT and 3D models, with no significant difference between the latter two. The multi-plane 2D CT showed significantly lower measurement error and outlier values than the single-plane 2D CT. All three PCA measurement methods exhibited high reproducibility (ICC: 0.93 ~ 0.97).

Conclusions

Using of multi-plane 2D CT for measuring PCA in preoperative planning of TKA has high reproducibility and accuracy, with fewer outlier values. We recommend preoperative measurement of PCA using muti-plane 2D CT to improve the accuracy of positioning the femoral component rotational alignment during surgery.
Microfluidic device for enhancement and analysis of osteoblast differentiation in three-dimensional cell cultures
Authors: Killinger Michael , Kratochvilová Adéla , Reihs Eva Ingeborg , Matalová Eva , Klepárník Karel , Rothbauer Mario
Published: December 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures are to date the gold standard in biomedical research fields due to their enhanced biological functions compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. 3D cell spheroids, as well as organoids, are better suited to replicate tissue functions, which enables their use both as in vitro models for basic research and toxicology, as well as building blocks used in tissue/organ biofabrication approaches. Culturing 3D spheroids from bone-derived cells is an emerging technology for both disease modelling and drug screening applications. Bone tissue models are mainly limited by the implementation of sophisticated devices and procedures that can foster a tissue-specific 3D cell microenvironment along with a dynamic cultivation regime. In this study, we consequently developed, optimized and characterized an advanced perfused microfluidic platform to improve the reliability of 3D bone cell cultivation and to enhance aspects of bone tissue maturation in vitro. Moreover, biomechanical stimulation generated by fluid flow inside the arrayed chamber, was used to mimic a more dynamic cell environment emulating a highly vascularized bone we expected to improve the osteogenic 3D microenvironment in the developed multifunctional spheroid-array platform. The optimized 3D cell culture protocols in our murine bone-on-a-chip spheroid model exhibited increased mineralization and viability compared to static conditions. As a proof-of-concept, we successfully confirmed on the beneficial effects of a dynamic culture environment on osteogenesis and used our platform for analysis of bone-derived spheroids produced from primary human pre-osteoblasts. To conclude, the newly developed system represents a powerful tool for studying human bone patho/physiology in vitro under more relevant and dynamic culture conditions converging the advantages of microfluidic platforms with multi-spheroid array technologies.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of histological breast cancer subtypes invasive lobular versus non-special type on survival in early intermediate-to-high-risk breast carcinoma: results from the SUCCESS trials
Authors: Dayan Davut , Lukac Stefan , Rack Brigitte , Ebner Florian , Fink Visnja , Leinert Elena , Veselinovic Kristina , Schütze Sabine , El Taie Ziad , Janni Wolfgang , Friedl Thomas W. P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Invasive lobular breast carcinomas (ILC) have different histological features compared to non-special type carcinomas (NST), but the effect of histological subtypes on survival is controversial. In this study, we compared clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes between ILC and NST based on a large pooled data set from three adjuvant breast cancer trials (SUCCESS A, B, and C) and investigated a potential differential effect of recurrence risk related to nodal stage on survival.

Methods

From 2005 to 2017, the large randomized controlled SUCCESS A, B, and C trials enrolled 8190 patients with primary, intermediate-to-high-risk breast carcinoma. All patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, and endocrine and/or HER2-targeted treatment was given where appropriate. Survival outcomes in terms of disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS), and distant disease-free survival (DDFS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and analyzed using log-rank tests as well as univariable and adjusted multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

In the SUCCESS trials, 6284 patients had NST and 952 had ILC. The median follow-up time was 64 months. ILC patients were older, more likely to receive mastectomy, and more likely to have larger tumor sizes, lymph node infiltration, hormone receptor-positive, HER2neu-negative, and luminal A-like tumors than NST patients. In the overall cohort, no significant differences between ILC and NST were detectable regarding the four survival endpoints, with hazard ratios obtained in adjusted multivariable cox regressions of 0.96 (95% CI 0.77–1.21, p = 0.743) for DFS, 1.13 (95% CI 0.85–1.50, p = 0.414) for OS, 1.21 (95% CI 0.89–1.66, p = 0.229) for BCSS, and 0.95 (95% CI 0.73–1.24, p = 0.689) for DDFS. However, a differential effect of nodal stage on survival was observed, with better survival for ILC patients with pN0/pN1 tumors and worse survival for ILC patients with pN2/pN3 tumors compared to NST patients.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that ILC was associated with worse survival compared to NST for patients at high risk of recurrence due to advanced lymph node infiltration. These findings should be taken into account for treatment decisions and monitoring.
A time-resolved meta-analysis of consensus gene expression profiles during human T-cell activation
Authors: Rade Michael , Böhlen Sebastian , Neuhaus Vanessa , Löffler Dennis , Blumert Conny , Merz Maximilian , Köhl Ulrike , Dehmel Susann , Sewald Katherina , Reiche Kristin
Published: December 2023

Background

The coordinated transcriptional regulation of activated T-cells is based on a complex dynamic behavior of signaling networks. Given an external stimulus, T-cell gene expression is characterized by impulse and sustained patterns over the course. Here, we analyze the temporal pattern of activation across different T-cell populations to develop consensus gene signatures for T-cell activation.

Results

Here, we identify and verify general biomarker signatures robustly evaluating T-cell activation in a time-resolved manner. We identify time-resolved gene expression profiles comprising 521 genes of up to 10 disjunct time points during activation and different polarization conditions. The gene signatures include central transcriptional regulators of T-cell activation, representing successive waves as well as sustained patterns of induction. They cover sustained repressed, intermediate, and late response expression rates across multiple T-cell populations, thus defining consensus biomarker signatures for T-cell activation. In addition, intermediate and late response activation signatures in CAR T-cell infusion products are correlated to immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome.

Conclusion

This study is the first to describe temporally resolved gene expression patterns across T-cell populations. These biomarker signatures are a valuable source, e.g., monitoring transcriptional changes during T-cell activation with a reasonable number of genes, annotating T-cell states in single-cell transcriptome studies, or assessing dysregulated functions of human T-cell immunity.
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma leading to acute paraplegia: a case report
Authors: Liu Yu , George Rajeesh , Tan Gamaliel Yu Heng
Published: December 2023

Background

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is an infrequent yet potentially debilitating condition characterized by blood accumulation in the epidural space, with only 300 documented cases globally. Although the exact etiology of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma remains poorly understood, theories suggest arteriovenous malformations, rupture of epidural vessels, or epidural veins as possible causes.

Case presentation

This study presents a 58-year-old Malay woman patient from Singapore with well-controlled hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type II diabetes mellitus, and microscopic hematuria. Despite a prior cystoscopy revealing no abnormalities, she presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset back pain, weakness, and numbness in both lower limbs. Rapidly progressing symptoms prompted imaging, leading to the diagnosis of a spinal epidural hematoma from thoracic (T) 9 to lumbar (L) 1. Prompt decompressive surgery was performed, and the patient is currently undergoing postoperative rehabilitation for paralysis.

Conclusion

This case emphasizes the severity and life-altering consequences of spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas. Despite various proposed causative factors, a definitive consensus remains elusive in current literature. Consequently, maintaining a low threshold of suspicion for patients with similar presentations is crucial. The findings underscore the urgent need for swift evaluation and surgical intervention in cases of acute paraplegia.
Visual and tactile perception techniques for braille recognition
Authors: Park Byeong-Sun , Im Seong-Min , Lee Hojun , Lee Young Tack , Nam Changjoo , Hong Sungeun , Kim Min-gu
Published: December 2023

In the case of a visually impaired person, literal communication often relies on braille, a system predominantly dependent on vision and touch. This study entailed the development of a visual and tactile perception technique for braille character recognition. In the visual perception approach, a braille character recognition was performed using a deep learning model (Faster R-CNN–FPN–ResNet-50), based on custom-made braille dataset collected through data augmentation and preprocessing. The attained performance was indicated by an mAP50 of 94.8 and mAP75 of 70.4 on the generated dataset. In the tactile perception approach, a braille character recognition was performed using a flexible capacitive pressure sensor array. The sensor size and density were designed according to braille standards, and a single sensor with a size of 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm was manufactured into a 5 × 5 sensor array by using a printing technique. Additionally, the sensitivity was improved by incorporating a pressure-sensitive micro dome-structured array layer. Finally, braille character recognition was visualized in the form of a video-based heatmap. These results will potentially be a cornerstone in developing assistive technology for the visually impaired through the fusion of visual-tactile sensing technology.
Virtual reality simulation training improve diagnostic knee arthroscopy and meniscectomy skills: a prospective transfer validity study
Authors: Tronchot Alexandre , Casy Tiphaine , Vallee Nicolas , Common Harold , Thomazeau Hervé , Jannin Pierre , Huaulmé Arnaud
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Limited data exist on the actual transfer of skills learned using a virtual reality (VR) simulator for arthroscopy training because studies mainly focused on VR performance improvement and not on transfer to real word (transfer validity). The purpose of this single‐blinded, controlled trial was to objectively investigate transfer validity in the context of initial knee arthroscopy training.

Methods

For this study, 36 junior resident orthopaedic surgeons (postgraduate year one and year two) without prior experience in arthroscopic surgery were enrolled to receive standard knee arthroscopy surgery training (NON‐VR group) or standard training plus training on a hybrid virtual reality knee arthroscopy simulator (1 h/month) (VR group). At inclusion, all participants completed a questionnaire on their current arthroscopic technical skills. After 6 months of training, both groups performed three exercises that were evaluated independently by two blinded trainers: i) arthroscopic partial meniscectomy on a bench‐top knee simulator; ii) supervised diagnostic knee arthroscopy on a cadaveric knee; and iii) supervised knee partial meniscectomy on a cadaveric knee. Training level was determined with the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) score.

Results

Overall, performance (ASSET scores) was better in the VR group than NON‐VR group (difference in the global scores: p < 0.001, in bench‐top meniscectomy scores: p = 0.03, in diagnostic knee arthroscopy on a cadaveric knee scores: p = 0.04, and in partial meniscectomy on a cadaveric knee scores: p = 0.02). Subgroup analysis by postgraduate year showed that the year‐one NON‐VR subgroup performed worse than the other subgroups, regardless of the exercise.

Conclusion

This study showed the transferability of the technical skills acquired by novice residents on a hybrid virtual reality simulator to the bench‐top and cadaveric models. Surgical skill acquired with a VR arthroscopy surgical simulator might safely improve arthroscopy competences in the operating room, also helping to standardise resident training and follow their progress.

Level of evidence

2
Time spent above optimal cerebral perfusion pressure is not associated with failure to improve in outcome in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Stein Kevin Y. , Froese Logan , Gomez Alwyn , Sainbhi Amanjyot Singh , Vakitbilir Nuray , Ibrahim Younis , Islam Abrar , Marquez Izabella , Amenta Fiorella , Bergmann Tobias , Zeiler Frederick A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Optimal cerebral perfusion pressure (CPPopt) has emerged as a promising personalized medicine approach to the management of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Though literature demonstrating its association with poor outcomes exists, there is yet to be work done on its association with outcome transition due to a lack of serial outcome data analysis. In this study we investigate the association between various metrics of CPPopt and failure to improve in outcome over time.

Methods

CPPopt was derived using three different cerebrovascular reactivity indices; the pressure reactivity index (PRx), the pulse amplitude index (PAx), and the RAC index. For each index, % times spent with cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) above and below its CPPopt and upper and lower limits of reactivity were calculated. Patients were dichotomized based on improvement in Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) scores intoImprovedvs.Not Improvedbetween 1 and 3 months, 3 and 6 months, and 1- and 6-month post-TBI. Logistic regression analyses were then conducted, adjusting for the International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials (IMPACT) variables.

Results

This study included a total of 103 patients from the Winnipeg Acute TBI Database. Through Mann–WhitneyUtesting and logistic regression analysis, it was found that % time spent with CPP below CPPopt was associated with failure to improve in outcome, while % time spent with CPP above CPPopt was generally associated with improvement in outcome.

Conclusions

Our study supports the existing narrative that time spent with CPP below CPPopt results in poorer outcomes. However, it also suggests that time spent above CPPopt may not be associated with worse outcomes and is possibly even associated with improvement in outcome.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of Shanhuang Jiangzhi tablets and atorvastatin in the treatment of patients with hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Sun GuoTong , Liang XiuWen
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of Shanhuang Jiangzhi tablets and atorvastatin in reducing blood lipid levels.

Methods

Patients with hyperlipidaemia admitted to the cardiac centre between January 2019 and December 2020 were included in the study. A total of 1063 patients with hyperlipidaemia took either Shanhuang Jiangzhi tablets (n = 372) or atorvastatin (n = 691) and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical data, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were retrospectively evaluated after propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. The adverse events were also recorded during the therapy process.

Results

Following PSM analysis, both groups were well matched across all parameters. Compared with the baseline, Shanhuang Jiangzhi tablets had greater effects on TC, TG and LDL-C, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the results showed that Shanhuang Jiangzhi tablets are similar to atorvastatin in reducing TC and LDL-C, and all p-values were > 0.05. However, the decrease of TG was greater in the Shanhuang Jiangzhi group (p < 0.001). Clinical adverse reactions of Shanhuang Jiangzhi tablets are rare and have no statistical significance compared with atorvastatin (p = 0.682).

Conclusions

Shanhuang Jiangzhi tablets have a higher hypotriglyceridaemic performance than atorvastatin and an equivalent ability to lower TC and LDL-C. In addition, Shanhuang Jiangzhi tablets are a low-risk option for lowering blood lipids.
Simultaneous prediction of the geofluid and permeability of reservoirs in prestack seismic inversion
Authors: Yang Wenqiang , Zong Zhaoyun , Sun Qianhao
Published: December 2023

Geofluid discrimination and permeability prediction are indispensable steps in reservoir evaluation. From the perspective of prestack seismic inversion, predicting fluid indicators is an effective method for obtaining fluid properties directly from seismic data. In contrast, the direct prediction of permeability from observed seismic gathers is constrained by the difficulty in establishing a link between permeability and elastic parameters. However, we show that the pore structure parameters in seismic petrophysical theory are highly related to permeability, providing a new solution for predicting permeability using seismic data. Therefore, the correlation between the shear flexibility factor and permeability is first verified based on logging curves and laboratory data, and the results demonstrate that the shear flexibility factor can be an indicator of reservoir permeability. Second, an approximate reflection coefficient equation is derived for the direct characterization of the shear flexibility factor. In the developed equation, a novel fluid indicator, expressed as the ratio of Russell’s fluid indicator to the square of the shear flexibility factor, is defined for the simultaneous prediction of fluid types and permeability. With the validated response of the novel fluid indicator to geofluid types, we achieve simultaneous predictions of fluid types and reservoir permeability characteristics from prestack seismic data, using a boundary-constrained Bayesian inversion strategy. The model tests and the application of field data from a clastic reservoir confirm the effectiveness and applicability of the method.
Population-Level Access to Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis in Nigeria
Authors: Omisore Adeleye D. , Sutton Elizabeth J. , Akinola Racheal A. , Towoju Anuoluwapo G. , Akhigbe Adenike , Ebubedike Uzoamaka R. , Tansley Gavin , Olasehinde Olalekan , Goyal Amita , Akinde Adedoyin Olabisi , Alatise Olusegun I. , Mango Victoria Lee , Kingham T. Peter , Knapp Gregory C.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Mammography, breast ultrasound (US), and US-guided breast biopsy are essential services for breast cancer early detection and diagnosis. This study undertook a comprehensive evaluation to determine population-level access to these services for breast cancer early detection and diagnosis in Nigeria using a previously validated geographic information system (GIS) model.

METHODS

A comprehensive list of public and private facilities offering mammography, breast US, and US-guided breast biopsy was compiled using publicly available facility data and a survey administered nationally to Nigerian radiologists. All facilities were geolocated. A cost-distance model using open-source population density (GeoData Institute) and road network data (OpenStreetMap) was used to estimate population-level travel time to the nearest facility for mammography, breast US, and US-guided biopsy using GIS software (ArcMAP).

RESULTS

In total, 1,336 facilities in Nigeria provide breast US, of which 47.8% (639 of 1,336) are public facilities, and 218 provide mammography, of which 45.4% (99 of 218) are public facilities. Of the facilities that provide breast US, only 2.5% (33 of 1,336) also provide US-guided breast biopsy. At the national level, 83.1% have access to either US or mammography and 61.7% have access to US-guided breast biopsy within 120 minutes of a continuous one-way travel. There are differences in access to mammography (64.8% v 80.6% with access at 120 minutes) and US-guided breast biopsy (49.0% v 77.1% with access at 120 minutes) between the northern and southern Nigeria and between geopolitical zones.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive evaluation of breast cancer detection and diagnostic services in Nigeria, which demonstrates geospatial inequalities in access to mammography and US-guided biopsy. Targeted investment is needed to improve access to these essential cancer care services in the northern region and the North East geopolitical zone.
Prospective Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cell Kinetics in Patients With Oligometastatic Disease Receiving Definitive Intent Radiation Therapy
Authors: Sud Shivani , Poellmann Michael J. , Hall Jacob , Tan Xianming , Bu Jiyoon , Myung Ja Hye , Wang Andrew Z. , Hong Seungpyo , Casey Dana L.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

There are currently no predictive molecular biomarkers to identify patients with oligometastatic disease (OMD) who will benefit from definitive-intent radiation therapy (RT). We prospectively characterized circulating tumor cell (CTC) kinetics in patients with OMD undergoing definitive-intent RT.

METHODS

This prospective correlative biomarker study included patients with any solid malignancy ≤5 metastatic sites in ≤3 anatomic organ systems undergoing definitive-intent RT to all disease sites. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were captured and enumerated using a biomimetic cell rolling and nanotechnology-based assay functionalized with antibodies against epithelial cell adhesion molecule, against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and against epidermal growth factor receptor before and during RT and at follow-up visits up to 2 years post-RT.

RESULTS

We enrolled 43 patients with a median follow-up of 14.3 months. The pretreatment CTC level (cells captured/mL) was not associated with the number of disease sites (median one metastatic site/patient, range 1-5) or metastasis location (bone, brain, visceral) on Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P > .05. Post-RT, 56% of patients received systemic therapy, and 72% of patients experienced subsequent local or systemic progression. For 90% of patients, a CTC level <15 within 130 days post-RT corresponded to a durable control of irradiated lesions. Patients with a favorable versus an unfavorable clearance profile experienced significantly longer progression-free survival after RT (median 13 v 4 months, log-rank test, P = .0011). On logistic regression, CTC level >15 at a given time point was associated with clinical disease progression within the subsequent 6 months (odds ratio 3.31, P = .007). In 26% of patients with disease progression, a CTC level >15 preceded radiographic or clinical progression.

CONCLUSION

CTCs may serve as a biomarker for disease control in OMD and may predict disease progression before standard assessments for patients receiving diverse cancer-directed therapies.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Osimertinib and Sotorasib Combination Treatment for Osimertinib Resistance Caused by KRAS G12C Mutation: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Ernst Sophie M. , Uzun Sevim , Paats Marthe S. , van Marion Ronald , Atmodimedjo Peggy N. , de Jonge Evert , van Schaik Ron H.N. , Aerts Joachim G.J.V. , von der Thüsen Jan H. , Dubbink Hendrikus J. , Dingemans Anne-Marie C.
Published: December 2023

Two cases show osimertinib/sotorasib combination could be effective in KRAS G12C-driven osimertinib resistance.
The multifaceted roles of microtubule-associated proteins in the primary cilium and ciliopathies
Authors: Deretic Jovana , Odabasi Ezgi , Firat-Karalar Elif Nur
Published: December 2023

The primary cilium is a conserved microtubule-based organelle that is critical for transducing developmental, sensory and homeostatic signaling pathways. It comprises an axoneme with nine parallel doublet microtubules extending from the basal body, surrounded by the ciliary membrane. The axoneme exhibits remarkable stability, serving as the skeleton of the cilium in order to maintain its shape and provide tracks to ciliary trafficking complexes. Although ciliary trafficking and signaling have been exhaustively characterized over the years, less is known about the unique structural and functional complexities of the axoneme. Recent work has yielded new insights into the mechanisms by which the axoneme is built with its proper length and architecture, particularly regarding the activity of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). In this Review, we first summarize current knowledge about the architecture, composition and specialized compartments of the primary cilium. Next, we discuss the mechanistic underpinnings of how a functional cilium is assembled, maintained and disassembled through the regulation of its axonemal microtubules. We conclude by examining the diverse localizations and functions of ciliary MAPs for the pathobiology of ciliary diseases.
Decréscimo das coberturas vacinais no Brasil
Authors: Viana Rafaela Rodrigues , Cavalcante Kellyn Kessiene de Sousa , Boigny Reagan Nzundu , Dias Florêncio Caroline Mary Gurgel
Published: December 2023

A imunização no Brasil passou por desafios constantes ao longo dos anos para erradicar doenças e atingir uma cobertura vacinal adequada. O presente estudo buscou identificar o panorama da cobertura vacinal no Brasil entre 2012 e 2022, e os seus impactos sobre as metas de imunizações. Estudo do tipo ecológico de análise temporal. Os dados referentes às taxas de coberturas vacinais das cinco regiões do Brasil, de 2012 a 2022, foram coletados do DATASUS. Evidenciou-se um decréscimo considerável nas taxas de imunizações dos últimos onze anos, demandando a necessidade de planejamento e introdução de tecnologias para supervisão aos serviços de saúde.
PRESSUPOSTOS DA PRONTIDÃO EM CONHECIMENTO NAS ORGANIZAÇÕES
Authors: Santos Ruan Carlos dos , Silva Junior Daniel de Souza , Sousa Antônia Márcia Rodrigues , Tutida Alessandra Yula
Published: December 2023

Este estudo fornece uma possibilidade de se compreender o conhecimento organizacional em seus dois aspectos mais gerais: como recurso e elemento humano. O conhecimento, enquanto recurso, pode ter vários significados, mas pode resumir-se em dois sentidos, (known) e (knowing), ou seja, o que é conhecido e aquilo que se está conhecendo (Machlup, 1962). O conhecimento pode ser um elemento humano que, portanto, pode ser avaliado quanto à sua competência, qualidade, ao seu tempo, volume, custo, à sua flexibilidade e ambiente (Romero; Galeano; Molina, 2008). O desenvolvimento deste artigo fez-se por meio de uma pesquisa de revisão bibliográfica, consultando as bases científicas Scopus e Web of Science, identificando elementos-chave, o estabelecimento de relações teóricas (Pizzani et al., 2012). Como resultado, obtiveram-se os principais pressupostos norteadores avaliativos para que uma organização integre uma rede colaborativa.
Αναπαραστάσεις της κρίσης από την ελληνική ψυχαγωγική τηλεόραση, κατά το ξέσπασμά της (2010-2013)
Authors: Βαρβάκη Αρχοντούλα
Published: December 2023

Στόχος της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η μελέτη της αναπαράστασης της ελληνικής κρίσης μέσα από την ψυχαγωγική τηλεόραση. Τα προγράμματα που θα μελετήσουμε είναι δύο κωμωδίες καταστάσεων και μία σατιρική εκπομπή. Στηριζόμαστε στη σκέψη των Fiske και Hartley, που βλέπουν την τηλεόραση ως ένα σύγχρονο βάρδο και υποθέτουμε ότι η ψυχαγωγική τηλεόραση, ανταποκρινόμενη στο ρόλο αυτό και ως μέρος της αλυσίδας κειμένων των ΜΜΕ, έχει συμβάλλει και αυτή στην αναπαράσταση της κρίσης, χωρίς να ξεφεύγει από το πλαίσιο που ορίζουν τα ενημερωτικά προϊόντα των ΜΜΕ, αλλά φωτίζοντας λεπτομέρειες της καθημερινής ζωής των τηλεθεατών. Όσον αφορά τη σατιρική εκπομπή, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη την καλλιτεχνική πορεία του δημιουργού, διαφοροποιούμε την υπόθεσή μας, υποθέτοντας ότι η συγκεκριμένη εκπομπή παρουσιάζει τα γεγονότα της περιόδου από τη σκοπιά των κατώτερων οικονομικά στρωμάτων και προτείνει τρόπους αντίστασης. Αναλύουμε τα τρία προγράμματα συνδυάζοντας την μέθοδο Κριτικής Ανάλυσης Λόγου του Fairclough με τη μέθοδο Ανάλυσης Λόγου του Δοξιάδη και καταλήγουμε στο συμπέρασμα ότι οι δύο κωμωδίες ανταποκρίνονται στο ρόλο του τηλεοπτικού βάρδου, εφόσον πρώτον αναπαριστούν τις δυσκολίες που αντιμετωπίζει κάθε άτομο που πλήττεται από την κρίση, συλλογικοποιώντας το τραύμα και διασφαλίζοντας τη συμμετοχή του ατόμου στην κουλτούρα και δεύτερον στοχεύουν στη διατήρηση της συνοχής της κουλτούρας, καθώς αναπαριστούν τη νέα συνθήκη αλλά στερούνται εναλλακτικών προτάσεων και εξουδετερώνουν τις φυγόκεντρες δυνάμεις. Η σατιρική εκπομπή κινείται στην ίδια κατεύθυνση όσον αφορά την πρώτη λειτουργία, αλλά διαφοροποιείται στη δεύτερη, καθώς συνομιλεί με τον λόγο των κινημάτων και της Αριστεράς.
Dataset from two pilot studies: the effect of emotional and motivational factors on peer support in context of adolescent smoking cessation program, evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Fitrianto Mohammad Eko , Dharmmesta Basu Swastha , Purwanto Bernardinus Maria
Published: December 2023

Background: This study examines the effect of emotional and motivational factors on peer support in the context of adolescent smoking using datasets from two pilot studies. Although there are studies available on adolescent smoking cessation, only a few have focused on developing classroom-based prevention programs.  

Methods: Two datasets from each pilot study were collected using an online survey technique (n=102). Data were collected using convenience sampling from grade 11 high school students in Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatera province, Indonesia. We used descriptive statistics to explore the phenomenon in classroom settings in study I (n=31), and logistic regression to predict peer support in study II (n=71).  

Results: This dataset contains preliminary findings regarding peer support in the context of adolescent smoking. We discovered through descriptive statistics that student opinions and reactions regarding cigarette products and smoking are diverse. In addition, an associative study revealed that emotional and motivational factors have a substantial effect on peer support. 

Conclusions: There are no publicly available datasets that employ emotional and motivational factors affecting peer support in classroom settings, making the dataset unique. In addition, the dataset included in this brief report can be utilized to develop school-based smoking cessation programs for adolescents.
The role of active pedagogies in architectural design studios: post-pandemic adaptation
Authors: Kassem Amany , Farghaly Yasser , Hany Nermine
Published: December 2023

Background: Architectural design studio courses are the core of architecture education where learners collaborate, brainstorm, and share their ideas to obtain the most beneficial outcome in a shared creative environment. The COVID-19 crisis has brought a variety of amendments in the architecture education world which therefore introduced a vast number of challenges to both architecture students and tutors. Since the beginning of 2020, all architecture universities from all over the world started to depend thoroughly on remote learning and according to previous studies, the majority of the students were highly satisfied with online learning when it came to architectural theoretical courses; however, the most challenging part was the architecture studio courses. Such interference lead to an educational shift from a physical interactive studio environment to a remote learning environment which caused a heated debate among the researchers. Hence, the study aims to test the architecture studio pedagogies in order to obtain an efficient and interactive studio environment leading to more satisfactory outcomes regarding the studio courses.

Methods: Two questionnaire surveys were distributed online on google docs to both the studio courses staff members and students at the AAST Campus in Alexandria, Egypt at the end of the 15th week of the course and collected three weeks later. A comparative analysis of the individual and the collaborative phase for both surveys was anonymously achieved through the online forms for an unbiased active learning and pedagogical approaches assessment.

Results: The survey results of 73 students and 13 staff participants emphasized the most beneficial active learning criteria and architecture pedagogies to be used for architectural studio courses.

Conclusion: According to the results, the study will propose updated active learning guidelines for architectural design studio courses adapting to any emergency.