bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
End-of-Life Costs in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ito Süffert Soraya Camargo , Mantese Carlos Eduardo Aliatti , Meira Felipe Rodrigo de Castro , Trindade Katia Flavia Rosso de Oliveira , Etges Ana Paula Beck da Silva , Vargas Alves Rafael José , Bica Claudia Giuliano
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Identify the costs of an oncology patient at the end of life.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted by screening Embase, PubMed and Lilacs databases, including all studies evaluating end-of-life care costs for cancer patients up to March 2024. The review writing followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Drummond checklist. The protocol is available at PROSPERO CRD42023403186.

Results

A total of 733 studies were retrieved, and 43 were considered eligible. Among the studies analyzed, 41,86% included all types of neoplasms, 18.60% of lung neoplasm, All articles performed direct cost analysis, and 9.30% also performed indirect cost analysis. No study evaluated intangible costs, and most presented the macrocosting methodology from the payer’s perspective. The articles included in this review presented significant heterogeneity related to populations, diagnoses, periods considered for evaluation of end-of-life care, and cost analyses. Most of the studies were from a payer perspective (74,41%) and based on macrocosting methodologies (81,39%), which limit the use of the information to evaluate variabilities in the consumption of resources.

Conclusions

Considering the complexity of end-of-life care and the need for consistent data on costs in this period, new studies, mainly in low- and middle-income countries with approaches to indirect and intangible costs, with a societal perspective, are important for public policies of health in accordance with the trend of transforming value-based care, allowing the health care system to create more value for patients and their families.
I Am Both, I Am Neither: A Collaborative Autoethnographic Poem
Authors: Saldaña René , Aquino-Sterling Cristian R. , Torres Ana , Jung Jin Kyeong , Lesley Mellinee , Valle Fernando , Gonzales Tena , Nguyen Ngan T. T.
Published: September 2024

Faculty and staff contribute to a poem about wresting power from prejudice aimed at contributors in personal and professional settings, committing the hatefulness to paper that can be crumpled and thrown away. Meant as post-COVID self-care, the process culminated in disturbingly touching accounts of prejudice and our counter-narratives. Through this collaboration, contributors have refused to let bigotry dictate their lives; instead, utilizing the very language used against them they have reclaimed authority over themselves, in essence turning the table against hatred.
Spinoza and Maimonides on human perfection and the love of God
Authors: Nadler Steven
Published: September 2024

Part Five of Spinoza’s Ethics includes a notoriously challenging set of propositions about human perfection. Part of the difficulty in interpreting these elements of the work arises from neglecting important philosophical background for the relevant propositions, namely, medieval Jewish rationalism and Maimonides in particular. Spinoza was well acquainted with Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexted as well as his halakhic or legal writings. For both Spinoza and Maimonides (who, in turn, is a good Aristotelian on this matter), human perfection is essentially a cognitive matter, albeit one with an affective component, whereby the highest good for a human being consists in the superb and joyful intellectual condition that is the knowledge and love of God. My goal in this essay, then, is to see whether any light can be thrown on Spinoza’s views on this topic by considering them through a Maimonidean lens.
Pain sensitivity genes as therapeutic targets in knee osteoarthritis: A comprehensive analysis
Authors: Li Zirui , Chen Haicheng , Chen Chujie
Published: September 2024

Pain sensitivity is a significant factor in knee osteoarthritis (KOA), influencing patient outcomes and complicating treatment. Genetic differences, particularly in pain-sensing genes (PSRGs), are known to contribute to the variability in pain experiences among KOA patients. This study aims to systematically analyze PSRGs in KOA to better understand their role and potential as therapeutic targets. We utilized bulk RNA-seq data from the GSE114007 and GSE169077 datasets to identify differentially expressed genes, with 20 genes found to be significantly altered. Key PSRGs, including PENK, NGF, HOXD1, and TRPA1, were identified using LASSO, SVM, and random forest algorithms. Further, KEGG and GO enrichment analyses revealed pathways such as “Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction” and “ECM-receptor interaction,” which were validated through external datasets. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis from GSE152805, GSE133449, and GSE104782 datasets demonstrated the heterogeneity and dynamic expression of PSRGs across different cell subpopulations in synovium, meniscus, and cartilage samples. UMAP and pseudotime analyses were used to visualize spatial distribution and developmental trajectories of these genes. The findings emphasize the critical roles of PSRGs in KOA, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets and suggesting that integrating genetic information into clinical practice could significantly improve pain management and treatment strategies for KOA.
Early penumbral FLAIR changes predict tissue fate in patients with large vessel occlusions
Authors: Scheldeman Lauranne , Seners Pierre , Wouters Anke , Dupont Patrick , Christensen Soren , Mlynash Michael , Arquizan Caroline , Ter Schiphorst Adrien , Costalat Vincent , Henon Hilde , Bretzner Martin , Albucher Jean-François , Cognard Christophe , Olivot Jean-Marc , Heit Jeremy J , Albers Gregory W , Lansberg Maarten G , Lemmens Robin
Published: September 2024

Background:

In patients with an acute ischemic stroke, the penumbra is defined as ischemic tissue that remains salvageable when reperfusion occurs. However, the expected clinical recovery congruent with penumbral salvage is not always observed.

Aims:

We aimed to determine whether the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined penumbra includes irreversible neuronal loss that impedes expected clinical recovery after reperfusion.

Methods:

In the prospective French Acute Multimodal Imaging Study to Select Patients for Mechanical Thrombectomy (FRAME) and an observational cohort of patients with large vessel occlusions undergoing endovascular treatment, we quantified penumbral integrity by fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) changes. We studied the influence of recanalization status on the evolution of penumbral FLAIR changes and studied penumbral FLAIR changes as predictor of tissue fate and functional outcome on the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results:

Recanalization status did not modify the evolution of rFLAIR signal intensity (SI) over time in the total cohort, but was associated with lower SI in the FRAME subset (b = −0.06, p for interaction = 0.04). Median rFLAIR SI was higher at baseline in the subsequently infarcted penumbra compared to the salvaged (ratio = 1.07, standard deviation (SD) = 0.07 vs 1.03, SD = 0.06 p < 0.0001, n = 150). The severity and extent of rFLAIR SI changes did not predict 90-day functional outcome in univariate (p = 0.09) and multivariate logistic regression (p = 0.4).

Conclusions:

Recanalization status did not influence the evolution of penumbral FLAIR changes. FLAIR SI changes in the baseline penumbra were associated with tissue fate, but not functional outcome.
The influence of age and gender on ocular biometrics and corneal astigmatism in adults undergoing cataract surgery
Authors: Sharifi Ali , Zand Amin , Shafiei Mohadeseh , Nasiri Naser , Sharifi Hamid , Najafzadeh Mohammad Javad , Sharifi Meraj
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

To assess the influence of age and gender on ocular biometric values and corneal astigmatism features in individuals undergoing phacoemulsification surgery and intraocular lens implantation.

Methodology:

This retrospective study measured ocular biometrics and corneal keratometric astigmatism using the IOLMaster 700 instrument prior to phacoemulsification surgery and intraocular lens implantation.

Results:

Analysis included ocular biometric and keratometric values from 3385 eyes of 3385 patients. Lens thickness ( p < 0.001, r = 0.387), mean keratometry ( p < 0.001, r = 0.156), and corneal astigmatism ( p < 0.001, r = 0.082) were positively correlated with age. Conversely, axial length ( p < 0.001, r = −0.133), anterior chamber depth ( p < 0.001, r = −0.244), and horizontal white-to-white corneal diameter ( p < 0.001, r = −0.226) exhibited negative correlations with age. Increasing age led to a significant shift towards against-the-rule astigmatism ( p < 0.001, r = 0.248). Mean keratometry was significantly lower in males than females ( p < 0.001). Axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and white-to-white corneal diameter were higher in males compared to females (all ps ⩽ 0.001). Corneal astigmatism types differed significantly between genders ( p < 0.001), with against-the-rule being more prevalent among males (52.9%) and with-the-rule astigmatism having the highest prevalence among females (40.3%).

Conclusions:

Mean keratometry and lens thickness increased, while axial length and anterior chamber depth decreased with age. Males exhibited higher values for axial length, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness, whereas females had steeper corneas.
Conglomerates at the court: The political consequences of mergers & acquisitions
Authors: Boschelli Lucas , Box-Steffensmeier Janet M. , Christenson Dino P.
Published: September 2024

Increasingly, corporations expand through the creation or acquisition of new subsidiary companies. Despite the commonality of the practice, little is known regarding how it influences corporations’ political behavior. This research note analyzes how subsidiaries shape corporations’ political interests and collaborations as they seek to influence the Supreme Court. To accomplish this, we construct a historical dataset of the acquisitions and mergers of a politically active sample of Fortune 500 corporations (spanning various industries and sizes) that we combine with their history of filing amicus curiae briefs to the Court. Through social network and longitudinal analyses, we analyze whether and how corporations change their targeted issue areas, collaborations, and political success following consolidation. While mergers and acquisitions have little effect on the quantity of actions or success before the Court, they expand the issues of political interest for corporations, and increase both their popularity and ability to broker information in their political network.
Comparison between problematic use of social media and YouTube to insomnia among Iranian adolescents: A mediating role of psychological distress
Authors: Jafari Elahe , Huang Po-Ching , Zanjanchi Fatemeh , Potenza Marc N. , Lin Chung-Ying , Pakpour Amir H
Published: September 2024

Objective

Problematic use of the internet has been linked to emotional and sleep concerns, although relationships with specific types of internet use are less well understood. YouTube, as an online platform with video-watching features, may attract individuals to spend considerable time, for those experiencing problematic use be termed problematic use of social media (PUSM) or problematic use of YouTube (PUY). Therefore, the present study investigated relationships between PUSM/PUY, psychological distress, and insomnia among the Iranian adolescents.

Methods

An online survey comprising Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, YouTube Addiction Scale, Depression, Anxiety, Stress-21 Scale, and Insomnia Severity Index recruited 1352 participants.

Results

Results of Hayes’ Process Macro showed significant correlations between the two types of problematic use and insomnia, with psychological distress as a mediator (unstandardized coefficient = 0.096 and 0.100).

Conclusion

The findings implied the effect of psychological distress in mediating the relationships of PUSM and PUY to insomnia.
Sexual Practices and HIV Risk Perception Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil
Authors: de Araújo Telma Maria Evangelista , Costa Chaves Fernanda Raquel , de Oliveira Mônica Graziela França Uchôa , de Castro Pereira Chaves André Felipe , Soares Yndiara Kássia da Cunha , Borges Paulo de Tarso Moura , Borges Saulo Evangelista Moura , Alencar Vitor Monte de Castro , Silva Camargo Emerson Lucas , Mendes Isabel Amélia Costa , de Sousa Álvaro Francisco Lopes
Published: September 2024

Objectives: To investigate sexual practices and HIV risk perception among MSM, identifying associated risk factors and determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with 144 MSM in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, using the snowball sampling technique. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling and underwent rapid HIV testing, in addition to completing questionnaires on sexual practices, risk perception, and illicit drug use. Results: The majority of participants showed an unsatisfactory perception of HIV risk. Factors associated with this perception include non-penetrative sex as an HIV preventive measure, which increased the chances of having an unsatisfactory risk perception by 1.45 times ( P = .04), engaging with known HIV-positive individuals without knowledge of their viral load (ORa = 2.70; P = .043), and using illicit drugs before/during sex (ORa = 0.29; P = .048). Conclusions: The results indicate a high prevalence of risky sexual practices and an unsatisfactory HIV risk perception among the MSM studied.
Effects of intervention by trained care managers on advance care planning engagement among long-term care service users in Japan: a pre- and post-pilot comparative study across multiple institutions
Authors: Okochi Shozo , Oshiro Kyoko , Takeuchi Noriyasu , Miyamichi Mariko , Nakamura Tomoe , Matsushima Terumi , Okada Masako , Kudo Yoshimi , Ishiyama Takehiro , Kinoshita Tomoyasu , Kojima Hideki , Nishikawa Mitsunori
Published: September 2024

Background:

A majority of Japanese care managers lack medical qualifications, feel uncomfortable discussing future medical choices and believe that it is not their responsibility.

Objectives:

As there is a paucity of care manager intervention studies, this study aimed to measure changes in advance care planning engagement among long-term care service users before and after intervention by care managers with communication training.

Design:

A multi-institutional pre- and post-pilot comparative study

Methods:

A multi-institutional pre- and post-trial study was performed from August 2022 to January 2023 (trial ID: 000048573). Nine trained care managers communicated with 30 long-term care service users regarding advance care planning, and the pre- and post-trial advance care planning engagement scores were compared. Additionally, the post-trial impact of events score was investigated.

Results:

All 30 long-term care service users completed the trial. The advance care planning engagement score increased after the trial. The sample size was considered adequate for future trials. Years of experience as a care manager, impact of events score, and having a clinical frailty scale of ⩾5 were significant explanatory variables that affected the objective variable of the difference between pre- and post-trial advance care planning engagement score.

Conclusion:

This study on the impact of advance care planning communication interventions by trained care managers offers insights into determining appropriate sample sizes and identifying factors influencing future research outcomes. Advance care planning engagement of long-term care service users might change before and after intervention by care managers through advance care planning communication.

Trial registration:

University Hospital Medical Information (UMIN) Network Trial ID: 000048573.
Joining forces to develop individualized antisense oligonucleotides for patients with brain or eye diseases: the example of the Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics
Authors: Aartsma-Rus Annemieke , Collin Rob W.J. , Elgersma Ype , Lauffer Marlen C. , van Roon-Mom Willeke
Published: September 2024

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) offer versatile tools to modify the processing and expression levels of gene transcripts. As such, they have a high therapeutic potential for rare genetic diseases, where applicability of each ASO ranges from thousands of patients worldwide to single individuals based on the prevalence of the causative pathogenic variant. It was shown that development of individualized ASOs was feasible within an academic setting, starting with Milasen for the treatment of a patient with CLN7 Batten’s disease in the USA. Inspired by this, the Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics (DCRT) was established by three academic medical centers in the Netherlands with a track record in ASO development for progressive, genetic neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and retinal disorders. The goal of the DCRT is to bundle expertise and address national ethical, regulatory, and financial issues related to ASO treatment, and ultimately to develop individualized ASOs for eligible patients with genetic diseases affecting the central nervous system in an academic, not-for-profit setting. In this perspective, we describe the establishment of the DCRT in 2020 and the achievements so far, with a specific focus on lessons learned: the need for processes and procedures, the need for global collaboration, the need to raise awareness, and the fact that N-of-1 is N-of-a-few.
Circadian cilia transcriptome in mouse brain across physiological and pathological states
Authors: Chen Kiki , Ashtiani Kousha Changizi , Monfared Roudabeh Vakil , Baldi Pierre , Alachkar Amal
Published: September 2024

Primary cilia are dynamic sensory organelles that continuously undergo structural modifications in response to environmental and cellular signals, many of which exhibit rhythmic patterns. Building on our previous findings of rhythmic cilia-related gene expression in diurnal primates (baboon), this study extends the investigation to the nocturnal mouse brain to identify circadian patterns of cilia gene expression across brain regions. We used computational techniques and transcriptomic data from four publicly available databases, to examine the circadian expression of cilia-associated genes within six brain areas: brainstem, cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, striatum, and suprachiasmatic nucleus. Our analysis reveals that a substantial proportion of cilia transcripts exhibit circadian rhythmicity across the examined regions, with notable overrepresentation in the striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum. We also demonstrate region-specific variations in the abundance and timing of circadian cilia genes’ peaks, indicating an adaptation to the distinct physiological roles of each brain region. Additionally, we show that the rhythmic patterns of cilia transcripts are shifted under various physiological and pathological conditions, including modulation of the dopamine system, high-fat diet, and epileptic conditions, indicating the adaptable nature of cilia transcripts’ oscillation. While limited to a few mouse brain regions, our study provides initial insights into the distinct circadian patterns of cilia transcripts and highlights the need for future research to expand the mapping across wider brain areas to fully understand the role of cilia’s spatiotemporal dynamics in brain functions.
Serum syndecan1 has the potential to reflect activity at diagnosis and predict death during follow-up in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Yoon Taejun , Ha Jang Woo , Pyo Jung Yoon , Ko Eunhee , Ahn Sung Soo , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study investigated whether serum syndecan1 at diagnosis reflects activity at diagnosis and predicts poor outcomes during follow-up in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

The study included 79 patients with AAV from the cohort of Korean patients diagnosed with AAV. AAV-specific indices, including the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS), five-factor score (FFS), 36-item short-form survey (SF-36) physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS), and vasculitis damage index (VDI), were assessed. Laboratory data including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also collected. The highest tertile and upper half of the BVAS were tentatively defined as having high AAV activity. Serum syndecan1 levels were measured in sera stored at diagnosis.

Results

Serum syndecan1 at diagnosis was significantly correlated with AAV activity and functional status, as assessed by BVAS, FFS, SF-36 PCS, MCS, and acute-phase reactants, including ESR and CRP. Patients with serum syndecan1 ≥ 76.1 ng/mL at diagnosis, and those with serum syndecan1 ≥ 60.0 ng/mL at diagnosis showed significantly higher risks for the highest tertile and the upper half of BVAS at diagnosis than those without, respectively. Patients with serum syndecan1 ≥ 120.1 ng/mL at diagnosis had a significantly higher risk for all-cause mortality during follow-up than those without, and further, exhibited a significantly lower cumulative patients’ survival rate than those without.

Conclusion

Serum syndecan1 at diagnosis may not only reflect AAV activity at diagnosis but may also be associated with all-cause mortality during follow-up.
New information on the dentition of Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis (Reptilia, Ichthyosauriformes) from the Early Triassic of Yuan’an, Hubei Province, China
Authors: Gu Li-Ang , Wolniewicz Andrzej S. , Liu Jun
Published: September 2024

Chaohusaurus is an early ichthyosauriform represented by three species known from the Early Triassic of Chaohu, Anhui Province, China, with a fourth species—Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis—known from the Nanzhang-Yuan’an region of Hubei Province. In contrast to the Chaohusaurus species from Chaohu, Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis remains poorly known, hindering our understanding of early ichthyosauriform evolution. Here, we report a new specimen of Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis, which provides new information on its dentition. The new specimen confirms that Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis had heterodont dentition consisting of pointed anterior teeth and robust, rounded posterior teeth, indicating a generalist diet. The posterior teeth of Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis are more robust (broader and larger) than the posterior dentition of Chaohusaurus chaoxianensis and Chaohusaurus brevifemoralis from Chaohu. This suggests differences in hard-shelled prey preference between species of Chaohusaurus from Chaohu and Nanzhang-Yuan’an, with Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis likely capable of feeding on harder and larger prey than Chaohusaurus brevifemoralis and Chaohusaurus chaoxianensis. In turn, this probably reflects differences in durophagous prey availability between the shallow-marine palaeoecosystem of Nanzhang-Yuan’an and the deeper, slope-basin palaeoecosystem of Chaohu. The posterior dentition and forefin of Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis are strikingly similar to those of Chaohusaurus geishanensis, the rarest species of Chaohusaurus from the Chaohu fauna. The scarcity of Chaohusaurus geishanensis in the Chaohu fauna, and its morphological similarity to Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis, possibly indicate that Chaohusaurus geishanensis was closely related with Chaohusaurus zhangjiawanensis and that it was also a shallow-marine species that was not a typical component of the Chaohu fauna. It probably occasionally wandered out into the deeper waters of Chaohu from a nearby coastal environment.
The role of geographical distance in transnational institutional engagement of the Czech diaspora: a comparative study
Authors: Janská Eva , Drbohlav Dušan , Hasman Jiří , Čermák Zdeněk
Published: September 2024

Engagement with institutions from migrants’ country of origin, both in the destination country and in the country of origin, is distinct transnational behaviour. This study investigates the impact of geographical distance on the institutional engagement of migrants from Czechia in five global regions. We examine how geographic (physical) proximity to Czechia shapes institutional engagement with the country of origin and identify factors beyond distance influencing institutional engagement. We analyzed survey data from Czech emigrants (N = 940) in neighbouring countries, Western and Northern Europe, Southern and Eastern Europe, overseas Anglo-Saxon countries, and other countries. We found that respondents from all more distant regions have higher levels of institutional engagement in the destination country than those from neighbouring countries. Length of stay and education were relevant factors for all selected regions, while place of residence (living in a metropolis) and the level of transnational behavior had varying impacts across regions. Concerning institutional engagement in origin country, the level of transnationalism was consistently the strongest predictor across. Transnational studies should incorporate geographic variables, such as physical distance into their conceptual frameworks. We expect our findings to be generalizable to other countries similar to Czechia, i.e. high-income countries whose citizens benefit from liberal visa regimes.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a diagnostic model for assessment of liver steatosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in non-diabetic patients
Authors: El-Nakeep Sarah , Foda Enas , Sheha Aliaa S. , Abdelazeem Sara Mohamed , Mohamed Ghada Abdelrahman
Published: September 2024

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASLD) disease is the commonest hepatic cause of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis after the introduction of the direct acting antivirals and eradication of hepatitis C. MASLD is usually associated with metabolic syndrome and elevated inflammatory markers. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) offers a non-invasive diagnostic, alternative to liver biopsy. This is a case–control diagnostic-accuracy study conducted on 40 patients in the Hepato-gastroenterology Unit in the Internal Medicine Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals, to study the role of MRI spectroscopy as a new diagnostic model for assessment of liver steatosis in non-diabetic MASLD patients compared to the standard ultrasound and clinical criteria. MASLD was diagnosed by a combination of a validated ultrasound hepatic steatosis score grading system and hepatic steatosis index using clinical and laboratory parameters. MRS was performed in all patients and fat peak, water peak, and fat fraction % were measured, and diagnostic accuracy of different MRS is compared to the US scoring and different laboratory and clinical parameters. To our knowledge this is the first study conducted on MRS in our region and Egypt.

Results

This study revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding HbA1C, creatinine, while there was highly statistically significant difference regarding fasting blood sugar, 2 h post-prandial glucose level, urine albumin, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Hepatic steatosis score grading by abdominal ultrasound on the 20 controls showed no fatty changes with grade 0 (50%), and on the 20 MASLD patients showed that 2 cases were grade 1 steatosis (5%), 9 cases were grade 2 steatosis (22.5%), and 9 cases were grade 3 steatosis (22.5%). The diagnostic accuracy of predicting hepatic steatosis using different MRS parameters: fat peak, water peak, and fat fraction had area under the curve of 99.9%, 88.6%, and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of fat fraction in detecting hepatic steatosis were 100%. The sensitivity and specificity of the fat peak in detecting hepatic steatosis were 100% and 95%, respectively. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity of the water peak in detecting the hepatic steatosis were 88.6% and 85%, respectively. There is a statistically significant correlation between the three MRS parameters and the abdominal ultrasound hepatic steatosis score grades.

Conclusion

MRS parameters: fat fraction, fat peak, and water peak, have high diagnostic accuracy for predicting the liver steatosis. Moreover, MRS has the added advantage of being a non-invasive and a tool with low radiation risk. MRS also shows the metabolic changes in the liver and could be an eligible outcome in therapeutic clinical trials.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of crosslinked wound dressing loaded with combined rosuvastatin calcium and levofoxacin simultaneously determined by eco-friendly spectrophotometric method
Authors: Abd El‑Fattah Marwa A. , El-Demerdash Asmaa O. , Eassa Heba A. , Mohammed Kamilia H. A. , Khalil Israa A. , Esmaeil Asmaa H. , Abdel Aziz Shimaa E. , Amin Omnia M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Wound healing is a natural but complex process that can be delayed by infection. Rosuvastatin calcium (RVS) is an anti-hyperlipidemic that was recently reported to have a wound healing capability. The study aimed to investigate the impact of combining RVS with Levofloxacin (LV) on wound healing. A physically crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film loaded with RVS and LV was formulated as wound dressing. Formulation optimization was carried out using Box–Behnken design. The effect of independent variables (PVA and propylene glycol concentrations and the number of freeze–thaw cycles) on tensile strength (TS), elongation to break (%EB) and in vitro drugs’ release was studied. For simultaneous RVS and LV quantification in the formulations and pure form, three spectrophotometric methods: derivative of ratio spectrophotometry, first derivative and mean centering, were developed. Also, their greenness was evaluated by the Analytical Eco-Scale and the Green Analytical Procedure Index. Then, the wound healing effect of the optimized wound dressing was evaluated in rat models.

Results

The optimized dressing had sufficient mechanical strength (9.45 ± 0.67 MPa), adequate flexibility (112.6 ± 3.8% EB) and suitable drug release (52.3 ± 1.4% for LV and 38.99 ± 1.6% for RVS after 12 h). The proposed methods were validated following ICH guidelines, and greenness assessment suggested their very low environmental effect. The wound healing evaluation showed a higher wound contraction percentage when RVS was combined to LV. A histopathological study confirmed marked improvement in animals treated with combined formula with lowest inflammatory infiltration and optimum epithelialization, compared to other groups.

Conclusion

Study findings suggest that combined LV-RVS dressing would be a beneficial platform with potentiated wound healing capacity.

Graphic abstract
Patient satisfaction with endoscopic ear surgery technique: a comparative study with the postauricular incision microscopic technique
Authors: Metwaly Osama , Salah Mohamed , Ali Abdelrahman
Published: September 2024

Background

Endoscopic ear surgery has numerous benefits, such as the capacity to obtain high-resolution pictures and visualize normally inaccessible locations such as the retrotympanum, sinus tympani, and facial recess. These areas are generally difficult to access with traditional microscopic techniques. Endoscopic ear surgery reduces operating time when performed by skilled surgeons, without the need for a postauricular incision wound.

An essential aspect to consider when evaluating the effects of any procedure on individual satisfaction is the assessment of health-associated quality of life. It is a tool used for subjective assessment, which is regarded as a reliable measure of the satisfaction perceived—whether physically or mentally—resulting from a certain procedure.

The goal of this study was to identify the benefits of middle ear surgery when done endoscopically compared to postauricular microscopic techniques in middle ear surgery. This was achieved by evaluating and comparing the level of satisfaction among patients who underwent either microscopic or endoscopic ear surgery.

Methods

The Chronic Ear Surgery Survey (CESS), a 13-point Likert scale survey designed specifically for assessing outcomes of surgery for chronic middle ear disease, was implemented to measure patient satisfaction. The survey comprises three subscales. We performed a retrospective study at the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Cairo University, Egypt. The study encompassed individuals who underwent surgery on the middle ear between March 2018 and September 2021.

The patients were scheduled into two categories according to the technique of surgery (whether endoscopic or microscopic) in order to assess postoperative satisfaction using the Chronic Ear Surgery Survey (CESS).

Results

Our research findings demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the two categories in terms of the overall scores and all subscale scores of the Chronic Ear Surgery Survey (CESS), with patients who had middle ear surgery endoscopically (EES) showing better outcomes.

Conclusions

Identifying the elements that are strongly associated with subjective outcomes can assist surgeons in identifying patients who are more likely to have poorer satisfaction. This knowledge can be valuable in preoperative counseling. Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) seems to have a higher level of cosmetic acceptability, especially in terms of enhancing the socially related aspects of a patient's pleasure. This work thus supports the ongoing integration of endoscope utilization in otological surgical procedures.
Usability of an at-home tablet-based cognitive test in older adults with and without cognitive impairment
Authors: Bayer Thomas A. , Liu Yanchen , Vishnepolskiy Igor , Baez Day , Sanders Lisbeth , Williams Rebecca , Sanders Jeff , Serpico Anthony , Gravenstein Stefan
Published: September 2024

Background

Mobile device-based cognitive screening has the potential to overcome the limitations in diagnostic precision and efficiency that characterize conventional pen and paper cognitive screening. Several mobile device-based cognitive testing platforms have demonstrated usability, but the usability of take-home mobile device-based cognitive screening in typical adult primary care patients requires further investigation.

Methods

This study set out to test the usability of a prototype mobile device-based cognitive screening test in older adult primary care patients across a range of cognitive performance. Participants completed the St. Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) and then used a study-supplied mobile device application at home for 5 days. The application presented 7 modules lasting approximately 15 min. Participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) after using the application.

Results

A total of 51 individuals participated, with a median (IQR) age of 81 (74–85) years. Cognitive impairment (SLUMS score < 27) was present in 30 (59%) of participants. The mean (95% Confidence Interval [CI]) SUS score was 76 (71–81), which indicates good usability. Usability scores were similar across ranges of cognitive impairment. A Lower SLUMS score predicted early withdrawal from the study with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI) of 0.78 (0.58–0.97).

Conclusion

Take-home mobile device-based cognitive testing is a usable strategy for many older adult primary care patients. Depending on patient preferences and abilities, it could be part of a flexible cognitive testing and follow-up strategy that includes mobile device-based testing in healthcare settings and pen-and-paper cognitive testing.
Personal independence payments among people who access mental health services: results from a novel data linkage
Authors: Stevelink Sharon A. M. , Bakolis Ioannis , Dorrington Sarah , Downs Johnny , Leal Ray , Madan Ira , Phillips Ava , Geiger Ben , Hotopf Matthew , Fear Nicola T.
Published: September 2024

Background

Personal independence payment (PIP) is a benefit that covers additional daily living costs people may incur from a long-term health condition or disability. Little is known about PIP receipt and associated factors among people who access mental health services, and trends over time. Individual-level data linking healthcare records with administrative records on benefits receipt have been non-existent in the UK.

Aims

To explore how PIP receipt varies over time, including PIP type, and its association with sociodemographic and diagnostic patient characteristics among people who access mental health services.

Method

A data-set was established by linking electronic mental health records from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust with administrative records from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Results

Of 143 714 working-age patients, 37 120 (25.8%) had received PIP between 2013 and 2019, with PIP receipt steadily increasing over time. Two in three patients (63.2%) had received both the daily living and mobility component. PIP receipt increased with age. Those in more deprived areas were more likely to receive PIP. The likelihood of PIP receipt varied by ethnicity. Patients diagnosed with a severe mental illness had 1.48 odds (95% CI 1.42–1.53) of having received PIP, compared with those with a different psychiatric diagnosis.

Conclusions

One in four people who accessed mental health services had received PIP, with higher levels seen among those most likely in need, as indicated by a severe mental illness diagnosis. Future research using this data-set could explore the average duration of PIP receipt in people who access mental health services, and re-assessment patterns by psychiatric diagnosis.
Unravelling differential Hes1 dynamics during axis elongation of mouse embryos through single-cell tracking
Authors: el Azhar Yasmine , Schulthess Pascal , van Oostrom Marek J. , Weterings Sonja D. C. , Meijer Wilke H. M. , Tsuchida-Straeten Nobuko , Thomas Wouter M. , Bauer Marianne , Sonnen Katharina F.
Published: September 2024

The intricate dynamics of Hes expression across diverse cell types in the developing vertebrate embryonic tail have remained elusive. To address this, we have developed an endogenously tagged Hes1-Achilles mouse line, enabling precise quantification of dynamics at the single-cell resolution across various tissues. Our findings reveal striking disparities in Hes1 dynamics between presomitic mesoderm (PSM) and preneural tube (pre-NT) cells. While pre-NT cells display variable, low-amplitude oscillations, PSM cells exhibit synchronized, high-amplitude oscillations. Upon the induction of differentiation, the oscillation amplitude increases in pre-NT cells. Additionally, our study of Notch inhibition on Hes1 oscillations unveils distinct responses in PSM and pre-NT cells, corresponding to differential Notch ligand expression dynamics. These findings suggest the involvement of separate mechanisms driving Hes1 oscillations. Thus, Hes1 demonstrates dynamic behaviour across adjacent tissues of the embryonic tail, yet the varying oscillation parameters imply differences in the information that can be transmitted by these dynamics.
Connecting through distance
Authors: Βούζα Ισαβέλλα
Published: September 2024

H παρούσα διατριβή παρουσιάζει ένα κριτικό πλαίσιο που αναγνωρίζει την αμοιβαία σχέση μεταξύ της αισθητικής ανοικείωσης και της συναισθηματικής αποξένωσης στο Αγγλόφωνο μυθιστόρημα του εικοστού αιώνα. Εξετάζοντας την ανοικείωση και την αποξένωση ως ενωτικές αισθητικές φόρμες και συναισθήματα – καθώς και κριτικούς όρους – η διατριβή υποστηρίζει ότι αυτή η αλληλεπίδραση δημιουργεί μορφές «σύνδεσης μέσω της απόστασης». Συγκεκριμένα, η μελέτη μου ασχολείται με το πώς η διαδικασία της αισθητικής ανοικοίωσης απεικονίζει μορφές σύνδεσης αναπαραστατικά, μεταξύ χαρακτήρων που αναπαρίστανται ως αποξενωμένοι, αλλά και φαινομενολογικά, μεταξύ ενός αποξενωμένου αναγνώστη και του αισθητικού αντικειμένου. Η ανίχνευση αυτή στη λογοτεχνική κριτική του εικοστού αιώνα αποκαλύπτει τη δυνατότητα της αποξένωσης ως μορφή σύνδεσης, υποδεικνύοντας έτσι μια πιο διαλεκτική σχέση μεταξύ εγγύτητας και απόστασης. Για να δείξω την ευρεία εμβέλεια αυτής της τάσης στον εικοστό αιώνα, εξετάζω την αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ της ανοικείωσης, της αποξένωσης και της σύνδεσης σε μυθιστορήματα των Virginia Woolf, George Lamming, Beryl Gilroy, Christine Brooke-Rose και Kazuo Ishiguro. Έχοντας την κατηγορία του μυθιστορήματος ως κεντρικό σημείο αναφοράς, εξετάζω συγκριτικά συγγραφείς από διαφορετικές λογοτεχνικές παραδόσεις και διαφορετικές μυθιστορηματικές κατηγορίες. Αυτός ο νέος τρόπος ομαδοποίησης, παράλληλα με, αλλά και πέρα ​​από, αναγνωρίσιμες κατηγορίες λογοτεχνικής ταξινόμησης, αναδεικνύει μια νέα παράδοση στο Αγγλόφωνο μυθιστόρημα του εικοστού αιώνα. Αυτή η παράδοση επιστρέφει χαρακτήρες και αναγνώστες σε αναδιαμορφωμένες μορφές συλλογικής ύπαρξης μέσω μιας νέας αισθητικής του ανήκειν που επιτυγχάνεται μέσω μορφών ανοικείωσης, αποξένωσης, και σύνδεσης μέσω απόστασης.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Trichoderma Isolates from Vegetable Crop Rhizospheres in Nepal
Authors: Jaiswal Puja , Khadka Ram B. , Hussain Bhat Aashaq , Baidya Suraj , Keshari Arvind Kumar
Published: September 2024

Background Trichoderma spp. hold significant potential as biocontrol agents in agriculture due to their antagonistic properties against plant pathogens. The study aimed to characterize and identify Trichoderma isolates from rhizospheric regions of vegetable crops. Methods In this study, Trichoderma isolates were collected from rhizospheric soil samples of vegetable crops from different ecological zones and were selected for comprehensive morphological and molecular characterization. The isolates were visually assessed for colony color, growth pattern, aerial mycelium presence, phialide and conidial morphology, and chlamydospore presence. Molecular analysis was employed based on ITS and tef-1α sequences. Diversity indices were also computed for different ecological zones. Results The morphological characteristics and phylogenetic trees for both regions provided a clear species resolution, with four main clades: Harzianum, Viride, Brevicompactum and Longibrachiatum with 12 species T. harzinaum, T. afroharzianum, T. lentiforme, T. inhamatum, T. camerunense, T. azevedoi, T. atroviride, T. asperellum, T. asperelloides, T. koningii, T. longibrachiatum and T. brevicompactum and nine species as a new country record. Diversity indices indicated that high mountain regions displayed the highest species diversity and evenness (H = 1.724 [0.28], J = 0.84, D = 0.28), followed by hilly regions (H = 1.563 [0.28], J = 0.72, D = 0.28). Plains, on the other hand, exhibited lower species diversity (H = 1.515, J = 0.66, D = 0.33). The calculated species abundance values showed that plains (E = 2.11), mid-hills (E = 1.95), and high mountains (E = 1.99) each had their unique diversity profiles. Notably, T. afroharzianum and T. asperellum were predominant. Conclusions Overall, the study unveiled a rich diversity of Trichoderma species in different agricultural zones of Nepal. These findings shed light on the ecological distribution and diversity of Trichoderma spp., which could have significant implications for sustainable agriculture and biological control strategies.
Interactions Between the Gut Microbiome and Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Miga-Orczykowska Nadia , Sajkiewicz Ilona , Lemieszek Paulina , Jasiuk Ilona , Wótowicz Justyna , Pustelniak Martyna , Krukar Katarzyna , Łukaszewska Ewa , Rudnicka Katarzyna , Kister Klaudia
Published: September 2024

Introduction and purpose
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent abdominal condition that leads to hospitalizations worldwide. It involves an inflammatory response caused by the premature activation of trypsinogen and other enzymes, leading to the pancreas digesting itself. While most AP cases are mild and resolve on their own, around 15-20% of patients experience severe AP with organ failure, which carries a mortality rate of up to 30%. In recent years, the influence of gut microbiome imbalances on various diseases has gained attention. This study aims to provide an overview of current knowledge on the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the development and progression of acute pancreatitis.
Material and methods
This review is based on information gathered from the PubMed database. We performed a search using the keywords: "acute pancreatitis," "microbiome," and "dysbiosis," with a focus on articles published between 2018 and 2024.
Results
Research has shown a link between gut dysbiosis and a range of conditions, including digestive, metabolic, and cancer-related disorders. The pancreas has a well-documented connection with the intestines, with its exocrine activity affecting gut microbiome composition. This relationship is commonly known as the "gut–pancreas axis."
Conclusion
The interplay between the pancreas and gut microbiota is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis. Continued investigation into this connection may pave the way for novel diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Euglycemic diabetes ketoacidosis associated with SGLT-2 inhibitors - review of case reports
Authors: Winciorek Joanna , Cyran Piotr , Jaroszyńska Anna , Jaroszyński Filip , Kowal Joanna , Paleczny Jan , Parobczak Robert , Połujański Paweł Jakub , Wiśniewska Adrianna Marta
Published: September 2024

AIM: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have gained significant importance in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. One of the adverse effects while using SGLT-2 inhibitors is euglycemic ketoacidosis (euDKA) - acute life-threatening emergency.
METHODS: The following review of case reports was based on articles published in 2023, obtained from the PubMed databases. Key search terms included “case report”, “sglt-2”, “sglt-2i”, “sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors”, “dka”. “eudka”, “euglycemic ketoacidosis”.
RESULTS: In the literature, cases of euDKA correlated with the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors are described.
CONCLUSION: There is a need for greater observation of the frequency of the adverse effects in patients taking sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and for raising awareness among doctors about the possibility of developing euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis during the SGLT-2 inhibitors therapy.
Schamberg's Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mataczyńska Anna , Paprocki Michał , Dobosz Mateusz , Arciszewska Klaudia , Padkowska Aleksandra , Pieniążek Jakub Maciej , Skibińska Justyna , Szpernalowska Anna
Published: September 2024

Schamberg's disease, also known as progressive pigmented vasculitis, is a rare, chronic skin disorder characterized by petechiae and brown spots, mainly on the lower extremities. In this review article, we provide a detailed overview of Schamberg's disease. We review its causes, pathogenesis, and histopathological features. We also describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. We emphasize the crucial role of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of this condition. We also emphasize the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms underlying Schamberg's disease. This could lead to the development of more targeted therapies in the future.