bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Importance of Return to Sports and Hamstring Strength in a Discrete Choice Experiment for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Feeley Scott M. , Broome Jalen N. , Cherelstein Rachel E. , Neubauer Benjamin E. , Kuenze Christopher M. , Chang Edward S.
Published: November 2024

Background:

With emerging treatments for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, analysis of patient preferences is lacking to align clinical care and research with patient priorities.

Purposes:

To identify patient priorities for outcomes after surgical intervention if they were to sustain an ACL tear, analyze what outcome measures influenced preferences, and determine whether patient demographics influenced preferences.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The authors screened patients aged 18 to 30 years who presented for upper extremity complaints to a single institution in 2023. Patients were excluded for current lower extremity injury or history of a knee injury requiring surgical consultation. The authors designed a discrete choice experiment through literature review of outcome measures for bridge-enhanced ACL restoration (BEAR) and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring tendon autograft. Measures included return to sports, risk of arthritis, risk of reinjury, and hamstring strength. Patients chose surgery A (ACLR with hamstring tendon autograft) or surgery B (BEAR) and then rated the importance of each outcome measure on their selection.

Results:

In total, 100 participants (36 female; mean age, 25.1 ± 4.0 years) completed the discrete choice experiment. Overall, 56.0% participated in sports and 80.0% were employed. Based on surgery choice group, there were no significant differences in sex, age, Marx Activity Scale score, sports participation, or employment status between patients who selected BEAR or ACLR with hamstring tendon autograft (all P > .361). Return to sports and hamstring strength were significant priorities for patients in procedure selection ( P ≤ .011). Of the patients who selected ACLR with hamstring tendon autograft, 31.6% would not elect to undergo this procedure.

Conclusion:

In this discrete choice experiment of adults without prior ACL injury, return to sports and hamstring strength were identified as patient priorities when selecting a procedure for ACL injury. Risk of reinjury, however, was not a significant factor in procedure selection. Importantly, these priorities were maintained regardless of patient characteristics, activity level, or employment status.
Racially Informed Ethnic Heterogeneity in Asian American Intermarriage and Assimilation
Authors: Lee Jess
Published: November 2024

Though racial integration of non-White minorities was initially considered unlikely, Asian Americans’ high rates of intermarriage with Whites suggest a new possibility. Recent research, however, reveals that Asian American intermarriage occurs in ethnically heterogeneous manners and further varies by spousal race and ethnicity. This study delves into the varied patterns of marital racial integration among Asian Americans, examining intermarriage data from the American Community Survey (ACS). In examining both interethnic and Asian-White interracial marriages, I find that Asian Americans continue to experience segmented assimilation in intermarriage, where their paths diverge by spousal race. Yet, ethnically heterogeneous understandings and experiences of one’s social position as “Asian” situate Asian Americans at varying distances from the mainstream White society, leading some Asian Americans to intermarry without having achieved acculturation or middle-class attributes. These findings challenge the presumed linear trajectory of minority incorporation, underscoring the pivotal role of race and racialization. This complexity further carries significant implications for broader American race relations
ASIA syndrome and the nociceptive storm: A case report of a refractory headache and a pathophysiological hypothesis
Authors: Makita Luana Miyahira , Grossklags Locatelli Giovanna , Josetti Giovanna Porreca , Itimura Giovana Takeshita , Piovesan Elcio Juliato
Published: November 2024

Background

Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) encompasses a set of immune rare diseases triggered by adjuvants, like silicone. Although headache is typical in these cases, the literature lacks information about its characteristics and pathophysiology in ASIA.

Objective

Describe and discuss a case of ASIA with headache as the main symptom, approaching its immunopathological and clinical aspects.

Case

A 45-year-old woman with silicone prosthesis presented an intense headache, accompanied by chronic fatigue, sleep and skin disturbances, paresthesia, and generalized body aches. She had sought medical care over the past 2 years, with no underlying identified until then. The fulfillment of ASIA diagnostic criteria and subsequent prosthesis explantation resulted in symptom resolution.

Conclusion

Additional research is required to understand the semiotic patterns linked to ASIA syndrome-induced headaches. A dysregulation in histaminergic GPCR and GRK levels is hypothesized by the authors to be involved in the main mechanisms responsible for leading the headache nociceptive storm induced in ASIA.
Assessment of a Five-Session School-Based E-cigarette Prevention Curriculum on Student Knowledge, Perceptions, and Intent to Try E-cigarettes
Authors: Gaiha Shivani Mathur , Kile Shelby , Brake Kennon , Halpern-Felsher Bonnie , Walley Susan C.
Published: November 2024

Adolescents’ misperceptions and lack of knowledge about health harms of e-cigarettes warrant school-based e-cigarette prevention curriculum; however, few curriculums exist and fewer have been evaluated. The purpose of this study is to assess middle and high school students’ knowledge, perceived addictiveness, and intent to try e-cigarettes before and after a five-session in-person e-cigarette prevention curriculum based on the REACH Lab’s Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit. Curriculum content focused on e-cigarette health harms, ingredients, flavors, nicotine addiction, and marketing. Sessions were delivered by a tobacco educator in Birmingham, Alabama (February–March 2020) with 323 participants completing a pre-test and post-test survey. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon-sign rank tests for matched pairs assessed difference in knowledge, perceived addictiveness, and intent to try e-cigarettes at pre-test and post-test. Participants had an increase in correct answers for e-cigarette knowledge-related questions at post-test compared to pre-test ( z = 11.15; p < .001). Perceived addictiveness of e-cigarettes increased from 37.0% at pre-test to 62.0% at post-test ( z = 7.4; p < .001). Participants’ intent to try JUUL reduced from 32.6% at pre-test to 27.9% at post-test ( z = −2.1; p = .037). The five-session educational curriculum improved students’ knowledge about e-cigarettes, increased perceived addictiveness, and decreased intent to try JUUL between pre-test and post-test. Further, sociodemographic factors and past 30-day use of e-cigarettes were not associated with these outcomes.
A network of pro-inflammatory genes repressed by clock signaling in bronchial epithelium
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Srikanthan Karthi , Rahmawati Siti Farah , Slebos Dirk-Jan , Shah Pallav L , Johnson Philip J , Kistemaker Loes E.M. , Nagelkerke Anika , Gosens Reinoud
Published: November 2024

Background

Circadian rhythms are biological cycles that regulate various physiological processes, including immune responses, tissue repair, and oxidative stress. Previous studies indicated a role for distorted circadian signaling in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

In this study, we performed an unbiased analysis of the gene network that co-expresses with circadian clock signaling in COPD using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis on RNA sequencing data from bronchial brushes of COPD patients.

Results

We found that a large network of pro-inflammatory genes includingCXCL8,IL1B,IL1A,CSF1andTGFB1, was inversely correlated with the expression of core clock genes in bronchial brushes of COPD patients. In contrast, genes that positively co-expressed with circadian clock signaling associated with ciliated cell differentiation. Furthermore, we found that both circadian clock genes and their co-expressed genes were differentially expressed in lung tissues of COPD patients compared to healthy smokers.

Conclusions

Our results provide an unbiased and comprehensive analysis of the gene expression network co-expressed with circadian clock signaling in bronchial epithelium. Our findings suggest an association between circadian clock signaling and enhanced inflammatory gene expression in COPD patients.
Targeted proteomics in extracellular vesicles identifies biomarkers predictive for therapeutic response in sarcoidosis
Authors: Kraaijvanger Raisa , Janssen Bonás Montse , Paspali Ioanna , Grutters Jan C. , Veltkamp Marcel , de Kleijn Dominique P.V. , van Moorsel Coline H.M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Approximately 30% of patients with sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown cause, need treatment to alleviate symptoms or prevent organ damage. Prednisone and methotrexate (MTX) are the most commonly used drugs, however, success of treatment varies from patient to patient. In this study, we search for biomarkers and pathways that predict response to treatment with prednisone or MTX in extracellular vesicles (EVs).

Methods

A targeted proteomics approach (OLINK Bioscience) was used in which 92 proteins were measured in two base-line EV fractions in 32 patients treated for pulmonary sarcoidosis (8 responders and 8 non-responders each for prednisone and MTX). Top three proteins were replicated in 62 prednisone and 76 MTX treated patients.

Results

We identified 11 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between responders and non-responders to prednisone treatment, and 16 DEPs for patients treated with MTX. Reactome pathway analysis showed DEPs in prednisone to be involved in NF-kB and interleukin signalling pathways. The DEPs in MTX were involved in transduction of GPI-anchored proteins and MAPK signalling pathway. CHI3L1 for prednisone and CPA1 for MTX were replicated as significant predictors of response.

Conclusion

This study is the first to shows that in pulmonary sarcoidosis the response to treatment with prednisone or MTX can be predicted at base-line by different EV proteins active in different pathways. Using these markers and associated pathways to identify patients with a high probability of response to therapy will aid personalized treatment choice and improve treatment outcome.
The efficacy and safety of alcohol septal ablation stratified by alcohol dosage for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elshahat Ahmed , Ellabban Mohamed , Amin Ahmed Mostafa , Diaa Ahmed , Bakr Ali , Rzk Fayed , Mansour Anas , Bedak Omar , Eid Mahmoud , Elaraby Ahmed , Elkasaby Mohamed Hamouda , Abdelaziz Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Background

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is recommended for moderate to severe symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The current guidelines don not recommend particular alcohol doses and the amount of alcohol injected into the septal artery is based more on the interventionalist’s decision rather than on systematic evidence. Our objective is to execute a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of low alcohol doses (1–2 ml)) in comparison to large ones (2–4 ml).

Methods

Multiple databases, encompassing PubMed, WOS, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane library were systemically assessed from inception to October 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing low-alcohol and high-alcohol dose in patients with HOCM was included. The main outcome was creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). The secondary ones are septal thickness, left ventricular outflow pressure gradient, and atrioventricular (AV) block.

Results

Eight studies, with a total of 1446 individuals, were finally involved in our investigation. low alcohol doses showed lower CK-MB levels relative to high ones (MD=-0.93, 95% CI [-1.15 to -0.72], P = 0.00001). Furthermore, in terms of septal thickness, left ventricular outflow pressure gradient, and AV block, neither of the two doses was preferred.

Conclusion

We propose that the low alcohol dose is equally effective as the high dose. moreover, the low alcohol dose was associated with a lower CK-MB levels in comparison to the high one.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42024511537
German language adaptation of the Cluster Headache Quality of Life Scale (CH-QoL)
Authors: Kuhn Hannah , Petzke Tara , Schreiber Marie-Christin , Gaul Charly , Witthöft Michael , Klan Timo
Published: November 2024

Background

Cluster headache (CH) can lead to high disability and reduced quality of life (QoL). QoL should be assessed as an important outcome both in research and in clinical care. The 28-item Cluster Headache Quality of Life Scale (CH-QoL) is a valid self-report questionnaire to assess disease-specific QoL. A German version is lacking. This study aims to develop a German-language version and to determine its psychometric properties.

Methods

The CH-QoL was translated into German by two headache experts and blindly back-translated by two professional translators. Additionally, the CH-QoL was tested for comprehensibility by nine persons with CH. In this multi-stage process, linguistic discrepancies were repeatedly discussed in an expert panel and appropriate modifications were conducted to optimize the translation. A cross-sectional online survey, comprising the CH-QoL and further self-report questionnaires such as the Cluster Headache Scales (CHS), yielded a sample of N = 106 persons with CH (53.8% female, M = 45.5 [SD = 11.8] years, 48.1% episodic CH, 51.9% chronic CH, 79.2% currently having recurring CH attacks).

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed two clearly interpretable factors (“restriction of activities of daily living”, and “impact on mood and interpersonal relationships”), which is in discrepancy to the four factors of the original English version. The model fit was good, with χ2(323) = 590.74, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.088, SRMR = 0.053, TLI = 0.857. Reliability was very good (McDonald’s omega ω = 0.97, Subscale/Factor 1: ω = 0.96, Subscale/Factor 2: ω = 0.92). Correlational analyses (correlations with related questionnaires as well as with clinical parameters) confirmed convergent validity.

Conclusions

Since the German version of the CH-QoL has very good psychometric properties, it is suitable for the assessment of disease-specific QoL in people with CH in German-speaking countries.

Trial registration

This study is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00028475, registration date 03 March 2022).
Prescription of benzodiazepines and antidepressants among Sami and non-Sami — How childhood violence shapes prescription patterns: the SAMINOR 2 questionnaire survey and the Norwegian prescription database
Authors: Eriksen Astrid M. A. , Melhus Marita , Broderstad Ann-Ragnhild , Smylie Janet
Published: November 2024

Background

Medication for mental health problems represents a significant proportion of overall medication use and the prescription of psychotropic medicine has increased in many western countries over the last decades. Childhood violence (CV) is strongly associated with mental health problems, which in turn may increase the likelihood of being prescribed psychotropic medication. However, the association between CV and prescription of benzodiazepines (BDZ) and antidepressants is rarely described, and no such study has been performed among the Indigenous Sami people.

Methods

Data from the SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey (2012) was linked to the Norwegian Prescription Database. Information on filled prescriptions for BDZ and antidepressants in 2004–2019 was collected for 11,296 persons (55.8% women, 22.6% Sami). Gender-stratified chi-square tests and two-sample t-tests were used to test for differences between groups. Logistic regression was applied to investigate the association between CV and filled prescriptions for BDZ and antidepressants.

Results

During the 16-year study period, 16.7% of all women filled at least one prescription for BDZ. The figures were significantly lower among Sami women (14.1%) compared to non-Sami women (17.4%) (p = .003). Among all women, 23.6% filled at least one prescription for antidepressants, with no difference between ethnic groups. Filled prescriptions among men were 10.0% and 14.2%, respectively, with no difference between ethnic groups. During each year, and in total, a significantly higher proportion of women exposed to CV received at least one prescription for BDZ and antidepressants, respectively, compared to women not exposed to CV, with no differences between ethnic groups. Among men, the pattern was similar.

Conclusion

A lower proportion of Sami women filled prescriptions for BDZ than non-Sami women. Those who reported exposure to CV filled prescriptions for BDZ and antidepressants more often than those who did not report CV. There were no overall differences between Sami and non-Sami; the dispensing rates of antidepressants and BDZ were similar for Sami and non-Sami, and the effects of CV on the dispensing of antidepressants and BDZ were also similar. This study highlights the importance of preventing CV, and of identifying a history of CV when treating adults with mental health problems.
Association of neighborhood-level disadvantage beyond individual sociodemographic factors in patients with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Peoples Jessica , Tanner Jared J. , Bartley Emily J. , Domenico Lisa H. , Gonzalez Cesar E. , Cardoso Josue S. , Lopez-Quintero Catalina , Losin Elizabeth A. Reynolds , Staud Roland , Goodin Burel R. , Fillingim Roger B. , Terry Ellen L.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is a risk factor for poorer pain-related outcomes. Further, the neighborhood environments of disadvantaged communities can create a milieu of increased stress and deprivation that adversely affects pain-related and other health outcomes. Socioenvironmental variables such as the Area Deprivation Index, which ranks neighborhoods based on socioeconomic factors could be used to capture environmental aspects associated with poor pain outcomes. However, it is unclear whether the ADI could be used as a risk assessment tool in addition to individual-level SES.

Methods

The current study investigated whether neighborhood-level disadvantage impacts knee pain-related outcomes above sociodemographic measures. Participants were 188 community-dwelling adults who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black or non-Hispanic White and reported knee pain. Area Deprivation Index (ADI; measure of neighborhood-level disadvantage) state deciles were derived for each participant. Participants reported educational attainment and annual household income as measures of SES, and completed several measures of pain and function: Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Graded Chronic Pain Scale were completed, and movement-evoked pain was assessed following the Short Physical Performance Battery. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to assess whether environmental and sociodemographic measures (i.e., ADI 80/20 [80% least disadvantaged and 20% most disadvantaged]; education/income, race) were associated with pain-related clinical outcomes.

Results

Living in the most deprived neighborhood was associated with poorer clinical knee pain-related outcomes compared to living in less deprived neighborhoods (ps < 0.05). Study site, age, BMI, education, and income explained 11.3–28.5% of the variance across all of the individual pain-related outcomes. However, the ADI accounted for 2.5–4.2% additional variance across multiple pain-related outcomes.

Conclusion

The ADI accounted for a significant amount of variance in pain-related outcomes beyond the control variables including education and income. Further, the effect of ADI was similar to or higher than the effect of age and BMI. While the effect of neighborhood environment was modest, a neighborhood-level socioenvironmental variable like ADI might be used by clinicians and researchers to improve the characterization of patients’ risk profile for chronic pain outcomes.
Laparoscopic versus open lumbar sympathectomy in critical limb threatening ischemia patients in Egypt
Authors: Shaalan Wael E. , Elemam Ali A. , Lotfy Hassan , Naga Ahmad R. , Mohamed Mohamed I. , Dean Yomna E. , Abdelbaki Tamer N.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The treatment of critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is revascularization. Lumbar sympathectomy (LS) could be attempted when this is not amenable. Using laparoscopic techniques to perform LS adds the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

Methods

Twenty-four patients, presenting with non-reconstructable CLTI and rest pain, were randomly divided into group I (14 patients) who underwent retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomy (RPLS) and group II (10 patients) who had conventional open lumber sympathectomy (COLS).

Results

RPLS patients had shorter hospital stays, fewer intraoperative complications, and less postoperative pain. However, the mean operative time was significantly longer (86.4 ± 9.1 min, p-value: 0.02) in the RPLS group but decreased with each subsequent case after that. The differences in post-operative capillary refill time, ABI, TBI, and TcPO2 were not statistically significant between both groups (p-values: 0.97, 0.13, 0.32, 0.10, respectively). However, the difference in the quality-of-life score was statistically significant; the mean (± SD) SF-36 score increased from 48 ± 6.8 to 81 ± 4.4 (p-value < 0.001) in RPLS group compared to 52 ± 8.8 to 59 ± 1.2 (p-value: 0.52) in COLS group.

Conclusion

RPLS is feasible, safe, and has the advantages of minimally invasive surgery: minimal blood loss, less intraoperative complications, shorter hospital stay, and less postoperative pain. However, the operative time in RPLS cases is longer than in the COLS; training on the procedure is recommended to improve the learning curve.
Strengthening healthcare providers’ leadership capabilities, interprofessional collaboration, and systems thinking: a conceptualization of the Clinical Scholars program impact
Authors: Carr Tara , Rosas Scott , Noble Cheryl , Song Michelle , Fernandez Claudia S. P. , Brandert Kathleen , Donnald Kathy , Corbie Giselle , Dave Gaurav
Published: November 2024

Background

Healthcare provider leadership programs represent an intervention opportunity to support advancement of the national system of care and an evaluation of their program impacts is needed. Between 2016 and 2023, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) funded Clinical Scholars (CS), a three-year equity-centered leadership training program for US healthcare providers. CS recruited participants (referred to as Fellows) in cohorts and engaged them as members of interprofessional teams to transform their careers and the health of their communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate Fellows’ perspectives on the success of CS, specifically the program elements and their importance for community well-being and sustainability.

Methods

We used the mixed methods group concept mapping (GCM) approach to evaluate Fellows’ perspectives on program success. First, we conducted the qualitative phases of brainstorming, sorting, and rating with Fellows. Secondly, we conducted the quantitative phases using multi-dimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis and integrated the sorting and rating information from each Fellow to develop a series of concept maps. Finally, we conducted the interpretation phase to synthesize findings. Fellows (N = 177) across five cohorts were invited to participate in the study.

Results

Fifty-seven Fellows (32%) completed one or more GCM phases. A conceptual map emerged, consisting of seven thematic clusters, which showed that program value could be attributed to the following elements: “Resources”, “Wicked Problem Impact Project (WPIP) Support”, “Curriculum”, “Thinking Bigger”, “Leadership Training”, “Networking”, and “Teamwork.” The pattern match showed that all seven clusters were highly rated by Fellows across the Community Well-being Impact and Sustainability domains.

Conclusion

Study findings support the value of the RWJF-CS program strategy of long-term investment in the development of healthcare leaders with applied skills in interprofessional collaboration who will be prepared to continue addressing complex, multi-faceted challenges in the system of care.
Predicting post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people up to 24 months after a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR-test: the CLoCk study
Authors: Nugawela Manjula D. , Stephenson Terence , Shafran Roz , Chalder Trudie , Dalrymple Emma , Ford Tamsin , Fox-Smith Lana , Harnden Anthony , Heyman Isobel , Ladhani Shamez N. , McOwat Kelsey , Simmons Ruth , Swann Olivia , Whittaker Elizabeth ,   CLoCk Consortium, De Stavola Bianca , Crawley Esther , Sharma Kishan , Buszewicz Marta , Levin Michael , Garg Shruti , Poustie Vanessa , Pinto Pereira Snehal M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Predicting which children and young people (CYP) are at the highest risk of developing post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) could improve care pathways. We aim to develop and validate prediction models for persistent PCC up to 24 months post-infection in CYP.

Methods

CYP who were PCR-positive between September 2020 and March 2021, with follow-up data up to 24-months post-infection, were analysed. Persistent PCC was defined in two ways, as PCC at (a) 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-infection (N = 943) or (b) 6, 12 and 24 months post-infection (N = 2373). Prediction models were developed using logistic regression; performance was assessed using calibration and discrimination measures; internal validation was performed via bootstrapping; the final model was adjusted for overfitting.

Results

While 24.7% (233/943) of CYP met the PCC definition 3 months post-infection, only 7.2% (68/943) continued to meet the PCC definition at all three subsequent timepoints, i.e. at 6, 12 and 24 months. The final models predicting risk of persistent PCC (at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months and at 6, 12 and 24 months) contained sex (female), history of asthma, allergy problems, learning difficulties at school and family history of ongoing COVID-19 problems, with additional variables (e.g. older age at infection and region of residence) in the model predicting PCC at 6, 12 and 24 months. Internal validation showed minimal overfitting of models with good calibration and discrimination measures (optimism-adjusted calibration slope: 1.064–1.142; C-statistic: 0.724–0.755).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, these are the only prediction models estimating the risk of CYP persistently meeting the PCC definition up to 24 months post-infection. The models could be used to triage CYP after infection. CYP with factors predicting longer-term symptomology, may benefit from earlier support.
rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination in people with pre-existing immunity to Ebolavirus: an open-label safety and immunogenicity study in Guinean communities affected by Ebola virus disease (l’essai proches)
Authors: Watson Conall H. , Gsell Pierre-Stéphane , Hall Yper , Camacho Anton , Riveros Ximena , Enwere Godwin , Vicari Andrea , Nadlaou Séverine Danmadji , Toure Alhassane , Sani Ismaila M. , Diallo Abdourahamane , Kolie Cece , Duraffour Sophie , Ifono Kékoura , Maomou Andre , Dore Kassie , Djidonou Honora A. , Bagayoko Aminata , Damey Philos P. , Camara Mabetty Nancy , Diallo Fatoumata Battouly , Oumar Fofana Thierno , Toure Kalidou , Diaby Mohamed Lamine , Sylla Lansana , Conde Doussou , Kaba Ibrahima Lansana , Tipton Tom , Eggo Rosalind M. , Marks Michael , Roberts Chrissy H. , Strecker Thomas , Günther Stephan , Keita Sakoba , Edmunds W. John , Carroll Miles W. , Henao-Restrepo Ana Maria
Published: November 2024

Background

Zaire Ebolavirus disease (EVD) outbreaks can be controlled using rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination and other public health measures. People in high-risk areas may have pre-existing antibodies from asymptomatic Ebolavirus exposure that might affect response to rVSV-ZEBOV. Therefore, we assessed the impact pre-existing immunity had on post-vaccination IgG titre, virus neutralisation, and reactogenicity following vaccination.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 2115 consenting close contacts (“proches”) of EVD survivors were recruited. Proches were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV and followed up for 28 days for safety and immunogenicity. Anti-GP IgG titre at baseline and day 28 was assessed by ELISA. Samples from a representative subset were evaluated using live virus neutralisation.

Results

Ten percent were seropositive at baseline. At day 28, IgG in baseline seronegative (GMT 0.106 IU/ml, 95% CI: 0.100 to 0.113) and seropositive (GMT 0.237 IU/ml, 0.210 to 0.267) participants significantly increased from baseline (both p < 0.0001). There was strong correlation between antibody titres and virus neutralisation in day 28 samples (Spearman’s rho 0.75). Vaccinees with baseline IgG antibodies against Zaire Ebolavirus had similar safety profiles to those without detectable antibodies (63.6% vs 66.1% adults experienced any adverse event; 49.1% vs 60.9% in children), with almost all adverse events graded as mild. No serious adverse events were attributed to vaccination. No EVD survivors tested positive for Ebolavirus by RT-PCR.

Conclusions

These data add further evidence of rVSV-ZEBOV safety and immunogenicity, including in people with pre-existing antibodies from suspected natural ZEBOV infection whose state does not blunt rVSV-ZEBOV immune response. Pre-vaccination serological screening is not required.
Integrating trauma- and violence-informed care in perinatal services to support adolescent mothers in low and middle-income countries: a call to action
Authors: Nkurunziza Aimable , Smye Victoria L. , Wathen C. Nadine , Tryphonopoulos Panagiota , Jackson Kimberley T. , Cechetto David F. , Gishoma Darius
Published: November 2024

Adolescent pregnancy is a significant global health issue, particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In these regions, adolescent pregnancy is often seen as deviant, irresponsible, and shameful behavior, impacting not just the young mother but her entire family and community. Consequently, adolescent mothers frequently face ostracization, stigma, and discrimination from their families and communities. Many also endure various forms of trauma and violence before and during pregnancy. These traumatic experiences disproportionately affect the mental health of adolescent mothers in LMICs, influencing their ability to access perinatal services and which can affect their physical health and well-being, as well as that of their unborn children. When systems, guidelines and healthcare providers in perinatal services are not supported to adopt trauma- and violence-informed care (TVIC) principles, they risk perpetuating or overlooking the trauma experienced by adolescent mothers. This paper emphasizes that the perinatal environment in LMICs often does not feel safe for either adolescent mothers or their healthcare providers, potentially leading to re-traumatization. Therefore, implementing TVIC can help create safer perinatal services for both adolescent mothers and their providers.
Comparing retro-cue benefit mechanisms in visual working memory: completely valid vs. highly valid retro-cues
Authors: Liu Qiang , Guo Lijing , Nie Dan , Fu Kai , Ye Chaoxiong
Published: November 2024

Visual working memory (VWM) plays a crucial role in temporarily maintaining and manipulating visual information. Retro-cue benefit (RCB) refers to the enhancement of memory performance when attention is directed toward a subset of items in VWM after their initial encoding. Our recent electroencephalogram (EEG) studies indicate that cue validity affects the mechanisms underlying RCB formation. However, previous research has not thoroughly examined whether these mechanisms differ between completely valid and highly valid cue conditions. This study investigates the consistency of RCB mechanisms under conditions of complete (100%) and high (80%) retro-cue validity. We manipulated retro-cue validity and examined cognitive processing mechanisms under different validity conditions using EEG. Specifically, we focused on the N2pc component, which reflects attentional resource allocation, and the contralateral delay activity (CDA) component, which reflects the quantity of information retained in VWM. The results, encompassing both behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) findings, show that participants in both the 100% and 80% cue validity conditions exhibit robust RCB. Notably, the degree of RCB remains consistent across these conditions, indicating that participants utilize retro-cues to enhance VWM performance to the same extent. In the 80% cue validity condition, a significant retro-cue cost (RCC) was observed, indicating that participants selectively discarded uncued items from VWM. In invalid trials, response accuracy drops to chance levels, supporting the removal hypothesis. ERP results reveal that attentional resource allocation (N2pc) and the quantity of retained information (CDA) remain uniform across cue validity conditions. The mechanism responsible for RCB formation appears to involve an all-or-nothing process of discarding uncued information rather than a flexible resource allocation strategy. This study provides insights into attention allocation and information-processing mechanisms in VWM, suggesting that conclusions drawn from tasks with completely valid retro-cues can be integrated with findings from highly valid cue tasks. These findings also illuminate the flexibility of internal attentional resource allocation during RCB formation and contribute to our understanding of attention processes in VWM.
Resource supply and demand model of military settlements in the cold weapon era: case of Zhenbao Town, Ming Great Wall
Authors: Bai Jinni , Bian Junjie , Wang Zhao , Yuan Sinan , Mu Nanshuo , Xiao Tiankai
Published: November 2024

As an important military defense project in Chinese history, the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and its associated military settlements played a crucial role in maintaining border security. A systematic analysis of how military settlements allocated resources based on external threats and geo-strategic needs is essential to understanding their settlements defense systems. However, this aspect has been relatively under-explored in existing research. Therefore, a resource allocation assessment model for Great Wall military settlements during the Cold Weapon era is established to facilitate a more scientific analysis and quantitative assessment of Military Defense Capabilities(MDC) and Military Requirements(MR). This study employs a combined Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) approach to determine the weight of each indicator for both military defense capability and military requirement. Spatial clustering using K-means is conducted to visualize the distribution of these strengths and weaknesses. An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model links military requirements with defense capabilities, assessing the relationship between settlement locations and historical battle sites. Residual analysis is utilized to identify areas of resource over-allocation or under-allocation. The study reveals that the regional differences in military defense capabilities and requirements within the Zhenbao Town area during the Ming Dynasty correspond closely with the locations of frequent conflicts. This finding suggests that the distribution of defensive capabilities were strengthened in areas with challenging terrain, while the effectiveness and allocation of defense capabilities were determined by logistical support and transportation conditions. This study enhances our understanding of historical military strategies from a historical geography perspective and offers innovative insights for analyzing Great Wall settlement, moving beyond mere sensory intuition and historical experience.
Development and characterization of a novel wheat-rye T2DS·2DL-2RL translocation line with high stripe rust resistance
Authors: Ji Yuzhou , Han Guohao , Gong Wenping , Han Ran , Wang Xiaolu , Bao Yinguang , Li Jianbo , Liu Aifeng , Li Haosheng , Liu Jianjun , Ma Pengtao , Liu Cheng
Published: November 2024

Rye (Secale cereale L.), a close relative of common wheat, represents a valuable genetic resource for enhancing the disease resistance of common wheat. Introducing novel rye-derived genes into wheat can potentially improve disease resistance. In this study, we successfully developed a novel wheat-rye derivative line LCR4 through hybridization between hexaploid triticale line Currency and common wheat cultivar Jimai 22 (JM22). We confirmed that LCR4 was a T2DS·2DL-2RL translocation line via comprehensive molecular cytogenetic analyses, including genomic in situ hybridization, multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization, molecular marker analysis, and wheat SNP-arrays genotyping. Notably, upon inoculation with Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) race V26 at the seedling stage and mixed Pst races at the adult stage, LCR4 exhibited robust resistance against stripe rust infection at both stages. Subsequent genetic analysis further elucidated that the translocated 2RL chromosome segment is responsible for this resistance. Consequently, LCR4 harboring elite agronomic traits can be effectively employed in breeding programs against stripe rust.
Observation of neutrophil extracellular traps in the development of diabetic nephropathy using diabetic murine models
Authors: Jeon You Hyun , Oh Se-Hyun , Jung Soo-Jung , Oh Eun-Joo , Lim Jeong-Hoon , Jung Hee-Yeon , Choi Ji-Young , Park Sun-Hee , Kim Chan-Duck , Kim Yong-Lim , Hong Chang-Won , Cho Jang-Hee
Published: November 2024

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a progressive complication among patients with diabetes and the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are known to play a role in kidney disease, thus this study aimed to determine their role in the development of diabetic kidney disease using diabetic murine models.

Results

Protein and histological analyses revealed that db/db mice and streptozotocin DN models expressed no significant NET-related proteins, myeloperoxidase, citrullinated histone H3 (citH3), neutrophil elastase, and lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G6D (Ly6G). However, the inflamed individuals in the DN model showed that citH3 and Ly6G were highly deposited in the renal system based on immunohistochemistry images. In vitro, NET treatment did not induce apoptosis in glomerular endothelial and renal tubular epithelial cells. NET inhibition by DNase administration demonstrated no significant changes in cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

NET-related proteins were only expressed in the DN model with tubulointerstitial inflammation. Our study revealed that NETs are only induced in mice with hyperglycemia-induced inflammation.
Terrains of care in the smart city: sensemaking by creative communities of practice
Authors: Zaman Sara , Nurmi Suvielise , Raymond Christopher M.
Published: November 2024

Critical smart city research has presented wide-ranging risks of technocentric urban development. One critique lies in the kinds of citizenship directed under smart urban paradigms, which do little to account for residents’ practices of care. This paper is an ethico-onto-epistemological re-examination of smart cities through the lens of care practices specifically focusing on creative communities of practice. We use an enactivist empirical approach to help uncover experiences of sensemaking in the smart city held by three creative communities of practice in Helsinki. Through in-depth interviews with n = 22 urban planners, artists, and community space organizers, we assessed these groups’ differing and overlapping sensemaking processes. Utilizing 5E sensemaking processes (embodied, extended, enacted, emotive, and embedded) as a flexible analytical framework, we identify and interpret their practices of care as ways of sensemaking in a developing smart urban environment. Our results depict terrains of care in which participation and citizenship in the smart city is not neutral, but embedded in affective engagement, navigating rules and institutions, and cultivation of joy and inspiration. We use our findings to discuss what these interweaving terrains of care mean for citizenship and transformational change in the smart city.
Diagnostic utility of testosterone priming prior to dynamic tests to differentiate constitutional delay in puberty from isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in boys
Authors: Ahmed Shimaa Medhat Abdellatif , Badawi Nora ElSaid , AbdElSalam Mohamed Ahmed , Fawaz Lubna , Kamel AbdelKarim , Hassan Mona Mamdouh
Published: November 2024

Background

Differentiation between isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and constitutional delay in puberty (CDP) throughout adolescence can be challenging for doctors. This study examines the withdrawal effects of short-term, low-dose testosterone treatment (testosterone priming) on the ability of dynamic testing to distinguish between CDP and IHH based on activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary–testicular axis.

Methods

A case–control study included 20 boys with delayed puberty (group A) and 20 patients with IHH (group B). Both groups underwent Triptorelin and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation tests before and 2 months after testosterone injections (100 mg) intramuscularly every 4 weekly for 3 months.

Results

The triptorelin-stimulated 4-h LH with a cutoff of 2.4 IU/L and the hCG-stimulated testosterone with a cutoff of 1.160 ng/mL had sensitivities of 65% each, and specificities of 90% and 95%, respectively, to diagnose CDP. After testosterone withdrawal, the cut-off values for 4-h LH were 8.850 IU/L and 3.190 ng/mL for hCG-stimulated testosterone. Basal inhibin B > 88.25 pg/ml was found to be a differentiating factor in diagnosing CDP after testosterone withdrawal.

Conclusions

following the withdrawal of testosterone therapy, Inhibin B levels or 4-h stimulated LH are the most effective discriminant assays to distinguish CDP from IHH.
Factors Associated With Default of Treatment and Follow-Up Among Patients With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Lower-Middle-Income Country
Authors: Sundriyal Deepak , Kapoor Mayank , Antil Preeti , Gupta Sweety , Kumar Parmod , Shriwastav Ujjawal Kumar , Sehrawat Amit
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE

Desirable outcomes during the treatment of patients with cancer require adherence to evaluation, treatment, and follow-up. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with default in patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of cancer who defaulted during evaluation, treatment, and follow-up. All patients’ detailed demographic and clinical data were recorded. Those lost to follow-up were interviewed telephonically. The factors associated with default were noted. Descriptive statistics were used to compute the demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

In total, 172 patients were included. Geriatric and female patients were 38.9% and 37.2%, respectively. Fifty-eight percent of the patients lived in rural areas, whereas 45.9% were illiterate. More than one third (34.3%) of the patients who defaulted received the curative-intent treatment, whereas 62.1% of patients had a good performance status immediately before default. The average distance traveled by the patients to reach the cancer facility was 143 ± 13.15 km. The most common reasons for default were the lack of social support, financial constraints, difficulty in commuting, and too sick to come in 45 (26.2%), 35 (20.3%), 28 (16.3%), and 23 (13.4%) patients, respectively. Twenty-nine (16.9%) patients reported more than one reason for default.

CONCLUSION

Lack of social support, financial constraints, transportation barriers, and inadequate counseling by the health care provider serve as barriers to uninterrupted cancer care. These factors are often interrelated and can be attenuated by adopting the hub and spoke model. Simultaneously, a good relationship between the patient and the health care provider fostered by appropriate counseling is imperative to increase adherence to cancer treatment and improve the outcome.
A comparative test of the ΛCDM and Rh = ct cosmologies based on upcoming redshift drift measurements
Authors: Melia F.
Published: November 2024

A measurement of the redshift drift constitutes a model-independent probe of fundamental cosmology. Several approaches are being considered to make the necessary observations, using i) the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), ii) the Cosmic Accelerometer, and iii) the differential redshift drift methodology. Our focus in this letter is to assess how these upcoming measurements may be used to compare the predictions of ΛCDM with those of the alternative Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker cosmology known as the

universe, and several other models, including modified gravity scenarios. The ELT should be able to distinguish between

and the other models at better than

for

after 20 years of monitoring, while the Cosmic Accelerometer may be able to achieve the same result with sources at

after only 10 years.
Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency Heralding Rosai-Dorfman Disease With Neurological Manifestations
Authors: Felske David , Gabbay Jacob , Boles Brittney , Gilbert Matthew P
Published: November 2024

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare heterogeneous disorder of non–Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The patient is a 24-year-old woman who presented with a 1-month history of polydipsia, polyuria, and 25-lb (11.3-kg) weight loss over 6 months and was found to have significantly elevated 24-hour urine volume (8.4 L). Prior to completion of the work-up for her presenting symptoms, she returned with a new complaint of disabling back pain and bilateral lower-extremity numbness with weakness refractory to conservative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a prominent T2 to T4 stenosis from a soft tissue mass. Due to progressive pain and accelerating neurological symptoms, she was admitted for surgical debulking and biopsy. In the 10 hours she was unable to drink fluids surrounding her procedure, her serum sodium climbed to 160 mmol/L (reference interval, 137-145 mEq/L; [137-145 mmol/L]). Urine testing and desmopressin challenge revealed arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D), formerly known as central diabetes insipidus. Pituitary MRI showed a mildly enlarged pituitary gland with loss of normal posterior pituitary signal supporting the diagnosis. Epidural mass pathology showed predominant histiocytes indicating RDD. This case highlights the diverse clinical manifestations of RDD and is an unusual instance of RDD linked with AVP-D and neurological involvement.