bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating hemopexin modulates anthracycline cardiac toxicity in patients and in mice
Authors: Liu Jing , Lane Sarah , Lall Rahul , Russo Michele , Farrell Laurie , Debreli Coskun Melis , Curtin Casie , Araujo-Gutierrez Raquel , Scherrer-Crosbie Marielle , Trachtenberg Barry H. , Kim Jonghan , Tolosano Emanuela , Ghigo Alessandra , Gerszten Robert E. , Asnani Aarti
Published: December 2022

Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (Dox) are effective chemotherapies, but their use is limited by cardiac toxicity. We hypothesized that plasma proteomics in women with breast cancer could identify new mechanisms of anthracycline cardiac toxicity. We measured changes in 1317 proteins in anthracycline-treated patients (
n
 = 30) and replicated key findings in a second cohort (
n
 = 31). An increase in the heme-binding protein hemopexin (Hpx) 3 months after anthracycline initiation was associated with cardiac toxicity by echocardiography. To assess the functional role of Hpx, we administered Hpx to wild-type (WT) mice treated with Dox and observed improved cardiac function. Conversely,

Hpx
−/−

mice demonstrated increased Dox cardiac toxicity compared to WT mice. Initial mechanistic studies indicate that Hpx is likely transported to the heart by circulating monocytes/macrophages and that Hpx may mitigate Dox-induced ferroptosis to confer cardioprotection. Together, these observations suggest that Hpx induction represents a compensatory response during Dox treatment.
Cryo-EM structure of the human adenosine A
2B
receptor–G
s
signaling complex
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Jinyi , Weng Yuan , Xu Yueming , Lu Weiqiang , Liu Wei , Liu Mingyao , Hua Tian , Song Gaojie
Published: December 2022

The human adenosine A
2B
receptor (A
2B
R) is a class A G protein–coupled receptor that is involved in several major physiological and pathological processes throughout the body. A
2B
R recognizes its ligands adenosine and NECA with relatively low affinity, but the detailed mechanism for its ligand recognition and signaling is still elusive. Here, we present two structures determined by cryo–electron microscopy of A
2B
R bound to its agonists NECA and BAY60-6583, each coupled to an engineered G
s
protein. The structures reveal conserved orthosteric binding pockets with subtle differences, whereas the selectivity or specificity can mainly be attributed to regions extended from the orthosteric pocket. We also found that BAY60-6583 occupies a secondary pocket, where residues V250
6.51
and N273
7.36
were two key determinants for its selectivity against A
2B
R. This study offers a better understanding of ligand selectivity for the adenosine receptor family and provides a structural template for further development of A
2B
R ligands for related diseases.
Regulation of eIF4E guides a unique translational program to control erythroid maturation
Authors: Forester Craig M. , Oses-Prieto Juan A. , Phillips Nancy J. , Miglani Sohit , Pang Xiaming , Byeon Gun Woo , DeMarco Rachel , Burlingame Al , Barna Maria , Ruggero Davide
Published: December 2022

Translation control is essential in balancing hematopoietic precursors and differentiation; however, the mechanisms underlying this program are poorly understood. We found that the activity of the major cap-binding protein eIF4E is unexpectedly regulated in a dynamic manner throughout erythropoiesis that is uncoupled from global protein synthesis rates. Moreover, eIF4E activity directs erythroid maturation, and increased eIF4E expression maintains cells in an early erythroid state associated with a translation program driving the expression of PTPN6 and Igf2bp1. A cytosine-enriched motif in the 5′ untranslated region is important for eIF4E-mediated translation specificity. Therefore, selective translation of key target genes necessary for the maintenance of early erythroid states by eIF4E highlights a unique mechanism used by hematopoietic precursors to rapidly elicit erythropoietic maturation upon need.
Dating of a large tool assemblage at the Cooper’s Ferry site (Idaho, USA) to ~15,785 cal yr B.P. extends the age of stemmed points in the Americas
Authors: Davis Loren G. , Madsen David B. , Sisson David A. , Becerra-Valdivia Lorena , Higham Thomas , Stueber Daniel , Bean Daniel W. , Nyers Alexander J. , Carroll Amanda , Ryder Christina , Sponheimer Matt , Izuho Masami , Iizuka Fumie , Li Guoqiang , Epps Clinton W. , Halford F. Kirk
Published: December 2022

The timing and character of the Pleistocene peopling of the Americas are measured by the discovery of unequivocal artifacts from well-dated contexts. We report the discovery of a well-dated artifact assemblage containing 14 stemmed projectile points from the Cooper’s Ferry site in western North America, dating to ~16,000 years ago. These stemmed points are several thousand years older than Clovis fluted points (~13,000 cal yr B.P.) and are ~2300 years older than stemmed points found previously at the site. These points date to the end of Marine Isotope Stage 2 when glaciers had closed off an interior land route into the Americas. This assemblage includes an array of stemmed projectile points that resemble pre-Jomon Late Upper Paleolithic tools from the northwestern Pacific Rim dating to ~20,000 to 19,000 years ago, leading us to hypothesize that some of the first technological traditions in the Americas may have originated in the region.
Tracing high-pressure metamorphism in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis using detrital zircon and monazite from modern stream sediments
Authors: Zhang Yunxuan , Guo Liang , Zhang Hongfei , Harris Nigel , Xu Wangchun , She Zhenbing , Luo Tao
Published: December 2022

The timing of high-pressure (HP) metamorphism in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis is important for understanding the India-Asia collisional processes, but it remains elusive. To reveal the metamorphic history of the eastern Himalayan syntaxis, we performed a study of geochronology, trace elements, and mineral inclusions of detrital zircon and monazite from modern stream sediments in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis. Detrital zircon comprise magmatic and metamorphic domains with different zoning. Inherited magmatic zircon domains have high Th/U, low (Dy/Yb)N, and retain ages of 1798−360 Ma. Metamorphic zircon domains with low Th/U, high (Dy/Yb)N, and inclusions of garnet, kyanite, and/or clinopyroxene probably formed under HP conditions. They yield age groups of 49−35 Ma, 33−17 Ma, and 12−7 Ma. The low Th/U and low (Dy/Yb)N metamorphic zircon domains probably formed during retrogression and yield age groups of 27−16 Ma and 10−6 Ma. Detrital monazite yield age distributions similar to those of the low (Dy/Yb)N metamorphic zircon except for the 821−402 Ma inherited cores. The (Dy/Yb)N of 31.6−5.7 Ma monazite decreases with increasing Y content, which indicates that it likely formed under the retrograde stage during garnet breakdown. Based on the oldest metamorphic ages, the initial India-Asia collision occurred no later than 50−44 Ma in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis. The multimodal age patterns of the metamorphic zircon and monazite indicate that the Indian continent underwent multistage HP and retrograde metamorphism in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis. The nearly contemporaneous HP and retrograde metamorphism indicate that the Indian continent continued subducting while the earlier HP metamorphic slices detached and exhumed.
Revised age and regional correlations of Cenozoic strata on Bat Mountain, Death Valley region, California, USA, from zircon U-Pb geochronology of sandstones and ash-fall tuffs
Authors: Schwartz Theresa M. , Souders A. Kate , Lundstern Jens-Erik , Gilmer Amy K. , Thompson Ren A.
Published: December 2022

Basin analysis and tectonic reconstructions of the Cenozoic history of the Death Valley region, California, USA, are hindered by a lack of volcanic (tuff) age control in many stratigraphic successions exposed in the Grapevine and Funeral Mountains of California, USA. Although maximum depositional ages (MDAs) interpreted from detrital zircon U-Pb data may be a promising alternative to volcanic ages, arguments remain regarding the calculation of MDAs including, but not limited to, the number of “young” grains to consider (i.e., the spectrum of dates used to calculate the MDA); which grains, if any, should be ignored; which approaches yield results that are statistically rigorous; and ultimately, which approaches result in ages that are geologically reasonable. We compare commonly used metrics of detrital zircon MDA for five sandstone samples from the Cenozoic strata exposed on Bat Mountain in the southern Funeral Mountains of California—i.e., the youngest single grain (YSG), the weighted mean of the youngest grain cluster of two or more grains at 1σ uncertainty (YC1σ(2+)) and of three or more grains at 2σ uncertainty (YC2σ(3+)), the youngest graphical peak (YPP), and the maximum likelihood age (MLA). Every sandstone sample yielded abundant Cenozoic zircon U-Pb dates that formed unimodal, near-normal age distributions that were clearly distinguishable from the next-oldest grains in each sample and showed an apparent up-section decrease in peak age. Benchmarked against published K/Ar and 40Ar/39Ar ages and five new zircon U-Pb ages of ash-fall tuffs, our analysis parallels prior studies and demonstrates that many MDA metrics—YSG, YC1σ(2+), YC2σ(3+), and YPP—drift toward unreasonably young or old values. In contrast, the maximum likelihood estimation approach and the resulting MLA metric consistently produce geologically appropriate estimates of MDA without arbitrary omission of any young (or old) zircon dates. Using the MLAs of sandstones and zircon U-Pb ages of interbedded ash-fall tuffs, we develop a new age model for the Oligocene–Miocene Amargosa Valley Formation (deposited ca. 28.5–18.5 Ma) and the Miocene Bat Mountain Formation (deposited ca. 15.5–13.5 Ma) and revise correlations to Cenozoic strata across the eastern Death Valley region.
Ukraine’s Membership Application As a Trigger to Reform the EU Enlargement Policy
Authors: Kaveshnikov N. Yu.
Published: December 2022

The European Union’s successive enlargements had a qualitative impact on the nature of the integration organization, entailing changes in the agenda and priorities, institutions, and decision-making process and also changing the attitude of other international actors towards the European Union. The EU’s decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine reflects a fundamental change in the logic and goals of the enlargement policy and will have a strategic impact on the design of integration processes both within the EU and on its periphery. This article is devoted to two aspects of the ongoing changes: (1) the geopoliticization of the enlargement policy and (2) the further development of differentiation processes and the prospect for new forms of external differentiation (partial membership).
Wellbeing Discourses in an Environment of “Unsustainable Development”: Bridging the Past and the Future
Authors: Semenenko I. S. , Khaynatskaya T. I.
Published: December 2022

Recent developments in expert discourse regarding transformations of the welfare state and its future are discussed. The research field embraces international organizations’ visions and national strategic program documents of members of the Wellbeing Economy Governments partnership (New Zealand, Scotland, Iceland, Wales, and Finland), international rankings data, expert discussion papers, and research literature. The wellbeing economy model—the key focus in this discussion—is part of the sustainable development framework, and its advocates and supporters seek to contribute to the mainstream discourse on development. These models are now facing severe systemic limitations, due to emerging challenges in the context of resource scarcity and growing international and political tensions. Promoting universal models appears to be an unsustainable challenge; in an international environment of “unsustainable development,” a reference framework for development relies on a diversity of approaches to progress in wellbeing and on principles encompassing a dialogue culture and on responsible commitment.
EU Anti-Russian Sanctions (Restrictive Measures): Compliance with International Law
Authors: Voynikov V. V.
Published: December 2022

The EU sanctions policy against Russia began back in 2014 as a response to the aggravation of the crisis in Ukraine. In 2022, sanctions (restrictive measures) against Russia were significantly strengthened and acquired a large-scale and unpredictable character. The purpose of this article is to identify the essential characteristics of the EU anti-Russian sanctions and to determine the legal nature of the sanctions, as well as their compliance with international law. It is concluded that the unilateral EU sanctions, contrary to their purpose, are intended to punish Russia by causing maximum damage. International law does not forbid states and their associations to impose unilateral restrictive measures in the economic sphere if they are justified by security considerations. In this context, the verification of the validity of the EU sanctions should be assessed individually for each measure. The author believes that a number of EU restrictive measures taken against the Russian Federation go beyond the scope of the permissions established by international law. This is especially true regarding measures taken in 2022. Moreover, the practice of implementing the adopted restrictive measures is becoming increasingly sophisticated, indicating that the European Union and its individual members are abusing their position.
Transformation of Right-Wing Populism in Italy in 2018−2022: From Sovereignism to Patriotism
Authors: Alekseenkova E. S.
Published: December 2022

The transformation of the discourse of right-wing populist parties in Italy from 2018 to 2022 is considered. Based on analysis of the discourse of the programs and electoral rhetoric of the parties the Brothers of Italy, the League, and Forward Italy, the author concludes that Italian right-wing populism is becoming more moderate, replacing the concepts of sovereignism with “patriotism and conservatism” and rejecting Euroscepticism. Although nationalism is still characteristic of the right-wing parties in Italy, it is changing: a legalist approach to migrants is gradually replacing the ethnocultural and socioeconomic approaches. Populism remains the basic strategy of the right-wing parties, but the role of the main “enemy” of the Italian people is shifting from the European bureaucracy to the domestic mainstream Center–Left (i.e., the Democratic Party). The authoritarianism of the right-wing populists has undergone the least change in terms of ideological content between 2018 and 2022, but its importance has increased with the growing public demand for political stability and the increasing personalization of politics. This article contributes to the study of the phenomenon of right-wing populism.
Associations between mental health and HIV status among sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents in Nigeria
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Oginni Olakunle , Ibigbami Olanrewaju Ibikunle , Philip Uma , Mfam Nserd Ntonoba , Mbam Chinedu , Ganyam Amos , Salem Agada A , Osuji Christopher , Bradley Cory , Lusher Joanne , Sam-Agudu Nadia Adjoa
Published: December 2022

Background

We aimed to determine associations between the mental health status of adolescents by self-reported sexual identity; and to determine associations between the mental health status of sexual minority adolescents living with and without HIV.

Methods

This cross-sectional study collected data from Nigerians aged 13–19 years old using an online survey. We collected information on dependent (sexual identity) and independent (presence of depressive symptoms, generalised anxiety disorder, suicidal attempt/ideation, HIV status) study variables. A multivariate regression model determined associations between the dependent and independent variables. A second multivariate regression model was developed to establish associations between HIV status among sexual minority individuals and the dependent variables. All models were adjusted for age, sex assigned at birth and education level.

Results

Among 1247 respondents living in Nigeria, 497 (39.9%) identified as sexual minority individuals. Compared with their heterosexual peers, sexual minority adolescents had significantly higher odds of reporting depressive symptoms (adjusted OR (AOR): 5.54; 95% CI: 4.10 to 7.47; p<0.001), high general anxiety (AOR: 3.56; 95% CI: 2.64 to 4.79; p<0.001) and history of suicidal attempt/ideation (AOR: 2.95; 95% CI: 2.20 to 3.94; p<0.001). Sexual minority adolescents living with HIV had significantly higher odds of high general anxiety (AOR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.21 to 4.84; p=0.013), while those with unknown HIV status had significantly higher odds of depressive symptoms (AOR: 3.82, 95% CI: 2.78 to 5.27; p<0.001), high general anxiety (AOR: 3.09; 95% CI: 2.29 to 4.17; p<0.001) and suicidal attempt/ideation (AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.24; p=0.001).

Conclusion

Sexual minority adolescents reported poorer mental health status than heterosexual adolescents. Although there was no significant difference in the mental health status of sexual minority adolescents living and not living with HIV, sexual minority adolescents with unknown HIV status reported worse mental health than their HIV-negative peers. Sexual minority adolescents in Nigeria need comprehensive rights-based care that improves access to mental health services, and those with unknown HIV status may need both HIV and mental health screening and care.
How the Esther Network model for coproduction of person-centred health and social care was adopted and adapted in Singapore: a realist evaluation
Authors: Lim Esther Li Ping , Khee Giat Yeng , Thor Johan , Andersson Gäre Boel , Thumboo Julian , Allgurin Monika
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The Esther Network (EN) model, a person-centred care innovation in Sweden, was adopted in Singapore to promote person-centredness and improve integration between health and social care practitioners. This realist evaluation aimed to explain its adoption and adaptation in Singapore.

Design

An organisational case study using a realist evaluation approach drawing on Greenhalghet al(2004)’s Diffusion of Innovations in Service Organisations to guide data collection and analysis. Data collection included interviews with seven individuals and three focus groups (including stakeholders from the macrosystem, mesosystem and microsystem levels) about their experiences of EN in Singapore, and field notes from participant observations of EN activities.

Setting

SingHealth, a healthcare cluster serving a population of 1.37 million residents in Eastern Singapore.

Participants

Policy makers (n=4), EN programme implementers (n=3), practitioners (n=6) and service users (n=7) participated in individual interviews or focus group discussions.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Outcome data from healthcare institutions (n=13) and community agencies (n=59) were included in document analysis.

Results

Singapore’s ageing population and need to transition from a hospital-based model to a more sustainable community-based model provided an opportunity for change. The personalised nature and logic of the EN model resonated with leaders and led to collective adoption. Embedded cultural influences such as the need for order and hierarchical structures were both barriers to, and facilitators of, change. Coproduction between service users and practitioners in making care improvements deepened the relationships and commitments that held the network together.

Conclusions

The enabling role of leaders (macrosystem level), the bridging role of practitioners (mesosystem level) and the unifying role of service users (microsystem level) all contributed to EN’s success in Singapore. Understanding these roles helps us understand how staff at various levels can contribute to the adoption and adaptation of EN and similar complex innovations systemwide.
Efficacy of guselkumab, a selective IL-23 inhibitor, in Preventing Arthritis in a Multicentre Psoriasis At-Risk cohort (PAMPA): protocol of a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled multicentre trial
Authors: Haberman Rebecca H , MacFarlane Katrina A , Catron Sydney , Samuels Jonathan , Blank Rebecca B , Toprover Michael , Uddin Zakwan , Hu Jiyuan , Castillo Rochelle , Gong Cinty , Qian Kun , Piguet Vincent , Tausk Francisco , Yeung Jensen , Neimann Andrea L , Gulliver Wayne , Thiele Ralf G , Merola Joseph F , Ogdie Alexis , Rahman Proton , Chakravarty Soumya D , Eder Lihi , Ritchlin C T , Scher Jose U
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex, immune-mediated disease associated with skin psoriasis that, if left untreated, can lead to joint destruction. Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis progress to PsA. In most cases, psoriasis precedes synovio-entheseal inflammation by an average of 5–7 years, providing a unique opportunity for early and potentially preventive intervention in a susceptible and identifiable population. Guselkumab is an effective IL-23p19 inhibitor Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and PsA. The Preventing Arthritis in a Multicentre Psoriasis At-Risk cohort (PAMPA) study aims to evaluate the efficacy of guselkumab in preventing PsA and decreasing musculoskeletal power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) abnormalities in a population of patients with psoriasis who are at-increased risk for PsA progression.

Methods and analysis

The PAMPA study is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, interventional, preventive trial comparing PDUS involvement and conversion to PsA in patients with psoriasis at-increased risk for progression treated with guselkumab compared with non-biological standard of care. The study includes a screening period, a double-blind treatment period (24 weeks) and an open-label follow-up period (72 weeks). At baseline, 200 subjects will be randomised (1:1) to receive either guselkumab 100 mg (arm 1) or placebo switching to guselkumab 100 mg starting at week 24 (arm 2). Arm 3 will follow 150 at-risk psoriasis patients who decline biological therapy and randomisation. Changes from baseline in the PDUS score at week 24 and the difference in proportion of patients transitioning to PsA at 96 weeks will be examined as the coprimary endpoints.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for this study was granted by the coordinating centre’s (NYU School of Medicine) Institutional Review Board (IRB). Each participating site received approval through their own IRBs. The findings will be shared in peer-reviewed articles and scientific conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05004727.
Acute and repeated impact of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers in solid and semi-solid foods on appetite: protocol for a multicentre, cross-over, RCT in people with overweight/obesity – the SWEET Project
Authors: Gibbons Catherine , O'Hara Beverley , O’Connor Dominic , Hardman Charlotte , Wilton Moon , Harrold Joanne A , Almiron-Roig Eva , Navas-Carretero Santiago , Hodgkins Charo E , Nazare Julie Anne , Alligier Maud , Martínez Jose Alfredo , Scott Corey , Kjølbæk Louise , Normand Mie , Rannou Cécile , Blaak Ellen E , Feskens Edith , Moshoyiannis Hariklia , Raben Anne , Halford Jason C G , Beaulieu Kristine , Finlayson Graham
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Intake of free sugars in European countries is high and attempts to reduce sugar intake have been mostly ineffective. Non-nutritive sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) can maintain sweet taste in the absence of energy, but little is known about the impact of acute and repeated consumption of S&SE in foods on appetite. This study aims to evaluate the effect of acute and repeated consumption of two individual S&SEs and two S&SE blends in semisolid and solid foods on appetite and related behavioural, metabolic and health outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A work package of the SWEET Project; this study consists of five double-blind randomised cross-over trials which will be carried out at five sites across four European countries, aiming to have n=213. Five food matrices will be tested across three formulations (sucrose-sweetened control vs two reformulated products with S&SE blends and no added sugar). Participants (body mass index 25–35 kg/m2; aged 18–60 years) will consume each formulation for 14 days. The primary endpoint is composite appetite score (hunger, inverse of fullness, desire to eat and prospective food consumption) over a 3-hour postprandial incremental area under the curve during clinical investigation days on days 1 and 14.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been approved by national ethical committees and will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results will be published in international peer-reviewed open-access scientific journals. Research data from the trial will be deposited in an open-access online research data archive.

Trial registration number

NCT04633681.
Effects of full-body exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Pan Yi , Yang Han , Quan Luo , Wang Shurong , Xu Youli , Chen Yu
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease characterised by progressive and irreversible fibrosis of the lung parenchyma, resulting in reduced lung function. Since conventional medicines can be associated with low effective rates and adverse events, pulmonary rehabilitation may be a promising non-pharmacological therapy for IPF. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of full-body exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation on patients with IPF by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods and analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). From inception to 31 August 2022, electronic databases in English and Chinese were searched, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials among the English databases. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical, and Wan Fang Data were among the Chinese databases. Two independent reviewers then screened the potential RCT studies, which were analysed according to the Cochrane Handbook criteria. The efficacy and safety of full-body exercise pulmonary rehabilitation for IPF were evaluated based on outcomes, including exercise capacity measured by 6 min walking distance and quality of life measured by St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. Lung function was measured based on the forced vital capacity, total lung capacity, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide and dyspnoea assessed by the modified Medical Research Council scale.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was not required for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021284293.
Protocol for a pilot and feasibility study evaluating a complex nurse-led patient education intervention to promote cancer patient engagement in healthy lifestyle (O-PHE programme)
Authors: Bonetti Loris , Barello Serena , Franzoso-Sartorio Cristina , Rinaldi Maria Claudia , Cattaneo Andrea , Tolotti Angela , Liptrott Sarah , Sari Davide
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Literature suggests that patient engagement in healthy lifestyle is of crucial importance in ensuring a more effective management of side effects of cancer therapies and better quality of life for patients. While many studies describe educational interventions to promote healthy lifestyles, few are focused on promoting active patient engagement in this field. This protocol paper outlines a study to determine the feasibility of a complex nurse-led patient education intervention aimed to promote cancer patient engagement in a healthy lifestyle.

Method and analysis

This is a randomised pilot and feasibility study. Research nurses will recruit 40 adult patients newly diagnosed with cancer. Consenting participants will be randomised to undergo the patient engagement in healthy lifestyle intervention or the control group by means of a four-block randomisation procedure. The intervention will be delivered by a clinical nurse trained in patient engagement strategies. The primary outcome will be a description of study feasibility (recruitment and retention rates, protocol adherence and stakeholder acceptability). Secondary outcomes include changes between and within groups in healthy lifestyle behaviours (ie, increase in healthy diet, smoke cessation or reduction, increase in physical activity), in quality-of-life rates after the intervention, in patient engagement levels, in the perception of the quality of care, in nutritional status; the number of recurrences or the onset of new cancer diagnosis; the number of hospitalization.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Canton Ticino Ethical Committee (Protocol ID: 2020-02477 TI). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national and international congresses. Finally, patients’ organisations, such as the Swiss Cancer League, will be involved in the dissemination process. This study will inform the decision to proceed with a randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of this intervention.
Using thoracic ultrasound to detect interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a protocol for the diagnostic test accuracy AURORA study
Authors: Sofíudóttir Bjørk Khaliqi , Harders Stefan M W , Lage-Hansen Philip Rask , Christensen Robin , Munk Heidi Lausten , Sorensen Grith Lykke , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild , Ellingsen Torkell
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Pulmonary diseases are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) may be prevalent in up to 30% and clinically evident in 10% of patients with RA. Feasible methods to detect concomitant ILD in RA are warranted. Our objective is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of thoracic ultrasound (TUS) for ILD in patients with RA with respiratory symptoms, by using chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) as the reference standard. Further, we aim to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for the promising blood biomarkers surfactant protein-D and microfibrillar-associated protein 4 in the detection of ILD in this group of patients.

Methods and analysis

By use of a standardised 14 zone protocol patients suspected of having RA-ILD will undergo TUS as index test performed by a junior resident in rheumatology (BKS), who is certified by the European Respiratory Society in performing TUS assessments. Participants form a consecutive series of up to 80 individuals in total. The anonymised TUS images will be stored and scored by the junior resident as well as two senior rheumatologists, who have received training in TUS, and a TUS-experienced pulmonologist. HRCT will be used as the gold standard for ILD diagnosis (reference standard). The two basic measures for quantifying the diagnostic test accuracy of the TUS test are the sensitivity and specificity in comparison to the HRCT.

Ethics and dissemination

Data will be collected and stored in the Research Electronic Data Capture database. The study is approved by the Committees on Health Research Ethics and the Danish Data Protection Agency. The project is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05396469, pre-results) and data will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Development of a comprehensive approach to adult hereditary cancer testing in Ontario
Authors: Bell Kathleen Anne , Kim Raymond , Aronson Melyssa , Gillies Brittany , Ali Awan Arif , Chun Kathy , Hart Jennifer , Healey Rachel , Kim Linda , Klaric Goran , Panabaker Karen , Sabatini Peter J B , Sadikovic Bekim , Selvarajah Shamini , Smith Amanda C , Stockley Tracy L , Vaags Andrea K , Eisen Andrea , Pollett Aaron , Feilotter Harriet
Published: December 2022

Background

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer susceptibility has advanced over time due to the discovery of new risk genes, improved technology and decreased cost. In the province of Ontario, testing eligibility criteria were initially developed to include hereditary breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer syndromes. The rapid evolution of genetic technologies has facilitated the ability to interrogate a large number of genes concurrently. This, coupled with new knowledge about risk genes, necessitated a coordinated approach to expanding the scope of genes and indications tested and synchronisation of access and test utilisation across the province as required in a publicly funded universal healthcare system.

Methods

Ontario Health—Cancer Care Ontario convened expert working groups to develop a standardised and comprehensive cancer gene list for adults and accompanying hereditary cancer testing (HCT) criteria using an evidence-based framework and broad laboratory and clinical genetics engagement.

Results

A standardised 76-cancer-gene panel, organised into 13 larger disease site panels and 25 single/small gene panels, was developed and endorsed by the working groups. Provincial genetic testing eligibility criteria were updated to align with the new panels and to guide clinical decision-making. In the first year following the implementation of these changes, 10 564 HCT panels were performed with an overall mutation detection rate of 12.2%.

Conclusion

Using an evidence framework and broad clinical engagement to develop and endorse an updated guidance document, cancer genetic testing for adults in Ontario is now standardised and coordinated across the province.
Management of basilar fenestration aneurysms: a systematic review with an illustrative case report
Authors: Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Srinivasan Visish M , Madriñán-Navia Humberto José , Park Marian T , Scherschinski Lea , Catapano Joshua S , Rhodenhiser Emmajane G , Graffeo Christopher S , Ducruet Andrew F , Albuquerque Felipe C , Lawton Michael T
Published: December 2022

Background

Basilar artery (BA) fenestration aneurysm (BAFA) is a rare phenomenon commonly accompanying other aneurysms. Treatment is challenging, and few cases have been reported. This review investigated the management outcomes of BAFAs.

Methods

Publication databases were searched to identify studies evaluating outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) and microsurgical treatment of BAFAs from inception through 2021. Outcomes (clinical, angiographic, postoperative complications, and retreatment rates) were collected and analyzed. The authors present their case of a patient treated for a BAFA.

Results

Including the authors’ case, 184 patients with 209 BAFAs were reported in 68 studies. Most patients (130/175; 74.3%) presented with ruptured aneurysms, most commonly involving the proximal segment of the BA. Most BAFAs were small (52/103, 50.5%) and saccular (119/143, 83.2%). Most patients underwent EVT (143/184, 77.7%); the rest underwent microsurgery. Postoperative complications after EVT occurred in 10 (8.3%) of 120 patients, with 4 of the 10 experiencing strokes. At clinical follow-up, most EVT patients (74/86, 86.0%) showed good outcomes; 3.9% (2/51) had died. Most aneurysms managed with EVT (56/73, 76.7%) showed complete occlusion at follow-up; 7.3% (8/109) were retreated. Postoperative complications occurred in 62.2% (23/37) of microsurgical patients; 5 (21.7%) of the 23 experienced strokes. All patients showed good clinical outcomes at follow-up. Most aneurysms (22/28, 78.6%) treated microsurgically showed complete occlusion at angiographic follow-up, with no retreatment required.

Conclusion

BAFAs are often symptomatic; thus, treatment is challenging. By the 2000s, treatment had moved from microsurgical to endovascular modalities, with good clinical and angiographic outcomes.
Updated estimates of large and medium vessel strokes, mechanical thrombectomy trends, and future projections indicate a relative flattening of the growth curve but highlight opportunities for expanding endovascular stroke care
Authors: Rai Ansaar T , Link Paul S , Domico Jennifer R
Published: December 2022

Background

A study was undertaken to determine the incidence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and strokes related to large (LVO) and medium (MVO) vessel occlusions, and to estimate annual mechanical thrombectomy (MT) volume, past trends and future growth.

Methods

A population-based analysis was performed to estimate the rate of AIS, LVOs (internal carotid artery terminus, M1 branch of the middle cerebral artery, basilar artery) and MVOs (M2 and M3 branches of the middle cerebral artery, anterior and posterior cerebral arteries). MT estimates were determined from multiple governmental data sources. Annual US numbers were adjusted for population growth.

Results

The incidence of AIS is estimated at 216 (95% CI 199 to 238)/100 000 persons/year or 718 191 (95% CI 661 483 to 791 121) AIS/year in the USA. A vascular occlusion was observed in 21% of patients with AIS (95% CI 15 to 29). The rate of LVO was 24/100 000 persons/year (95% CI 19 to 31) or 80 075 (95% CI 62 457 to 104 375) LVOs/year, and the rate of MVO was 20/100 000 persons/year or 65 798 (95% CI 45 555 to 95 110) MVOs/year. MT estimates for 2021 are 39 164 procedures with a flattening of the growth curve from 2019 (9%, 2020–2021; 4%, 2019–2020) as opposed to initial steep growth from 2015 to 2018. Current MT procedures represent 5% of all AIS, 27% of all vascular occlusions (LVO+MVO) and 38% of all LVO and M2 occlusions. The current trajectory indicates a future growth of 5–10%/year for the next several years.

Conclusion

A decline in MT growth is observed. The incidence of LVO+MVO is estimated at 44/100 000 persons/year or almost 144 000 large and medium vessel strokes annually. Of these, currently an estimated 27% undergo an MT procedure, indicating an opportunity for growth. Further expansion may require focusing on the elderly, medium vessel strokes and workflow efficiencies from diagnosis to treatment.
Human-centred design, disability and bioethics
Authors: Wolf-Meyer Matthew
Published: December 2022

Human-centred design methodologies provide a means to align bioethical advocacy with the needs and desires of disabled people. As a method, human-centred design seeks to locate points of friction in an individual’s experience of everyday interactions, specifically in relation to technologies, but potentially in relation to processes and institutions. By focusing on disabled persons and their experiences of institutional organisation, human-centred design practices serve to create a foundation for a bioethical practice that addresses idiosyncratic needs and desires while providing support for disabled persons and their families. In considering how a design-focused bioethics might operate in this way, I focus on advanced sleep phase syndrome and delayed sleep phase syndrome as a way to show how the temporal ordering of institutions disable the participation of individuals with atypical sleep needs. I then turn to the education of deaf students through the exclusive use of sound, which puts them at a significant disadvantage relative to their hearing peers; this example shows how normative ableism obscures itself in attempts to aid disabled people, but an attention to the experience of deaf students show how exclusively auditory learning can be redesigned. Advocating for flexible institutional organisation and practices situates bioethical advocacy as a means to engage with social organisations in ways that create novel opportunities for able-bodied and disabled people alike.
Firefighter occupational factors and the risk of preterm birth: results from a survey of women firefighters in the USA
Authors: Jung Alesia M , Jahnke Sara A , Dennis Leslie K , Bell Melanie L , Burgess Jefferey L , Farland Leslie V
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Previous research has suggested that women firefighters may have a greater risk of adverse reproductive outcomes compared with non-firefighting women. In this study, we investigated the association between firefighter occupational factors and risk of preterm birth.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis of US firefighters surveyed in 2017 compared preterm birth among firefighters to non-firefighters using age-at-pregnancy-standardised prevalence ratios. Generalised estimating equations estimated relative risks and 95% CIs between firefighter occupational factors (career or volunteer, wildland status, shift schedule, fire responses, work restriction) and preterm birth risk. We adjusted for age-at-pregnancy, education, gravidity, BMI, and smoking and considered effect modification by age-at-pregnancy and career versus volunteer status.

Results

Among 934 women who reported 1356 live births, 12% were preterm (n=161). Preterm birth prevalence among firefighters was 1.41 times greater than non-firefighters (95% CI 1.18 to 1.68). Among wildland and combination wildland/structural firefighters, volunteers had 2.82 times the risk of preterm birth (95% CI 1.19 to 6.67) compared with career firefighters. Firefighters who started restricting their work in the 2nd trimester had a nonsignificant 0.67 times lower risk of preterm birth than those who started in the 3rd trimester or did not restrict work at all (95% CI 0.43 to 1.03).

Conclusions

Firefighters may have greater risk of preterm birth than non-firefighters, which could be influenced by roles in the fire service and work restrictions taken.
DRMT: A Decentralized IoT Device Recognition and Management Technology in Smart Cities
Authors: Tang Yu , Sun Yi , Ning Bin , Wun Jun , Lin Zhaowen
Published: December 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) faces many security and privacy risks due to the large number of devices accessing the network while providing convenience to the current society. At present, the management of IoT devices is centralized. All terminal devices are managed in a centralized manner, and the data accessing IoT devices can only be connected to the network with the permission of the centralized nodes. In this scenario, the increase in the amount of equipment can cause central node overload or single node failure. Moreover, flexible expansion requirements are difficult to achieve in such a centralized architecture. This paper proposes a safe and efficient IoT device recognition and management scheme based on blockchain and edge computing, DRMT. This scheme realizes feature extraction, clustering, and learning of IoT devices’ traffic based on the characteristics of distributed deployment of edge servers. In this process, the recognition model can be continuously updated. The scheme also has an advantage that it is possible to enhance the management efficiency and scalability of the system by establishing a blockchain network between edge servers to share identification information and automate deployment security. This paper also verifies the scheme’s effectiveness by building an experimental network and a blockchain system. The results showed that DRMT would help realize the effective management of large-scale IoT devices in smart cities.
Distal Nerve Transfer to Restore Wrist and Finger Extension – A Systematic Review
Authors: GARG Varun , REGMI Anil , NEGI Naveen Kumar , YASAM Ramapriya , SINHA Sourabh Kumar , SINGH Vivek
Published: December 2022

Background: There are numerous options available for restoration of wrist and finger extension following radial nerve palsy. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of nerve transfer for radial nerve palsy.

Methods: Electronic literature research of PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus and Lilacs database was conducted in June 2021 using the terms ‘Distal nerve transfer’ AND ‘Radial nerve injury’ ‘Radial nerve palsy’ OR ‘Radial nerve paresis’ OR ‘Median nerve transfer’ OR ‘wrist extensor’ OR ‘finger extension’ OR ‘thumb extension’ OR ‘wrist motion’. The data extracted included the study details, demographic data, procedure performed and final functional outcome according to the muscle research council scale.

Results: A total of 92.59% and 56.52% had satisfactory outcome following distal nerve transfer of median nerve to restore wrist and finger extension respectively. No significant correlation was found between time to injury duration and satisfactory outcomes.

Conclusions: Outcomes of nerve transfers are comparable to tendon transfers. Multi-centric studies are needed to compare the results amongst various surgical procedures described.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
Why is the Ultimate Visual Aid Spelled with 26 Letters?
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: December 2022

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

Many people believe for ultimate success an audio-visual presentation should fill the screen with a maximum of pictures and a minimum of text because: "Pictures are visual; text is not." Objectively, it can be demonstrated that this simply isn't true. On the contrary, when properly used, text can often be more visual than virtually any picture (image) you could imagine.
GeoSim 2021 Workshop Report: The 4th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Geospatial Simulation
Authors: Kim Joon-Seok , Anderson Taylor , Shashidharan Ashwin , Kang Jeon-Young
Published: December 2022

Geospatial simulation is an effective tool to experience physical and/or cyber space (e.g., metaverse). New experiences gained from geospatial simulations can bring significant benefits including situation awareness, insight into environments, and entertainment. To take advantage of such simulations, it is crucial to advance methodology of modeling and simulation, develop plausible models and apply them to domains, leveraging big data and evolving technologies.
GeoAI at ACM SIGSPATIAL
Authors: Lunga Dalton , Hu Yingjie , Newsam Shawn , Gao Song , Martins Bruno , Yang Lexie , Deng Xueqing
Published: December 2022

Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) is an interdisciplinary field enjoying tremendous adoption. However, the efficient design and implementation of GeoAI systems face many open challenges. This is mainly due to the lack of non-standardized approaches to artificial intelligence tool development, inadequate platforms, and a lack of multidisciplinary engagements, which all motivate domain experts to seek a shared stage with scientists and engineers to solve problems of significant impact on society. Since its inception in 2017, the GeoAI series of workshops has been co-located with the Association for Computing Machinery International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems. The workshop series has fostered a nexus for geoscientists, computer scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers, from academia, industry, and government to engage in artificial intelligence, spatio-temporal data computing, and geospatial data science research, motivated by various challenges. In this article, we revisit and discuss the state of GeoAI open research directions, the recent developments, and an emerging agenda calling for a continued cross-disciplinary community engagement.
Overview of Open Dataset Sessions and Benchmarking Competitions in 2021
Authors: Constantin Mihai Gabriel , Fliegel Karel , Vega Maria Torres
Published: December 2022

This issue of the Dataset Column proposes a review of some of the most important events in 2021 related to special sessions on open datasets or benchmarking competitions associated with multimedia data. While this is not meant to represent an exhaustive list of events, we wish to underline the great diversity of subjects and dataset topics currently of interest to the multimedia community.