bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
18F-FACBC and 18F-FDG PET/MRI in the evaluation of 3 patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma: a pilot study
Authors: Husby Trine , Johannessen Knut , Berntsen Erik Magnus , Johansen Håkon , Giskeødegård Guro Fanneløb , Karlberg Anna , Fagerli Unn-Merete , Eikenes Live
Published: January 2024

Background

This PET/MRI study compared contrast-enhanced MRI, 18F-FACBC-, and 18F-FDG-PET in the detection of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) in patients before and after high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy. Three immunocompetent PCNSL patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma received dynamic 18F-FACBC- and 18F-FDG-PET/MRI at baseline and response assessment. Lesion detection was defined by clinical evaluation of contrast enhanced T1 MRI (ce-MRI) and visual PET tracer uptake. SUVs and tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) (for 18F-FACBC and 18F-FDG) and time-activity curves (for 18F-FACBC) were assessed.

Results

At baseline, seven ce-MRI detected lesions were also detected with 18F-FACBC with high SUVs and TBRs (SUVmax:mean, 4.73, TBRmax: mean, 9.32, SUVpeak: mean, 3.21, TBRpeak:mean: 6.30). High TBR values of 18F-FACBC detected lesions were attributed to low SUVbackground. Baseline 18F-FDG detected six lesions with high SUVs (SUVmax: mean, 13.88). In response scans, two lesions were detected with ce-MRI, while only one was detected with 18F-FACBC. The lesion not detected with 18F-FACBC was a small atypical MRI detected lesion, which may indicate no residual disease, as this patient was still in complete remission 12 months after initial diagnosis. No lesions were detected with 18F-FDG in the response scans.

Conclusions

18F-FACBC provided high tumor contrast, outperforming 18F-FDG in lesion detection at both baseline and in response assessment. 18F-FACBC may be a useful supplement to ce-MRI in PCNSL detection and response assessment, but further studies are required to validate these findings.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered 15th of June 2017 (Identifier: NCT03188354, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03188354).
Selection of endovascular treatment strategies and analysis of the efficacy of different locations and types of splenic artery aneurysms
Authors: Wang Shenjie , Huang Wei , Liu Jingjing , Liu Qin , Wang Ziyin , Wang Qingbing , Shan Qungang , Li Wenchang , Ding Xiaoyi , Wu Zhiyuan , Wang Zhongmin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To analyze the selection of endovascular treatment strategies and the efficacy of various locations and types of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs).

Methods

Sixty-three cases of patients diagnosed with SAA from January 2016 to October 2021 were collected, and their clinical data and follow-up results were analyzed.

Results

Among the 63 patients, 55 had true SAAs, and 8 had false SAAs. The average diameter of the true SAAs was 2.0 ± 0.8 cm. There were 10 cases of intra-aneurysm embolization, 24 cases of intra-aneurysm and aneurysm-bearing artery embolization, 10 cases of bare stent-assisted coil embolization, and 11 cases of stent grafts. The false SAAs had an average diameter of 2.3 ± 1.1 cm. Aneurysm-bearing artery embolization was applied in 5 cases, and stent grafts were applied in 3 cases. The incidence of complications after embolization of the aneurysm-bearing artery was higher (P < 0.01). Postembolization syndrome occurred in 10 patients; 7 patients developed splenic infarction to varying degrees, 1 patient had mildly elevated blood amylase, and 1 patient developed splenic necrosis with abscess formation, all of which improved after active treatment. The average length of hospital stay was 5.5 ± 3.2 days. The average follow-up time was 17.2 ± 16.1 months, and the aneurysm cavity of all patients was completely thrombotic.

Conclusion

Endovascular treatments of SAAs are safe and effective. For various locations and types of SAAs, adequate selection of treatment is necessary. Stent grafts are recommended for their safety, economy, practicality, and preservation of the physiological functions of the human body.
Sites for sustainability transitions: the interplay of urban experiments and socio-spatial configurations in transforming habits
Authors: Baatz Anna , Ehnert Franziska , Reiß Kristin
Published: January 2024

Urban experiments intervene in selected sites to initiate transition processes. But how do the socio-spatial characteristics of these sites affect urban experiments and vice versa? We address this question by focusing on everyday habits and their reciprocal relationship with the socially produced space that surrounds them. Using conceptual analysis and by means of empirical examples, we consider which socio-spatial narratives, infrastructures and regulations facilitate or hinder urban experimentation. Rather than treating space as a pre-determined neutral stage, we conceptualise it as socially produced configurations that both affect interventions and are shaped by them. The transactional pragmatist perspective allows us to conceptualise how everyday habits can be disturbed and transformed in experimental processes. This notion is enriched by a socio-spatial categorisation of three aspects that co-constitute space. On this basis we develop an analytical framework to outline four possible dynamics arising from urban experimentation and the changing relations between actors and spaces. Empirical examples from the transdisciplinary research project Dresden – City of the Future: Empowering Citizens, Transforming Cities! illustrate the applicability of the framework. Our conceptual contribution provides a tool for analysing the socio-spatial dynamics of urban experiments. This sheds light on the agency of actors by conceptualising how they engage with socio-spatial configurations. We argue that further research on the role of space in urban experimentation is required to better explicate underlying socio-spatial understandings, while drawing on empirical data to test which socio-spatial concepts provide explanatory power for transition dynamics.
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in controlling ADHD symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dezfouli Ramin Abdi , Hosseinpour Ali , Ketabforoush Shera , Daneshzad Elnaz
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in managing ADHD symptoms compared to placebo, stimulants, or compared as pre- and post-treatment.

Methods

Clinical trials assessing the potency of SNRIs in treating ADHD patients were imported from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (until February 2023). Data were extracted by two independent researchers. Random- and fixed- effect meta-analysis was performed to pool the data. Publication bias and study heterogeneity were assessed. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was utilized to determine the risk of bias. The certainty of outcomes was evaluated by the Grade criteria.

Results

Of the initial 830 studies, 13 were finally imported after two screening stages which two separate researchers carried out. The pooled standardized mean difference (95% CI) of reducing the score of different ADHD questionnaires (showing reduction in total inattentive and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms) by SNRIs, venlafaxine, and duloxetine were − 2.20 [− 3.00, − 1.40], − 1.86 [− 2.69, − 1.02], − 2.65 [− 3.35, − 1.96], respectively. While the most reported side effects were nausea, abdominal pain, and sedation, all studies reported that side effects were not serious and were well tolerated. Outcomes for the effectiveness of venlafaxine and duloxetine got high and moderate certainty, respectively.

Conclusions

Duloxetine and venlafaxine can be administered to treat symptoms of ADHD while being well tolerated. It seems that duloxetine is more potent in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can also be concluded that venlafaxine is more effective in females, and is more effective on inattentive symptoms of ADHD rather than hyperactive symptoms.
Efficacy of modified active physical therapy program on pain, muscle strength, and function in adolescent football players with osteitis pubis
Authors: Mahmoud Waleed S. , Ibrahim Marwa M. , Radwan Nadia L.
Published: January 2024

Background

In athletes, osteitis pubis (OP) is considered a major cause of chronic groin pain. In addition to the difficulties with diagnosis, controversy exists regarding the most appropriate treatment approach. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a modified active physical therapy program (MAPT) on pain, hip and trunk muscle strengths, and lower extremity function in adolescent football players with OP.

Methods

Fifty football players aged from 12 to 18 years with OP were included and allocated into two groups: the MAPT group (n = 24) and the traditional physical therapy (TPT) group (n = 26). Each group received a different treatment protocol for 60 min applied 3 times/week for 12 weeks. A visual analog scale, digital hand-held dynamometer (HHD), and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) were used to measure pain, hip and trunk muscle strengths, and lower limb function, respectively, at baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention.

Results

There was a highly significant difference in the TPT group’s pain score (p < 0.001) compared with the MAPT group. Also, the strength of hip flexors, abductors, adductors, internal rotators, external rotators, and trunk flexors and extensors improved significantly (p < 0.05) than the TPT group. However, the between-group analysis revealed that the strength of hip extensors and LEFS in the MAPT group achieved a highly significant difference (p < 0.001) compared with the TPT group.

Conclusion

MAPT could be recommended strongly in the rehabilitation of OP in adolescent football players in which the functional abilities of OP patients improved because of reduced pain levels and increased hip and trunk muscle strength. (IRCT20210909052421N3, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, https://www.irct.ir/trial/68946/pdf, 9-April-2023).
Esketamine: Less Drowsiness, More Analgesia
Authors: Mion Georges , Himmelseher Sabine
Published: January 2024

Racemic ketamine is a 1:1 mixture of 2 enantiomers that turn light in opposite direction: Dextrorotatory esketamine is approximately 4 times more affine for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor than levorotatory arketamine, which may explain why esketamine is about twice as potent as an analgesic and anesthetic as the racemate. Esketamine has attracted renewed interest in view of the opioid crisis, racemic ketamine’s abuse, and esketamine’s approval for expanded use. We evaluated the anesthesia literature concerning mental, cardiovascular, cerebral, and antinociceptive effects of esketamine published in English between 1980 and 2022. The review shows that esketamine and racemic ketamine are not “the same” at clinically equivalent analgesic and anesthetic dose: Psychomimetic effects seem to be essentially related to NMDA receptor blockade and esketamine is not devoid of unwanted mental impact. However, it probably involves less cholinergic inhibition. Cognitive disturbances during arousal, awakening, and recovery from the drug are less, and less pronounced with esketamine. The drug allows for an approximately 50% dose reduction in anesthesia and analgesia which goes along with a higher clearance and shorter recovery time as compared to racemic ketamine. In comparison of esketamine with placebo, esketamine shows cardiocirculatory stabilizing and neuroprotective effects which can be seen in anesthesia induction, cardiac surgery, and analgesia and sedation in brain injury. Evidence of esketamine’s antinociceptive efficacy is inconsistent, although a recent meta-analysis reports improved pain relief after surgery in a study with short observation time. To better define esketamine’s place, direct head-to-head comparison with the racemate at equi-analgesic/anesthetic dose is warranted.
Feminist Educators against State Neglect
Authors: Corinealdi Kaysha
Published: January 2024

By the mid-twentieth century a core group of feminist educators in Panama had cemented their reputations as community organizers invested in the empowerment of poor and working-class women. Yet this was a state that rejected calls for female suffrage, labeled attempts at worker organizing as threats to the nation, neglected to provide basic infrastructure and financing for education, and protected the rights of an elite few over those of most citizens. This article offers a window on the work of these feminist educators by examining the organizational leadership of Felicia Santizo and Sara Sotillo, two Afro-descendant contemporaries who taught and organized within predominantly Black and working-class communities while demanding greater access for all poor and working people throughout the country. Through their organizing in the realms of education, labor, community welfare, and politics, including the creation of Panama’s largest teacher’s association and leadership of a pro–working people’s party, both women challenged sexism and looked to education in and outside the classroom as a vital force of transformation. Their work placed them at odds with a state more willing to ignore or silence outspoken feminist organizers and community leaders than to center them in national agendas.
Feminist Intifada
Authors: Mogannam Jennifer
Published: January 2024

Highlighting twenty-first-century Palestinian feminist formations, this essay chronicles a trajectory of over a century of women’s organizing that led to the contemporary moment. The essay argues that women and feminist praxis have been exemplified in each moment of Palestinian intifada, though national anticolonial liberation politics did not always accommodate feminist language or ideas. Palestinian women have played an instrumental role in each phase of contestation and community organizing against colonial, military, and state formations. Whether creating a women’s front, making space for women within the national movement, or developing a communal politics of care from within, the labor women have performed for the Palestinian liberation struggle can be read through a feminist ethos. The essay argues that feminist praxis was always present and that, while the language of feminism is contested in Palestinian social and political spheres, Palestinian feminist trajectories are compatible with and necessary for the actualization of Palestinian liberation and freedom from Zionist rule.
A Novel Conceptual Model for Human Heat Tolerance
Authors: Bernard Thomas E. , Wolf S. Tony , Kenney W. Larry
Published: January 2024

Human “heat tolerance” has no accepted definition or physiological underpinnings; rather, it is almost always discussed in relative or comparative terms. We propose to use environmental limits to heat balance accounting for metabolic rate and clothing, that is, the environments for which heat stress becomes uncompensable for a specified metabolic rate and clothing, as a novel metric for quantifying heat tolerance.
State Taxation of Nonresident Income and the Location of Work
Authors: Agrawal David R. , Tester Kenneth
Published: January 2024

Prior studies show that taxes matter for the residential locations of high-income earners. But states raise a significant share of revenue from nonresidents. Using variation in state tax rates, we provide causal evidence on the effect of the net-of-tax rate on the location of labor supply for professional golfers. State taxes induce high-income earners to shift employment to low-tax states without a residence change. The elasticity of working in a state is 0.34 and, consistent with the superstar phenomenon, increases with earnings. Our results suggest a novel margin of mobility responses for top earners: the spatial relocation of labor supply by nonresidents. (JEL H71, H73, J22, J44, J61, R23, Z22)
Μusikalische verfahren in der neugriechischen literatur
Authors: Μπεζαντάκου Όλγα
Published: January 2024

Καλύπτοντας μια ευρεία χρονική περίοδο, που εκτείνεται από το 1890 μέχρι το τέλος της δεκαετίας του 1930, η παρούσα μελέτη εξετάζει τη σχέση ανάμεσα στη μουσική και τη νεοελληνική πεζογραφία στο ευρύτερο ιδεολογικό, πολιτισμικό και αισθητικό πλαίσιο της εκάστοτε εποχής. Στη λογική της προσπάθειας αφήγησης μιας ιστορίας επιμέρους εποχών της νεοελληνικής αισθητικής νεοτερικότητας και κινούμενη εντός του θεωρητικού πλαισίου της «μουσικο-λογοτεχνικής διακαλλιτεχνικότητας», η παρούσα προσέγγιση έχει ως στόχο κυρίως να επισημάνει και να ερμηνεύσει τους τρόπους, με τους οποίους η στροφή της νεοελληνικής λογοτεχνίας προς το μουσικό παράδειγμα λειτουργεί αφενός ως πεδίο προβολής ευρύτερων αιτημάτων, και αφετέρου δημιουργεί νέα αφηγηματικά μοντέλα για επιλεγμένα, ενδεικτικά, πεζογραφήματα της νεοελληνικής λογοτεχνίας.
Therapeutic monitoring of anti-seizure medications in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Odhiambo Mercy , Kariuki Symon M. , Newton Charles R.
Published: January 2024

Background The treatment gap for epilepsy is large in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the effectiveness and safety of the available anti-seizure medication (ASMs) is not fully understood. We systematically reviewed available evidence on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of ASM in LMIC. Methods We searched four main databases (PubMed, Psych-Info, CINAHL and Embase) up to 31st December 2020, with eligible articles screened using a PRISMA checklist and a set of exclusion and inclusion criteria. Full texts were examined to evaluate the extent and practice of TDM in LMICs. Analyses were performed using Stata 13 and descriptive statistics were used to pool median distribution of TDM across studies. Results Of the 6,309 articles identified in the initial search, 65 (1.0%) met the eligibility criteria. TDM of ASMs was mostly done to assess toxicity (42.8%), but rarely to monitor adherence (9.0%). TDM differed by economic status and infrastructural status with majority of the studies coming from Europe (53.8%) and upper-middle-income countries (87.6%). First generation ASMs (82.3%) were more likely to be monitored than second generation ASMs (17.6%) and carbamazepine was the most frequently monitored drug. Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA) was the most common technique used for TDM (41.5%) followed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (16.9%). In addition, FPIA was the cheapest method of TDM based on approximated costs ($1000, TDx system). Assay validation and quality control were reported variably, and reference ranges used during TDM of ASMs were relatively uniform. Conclusions TDM is mostly done to evaluate ASM toxicity, but rarely for other reasons such as evaluating adherence or assessing clinical efficacy. There is a need for more investment in comprehensive and targeted TDM in LMICs when initiating treatment, switching therapies, adding or removing ASM and evaluating treatment response and safety of both first generation and second generation ASMs.
Festival and Urban Space: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sachdeva Nidhi , Irshad Qamar
Published: January 2024

Festival studies is not only an important field of research for tourism or event industry but is also critical for an architectural and urban design field. Due to the amount of the progress done in this field by many inter-disciplinary areas, the subsequent corpus of research on festivals appears to be relatively disintegrated. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) from 2000 to 2021, this paper examined festivals studies from tourism to urban design disciplines. In this paper, descriptive and thematic analysis were carried out to analyse the state of existing research in order to understand the concept of festival studies. The purpose is to describe a SLR that intends to establish the knowhow on festival spaces and try to explore the advancement in the field and deliver potential research directions. The corpus thus helps us in establishing the topic which is very least investigated and would need more research on.
Rung Towards the Digitalization of Tourism Services in India; Assessment of Individual Perceptions using Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: M Johnpaul , Prakashnarayana G Jaya
Published: January 2024

The world has seen a radical change through the digital revolution. These Technologies have facilitated the entire Economy to run on the device, making all regular day-to-day activities easy, convenient, and more efficient. The mass adoption of digital technologies by consumers, enterprises, and governments has accelerated the Economy's growth rate. It can play an essential role in spurring economic growth and employment. However, the research literature shows that the impact of digitalization by country and sectors is uneven (Sabbagh, K. et al. 2014). Digital initiatives not only has positive connotation but has created a digital divide among the demographics across the communities (Benda et al., 2011). The study employs the TAM (Davis, 1989) model to analyze the Behavioural Intentions and Attitudes of the customers towards Technology Acceptance in tourism in India. The data is collected through questionnaires from regular travelers visiting tourist destinations across India using Snowball sampling techniques, the main means is Google Forms. Data analysis is executed by using SPSS software to find the R Square coefficient to test the influence of independent variables on dependent variables using a multiple regression model to analyze the TAM constructs to examine individual perceptions towards digital technologies in the Tourism sector in India.
Movimientos sociales, partidos políticos y la continuidad institucional del estallido social chileno en la Convención Constitucional
Authors: López Moreno Rodolfo
Published: January 2024

El estallido social chileno de 2019 provocó una profunda crisis que los partidos buscaron solucionar abriendo un proceso de cambio político a través de la Convención Constitucional. Esta respuesta institucional sugiere el fin del estallido y que movimientos sociales y partidos políticos actuaron separadamente. Sin embargo, este artículo sostiene que ambos actores interactuaron directamente, argumentando que la Convención prolongó institucionalmente el estallido social. Para comprender el alcance y los obstáculos de la interacción entre estos actores, se llevaron a cabo 45 entrevistas a miembros de la Convención Constitucional (convencionales), que representan tanto al mundo social como partidista. Al contrastar ambas perspectivas, se concluye que la persistencia de la desconfianza mutua entre ambos tipos de convencionales, junto con las limitaciones temporales impuestas por el diseño institucional del proceso, obstaculizó la construcción de acuerdos amplios entre las partes. Este estudio ofrece una visión detallada al interior de la Convención y contribuye a la comprensión de la interacción entre activistas y partidos tanto a nivel institucional como en el contexto del estallido social.
Encouraging Eco-driving with Post-trip Visualized Storytelling: An Experiment Combining Eye-Tracking and a Driving Simulator
Authors: Li Zhiyin , Choi Ben C. F.
Published: January 2024

Air pollution contributes to global warming and climate change, leading to extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Promoting sustainable practices has become the focus of policy programs and awareness campaigns. In this study, we propose an effective and powerful way to promote eco-driving behaviors by drawing on data storytelling. Our study shows that animated narrative and narrative sequence can trigger varying emphases on the feasibility and desirability of eco-driving practices, affecting actual driving behaviors and attitudes toward efficient driving. Specifically, in two experiments, we find that a chronological narrative sequence with animation improves subsequent driving efficiency and efficient driving attitudes. Visualization designers may consider employing narrative sequence and animation to facilitate individuals’ information comprehension and behavioral changes. Policymakers can also encourage ecological practices through effective designs of data storytelling.
Autobiografia e autoficção: instrumentos teórico-metodológicos para o estudo das narrativas do eu
Authors: Assumpção Juliana Gama de Brito
Published: January 2024

Tendo em vista o heterogêneo quadro teórico-metodológico que atualmente circunda as chamadas narrativas do eu no campo dos estudos literários, este artigo tem como objetivo rastrear os pontos centrais dos conceitos de autobiografia e autoficção, com foco nas teorizações pioneiras de Philippe Lejeune e de Serge Doubrovsky, e com o aporte de pesquisas recentes sobre o assunto, sobretudo as elaboradas pela pesquisadora Anna Faedrich. Dessa forma, sem pretender atingir conclusões definitivas, o estudo abre caminhos fecundos a novas discussões sobre a potência do embate teórico entre os conceitos estudados, na literatura e na crítica literária contemporâneas.
Thromboembolic phenomena in patients with nephrotic syndrome: pathophysiology, risk factors, prophylaxis and treatment
Authors: Wang Samuel SY , Tang Haoming , Ng Hsin-Yueh , Lian Jun Jie , Javaid Muhammad M
Published: January 2024

Thromboembolic events resulting from disturbances in the body's balance of thrombotic and antithrombotic abilities are among the most life-threatening complications of nephrotic syndrome. Certain causes of nephrotic syndrome leave the patient particularly susceptible to thromboembolism. The severity of proteinuria and degree of hypoalbuminaemia are other common predictors of risk. Timely initiation of prophylactic therapy can help prevent morbidity and mortality associated with this complication in patients with nephrotic syndrome. The duration of treatment and choice of therapeutic agent depends on several factors, including the degree of hypoalbuminaemia, risk factors for thrombosis and risk of bleeding. This article reviews current understanding of the pathophysiology and risk factors for thromboembolism associated with nephrotic syndrome, and summarises recommendations and strategies for preventing and treating thromboembolic events in patients with nephrotic syndrome.
Serum urate is associated with an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Song , Fang Xue , Kang Le , Sui Xiang-Yu , Liu Miao , Luo Yu-Jia , Fu Shuo , Li Zhao-Shen , Zhao Sheng-Bing , Bai Yu
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have indicated bidirectional associations between urate levels and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). However, it remains unclear whether the observations are causal because of confounding factors.

AIM

To investigate the causal associations between urate levels and IBD using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

Independent genetic variants for urate levels and IBD were selected as instrumental variables from published genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Summary statistics for instrument-outcome associations were retrieved from three separate databases for IBD (the UK Biobank, the FinnGen database and a large GWAS meta-analysis) and one for urate levels (a large GWAS meta-analysis). MR analyses included the inverse-variance-weighted method, weighted-median estimator, MR-Egger and sensitivity analyses (MR-PRESSO). A meta-analysis was also conducted to merge the data from separate outcome databases using a fixed-effects model.

RESULTS

Genetically higher serum urate levels were strongly associated with an increased risk of UC [odds ratio (OR): 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.86-2.05] after outlier correction, and the ORs (95%CIs) for IBD and CD were 0.94 (95%CI: 0.86-1.03) and 0.91 (95%CI: 0.80-1.04), respectively. Animal studies have confirmed the positive association between urate levels and UC. Moreover, genetically predicted IBD was inversely related to urate levels (OR: 0.97, 95%CI: 0.94-0.99). However, no association was observed between genetically influenced UC or CD and urate levels.

CONCLUSION

Urate levels might be risk factors for UC, whereas genetically predicted IBD was inversely associated with urate levels. These findings provide essential new insight for treating and preventing IBD.
Value of glucose transport protein 1 expression in detecting lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Hongsik , Choi Song-Yi , Heo Tae-Young , Kim Kyeong-Rok , Lee Jisun , Yoo Min Young , Lee Taek-Gu , Han Joung-Ho
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the use of glucose transport protein 1 (GLUT-1) expression as a biomarker for predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer. GLUT-1 and GLUT-3, hexokinase (HK)-II, and hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)-1 expressions may be useful biomarkers for detecting primary tumors and lymph node metastasis when combined with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

AIM

To evaluate GLUT-1, GLUT-3, HK-II, and HIF-1 expressions as biomarkers for detecting primary tumors and lymph node metastasis with 18F-FDG-PET/CT.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 169 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent colectomy and preoperative 18F-FDG-PET/CT at Chungbuk National University Hospital between January 2009 and May 2012. Two tissue cores from the central and peripheral areas of the tumors were obtained and were examined by a dedicated pathologist, and the expressions of GLUT-1, GLUT-3, HK-II, and HIF-1 were determined using immunohistochemical staining. We analyzed the correlations among their expressions, various clinicopathological factors, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of PET/CT.

RESULTS

GLUT-1 was found at the center or periphery of the tumors in 109 (64.5%) of the 169 patients. GLUT-1 positivity was significantly correlated with the SUVmax of the primary tumor and lymph nodes, regardless of the biopsy site (tumor center, P < 0.001 and P = 0.012; tumor periphery, P = 0.030 and P = 0.010, respectively). GLUT-1 positivity and negativity were associated with higher and lower sensitivities of PET/CT, respectively, for the detection of lymph node metastasis, regardless of the biopsy site. GLUT3, HK-II, and HIF-1 expressions were not significantly correlated with the SUVmax of the primary tumor and lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

GLUT-1 expression was significantly correlated with the SUVmax of 18F-FDG-PET/CT for primary tumors and lymph nodes. Clinicians should consider GLUT-1 expression in preoperative endoscopic biopsy in interpreting PET/CT findings.
Numerical analysis of on-chip acousto-optic modulators for visible wavelengths
Authors: Qin Qing , Zhang Ji-Zhe , Yang Yuan-Hao , Xu Xin-Biao , Zeng Yu , Wang Jia-Qi , Zou Chang-Ling , Guo Guang-Can , Lin Xiu-Min , Ye Ming-Yong
Published: January 2024

On-chip acousto-optic modulators that operate at an optical wavelength of 780 nm and a microwave frequency of 6.835 GHz are proposed. The modulators are based on a lithium-niobate-on-sapphire platform and efficiently excite surface acoustic waves and exhibit strong interactions with tightly confined optical modes in waveguides. In particular, a high-efficiency phase modulator and single-sideband mode converter are designed. We found that for both microwave and optical wavelengths below 1 µm, the interactions at the cross-sections of photonic waveguides are sensitive to the waveguide width and are significantly different from those in previous studies. Our designed devices have small footprints and high efficiencies, making them suitable for controlling rubidium atoms and realizing hybrid photonic-atomic chips. Furthermore, our devices have the potential to extend the acousto-optic modulators to other visible wavelengths for other atom transitions and for visible light applications, including imaging and sensing.
In vivo measurement of the biomechanical properties of human skin with motion-corrected Brillouin microscopy
Authors: Romodina Maria N. , Parmar Asha , Singh Kanwarpal
Published: January 2024

Biomechanical testing of human skin in vivo is important to study the aging process and pathological conditions such as skin cancer. Brillouin microscopy allows the all-optical, non-contact visualization of the mechanical properties of cells and tissues over space. Here, we use the combination of Brillouin microscopy and optical coherence tomography for motion-corrected, depth-resolved biomechanical testing of human skin in vivo. We obtained two peaks in the Brillouin spectra for the epidermis, the first at 7 GHz and the second near 9-10 GHz. The experimentally measured Brillouin frequency shift of the dermis is lower compared to the epidermis and is 6.8 GHz, indicating the lower stiffness of the dermis.
Parametric optical amplification using a reflective multiple quasi-phase-matched LiNbO3 waveguide module
Authors: Asobe Masaki , Kawabata Yuki , Yagi Daiki , Kazama Takushi , Enbutsu Koji , Umeki Takeshi
Published: January 2024

Optical parametric amplification (OPA) in the S-band with a compact configuration was demonstrated using a reflective multiple quasi-phase-matched (M-QPM) LiNbO3 waveguide module. The reflective-module-assembled LiNbO3 waveguide has two QPM peaks and a built-in mirror that reflects only the second harmonic. These features make it possible to perform second harmonic pump generation and OPA under different phase-matching conditions using a single device. The idler light generated in the module retains the phase information from the signal light and is used to evaluate signal quality.
Unraveling the interplay of circadian rhythm and sleep deprivation on mood: A Real-World Study on first-year physicians
Authors: Shapiro Benjamin , Fang Yu , Sen Srijan , Forger Daniel
Published: January 2024

The interplay between circadian rhythms, time awake, and mood remains poorly understood in the real-world. Individuals in high-stress occupations with irregular schedules or nighttime shifts are particularly vulnerable to depression and other mood disorders. Advances in wearable technology have provided the opportunity to study these interactions outside of a controlled laboratory environment. Here, we examine the effects of circadian rhythms and time awake on mood in first-year physicians using wearables. Continuous heart rate, step count, sleep data, and daily mood scores were collected from 2,602 medical interns across 168,311 days of Fitbit data. Circadian time and time awake were extracted from minute-by-minute wearable heart rate and motion measurements. Linear mixed modeling determined the relationship between mood, circadian rhythm, and time awake. In this cohort, mood was modulated by circadian timekeeping (p<0.001). Furthermore, we show that increasing time awake both deteriorates mood (p<0.001) and amplifies mood’s circadian rhythm nonlinearly. These findings demonstrate the contributions of both circadian rhythms and sleep deprivation to underlying mood and show how these factors can be studied in real-world settings using Fitbits. They underscore the promising opportunity to harness wearables in deploying chronotherapies for psychiatric illness.
Factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Cambodia: Analysis of Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2021–22
Authors: Um Samnang , An Yom
Published: January 2024

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased chronic disease and death rates globally. In Cambodia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women is high and increasing. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Cambodia. We analyzed data from the 2021–22 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS). Data analysis was restricted to non-pregnant women, resulting in an analytic sample of 9,417 WRA. Multiple logistic regressions were performed using STATA V17 to examine factors associated with overweight and obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among WRA was 22.56% and 5.61%, respectively. Factors independently associated with increased odds of overweight and obesity included women aged 20–29 years [AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.22–2.80], 30–39 years [AOR = 3.34; 95% CI: 2.21–5.04], and 40–49 years [AOR = 5.57; 95% CI: 3.76–8.25], women from rich wealth quintile [AOR = 1.44; 95% C: 1.19–1.73], having three children or more [AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.00–1.95], ever drink alcohol [AOR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.04–1.47], and current drink alcohol [AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.01–1.45]. Women completed at least secondary education were less likely being overweight and obese [AOR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.58–0.91]. Overweight and obesity remains highly prevalent among WRA in Cambodia. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take interventions that target women from higher socio-demographic status to reduce the risk of life-threatening caused by being overweight and obese through raising awareness of important changing lifestyles.
Is Brazil reaching malaria elimination? A time series analysis of malaria cases from 2011 to 2023
Authors: Garcia Klauss Kleydmann Sabino , Soremekun Seyi , Abrahão Amanda Amaral , Marchesini Paola Barbosa , Drakeley Chris , Ramalho Walter Massa , Siqueira André M.
Published: January 2024

In Brazil, 99% of malaria cases occur in the Amazon region, mainly caused by Plasmodium vivax (~83%) and Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) species. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, Brazil aims to eliminate autochthonous malaria by 2035. This study aims to analyse epidemiological patterns of malaria in Brazil to discuss if Brazil is on track to meet malaria control targets. A time-series study was conducted analysing autochthonous malaria new infections notifications in the Brazilian Amazon region from 2011 until June 2023. Descriptive analyses were conducted, along with joinpoint regression and forecast models to verify trend and future behaviour. A total of 2,067,030 malaria cases were reported in the period. Trend analysis indicated a decreasing trend in all malaria infections since late 2017 (monthly reduction = 0.81%, p-value <0.05), while Pf infections have increased progressively since 2015 (monthly increase = 0.46%, p-value <0.05). Forecast models predict over 124,000 malaria cases in 2023 and over 96,000 cases in 2024. Predictions for Pf infections are around 23,900 cases in 2023 and 22,300 in 2024. Cases in indigenous population villages are predicted to reach 48,000 cases in 2023 and over 51,000 in 2024. In gold mining areas it is expected over 21,000 cases in 2023 and over 20.000 in 2024. Malaria elimination in Brazil has advanced over the last decade, but its speed has slowed. The country exhibits noteworthy advancements in the reduction of overall malaria cases. It is imperative, however, to proactively target specific issues such as the incidence raise among indigenous populations and in gold mining areas. Pf infections remain a persistent challenge to control in the country and may require novel measures for containment. Current government supporting actions towards combating illegal goldmining activities and protecting indigenous populations may help malaria control indicators for the following years.
Comparative genomics of Leishmania donovani progeny from genetic crosses in two sand fly species and impact on the diversity of diagnostic and vaccine candidates
Authors: Sádlová Jovana , Yeo Matthew , Mateus David S. , Phelan Jody , Hai Le Anh , Bhattacharyya Tapan , Kurtev Stefan , Sebesta Ondrej , Myskova Jitka , Seblova Veronika , Andersson Björn , Florez de Sessions Paola , Volf Petr , Miles Michael A.
Published: January 2024

Sand fly transmitted Leishmania species are responsible for severe, wide ranging, visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases. Genetic exchange can occur among natural Leishmania populations and hybrids can now be produced experimentally, with limitations. Feeding Phlebotomus orientalis or Phlebotomus argentipes on two strains of Leishmania donovani yielded hybrid progeny, selected using double drug resistance and fluorescence markers. Fluorescence activated cell sorting of cultured clones derived from these hybrids indicated diploid progeny. Multilocus sequence typing of the clones showed hybridisation and nuclear heterozygosity, although with inheritance of single haplotypes in a kinetoplastid target. Comparative genomics showed diversity of clonal progeny between single chromosomes, and extraordinary heterozygosity across all 36 chromosomes. Diversity between progeny was seen for the HASPB antigen, which has been noted previously as having implications for design of a therapeutic vaccine. Genomic diversity seen among Leishmania strains and hybrid progeny is of great importance in understanding the epidemiology and control of leishmaniasis. As an outcome of this study we strongly recommend that wider biological archives of different Leishmania species from endemic regions should be established and made available for comparative genomics. However, in parallel, performance of genetic crosses and genomic comparisons should give fundamental insight into the specificity, diversity and limitations of candidate diagnostics, vaccines and drugs, for targeted control of leishmaniasis.
Assessment of microfilaremia in ‘hotspots’ of four lymphatic filariasis endemic districts of Nepal during post-MDA surveillance
Authors: Mehta Pramod Kumar , Maharjan Mahendra
Published: January 2024

Background

The lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination program in all sixty-three endemic districts of Nepal was based on annual mass drug administration (MDA) using a combination of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole for at least 5 years. The MDA program was started in the Parsa district of the Terai region and at least six rounds of MDA were completed between 2003 and 2017 in all filariasis endemic districts of Central Nepal. Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) report indicated that circulating filarial antigen (CFA) prevalence was below the critical value i.e., ≤ 2% in selected LF endemic districts of Central Nepal. Based on the TAS report, antigen-positive cases were found clustered in the foci of those districts which were considered as “hotspots”. Hence the present study was designed to assess microfilaremia in hotspots of four endemic districts of Central Nepal after the MDA program.

Methodology and principal findings

The present study assessed microfilaremia in hotspots of four endemic districts i.e. Lalitpur and Dhading from the hilly region and Bara and Mahottari from the Terai region of Central Nepal. Night blood samples (n = 1722) were collected by finger prick method from the eligible sample population irrespective of age and sex. Community people’s participation in the MDA program was ensured using a structured questionnaire and chronic clinical manifestation of LF was assessed using standard case definition. Two districts one each from the hilly region (Lalitpur district) and Terai region (Bara district) showed improved microfilaria (MF) prevalence i.e. below the critical level (<1%) while the other two districts are still over the critical level. There was a significantly high prevalence of MF in male (p = <0.05) and ≥41 years of age group (p = <0.05) community people in the hotspots of four endemic districts. People who participated in the previous rounds of the MDA program have significantly low MF prevalence. The upper confidence limit of MF prevalence in all hotspots of four districts was above the critical level (>1%). Chronic clinical manifestation of LF showed significant association with the older age group (≥41 years) but not with sex.

Conclusions

The study revealed LF transmission improved in hotspots of two districts while continued in others but the risk of LF resurgence cannot be ignored since the upper confidence level of MF prevalence is over 1% in all the hotspots studied districts. High MF prevalence is well correlated with the number of MDA rounds but not with the MDA coverage. Community people involved in MDA drug uptake in any previous and last rounds have significantly less MF infection. Hence it is recommended that before deciding to stop the MDA rounds it is essential to conduct the MF survey at the hotspots of the sentinel sites.
Wearable-derived maternal heart rate variability as a novel digital biomarker of preterm birth
Authors: Jasinski Summer R. , Rowan Shon , Presby David M. , Claydon Elizabeth A. , Capodilupo Emily R.
Published: January 2024

Despite considerable health consequences from preterm births, their incidence remains unchanged over recent decades, due partially to limited screening methods and limited use of extant methods. Wearable technology offers a novel, noninvasive, and acceptable way to track vital signs, such as maternal heart rate variability (mHRV). Previous research observed that mHRV declines throughout the first 33 weeks of gestation in term, singleton pregnancies, after which it improves. The aim of this study was to explore whether mHRV inflection is a feature of gestational age or an indication of time to delivery. This retrospective case-control study considered term and preterm deliveries. Remote data collection via non-invasive wearable technology enabled diverse participation with subjects representing 42 US states and 16 countries. Participants (N = 241) were retroactively identified from the WHOOP (Whoop, Inc.) userbase and wore WHOOP straps during singleton pregnancies between March 2021 and October 2022. Mixed effect spline models by gestational age and time until birth were fit for within-person mHRV, grouped into preterm and term births. For term pregnancies, gestational age (Akaike information criterion (AIC) = 26627.6, R2m = 0.0109, R2c = 0.8571) and weeks until birth (AIC = 26616.3, R2m = 0.0112, R2c = 0.8576) were representative of mHRV trends, with significantly stronger fit for weeks until birth (relative log-likelihood ratio = 279.5). For preterm pregnancies, gestational age (AIC = 1861.9, R2m = 0.0016, R2c = 0.8582) and time until birth (AIC = 1848.0, R2m = 0.0100, R2c = 0.8676) were representative of mHRV trends, with significantly stronger fit for weeks until birth (relative log-likelihood ratio = 859.4). This study suggests that wearable technology, such as the WHOOP strap, may provide a digital biomarker for preterm delivery by screening for changes in nighttime mHRV throughout pregnancy that could in turn alert to the need for further evaluation and intervention.
Ultrasound tomography enhancement by signal feature extraction with modular machine learning method
Authors: Baran Bartłomiej , Majerek Dariusz , Szyszka Piotr , Wójcik Dariusz , Rymarczyk Tomasz
Published: January 2024

Robust and reliable diagnostic methods are desired in various types of industries. This article presents a novel approach to object detection in industrial or general ultrasound tomography. The key idea is to analyze the time-dependent ultrasonic signal recorded by three independent transducers of an experimental system. It focuses on finding common or related characteristics of these signals using custom-designed deep neural network models. In principle, models use convolution layers to extract common features of signals, which are passed to dense layers responsible for predicting the number of objects or their locations and sizes. Predicting the number and properties of objects are characterized by a high value of the coefficient of determination R2 = 99.8% and R2 = 98.4%, respectively. The proposed solution can result in a reliable and low-cost method of object detection for various industry sectors.