bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘A radical operation’ – a thematic analysis of newspaper framing of bariatric surgery in adolescents
Authors: Lefere Sander , Verghote Kato , De Bruyne Ruth , Provoost Veerle , Satalkar Priya P.
Published: March 2023

Background

Obesity in adolescents is a growing public health issue. Bariatric surgery is an effective, yet controversial treatment option for adolescents. The moral acceptability of this procedure by health-care professionals as well as the general public can be influenced by its portrayal in the news media. Our objective was to analyze how newspaper articles portrayed adolescent bariatric surgery, with attention to the language used and moral arguments made.

Methods

Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, we analyzed 26 UK and 12 US newspaper articles (2014–2022) on adolescent bariatric surgery for implicit or explicit moral evaluations and use of normative language. Coding was performed after immersive reading, assisted by NVivo. Themes were identified and refined iteratively through consecutive auditing cycles to enrich the depth and rigor of our analysis.

Results

The major themes identified related to (1) defining the burden of adolescent obesity, (2) sparking moral outrage, (3) sensation-seeking, and (4) raising ethical issues. The articles employed moral language, specifically non-neutral and negative discourse regarding surgery. Blame was attributed to adolescents or their parents. Sensationalist wording often reinforced the normative content, drawing the attention of the reader and contributing to stigmatization of adolescents with severe obesity as lacking will power and being lazy. Further moral issues that stood out were the challenges in obtaining an informed consent, and the unequal access to surgery for socially disadvantaged groups.

Conclusions

Our findings provide insights into how adolescent bariatric surgery is represented in the print news media. Despite frequent citing of experts and studies on the efficacy, safety and unmet need for bariatric surgery, obesity and surgery in adolescents are often stigmatized and sensationalized, with (prospective) patients depicted as looking for an easy way out in the form of a solution brought by others (health systems, society, tax payers). This may increase the stigma surrounding adolescent obesity, and therefore limit the acceptability of specific treatments such as bariatric surgery.
Elliptical and spherical heads show similar obligate glenohumeral translation during axial rotation in total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Muench Lukas N. , Murphey Matthew , Oei Bridget , Kia Cameron , Obopilwe Elifho , Cote Mark P. , Mazzocca Augustus D. , Berthold Daniel P.
Published: March 2023

Background

Elliptical shape humeral head prostheses have been recently proposed to reflect a more anatomic shoulder replacement. However, its effect on obligate glenohumeral translation during axial rotation compared to a standard spherical head is still not well understood. The purpose of the study was to compare obligate humeral translation during axial rotation using spherical and elliptical shaped humeral head prostheses. It was hypothesized that the spherical head design would show significantly more obligate translation when compared to the elliptical design.

Methods

Six fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were utilized for biomechanical testing of internal (IR) and external (ER) rotation at various levels of abduction (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°) with lines of pull along each of the rotator cuff muscles. Each specimen underwent the following three conditions: (1) native; total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) using (2) an elliptical and (3) spherical humeral head implant. Obligate translation during IR and ER was quantified using a 3-dimensional digitizer. The radius of curvature of the superoinferior and anteroposterior dimensions of the implants was calculated across each condition.

Results

Posterior and inferior translation as well as compound motion of spherical and elliptical heads during ER was similar at all abduction angles (P > 0.05, respectively). Compared to the native humeral head, both implants demonstrated significantly decreased posterior translation at 45° (elliptical: P = 0.003; spherical: P = 0.004) and 60° of abduction (elliptical: P < 0.001; spherical: P < 0.001). During internal rotation at 0° abduction, the spherical head showed significantly more compound motion (P = 0.042) compared to the elliptical head. The spherical implant also demonstrated increased anterior translation and compound motion during internal rotation at 60° abduction (P < 0.001) compared to the resting state. This difference was not significant for the native or elliptical head design at this angle (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In the setting of TSA, elliptical and spherical head implants showed similar obligate translation and overall compound motion during axial rotation. A gained understanding of the consequences of implant head shape in TSA may guide future surgical implant choice for better recreation of native shoulder kinematics and potentially improved patient outcomes.

Level of evidence

Controlled Laboratory Study.
An abrupt decrease in arterial blood pressure may predict a high level carbon dioxide embolism in retroperitoneoscopic surgery: case report and a literature review
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Bao Zhengqing , Man Libo
Published: March 2023

Background

Carbon dioxide (CO2) embolism is the primary suspect in most cases of intraoperative “cardiovascular” collapse. However, there are few reports about CO2 embolism in retroperitoneal laparoscopy.

Case presentation

An abrupt decrease in arterial blood pressure was noted in time of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in a 40 years old male patient with adrenal adenoma. The end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) and saturation of oxygen were stable with normal cardiography until anesthesiologists found the change of resistant of peripheral circulation, then they gave us a hint of hemorrhage. However, the blood pressure had no reaction to one bolus of epinephrine administration when trying to improve the circulation. Five minutes later, a sudden fall of blood pressure was noted, and then we stopped the processing of cutting tissue and trying to coagulate any bleeding in the operation field. Further vasopressor support proved to be completely ineffective. With the help of transesophageal echocardiography, we found the bubbles in the right atrium, which confirmed the diagnosis of an intraoperative gas embolism (Grade IV). We stopped the carbon dioxide insufflation and deflated the retroperitoneal cavity. All the bubbles in the right atrium totally disappeared and the blood pressure, resistance of peripheral circulation and cardiac output returned to normal 20 min later. We continued the operation and completed it in 40 min with the 10 mmHg air pressure.

Conclusion

CO2 embolism may occour during retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy, and an acute decrease in arterial blood pressure should alert both the urologists and anesthesiologists to this rare and fatal complication.
Comparison of vector elements and process conditions in transient and stable suspension HEK293 platforms using SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain as a model protein
Authors: Green Erica A. , Hamaker Nathaniel K. , Lee Kelvin H.
Published: March 2023

Background

Mammalian cell lines are frequently used as protein expression hosts because of their ability to correctly fold and assemble complex proteins, produce them at high titers, and confer post-translational modifications (PTMs) critical to proper function. Increasing demand for proteins with human-like PTMs, particularly viral proteins and vectors, have made human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells an increasingly popular host. The need to engineer more productive HEK293 platforms and the ongoing nature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic presented an opportunity to study strategies to improve viral protein expression in transient and stable HEK293 platforms.

Results

Initial process development was done at 24 deep well plate (DWP) -scale to screen transient processes and stable clonal cell lines for recombinant SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (rRBD) titer. Nine DNA vectors that drove rRBD production under different promoters and optionally contained Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) elements to promote episomal expression were screened for transient rRBD production at 37 °C or 32 °C. Use of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter to drive expression at 32 °C led to the highest transient protein titers, but inclusion of episomal expression elements did not augment titer. In parallel, four clonal cell lines with titers higher than that of the selected stable pool were identified in a batch screen. Flask-scale transient transfection and stable fed-batch processes were then established that produced rRBD up to 100 mg/L and 140 mg/L, respectively. While a bio-layer interferometry (BLI) assay was crucial for efficiently screening DWP batch titers, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to compare titers from the flask-scale batches due to varying matrix effects from different cell culture media compositions.

Conclusion

Comparing yields from the flask-scale batches revealed that stable fed-batch cultures produced up to 2.1x more rRBD than transient processes. The stable cell lines developed in this work are the first reported clonal, HEK293-derived rRBD producers and have titers up to 140 mg/L. As stable production platforms are more economically favorable for long-term protein production at large scales, investigation of strategies to increase the efficiency of high-titer stable cell line generation in Expi293F or other HEK293 hosts is warranted.
Machine learning prediction for COVID-19 disease severity at hospital admission
Authors: Raman Ganesh , Ashraf Bilal , Demir Yusuf Kemal , Kershaw Corey D. , Cheruku Sreekanth , Atis Murat , Atis Ahsen , Atar Mustafa , Chen Weina , Ibrahim Ibrahim , Bat Taha , Mete Mutlu
Published: March 2023

Importance

Early prognostication of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who may require mechanical ventilation and have worse outcomes within 30 days of admission is useful for delivering appropriate clinical care and optimizing resource allocation.

Objective

To develop machine learning models to predict COVID-19 severity at the time of the hospital admission based on a single institution data.

Design, setting, and participants

We established a retrospective cohort of patients with COVID-19 from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center from May 2020 to March 2022. Easily accessible objective markers including basic laboratory variables and initial respiratory status were assessed using Random Forest’s feature importance score to create a predictive risk score. Twenty-five significant variables were identified to be used in classification models. The best predictive models were selected with repeated tenfold cross-validation methods.

Main outcomes and measures

Among patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital, severity was defined by 30-day mortality (30DM) rates and need for mechanical ventilation.

Results

This was a large, single institution COVID-19 cohort including total of 1795 patients. The average age was 59.7 years old with diverse heterogeneity. 236 (13%) required mechanical ventilation and 156 patients (8.6%) died within 30 days of hospitalization. Predictive accuracy of each predictive model was validated with the 10-CV method. Random Forest classifier for 30DM model had 192 sub-trees, and obtained 0.72 sensitivity and 0.78 specificity, and 0.82 AUC. The model used to predict MV has 64 sub-trees and returned obtained 0.75 sensitivity and 0.75 specificity, and 0.81 AUC. Our scoring tool can be accessed at https://faculty.tamuc.edu/mmete/covid-risk.html.

Conclusions and relevance

In this study, we developed a risk score based on objective variables of COVID-19 patients within six hours of admission to the hospital, therefore helping predict a patient's risk of developing critical illness secondary to COVID-19.
The development and implementation of a blended video watching and peer learning model for master’s nursing students: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Wong Arkers Kwan Ching , Hung Tommy Tsz Man , Bayuo Jonathan , Wong Frances Kam Yuet
Published: March 2023

Background

With today’s complex needs of the population and high demands in quality of care, there will be a continuing need for expanding role of nurses to assume more responsibilities in healthcare. Newly graduated nurses, who possess the competence to function as Registered Nurses, will soon recognize that lecture-based, passive delivery of content is not sufficient to deal with the complex healthcare environment.

Aim

This study aimed to compare the effects of a blended video watching and peer learning program and the usual lecture-based program on the levels of satisfaction and self-confidence in learning, perceptions of peer learning, and academic performance of students enrolled in a master’s nursing program.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted. The program was offered to Master of Science in Nursing students during Spring 2021 (intervention group, n = 46), while the usual face-to-face lectures and tutorial classes were provided to students enrolled during Fall 2020 (control group, n = 46).

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in satisfaction, self-confidence in learning, and academic performance in the intervention group after learning in a blended video-watching and peer learning mode.

Conclusion

This study fills a knowledge gap to meet the learning needs of time-conscious, part-time students working full time in hospitals.
The effect of ambient PM2.5 exposure on survival of lung cancer patients after lobectomy
Authors: Liu Changpeng , Yang Dongjian , Liu Yuxi , Piao Heng , Zhang Tao , Li Xi , Zhao Erjiang , Zhang Di , Zheng Yan , Tang Xiance
Published: March 2023

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to lung cancer incidence and mortality. However, the impact of PM2.5 exposure on lung cancer patients after lobectomy, which remains the primary treatment for early-stage lung cancer, is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between PM2.5 exposure and the survival of lung cancer patients after lobectomy. This study included 3,327 patients with lung cancer who underwent lobectomy procedures. We converted residential addresses into coordinates and estimated individual patients' daily PM2.5 and O3 exposure levels. A Cox multivariate regression model was used to analyze the specific monthly association between PM2.5 exposure and lung cancer survival. Every 10 μg/m3 increase in monthly PM2.5 concentration in the first and second months after lobectomy increased the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.043, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.019–1.067 and HR: 1.036, 95% CI: 1.013–1.060, respectively). Non-smokers, younger patients, and patients with longer hospitalization durations had worse survival rates when exposed to greater concentrations of PM2.5. High postoperative PM2.5 exposure immediately after lobectomy reduced the survival of patients with lung cancer. Patients living in areas with high PM2.5 should be offered the opportunity to transfer to areas with better air quality after undergoing lobectomies, to prolong their survival times.
Direct targeting of DOCK4 by miRNA-181d in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-mediated neuronal injury
Authors: Li Shengnan , Chen Shaofeng , Wang Yajun , Hu Xingjuan , Wang Ying , Wu Zhaochun , Huang Shaoting , He Jiawen , Deng Fu , Zhao Bin , Ma Guoda , Li You
Published: March 2023

The miRNA-181 (miR-181) family regulates neuronal persistence during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI). Since the effect of miR-181d on CI/RI has never been studied, the current work sought to determine the involvement of miR-181d in neuronal apoptosis after brain I/R injury. To replicate in vivo and in vitro CI/RI, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model in rats and an oxygen-glucose deficiency/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in neuro 2A cells were developed. In both in vivo and in vitro stroke models, the expression of miR-181d was considerably higher. miR-181d suppression reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress in OGD/R-treated neuroblastoma cells, but miR-181d overexpression increased both. Furthermore, it was observed that miR-181d has a direct target in dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4). The overexpression of DOCK4 partially overcame cell apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by miR-181d upregulation and OGD/R injury. Furthermore, the DOCK4 rs2074130 mutation was related to lower DOCK4 levels in ischemic stroke (IS) peripheral blood and higher susceptibility to IS. These findings suggest that downregulating miR-181d protects neurons from ischemic damage by targeting DOCK4, implying that the miR-181d/DOCK4 axis might be a novel therapeutic target for IS.

Graphical Abstract
Minimizing invasiveness and simplifying the surgical procedure for upper and middle early gastric cancer with near-infrared light and organ traction
Authors: Nagano Shinnosuke , Ushimaru Yuki , Kawabata Ryohei , Kitagawa Akihiro , Ohara Nobuyoshi , Miyake Yuichiro , Tomihara Hideo , Maeda Sakae , Noura Shingo , Miyamoto Atsushi , Nishikawa Kazuhiro
Published: March 2023

Background

Surgeons are often faced with optimal resection extent and reconstructive method problems in laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the upper and middle body of the stomach. Indocyanine green (ICG) marking and Billroth I (B-I) reconstruction were used to solve these problems with the organ retraction technique.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old man with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 0-IIc lesion in the posterior wall of the upper and middle gastric body 4 cm from the esophagogastric junction. Clinical T1bN0M0 (clinical stage IA) was the preoperative diagnosis. Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) and D1 + lymphadenectomy was decided to be performed considering postoperative gastric function preservation. The ICG fluorescence method was used to determine the accurate tumor location since the determination was expected to be difficult to the extent of optimal resection with intraoperative findings. By mobilizing and rotating the stomach, the tumor in the posterior wall was fixed in the lesser curvature, and as large a residual stomach as possible was secured in gastrectomy. Finally, delta anastomosis was performed after increasing gastric and duodenal mobility sufficiently. Operation time was 234 min and intraoperative blood loss was 5 ml. The patient was allowed to be discharged on postoperative day 6 without complications.

Conclusion

The indication for LDG and B-I reconstruction can be expanded to cases where laparoscopic total gastrectomy or LDG and Roux-en-Y reconstruction has been selected for early-stage gastric cancer in the upper gastric body by combining preoperative ICG markings and gastric rotation method dissection.
Deficits in mitochondrial TCA cycle and OXPHOS precede rod photoreceptor degeneration during chronic HIF activation
Authors: Todorova Vyara , Stauffacher Mia Fee , Ravotto Luca , Nötzli Sarah , Karademir Duygu , Ebner Lynn J. A. , Imsand Cornelia , Merolla Luca , Hauck Stefanie M. , Samardzija Marijana , Saab Aiman S. , Barros L. Felipe , Weber Bruno , Grimm Christian
Published: March 2023

Background

Major retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment, are associated with a local decrease in oxygen availability causing the formation of hypoxic areas affecting the photoreceptor (PR) cells. Here, we addressed the underlying pathological mechanisms of PR degeneration by focusing on energy metabolism during chronic activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in rod PR.

Methods

We used two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) of genetically encoded biosensors delivered by adeno-associated viruses (AAV) to determine lactate and glucose dynamics in PR and inner retinal cells. Retinal layer-specific proteomics, in situ enzymatic assays and immunofluorescence studies were used to analyse mitochondrial metabolism in rod PRs during chronic HIF activation.

Results

PRs exhibited remarkably higher glycolytic flux through the hexokinases than neurons of the inner retina. Chronic HIF activation in rods did not cause overt change in glucose dynamics but an increase in lactate production nonetheless. Furthermore, dysregulation of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway (OXPHOS) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in rods with an activated hypoxic response decelerated cellular anabolism causing shortening of rod photoreceptor outer segments (OS) before onset of cell degeneration. Interestingly, rods with deficient OXPHOS but an intact TCA cycle did not exhibit these early signs of anabolic dysregulation and showed a slower course of degeneration.

Conclusion

Together, these data indicate an exceeding high glycolytic flux in rods and highlight the importance of mitochondrial metabolism and especially of the TCA cycle for PR survival in conditions of increased HIF activity.
Determination of the effect of collars containing 10% w/w imidacloprid and 4.5% w/w flumethrin (Seresto®) on the incidence of Leishmania and other canine vector-borne pathogen infections in Greece
Authors: Ligda Panagiota , Gizzarelli Manuela , Kostopoulou Despoina , Foglia Manzillo Valentina , Saratsis Anastasios , Saratsi Katerina , Michler Susan , Ringeisen Hannah , Boegel Annette , Schunack Bettina , Pollmeier Matthias , Kontrafouris Michalis , Tsatsaki Ourania , Oliva Gaetano , Sotiraki Smaragda
Published: March 2023

Background

The objective of this field study was to assess the effect of treating a considerable portion of a dog population naturally exposed to canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) in endemic areas with a 10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin collar (Seresto®) on the transmission of CVBPs and the resulting incidence of infection.

Methods

A total of 479 dogs from two sites were enrolled in the study. Collars were placed on all dogs continuously for 21 months, with replacement of the collar every 7 months. All dogs were examined, including body weight and blood/conjunctival swab collections, every 7 months. Serum samples were analysed for the presence of antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. PCR assays were also performed on blood samples and conjunctival swab collected from the dogs for the presence of L. infantum, and on blood samples only for the presence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Sand flies were collected, identified to species level and molecularly tested for L. infantum throughout two vector activity seasons.

Results

The results showed that the Seresto collar was safe with continuous use. At study inclusion, 419, 370 and 453 dogs tested negative for L. infantum, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp., respectively (353 dogs tested negative for any pathogen). Overall, 90.2% of the dogs were protected from L. infantum infection on both sites combined. The entomological survey confirmed the presence of competent vectors of L. infantum at all monitored locations, namely the sand flies Phlebotomus neglectus and Phlebotomus tobbi, both of which are regarded as the most important competent vectors in the Mediterranean basin. All captured sand flies tested negative for L. infantum. Protection against ticks and fleas was high, with only two dogs showing a low number of ticks and seven dogs having low numbers of fleas at single evaluation time points. Across the entire study population, a number of dogs became infected with tick-transmitted pathogens, but prevention of transmission was 93% for E. canis and 87.2% for Anaplasma spp. when all cases from both sites were combined.

Conclusions

The Seresto® (10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin) collar significantly reduced the risk of CVBP transmission when compared to previously observed incidences of CVBP infections in two highly endemic areas under field conditions.

Graphical Abstract
Towards an entrepreneurial university model: evidence from the Palestine Polytechnic University
Authors: Awad Ibrahim M. , Salaimeh Meera Kh.
Published: March 2023

This study aims to introduce a proposed model for transforming the Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU) into an entrepreneurial university. Towards that end, a quantitative approach using statistical techniques of t test, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Pairwise comparisons supported by explanatory and qualitative discussions were utilized. The main findings show that the applicability of entrepreneurship at PPU was relatively fair for the aspects of the compatibility of curricula with the labor market needs, community relations and partnerships, academic exchange, entrepreneurship culture, entrepreneurial education, and university internationalization. Entrepreneurship as a policy objective was moderately acceptable for university policies and regulations, scientific research and innovation, and university leadership, but the university environment was less than moderate. The findings also show that the university leadership acknowledges the importance of achieving entrepreneurship, while they pay insufficient attention to the academic exchange. Offering other supportive funding resources can accelerate entrepreneurship. Given that, this study is likely to provide a proposed model to transform PPU into an entrepreneurial university and effectively achieve the university’s pioneering vision that contributes to the university’s development and presents this model to the decision makers.
Application of CRISPR-Based C-to-G Base editing in rice protoplasts
Authors: Lee Jimin , Oh Nuri , Yun Jae-Young , Choi Hee Soon , Seo Jang-Kyun , Kang Jin-Ho , Jung Choonkyun
Published: March 2023

Recently, new types of base editors, C-to-G base editors (CGBEs), that enable cytosine transversions that are unachievable with cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenosine base editors (ABEs), have been developed in human cells. However, despite their importance in crop genome editing, the efficacy of CGBEs has not yet been extensively evaluated. In our study, based on the previously reported plant-compatible CBE and human CGBE, we demonstrated that our monocot plant-compatible CGBEs (PcCGBEs) enable cytosine transversions (C-to-G) in rice protoplasts. For all targets tested, PcCGBEs (monocot plant-compatible CGBEs) appeared to have substantial levels of C-to-G editing activity. PcCGBE showed a much higher C-to-G base editing activity and C-to-G specificity among C-to-D conversions than the mini-version of PcCGBE. Our demonstration of PcCGBE could provide a platform for the further development of enhanced CGBEs for reliable application as a new crop breeding technology.
Cell-specific vulnerability to metabolic failure: the crucial role of parvalbumin expressing neurons in creatine transporter deficiency
Authors: Ghirardini Elsa , Sagona Giulia , Marquez-Galera Angel , Calugi Francesco , Navarron Carmen M. , Cacciante Francesco , Chen Siwei , Di Vetta Federica , Dadà Lorenzo , Mazziotti Raffaele , Lupori Leonardo , Putignano Elena , Baldi Pierre , Lopez-Atalaya Jose P. , Pizzorusso Tommaso , Baroncelli Laura
Published: March 2023

Mutations in the solute carrier family 6-member 8 (Slc6a8) gene, encoding the protein responsible for cellular creatine (Cr) uptake, cause Creatine Transporter Deficiency (CTD), an X-linked neurometabolic disorder presenting with intellectual disability, autistic-like features, and epilepsy. The pathological determinants of CTD are still poorly understood, hindering the development of therapies. In this study, we generated an extensive transcriptomic profile of CTD showing that Cr deficiency causes perturbations of gene expression in excitatory neurons, inhibitory cells, and oligodendrocytes which result in remodeling of circuit excitability and synaptic wiring. We also identified specific alterations of parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons, exhibiting a reduction in cellular and synaptic density, and a hypofunctional electrophysiological phenotype. Mice lacking Slc6a8 only in PV+ interneurons recapitulated numerous CTD features, including cognitive deterioration, impaired cortical processing and hyperexcitability of brain circuits, demonstrating that Cr deficit in PV+ interneurons is sufficient to determine the neurological phenotype of CTD. Moreover, a pharmacological treatment targeted to restore the efficiency of PV+ synapses significantly improved cortical activity in Slc6a8 knock-out animals. Altogether, these data demonstrate that Slc6a8 is critical for the normal function of PV+ interneurons and that impairment of these cells is central in the disease pathogenesis, suggesting a novel therapeutic venue for CTD.
CHIBA score: a novel model for predicting 3-month mortality in a cohort of Decompensated Liver Disease (DCLD)
Authors: Sathar Shanid Abdul , Vargheese Jijo
Published: March 2023

Background

Decompensated liver disease (DCLD) has high mortality, and its prediction is important to prognosticate and prioritize patients for liver transplantation. MELD, MELD variants, and CTP were widely tested for mortality prediction with few drawbacks. The aim of the study is to propose a new prognostic model for DCLD which is better than the existing scores.

Materials and methods

Retrospective study with 321 DCLD patients were enrolled. Patient relatives were telephonically contacted regarding date of death, and mortality at 3 months was assessed. Logistic regression was done, coefficient of beta of independent variables were found out, and a new CHIBA score was proposed.

CHIBA score = creatinine × 0.6 + HE × 0.4+ INR × 0.8 + bilirubin × 0.125 + ascites × 1.2) where C stands for creatinine, H for hepatic encephalopathy, I for INR, B for bilirubin, and A for ascites.

Results

CHIBA score has AUROC of 0.793 (at a cutoff of > 5.5, it has a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 76%) compared to MELD-Na of 0.735 (cutoff > 25, sensitivity 65%, and specificity 72%); MELD of 0.727 (cutoff > 17 sensitivity of 80.37% and specificity of 55.14%); I-MELD of 0.72; MESO index of 0.72; and UKELD of 0.686. For validation, 214 patients were selected, and AUROC of CHIBA score in the validation cohort was 0.77. At a cutoff of > 5.5, it has a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 77%.

Conclusion

CHIBA score is superior to MELD and MELD variants in predicting 3-month mortality, and it is validated in an external cohort. It can be calculated at bedside as it is a simple score with no logarithmic variables in it.
Anti–G Protein–Coupled Receptor, Class C Group 5 Member D Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Single-Arm, Phase Ⅱ Trial
Authors: Xia Jieyun , Li Hujun , Yan Zhiling , Zhou Dian , Wang Ying , Qi Yuekun , Cao Jiang , Li Depeng , Cheng Hai , Sang Wei , Zhu Feng , Sun Haiying , Chen Wei , Qi Kunming , Yan Dongmei , Qiu Tingting , Qiao Jianlin , Yao Ruosi , Liu Yang , Wang Xue , Zhang Yanlei , Peng Shuixiu , Huang Chih-Hua , Zheng Junnian , Li Zhenyu , Chang Alex H. , Xu Kailin
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

G protein–coupled receptor, class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) is considered to be a promising surface target for multiple myeloma (MM) immunotherapy. Here, we report the efficacy and safety of anti-GPRC5D chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) MM.

METHODS

This phase Ⅱ, single-arm study enrolled patients (18-70 years) with R/R MM. Lymphodepletion was performed before patients received 2 × 106/kg anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells. The primary end point was the proportion of patients who achieved an overall response. Safety was also evaluated in eligible patients.

RESULTS

From September 1, 2021, to March 23, 2022, 33 patients were infused with anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells. At a median follow-up of 5.2 months (range, 3.2‐8.9), the overall response rate was 91% (95% CI, 76 to 98; 30 of 33 patients), including 11 (33%) stringent complete responses, 10 (30%) complete responses, four (12%) very good partial responses, and five (15%) partial responses. Partial responses or better were observed in nine (100%) of nine patients with previous anti–B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CAR T-cell therapy, including two patients who had received repeated anti-BCMA CAR T-cell infusions with no responses at the last time. Grade 3 or higher hematologic toxicities were neutropenia (33 [100%]), anemia (17 [52%]), and thrombocytopenia (15 [45%]). Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 25 (76%) of 33 patients (all were grade 1 or 2), and neurotoxicities in three patients (one grade 2 and one grade 3 ICANSs and one grade 3 headache).

CONCLUSION

Anti-GPRC5D CAR T-cell therapy showed an encouraging clinical efficacy and manageable safety profile in patients with R/R MM. For patients with MM that progressed after anti-BCMA CAR T-cell therapy or that is refractory to anti-BCMA CAR T cell, anti-GPRC5D CAR T-cell therapy might be a potential alternative option.
Thyroid Function in Causal Relation to MRI Markers of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Tian Yu , Yao Dongxiao , Jin Aoming , Wang Mengxing , Pan Yuesong , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yilong
Published: March 2023

Context

Observational studies have provided insufficient information on the association between thyroid function and the risk of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD); moreover, the causality of this link is still unclear.

Objective

This study aims to investigate whether genetically predicted variation within thyroid function is causally associated with the risk of CSVD using 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

In this 2-sample MR study with genome-wide association variants, we estimated the causal effects of genetically predicted thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH; n = 54 288), free thyroxine (FT4; n = 49 269), hypothyroidism (n = 51 823), and hyperthyroidism (n = 51 823) on 3 neuroimaging markers of CSVD, including white matter hyperintensity (WMH; n = 42 310), mean diffusivity (MD; n = 17 467), and fractional anisotropy (FA, n = 17 663). The primary analysis was conducted by the inverse variance–weighted MR method, followed by sensitivity analyses using MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode methods.

Results

Genetically increased TSH was associated with increased MD (β = .311, 95% CI 0.0763, 0.548, P = .01). Genetically increased FT4 was associated with increased FA (β = .540, 95% CI 0.222, 0.858, P < .001). Sensitivity analyses using different MR methods showed similar directions but lower precision. No significant associations of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism with WMH, MD, or FA were found (all P > .05).

Conclusion

This study indicated that genetically predicted increased TSH was associated with increased MD, as well as increased FT4 with increased FA, implying the causal effect of thyroid dysfunction on white matter microstructural injury. There were no significant causal relationships of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism with CSVD. Further investigations should verify these findings and clarify the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Unilateral Thyroid Lobe Involvement of Graves Disease
Authors: Alzedaneen Yazan , Moxley Meaghan Chelsea , Reddy Rashmi , Munir Kashif M
Published: March 2023

A 30-year-old man presented with 3-year history of Graves disease. He was initially diagnosed after he developed unilateral proptosis and was initiated on methimazole 5 mg, on which he was currently euthyroid. Visible right-sided thyromegaly and trouble swallowing developed 2 months after presentation to our practice. Biochemical evaluation revealed suppressed TSH, normal free T4 and total T3, and elevated thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin with normal thyroid receptor antibody. An ultrasound of the thyroid demonstrated left-sided small nodules with right-sided thyromegaly. A nuclear medicine uptake scan revealed significantly greater uptake in the right thyroid lobe, with overall minimal uptake in the left lobe. The need for definitive therapy that would not exacerbate orbitopathy was discussed, and the patient elected for a right-sided hemithyroidectomy. Postoperative biochemical evaluation demonstrated biochemical euthyroidism despite continued elevation in thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin and newly elevated thyroid receptor antibody while remaining off methimazole. Graves disease can rarely involve a single thyroid lobe. Given the rarity, further investigation is needed to determine the natural course of this form of Graves disease.
Duf89 abets lncRNA control of fission yeast phosphate homeostasis via its antagonism of precocious lncRNA transcription termination
Authors: Sanchez Ana M. , Garg Angad , Schwer Beate , Shuman Stewart
Published: March 2023

Fission yeast phosphate homeostasis genepho1is actively repressed during growth in phosphate-rich medium by transcription incisof a long noncoding (lnc) RNA from the 5′ flankingprt(nc-pho1)gene. Pho1 expression is: (i) derepressed by genetic maneuvers that favor precocious lncRNA 3′-processing and termination, in response to DSR and PAS signals inprt; and (ii) hyperrepressed in genetic backgrounds that dampen 3′-processing/termination efficiency. Governors of 3′-processing/termination include the RNA polymerase CTD code, the CPF (cleavage and polyadenylation factor) complex, termination factors Seb1 and Rhn1, and the inositol pyrophosphate signaling molecule 1,5-IP8. Here, we present genetic and biochemical evidence that fission yeast Duf89, a metal-dependent phosphatase/pyrophosphatase, is an antagonist of precocious 3′-processing/termination. We show that derepression ofpho1induf89Δ cells correlates with squelching the production of full-lengthprtlncRNA and is erased or attenuated by: (i) DSR/PAS mutations inprt; (ii) loss-of-function mutations in components of the 3′-processing and termination machinery; (iii) elimination of the CTD Thr4-PO4mark; (iv) interdicting CTD prolyl isomerization by Pin1; (v) inactivating the Asp1 kinase that synthesizes IP8; and (vi) loss of the putative IP8sensor Spx1. The findings thatduf89Δ is synthetically lethal withpho1-derepressive mutationsCTD-S7Aandaps1Δ—and that this lethality is rescued byCTD-T4A, CPF/Rhn1/Pin1 mutations, andspx1Δ—implicate Duf89 more broadly as a collaborator in cotranscriptional regulation of essential fission yeast genes. Theduf89-D252Amutation, which abolishes Duf89 phosphohydrolase activity, phenocopiedduf89+, signifying thatduf89Δ phenotypes are a consequence of Duf89 protein absence, not absence of Duf89 catalysis.
Imaging in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction - a case report
Authors: Gniot Marcelina , Jankiewicz Marek
Published: March 2023

Introduction and purpose: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) facilitates 3-dimensional visualization of the blood vessels. Nowadays, it becomes increasingly supportive in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guiding in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This report presents IVUS-guided PCI performed on 43-year-old patient with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Brief description of the state of knowledge: IVUS is an established intracoronary imaging technique that can be used in patients with AMI. It allows assessment of the plaque nature, stent selection and optmisation. An increasing body of evidence shows that IVUS-guided PCI is correlated with reduction in number of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), stent thrombosis and with less contrast use. Studies show, that IVUS can be used in patient with STEMI, as it is presented in this report.

Conclusion: This case illustrates IVUS-guided PCI performed on the patient with STEMI. It shows that it is crucial to consider using this technique in every patient with AMI, as it provides beneficial outcome of the treatment. It is particularly important in patients with complicated anatomy of the blood vessels and in patients with contraindications to the considerable contrast use.
Kidney Stones - What should You know?
Authors: Szymańska Ewa , Ostaszewska Sandra , Świąder Kinga , Augustynowicz Kinga , Chrzanowski Jakub
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Kidney stones are mineral deposits in the renal calyces and pelvis that are found free or attached to the renal papillae.  The risk of developing kidney stones is 10 to 15 percent in the United States and Europe, although this number is trending higher. Contributing risk factors for kidney stones are obesity, insulin resistance, gastrointestinal pathology, living in warmer climates, certain dietary patterns and medications. In this article we reviewed the epidemiology, symptoms and treatment of acute and chronic kidney stones and also prevention of stones formation in urinary tract. Material and methods: The work was based on medical articles collected in PubMed, websites and medical books. The research was conducted by looking at keywords such as: "Kidney Stones", "Renal Colic" and “Rirs”.

Conclusions: The interdisciplinary approach, education of the patient and multiple endourological techniques can provide us with many solutions in the treatment of this contition.

Doctors should adjust treatment to provide the best therapeutic effects.
On special subalgebras of derivations of Leibniz algebras
Authors:   Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, Shermatova Zarina , Khudoyberdiyev Abror ,   Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences
Published: March 2023

Our aim in this work is to study the central derivations of Leibniz algebras and investigate the properties of Leibniz algebras by comparing the set of central derivations with the inner derivations. We prove that, the set of all central derivations of a Leibniz algebra with non-trivial center coincide with the set of all inner derivations if and only if the Leibniz algebra is metabelian. In addition, we will show, by examples, that some statements hold for arbitrary Lie algebras, but does not hold for some Leibniz algebras.
On Smith normal forms of q-Varchenko matrices
Authors:   Earlham College, Boulware Naomi , Jing Naihuan ,   North Carolina State University, Misra Kailash C. ,   North Carolina State University
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we investigate q-Varchenko matrices for some hyperplane arrangements with symmetry in two andthree dimensions, and prove that they have a Smith normal formover Z[q]. In particular, we examine the hyperplane arrangement forthe regular n-gon in the plane and the dihedral model in the spaceand Platonic polyhedra. In each case, we prove that the q-Varchenko matrix associated with the hyperplane arrangement has a Smith normal form over Z[q] and realize their congruent transformation matrices over Z[q] as well.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Study of Silver NanoparticlesNitrogen Doped Graphene Oxide-Chitosan Nanocomposite
Authors: Beegum. S Asmitha , David S. Begila
Published: March 2023

Herein, we report for the first time, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles-nitrogen doped graphene oxide-chitosan nanocomposite (SGC) from the aqueous leaf extract of Curcuma caesia plant and we explored bacterial toxicology behavior of SGC nanocomposite via agar disc diffusion method. Curcuma caesia is a medicinal herb utilized as a reducing agent for the reduction of silver-to-silver ions. Graphene oxide is a significant two-dimensional carbon nanomaterial, possessing excellent physical, chemical, and electrical properties that make them unique for various applications. The Ultrasonication process at room temperature was utilized for the synthesis of SGC nanocomposite. The addition of biopolymer; chitosan, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to the matrix of nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NGO) was confirmed via various spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, FT-Raman, XPS, and so on. Finally, the results of the disc diffusion method showed SGC nanocomposite exhibit concentration-dependent inhibition toward bacterial growth.
Melatonin protects human nucleus pulposus cells from pyroptosis by regulating Nrf2 via melatonin membrane receptors
Authors: Bai Zhibiao , Shou Zeyu , Hu Kai , Yu Jiahuan , Meng Hongming , Chen Chun
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study was performed to explore the effect of melatonin on pyroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and the underlying mechanism of that effect.

Methods

This experiment included three patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation who failed conservative treatment. Nucleus pulposus tissue was isolated from these patients when they underwent surgical intervention, and primary NPCs were isolated and cultured. Western blotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence staining, and other methods were used to detect changes in related signalling pathways and the ability of cells to resist pyroptosis.

Results

Western blot analysis confirmed the expression of cleaved CASP-1 and melatonin receptor (MT-1A-R) in NPCs. The cultured NPCs were identified by detecting the expression of CD24, collagen type II, and aggrecan. After treatment with hydrogen peroxide, the pyroptosis-related proteins NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), cleaved CASP-1, N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), interleukin (IL)-18, and IL-1β in NPCs were upregulated, and the number of propidium iodide (PI)-positive cells was also increased, which was able to be alleviated by pretreatment with melatonin. The protective effect of melatonin on pyroptosis was blunted by both the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole and the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor ML385. In addition, the expression of the transcription factor Nrf2 was up- or downregulated when the melatonin receptor was activated or blocked by melatonin or luzindole, respectively.

Conclusion

Melatonin protects NPCs against reactive oxygen species-induced pyroptosis by upregulating the transcription factor Nrf2 via melatonin receptors.

Cite this article:Bone Joint Res 2023;12(3):202–211.
Benefit of sunlight and melatonin on back pain and inflammation
Authors: Brzeszczyńska Joanna , Brzeszczyński Filip
Published: March 2023

Cite this article:Bone Joint Res 2023;12(3):199–201.
Drag Reduction of Wind Turbine Blade to Enhance Aerodynamic Performance: A CFD Study
Authors: Bisht Priyanka , Sharma Kanches
Published: March 2023

The focus of the current majority of research efforts are focused on the investigation of passive flow control systems to provide wind turbine makers with efficient tools to increase the amount of energy that a wind turbine can use. In the current effort, our goal was to find a solution to enhance the HAWT blade aerofoil’s aerodynamic performance. Due to the ease of access to wind resources, wind energy is seen as one of the most significant energy alternatives for the future. From this, we may infer that multidisciplinary and necessary study in this area is required. This study aims to boost the operating capacity of wind turbines and their overall performance by performing full or partial flow attachment. The current work is focused on analyzing the flow around a wind turbine blade using CFD analysis. The current focus is on applying passive flow separation management to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of HAWT blades with S820 aerofoils.
Performance Enhancement of Solar Photovoltaic Thermal Energy Collection (PV/T) System with W-Shaped Rib Rouhgness
Authors: Ali Subhan , Uniyal Vipin
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility of improving electrical (cell) efficiency, thermal efficiency, and overall performance by adding w-rib roughness to the bottom of the absorber plate. the bottom of the absorber plate being given w-rib roughness. Based on a mathematical simulation of the PV/T system as a function of pertinent geometrical parameters, such as relative roughness pitch, relative roughness height, and angle of attack, as well as design parameters, such as temperature rise and insolation, the performance parameters—enhancement of electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency, and overall performance—have been assessed. The system was examined using this simulation in relation to important geometrical factors. The results show that adopting w-rib roughness yields a significant improvement over the performance metrics obtained using smooth absorber plates.