bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tricuspid repair: short and long-term results of suture annuloplasty techniques and rigid and flexible ring annuloplasty techniques
Authors: Türkmen Ufuk , Bozkurt Tezcan , Özyalçın Sertan , Günaydın Ilknur , Kaplan Sadi
Published: March 2024

Background

Functional tricuspid regurgitation may arise from left heart valve diseases or other factors. If not addressed concurrently with primary surgical intervention, it may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality rates during the postoperative period. This study investigates the impact of various repair techniques on crucial factors such as systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), tricuspid valve regurgitation, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional capacity class in the postoperative period.

Materials and methods

From April 2007 to June 2013, 379 adults underwent open-heart surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation. Patients were categorized into four groups: Group 1 (156) with De Vega suture annuloplasty, Group 2 (60) with Kay suture annuloplasty, Group 3 (122) with Flexible Duran ring annuloplasty, and Group 4 (41) with Semi-Rigid Carpentier-Edwards ring annuloplasty. Demographic, clinical, operative, and postoperative data were recorded over a mean follow-up of 35.6 ± 19.1 months. Postoperative SPAP values, tricuspid regurgitation grades, and NYHA functional capacity classes were compared among the groups.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed among the groups regarding age, gender, preoperative disease diagnoses, history of previous cardiac operations, or echocardiographic characteristics such as preoperative ejection fraction, SPAP, and tricuspid regurgitation. Hospital and intensive care unit length of stay and postoperative complications also showed no significant differences. However, patients in Group 3 exhibited longer Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass duration, cross-clamp duration, and higher positive inotrope requirements. While the mortality rate within the first 30 days was higher in Group 1 compared to the other groups (p: 0.011), overall mortality rates did not significantly differ among the groups. Significant regression in functional tricuspid regurgitation and a notable decrease in SPAP values were observed in patients from Group 3 and Group 4 (p: 0.001). Additionally, patients in Group 3 and Group 4 showed a more significant reduction in NYHA functional capacity classification during the postoperative period (p: 0.001).

Conclusion

Among the repair techniques, ring annuloplasty demonstrated superiority in reducing SPAP, regressing tricuspid regurgitation, and improving NYHA functional capacity in functional tricuspid regurgitation repairs.
Individual Placement and Support for persons with alcohol and drug addiction in a Swedish context (IPS-ADAS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bejerholm Ulrika , Håkansson Anders , Knutagård Marcus , Hillborg Helene
Published: March 2024

Background

Employment is a vital source for experiencing well-being and lowering the risk of long-term social marginalisation and poverty. For persons with alcohol and drug addiction, it may also improve sobriety. However, the unemployment situation for this group reflects the knowledge gap in effective interventions to support employment. While Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is recognised as evidence-based supported employment for those with serious mental health problems, no scientific evidence for the target group of addiction exists to date. The aim of the present IPS for Alcohol and Drug Addiction in Sweden (IPS-ADAS) trial is to study whether IPS has an effect on gaining employment for this group.

Methods

The IPS-ADAS trial is a multisite, pragmatic, parallel, and single-blinded, superiority randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants (N = 330) will be randomly assigned (1:1) and participate in IPS plus treatment as usual within Addiction Services (IPS + TAU) or Traditional Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) available plus TAU (TVR + TAU) for 12 months. The principle of intention-to-treat (ITT) will be applied. The hypothesis is that a significantly larger proportion of IPS + TAU participants will be employed for > 1 day (primary outcome), reach employment sooner, work more hours and longer periods of time, and have a higher income as compared to TVR + TAU participants at 18-month follow-up. We further anticipate that those who benefit from IPS + TAU will use less alcohol and drugs, experience better health, and use less care and support, including support from the justice system, in comparison to TVR + TAU participants, at 6, 12, and 18 months. A supplementary process evaluation, using the IPS Fidelity Scale (25 items) and adhered interviews will address delivery and receipt of the IPS as well as contextual hinders and barriers for coproduction and implementation. Working age (18–65), willingness to work, unemployment, participation in an information meeting about the RCT, treatment for addiction diagnosis, and being financially supported by welfare, constitute eligible criteria.

Discussion

A primary study on the effectiveness of IPS on employment for the new target group of addictions will add to the international IPS knowledge base and inform national policy to include the underrepresented group in working life.

Trial registration

WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform ISRCTN10492363. Registered on 14 August 2023.
Substrate specificity mapping of fungal CAZy AA3_2 oxidoreductases
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Karppi Johanna , Mototsune Owen , Poshina Daria , Svartström Jenny , Nguyen Thi Truc Minh , Vo Tri Minh , Tsang Adrian , Master Emma , Tenkanen Maija
Published: March 2024

Background

Oxidative enzymes targeting lignocellulosic substrates are presently classified into various auxiliary activity (AA) families within the carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZy) database. Among these, the fungal AA3 glucose–methanol–choline (GMC) oxidoreductases with varying auxiliary activities are attractive sustainable biocatalysts and important for biological function. CAZy AA3 enzymes are further subdivided into four subfamilies, with the large AA3_2 subfamily displaying diverse substrate specificities. However, limited numbers of enzymes in the AA3_2 subfamily are currently biochemically characterized, which limits the homology-based mining of new AA3_2 oxidoreductases. Importantly, novel enzyme activities may be discovered from the uncharacterized parts of this large subfamily.

Results

In this study, phylogenetic analyses employing a sequence similarity network (SSN) and maximum likelihood trees were used to cluster AA3_2 sequences. A total of 27 AA3_2 proteins representing different clusters were selected for recombinant production. Among them, seven new AA3_2 oxidoreductases were successfully produced, purified, and characterized. These enzymes included two glucose dehydrogenases (TaGdhA and McGdhA), one glucose oxidase (ApGoxA), one aryl alcohol oxidase (PsAaoA), two aryl alcohol dehydrogenases (AsAadhA and AsAadhB), and one novel oligosaccharide (gentiobiose) dehydrogenase (KiOdhA). Notably, two dehydrogenases (TaGdhA and KiOdhA) were found with the ability to utilize phenoxy radicals as an electron acceptor. Interestingly, phenoxy radicals were found to compete with molecular oxygen in aerobic environments when serving as an electron acceptor for two oxidases (ApGoxA and PsAaoA), which sheds light on their versatility. Furthermore, the molecular determinants governing their diverse enzymatic functions were discussed based on the homology model generated by AlphaFold.

Conclusions

The phylogenetic analyses and biochemical characterization of AA3_2s provide valuable guidance for future investigation of AA3_2 sequences and proteins. A clear correlation between enzymatic function and SSN clustering was observed. The discovery and biochemical characterization of these new AA3_2 oxidoreductases brings exciting prospects for biotechnological applications and broadens our understanding of their biological functions.
Facial cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease: a case report
Authors: Wongrat Tanapong , Sangmala Siripan
Published: March 2024

Background

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis in which the activated histiocytes of the lymph nodes and other organs begin to accumulate following excessive production. Bilateral, massive, and painless lymphadenopathy are classic presentations. Systemic RDD is already known to be a rare condition, but isolated cutaneous RDD is extremely rare. We presented a rare and unusual presentations of a disease.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old Thai female with a 6-month history of a small acne-like lesion that rapidly progressed to 5 cm tumor-like lesions on the face within 3 months. Tissue histology showed a dense dermal infiltration of histiocytes with emperipolesis phenomenon. Immunohistochemistry was positive for S100 protein and CD68 and negative for CD1a. Oral prednisolone (50 mg/day) was initiated with a favorable outcome at the one-month follow-up. However, prednisolone yielded a partial response at 2-month follow-up, leading to application of another modality.

Conclusion

Although cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease is considered benign and well medical responded disease, patients with atypical presentation and rapid growing lesion may necessitate aggressive multimodal treatment.
An adaptive transmission strategy based on cloud computing in IoV architecture
Authors: Li Bin , Li Vivian , Li Miao , Li John , Yang Jiaqi , Li Bin
Published: March 2024

Because of recent developments in wireless communication, sensor technology, and computing technology, researchers have recently shown a significant amount of interest in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), which has become feasible as a result of these improvements. Because of the distinctive characteristics of IoV, such as the varied compute and communication capacities of network nodes, it is difficult to process jobs that are time-sensitive. The purpose of this study is to investigate the ways in which cloud computing may collaborate with the IoV to make the processing of time-sensitive procedures easier. We propose a vehicle design that makes advantage of cloud computing as a means of accomplishing this goal. Increasing the proportion of time-sensitive jobs that are ultimately completed was the motivation behind the development of the offloading model that we devised. Taking this into perspective, we present an adaptive task offloading and transmission method. Taking into account the ever-changing requirements and constraints on the available resources, this algorithm dynamically organizes all of the tasks into separate cloud link lists on the cloud. Following that, the tasks contained within each list are distributed in a cooperative manner to a number of different nodes, with the characteristics of those nodes being taken into consideration. Following the presentation of the simulation model, we carried out an experimental investigation into the effectiveness of the model that was proposed. It is abundantly evident that the proposed model is effective, as indicated by the findings.
The association of urinary heavy metal exposure with frailty susceptibility and mortality in middle-aged and older adults: a population-based study
Authors: Zheng Zitian , Luo Huanhuan , Xue Qingyun
Published: March 2024

Heavy metals’ presence as environmental pollutants has a close link to adverse health effects. Frailty, a clinical syndrome hallmarked by elevated vulnerability to stressors, presents a substantial challenge in healthcare. However, the association between exposure to heavy metals and frailty largely remains unexplored. Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2003–2018 and correlated with the U.S. National Death Index (NDI) from 2019, we investigated mortality outcomes. Logistic regression, Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, weighted quantile-sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were employed to assess the association between heavy metal exposure and frailty incidence and mortality in the frail population. Eight metals were measured in urine using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with values adjusted for urinary creatinine, which was used to reflect heavy metal exposure. The cohort incorporated 5370 female participants aged 45 and above, with 1518 diagnosed with frailty. The findings indicated a substantial correlation between exposure to specific heavy metals, namely tungsten (odds ratio [OR]: 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31–2.89), cobalt (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.40–1.93), cadmium (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.52–2.43), and uranium (OR: 7.36, 95% CI: 1.53–35.28), and an elevated risk of frailty. WQS and BKMR regression models identified cadmium, cobalt, and tungsten as main contributors to frailty. Cox regression analysis, after adjustment for covariates, suggested that the higher the exposure levels to cadmium and lead, the higher the risk of death in frail patients, with associated hazard ratios (HR) of 95% CI: 1.96 (1.53, 2.52) and 1.30 (1.13, 1.49), respectively. Our study revealed a significant positive correlation between exposure to heavy metal mixtures and frailty onset in middle-aged and older adults, along with increased mortality in frail patients. Cobalt, cadmium, and tungsten emerged as prominent contributors to frailty, with cobalt and cadmium directly impacting the long-term life expectancy of frail patients.
Impact of working capital management on profitability of private commercial banks in Ethiopia
Authors: Mengstie Belay , Mosisa Tafa , Mosisa Toleshi
Published: March 2024

Working capital management is an important financial management decision for the profitability of commercial banks. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of working capital management on commercial banks' profitability. The study used secondary data from audited financial statements of five private commercial banks in Ethiopia covering the period from 2011 to 2020. The banks were selected on a convenience basis. The financial information from the banks was analyzed to determine the impact of the current ratio, bank size, a current asset-to-total asset ratio, loans and advances to total asset ratio, and current liabilities-to-total assets ratios on profitability. The researchers applied descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The data were analyzed using the Stata data processing package. An econometric model is applied to examine the impact of working capital management on the profitability of commercial banks. A random effect model was employed and the result revealed that bank size and loans and advances to total assets were found to have a significant impact on banks' profitability. The current ratio, a current asset-to-total asset ratio, and current liabilities-to-total assets ratios were found insignificant to influence banks' profitability. Since the profitability of the banks depends on working capital management, rigorous attention should be given to those factors that influence the profitability of commercial banks.
Association of novel anthropometric indices with prevalence of kidney stone disease: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Xudong , Li Xiang , Ye Nan , Zhou Zhenwen , Li Guangyuan , Jiang Fang
Published: March 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between novel anthropometric indices, specifically the body shape index (ABSI) and body roundness index (BRI), and the prevalence of kidney stone disease (KSD) within the general population of the United States (U.S.).

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional analysis of participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2020. Various statistical methods, including multivariable logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS) plot curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and subgroup analysis, were utilized to examine the association between ABSI and BRI and the risk of KSD.

Results

A total of 39,251 individuals were included in the study. First, the RCS plot presented that a linear positive association was found between ABSI and BRI and KSD risk. Second, the results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared to the lowest quartile, the adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) for the prevalence of KSD across the quartiles of ASBI and BRI were 0.94 (0.67, 1.30), 1.55 (1.15, 2.10), and 1.74 (1.28, 2.35), respectively, in the fully adjusted model. Third, the ROC curve demonstrated that the area under the curve of ABSI, and BRI was significantly higher than traditional anthropometry or body composition measures, including BMI and waist circumference.

Conclusions

The findings of our study indicate that the discriminant ability of ABSI and BRI for KSD is significantly superior to that of BMI and waist circumference. Consequently, ABSI and BRI have the potential to more accurately identify an individual’s risk of developing KSD in a clinical setting.
Exploring the digital psychology of environmental sustainability: the mediating influence of technological innovation in advanced physical education development in China”
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Xu Ruilin , Li Songpu
Published: March 2024

The study aims to investigate the precise processes by which the advancement of physical education and technological progress leads to ecological conservation efforts within China’s distinctive socio-cultural and economic framework. Acknowledging the pivotal role that economic advancement plays in a nation’s environmental sustainability, this research utilizes cross-sectional quantitative data gathered using a five-point Likert scale survey. The sample size included 503 undergraduate students from Zhengzhou, China, and structural equation modeling was utilized to analyze the data. The study investigates how technology progress influences the relationship between compatibility, environmental sustainability, and the relative benefits of physical education. It fills the gap in the literature by illuminating how technical innovation and advanced physical education development contribute to China’s pursuit of a sustainable environment. The findings emphasize the critical significance of higher physical education in fostering environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the research indicates that students participating in more rigorous physical education programs tend to possess a more well-rounded and mature mindset. This mindset is essential for healthy and long-lasting mental development, motivating individuals to critically consider environmental sustainability. The study provides valuable theoretical and practical insights that can be applied to enhance environmental sustainability in the country.
Identification, heterologous expression and characterization of a new unspecific peroxygenase from Marasmius fiardii PR-910
Authors: Fu Xin , Lin Kexin , Zhang Xiaodong , Guo Zhiyong , Kang Lixin , Li Aitao
Published: March 2024

Unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) are glycosylated enzymes that provide an efficient method for oxyfunctionalizing a variety of substrates using only hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the oxygen donor. However, their poor heterologous expression has hindered their practical application. Here, a novel UPO from Marasmius fiardii PR910 (MfiUPO) was identified and heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris. By employing a two-copy expression cassette, the protein titer reached 1.18 g L−1 in a 5 L bioreactor, marking the highest record. The glycoprotein rMfiUPO exhibited a smeared band in the 40 to 55 kDa range and demonstrated hydroxylation, epoxidation and alcohol oxidation. Moreover, the peroxidative activity was enhanced by 150% after exposure to 50% (v/v) acetone for 40 h. A semi-preparative production of 4-OH-β-ionone on a 100 mL scale resulted in a 54.2% isolated yield with 95% purity. With its high expression level, rMfiUPO is a promising candidate as an excellent parental template for enhancing desirable traits such as increased stability and selectivity through directed evolution, thereby meeting the necessary criteria for practical application.

Graphical Abstract
Remotely prescribed and monitored home-based gait-and-balance therapeutic exergaming using augmented reality (AR) glasses: protocol for a clinical feasibility study in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hardeman L. E. S. , Geerse D. J. , Hoogendoorn E. M. , Nonnekes J. , Roerdink M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Clinical guidelines for people with Parkinson’s disease (pwPD) stress that, complementary to pharmacological treatment, exercise and physiotherapy should be given a central role in disease management. Adhering to regular exercise of the right type, and with high repetition, remains a challenge for pwPD. Exergaming has the potential to increase adherence through play and personalised interventions, both in clinic and at home. Reality DTx® is an augmented-reality (AR) home-based gait-and-balance exergaming intervention specifically designed for pwPD as an extension of supervised physiotherapy. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of Reality DTx®.

Methods

Twenty-four pwPD (Hoehn and Yahr stages 2–4) with self-reported gait and/or balance impairments will participate in this study. The study comprises a 6-week waitlist-controlled AR home-based therapeutic gait-and-balance exergaming intervention. Reality DTx® will initially be prescribed remotely for a minimum of 5 days a week for 30 min per day. We will remotely set and adjust the frequency, difficulty, type of games, and/or duration weekly, based on objective and subjective data from the AR glasses and participant, respectively. In addition to the home-based gait-and-balance exergaming intervention, the study comprises three laboratory visits: before the 6-week waitlist period (t0; baseline), before the 6-week intervention period (t1; pre-intervention), and after the 6-week intervention period (t2; post-intervention). The primary study parameters are feasibility (in terms of safety, adherence, and user experience) and potential efficacy for improving gait and balance (using standard clinical gait-and-balance tests and a targeted walking-related fall-risk assessment). Recruitment started in December 2022 and the final post-intervention assessment will be according to planning in July 2023.

Conclusions

This clinical feasibility trial is the first remotely prescribed and monitored home-based AR gait-and-balance exergaming intervention for pwPD. The results in terms of clinical feasibility (i.e. safety, adherence, and user experience) and potential efficacy (gait, balance, and fall-risk outcomes) form the basis for future randomised controlled studies on the effectiveness of home-based AR gait-and-balance exergaming interventions for pwPD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05605249. Registered on 4 November 2022.
Effectiveness of physical therapy on physical activity and employment status in kidney transplant recipients in their sixties: a case report with literature review
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomoya , Yabe Hiroki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Isobe Shinsuke , Hirano Yuma , Yasuda Hideo , Miyake Hideaki , Yamauchi Katsuya
Published: March 2024

Background

Few reports have been published on preoperative and long-term postoperative rehabilitation after kidney transplantation. Poor physical function after kidney transplantation is associated with adverse events; hence, physical function should be improved postoperatively. We report a case in which physical therapy was provided just before the operation and 12 months postoperatively to improve physical performance.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man, working as a janitor and maintenance worker at a driving school, received a living-donor kidney transplant from his wife. The just before the operation assessment revealed a decline in his physical function, indicating he had become frail. Accordingly, physical therapy was initiated prior to kidney transplantation. Subsequently, his Short Physical Performance Battery score improved from 10 to 12, and his knee extension muscle strength improved from 0.38 to 0.43 kgf/kg, enabling him to resume work. The work functioning impairment scale improved from 13 to 7.

Conclusions

This case reveals that just before the operation and long-term rehabilitation is crucial in enhancing physical activity in kidney transplantation patients. Although this focused rehabilitation approach holds promise, evaluating its efficacy requires the examination of a larger cohort of cases.
Inattentional blindness in medicine
Authors: Hults Connor M. , Ding Yifan , Xie Geneva G. , Raja Rishi , Johnson William , Lee Alexis , Simons Daniel J.
Published: March 2024

People often fail to notice unexpected stimuli when their attention is directed elsewhere. Most studies of this “inattentional blindness” have been conducted using laboratory tasks with little connection to real-world performance. Medical case reports document examples of missed findings in radiographs and CT images, unintentionally retained guidewires following surgery, and additional conditions being overlooked after making initial diagnoses. These cases suggest that inattentional blindness might contribute to medical errors, but relatively few studies have directly examined inattentional blindness in realistic medical contexts. We review the existing literature, much of which focuses on the use of augmented reality aids or inspection of medical images. Although these studies suggest a role for inattentional blindness in errors, most of the studies do not provide clear evidence that these errors result from inattentional blindness as opposed to other mechanisms. We discuss the design, analysis, and reporting practices that can make the contributions of inattentional blindness unclear, and we describe guidelines for future research in medicine and similar contexts that could provide clearer evidence for the role of inattentional blindness.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of industrial parts from a single image
Authors: Xu Zhenxing , Wang Aizeng , Hou Fei , Zhao Gang
Published: March 2024

This study proposes an image-based three-dimensional (3D) vector reconstruction of industrial parts that can generate non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) surfaces with high fidelity and flexibility. The contributions of this study include three parts: first, a dataset of two-dimensional images is constructed for typical industrial parts, including hexagonal head bolts, cylindrical gears, shoulder rings, hexagonal nuts, and cylindrical roller bearings; second, a deep learning algorithm is developed for parameter extraction of 3D industrial parts, which can determine the final 3D parameters and pose information of the reconstructed model using two new nets, CAD-ClassNet and CAD-ReconNet; and finally, a 3D vector shape reconstruction of mechanical parts is presented to generate NURBS from the obtained shape parameters. The final reconstructed models show that the proposed approach is highly accurate, efficient, and practical.
Long-term depressive symptom trajectories and related baseline characteristics in primary care patients: Analysis of the PsicAP clinical trial
Authors: Prieto-Vila Maider , González-Blanch César , Estupiñá Puig Francisco J. , Buckman Joshua E.J. , Saunders Rob , Muñoz-Navarro Roger , Moriana Juan A. , Rodríguez-Ruiz Paloma , Barrio-Martínez Sara , Carpallo-González María , Cano-Vindel Antonio
Published: March 2024

Background

There is heterogeneity in the long-term trajectories of depressive symptoms among patients. To date, there has been little effort to inform the long-term trajectory of symptom change and the factors associated with different trajectories. Such knowledge is key to treatment decision-making in primary care, where depression is a common reason for consultation. We aimed to identify distinct long-term trajectories of depressive symptoms and explore pre-treatment characteristics associated with them.

Methods

A total of 483 patients from the PsicAP clinical trial were included. Growth mixture modeling was used to identify long-term distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms, and multinomial logistic regression models to explore associations between pre-treatment characteristics and trajectories.

Results

Four trajectories were identified that best explained the observed response patterns: “recovery” (64.18%), “late recovery” (10.15%), “relapse” (13.67%), and “chronicity” (12%). There was a higher likelihood of following the recovery trajectory for patients who had received psychological treatment in addition to the treatment as usual. Chronicity was associated with higher depressive severity, comorbidity (generalized anxiety, panic, and somatic symptoms), taking antidepressants, higher emotional suppression, lower levels on life quality, and being older. Relapse was associated with higher depressive severity, somatic symptoms, and having basic education, and late recovery was associated with higher depressive severity, generalized anxiety symptoms, greater disability, and rumination.

Conclusions

There were different trajectories of depressive course and related prognostic factors among the patients. However, further research is needed before these findings can significantly influence care decisions.
Pack-Year Smoking History: An Inadequate and Biased Measure to Determine Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility
Authors: Potter Alexandra L. , Xu Nuo N. , Senthil Priyanka , Srinivasan Deepti , Lee Hang , Gazelle G. Scott , Chelala Lydia , Zheng Wei , Fintelmann Florian J. , Sequist Lecia V. , Donington Jessica , Palmer Julie R. , Yang Chi-Fu Jeffrey
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

Pack-year smoking history is an imperfect and biased measure of cumulative tobacco exposure. The use of pack-year smoking history to determine lung cancer screening eligibility in the current US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guideline may unintentionally exclude many high-risk individuals, especially those from racial and ethnic minority groups. It is unclear whether using a smoking duration cutoff instead of a smoking pack-year cutoff would improve the selection of individuals for screening.

METHODS

We analyzed 49,703 individuals with a smoking history from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) and 22,126 individuals with a smoking history from the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS) to assess eligibility for screening under the USPSTF guideline versus a proposed guideline that replaces the ≥20-pack-year criterion with a ≥20-year smoking duration criterion.

Results

Under the USPSTF guideline, only 57.6% of Black patients with lung cancer in the SCCS would have qualified for screening, whereas a significantly higher percentage of White patients with lung cancer (74.0%) would have qualified ( P < .001). Under the proposed guideline, the percentage of Black and White patients with lung cancer who would have qualified for screening increased to 85.3% and 82.0%, respectively, eradicating the disparity in screening eligibility between the groups. In the BWHS, using a 20-year smoking duration cutoff instead of a 20-pack-year cutoff increased the percentage of Black women with lung cancer who would have qualified for screening from 42.5% to 63.8%.

Conclusion

Use of a 20-year smoking duration cutoff instead of a 20-pack-year cutoff greatly increases the proportion of patients with lung cancer who would qualify for screening and eliminates the racial disparity in screening eligibility between Black versus White individuals; smoking duration has the added benefit of being easier to calculate and being a more precise assessment of smoking exposure compared with pack-year smoking history.
Thyroid Cancer Prevalence, Risk Exposure, and Clinical Features Among Transgender Female Veterans
Authors: Christensen John David , Basheer Hiba T , Lado Abeal Jose Joaquin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Transgender women experience higher-than-average rates of multiple medical conditions. Thyroid cancer occurs more frequently in those assigned female at birth than in those assigned male at birth. We sought to characterize thyroid cancer among transgender female veterans.

Methods

We reviewed charts of veterans who were (1) seen in Veterans Affairs clinics across the United States from July 2017 to December 2022, (2) had an International Classification of Diseases, revision 10, diagnosis code for thyroid cancer, and (3) had an International Classification of Diseases, revision 10, diagnosis code for gender dysphoria or were assigned male at birth and ever had a prescription for estrogens. Charts of cisgender veterans were also reviewed for comparison.

Results

Compared with calculated estimates of 0.641% (95% CI, 0.572-0.724) among cisgender females and 0.187% (95% CI, 0.156-0.219) among cisgender males, the measured prevalence among transgender female veterans was 0.341% (34/9988). Average age at thyroid cancer diagnosis in this population was 53.8 (± SEM 2.61) years. A total of 32.3% (11/34) of these patients had extrathyroidal disease at diagnosis.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this study represents the first report of thyroid cancer prevalence among transgender women in the United States. Risk exposure among all transgender veterans including further assessment of the possible contributions of obesity, smoking, and gender-affirming hormone therapy are important future analyses.
The Bell Jars
Authors: Hoag Colin
Published: March 2024

Sylvia Plath’s novel The Bell Jar chronicles prize-winning college student Esther Greenwood’s descent into melancholy and attempted suicide. An emerging writer, Esther sees clearly the paths available to her under 1950s US patriarchy: homemaker or eccentric intellectual. Each on its own is untenable, and choosing one precludes the other. The bell jar metaphor conjures a sense of confinement and suffocation, but this essay offers a multispecies reading that shows why such an interpretation is too narrow. The essay looks carefully at the bell jar, its function within her story, and the context within which Plath encountered it, namely, as a student of botany at Smith College conducting lab exercises on photosynthesis using the South African silverleaf geranium (Pelargonium sidoides). Through archival research on Plath and botanical instruction at the college, the essay shows that the bell jars Plath used were not tools of oppression. Rather, they were tools for growing plants from faraway places that require higher atmospheric humidity: technologies for making dislocated life possible. Plath’s cross-species encounters with exotic plants at the conservatory were critical to her conception of life as a woman under patriarchy—like the silverleaf geranium, living in a world not built for her.
Heroic Fear
Authors: Haines Daniel
Published: March 2024

The image of the heroic adventurer, who shot big game or traveled remote regions of the earth, populated the British Empire’s exploration and hunting narratives. Scholars have done much to deconstruct this image but have so far barely touched on the emotional dimensions of encounters between Britons and dangerous natural environments in tropical colonies. This article combines literary-historical criticism with a history of emotions perspective to show how the expression or, alternately, elision of fear in adventure memoirs helped to frame encounters with wild animals and sheer topography as part of imperialism’s moral project. It analyzes texts that recount events in and around India and parts of Africa, published between the 1890s and 1940s. The article’s author discusses a range of authors from obscure settlers and army officers to well-known proponents of the adventure genre such as Mary Kingsley, Jim Corbett, and Francis Kingdon-Ward. Together, these accounts demonstrated that fear held a legitimate and powerful place in heroic imperial narratives by helping readers to identify with the danger that a narrator had to overcome. Narratives of fear increased in number and forthrightness after the First World War, highlighting the impact of the wider British questioning of prewar models of heroic masculinity on imperial adventure literature.
The Effects of Roads on Trade and Migration: Evidence from a Planned Capital City
Authors: Morten Melanie , Oliveira Jaqueline
Published: March 2024

A large body of literature studies how infrastructure facilitates trade. We ask whether infrastructure also facilitates migration. Using a general equilibrium trade model and rich spatial data, we study the impact of a large, plausibly exogenous shock to highways in Brazil on both goods and labor markets. We find the highway system increased welfare by 2.8 percent, of which 76 percent was due to reduced trade costs and 24 percent to reduced migration costs. An implication of costly migration is spatial heterogeneity in benefits: the range of welfare improvement is 1 to 15 percent, as opposed to uniform gains with perfect mobility. (JEL H54, H76, O18, R23, R42, R53)
What’s Behind Her Smile? Health, Looks, and Self-Esteem
Authors: Gallego Francisco A. , Philippi Cristian Larroulet , Repetto Andrea
Published: March 2024

This paper examines how improving dental health affects economic, social, and psychological outcomes. In a randomized experiment, we provide a low-income group free dental care, including prostheses, and find significant and persistent impacts on men’s and women’s dental and self-perceived mental health. For women, treatment generates improvement in self-esteem, a higher likelihood of smiling when photographed, short-run improvements in employment and earnings, and improvement in partner interactions. We find no impact for men in these dimensions. Heterogeneity analyses suggest that treatment effects on labor market outcomes are larger for women with more severe visible dental issues at baseline. (JEL D12, D91, I12, J16, O12)
Housing the Homeless: The Effect of Placing Single Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Housing Programs on Future Homelessness and Socioeconomic Outcomes
Authors: Cohen Elior
Published: March 2024

This study measures the impact of rapidly placing single adults experiencing homelessness in housing programs on future homelessness, crime, and health. Using a caseworker placement tendencies design and a novel dataset constructed by linking administrative records from multiple public agencies in Los Angeles County, I estimate that rapidly placing individuals in housing programs significantly reduces the likelihood of future return to the homeless support system, crime, and reliance on emergency cash assistance, yet it does not have a detectable effect on health services utilization. These findings demonstrate that rapid housing placements can have both rehabilitative and potentially cost-saving impacts. (JEL H75, I12, I38, K42, R23, R38)
Contribution to the understanding of the geological structure and petroleum systems of Epirus with integration of field geology and organic geochemistry methods
Authors: Αλεξανδρίδης Ιωάννης
Published: March 2024

Ένα πλήθος ενδείξεων πετρελαίου στην Ήπειρο αποδεικνύει την ύπαρξη πετρελαϊκού συστήματος. Βασικός σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η κατανόηση της λειτουργίας αυτού του πετρελαϊκού συστήματος. Προς τον σκοπό αυτό πραγματοποιήθηκε εκτεταμένη και λεπτομερής έρευνα πεδίου σε όλη την Ήπειρο προκειμένου να επανεκτιμηθούν τα πετρελαιογεωλογικά στοιχεία με έμφαση στον χαρακτηρισμό των μητρικών πετρωμάτων με μεθόδους οργανικής γεωχημείας. Μελετήθηκαν πολλές εκατοντάδες τομές ως προς την λιθοστρωματογραφία και τη δομή τους ενώ συλλέχθηκαν και αναλύθηκαν δεκάδες δείγματα πιθανών μητρικών πετρωμάτων, επιτρέποντας μια ενοποιητική αναπαράσταση της λεκάνης και του πετρελαϊκού συστήματος. Ορισμένα αξιοσημείωτα αποτελέσματα περιλαμβάνουν α) την ανακάλυψη ενός νέου σχηματισμού, με χαρακτηριστικά μητρικού πετρώματος παγκοσμίου κλάσης (ήτοι οι σχίστες Παντοκράτορα), β) την ανάπτυξη μοντέλων τεκτονικής άλατος, γ) την σύνθεση λεπτομερούς λιθοστρωματογραφικής στήλης της Ηπείρου, δ) τον συσχετισμό επιφανειακών ενδείξεων πετρελαίου με γνωστούς μητρικούς σχηματισμούς, ε) την αναπαραστάσεις παλαιοπεριβαλλοντικών συνθηκών απόθεσης μητρικών σχηματισμών και στ) αναπαραστάσεις της λεκάνης. Συνεπώς, η διατριβή αυτή βελτιώνει σημαντικά την κατανόηση του γεωλογικού οικοδομήματος και της λειτουργίας του πετρελαϊκού συστήματος στην Ήπειρο.
Wave phenomena in one-dimensional space or time varying media
Authors: Κιορπελίδης Ιωάννης-Μάρκος
Published: March 2024

Η αλληλεπίδραση των κυμάτων με μέσα που διαθέτουν χωρικές ή/και χρονικές διακυμάνσεις οδηγεί σε ενδιαφέρουσα φαινομενολογία. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, στη παρούσα διατριβή μελετώνται τέσσερα κυματικά φαινόμενα: δύο που εμφανίζονται σε χωρικά μεταβαλλόμενα μέσα και δύο σε χρονικά μεταβαλλόμενα μέσα. Ξεκινάμε ερευνώντας τη σκέδαση κυμάτων από μια πεπερασμένη χωρικά-περιοδική διάταξη που υπόκειται σε διαταραχές. Εστιάζουμε στους συντονισμούς πλήρους διέλευσης και αναπτύσσουμε μια μέθοδο για τη διατήρησή τους υπό ασύμμετρες διαταραχές. Η ανάλυση αποκαλύπτει μια σύνδεση μεταξύ δύο συντονισμών πλήρους διέλευσης μιας χωρικά-περιοδικής διάταξης σκέδασης με καθρεπτικά συμμετρικά κελιά. Στο ίδιο πλαίσιο των χωρικά μεταβαλλόμενων μέσων, υπολογίζουμε το μήκος εντοπισμού των τοπολογικά εντοπισμένων καταστάσεων που υποστηρίζονται σε μια μηχανική αλυσίδα μάζας-ελατηρίου η οποία έχει τυχαίες διακυμάνσεις στις σταθερές των ελατηρίων της. Υπό την παρουσία ισχυρής χειραλικής διαταραχής το μήκος εντοπισμού αποκλίνει, υπονοώντας ότι μια τοπολογική αλλαγή φάσης λαμβάνει χώρα και η οποία προκαλείται αποκλειστικά από τη διαταραχή. Ως επόμενο βήμα, εξετάζουμε την περίπτωση όπου οι σταθερές των ελατηρίων της μηχανικής αλυσίδας μάζας-ελατηρίου μεταβάλλονται με τον χρόνο με καθορισμένο τρόπο. Αυτό το χρονικά μεταβαλλόμενο σύστημα μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί ως πλατφόρμα για τη μεταφορά μιας τοπολογικά εντοπισμένης κατάστασης. Ξεπερνώντας το αδιαβατικό όριο, σχεδιάζουμε ένα πρωτόκολλο για τις χρονικά μεταβαλλόμενες σταθερές των ελατηρίων που έχει ως αποτέλεσμα μια γρήγορη και ανθεκτική μεταφορά και ακόμη περισσότερο οδηγεί στην ενίσχυση της μεταφερόμενης τοπολογικής κατάστασης. Για να κατανοήσουμε το φαινόμενο της ενίσχυσης σε μια χρονικά μεταβαλλόμενη πλατφόρμα, εξετάζουμε τη διάδοση ενός κύματος σε ένα μέσο με χρονικά περιοδικό δείκτη διάθλασης και με δυναμική που διέπεται από την εξίσωση Mathieu. Το κύμα εμφανίζει παροδική ενίσχυση λόγω της μη κανονικότητας του πίνακα διαδότη και παρέχουμε αριθμητικά δεδομένα που δείχνουν ότι η μέγιστη δυνατή ενίσχυση καθορίζεται μόνο από τον μονόδρομο πίνακα.
Μελέτη της δραστικότητας του πρωτεασώματος στα μυελοδυσπλαστικά σύνδρομα και διερεύνηση του μηχανισμού αντοχής στους αναστολείς του
Authors: Ζαφειροπούλου Καλλιόπη
Published: March 2024

Τα ΜΔΣ είναι μια ομάδα κλωνικών αιμοποιητικών διαταραχών με αυξημένο κίνδυνο μετασχηματισμού σε οξεία μυελογενή λευχαιμία. Οι αναστολείς πρωτεασώματος όπως η Βορτεζομίμπη αποτελούν στοχευμένη θεραπεία για διάφορους τύπους αιματολογικών κακοηθειών, στοχεύοντας το καθοριστικής σημασίας για τα καρκινικά κύτταρα σύστημα ουβικιτίνης-πρωτεασώματος. Η αναποτελεσματικότητα των αναστολέων πρωτεασώματος στα ΜΔΣ διερευνάται επί του παρόντος, αν και δεν είναι σαφές εάν αναπτύσσουν γρήγορα αντίσταση στο φάρμακο ή εάν η πρωτεολυτική δραστηριότητα του πρωτεασώματος είναι ιδιοσυστατικά χαμηλότερη σε αυτά τα κύτταρα, περιορίζοντας έτσι τα θεραπευτικά αποτελέσματα του φαρμάκου. Στην παρούσα διατριβή, ασθενείς με ΜΔΣ στρατολογήθηκαν και ομαδοποιήθηκαν σύμφωνα με τη βαθμολογία IPSS τους σε ομάδες χαμηλότερου ή υψηλότερου κινδύνου και προσδιορίστηκε η πρωτεασωματική δραστηριότητα και τα επίπεδα δραστικών μορφών οξυγόνου στα μονοπύρηνα κύτταρα αίματος και μυελού των οστών. Παράλληλα, με σκοπό να μελετηθεί η ανάπτυξη ανθεκτικότητας στους πρωτεασωματικούς αναστολείς, σε μοντέλο συμπαγούς όγκου, και να συγκριθούν οι δύο καταστάσεις, δημιουργήθηκε ανθεκτική κυτταρική σειρά βασισμένη στην προστατική σειρά DU-145. Μελετήθηκαν οι σχετικές με την ανθεκτικότητα κυτταρικές λειτουργίες με έμφαση στη σηματοδότηση, τα επίπεδα δραστικών μορφών οξυγόνου και τον κυτταρικό θάνατο. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης κατέδειξαν μια στενή σύνδεση μεταξύ της πρωτεασωματικής δραστικότητας, της διαχείρισης της οξειδωτικής καταπόνησης και της επαγωγής της αυτοφαγίας ως εναλλακτικό πρωτεολυτικό μηχανισμό.
Expression of modified enhanced green fluorescent polyarginine protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1
Authors: Tandio Saputro Shania Safera , Wahyunita Khayu , Nurhasanah Astutiati , Nugraha Yudhi , Faizal Irvan , Pambudi Sabar , Pramono Andri Pramesyanti
Published: March 2024

Background The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene is a reporter gene that can be used to optimize protein isolation procedures and the functional working of a transduction protein. EGFP, with the addition of eleven arginine residues, has been engineered to functionally improve the protein transduction process, which can later be used for cell reprogramming like induced pluripotent stem cells. The addition of six histidine amino acid residues at its C-terminal is intended for the protein isolation process using the His-tag antibody. Methods The study aimed to investigate the optimization of the EGFP polyarginine protein expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in sufficient quantities for the protein isolation stage. This study also analyzed EGFP expression without polyarginine to analyze the polyarginine addition effect on expression processes. Protein expression was qualitatively measured by looking at expression fluorescence and protein levels of EGFP and EGFP - PolyR proteins. Results The addition of a PolyR group to the C-terminal of EGFP carrying C-terminal 6×His-tag showed similar fluorescence expression levels compare to EGFP without addition of PolyR as well. Moreover, yeast with plasmid insertion showed decrease S. cerevisiae growth curve but still preserving the fluorescence EGFP. Conclusions The expression of the EGFP modified protein in S. cerevisiae is not affected by the addition of arginine.
Tumor-driven stromal reprogramming in the pre-metastatic lymph node
Authors: Piquet Michelle , Ruddy David A , Cremasco Viviana , Chang Jonathan
Published: March 2024

Background Metastatic dissemination is critically reliant on the formation of a receptive niche, a process which is thought to rely on signals derived from the primary tumor. Lymph nodes are continuously exposed to such signals through the flow of afferent lymph, allowing the potential reprograming of lymphoid tissue stroma in support of metastases or immunosuppression. The objective of this study was therefore to better characterize tumor-driven transcriptomic changes occurring to specific stromal populations within the tumor-draining lymph node. Methods We utilize single cell RNA sequencing of dissociated LN tissue extracted from tumor-bearing and naïve mice to profile the reprograming of tissue stroma within the pre-metastatic lymph node. Results Resulting data provides transcriptomic evidence of tumor-induced imprinting on marginal reticular cells (MRCs) and floor lymphatic endothelial cells (fLECs) populating the subcapsular sinus. These alterations appear to be unique to the tumor-draining LN and are not observed during inflammatory antigenic challenge. Notably, MRCs exhibit characteristics reminiscent of early desmoplastic CAF differentiation, fLECs engage distinct chemoattractant pathways thought to facilitate recruitment of circulating cancer cells, and both stromal populations exhibit signs of metabolic reprograming and immune-modulating potential. Conclusions Cumulatively, these findings build upon existing literature describing pre-metastatic niche formation and offer several promising avenues for future exploration.