bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sambucus adnata Polysaccharide SPS-1 Inhibits Growth of Transplanted Lung Cancer via Polarizing Tumor Associated Macrophage From M2 into M1
Authors: Yuan Lei , Hu Yadong
Published: July 2023

Macrophages are the primary immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, where they exhibit the immunosuppressive M2 phenotype to support tumor development. Reshaping M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) into the antitumor M1 phenotype is a promising approach in tumor immunotherapy. We had previously demonstrated that a high-purity homogeneous Sambucus adnata wall polysaccharide SPS-1 isolated from S. adnata exerted a good immunoregulatory effect. In the present study, we explored whether SPS-1 can remodel TAMs and inhibit the development of lung cancer. In the tumor mouse model transplanted with Lewis lung cancer, SPS-1 promoted the apoptosis of tumor cells and inhibited angiogenesis in tumor tissues by remodeling M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment into M1 macrophages, which exerted effective antitumor effects. Therefore, SPS-1 may be used as a novel immunostimulator in tumor immunotherapy, and our study also provides a novel pathway and material for reshaping immune defense to prevent and treat tumors.
Career Development in Rural Districts: Opportunities and Limitations Regarding Students With Disabilities
Authors: Schutz Michele A. , Travers Hilary E.
Published: July 2023

The joint contributions of general education and special education staff should collectively support career development for students with disabilities in rural communities. This mixed-methods study explored the views of staff and administrators across 10 rural districts on staffing for supporting students with disabilities in preparing for work, how districts addressed career development, and how various factors affected service delivery. Findings indicated that the extent to which students with disabilities participated in career development opportunities varied based on disability types, the ways in which staff were allocated for providing services, and the extent to which partnerships were leveraged for this purpose. We offer recommendations for addressing staff needs and facilitating inclusion for students with disabilities in preparing for employment.
Targeting conditioned media dependencies and FLT-3 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Parvin Salma , Aryal Aditi , Yin Shanye , Fell Geoffrey G. , Davids Matthew S. , Wu Catherine J. , Letai Anthony
Published: July 2023

The importance of the stromal microenvironment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis and drug resistance is well established. Despite recent advances in CLL therapy, identifying novel ways to disrupt interactions between CLL and its microenvironment may identify new combination partners for the drugs currently in use. To understand the role of microenvironmental factors on primary CLL cells, we took advantage of an observation that conditioned media (CM) collected from stroma was protective of CLL cells from spontaneous cell death ex vivo. The cytokine in the CM-dependent cells that most supports CLL survival in short-term ex vivo culture was CCL2. Pretreatment of CLL cells with anti-CCL2 antibody enhanced venetoclax-mediated killing. Surprisingly, we found a group of CLL samples (9/23 cases) that are less likely to undergo cell death in the absence of CM support. Functional studies revealed that CM-independent (CMI) CLL cells are less sensitive to apoptosis than conventional stroma-dependent CLL. In addition, a majority of the CMI CLL samples (80%) harbored unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable (IGHV) region. Bulk-RNA sequence analysis revealed upregulation of the focal adhesion and RAS signaling pathways in this group, along with expression of fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and CD135. Treatment with FLT3 inhibitors caused a significant reduction in cell viability among CMI samples. In summary, we were able to discriminate and target 2 biologically distinct subgroups of CLL based on CM dependence with distinct microenvironmental vulnerabilities.
Feasibility trial for the management of severe acute malnutrition in older children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Shehu U. , Gambo Safiya , Murtala Hassan Adam , Kabir Halima , Shamsu Khadija A. , Gwarzo Garba , Acra Sari , Stallings Virginia A. , Rodeghier Mark , DeBaun Michael R. , Klein Lauren J.
Published: July 2023

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) living in Nigeria are at an increased risk of malnutrition, which contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. However, evidence-based guidelines for managing malnutrition in children with SCA are lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled feasibility trial to assess the feasibility and safety of treating children with SCA aged from 5 to 12 years and having uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (body mass index z score of <−3.0). Children with SCA and uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition were randomly allocated to receive supplemental ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) with or without moderate-dose hydroxyurea therapy (20 mg/kg per day). Over a 6-month enrollment period, 3190 children aged from 5 to 12 years with SCA were evaluated for eligibility, and 110 of 111 children who were eligible were enrolled. During the 12-week trial, no participants withdrew or missed visits. One participant died of unrelated causes. Adherence was high for hydroxyurea (94%, based on pill counts) and RUTF (100%, based on the number of empty sachets returned). No refeeding syndrome event or hydroxyurea-related myelosuppression occurred. At the end of the trial, the mean change in body mass index z score was 0.49 (standard deviation = 0.53), and 39% of participants improved their body mass index z score to ≥−3.0. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and potential of outpatient treatment for uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in children with SCA aged from 5 to 12 years in a low-resource setting. However, RUTF sharing with household and community members potentially confounded the response to malnutrition treatment. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03634488
Exploring right ovary degeneration in duck and goose embryos by histology and transcriptome dynamics analysis
Authors: Ran Mingxia , Ouyang Qingyuan , Li Xuejian , Hu Shenqiang , Hu Bo , Hu Jiwei , Dong Dan , Li Liang , He Hua , Liu Hehe , Wang Jiwen
Published: July 2023

Background

The development of asymmetric chick gonads involves separate developmental programs in the left and right gonads. In contrast to the left ovary developing into a fully functional reproductive organ, the right ovary undergoes gradual degeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the the degeneration of the right ovary remain incompletely understood. In the present study, we investigated the histomorphological and transcriptomic changes in the right ovary of ducks and geese during the the embryonic stage up to post-hatching day 1.

Result

Hematoxylin–eosin stainings revealed that the right ovary developed until embryonic day 20 in ducks (DE20) or embryonic day 22 in geese (GE22), after which it started to regress. Further RNA-seq analyses revealed that both the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ducks and geese right ovary developmental stage were significantly enriched in cell adhesion-related pathway (ECM-receptor interaction, Focal adhesion pathway) and Cellular senescence pathway. Then during the degeneration stage, the DEGs were primarily enriched in pathways associated with inflammation, including Herpes simplex virus 1 infection, Influenza A, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, duck-specific DEGs showed enrichment in Steroid hormone biosynthesis, Base excision repair, and the Wnt signaling pathway, while geese-specifically DEGs were found to be enriched in apoptosis and inflammation-related pathways, such as Ferroptosis, Necroptosis, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. These findings suggest that the degeneration process of the right ovary in ducks occurs at a slower pace compared to that in geese. Additionally, the observation of the left ovary of the geese varying degeneration rates in the right ovary after hatching indicated that the development of the left ovary may be influenced by the degeneration of the right ovary.

Conclusion

The data presented in this study provide valuable insights into the dynamic changes in histological structure and transcriptome during the degeneration of the right ovary in ducks and geese. In addition, through the analysis of shared characteristics in the degeneration process of the right ovary in both ducks and geese, we have uncovered the patterns of degradation and elucidated the molecular mechanisms involved in the regression of the right ovary in poultry. Furthermore, we have also made initial discoveries regarding the relationship between the degeneration of the right ovary and the development of the left ovary.
Socioeconomic inequality in early sexual initiation among female youths in sub-Saharan African countries: a decomposition analysis
Authors: Fentie Elsa Awoke , Kidie Atitegeb Abera , Fetene Samrawit Mihret , Shewarega Ever Siyoum
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Youths are defined as individuals within the age group 15–24 years. It is the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood with biological, social, and psychological change, so it is a time of risk and opportunity for their future life. Early sexual initiation exposes young people to various social, economic, sexual, and reproductive health issues, such as unwanted adolescent pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortion, cervical cancer, and early marriages. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the presence of socioeconomic inequality in early sexual initiation and contributing factors in sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods

A total of 118,932 weighted female youths from SSA countries’ DHS data were included in the study. Socioeconomic inequality of Early sexual initiation was evaluated using the Erreygers znormalized concentration index and associated concentration curve. Decomposition analysis was performed to determine those factors causing socioeconomic-related inequality.

Results

The weighted Erreygers normalized concentration index of wealth-related inequality of early sexual initiation was − 0.157 with a Standard error = 0.0046 (P value < 0.0001); this indicated that early sexual initiation was disproportionately concentrated among the poor (pro-poor). Moreover, the weighted Erreygers normalized concentration index (ECI) of educational status-related inequality of early sexual initiation was − 0.205 with a Standard error = 0.0043 (P value < 0.0001). This indicated that early sexual initiation was disproportionately concentrated among youths with no formal education. The decomposition analysis revealed that mass media exposure, wealth index, place of residency, religion, marital status, educational status, and age were significant contributors to the pro-poor socioeconomic inequalities in early sexual initiation.

Conclusion and recommendation

This study has revealed pro-poor inequality in early sexual initiation. Therefore, priority must be given to modifiable factors such as promoting the accessibility of media exposure in the household, improving the educational opportunity of female youths, and improving their country’s economy to a higher economic level to improve the wealth status of the population.
Association of service facilities and amenities with adolescent birth rates in Mexican cities
Authors: Braverman-Bronstein Ariela , Vidaña-Pérez Dèsirée , Diez Roux Ana V. , Pérez Ferrer Carolina , Sánchez Brisa N. , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh
Published: July 2023

Background

The association of the built environment and the structural availability of services/amenities with adolescent birth rates (ABR) has been overlooked in Latin America. We investigated the association of the availability, and changes in the availability, of services/amenities with ABR in 92 Mexican cities.

Methods

We estimated ABR using data on live birth registration linked to municipality of residence at the time of birth from 2008–2017. The number of services/amenities were obtained from the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units in 2010, 2015, and 2020 and grouped as follows: education, health care, pharmacies, recreation, and on- and off-premises alcohol outlets. Data were linearly interpolated to obtain yearly estimates. We estimated densities per square km by municipality. We fitted negative binomial hybrid models, including a random intercept for municipality and city, and adjusted for other social environment variables.

Results

After adjustment a 1-unit increase in the density of recreation facilities, pharmacies, and off-premises alcohol outlets within municipalities was associated with a 5%, 4% and 12% decrease in ABR, respectively. Municipalities with higher density of education, recreational and health care facilities had a lower ABR; in contrast, municipalities with a higher density of on-premises alcohol experienced a higher ABR.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of economic drivers and the need to invest in infrastructure, such as pharmacies, medical facilities, schools, and recreation areas and limit the availability of alcohol outlets to increase the impact of current adolescent pregnancy prevention programs.
Content of clinicians’ communication with patients suffering from spinal pain in assessment situations in a specialized spine center: A qualitative study evaluating psychologically informed pain assessments before and after clinicians’ participation in an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy course
Authors: Ravn Sophie Lykkegaard , Andersen Tonny Elmose , Schiøttz-Christensen Berit
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Assessment is an important part of chronic pain rehabilitation and should be conducted in line with the current biopsychosocial conceptualization of pain to capture the subjectivity and context of pain. However, pain assessment is commonly conducted from a biomedical framework. A course in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was provided to spinal pain clinicians as a framework to promote more person-centered and psychosocially focused assessments and related psychologically informed practices. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the verbal content of clinicians’ communication with patients experiencing spinal pain in assessment situations before and after clinicians participated in an ACT course.

Methods

Pain assessments of patients with chronic low back pain conducted by six spinal pain clinicians from different professions were audio-recorded and transcribed. This was done before and after participation in an eight-day ACT course with four following supervisions. A thematic analysis was carried out by two authors across all material, and a comparison of the applied number of codes pre-course and post-course was carried out as an indicator of change.

Results

Data consisted of transcripts from the six clinicians across 23 different patients (12 before course participation). Through analysis, 11 codes were developed, which were clustered in three overarching themes: Psychological domains, Communication Techniques, and Intervention Elements. Overall, there was an increase in the application of many of the codes in the transcripts from pre-course to post-course, however with large differences across codes. Increases were primary related to the discussion of life values and value-based action and quality of life as well as the employment of mirroring, challenging beliefs and assumptions, and addressing coping and pacing.

Conclusions

While not the case for all factors, the present findings indicate an increase in including psychological factors and employing interpersonal communication skills after a course in ACT. However, it remains unknown due to the design if the changes reported in this study reflect a clinically valuable change and whether they are due to the ACT training itself. Future research will improve our understanding of the effectiveness of this type of intervention in assessment practices.
Effects of a back school-based intervention on non-specific low back pain in adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hernandez-Lucas Pablo , Leirós-Rodríguez Raquel , Mota Jorge , García-Soidán José L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Non-specific low back pain is a common condition with significant global prevalence and socio-economic impact. Back School programs, which combine exercise and educational interventions, have been used to address back pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Back School-based intervention on non-specific low back pain in adults. Secondary objectives included evaluating the impact of the program on disability, quality of life, and kinesiophobia.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 40 participants with non-specific low back pain, who were divided into two groups. The experimental group underwent an 8-week Back School-based program. The program comprised 14 practical sessions focusing on strengthening and flexibility exercises, along with two theoretical sessions covering anatomy and concepts related to a healthy lifestyle. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Assessment instruments included the Visual Analogue Scale, Roland Morris disability questionnaire, Short-Form Health Survey-36, and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia.

Results

The experimental group showed significant improvements in the Visual Analogue Scale, Roland Morris disability questionnaire, physical components of the Short-Form Health Survey-36, and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. However, there were no significant improvements in the psychosocial components of the Short-Form Health Survey-36. In contrast, the control group did not show significant results in any of the study variables.

Conclusions

The Back School-based program has positive effects on pain, low back disability, physical components of quality of life, and kinesiophobia in adults with non-specific low back pain. However, it does not appear to improve the participants' psychosocial components of quality of life. Healthcare professionals can consider implementing this program to help reduce the significant socio-economic impact of non-specific low back pain worldwide.

Trial registration

NCT05391165 (registered prospectively in ClinicalTrials.gov: 25/05/2022).
Chronic allergic asthma induces T-cell exhaustion and impairs virus clearance in mice
Authors: Ahn So Yeon , Lee Jueun , Lee Dong-Ha , Ho Thi Len , Le Chau Thuy Tien , Ko Eun-Ju
Published: July 2023

Background

Allergic asthma, one of the most common types of asthma, is thought to be highly susceptible to respiratory viral infections; however, its pathological mechanism needs to be elucidated. Recent studies have found impaired T-cell function in asthmatic mice. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the way by which asthma induction affects T-cell exhaustion in the lungs and assess the relationship between T-cell exhaustion and influenza viral infection.

Methods

Chronic allergic asthma mice were induced by intranasal injection of ovalbumin for 6 weeks and asthmatic features and T cell populations in lung or airway were assessed. To determine the influenza virus susceptibility, control and asthma mice were challenged with the human influenza virus strain A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 H1N1 and evaluated the survival rate, lung damage, and virus titer.

Results

Six weeks of OVA sensitization and challenge successfully induced chronic allergic asthma in a mouse model showing significant increase of sera IgE level and broncho-pathological features. A significant decrease in interferon-γ-producing T-cell populations and an increase in exhausted T-cell populations in the lungs of OVA-induced asthmatic mice were observed. Asthmatic mice were more susceptible to influenza virus infection than control mice showing lower survival rate and higher virus titer in lung, and a positive correlation existed between T-cell exhaustion in the lung and virus titer.

Conclusions

Asthma induction in mice results in the exhaustion of T-cell immunity, which may contribute to the defective capacity of viral protection. This study demonstrates a correlation between asthma conditions and viral susceptibility by investigating the functional characteristics of T-cells in asthma. Our results provide insights into the development of strategies to overcome the dangers of respiratory viral disease in patients with asthma.
5G millimeter wave wideband MIMO antenna arrays with high isolation
Authors: Megahed Amany A. , Abdelhay Ehab H. , Abdelazim Mohamed , Soliman Heba Y. M.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a compact two-port MIMO antenna array system is described. The antenna array spans the range from 27 to 40 GHz, whereas the impedance of the antenna element is matched at 50 Ω. The gain of the antenna element is between 5.5 and 8.5 dBi, and its radiation efficiency is between 65 and 90%. With high impedance matching for 5G MMW (Millimeter Wave), particularly at 28 GHz and 38 GHz, the 2-port antenna array operates in the frequency range of 27–40 GHz. The suggested MIMO array operates effectively with a gain of approximately 10 dBi and a radiation efficiency of approximately 95%. The antenna array's overall dimensions are a length of 55.27 mm, a width of 27.635 mm, and a depth of 1.6 mm with partial ground. A FR-4 substrate is used in the antenna's fabrication, greatly reducing the cost. In the antenna array, a decoupling surface is used between the antennas, with orthogonality being maintained between the ports to reduce mutual coupling. The results of the modelling show a reduction in the measured mutual coupling between array ports of less than − 35 dB. An envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) of less than 1 × 10–4 is preferable. Additionally, the channel loss capacity is less than 0.3 bits/s/Hz, the mean effective gain is approximately − 6 dB, and the total active reflection coefficient is upgraded to be less than − 30 dB. Moreover, a diversity gain of approximately 10 dB is achieved. The proposed construction was created using CST Microwave Studio 2019. When the antennas are constructed and tested, the experimental outcomes surpass those of the simulation. Each antenna element is 27.635 mm long, 27.635 mm wide, and 1.6 mm thick. Slots in the radiating circular patch antenna element could be used to improve the radiation characteristics across the intended bands. The parametric study specifies that the distance between the antenna elements should be 0.5 λ, where λ is the operational wavelength.
Witnessing workplace bullying — protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual health and well-being outcomes
Authors: Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Rosander Michael , Einarsen Ståle Valvatne
Published: July 2023

Background

Most research on workplace bullying has examined the impact of the mistreatment on those exposed. Although bullying also is assumed to have significant ripple effects on bystanders, the empirical evidence for this line of research is highly fragmented and inconclusive. The overarching aim of this planned systematic review and meta-analysis is therefore to determine whether witnessing bullying of others at the workplace is associated with health problems and lower well-being among the observers. To achieve this aim, the review includes an assessment of which theoretical frameworks and methodological designs used in research so far and shed light on which confounders, mediators, and moderators that have been accounted for.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted. Electronic databases will be searched using pre-defined search terms to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies should report empirical findings on any individual outcome variable assessed among witnesses to workplace harassment and bullying or any overlapping concept. Primary observational studies with cross-sectional or prospective research design, case–control studies, and studies with experimental designs will be included. Qualitative interviews and case studies will be excluded. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed with a previously established checklist for studies on workplace bullying. The quality of evidence for an association between witnessing bullying and potential outcomes will be evaluated in accordance with the GRADE system. A random effects meta-analysis will be conducted with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, version 3.

Discussion

We expect that findings on outcomes of bystanding to workplace bullying will provide practitioners with an understanding of the effects workplace bullying may have also on non-targets and the workplace as a whole. Such information is important regarding the development and implementation of effective measures and interventions against bullying. In addition, the review will increase our understanding of existing research gaps and enable us to make recommendations to address them. Our work aligns with the sustainable development agenda to protect workers and reduce inequalities at the workplace.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO 342006.
Perioperative redox changes in patients undergoing hepato-pancreatico-biliary cancer surgery
Authors: Stevens Jia L. , McKenna Helen T. , Filipe Helder , Lau Laurie , Fernandez Bernadette O. , Murray Andrew J. , Feelisch Martin , Martin Daniel S.
Published: July 2023

Background

Tissue injury induces inflammation and the surgical stress response, which are thought to be central to the orchestration of recovery or deterioration after surgery. Enhanced formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species accompanies the inflammatory response and triggers separate but integrated reduction/oxidation (redox) pathways that lead to oxidative and/or nitrosative stress (ONS). Quantitative information on ONS in the perioperative period is scarce. This single-centre exploratory study investigated the effects of major surgery on ONS and systemic redox status and their potential associations with postoperative morbidity.

Methods

Blood was collected from 56 patients at baseline, end of surgery (EoS) and the first postoperative day (day-1). Postoperative morbidity was recorded using the Clavien-Dindo classification and further categorised into minor, moderate and severe. Plasma/serum measures included markers of lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances; TBARS, 4-hydroxynonenal; 4-HNE, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2⍺; 8-isoprostanes). Total reducing capacity was measured using total free thiols (TFTs) and ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Nitric oxide (NO) formation/metabolism was measured using cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), nitrite, nitrate and total nitroso-species (RxNO). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-⍺) were measured to evaluate inflammation.

Results

Both oxidative stress (TBARS) and nitrosative stress (total nitroso-species) increased from baseline to EoS (+14%, P = 0.003 and +138%, P < 0.001, respectively), along with an increase in overall reducing capacity (+9%, P = 0.03) at EoS and protein-adjusted total free thiols (+12%, P = 0.001) at day-1 after surgery. Nitrite, nitrate and cGMP concentrations declined concomitantly from baseline to day-1. Baseline nitrate was 60% higher in the minor morbidity group compared to severe (P = 0.003). The increase in intraoperative TBARS was greater in severe compared to minor morbidity (P = 0.01). The decline in intraoperative nitrate was more marked in the minor morbidity group compared to severe (P < 0.001), whereas the cGMP decline was greatest in the severe morbidity group (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing major HPB surgery, intraoperative oxidative and nitrosative stress increased, with a concomitant increase in reductive capacity. Baseline nitrate was inversely associated with postoperative morbidity, and the hallmarks of poor postoperative outcome include changes in both oxidative stress and NO metabolism.
Dynamic profiling of medulloblastoma surfaceome
Authors: Bakhshinyan David , Suk Yujin , Kuhlmann Laura , Adile Ashley A. , Ignatchenko Vladimir , Custers Stefan , Gwynne William D. , Macklin Andrew , Venugopal Chitra , Kislinger Thomas , Singh Sheila K.
Published: July 2023

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common type of malignant pediatric brain cancer. The current standard of care (SOC) involves maximal safe resection and chemoradiotherapy in individuals older than 3 years, often leading to devastating neurocognitive and developmental deficits. Out of the four distinct molecular subgroups, Group 3 and 4 have the poorest patient outcomes due to the aggressive nature of the tumor and propensity to metastasize and recur post therapy. The toxicity of the SOC and lack of response in specific subtypes to the SOC underscores the urgent need for developing and translating novel treatment options including immunotherapies. To identify differentially enriched surface proteins that could be evaluated for potential future immunotherapeutic interventions, we leveraged N-glycocapture surfaceome profiling on Group 3 MB cells from primary tumor, through therapy, to recurrence using our established therapy-adapted patient derived xenograft model. Integrin 𝛼5 (ITGA5) was one of the most differentially enriched targets found at recurrence when compared to engraftment and untreated timepoints. In addition to being enriched at recurrence, shRNA-mediated knockdown and small molecule inhibition of ITGA5 have resulted in marked decrease in proliferation and self-renewal in vitro and demonstrated a survival advantage in vivo. Together, our data highlights the value of dynamic profiling of cells as they evolve through therapy and the identification of ITGA5 as a promising therapeutic target for recurrent Group 3 MB.
Safeguarding our dentistry heritage: a study of the history and conservation of nineteenth–twentieth century dentures
Authors: Neves Artur , Friedel Robert , Callapez Maria Elvira , Swank Scott D.
Published: July 2023

In the 1870s, dentures were one of the first products made with celluloid, the first semi-synthetic plastic. Despite the significance of denture development in the history of celluloid and plastics, the chemical characterization of dentures in museum collections has never been attempted. It is urgent to assess the extent of celluloid heritage in denture collections due to the high degradation risk that this material imposes. In this work, 21 dentures from the National Museum of American History and from the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry were characterized using a multi-analytical methodology using handheld Raman, X-Ray fluorescence, and micro-Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopies. All dentures were successfully characterized: 12 are made of celluloid, 4 of vulcanized rubber, 2 of phenol–formaldehyde, 2 of polyvinyl chloride—polyvinyl acetate copolymer (PVC-PVAc) and 1 of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The identification of the dentures’ base materials allowed a better understanding of their history and posed new questions about their conservation. Handheld Raman was demonstrated as an excellent in-situ tool for the study of polymeric materials.
Forces and moments generated by 3D direct printed clear aligners of varying labial and lingual thicknesses during lingual movement of maxillary central incisor: an in vitro study
Authors: Grant James , Foley Patrick , Bankhead Brent , Miranda Gabriel , Adel Samar M. , Kim Ki Beom
Published: July 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to measure the forces and moments exerted by direct printed aligners (DPAs) with varying facial and lingual aligner surface thicknesses, in all three planes of space, during lingual movement of a maxillary central incisor.

Materials and methods

An in vitro experimental setup was used to quantify forces and moments experienced by a programmed tooth to be moved and by adjacent anchor teeth, during lingual movement of a maxillary central incisor. DPAs were directly 3D-printed with Tera Harz TC-85 (Graphy Inc., Seoul, South Korea) clear photocurable resin in 100-µm layers. Three multi-axis sensors were used to measure the moments and forces generated by 0.50 mm thick DPAs modified with labial and lingual surface thicknesses of 1.00 mm in selective locations. The sensors were connected to three maxillary incisors (the upper left central, the upper right central, and the upper left lateral incisors) during 0.50 mm of programmed lingual bodily movement of the upper left central incisor. Moment-to-force ratios were calculated for all three incisors. Aligners were benchtop tested in a temperature-controlled chamber at intra-oral temperature to simulate intra-oral conditions.

Results

The results showed that increased facial thickness of DPAs slightly reduced force levels on the upper left central incisor compared to DPAs of uniform thickness of 0.50 mm. Additionally, increasing the lingual thickness of adjacent teeth reduced force and moment side effects on the adjacent teeth. DPAs can produce moment-to-force ratios indicative of controlled tipping.

Conclusions

Targeted increases in thickness of direct 3D-printed aligners change the magnitude of forces and moments generated, albeit in complex patterns that are difficult to predict. The ability to vary labiolingual thicknesses of DPAs is promising to optimize the prescribed orthodontic movements while minimizing unwanted tooth movements, thereby increasing the predictability of tooth movements.
Excellent short‐term results of dome‐shaped high tibial osteotomy combined with all‐inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Takahashi Toshiaki , Watanabe Seiji , Hino Masanori , Takeda Haruhiko , Ito Toshio
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate short‐term outcomes at least 2 years after dome‐shaped high tibial osteotomy (HTO) combined with all‐inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL) in patients with persistent ACL insufficiency accompanied by pain due to varus deformity.

Methods

The study enrolled 19 knees of 18 patients. The mean age was 58.4 ± 13.4 years and the mean postoperative follow‐up period was 31.4 ± 6.6 months (24–49 months). JOA(Japanese Orthopaedic Association)‐OA(osteoarthritis) score, Lysholm score, radiographic outcomes such as femoro‐tibia angle (FTA) in a standing position, side‐to‐side difference in KT‐1000 measurements were evaluated at pre op. and post operative final follow up. And arthroscopic evaluation was evaluated at the time of the HTO plate‐removal procedure.

Results

Before surgery, the mean JOA‐OA score was 65.0 ± 13.5, the mean Lysholm score was 47.2 ± 16.2, the mean femoro‐tibia angle (FTA) in a standing position was 183.8 ± 3.4° (range;180–190°), and the mean side‐to‐side difference in KT‐1000 measurements was 4.1 ± 1.3 mm. After surgery, the mean JOA‐OA score, Lysholm score, and side‐to‐side difference in KT‐1000 measurements improved to 93.1 ± 6.0 (P < 0.00001), 94.2 ± 5.9 (P < 0.00001), and ‐0.2 ± 0.8 mm (P < 0.00001), respectively. The mean FTA decreased to 168.0 ± 3.3 (P < 0.00001), and the mean posterior tibial slope angle decreased to 5.0 ± 3.6° from 6.9 ± 2.6° preoperatively (P = 0.024). Arthroscopic evaluation during the HTO plate‐removal procedure of 17 knees were performed at a mean of 16 months after the surgery. The reconstructed ACL graft in 13 knees were successful, a cyclops lesion in one knee, and looseness of the graft in three knees.

Conclusions

Dome‐shaped HTO allows for a relatively high degree of varus correction and decreases the steep posterior tibial slope that causes excessive load on the ACL. Therefore, its use in combination with ACL reconstruction seems to be effective.
Positioning patients to partner: exploring ways to better integrate patient involvement in the learning health systems
Authors: Lee-Foon Nakia K. , Smith Maureen , Greene Sarah M. , Kuluski Kerry , Reid Robert J.
Published: July 2023

Globally, health systems are increasingly striving to deliver evidence based care that improves patients’, caregivers’ and communities’ health outcomes. To deliver this care, more systems are engaging these groups to help inform healthcare service design and delivery. Their lived experiences—experiences accessing and/or supporting someone who accesses healthcare services—are now viewed by many systems as expertise and an important part of understanding and improving care quality. Patients’, caregivers’ and communities’ participation in health systems can range from healthcare organizational design to being members of research teams. Unfortunately, this involvement greatly varies and these groups are often sidelined to the start of research projects, with little to no role in later project stages. Additionally, some systems may forgo direct engagement, focusing solely on patient data collection and analysis. Given the benefits of active patient, caregiver and community participation in health systems on patient health outcomes, systems have begun identifying different approaches to studying and applying findings of patient, caregiver and community informed care initiatives in a rapid and consistent fashion. The learning health system (LHS) is one approach that can foster deeper and continuous engagement of these groups in health systems change. This approach embeds research into health systems, continuously learning from data and translating findings into healthcare practices in real time. Here, ongoing patient, caregiver and community involvement is considered vital for a well functioning LHS. Despite their importance, great variability exists as to what their involvement means in practice. This commentary examines the current state of patient, caregiver and community participation in the LHS. In particular, gaps in and need for resources to support their knowledge of the LHS are discussed. We conclude by recommending several factors health systems must consider in order to increase participation in their LHS. Systems must: (1) assess patients’, caregivers and community understanding of how their feedback are used in the LHS and how collected data are used to inform patient care; (2) review the level and extent of these groups’ participation in health system improvement activities; and (3) examine whether health systems have the workforce, capacity and infrastructure to nurture continuous and impactful engagement.
GHGs emission reductions and economic saving by enhancing switching to natural gas vehicles in Egypt
Authors: Shaarawi Sayed I. , Abutaleb Khaled , Aboelmagd Ashraf R. , Temraz Tarek
Published: July 2023

Background

Transportation and Climate change are inextricably linked. As the transport sector is the primary consumer of petroleum products and therefore, contributes a significant share of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Mobile sources share ranges between 25 and 30% of total Egypt’s GHG emissions. So, Egypt is giving a great concern for natural gas vehicles (NGVs) as low-carbon alternative to gasoline/diesel vehicles. This study aims to analyze the economic and the environmental impact of the NGV fleet growth in Egypt with future prospective scenarios, concurrently with governmental strategy based on expansion of compressed natural gas fueling stations infrastructure and incentives for NGV transformation.

Results

Egypt’s NGV program led to about 5 Mt CO2 emissions reductions and about 21.57 billion EGP (US$1.4 billion) economic saving since starting up to end of 2021. And implementing of presidential initiative in 2021 to accelerate NGVs led to jumping in CO2 emissions reductions and economic saving by about 40% and 49% of pervious year, respectively.

Conclusions

It is observed that scenario no. 1, of NGV adopting percent 15%, is the most fitted business as usual scenario to the presidential initiative and will lead to emissions reduction by about 30 Mt CO2 and economic saving by about 278 billion EGP (US$17.6 billion).
Tannin characterization and sourcing in historical leathers through FTIR spectroscopy and PCA analysis
Authors: Koochakzaei Alireza , Sabaghian Mohammadamin
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to identify and classify the type of plants used for tanning historical leathers using cost-effective Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The investigation was carried out on five plants (oak bark, sumac, valonia, tara, and gallnut) and four historical leather samples from book bindings dating back to the Qajar period. Tannin extraction from both plants and leathers was performed using acetone–water solvent, and the samples were then subjected to FTIR spectroscopy. Pre-processing of the spectra included baseline correction, smoothing, and normalization. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the source of tannins based on FTIR results. FTIR was found to provide a good separation of condensed tannins from hydrolysable ones. However, PCA analysis allowed for the separation and identification of the type of plant used for tannin extraction. The examination of historical leather samples revealed that the primary classification based on the type of tannin is possible, but accurate identification faces challenges due to structural changes and degradation over time.

Graphical abstract
Observer agreement in single computerized tomography use for diagnosing paediatric head and neck malignancies at Uganda Cancer Institute
Authors: Mugisha Alex Mwesigwa , Muyinda Zeridah , Kambugu Joyce Balagadde , Apolot Denise , Atugonza Elizabeth , Teu Anneth , Mubuuke Aloysius Gonzaga
Published: July 2023

Background

In the Ugandan setting, investigation for PHNM with CT uses a protocol with both unenhanced and contrast enhanced procedures hence doubling the ionizing radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of single CT procedures in diagnosing PHNM.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study using CT images from patients, aged fifteen years and below, investigated for head and neck malignancies at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Three radiologists, observers A, B and C, with 12, 5 and 2 years of experience, respectively, participated in the study. They independently reported contrast enhanced images (protocol A), unenhanced images (protocol B), then both unenhanced and contrast enhanced images (protocol C) in 2 months intervals. Inter- and intra- observer agreement was determined using Gwen’s Agreement coefficient.

Results

Seventy-three CT scans of 36 boys and 37 girls, with a median age of 9 (3–13) years, were used. Intra-and inter-observer agreement on primary tumour location ranged from substantial to almost perfect with the highest intra-observer agreement observed when protocols A and C were compared. Inter-observer agreement for tumour calcifications was substantial for protocol A. Observers A and C demonstrated an almost perfect intra-observer agreement when protocols A and C were compared. There was a substantial inter-observer agreement on diagnosis for all protocols.

Conclusions

In our setting and examining a limited number of CT images, we demonstrated that contrast-enhanced CT scans provide sufficient information with no evidence of additional value of unenhanced images. Using contrast-enhanced images alone reduced the radiation exposure significantly.
Awareness of gestational diabetes problem among Sohag Governorate women
Authors: Saad Hamdy , Aziz Adel Abdel , Emad Eslam , Gaber Mahmoud
Published: July 2023

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent and prevalent medical condition in pregnancy. Well-controlled GDM results in reduction of these unfavorable outcomes.

Aim

To assess women’s knowledge of many elements of gestational diabetes mellitus, including general awareness of the condition, risk factors, diabetic patients’ diets, and consequences among the women in the governorate of Sohag.

Patients and methods

In this research, 500 women were chosen at random from a population, over a period of 6 months, to participate in a descriptive survey utilizing a questionnaire approach in Sohag Governorate.

Results

The mean total knowledge score was 9.62 ± 4.24. A total of 69.6% of study participants showed good knowledge (≥ 9), while 30.4% of them showed low knowledge about gestational diabetes. There was significant positive relation between degree of knowledge and family history of diabetes (p = 0.038) as there was substantial increase of high knowledge score in cases who had positive history of family history of diabetes.

Conclusion

Awareness about gestational diabetes mellitus was satisfactory among women in Sohag Governorate. Other’s experiences or advices were the most common source of general knowledge. There was significant proportional relationship between degree of awareness and occupation, higher age, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, and level of education. Healthcare workers have to play a greater role in awareness about GDM among women.

Trial registration

Awareness of gestational diabetes problem among Sohag Governorate women, NCT05148897. Registered 10 November 2021, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=2&cx=-jg9qo3.
A study of the association between Galectin-9 gene (LGALS9) polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis in Egyptian patients
Authors: Ameen Seham Gouda , Zidan Magda Abd el-Aziz , Amer Arwa S. , Elshahat Nessma Fathy , Elhalim Walid Abd Ellatif Abd
Published: July 2023

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incessant synovial inflammation of an autoimmune origin, destroying articular cartilages and bones. Galectins are an evolutionarily conserved family of immune-modulatory animal lectins detected in a number of immune cells like T cells, fibroblasts and macrophages. Galectin 9 (Gal-9) has been the subject of many studies for being linked to regulation of both innate and adaptive immune reactions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the link between the Galectin-9 gene (LGALS9) polymorphisms and the susceptibility of RA in Egyptian patients, as well as, detection of the serum level of Gal-9 in RA and its association with LGALS9 polymorphisms, the activity of RA and radiological damage.

Methods

A study of 85 participants; group (I): 60 RA cases and group (II): 25 apparently healthy subjects. RA Disease activity index (DAS-28) and Larsen index score were assessed. LGALS9 gene and serum Gal-9 were investigated.

Results

rs4239242 TT genotype and T allele occurred more frequently in RA cases than controls with a significant difference (P = 0.006; P < 0.001 respectively). Gal-9 level was significantly higher among RA cases than control group (P = 0.017). The Gal-9 level showed negative significant correlations with DAS-28 and Larsen score (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

RA is strongly linked to genetic alterations in the LGALS9 gene and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4239242 TT genotype in the Egyptian population. RA cases in remission or those with low disease activity had higher levels of serum Gal-9 in comparison to cases with moderate and high disease activity and this would be promising in the future of RA treatment.