bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral blood lymphocytes predict clinical outcomes in hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer patients treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors
Authors: Zattarin Emma , Mariani Luigi , Menichetti Alice , Leporati Rita , Provenzano Leonardo , Ligorio Francesca , Fucà Giovanni , Lobefaro Riccardo , Lalli Luca , Vingiani Andrea , Nichetti Federico , Griguolo Gaia , Sirico Marianna , Bernocchi Ottavia , Marra Antonio , Corti Chiara , Zagami Paola , Agostinetto Elisa , Jacobs Flavia , Di Mauro Pierluigi , Presti Daniele , Sposetti Caterina , Giorgi Carlo Alberto , Guarneri Valentina , Pedersini Rebecca , Losurdo Agnese , Generali Daniele , Curigliano Giuseppe , Pruneri Giancarlo , de Braud Filippo , Dieci Maria Vittoria , Vernieri Claudio
Published: December 2023

Background:

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) combined with Endocrine Therapy (ET) are the standard treatment for patients with Hormone Receptor-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (HR+/HER2− aBC).

Objectives:

While CDK4/6i are known to reduce several peripheral blood cells, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets, the impact of these modulations on clinical outcomes is unknown.

Design:

A multicenter, retrospective-prospective Italian study.

Methods:

We investigated the association between baseline peripheral blood cells, or their early modifications (i.e. 2 weeks after treatment initiation), and the progression-free survival (PFS) of HR+/HER2− aBC patients treated with ETs plus CDK4/6i. Random Forest models were used to select covariates associated with patient PFS among a large list of patient- and tumor-related variables.

Results:

We evaluated 638 HR+/HER2− aBC patients treated with ET plus CDK4/6i at six Italian Institutions between January 2017 and May 2021. High baseline lymphocyte counts were independently associated with longer PFS [median PFS (mPFS) 20.1 versus 13.2 months in high versus low lymphocyte patients, respectively; adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR): 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–0.92; p = 0.0144]. Moreover, patients experiencing a lower early reduction of lymphocyte counts had significantly longer PFS when compared to patients undergoing higher lymphocyte decrease (mPFS 18.1 versus 14.5 months; aHR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.73–0.93; p = 0.0037). Patients with high baseline lymphocytes and undergoing a lower reduction, or even an increase, of lymphocyte counts during CDK4/6i therapy experienced the longest PFS, while patients with lower baseline lymphocytes and undergoing a higher decrease of lymphocytes had the lowest PFS (mPFS 21.4 versus 11 months, respectively).

Conclusion:

Baseline and on-treatment modifications of peripheral blood lymphocytes have independent prognostic value in HR+/HER2− aBC patients. This study supports the implementation of clinical strategies to boost antitumor immunity in patients with HR+/HER2− aBC treated with ETs plus CDK4/6i.
Diagnostic accuracy of two confirmatory tests for diabetes mellitus in adult Ugandans with recently diagnosed tuberculosis
Authors: Kibirige Davis , Zawedde-Muyanja Stella , Andia-Biraro Irene , Olum Ronald , Adakun Susan , Sekaggya-Wiltshire Christine , Kimuli Ivan
Published: December 2023

Objective:

The optimal confirmatory tests for diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with tuberculosis (TB) vary across populations. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of two confirmatory tests for DM against the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as the reference test in adult Ugandans with recently diagnosed TB.

Methods:

A total of 232 adult participants receiving TB treatment underwent initial screening for DM with random blood glucose (RBG) measurement. Participants with a RBG level ⩾6.1 mmol/l received additional screening with fasting blood glucose (FBG), laboratory-measured glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and an OGTT. Using the latter as the gold standard and reference test, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of laboratory-measured HbA1c and FBG.

Results:

Of the 232 participants initially screened for DM using RBG measurement, 117 participants (50.4%) had RBG level ⩾6.1 mmol/l and were scheduled to return for additional blood glucose testing. Of these, 75 (64.1%) participants returned for FBG and HbA1c measurements. A diagnosis of DM was made in 32 participants, corresponding to a prevalence of 13.8% [95% CI 9.9–18.9]. The areas under the curve (AUC) for FBG and laboratory-measured HbA1c were 0.69 [95% CI 0.47–0.90] and 0.65 [95% CI 0.43–0.87], respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a FBG level of ⩾7 mmol/l were 57.1% [95% CI 18.4–90.1] and 74.6% [95% CI 62.5–84.5], respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity for laboratory-measured HbA1c of ⩾6.5 mmol/l (48 mmol/mol) were 14.3% [95% CI 0.40–57.9] and 95.3% (86.9–99.0%), respectively.

Conclusion:

FBG may be better than laboratory-measured HbA1c in confirming DM in adult Ugandans with recently diagnosed TB. However, because of the small study sample size, larger studies evaluating the diagnostic utility of these diabetes screening tests in adult Ugandans with TB are needed to confirm these findings.
Extremely high-dose insulin requirement in a diabetic patient with psychiatric illness: A case report
Authors: Belay Kibret Enyew , Ayalew Beza Leulseged , Meherete Etana Abdissa , Ashrafi Mahabadi Mohammadjavad
Published: December 2023

Severe insulin resistance is defined as the need of insulin requirement of more than two units per kilogram of body weight. It is rarely seen in diabetic patients. Common causes of severe insulin resistance include severe insulin resistance syndromes, drugs, endocrine disorders, factitious causes, lipodystrophy, increased insulin clearance, and impaired insulin absorption. Here, we describe a diabetic patient with major depressive disorder who was prescribed a maximum of 282 units (4.9 units/kg) of insulin a day. However, the cause in this patient was pseudo-resistance to insulin due to the inappropriate use of insulin by the patient. The ability to maintain her glycemia in the target range with lower doses of insulin was confirmed after the patient was admitted to the hospital. It is, therefore, crucial to systematically address any patient who requires an exceptionally high dose of exogenous insulin, starting with technical issues (injection technique, site of administration, or insulin storage), medication adherence, or medication errors.
Constructing Academic Identity Through Critical Argumentation: A Narrative Inquiry of Chinese EFL Doctoral Students’ Experiences
Authors: Othman Juliana , Lo Yueh Yea
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to explore the experiences of Chinese EFL doctoral students in constructing their academic identities through critical argumentation in their thesis writing in an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) context. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Narrative analysis was used to examine participants’ thesis writing to gain insights into their experiences of academic identity construction. The results revealed that Chinese EFL doctoral students face challenges in developing a critical voice and authorial position, synthesizing multiple sources, and positioning themselves rhetorically in their writing. Furthermore, the results open possibilities for a broader understanding of academic writing that values international graduate student’s educational background and cultural diversity in target English language discourse communities. While the narrative inquiry study on Chinese EFL doctoral students’ academic identity construction through critical argumentation is insightful, there are several limitations to consider, mainly due to the small sample size of only two female Chinese respondents.
Radiographic Outcomes of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) with and Without Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) In Direct Pulp Capping: A Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Singh Meena , Tikku A. P. , Verma Promila , Yadav Rakesh K. , Bharti Ramesh , Bains Rhythm
Published: December 2023

Aim:

The purpose of the current investigation was to determine by radiographic means if a calcific dentinal bridge had formed following direct pulp capping (DPC) with calcium hydroxide (CH), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), or a combination of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and MTA.

Materials and Methods:

In the beginning, 45 systemically healthy patients who needed DPC and had pulpal exposure were enrolled in the trial. They were then randomly assigned to one of three groups: CH (control, n = 15), MTA ( n = 15), or PRF + MTA ( n = 15). To determine the radiographic density of the dentin immediately underneath the location of pulpal exposure, pre-operative intraoral digital radiographs of the afflicted teeth were acquired. Through sequential imaging, the radiographic evaluation of dentinal bridge formation was performed. All images were studied carefully, keeping the reference point constant.

Results:

Out of the 45 patients, finally 10 per group were analysed. According to an analysis of variance, difference in mean density values among the various groups was found to be significant [( p = .001). On bi-group comparison (using post-Tukey HSD), difference between CH and PRF + MTA was significant ( p = .001), between MTA and PRF + MTA was significant ( p = .022), and between CH and MTA not significant ( p = .347)]. The PRF + MTA group showed the highest increase in mean density values.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study suggest that PRF and MTA when used in combination have better radiographic outcomes compared to MTA alone when used as DPC agents.
Risk Factors for Ipsilateral Versus Contralateral Reinjury After ACL Reconstruction in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Han , Hu Haichen , Sheng Dandan , Sun Luyi , Chen Jun , Chen Tianwu , Chen Shiyi
Published: December 2023

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reinjury after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) can occur on the ipsilateral or contralateral side. Limited evidence exists regarding the difference between the incidence of reinjury to either knee, which is important in developing interventions to prevent ACL reinjury.

Purpose:

To compare the reinjury rate of the ACL on the ipsilateral side versus the contralateral side in athletes after ACLR and investigate the risk factors that may cause different reinjury rates between the sides.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies that involved ACL reinjury in athletes after ACLR were reviewed. Considering several risk factors, including age and sex, a comparison of ACL reinjury incidence on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides was performed using a meta-analysis.

Results:

Of the 17 selected studies, 3 were found to be at high risk of bias, and thus, 14 (n = 3424 participants) studies were included in the meta-analysis. In this athletic population, the contralateral ACL had a significantly higher rupture rate than the ipsilateral graft (risk ratio [RR], 1.41; P < .0001). Female athletes were found to have a greater risk of ACL reinjury on the contralateral versus the ipsilateral side (RR, 1.65; P = .0005), but different results were found in male athletes. (RR, 0.81; P = .21). There was no statistical difference in the incidence rate of ACL reinjury to either side in adolescent athletes (RR, 1.15; P = .28).

Conclusion:

The contralateral ACL was more vulnerable to reinjury than the ipsilateral side in athletes after ACLR. Female athletes were more likely to reinjure their contralateral native ACL, while the same trend was not found in their male counterparts. The reinjury rate was comparable in both knees in adolescent athletes.
Comparison of Glenohumeral Bone Morphology Between Patients With Versus Without Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Niu Zhixin , Shen Xianyue , Li Menglong , Fan Mingrui , Zuo Jianlin , Liu Tong
Published: December 2023

Background:

The stability of the glenohumeral joint is associated with anatomic characteristics including bony structures and soft tissues.

Purpose:

To compare the differences in specific bony glenohumeral geometries between shoulders with anterior shoulder instability (ASI), unaffected contralateral shoulders, and healthy control shoulders.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Shoulder computed tomography (CT) scans of 36 patients with ASI and 36 matched healthy controls were retrieved and 3-dimensionally reconstructed. We measured the glenoid radius of curvature (GROC) in the anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior directions, humeral head radius of curvature (HROC) in the AP direction, conformity index, glenoid height, glenoid width, glenoid index, stability angle, glenoid version, and glenoid depth. The differences between the groups were statistically calculated. CT scans of the unaffected contralateral shoulders from 21 of the ASI patients were also collected to identify the consistency of the bony structures in bilateral shoulders.

Results:

Patients with ASI had greater GROC in the AP direction ( P < .001), HROC in the AP direction ( P = .002), glenoid height ( P = .005), and glenoid index ( P < .001) and smaller conformity index ( P < .001), glenoid width ( P = .002), stability angle ( P < .001), and glenoid depth ( P < .001). In addition, the glenoid of the ASI patients was more anteverted compared with that of controls ( P = .001). There was no statistical difference in half the measurements between the bilateral shoulder joints in patients with ASI.

Conclusion:

In this study, glenohumeral geometric differences were found between ASI patients and healthy control participants. Glenoid curvature and conformity index, based on bilateral comparisons of affected and contralateral shoulders, appear inherent and may predict ASI risk.
Politics of “waiting for transformation” in protracted urban renewal projects in Turkey
Authors: Ay Deniz , Penpecioglu Mehmet
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the politics of ‘waiting’ as a mode of governance in large-scale urban redevelopment projects. In designated renewal areas, residents/landowners are often subject to several episodes of waiting: waiting for the public authority for information on redevelopment visions; waiting for the plans and projects to become public; waiting for the court ruling if they appeal the plans; waiting for demolition upon plan approvals; and, finally, waiting for the constructions to be completed. Given the complexity of actors and institutions involved in the waiting, it becomes a conflictual political process. This prolonged waiting leads to an ongoing temporariness and precarious spaces of urban renewal. The course of waiting affects the reorganization of the city space “ now” and in the future. We analyze two protracted urban renewal projects from Turkey, Fikirtepe in Istanbul and Karabaglar in Izmir, to explore how residents’ decade-long waiting for urban change are shaped and how these diverse waiting experiences lead to different outcomes for the progression of the state-imposed urban renewal agendas. While Karabaglar residents have unified around active bottom-up resistance from the beginning to challenge the project-based plans the central government imposed, Fikirtepe residents pursued individual-level negotiations with developers to maximize private returns following the zoning incentives the public authority gave. Despite the socio-spatial similarities between these designated urban renewal project sites, variances in residents’ collective waiting strategies have led to different urban politics around project-based urban change.
The Dalit Panthers: A Voice From the Below
Authors: Hassan Masha
Published: December 2023

This article investigates the process of the domestication of ideas by the Dalit intellectuals leading to its radical assertion of ‘Dalit Consciousness’. A chance encounter with an article about the US Black Panthers in the Time magazine proved to be a wake-up call for the subalterns in India. The present paper centres around the ideologies adopted by the Dalit Panthers, the syncretism of ideas of B. R. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule and Karl Marx. Delving deeper into Ambedkar’s American academic background and his intellectual odyssey at Columbia University during the Harlem Renaissance, the article will look into the politics of emancipation, exchanges and similarities of both the intellectuals, W. E. B. Du Bois and B. R. Ambedkar as well as the influence of the Black Power movement on the Dalit movement and its literature. Tracing the trajectory of intersectional political and ideological diffusion between the two movements, this article, in addition to the above observations, will draw parallels by underlining the texts and themes of oppression present in both caste and race.
Emicizumab prophylaxis in infants with hemophilia A (HAVEN 7): primary analysis of a phase 3b open-label trial
Authors: Pipe Steven W. , Collins Peter , Dhalluin Christophe , Kenet Gili , Schmitt Christophe , Buri Muriel , Jiménez-Yuste Víctor , Peyvandi Flora , Young Guy , Oldenburg Johannes , Mancuso Maria Elisa , Kavakli Kaan , Kiialainen Anna , Deb Sonia , Niggli Markus , Chang Tiffany , Lehle Michaela , Fijnvandraat Karin
Published: December 2023

Subcutaneous emicizumab enables prophylaxis for people with hemophilia A (HA) from birth, potentially reducing risk of bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). HAVEN 7 (NCT04431726) is the first clinical trial of emicizumab dedicated to infants, designed to investigate the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of emicizumab in those aged ≤12 months with severe HA without factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors. Participants in this phase 3b trial received emicizumab 3 mg/kg maintenance dose every 2 weeks for 52 weeks and are continuing emicizumab during the 7-year long-term follow-up. Efficacy end points included annualized bleed rate (ABR): treated, all, treated spontaneous, and treated joint bleeds. Safety end points included adverse events (AEs), thromboembolic events (TEs), thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), and immunogenicity (anti-emicizumab antibodies [ADAs] and FVIII inhibitors). At primary analysis, 55 male participants had received emicizumab (median treatment duration: 100.3; range, 52-118 weeks). Median age at informed consent was 4.0 months (range, 9 days to 11 months 30 days). Model-based ABR for treated bleeds was 0.4 (95% confidence interval, 0.30–0.63), with 54.5% of participants (n = 30) having zero treated bleeds. No ICH occurred. All 42 treated bleeds in 25 participants (45.5%) were traumatic. Nine participants (16.4%) had ≥1 emicizumab-related AE (all grade 1 injection-site reactions). No AE led to treatment changes. No deaths, TEs, or TMAs occurred. No participant tested positive for ADAs. Two participants were confirmed positive for FVIII inhibitors. This primary analysis of HAVEN 7 indicates that emicizumab is efficacious and well tolerated in infants with severe HA without FVIII inhibitors.
Advanced practice providers in hematology: actionable findings from national paired APP and physician surveys
Authors: Marshall Ariela L. , Masselink Leah E. , Kouides Peter A. , Davies Faith E. , Farooqui Azam , Nagalla Srikanth , Herrera Alex , Mortier Nicole , Brodsky Robert , Erikson Clese E.
Published: December 2023

Advanced practice providers (APPs) are critical to the hematology workforce. However, there is limited knowledge about APPs in hematology regarding specialty-specific training, scope of practice, challenges and opportunities in APP-physician interactions, and involvement with the American Society of Hematology (ASH). We conducted APP and physician focus groups to elucidate major themes in these areas and used results to inform development of 2 national surveys, 1 for APPs and 1 for physicians who work with APPs. The APP survey was distributed to members of the Advanced Practitioner Society of Hematology and Oncology, and the physician survey was distributed to physician members of ASH. A total of 841 APPs and 1334 physicians completed the surveys. APPs reported most hematology-specific knowledge was obtained via on-the-job training and felt additional APP-focused training would be helpful (as did physicians). Nearly all APPs and physicians agreed that APPs were an integral part of their organizations and that physician-APP collaborations were generally positive. A total of 42.1% of APPs and 29.3% of physicians reported burnout, and >50% of physicians felt that working with APPs had reduced their burnout. Both physicians and APPs reported interest in additional resources including “best practice” guidelines for APP-physician collaboration, APP access to hematology educational resources (both existing and newly developed resources for physicians and trainees), and greater APP integration into national specialty-specific professional organizations including APP-focused sessions at conferences. Professional organizations such as ASH are well positioned to address these areas.
Phenotypes and treatment outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with comorbidities
Authors: Skowasch Dirk , Klose Hans , Ewert Ralf , Wilkens Heinrike , Richter Manuel , Rosenkranz Stephan , Setzer Gesine , Grünig Ekkehard , Halank Michael
Published: December 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is often diagnosed in elderly patients with many comorbidities. Whereas a clear treatment strategy and risk assessment is recommended for patients with rare classical IPAH, monotherapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors or endothelin receptor antagonists followed by regular follow-up and individualised therapy should be used for patients with many cardiopulmonary comorbidities. Here, we focus on these patients with IPAH and comorbidities, present a review of the literature with a focus on recently published work and summarise factors that may help to provide guidance for individualised treatment approaches in such patients.
The many faces of COPD in real life: a longitudinal analysis of the NOVELTY cohort
Authors: Agustí Alvar , Hughes Rod , Rapsomaki Eleni , Make Barry , del Olmo Ricardo , Papi Alberto , Price David , Benton Laura , Franzen Stefan , Vestbo Jørgen , Mullerova Hana
Published: December 2023

Background

The diagnosis of COPD requires the demonstration of non-fully reversible airflow limitation by spirometry in the appropriate clinical context. Yet, there are patients with symptoms and relevant exposures suggestive of COPD with either normal spirometry (pre-COPD) or preserved ratio but impaired spirometry (PRISm). Their prevalence, clinical characteristics and associated outcomes in a real-life setting are unclear.

Methods

To investigate them, we studied 3183 patients diagnosed with COPD by their attending physician included in the NOVELTY study (clinicaltrials.govidentifierNCT02760329), a global, 3-year, observational, real-life cohort that included patients recruited from both primary and specialist care clinics in 18 countries.

Results

We found that 1) approximately a quarter of patients diagnosed with (and treated for) COPD in real life did not fulfil the spirometric diagnostic criteria recommended by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), and could be instead categorised as pre-COPD (13%) or PRISm (14%); 2) disease burden (symptoms and exacerbations) was highest in GOLD 3–4 patients (exacerbations per person-year (PPY) 0.82) and lower but similar in those in GOLD 1–2, pre-COPD and PRISm (exacerbations range 0.27–0.43 PPY); 3) lung function decline was highest in pre-COPD and GOLD 1–2, and much less pronounced in PRISm and GOLD 3-4; 4) PRISm and pre-COPD were not stable diagnostic categories and change substantially over time; and 5) all-cause mortality was highest in GOLD 3–4, lowest in pre-COPD, and intermediate and similar in GOLD 1–2 and PRISm.

Conclusions

Patients diagnosed COPD in a real-life clinical setting present great diversity in symptom burden, progression and survival, warranting medical attention.
ICON-GEMs: integration of co-expression network in genome-scale metabolic models, shedding light through systems biology
Authors: Paklao Thummarat , Suratanee Apichat , Plaimas Kitiporn
Published: December 2023

Background

Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) is a key metabolic modeling method used to simulate cellular metabolism under steady-state conditions. Its simplicity and versatility have led to various strategies incorporating transcriptomic and proteomic data into FBA, successfully predicting flux distribution and phenotypic results. However, despite these advances, the untapped potential lies in leveraging gene-related connections like co-expression patterns for valuable insights.

Results

To fill this gap, we introduce ICON-GEMs, an innovative constraint-based model to incorporate gene co-expression network into the FBA model, facilitating more precise determination of flux distributions and functional pathways. In this study, transcriptomic data from both Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were integrated into their respective genome-scale metabolic models. A comprehensive gene co-expression network was constructed as a global view of metabolic mechanism of the cell. By leveraging quadratic programming, we maximized the alignment between pairs of reaction fluxes and the correlation of their corresponding genes in the co-expression network. The outcomes notably demonstrated that ICON-GEMs outperformed existing methodologies in predictive accuracy. Flux variabilities over subsystems and functional modules also demonstrate promising results. Furthermore, a comparison involving different types of biological networks, including protein–protein interactions and random networks, reveals insights into the utilization of the co-expression network in genome-scale metabolic engineering.

Conclusion

ICON-GEMs introduce an innovative constrained model capable of simultaneous integration of gene co-expression networks, ready for board application across diverse transcriptomic data sets and multiple organisms. It is freely available as open-source at https://github.com/ThummaratPaklao/ICOM-GEMs.git.
Identification, evolution, and expression of GDSL-type Esterase/Lipase (GELP) gene family in three cotton species: a bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Duan Lisheng , Wang Fei , Shen Haitao , Xie Shuangquan , Chen Xifeng , Xie Quanliang , Li Rong , Cao Aiping , Li Hongbin
Published: December 2023

Background

GDSL esterase/lipases (GELPs) play important roles in plant growth, development, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Presently, an extensive and in-depth analysis of GELP family genes in cotton is still not clear enough, which greatly limits the further understanding of cotton GELP function and regulatory mechanism.

Results

A total of 389 GELP family genes were identified in three cotton species of Gossypium hirsutum (193), G. arboreum (97), and G. raimondii (99). These GELPs could be classified into three groups and eight subgroups, with the GELPs in same group to have similar gene structures and conserved motifs. Evolutionary event analysis showed that the GELP family genes tend to be diversified at the spatial dimension and certain conservative at the time dimension, with a trend of potential continuous expansion in the future. The orthologous or paralogous GELPs among different genomes/subgenomes indicated the inheritance from genome-wide duplication during polyploidization, and the paralogous GELPs were derived from chromosomal segment duplication or tandem replication. GELP genes in the A/D subgenome underwent at least three large-scale replication events in the evolutionary process during the period of 0.6—3.2 MYA, with two large-scale evolutionary events between 0.6—1.8 MYA that were associated with tetraploidization, and the large-scale duplication between 2.6—9.1 MYA that occurred during diploidization. The cotton GELPs indicated diverse expression patterns in tissue development, ovule and fiber growth, and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, combining the existing cis-elements in the promoter regions, suggesting the GELPs involvements of functions to be diversification and of the mechanisms to be a hormone-mediated manner.

Conclusions

Our results provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding the function and regulatory mechanism of cotton GELP family, and offer an effective reference for in-depth genetic improvement utilization of cotton GELPs.
Neighborhood effects on the health of elderly persons: evidence from China
Authors: Dongping Xia , Rengui Gong , Yangming Hu , Zan Hu , Hua Xiang
Published: December 2023

Background

Presently, global aging has become increasingly serious, whereas the health concerns brought by aging have become a public issue that warrants an urgent solution from all countries across the world. Therefore, this research paper discusses the influence of neighborhood health on elderly individuals’ health, and extending a realistic basis for the other economies to improve the neighborhood environment and promote the health of the elderly.

Methods

Based on the data of CHARLS2018, this research paper adopts the samples that fulfill the study requirements (N = 7326). we constructed a comprehensive research framework integrating oprobit regression model, heterogeneity analysis, conditional mixed process(CMP)robustness testing, Furthermore, the KHB decomposition method is implemented to ascertain the influential mechanism of NMH and NPH on the mental- and physical health of elderly persons.

Results

The oprobit regression model analysis indicates that NMH 0.434 and NPH 0.550 exert positive influences on the elderly’s mental- and physical health. Meanwhile, the effects of conditional mixed process on NMH and NPH stand at 0.381 and4.372, which are different from the oprobit regression results; thereby, indicating the existence of endogeneity. Afterward, KHB mediating effect confirms that Internet use, gift reciprocity, and charity activity contribute 30.21% and 16.83% to mental- and physical health, respectively.

Conclusions

Firstly, the NMH and NPH demonstrate a positive influence on the mental- and physical health of the elder population. However, there exist heterogeneous differences. Secondly, the conditional mixed process deals with the endogeneity of NMH and NPH. Thirdly, social integration, social interaction, and social engagement serve as significant transmission mechanisms for the influences of NMH and NPH on the health of elderly persons.
Association between biochemical and hematologic factors with COVID-19 using data mining methods
Authors: Mansoori Amin , Hosseini Nafiseh , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Aghasizadeh Malihe , Drroudi Susan , Sahranavard Toktam , Izadi Hanie Salmani , Amiriani Amirhossein , Farkhani Ehsan Mosa , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Moohebati Mohsen , Esmaily Habibollah
Published: December 2023

Background and aim

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that can spread very rapidly with important public health impacts. The prediction of the important factors related to the patient's infectious diseases is helpful to health care workers. The aim of this research was to select the critical feature of the relationship between demographic, biochemical, and hematological characteristics, in patients with and without COVID-19 infection.

Method

A total of 13,170 participants in the age range of 35–65 years were recruited. Decision Tree (DT), Logistic Regression (LR), and Bootstrap Forest (BF) techniques were fitted into data. Three models were considered in this study, in model I, the biochemical features, in model II, the hematological features, and in model II, both biochemical and homological features were studied.

Results

In Model I, the BF, DT, and LR algorithms identified creatine phosphokinase (CPK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fasting blood glucose (FBG), total bilirubin, body mass index (BMI), sex, and age, as important predictors for COVID-19. In Model II, our BF, DT, and LR algorithms identified BMI, sex, mean platelet volume (MPV), and age as important predictors. In Model III, our BF, DT, and LR algorithms identified CPK, BMI, MPV, BUN, FBG, sex, creatinine (Cr), age, and total bilirubin as important predictors.

Conclusion

The proposed BF, DT, and LR models appear to be able to predict and classify infected and non-infected people based on CPK, BUN, BMI, MPV, FBG, Sex, Cr, and Age which had a high association with COVID-19.
Evaluating pooled testing for asymptomatic screening of healthcare workers in hospitals
Authors: Heath Bethany , Evans Stephanie , Robertson David S. , Robotham Julie V. , Villar Sofía S. , Presanis Anne M.
Published: December 2023

Background

There is evidence that during the COVID pandemic, a number of patient and HCW infections were nosocomial. Various measures were put in place to try to reduce these infections including developing asymptomatic PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing schemes for healthcare workers. Regularly testing all healthcare workers requires many tests while reducing this number by only testing some healthcare workers can result in undetected cases. An efficient way to test as many individuals as possible with a limited testing capacity is to consider pooling multiple samples to be analysed with a single test (known as pooled testing).

Methods

Two different pooled testing schemes for the asymptomatic testing are evaluated using an individual-based model representing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a ‘typical’ English hospital. We adapt the modelling to reflect two scenarios: a) a retrospective look at earlier SARS-CoV-2 variants under lockdown or social restrictions, and b) transitioning back to ‘normal life’ without lockdown and with the omicron variant. The two pooled testing schemes analysed differ in the population that is eligible for testing. In the ‘ward’ testing scheme only healthcare workers who work on a single ward are eligible and in the ‘full’ testing scheme all healthcare workers are eligible including those that move across wards. Both pooled schemes are compared against the baseline scheme which tests only symptomatic healthcare workers.

Results

Including a pooled asymptomatic testing scheme is found to have a modest (albeit statistically significant) effect, reducing the total number of nosocomial healthcare worker infections by about 2$$\%$$
%
in both the lockdown and non-lockdown setting. However, this reduction must be balanced with the increase in cost and healthcare worker isolations. Both ward and full testing reduce HCW infections similarly but the cost for ward testing is much less. We also consider the use of lateral flow devices (LFDs) for follow-up testing. Considering LFDs reduces cost and time but LFDs have a different error profile to PCR tests.

Conclusions

Whether a PCR-only or PCR and LFD ward testing scheme is chosen depends on the metrics of most interest to policy makers, the virus prevalence and whether there is a lockdown.
SNP (A > G - rs13057211) but not GT(n) polymorphism in HMOX-1 promotor gene is associated with COVID-19 mortality
Authors: Fares Kerolos , El-Deeb Mona K. , Elsammak Omar , Ouf Amged , Saeed Hesham Mahmoud Sayd , Baess Ayman , Elsammak Mohamed , El-Attar Eman
Published: December 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 causes severe inflammatory respiratory distress syndrome. The global pandemic caused millions of cases of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Patients may present with variable symptoms including dyspnea, fever, and GIT manifestations. The HMOX-1 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 22 at position 12.3. HMOX-1 is expressed in all mammalian tissues at basal levels and is considered as a stress response enzyme. HMOX-1 has a specific polymorphic site with variable GT(n) repeats at the promotor region. Several authors evaluated the HMOX-1 GT(n) promoter polymorphism in different inflammatory conditions. We evaluated HMOX-1 promoter polymorphism in relation to serum Hemoxygenase level and inflammatory makers (CRP, Ferritin, PCT, IL-6 and D-dimer) in patients affected by SARS-COV-2 disease.

Subjects and methods

Ninety patients confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 were followed up till the study end point (recovery and discharge or death). HMOX-1 promotor GT(n) polymorphism was evaluated using Sanger sequencing. HMOX-1 enzyme serum level was measured by ELISA and the level of different inflammatory markers was assessed by available commercial kits.

Results

A novel Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A > G) - rs13057211 in the GT(n) region of HMOX-1 promoter gene was found in 40 (61.5%) COVID-19 patients out of the studied 65 patients. This (A > G) SNP was associated with higher mortality rate in COVID-19 as it was detected in 27 patients (75% of the patients who succumbed to the disease) (p = 0.021, Odds ratio = 3.7; 95% CI:1.29–10.56). Serum IL-6 (Interleuken-6) was positively correlated the length of Hospital Stay (LOHS) and procalcitonin (PCT); (p = 0.014, r: 0.651 andp < 0.001, r:0.997) respectively while negatively correlated with levels of HMOX-1 enzyme serum level (p = 0.013, r: -0.61). CRP correlated positively with LOHS (p = 0.021, r = 0.4), PCT (p = 0.044, r = 0.425) and age (p < 0.001, r = 0.685). Higher levels of D-Dimer and PCT were observed in patients with the long repeat. There was no significant difference between patients who recovered and those who died from COVID-19 as regards HMOX-1 level and GT(n) polymorphism.

Conclusion

We report a novel SNP (A > G, rs13057211) in the GT(n) region of HMOX-1 promoter gene that was associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients, however no significant difference was found in HMOX-1 serum level or HMOX-1 (GT)n repeats within the studied groups.
Ion release, biocompatibility, and bioactivity of resin-modified calcium hydroxide cavity liners
Authors: Taghvaei Nastaran , Ghavami-Lahiji Mehrsima , Evazalipour Mehdi , Tayefeh Davalloo Reza , Zamani Ehsan
Published: December 2023

Background

The placement of liners near the pulp area is essential for therapeutic effects and maintaining pulp health while stimulating the formation of tertiary dentin. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the calcium release, pH, biocompatibility, solubility, and bioactivity of three resin-modified calcium hydroxide cavity liners.

Methods

The disc specimens of each cavity liner were prepared using polyethylene molds of 7 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height (n = 10). Three light-cure liners evaluated include Ultra-Blend Plus (UB), Base-it (BI), and Master Dent (MD). The samples were then immersed in flasks containing 10 mL of distilled water. Calcium ion release, pH, and solubility were evaluated in two weeks of incubation. The cytotoxicity of extracts adjacent to the specimens was evaluated by MTT assay using NIH/3T3 cells after 1, 3, and 7 days of incubation. The ability to induce the nucleation of calcium phosphates (CaPs) after 28-day immersion in a simulated body fluid was investigated by SEM-EDX analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and repeated measures tests at the significant level of 0.05.

Results

There was a significant difference in the release of calcium ions among the three liners investigated on days 1, 7, and 14 (p < 0.05). UB liners exhibited a significantly higher amount of calcium release than the other two liners, followed by BI, and MD. On day 1, there was no significant difference in the average pH among the three liners. However, after day 7, the MD liner showed a significant decrease in pH compared to the other two liners. BI liner demonstrated the highest level of biocompatibility, followed by the MD and UB liners. UB showed a high calcium release, solubility with no alkalizing activity, and the formation of more mature Ca-rich apatite deposits than the other two liners.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, the cavity liner material’s performance is material dependent. It can impact ion release, biocompatibility, and bioactivity which are important factors to consider in clinical practice. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of different liner materials on oral tissues.
Indications and use of cone beam computed tomography in children and young individuals in a university-based dental hospital
Authors: Ismayılov Rovshan , Özgür Beste
Published: December 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in children and young individuals in a university-based dental hospital and their association with age, gender and field of view.

Methods

7131 CBCT scans, taken during 3-year period, were reviewed and a total of 649 pediatric patients (0–18 years) with complete request forms were included. Data related to gender, age, referring department, CBCT indications, field of view (FOV), region of interest (ROI), need for re-exposure and patients received more than one CBCT examination were recorded.

Results

The mean age was 13.57 ± 3.52 years and “malocclusion and dentofacial anomaly” (28.7%) was the most common clinical indication. Facial trauma, dental trauma and supernumerary tooth in males; “malocclusion and dentofacial anomaly” and implant planning in females were recorded more frequently compared to other gender. Maxilla was the most frequently monitored ROI (35.1%) for patients. Small (≤ 10 cm) FOV was preferred in 58.1% of all patients. Large FOV was selected in the majority of patients who underwent CBCT scan for “malocclusion and dentofacial anomaly” (89.6%). The repeated scans constituted 2.3% of patients and 105 patients (16.2%) underwent multiple CBCT scans on different dates for mainly orthodontic follow-up.

Conclusions

The justification of CBCT scans was not fully compatible with current guidelines and mainly larger FOV was preferred. The number of CBCT examination in children and young individuals tends to increase.

Trial registration number

Not applicable.
Application of the BOPPPS-CBL model in electrocardiogram teaching for nursing students: a randomized comparison
Authors: Wen Heling , Xu Wentao , Chen Fuli , Jiang Xiaoyan , Zhang Rui , Zeng Jianhui , Peng Lei , Chen Yu
Published: December 2023

Background/Aim

Interpreting an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a vital skill for nurses in cardiology. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the bridge-in, objective, preassessment, participatory learning, post-assessment, and summary (BOPPPS) model, when combined with case-based learning (CBL), in enhancing nursing students’ ECG interpretation capabilities.

Materials & methods

Nursing students were randomly divided into two groups: one utilizing the BOPPPS model combined with CBL (BOPPPS-CBL), and the other employing a traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) model. All participants underwent training and completed pre- and post-course quizzes.

Results

The BOPPPS-CBL model significantly improved nursing students’ abilities in ECG interpretation compared to the traditional LBL model group. The BOPPPS-CBL model proved to be a comprehensive and effective method for enhancing students’ attitudes towards teaching and learning.

Discussion

Our study demonstrated for the first time that the BOPPPS-CBL model is an innovative and effective method for promoting nurses’ accuracy in ECG interpretation. It highlights the potential of this approach as a superior alternative to traditional learning methods.
Outcomes of an integrated practice unit for vulnerable emergency department patients
Authors: Borde Deepa , Agana-Norman Denny Fe G. , Leverence Robert , Photos Lorrie , Shuster Jon , Lukose Kiran , Pinkney Jacqueline , Wright Joy , Waxenberg Lori , Allen Brandon , Radhakrishnan Nila S.
Published: December 2023

Background

An integrated practice unit (IPU) that provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, typically involving a primary care provider, registered nurse, social worker, and pharmacist has been shown to reduce healthcare utilization among high-cost super-utilizer (SU) patients or multi-visit patients (MVP). However, less is known about differences in the impact of these interventions on insured vs. uninsured SU patients and super high frequency SUs ($$\ge$$8 ED visits per 6 months) vs. high frequency SUs (4–7 ED visits per 6 months).

Methods

We assessed the percent reduction in ED visits, ED cost, hospitalizations, hospital days, and hospitalization costs following implementation of an IPU for SUs located in an academic tertiary care facility. We compared outcomes for publicly insured with uninsured patients, and super high frequency SUs with high frequency SUs 6 months before vs. 6 months after enrollment in the IPU.

Results

There was an overall 25% reduction in hospitalizations (p < 0.001), and 23% reduction in hospital days (p = 0.0045), when comparing 6 months before vs. 6 months after enrollment in the program. There was a 26% reduction in average total direct hospitalization costs per patient (p = 0.002). Further analysis revealed a greater reduction in health care utilization for uninsured SU patients compared with publicly insured patients. The program reduced hospitalizations for super high frequency SUs. However, there was no statistically significant impact on overall health care utilization of super high frequency SUs when compared with high frequency SUs.

Conclusions

Our study supports existing evidence that dedicated IPUs for SUs can achieve significant reductions in acute care utilization, particularly for uninsured and high frequency SU patients.

Trial Registration

IRB201500212. Retrospectively registered.