bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence That Binding of Cyclic GMP to the Extracellular Domain of NKA (Sodium-Potassium ATPase) Mediates Natriuresis
Authors: Kemp Brandon A. , Howell Nancy L. , Gildea John J. , Hinkle Josh D. , Shabanowitz Jeffrey , Hunt Donald F. , Conaway Mark R. , Keller Susanna R. , Carey Robert M.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Extracellular renal interstitial guanosine cyclic 3’,5’-monophosphate (cGMP) inhibits renal proximal tubule (RPT) sodium (Na
+
) reabsorption via Src (Src family kinase) activation. Through which target extracellular cGMP acts to induce natriuresis is unknown. We hypothesized that cGMP binds to the extracellular α1-subunit of NKA (sodium-potassium ATPase) on RPT basolateral membranes to inhibit Na
+
transport similar to ouabain—a cardiotonic steroid.

Methods:

Urine Na
+
excretion was measured in uninephrectomized 12-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats that received renal interstitial infusions of vehicle (5% dextrose in water), cGMP (18, 36, and 72 μg/kg per minute; 30 minutes each), or cGMP+rostafuroxin (12 ng/kg per minute) or were subjected to pressure-natriuresis±rostafuroxin infusion. Rostafuroxin is a digitoxigenin derivative that displaces ouabain from NKA.

Results:

Renal interstitial cGMP and raised renal perfusion pressure induced natriuresis and increased phosphorylated Src
Tyr416
and Erk 1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2)
Thr202/Tyr204
; these responses were abolished with rostafuroxin coinfusion. To assess cGMP binding to NKA, we performed competitive binding studies with isolated rat RPTs using bodipy-ouabain (2 μM)+cGMP (10 µM) or rostafuroxin (10 µM) and 8-biotin-11-cGMP (2 μM)+ouabain (10 μM) or rostafuroxin (10 µM). cGMP or rostafuroxin reduced bodipy-ouabain fluorescence intensity, and ouabain or rostafuroxin reduced 8-biotin-11-cGMP staining. We cross-linked isolated rat RPTs with 4-N
3
-PET-8-biotin-11-cGMP (2 μM); 8-N
3
-6-biotin-10-cAMP served as negative control. Precipitation with streptavidin beads followed by immunoblot analysis showed that RPTs after cross-linking with 4-N
3
-PET-8-biotin-11-cGMP exhibited a significantly stronger signal for NKA than non–cross-linked samples and cross-linked or non–cross-linked 8-N
3
-6-biotin-10-cAMP RPTs. Ouabain (10 μM) reduced NKA in cross-linked 4-N
3
-PET-8-biotin-11-cGMP RPTs confirming fluorescence staining. 4-N
3
-PET-8-biotin-11-cGMP cross-linked samples were separated by SDS gel electrophoresis and slices corresponding to NKA molecular weight excised and processed for mass spectrometry. NKA was the second most abundant protein with 50 unique NKA peptides covering 47% of amino acids in NKA. Molecular modeling demonstrated a potential cGMP docking site in the ouabain-binding pocket of NKA.

Conclusions:

cGMP can bind to NKA and thereby mediate natriuresis.
Performing Beckett at the Irish Border
Authors: McTighe Trish
Published: March 2023

This article examines the place of Beckett’s work amongst recent artworks sited at the Northern Irish border/ north of Ireland border. Using Dylan Quinn’s Fulcrum, the Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival’s Walking for Waiting for Godot, and the collaborative community project Across and In-Between as key examples, I explore how Beckett’s work has become absorbed into the kinds of wider arts and political discourses—and indeed crises—that this border-site reflects. These projects share a concern for placing bodies at the border, asking us to see from the situation of the border, to trace its often-impalpable contours with the frail tools of words and bodies.
Uaigneas
Authors: Stephens Olan Andrew
Published: March 2023

This essay is a reflection on the Irish word uaigneas, often translated into ‘loneliness’ or ‘solitude’, but closer in meaning to ‘away-from-ness’ or ‘without-ness’ (my own translation). Considering the impact of Beckett’s settings and subjects on my performance practice as an artist and musician working within the Irish landscape and with the Irish language, and thinking about rurality as a possible site for performance, I reflect on the possibility that within the Irish language and Beckett’s writing there are similarly embodied and spectral experiences of place.
“You Know What She Died of, Mother Pegg? Of Darkness …”
Authors: Bird Dúnlaith
Published: March 2023

This article examines the Shannon Scheme, which involved the construction of the largest hydroelectric dam in Europe from 1925, and the subsequent Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) not just as defining projects of the modern Irish State, but as social watersheds of the twentieth century that had a complex and wide-ranging influence on artists including Seán Keating and Samuel Beckett. The article considers the intertwining of art and electricity in the artistic responses to the Scheme and the RES, Irish electrification’s political and social resonances, and the extent to which Beckett’s plays, particularly Endgame, can be read as ‘electric’ works.
“Work-in-Progress”
Authors: Graham-Dixon Celia
Published: March 2023

Deriving from the original 1976 theatre production, the 1990 television version of Footfalls has garnered little to no critical attention in and of itself. Seeking to redress this omission, this article argues that Footfalls on screen is a crucial document of the original production and introduces aesthetic and affective qualities that enhance our understanding of the play. Working with a DVD copy of a VHS recording of the play from its original broadcast on television, this article parses out the relationship between the spectral materiality of this recording and the ideas of spectrality, authorship and subjectivity that are central to the play.
Beckett sa Chreig: Laethanta Sona
Authors: Scaife Sarah Jane
Published: March 2023

This article provides a short introduction to a theatre project entitled Beckett sa Chreig: Laethanta Sona (Beckett in the Rock: Happy Days), which breaks the boundaries of the traditional ‘Beckett space’. The project was a collaboration between the landscape, language and people of Inis Oírr, Samuel Beckett and Company SJ, and involved Mícheál Ó Conghaile’s translation of Happy Days into Irish (as Laethanta Sona) and its performance by Bríd Ní Neachtain. The set, built by local stone masons, was immersed in the landscape of Inis Oírr, the westernmost island of Ireland, arising sculpturally from the flaggy rock of a stone field, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
Beckett et l’art minimal américain
Authors: Mougin Pascal
Published: March 2023

On ne peut comprendre l’importance majeure de l’œuvre de Beckett dans l’art contemporain sans revenir sur la réception de l’écrivain par les « néo-avant-gardes » américaines des années 1960 – l’art minimal en particulier –, qui marquent le moment inaugural, précisément, de l’art contemporain. Beckett fournit alors aux artistes ainsi qu’aux critiques qui les défendent une référence essentielle dans leur tentative de repenser la notion d’œuvre d’art et l’expérience esthétique contre les fondamentaux du modernisme tel que les conçoit Clement Greenberg. Pourtant, Beckett lui-même n’a semble-t-il jamais participé aux débats sur le minimalisme américain ni seulement évoqué les artistes new-yorkais. Et pour cause : les artistes de son temps qui l’intéressent sont tous des peintres de l’expressionnisme abstrait, autrement dit le courant moderniste contre lequel se positionne la nouvelle avant-garde new-yorkaise. Le hiatus est donc profond entre les références artistiques de l’écrivain et les artistes qu’il a lui-même inspirés. On s’intéressera ici à ce moment originel, qui reste largement ignoré par la critique française, ainsi qu’aux différentes lectures qui, rétrospectivement, en ont été proposées par la critique anglo-américaine des vingt dernières années.
A New Overlooked Species of Cyrtopodium (Cymbidieae, Orchidaceae) from the Southern Andean Yungas and Chaco Serrano Ecoregions of Northern Argentina and Southwestern Bolivia
Authors: A. N. BATISTA JOÃO , VALEBELLA MIRIAM , CRUZ-LUSTRE GABRIELA
Published: March 2023

Cyrtopodium valebellae, a new species from northwestern Argentina and southwestern Bolivia, is described, illustrated, and compared with morphologically similar taxa. The species is similar to C. virescens in general morphology and flower colour but differs in floral morphology details, particularly in lip morphology and geographic distribution. All known records are from the Southern Andean Yungas and Chaco Serrano ecoregions, indicating that the species is endemic to these regions. Cyrtopodium valebellae has been known since 1965 but has been misidentified so far with C. paniculatum, C. punctatum or C. virescens. The new species was first noticed through photographs available on online biodiversity platforms, highlighting its usefulness as a complementary source of data for discovering new species.
The genus Contracaecum Raillet & Henry (Nematoda: Anisakidae): host and geographical distribution on Neotropical and Antarctic species
Authors: GARBIN LUCAS E. , DIAZ JULIA I. , SERVIÁN ANDREA , FUSARO BRUNO , NAVONE GRACIELA T.
Published: March 2023

Nematodes of the genus Contracaecum Raillet & Henry, 1912 (Anisakidae, Contracaecinae) have a worldwide distribution. The taxonomy of the genus Contracaecum is well-known nowadays due to several morphometric studies, scanning electron microscopy, and molecular biology. The aim of this work was to review, clarify, and summarize the valid species of the genus Contracaecum parasitizing piscivorous sea birds and mammals from both the Neotropical and Antarctic regions reviewing all scientific available papers and electronic searching data up to date. A checklist on Neotropical and Antarctic Contracaecum spp. was organized through a revision of scientific papers and original descriptions. The systematic online search and the most updated papers were obtained through SCOPUS, Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, World Register of Marine Species, etc. We provide information about hosts, Neotropical and Antarctic localities where worms were collected, references, molecular markers, and Genbank accession numbers. Twenty-five Neotropical and Antarctic Contracaecum species have been recorded up to date and checked out as valid ones according to the most updated data. Twenty-one species parasitize exclusively fish-eating birds, two species were reported only on marine mammals, and the other two parasitize both sea birds and mammals. A total of 20 Contracaecum species are exclusively reported for the Neotropical region, three only for Antarctic hosts, and two species were reported parasitizing both Neotropical and Antarctic hosts. Several Contracaecum species (10) have been corroborated by molecular analysis of different genetic markers. After reviewing all morphological descriptions of the Contracaecum species, and despite most of them have been characterized only by morphometric methods, we are convinced that all species listed in this work correspond to good and valid Contracaecum Neotropical and Antarctic species. Present results indicate that more taxonomic and molecular studies are needed to advance the understanding of the distribution and host specificity of the Contracaecum species.
Modeling Near-Surface Turbulence in Large-Eddy Simulations of a Tornado: An Application of Thin Boundary Layer Equations
Authors: Wang Aaron , Pan Ying , Bryan George H. , Markowski Paul M.
Published: March 2023

Unsteadiness and horizontal heterogeneities frequently characterize atmospheric motions, especially within convective storms, which are frequently studied using large-eddy simulations (LES). The models of near-surface turbulence employed by atmospheric LES, however, predominantly assume statistically steady and horizontally homogeneous conditions (known as the equilibrium approach). The primary objective of this work is to investigate the potential consequences of such unrealistic assumptions in simulations of tornadoes. Cloud Model 1 (CM1) LES runs are performed using three approaches to model near-surface turbulence: the “semi-slip” boundary condition (which is the most commonly used equilibrium approach), a recently proposed nonequilibrium approach that accounts for some of the effects of turbulence memory, and a nonequilibrium approach based on thin boundary layer equations (TBLE) originally proposed by the engineering community for smooth-wall boundary layer applications. To be adopted for atmospheric applications, the TBLE approach is modified to account for the surface roughness. The implementation of TBLE into CM1 is evaluated using LES results of an idealized, neutral atmospheric boundary layer. LES runs are then performed for an idealized tornado characterized by rapid evolution, strongly curved air parcel trajectories, and substantial horizontal heterogeneities. The semi-slip boundary condition, by design, always yields a surface shear stress opposite the horizontal wind at the lowest LES grid level. The nonequilibrium approaches of modeling near-surface turbulence allow for a range of surface-shear-stress directions and enhance the resolved turbulence and wind gusts. The TBLE approach even occasionally permits kinetic energy backscatter from unresolved to resolved scales.

Significance Statement

The traditional approach of modeling the near-surface turbulence is not suitable for a tornado characterized by rapid evolution, strongly curved air parcel trajectories, and substantial horizontal heterogeneities. To understand the influence of statistically unsteady and horizontally heterogeneous near-surface conditions on tornadoes, this work adopts a fairly sophisticated approach from the engineering community and implements it into a widely used atmospheric model with necessary modifications. Compared to the traditional approach, the newly implemented approach produces more turbulent near-surface winds, more flexible surface-drag directions, and stronger wind gusts. These findings suggest a simulated tornado is very sensitive to the modeling approach of near-surface turbulence.
A Machine Learning Correction Model of the Winter Clear-Sky Temperature Bias over the Arctic Sea Ice in Atmospheric Reanalyses
Authors: Zampieri Lorenzo , Arduini Gabriele , Holland Marika , Keeley Sarah P. E. , Mogensen Kristian , Shupe Matthew D. , Tietsche Steffen
Published: March 2023

Atmospheric reanalyses are widely used to estimate the past atmospheric near-surface state over sea ice. They provide boundary conditions for sea ice and ocean numerical simulations and relevant information for studying polar variability and anthropogenic climate change. Previous research revealed the existence of large near-surface temperature biases (mostly warm) over the Arctic sea ice in the current generation of atmospheric reanalyses, which is linked to a poor representation of the snow over the sea ice and the stably stratified boundary layer in the forecast models used to produce the reanalyses. These errors can compromise the employment of reanalysis products in support of polar research. Here, we train a fully connected neural network that learns from remote sensing infrared temperature observations to correct the existing generation of uncoupled atmospheric reanalyses (ERA5, JRA-55) based on a set of sea ice and atmospheric predictors, which are themselves reanalysis products. The advantages of the proposed correction scheme over previous calibration attempts are the consideration of the synoptic weather and cloud state, compatibility of the predictors with the mechanism responsible for the bias, and a self-emerging seasonality and multidecadal trend consistent with the declining sea ice state in the Arctic. The correction leads on average to a 27% temperature bias reduction for ERA5 and 7% for JRA-55 if compared to independent in situ observations from the MOSAiC campaign (respectively, 32% and 10% under clear-sky conditions). These improvements can be beneficial for forced sea ice and ocean simulations, which rely on reanalyses surface fields as boundary conditions.

Significance Statement

This study illustrates a novel method based on machine learning for reducing the systematic surface temperature errors that characterize multiple atmospheric reanalyses in sea ice–covered regions of the Arctic under clear-sky conditions. The correction applied to the temperature field is consistent with the local weather and the sea ice and snow conditions, meaning that it responds to seasonal changes in sea ice cover as well as to its long-term decline due to global warming. The corrected reanalysis temperature can be employed to support polar research activities, and in particular to better simulate the evolution of the interacting sea ice and ocean system within numerical models.
The Development of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema After Mastectomy in a Rural Population
Authors: Clegg Devin J. , Whiteaker Erica N. , Salomon Brett J. , Brooks Ashton J. , Bell John L. , Boukovalas Stefanos , Roberson Patricia N. E. , Lloyd Jillian M.
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a lifelong condition that can impact the quality of life, affecting approximately 20% of breast cancer patients. Risk factors for the development of BCRL after mastectomy in rural populations have not been studied.

Retrospective review of mastectomy patients from 2017 to 2021 was performed at a single institution. Statistical analysis included logistic and linear regression models.

475 patients were included, and 40 (8.4%) patients were diagnosed with BCRL. Increased odds of developing BCRL were significantly associated with tumor-involved lymph nodes, radiation therapy, axillary lymphadenectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Postmastectomy reconstruction significantly reduced the odds of developing BCRL. There was no significant association in our population with age, body mass index, diabetes, tobacco use, cancer type, or complications.

This study demonstrates that individuals underrepresented in the literature, such as patients in largely rural communities, have some differences in risk factors for developing BCRL when compared to national studies.
Recent deep learning models for diagnosis and health monitoring: A review of research works and future challenges
Authors: Lou Chuyue , Atoui M. Amine , Li Xiangshun
Published: March 2023

As an important branch of machine learning, deep learning (DL) models with multiple hidden layer structures have the ability to extract highly representative features from the input. At present, fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) and health monitoring solutions developed based on DL models have received extensive attention in academia and industry along with the rapid improvement of computing power. Therefore, this paper focuses on a comprehensive review of DL model–based FDD and health monitoring schemes in view of common problems of industrial systems. First, brief theoretical backgrounds of basic DL models are introduced. Then, related publications are discussed about the development of DL and graphical models in the industrial context. Afterwards, public data sets are summarized, which are associated with several research papers. More importantly, suggestions on DL model–based diagnosis and health monitoring solutions and future developments are given. Our work will have a positive impact on the selection and design of FDD solutions based on DL and graphical models in the future.
Fermented Gluten-Free Multi-Grain Cereal Paste Development: The Role of the Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) as a Dietary Supplement
Authors: Olaniran Abiola Folakemi , Okonkwo Clinton Emeka , Iranloye Yetunde Mary , Morakinyo Olajumoke Olubunmi , Taiwo Abiola Ezekiel , Erinle Oluwakemi Christianah , Bamidele Oluwaseun Peter , Ojo Oluwafemi Adeleke , Malomo Adekunbi Adetola , Osemwegie Omorefosa Osarenkhoe
Published: March 2023

Vitamin A deﬁciencies is a becoming persistent among young children and a growing concern to parents in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in crisis-affected areas. Fermented cereal paste from maize, millets, and sorghum grains are significant food for young children. Thus, the study focuses on food fortification using orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) as fortifier as studies have confirmed the presence of nutrients that can help meet the Vitamin A dietary requirement. The cereals were soaked ambient temperature (27 ± 1°C) for 72 hours and were blended with OFSP (90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50), and the formulated products were studied for Vitamin A, β-carotene, proximate composition, physicochemical, functional properties, and storage. Application of OFSP as forticant increased the Vitamin A (4.98-6.65 mg/100 g), β-carotene (0.10-0.17 mg/100 g) and the calorific value (222.03-301.75 kcal) of the gluten-free multi-grain cereal paste. The addition of OFSP also increased the ash content (1.41%-3.35%), crude fiber (2.56%-4.225%), carbohydrate (39.83%-48.35%), total solid content (55.20%-60.87%), and water absorption capacity (112.20%-137.49%) of the formulated cereal samples. The fortified fermented paste was objectively stable throughout on the shelf from the storage studies. The study deduced that addition of orange-fleshed sweet potato to fermented mixed cereal paste as a fortifier can help increase the nutritional quality of the complementary food.
Utilizing a Telementoring Model to Promote the Evidence-Based School Counseling Model
Authors: Taylor Julia V. , Zabek Faith , Koide Jen , Phelps Aloise D. , Zeanah Kathryn L. , Lyons Michael D.
Published: March 2023

Telementoring is a low-cost, flexible way for school mental health professionals to access professional learning. Using a mixed-methods intervention design, we examined the impact of prolonged telementoring on school mental health professionals’ (school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and others) understanding and application of evidence-based school counseling, including associations between their use of evidence-based, culturally responsive, and collaborative practices to support student mental health. Our findings demonstrate support for the use of telementoring to improve school mental health professionals’ understanding and application of the evidence-based school counseling model. We provide specific considerations for school counseling professionals.
CACSV: a computational web-sever that provides classification for cancer somatic genetic variants from different tissues
Authors: AlKurabi Nahla , AlGahtani Ahad , Sobahy Turki M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Understanding the role and function of genetic variants is extremely important when analyzing and interpreting a myriad of human disease processes. For cancer in general, cell-specific genetic variants are ubiquitous and distinct tissues have significantly heterogenic genetic profiles. In clinical practice, only a few genetic variants have identifiable clinical utility. Finding clinically relevant genetic variants constitute a challenging process. In addition, there had been no reference protocol to provide guidance for cancer somatic genetic variants classification and interpretation. In 2017, the first version of a reference protocol was published by the Association for Molecular Pathology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the College of American Pathologists. Previously, we incorporated the reference protocol into a computational method to expedite the process of identification of clinically relevant genetic variants. In this work, we developed a computational web-server to increase the accessibility and availability of clinically relevant genetic variants.

Results

Our work provides the clinical classification for ~ 3 million cancer genetic variants that are now publicly available in a shareable database on GitHub. We have developed a graphical user interface for the database to enhance the accessibility and ease-of-use.

Conclusion

CACSV provides an open-source for about 3 million cancer tissue-specific genetic variants with their assigned clinical annotations.
Application value of Early-Follicular Phase Long-Acting Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Long Protocol in patients with resistant ovary syndrome
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Huixia , Du Hui , Li Xin , Jin Haixia , Li Gang
Published: March 2023

Background

Resistant ovarian syndrome(ROS) is a rare disease. It is difficult to diagnose and treat. Most of the literature reports on assisted pregnancy treatment for ROS patients are individual case reports. In this paper, the ovulation stimulation protocol and assisted pregnancy process of ROS infertile patients in our reproductive center were summarized and analyzed to provide information and support for the clinical treatment of ROS patients.

Methods

From January 2017 to March 2022, assisted reproductive technology treatments and clinical characteristics parameters of six patients with ROS were retrospectively reviewed. Based on controlled ovarian stimulation protocols, these stimulation cycles were separated into four groups: Early-Follicular Phase Long-Acting Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Long Protocol (EFLL) group (n = 6), Progestin Primed Ovarian Stimulation(PPOS) protocol group (n = 5), mild-stimulation protocol group (n = 2), and Natural cycle protocol group (n = 3).

Results

A total of 16 cycles of ovulation stimulation were carried out in 6 patients with ROS. A total of 19 oocytes were retrieved, as well as 13 MII oocytes, 11 two pronuclear(2PN) fertilized embryos, and 8 excellent embryos. The oocytes acquisition rate was 50% and the fertilization rate of 2PN was 57.9%, and the excellent embryo rate was 72.7%. The EFLL protocol obtained 17 oocytes, 12 MII oocytes, 11 2PN fertilized embryos, and 8 excellent embryos; the mild-stimulation protocol obtained 1 oocyte; the Natural cycle protocol obtained 1 oocyte, and oocytes were not matured after in vitro maturation (IVM); the PPOS protocol obtained no oocytes. Compared with three other protocols, The fertilization rate of 2PN (64.7%) and excellent embryo rate (72.7%) in the EFLL protocol were higher than those of other protocols(0%). Two fresh cycle embryo transfers resulted in live births, while two frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles resulted in one live birth and one clinical pregnancy using the EFLL protocol.

Conclusion

Although the current study is based on a small sample of participants, the findings suggest that the EFLL protocol can be employed for ovarian stimulation and may result in a live birth in ROS patients.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus tislelizumab followed by surgery for esophageal carcinoma (CRISEC study): the protocol of a prospective, single-arm, phase II trial
Authors: Yang Jinsong , Huang Ai , Yang Kunyu , Jiang Ke
Published: March 2023

Background

The failure rate after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is approximately 34.6%–48% for resectable esophageal carcinoma. Pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is an important factor in predicting lower recurrence and better survival. Whether the sequential addition of immunotherapy to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy will be beneficial to improving the pathologic complete response rate is unknown.

Methods

Patients with pathologically confirmed thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and at clinical T1-2N1-3M0 or T3-4aN0-3M0 (stage II–IVA) according to the eighth edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer staging will be allocated to receive neoadjuvant radiotherapy (41.4 Gy with 23 fractions to planning target volume) with concurrent chemotherapy (albumin-bound paclitaxel, 100 mg/m2, once weekly for five weeks; carboplatin, area under the curve of 2 mg/mL/min, once weekly for five weeks) plus tislelizumab monotherapy sequentially (200 mg every three weeks for three cycles, beginning from the first to the 14th day after the end of radiotherapy). Then, subtotal esophagectomy with two-field lymphadenectomy, including the whole mediastinum and abdomen, will be performed. The primary endpoint for this study is the pathologic complete response rate after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus tislelizumab.

Discussion

The optimal timing of the combination of immunotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in esophageal carcinoma is not determined. The results of this phase II trial will be helpful to clarify the safety and efficacy of the sequential addition of tislelizumab after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced resectable esophageal carcinoma.

Trial registration

This study was approved on January 26, 2021 and retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04776590) on March 1, 2021.
Viral load suppression in HIV-infected adolescents in cameroon: towards achieving the UNAIDS 95% viral suppression target
Authors: Djiyou Armando B. D. , Penda Calixte Ida , Madec Yoann , Ngondi Grace Dalle , Moukoko Astrid , Varloteaux Marie , de Monteynard Laure-Amélie , Moins Cecile , Moukoko Carole Else Eboumbou , Aghokeng Avelin F.
Published: March 2023

Background

Achieving the UNAIDS 95% sustained viral suppression (VS) rate requires considerable global efforts, particularly among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) who are often associated with high rates of virological failure (VF). In this study, we prospectively assessed the rate of VS, and the factors associated with VF in a cohort of adolescents followed up according to the WHO guidelines in Cameroon.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2021 among adolescents (aged 10–19 years) receiving ART in the national program in Cameroon. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using patients’ medical files and a brief interview with the participant and/or his guardian. Thereafter, a first viral load test (VL1) was performed using the ABBOTT Platform. For adolescents with VL1 > 1000 copies/ml, adherence-enhancing interventions were routinely performed each month for 3 consecutive months, after which a second viral load (VL2) was measured. Adolescents with VL2 > 1000 copies/ml were considered in VF.

Results

Overall, 280 adolescents were enrolled, of whom 89.3% (250/280) acquired HIV infection via mother-to-child transmission. The median age was 16.0 (IQR: 13.0–18.0) years and the median duration on ART was 9.8 (IQR: 5.1–12.8) years. Females and males were almost equally represented, as 52.1% (146/280) were female, while 47.9% (134/280) were males (p = 0.47). The VS rate was 88.2% (CI: 83.8-91.7%) overall; 89.0% (CI: 82.0-93.1%) and 88.7% (CI: 81.2-93.0%) in females and males, respectively. Being on second or third-line ART, self-declared suboptimal adherence, and a history of past VF were independently associated with VF.

Conclusion

The high rate of VS we report in this study is welcome in the era of the 95/95/95 UNAIDS goals, and indicates that improving treatment outcomes in this specific and fragile population that represent adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa is achievable.

Trial registration

20/10/2020 NCT04593979 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04593979).
Adolescent suicidal behaviour in Namibia: a cross-sectional study of prevalence and correlates among 3,152 school learners aged 12–17 years
Authors: Quarshie Emmanuel Nii-Boye , Dey Nutifafa Eugene Yaw , Oppong Asante Kwaku
Published: March 2023

Background

While adolescent suicidal behaviour (ideation, planning, and attempt) remains a global public health concern, available county-specific evidence on the phenomenon from African countries is relatively less than enough. The present study was conducted to estimate the 12-month prevalence and describe some of the associated factors of suicide behaviour among school-going adolescents aged 12–17 years old in Namibia.

Methods

Participants (n = 4531) answered a self-administered anonymous questionnaire developed and validated for the nationally representative Namibia World Health Organization Global School-based Student Health Survey conducted in 2013. We applied univariate, bivariable, and multivariable statistical approaches to the data.

Results

Of the 3,152 analytical sample, 20.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.3–22.2%) reported suicidal ideation, 25.2% (95% CI: 22.3–28.4%) engaged in suicide planning, and 24.5% (95% CI: 20.9–28.6%) attempted suicide during the previous 12 months. Of those who attempted suicide, 14.6% (95% CI: 12.5–16.9%) reported one-time suicide attempt, and 9.9% (95% CI: 8.1–12.1%) attempted suicide at least twice in the previous 12 months. The final adjusted multivariable models showed physical attack victimisation, bullying victimisation, loneliness, and parental intrusion of privacy as key factors associated with increased likelihood of suicidal ideation, planning, one-time suicide attempt, and repeated attempted suicide. Cannabis use showed the strongest association with increased relative risk of repeated attempted suicide.

Conclusion

The evidence highlights the importance of paying more attention to addressing the mental health needs (including those related to psychological and social wellness) of school-going adolescents in Namibia. While the current study suggests that further research is warranted to explicate the pathways to adolescent suicide in Namibia, identifying and understanding the correlates (at the individual-level, family-level, interpersonal-level, school context and the broader community context) of adolescent suicidal ideations and non-fatal suicidal behaviours are useful for intervention and prevention programmes.
Evolution of smoking rates among immigrants in France in the context of comprehensive tobacco control measures, and a decrease in the overall prevalence
Authors: Mahdjoub Sarah , Héron Mégane , Gomajee Ramchandar , Ducarroz Simon , Melchior Maria , El-Khoury Lesueur Fabienne
Published: March 2023

Background

The evolution of smoking rates according to migrant status has not been examined in France, despite a recent reduction in overall smoking rates.

Methods

DePICT is a two waves (2016: n = 4356; 2017: n = 4114) nationwide telephone survey, representative of the French adult population. We compared smoking-related behaviors before and after implementation of tobacco-control measures (2017), according to the geographical region of birth.

Results

Compared to 2016, individuals originating from Africa or the Middle East had a slightly higher smoking prevalence in 2017 (34.7% vs 31.3%), despite a higher intention to quit or attempt in the preceding year (adjusted OR(ORa) = 2.72[1.90; 3.90]) compared to non-immigrants. They were also less likely to experience an unsuccessful quit attempt (ORa = 1.76[1.18; 2.62]).

Conclusion

Tobacco-control measures could have widened smoking inequalities related to migrant status. The evolution of smoking-related behaviors among immigrants should be examined when studying the long-term effects of such policies.
A natural experiment to assess how urban interventions in lower socioeconomic areas influence health behaviors: the UrbASanté study
Authors: Charreire Hélène , Conti Benoit , Bauchard Lucile , Cissé Ndèye Aïta , Perignon Marlène , Rollet Pascaline , Perrin Coline , Blanchard Sophie , Roda Céline , Feuillet Thierry , Madelin Malika , Dupuis Vincent , Evrard Anne-Sophie , Hellequin Anne-Peggy , Coll Isabelle , Larrue Corinne , Baudet-Michel Sophie , Vernouillet Gabrielle , Ntsame-Abegue Fernande , Fabre Isabelle , Méjean Caroline , Oppert Jean-Michel ,   UrbASanté Study Group
Published: March 2023

Background

Mechanisms underlying the associations between changes in the urban environment and changes in health-related outcomes are complex and their study requires specific approaches. We describe the protocol of the interdisciplinary UrbASanté study, which aims to explore how urban interventions can modify environmental exposures (built, social, and food environments; air quality; noise), health-related behaviors, and self-reported health using a natural experiment approach.

Methods

The study is based on a natural experiment design using a before/after protocol with a control group to assess changes in environmental exposures, health-risk behaviors, and self-reported health outcomes of a resident adult population before and after the implementation of a time series of urban interventions in four contiguous neighborhoods in Paris (France). The changes in environmental exposures, health-related behaviors, and self-reported health outcomes of a resident adult population will be concurrently monitored in both intervention and control areas. We will develop a mixed-method framework combining substantial fieldwork with quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches. This study will make use of (i) data relating to exposures and health-related outcomes among all participants and in subsamples and (ii) interviews with residents regarding their perceptions of their neighborhoods and with key stakeholders regarding the urban change processing, and (iii) existing geodatabases and field observations to characterize the built, social, and food environments. The data collected will be analyzed with a focus on interrelationships between environmental exposures and health-related outcomes using appropriate approaches (e.g., interrupted time series, difference–in-differences method).

Discussion

Relying on a natural experiment approach, the research will provide new insights regarding issues such as close collaboration with urban/local stakeholders, recruitment and follow-up of participants, identification of control and intervention areas, timing of the planned urban interventions, and comparison of subjective and objective measurements. Through the collaborative work of a consortium ensuring complementarity between researchers from different disciplines and stakeholders, the UrbASanté study will provide evidence-based guidance for designing future urban planning and public health policies.

Trial registration

This research was registered at the ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT05743257).
Temporal relationship between sleep duration and obesity among Chinese Han people and ethnic minorities
Authors: Xu Zhengxing , Chen Min , Yao Yuntong , Yu Lisha , Yan Peijing , Cui Huijie , Li Ping , Liao Jiaqiang , Zhang Ben , Yao Yuqin , Liu Zhenmi , Jiang Xia , Liu Tao , Xiao Chenghan
Published: March 2023

Background

No studies have assessed the association between sleep duration and obesity in Chinese ethnic minorities. Whether the relationship between sleep duration and obesity is different between Chinese Han people and Chinese ethnic minorities remains unclear. The study aimed to explore the relationship between sleep duration and obesity among Chinese Han people and Chinese ethnic minorities.

Methods

We applied data from the Guizhou Population Health Cohort Study (GPHCS), which 9,280 participants were recruited in the baseline survey from 2010 to 2012, and 8,163 completed the follow-up survey from 2016 to 2020. A total of 5,096 participants (3,188 Han Chinese and 1,908 ethnic minorities) were included in the ultimate analysis. Information on sleep duration (total 24-hour sleep time), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) was collected at the baseline and follow-up survey, respectively. Cross-lagged panel analyses were conducted to explore the temporal relationship between sleep duration and obesity for Han people and ethnic minorities.

Results

For Han people, the results from cross-lagged panel analyses indicated that baseline sleep duration was significantly associated with follow-up BMI (βBMI = -0.041, 95% CIBMI: -0.072 ~ -0.009) and follow-up WC (βWC = -0.070, 95%CIWC: -0.103 ~ -0.038), but baseline BMI (βBMI = -0.016, 95% CIBMI: -0.050 ~ 0.018) and baseline WC (βWC = -0.019, 95% CIWC: -0.053 ~ 0.016) were not associated with follow-up sleep duration. In addition, the relationship between baseline sleep duration and follow-up BMI was gender-specific and significant only in the Han people female (βBMI = -0.047, 95% CIBMI: -0.090 ~ -0.003) but not in the Han people male (βBMI = -0.029, 95% CIBMI: -0.075 ~ 0.016). For ethnic minorities, the results indicated that there was no relationship between sleep duration and obesity at all, either from sleep duration to obesity (βBMI = 0.028, 95%CIBMI: -0.012 ~ 0.068; βWC = 0.020, 95%CIWC: -0.022 ~ 0.062), or from obesity to sleep duration (βBMI = -0.022, 95%CIBMI: -0.067 ~ 0.022; βWC = -0.042, 95%CIWC: -0.087 ~ 0.003).

Conclusion

The relationship pattern between sleep duration and obesity across Han people and ethnic minorities is different. Future sleep-aimed overweight and obesity intervention should be conducted according to population characteristics.
Thrombocytosis in patients with spondyloarthritis: a case–control study
Authors: Deng Linan , Zheng Pingping
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and laboratory as well as radiological features of spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients with thrombocytosis and to explore risk factor for thrombocytosis in SpA patients and to assess the effect of antitumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) therapy on platelet count in SpA patients with thrombocytosis.

Methods

A total of 145 patients with SpA were included in this study, and non-thrombocytosis was identified in 76 patients while thrombocytosis was found in 69 patients, 38 out of the 69 patients received anti-TNF-α therapy. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate risk factors that associated with thrombocytosis. The platelet count of patients in the thrombocytosis group treated with anti-TNF-α therapy on week 0, week 6 and week 12 were collected and compared with conventional therapy group.

Results

The proportion of hip involvement (60.86% vs 36.84%, p = 0.004), bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index score (4.24 ± 0.55 vs 3.69 ± 0.67, p < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (62.22 ± 41.97 mm/hour vs 27.00 ± 25.93 mm/hour, p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (53.45 ± 47.45 mg/L vs 18.91 ± 31.09 mg/L, p < 0.001), fibrinogen (5.77 ± 1.48 g/L vs 4.01 ± 1.32 g/L, P < 0.001), white blood cells (8.15 ± 1.90 × 109/L vs 6.85 ± 2.39 × 109/L, p < 0.001) and neutrophils (5.08 ± 1.55 × 109/L vs 4.01 ± 2.04 × 109/L, p = 0.001) are higher in thrombocytosis group, but hemoglobin and albumin are lower compared to non-thrombocytosis group (122.88 ± 17.25 g/L vs 131.51 ± 16.03 g/L, p = 0.002; 37.19 ± 4.73 g/L vs 39.67 ± 3.99 g/L, p = 0.001, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that higher white blood cells (OR, 1.644; 95% CI, 1.045–2.587; P = 0.032) and fibrinogen (OR, 2.169; 95% CI, 1.237–3.804; P = 0.007) were independently associated with thrombocytosis in SpA patients. The platelet count in the thrombocytosis group treated with anti-TNF-α therapy on week 6 and week 12 were statistically lower than week 0 (225.05 ± 60.58 × 109/L vs 368.26 ± 54.34 × 109/L, p < 0.001; 201.26 ± 51.48 × 109/L vs 368.26 ± 54.34 × 109/L, p < 0.001) and conventional therapy (week 6, 225.05 ± 60.58 × 109/L vs 370.00 ± 74.05 × 109/L, p < 0.001; week 12, 201.26 ± 51.48 × 109/L vs 303.13 ± 71.49 × 109/L, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SpA patients with thrombocytosis have a higher proportion of hip involvement and disease activity compared to non-thrombocytosis SpA patients. The potential risk factors for thrombocytosis in SPA patients were higher white blood cells and fibrinogen. Anti-TNF-α therapy can reduce the increased platelets more effectively and rapidly than conventional treatments in SpA patients with thrombocytosis.
Accuracy of computer-aided static and dynamic navigation systems in the placement of zygomatic dental implants
Authors: González Rueda Juan Ramón , Galparsoro Catalán Agustín , de Paz Hermoso Víctor Manuel , Riad Deglow Elena , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Pato Mourelo Jesús , Montero Martín Javier , Hernández Montero Sofía
Published: March 2023

Background

Zygomatic implants are widely used in the rehabilitation of severely atrophic maxillae, but implant placement is not without risks, and it can potentially cause damage to related anatomical structures. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the accuracy of static navigation systems in placing zygomatic dental implants in comparison to dynamic navigation systems.

Methods

Sixty zygomatic dental implants were randomly allocated to one of three study groups, categorized by which implant placement strategy was used: A: computer-aided static navigation system (n = 20) (GI); B: computer-aided dynamic navigation system (n = 20) (NI); or C: free-hand technique (n = 20) (FHI). For the computer-aided study groups, a preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the existing situation was performed in order to plan the approach to be used during surgery. Four zygomatic dental implants were inserted in each of fifteen polyurethane stereolithographic models (n = 15), with a postoperative CBCT scan taken after the intervention. The pre- and postoperative CBCT scans were then uploaded to a software program used in dental implantology to analyze the angular deviations, apical end point, and coronal entry point. Student’s t-test was used to analyze the results.

Results

The results found statistically significant differences in apical end-point deviations between the FHI and NI (p = 0.0053) and FHI and GI (p = 0.0004) groups. There were also statistically significant differences between the angular deviations of the FHI and GI groups (p = 0.0043).

Conclusions

The manual free-hand technique may enable more accurate placement of zygomatic dental implants than computer-assisted surgical techniques due to the different learning curves required for each zygomatic dental implant placement techniques.
The protocol for the prehabilitation for thoracic surgery study: a randomized pragmatic trial comparing a short home-based multimodal program to aerobic training in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy
Authors: Liu Yuchao , Liu Zijia , Zhang Yuelun , Cui Yushang , Pei Lijian , Huang Yuguang
Published: March 2023

Background

Prehabilitation has been shown to have a positive effect on the postoperative recovery of functional capacity in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy. The optimal way to implement prehabilitation programs, such as the optimal forms of prehabilitation, duration, intensity, and methods to improve compliance, remained to be studied. This Prehabilitation for Thoracic Surgery Study will compare the effectiveness of multimodal and aerobic training-only programs in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Methods

This randomized pragmatic trial will be conducted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) and include 100 patients who are eligible to undergo VATS lobectomy. Patients will be randomized to a multimodal or aerobic training group. Prehabilitation training guidance will be provided by a multidisciplinary care team. The patients in the multimodal group will perform aerobic exercises, resistance exercises, breathing exercises, psychological improvement strategies, and nutritional supplementation. Meanwhile, the patients in the aerobic group will conduct only aerobic exercises. The interventions will be home-based and supervised by medical providers. The patients will be followed up until 30 days after surgery to investigate whether the multimodal prehabilitation program differs from the aerobic training program in terms of the magnitude of improvement in functional capability pre- to postoperatively. The primary outcome will be the perioperative 6-min walk distance (6MWD). The secondary outcomes will include the postoperative pulmonary functional recovery status, health-related quality of life score, incidence of postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes.

Discussion

Prehabilitation remains a relatively new approach that is not widely performed by thoracic surgery patients. The existing studies mainly focus on unimodal interventions. While multimodal prehabilitation strategies have been shown to be preferable to unimodal strategies in a few studies, the evidence remains scarce for thoracic surgery patients. The results of this study will contribute to the understanding of methods for thoracoscopic lobectomy patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04049942. Registered on August 8, 2019.