bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of image artifacts from zygoma implants on CBCT scans using different exposure parameters
Authors: Orhan Kaan , Kocyigit Doruk , Firincioglulari Mujgan , Adisen Mehmet Zahit , Kocyigit Seda
Published: August 2023

This study was aimed at quantifying artifacts from zygoma implants in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images using different exposure parameters. Two cadaver heads, one with two zygoma implants on each side and the other for control, were scanned using 18 different exposure parameters. Quantitative analysis was performed to evaluate the hypodense and hyperdense artifact percentages calculated as the percentage of the area. Hyperdense artifacts and hypodense artifacts were detected, followed by the calculation of the hyperdense and hypodense artifact percentages in the image. In the qualitative analysis of the artifacts, the scores used were as follows: absence (0), moderate presence (1), or high presence (2) for hypodense halos, thin hypodense lines, and hyperdense lines. Artifact analysis was performed qualitatively and quantitatively using the post-hoc Tukey and Two-way ANOVA tests. As a result, in the qualitative analyses, zygoma implants showed a significant difference compared to the control group with regard to hyperdense and hypodense artifacts ( p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the means according to the FOV size arithmetic averages ( p < 0.05). In terms of voxel size, the difference was found to be significant, where 400 microns showed the highest hypodense artifact while 200 microns showed the lowest hypodense artifact. In conclusion, hypodense and hyperdense artifacts were significantly higher in cadavers with zygoma implants than in controls. As FOV and voxel size increase, more hypodense artifacts are produced by zygoma implants so smaller FOV and voxel sizes should be used to prevent poor image quality of adjacent teeth.
Adenoma Detection Rate in Average-Risk Population: An Observational Consecutive Retrospective Study
Authors: He Xiaoyan , Lv Xiangyin , Zhang Binbin , Ying Xiaoxuan , Hu Chiyu , Zhou Xiaoying , Hu Jianwen
Published: August 2023

Background

Although colonoscopy is considered the most effective tool for reducing colorectal cancer-related morbidity, the age at which average-risk individuals begin colonoscopic screening is undetermined. This study aimed to compare the adenoma and advanced adenoma detection rates according to age and sex in a large average-risk population in the rural areas of Eastern China.

Methods

This observational, single-center, retrospective study included patients with average colorectal cancer risk and examined the adenoma and advanced adenoma detection rates using age intervals of 5 years. We also compared the size and age of patients with and without advanced adenoma.

Results

We included 18 928 patients with a median age of 54 years (range 15–90 years), including 10 143 men and 8785 women. The adenoma and advanced adenoma detection rates were 17.08% and 5.24%, respectively, and increased with age in the whole population. The adenoma detection rates increased from 8.97% (aged 40–44) to 14.98% (aged 45–49) and 6.24% (aged 45–49) to 11.00% (aged 50–54) in men and women (both P < .001), respectively. The advanced adenoma detection rates increased from 2.19% (aged 40–44) to 4.76% (aged 45–49) and 1.89% (aged 45–49) to 3.13% (aged 50–54) in men ( P = .002) and women ( P = .056), respectively. Patients with advanced adenomas were significantly older than those with non-advanced adenomas ( P < .001). The tumors in the advanced adenoma group were significantly larger than those in the non-advanced adenoma group ( P < .001).

Conclusion

The adenoma and advanced adenoma detection rates increased significantly in average-risk population aged 45 years and older, especially in men.
And a note on ‘some notes for anniversarifiers’
Authors: O’Doherty Damian
Published: August 2023

This essay forms part of the 30th Special Issue of the journal and reflects on the role of the anniversarifier and reports on way of escaping the end of Organization to which it leads. Playful, ludic and irreverent this paper poses difficulties to the abstract, which should eventually be excised from the final publication.
Analysis of the tribological behavior of the high-speed and heavy-load braking interface with dynamic wear of brake pads
Authors: Jie Hao , Xiaowei Yin , Shuang Zhu , Jungang Ren , Xiaokun Liu
Published: August 2023

Using a megawatt wind turbine disc brake as a case study, this work analyzes the effects and action mechanism of dynamic wear on the braking interface of the braking pad on tribological behaviors as contact state, temperature field, and pressure distribution. The Archard wear model was incorporated into the solution of the tribological problem of the braking interface in ABAQUS using the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) technique through the UMESHMOTION subroutine. The wear interface meshes were changed without modifying other finite element analysis variables. Moreover, wear testing on the inertia braking tester validated the coupled heat-stress-wear model of the brake pad. The differences in the tribological behaviors of the braking interface with and without the dynamic wear of the braking pad were analyzed based on the simulation results of friction and wear in a braking cycle. The study revealed that the tribological behaviors of the braking interface were significantly affected by the dynamic wear of the braking pad. Specifically, the wear evolution changed the contact state, the area of stress concentration, and the temperature field distribution during the braking process. Hence, the wear properties of the brake pad were modified as a result of these tribological behaviors.
Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein in natalizumab-treated relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: An alternative to neurofilament light
Authors: Wessels Mark HJ , Van Lierop Zoë YGJ , Noteboom Samantha , Strijbis Eva MM , Heijst Johannes A , Van Kempen Zoé LE , Moraal Bastiaan , Barkhof Frederik , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Schoonheim Menno M , Killestein Joep , Teunissen Charlotte E
Published: August 2023

Background:

There is a need in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) treatment for biomarkers that monitor neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, treatment response, and disease progression despite treatment.

Objective:

To assess the value of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) as a biomarker for clinical disease progression and brain volume measurements in natalizumab-treated RRMS patients.

Methods:

sGFAP and neurofilament light (sNfL) were measured in an observational cohort of natalizumab-treated RRMS patients at baseline, +3, +12, and +24 months and at the last sample follow-up (median 5.17 years). sGFAP was compared between significant clinical progressors and non-progressors and related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived volumes of the whole brain, ventricle, thalamus, and lesion. The relationship between sGFAP and sNfL was assessed.

Results:

A total of 88 patients were included, and 47.7% progressed. sGFAP levels at baseline were higher in patients with gadolinium enhancement (1.3-fold difference, p = 0.04) and decreased in 3 months of treatment (adj. p < 0.001). No association was found between longitudinal sGFAP levels and progressor status. sGFAP at baseline and 12 months was significantly associated with normalized ventricular (positively), thalamic (negatively), and lesion volumes (positively). Baseline and 12-month sGFAP predicted annualized ventricle volume change rate after 1 year of treatment. sGFAP correlated with sNfL at baseline ( p < 0.001) and last sample follow-up ( p < 0.001) but stabilized earlier.

Discussion:

sGFAP levels related to MRI markers of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
The influence of mass media on the popularity of politicians
Authors: Van Remoortere Annelien , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: August 2023

Politicians compete with each other for votes, political positions and popularity in an attempt to translate their ideological ideas into policy. Due to a lack of face-to-face interactions, voters base their vote mainly on what they see in the media. To measure the influence of media on political success during routine periods, this paper links popularity polls to media coverage of individual politicians. Using automated content analysis on longitudinal newspaper data (2003–2019), the visibility of individual politicians and the used tone was analyzed. We find that media visibility has an impact on popularity. This media effect is especially important for MPs seeing that the function of higher-ranking politicians already affects their popularity without media visibility. A significant effect is also found for tone on popularity scores. We find a negativity bias in which negative news affects the popularity of politicians, whereas positive news does not make a difference.
Digital reproducibility in locative media: Atatürk, his mother and women’s rights monument, İzmir
Authors: İnan Yiğit , Yılmaz Ahenk
Published: August 2023

This research delves into the digital reproductions of a specific monument in locative media employing Walter Benjamin’s conceptual framework presented in ‘The Work of Art in the Age of its Technological Reproducibility’. The monument in question, namely, the recently reconstructed and rescaled Atatürk, His Mother and Women’s Right Monument in İzmir, Turkey serves as an exemplary case for examining the reproducibility of monuments within both physical and digital environments. Its significance lies not only in the ongoing political and scholarly debate revolving around the decision of local municipality to undertake its reconstruction, but also in its growing popularity in social media as a consequence of this debate. The analyses of digital reproductions of the monument in the paper are twofold: The first gives insights into the effects of digital reproductions on the aura and authenticity of the monument in locative media. The second focuses on how the local municipality and individual users instrumentalize these productions to perform official and mundane rituals and aestheticize not only their own political agendas but also their everyday life.
The Danish National Survey of Diet and Physical Activity (DANSDA) 1995–2011–2013: Study design, study participants, participation rate and underreporting
Authors: Graff Heidi J. , Biltoft-Jensen Anja , Matthiessen Jeppe , Fagt Sisse
Published: August 2023

Aim:

This study describes the study design, study participants, participation rate and underreporting in the Danish National Surveys of Diet and Physical Activity (DANSDA) from 1995 to 2011–2013.

Methods:

DANSDA are government-funded surveys of food and nutrient intake, physical activity and lifestyle, undertaken to support nutritional policy, risk assessment and public health research. The surveys are cross-sectional based on primarily simple random samples (ages 1–80 years in 1995, 4–75 years in 2000–2013) drawn from the Danish Civil Registration System. Approximately 4800 individuals in 1995, 8200 in 2000–2002, 8400 in 2003–2008 and 7300 in 2011–2013 were invited to participate. Participants completed a seven-day food diary, a physical activity questionnaire (2000–2008), a step diary (2011–2013) and a face-to-face interview. Self-reported anthropometrics (1995–2013) were supplemented with device-based measures (2011–2013). Pedometers were included in 2011–2013.

Results:

The number of participants included per survey round was 3100-4400. Participant rates decreased from 66% (1995) to 54% (2011–2013). Non-participation was primarily refusal. Ages 18–30 years, 61–75 years (2000–2013), 61–80 years (1995) and low educated and individuals living alone were underrepresented. Underreporting of energy intake among adults ranged from 14% (1995) to 26% (2008).

Conclusions:

The methods in DANSDA have been developed to include device-based measures on physical activity and anthropometrics. This has improved the applicability of the results of the survey. The participation rate has fallen, which has affected sample representativity, and underreporting has increased. Future DANSDA surveys should explore and consider new initiatives to counteract non-response and underreporting, with the aim of enhancing data representativeness and applicability.
Exerting power through interruptions: A case study of arbitrators’ discourses in Chinese Arbitral Tribunals
Authors: Li Meiqi , Jiang Ting
Published: August 2023

Applying conservation analysis, this article explicates the specific ways in which interruptions are strategized to adjust power relations in arbitration discourse. By analyzing the transcriptions of 18 authentic recordings of arbitration cases in Chinese mainland, this article ascertains the frequency and classification of interruptions, and further explains the discursive features of interruptions related to power. The analyses reveal that arbitrators in Chinese arbitral tribunals alternatively adopt the conflicting, conciliatory and emotional interruptions with/without discourse markers to represent variant degrees of arbitral power, satisfy the pragmatic needs of communication, and promote the arbitration proceedings. Discourse markers function as signals of interruptions and regulators of arbitral power, which are jointly adopted with interruptions by arbitrators to convey different communicative intentions. This study puts forward a new model of arbitrators’ interruptions and power which can be applied in the further studies of other professional domains, and the findings may have some important implications for arbitration discourse study in terms of the relationship between language and power.
Understanding the experiences of people with dementia and their family carers participating in healthcare student dementia education: A mixed-methods evaluation from the time for dementia programme
Authors: Daley Stephanie , Hebditch Molly , Feeney Yvonne , Towson Georgia , Pooley Joanna , Pietersen Holly , Banerjee Sube
Published: August 2023

Background

There is increasing awareness of the potential for positive impacts on student learning from involving people with dementia and family carers within undergraduate teaching. However, research on the experience of people with dementia and their family carers is sparse. This study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction and views of families (people with dementia and their family carers) who volunteered in Time for Dementia (TFD); an educational programme where undergraduate healthcare students visit families at home over a 2-year period.

Methods

Families taking part in TFD completed a satisfaction survey after taking part in the programme ( n = 803). Frequencies of satisfaction survey items were summarised and multiple linear regression models for factors associated with total satisfaction scores were produced. Open text responses were analysed using thematic framework analysis as to the most favourable aspects of the programme and areas requiring improvement.

Results

Overall satisfaction was high for taking part in TFD, with a perception of contribution, and being of value. There was strong evidence that families enjoyed the experience and would recommend participation to others. Higher numbers of student visits were significantly associated with greater satisfaction. Families identified aspects of the programme that benefited them, with social interaction rating highly. Improvements suggested by the families included increased visit structure and organisational improvements.

Conclusions

This study has sought to evaluate at scale the satisfaction of families taking part in a dementia education programme. It is positive that families report high satisfaction in the programme and identify perceived value for themselves as well as students, suggesting reciprocal benefits. This study contributes to the broader understanding of what Experts by Experience value when taking part in educational interventions.
Exploring materialities in children’s games: Revisiting the Javanese philosophy of laku in seeking knowledge
Authors: Yuniasih Ririn
Published: August 2023

The provision of early childhood education (ECE) in Indonesia, often focuses on the children’s learning experience and overlooks the complexity of the learning process in children's activities. Children’s games, for instance, are seen as a learning tool to achieve particular learning objectives and developmental tasks. Therefore, without negating children’s roles in the games, this article proposes a new way of understanding learning in the context of children’s games. A new materialist concept of intra-active pedagogy is applied to unpack the complexity of learning processes. The discussion in this article is looking at jamuran, a Javanese game involving embodied movements. This will include an analysis of a case study of a multi-age classroom with children aged six to 7 years old. By reading narratives of the game diffractively, new insights emerge in understanding learning as joining forces and continuous movements of game elements. Interestingly, these insights align with the Javanese philosophy of laku in seeking knowledge. The implication of this finding at the micro-political level is that more attention should be paid to the active role of materialities in a learning event. At the macro level of ECE policy in Indonesia, it encourages revisiting traditional philosophies from a new perspective like new materialism. This would also be expected to create a space for negotiating global-local intertwining views in looking at the learning process in ECE settings.
From Side Street to Ghetto: Understanding the Rising Levels and Changing Spatial Pattern of Segregation, 1900–1940
Authors: Logan John R. , Minca Elisabeta , Bellman Benjamin , Kisch Amory , Carlson H. Jacob
Published: August 2023

A standard interpretation of the intensification of segregation in the early twentieth century is that residents of Northern cities reacted against a growing African American presence, using segregation as a tool of social control that was less needed in the South. Evidence from newly available data for 134 cities in 1900–1940 puts this interpretation in question in several ways. We find that segregation was already high in 1900 at the neighborhood scale. Not only was it rising, but it was changing its spatial scale as clusters of Black settlement in side streets and alleys disappeared from White districts while expanding into large Black zones. Finally, multivariate analyses show that trends were similar in the North and South, and in neither region was Black population size (i.e., “Black threat”) a significant predictor of increasing segregation. The general trends of rising segregation and increasing spatial scale became a nationwide pattern.
Multilayer Stent for Emergency Treatment of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: A Case Report
Authors: Kremer Diniz Bernardo , Sena Marcello , Henrique Lima Paulo
Published: August 2023

Purpose

We report the case of an acute type B dissection with high-risk features treated with multilayer stent.

Case Report

A 50-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with an acute type B aortic dissection. Conservative medical treatment did control blood pressure but did not alleviate her dissection symptoms. She was treated endovascularly with multilayer stents extensively covering the whole dissected area. HThe aortic arch side branches, visceral arteries and renal arteries remained patent after treatment. The recovery was uneventful, and she was discharged the day after the intervention. At 6- and 12-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, the true lumen volume increased and all side branches remained patent.

Conclusion

We present a case of the use of a multilayer stent for acute type B aortic dissection. This technique allows to treat the whole dissection with low risk of paraplegia or side branch occlusion. Long-term results of ongoing clinical studies should confirm the place of the multilayer stent as a treatment option for type B aortic dissection.
The dark side of nature conventions: A call to end anthropogenic wildlife destruction
Authors: Sollund Ragnhild
Published: August 2023

The world is experiencing an anthropogenic nature crisis, with global warming and catastrophes, for example, wildfires and flooding, causing destruction of living conditions and habitat both for human and nonhuman species. According to WWF’s last living planet index, one million species are risking extinction, leading to a need for a criminology that addresses the multifarious reasons for this situation, which to large degree is lacking. In this article, I apply perspectives from Green Criminology, Environmental Restorative Justice and Species Restorative Justice to argue for the necessity of these to address species loss and animal abuse caused by wildlife trade and hunting. The implementation of two prominent nature conservation conventions, CITES and the Bern convention, are central in the discussion, with Norway as the case, through which it is shown that these fail to provide endangered wildlife with protection.
Development of prototypes in sport: A systematic review
Authors: da Silva Júlio César Gomes , Silva Kalinne Fernandes , Batista Carlos Eduardo Coelho Freire , Patrício Gabriel Teixeira , Batista Gilmário Ricarte
Published: August 2023

This study systematically reviewed the available scientific evidence pertaining to the different types of prototypes available, discussed their current use, and present and future applications in sports science. The electronic databases National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Web of Science™ and Scopus were searched from January 2016 to September 2021. Of the 750 articles identified, 714 articles were excluded based on title and abstract and/or for duplicates. Moreover, of the 36 articles selected, 11 articles (30.5%) were related to the development of prototypes for carrying out tactical-technical or physical performance analyzes of athletes in different sports, 22 articles (61.1%) were related to the creation of “equipment or clothing” prototypes used in sports activities and three articles (8.3%) were related to the creation of prototypes that aim to improve the technical performance of athletes. It was concluded that the development of prototypes in sport had a significant impact on the monitoring of athletes in the field of sport sciences. The prototypes provide coaches and technical professionals with the monitoring of physiological, tactical-technical, and physical parameters in real time during training and sports competitions. These parameters can be used for recognition of movement patterns and prevention of potential injuries, such as concussion and fatigue.
A survey of the knowledge, perceptions of and attitudes to digital health of healthcare professionals in 14 Bulgarian hospitals: First large-scale study on digital health in Bulgarian inpatient facilities
Authors: Petrov Damyan , Petrova Mila , Mladenova Irena , Dimitrov Nedko , Mratskova Galina
Published: August 2023

Objective

To explore the knowledge, perceptions of and attitudes to digital health of Bulgarian hospital professionals in the first study of digital health in this professional group.

Methods

A paper-based questionnaire was administered to doctors, trainee doctors, nurses, midwives, and laboratory assistants working in multiprofile or specialized hospitals. Topics included the following: state, objectives, benefits, and future of digital health; data storage, access, security, and sharing; main software used; patient-held Personal Information System (PIS); and telemedicine. A total of 1187 participants from 14 hospitals completed the survey in two phases: September 2013–April 2014 and May 2015–April 2017. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression.

Results

Three-quarters of participants evaluated the state of development of digital health in Bulgaria as subpar (36.0% negative; 38.9% passable; 24.5% positive). 27.2% (323) endorsed patients having unconditional access to their data. In contrast, 89.5% (1062) of participants considered it appropriate to have full access to patient data recorded by colleagues. Doctors were more likely to endorse patients having access to their data than healthcare specialists (OR = 1.79 at facility, OR = 1.77 at location).

Conclusion

The largely negative or lukewarm attitudes toward the state of development of digital health in Bulgaria are likely to result from the high number of failed projects, unmet expectations, misunderstood benefits, and unforeseen challenges. This study provides a much-needed stimulus and baseline for researching the ways in which the digital health landscape in Bulgaria has matured—or not.
People, Planet, and Profits: Comparing Media Treatment of Dubai Sustainable City
Authors: Ayoub Elissa , Freeman Bradley
Published: August 2023

There is a growing acknowledgment by segments of the global population that it is becoming extremely difficult to ignore the negative production externalities of industrial processes. In this regard, the related concept of “sustainability” has been gaining traction, with use of the word rising considerably since the 1990s. The term itself has been defined in many different ways, however, the core components are becoming common knowledge: economic, environmental, and social—informally referred to as profits, planet, and people. As Borden has aptly noted: “Sustainability ideas are growing and maturing at many levels worldwide”. One way that people come to know about sustainable development and its importance is through media coverage of the movement via various projects and initiatives that have been proposed on a theoretical or conceptual basis, as well as those models which have already been concretely realized. One such project established in 2015 is Dubai’s “Sustainable City’, the emirate’s first net-zero energy working model, which received attention in the world press. This paper investigates and compares the coverage that the Sustainable City has received in the global and local media by utilizing a content analysis methodology guided by framing theory. The research joins the discussion on issues regarding how the media discuss aspects of “sustainability” and how it takes hold within a society, whether it be by grassroots or government policy.
The State of Black Sociology: A Critical Reflection of Joyce Ladner’s The Death of white Sociology
Authors: Mitchum Shawntae , Joseph Jalia
Published: August 2023

On the fiftieth anniversary of Joyce Ladner’s The Death of white Sociology, we write this critical reflection to explore the discipline’s historical, often explicit oversight and investment in Whiteness. The historical roots of “mainstream”, white sociology are inundated with pathologization, dehumanization, and exclusion of Black people, the Black community, and Black scholarship. From graduate program training and conferencing to peer-review processes and the academic job market, Black sociologists are expected to center white hegemonic ideals of professionalism and academic rigor. We write this critical reflection exploring the edited volume’s implications for discussing anti-Blackness as well as the methodological and theoretical significance of Black sociology past and present. As Black sociologists and doctoral scholars, this reflection serves as a call to the discipline to grapple with texts such as The Death of white Sociology, the discomfort it may cause, and how the exclusion of such work directly harms the training and careers of Black graduate students.
10 Critical Steps of Hiatal Hernia Repair and Anti-Reflux Surgery: An Expert Consensus and Literature Review
Authors: Tyle Madison , Noom Madison , Bigness Alec , Saad Adham R. , Acho Robert , Diab Abdul , Sujka Joseph , DuCoin Christopher
Published: August 2023

Background:

There is significant variability in the treatment of hiatal hernias, which has led to various perspectives regarding the proper manner of dissection, repair, and reconstruction. We sought to evaluate and analyze expert opinions, survey data, and the literature to define the critical steps in hiatal hernia repair.

Methods:

A focus group ( focus) of expert foregut surgeons defined and agreed upon a sequence of critical steps of a hiatal hernia repair. Using the data from the focus group, an anonymous survey was compiled and distributed to members of the American Foregut Society (AFS). The survey data ( survey) was then compared to the focus for agreement. The compiled focus and survey data was interpreted as expert recommendation ( expert). A literature review ( literature) was then conducted and compared to expert data for agreement and evaluation of discordance. This was used to define the critical steps of hiatal hernia repair.

Results:

Of the 10 identified critical steps, there was agreement on 9 of 10 steps between focus and survey. The 1 step with discordance was supported by the literature.

Conclusions:

Ten critical steps have been identified to help produce a succinct and reproducible approach to hiatal hernia repair. It is believed that adherence to these steps will allow the surgeon to achieve a safe and successful hiatal repair.
Matching-adjusted indirect comparison of the pelabresib-ruxolitinib combination vs JAKi monotherapy in myelofibrosis
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Mascarenhas John , Kremyanskaya Marina , Rampal Raajit K. , Talpaz Moshe , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Verstovsek Srdan , Colak Gozde , Dey Debarshi , Harrison Claire
Published: August 2023

Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) ruxolitinib, fedratinib, and pacritinib are the current standard of care in symptomatic myelofibrosis (MF). However, progressive disease and toxicities frequently lead to JAKi discontinuation. Preclinical data indicate that combining JAK and bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) domain inhibition leads to overlapping effects in MF. Pelabresib (CPI-0610), an oral, small-molecule BET1,2 inhibitor (BETi), in combination with ruxolitinib showed improvements in spleen volume reduction (SVR35) and total symptom score reduction (TSS50) from baseline in the phase 2 MANIFEST study (NCT02158858) in patients with MF. Given the absence of a head-to-head clinical comparison between JAKi monotherapy and JAKi with BETi combination therapy, we performed an unanchored matching-adjusted indirect comparison analysis to adjust for differences between studies and allow for the comparison of SVR35, TSS50, and TSS measured at several timepoints in arm 3 of MANIFEST (pelabresib with ruxolitinib in JAKi treatment–naive patients with MF), with data from the following JAKi monotherapy studies in JAKi treatment–naive patients: COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II (ruxolitinib), SIMPLIFY-1 (ruxolitinib and momelotinib), and JAKARTA (fedratinib). Response rate ratios >1 were observed for pelabresib with ruxolitinib vs all comparators for SVR35 and TSS50 at week 24. Improvements in TSS were observed as early as week 12 and were durable. These results indicate that pelabresib with ruxolitinib may have a potentially higher efficacy than JAKi monotherapy in JAKi treatment–naive MF.
The role of green technology innovation on employment: does industrial structure optimization and air quality matter?
Authors: He Ziwen , Chen Ziyang , Feng Xiao
Published: August 2023

Although green technology innovation is an important means to balance the environment and economy, few studies have analyzed the employment effects of green technology innovation in developing countries. Therefore, this paper employs the panel data of 286 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2017 to empirically test the impact of various green technology innovations on urban employment. Meanwhile, from the perspectives of air quality and industrial structure optimization, the influencing mechanism of green technology innovation on employment is deeply analyzed. The results reveal that all kinds of green technology innovation can significantly increase the employment level of the city, and the promotion effect is strongest in the 2nd year after the patent application. According to the results of heterogeneity analysis, key cities of environmental protection and non-resource cities are more likely to generate positive employment effects through green technology innovation. Finally, the mediation effect test model confirms that green technology innovation can promote employment by improving air quality and causing industrial structure optimization.
The retinoic acid response is a minor component of the cardiac phenotype in H9c2 myoblast differentiation
Authors: Campero-Basaldua Carlos , Herrera-Gamboa Jessica , Bernal-Ramírez Judith , Lopez-Moran Silvia , Luévano-Martínez Luis-Alberto , Alves-Figueiredo Hugo , Guerrero Guillermo , García-Rivas Gerardo , Treviño Víctor
Published: August 2023

The H9c2 myoblast cell line, isolated from the left ventricular tissue of rat, is currently used in vitro as a mimetic for skeletal and cardiac muscle due to its biochemical, morphological, and electrical/hormonal signaling properties. During culture, H9c2 cells acquire a myotube phenotype, where a critical component is the inclusion of retinoic acid (RA). The results from some authors on H9c2 suggested that thousands of genes respond to RA stimuli, while others report hundreds of genes responding to RA over different cell types. In this article, using a more appropriate experimental design, we first confirm the H9c2 cardiac phenotype with and without RA and report transcriptomic and physiological changes regarding calcium handling, bioenergetics, and other biological concepts. Interestingly, of the 2360 genes showing a transcriptional change, 622 genes were statistically associated with the RA response. Of these genes, only 305 were RA-specific, and the rest also showed a culture-time component. Thus, the major expression changes (from 74 to 87%) were indeed due to culture conditions over time. Unexpectedly, only a few components of the retinol pathway in KEGG responded to RA. Our results show the role of RA in the H9c2 cultures impacting the interpretation using H9c2 as an in vitro model.
Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles combined with geraniol and their synergistic antibacterial activity
Authors: Younis Almotasem Bellah , Milosavljevic Vedran , Fialova Tatiana , Smerkova Kristyna , Michalkova Hana , Svec Pavel , Antal Peter , Kopel Pavel , Adam Vojtech , Zurek Ludek , Dolezelikova Kristyna
Published: August 2023

Background

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria has become a global threat, encouraging the adoption of efficient and effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics and promoting their use as replacements. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been reported to exhibit antibacterial properties. In this study, we synthesized and characterized TiO2 NPs in anatase and rutile forms with surface modification by geraniol (GER).

Results

The crystallinity and morphology of modified TiO2 NPs were analyzed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with elemental mapping (EDS). The antimicrobial activity of TiO2 NPs with geraniol was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of modified NPs ranged from 0.25 to 1.0 mg/ml against all bacterial strains, and the live dead assay and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) supported the antibacterial properties of TiO2 NPs with GER. Moreover, TiO2 NPs with GER also showed a significant decrease in the biofilm thickness of MRSA.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that TiO2 NPs with GER offer a promising alternative to antibiotics, particularly for controlling antibiotic-resistant strains. The surface modification of TiO2 NPs by geraniol resulted in enhanced antibacterial properties against multiple bacterial strains, including antibiotic-resistant MRSA. The potential applications of modified TiO2 NPs in the biomedical and environmental fields warrant further investigation.
Beneficial effects of alpha-1 antitrypsin therapy in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer
Authors: Al-Omari Mariam , Al-Omari Tareq , Batainah Nesreen , Al-Qauod Khaled , Olejnicka Beata , Janciauskiene Sabina
Published: August 2023

Background

It is widely accepted that chronic inflammatory bowel diseases significantly higher a risk for colorectal cancer development. Among different types of treatments for patients with colon cancer, novel protein-based therapeutic strategies are considered.

AIM

To explore the effect of human plasma alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein in the chemically induced mouse model of colorectal cancer.

Methods

BALB/c mice with azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), we intraperitoneally treated with commercial preparation of human plasma AAT (4 mg per mouse). Effects of this therapy were evaluated histologically, and by immunohistochemical and gene expression assays.

Results

When compared with non-treated controls, AOM/DSS mice receiving AAT therapy exhibited significantly longer colons, and less anal bleeding. Concurrently, AAT-treated mice had significantly fewer polyps, and lower numbers of large colon tumors. Immunohistochemical examinations of colon tissues showed significantly lower neutrophil counts, more granzyme B-positive but fewer MMP9 (gelatinase B)-positive cancer cells and lower numbers of apoptotic cells in mice receiving AAT therapy. The expression levels of IL4 were significantly higher while TNFA was slightly reduced in tumor tissues of AOM/DSS mice treated with AAT than in AOM/DSS mice.

Conclusion

Human AAT is an acute phase protein with a broad-protease inhibitory and immunomodulatory activities used as a therapeutic for emphysema patients with inherited AAT deficiency. Our results are consistent with previous findings and support an idea that AAT alone and/or in combination with available anti-cancer therapies may represent a new personalized approach for patients with colitis-induced colon cancer.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the United States: time to diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Herberts Michelle B. , Teague Taylor T. , Thao Viengneesee , Sangaralingham Lindsey R. , Henk Henry J. , Hovde Kevin T. , Dempsey Timothy M. , Limper Andrew H.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Create a timeline of diagnosis and treatment for IPF in the US.

Design, setting, and participants

A retrospective analysis was performed in collaboration with the OptumLabs Data Warehouse using an administrative claims database of Medicare Fee for Service beneficiaries. Adults 50 and over with IPF were included (2014 to 2019).

Exposure

To focus on IPF, the following diagnoses were excluded: post-inflammatory fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, and connective tissue disease.

Main outcomes and measures

Data were collected from periods prior, during, and following initial clinical diagnosis of IPF. This included prior respiratory diagnoses, number of respiratory-related hospitalizations, anti-fibrotic and oxygen use, and survival.

Results

A total of 44,891 with IPF were identified. The most common diagnoses prior to diagnosis of IPF were upper respiratory infections (47%), acute bronchitis (13%), other respiratory disease (10%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis (7%), and pneumonia (6%). The average time to a diagnosis of IPF was 2.7 years after initial respiratory diagnosis. Half of patients had two or more respiratory-related hospitalizations prior to IPF diagnosis. Also, 37% of patients were prescribed oxygen prior to diagnosis of IPF. These observations suggest delayed diagnosis. We also observed only 10.4% were treated with anti-fibrotics. Overall survival declined each year after diagnosis with median survival of 2.80 years.

Conclusions and relevance

Our retrospective cohort demonstrates that IPF is often diagnosed late, usually preceded by other respiratory diagnoses and hospitalizations. Use of available therapies is low and outcomes remain poor.
Incidence and risk factors of isolated calf muscular venous thrombosis after tibial plateau fractures surgery
Authors: Peng Jian , Feng Bin , Ren Weizhi , Jiang Shijie , Wu Chenying , Hu Zhenghui , Xu Wei
Published: August 2023

Background

The risks associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) have gained significant recognition over time. A prevalent form of distal DVT is isolated calf muscular venous thrombosis (ICMVT). Despite its common clinical occurrence, data on ICMVT subsequent to tibial plateau fracture (TPF) surgery are scarce. This study aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors (RFs) of ICMVT following TPF surgery.

Methods

For this retrospective analysis, we included patients from our hospital, who underwent TPF surgery between March 2017 and March 2021. Patients’ electronic medical records were reviewed, including admission details, fracture classification, surgical procedures, and laboratory biomarkers. The HSS (The American Hospital for Special Surgery) and Rasmussen scores were employed to evaluate the clinical effect. A Color Duplex Flow Imager (CDFI) was regularly used to detect pre- and postoperative venous thrombosis in the lower limbs. Finally, uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent RFs associated with ICMVT.

Results

Overall, 481 participants were recruited for analysis. Postoperative ICMVT occurred in 47 patients. All ICMVTs occurred on the affected side. Four of the 47 ICMVT patients exhibited sudden postoperative swelling in the affected limb. The HSS and Rasmussen scores in the non-ICMVT cohort (87.6 ± 8.2, 16.0 ± 1.7) were markedly different from the ICMVT cohort (84.8 ± 8.2, 15.5 ± 1.6) (p = 0.014, p = 0.031). This study finally identified five postoperative ICMVT-related RFs, which were age (> 55 years old) (OR 3.06; 95% CI 1.47–6.37; p = 0.003), gender (female) (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.37–5.22; p = 0.004), surgical duration (> 114 min) (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.44–6.85; p = 0.004), elevated white blood cell content (OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.47–5.51; p = 0.002), and hyponatremia (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.04–5.12; p = 0.040).

Conclusion

The epidemiological findings of this study may help predict ICMVT risk after surgery thus facilitating the development of individualized clinical assessments and targeted prevention programs.
Incidence and risk factors of admission deep venous thrombosis in nonagenarians and centenarians with intertrochanteric fracture: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Tao , Yang Shuo , Wang Zhiqian , Guo Junfei , Hou Zhiyong
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for admission deep venous thrombosis (aDVT) and proximal aDVT in nonagenarians and centenarians with intertrochanteric fracture (IF).

Methods

We collected statistics on nonagenarians and centenarians with IF admitting from January 2010 to October 2022. Patients with aDVT were considered as the aDVT group and those without aDVT as the non-aDVT group. Additionally, we also conducted a subgroup analysis based on the location of aDVT to investigate the predictors of proximal aDVT. The demographics, comorbidities and admission laboratory examinations of patients were computed by univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

In our study, the rate of aDVT (109 of 318) was 34.3%, and 5.7% (18 of 318) of patients had proximal aDVT. Logistic regression analysis showed that female patients and a high level of D-dimer were risk factors for aDVT. Similarly, hypoproteinemia and a high level of D-dimer were found to be risk factors for proximal aDVT. ROC curve analysis indicated the cut-off values of D-dimer to predict the aDVT and proximal aDVT were 1.28 mg/L and 1.485 mg/L, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings investigated the risk factors of aDVT and proximal aDVT in nonagenarians and centenarians with IF and identified the cut-off values of D-dimer, helping us assess the risk of aDVT and proximal aDVT to manage early targeted interventions.

Level of evidence III.
Update on histone deacetylase inhibitors in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)
Authors: Lu Guang , Jin Shikai , Lin Suwen , Gong Yuping , Zhang Liwen , Yang Jingwen , Mou Weiwei , Du Jun
Published: August 2023

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a group of highly aggressive malignancies with generally poor prognoses, and the first-line chemotherapy of PTCL has limited efficacy. Currently, several novel targeted agents, including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), have been investigated to improve the therapeutic outcome of PTCLs. Several HDACis, such as romidepsin, belinostat, and chidamide, have demonstrated favorable clinical efficacy and safety in PTCLs. More novel HDACis and new combination therapies are undergoing preclinical or clinical trials. Mutation analysis based on next-generation sequencing may advance our understanding of the correlation between epigenetic mutation profiles and relevant targeted therapies. Multitargeted HDACis and HDACi-based prodrugs hold promising futures and offer further directions for drug design.
DNA hypermethylation driven by DNMT1 and DNMT3A favors tumor immune escape contributing to the aggressiveness of adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Kerdivel Gwenneg , Amrouche Floriane , Calmejane Marie-Ange , Carallis Floriane , Hamroune Juliette , Hantel Constanze , Bertherat Jérôme , Assié Guillaume , Boeva Valentina
Published: August 2023

Background

Adrenocortical carcinoma is rare and aggressive endocrine cancer of the adrenal gland. Within adrenocortical carcinoma, a recently described subtype characterized by a CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) has been associated with an especially poor prognosis. However, the drivers of CIMP remain unknown. Furthermore, the functional relation between CIMP and poor clinical outcomes of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma stays elusive.

Results

Here, we show that CIMP in adrenocortical carcinoma is linked to the increased expression of DNA methyltransferases DNMT1 and DNMT3A driven by a gain of gene copy number and cell hyperproliferation. Importantly, we demonstrate that CIMP contributes to tumor aggressiveness by favoring tumor immune escape. This effect could be at least partially reversed by treatment with the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine.

Conclusions

In sum, our findings suggest that co-treatment with demethylating agents might enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy and could represent a novel therapeutic approach for patients with high CIMP adrenocortical carcinoma.