bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological changes of Intervertebral Disc detectable by T2-weighted MRI and its correlation with curve severity in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Yeung Kwong Hang , Man Gene Chi Wai , Deng Min , Lam Tsz Ping , Cheng Jack Chun Yiu , Chan Ka Chi , Chu Winnie Chiu Wing
Published: July 2022

Background

Our previous studies found disproportionate anteroposterior vertebral size is associated with severity of the scoliotic curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Subsequent studies showed wedging of vertebral bodies (VB) had less contribution than intervertebral discs (IVD) to the anterior–posterior vertebral column length discrepancy in severe-AIS. However, the exact morphological changes of IVD were not clearly defined. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and pathological changes of IVD and VB in AIS girls and healthy female controls.

Methods

This study included 33 age-matched female controls and 76 AIS girls with a right-sided thoracic curvature. Wedge angle, height ratio and distance ratio of VB and IVD were measured on the best midline coronal and sagittal planes from reformatted MRI spine. Volumes of VB, IVD and nucleus pulposus (NP) were also evaluated on volumetric images. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction and Pearson correlation tests were used.

Results

There was significant difference in wedge angle and height ratio of VB and IVD between AIS and controls. In severe-AIS, the position of NP was significantly shifted to the convexity when compared with non-severe AIS and controls. Whereas, the volume of IVD and NP in severe-AIS was found to be significantly smaller. In addition, Cobb angle was significantly correlated with wedge angle and height ratio, and inversely correlated with the volume of NP.

Conclusions

In addition to wedging of VB and IVD, there was significantly reduced volume of IVD and NP in AIS patients with severe curve, insinuating the mechanical effect of scoliosis leads to a compression on both IVD and NP before significant disc desiccation occurs. We postulate that the compression of IVD and NP can contribute to curve progression in severe-AIS, these patients are more prone to disc degeneration in adulthood if no operative treatment is offered. Further longitudinal study on these parameters is still warranted.
Hydroalcoholic extract of Haematoxylum brasiletto protects Caenorhabditis elegans from cadmium-induced toxicity
Authors: Duran-Izquierdo Margareth , Taboada-Alquerque María , Sierra-Marquez Lucellys , Alvarez-Ortega Neda , Stashenko Elena , Olivero-Verbel Jesus
Published: July 2022

Background

H. brasiletto is used in popular culture due to its therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties, although little is known about its role as a protector against metal toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract from H. brasiletto (HAE-Hbrasiletto) collected in northern Colombia to defend against cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity.

Methods

Phytochemical characterization was performed using HPLC-ESI-QTOF. Caenorhabditis elegans was employed to assess the shielding effect of HAE-Hbrasiletto against Cd toxicity in vivo, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was utilized to measure radical scavenging activity.

Results

The main secondary metabolites identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF in the extracts were hematoxylins (brazilein and hematein) and protosappanins (protosappanin A, B and C, 10-O-methylprotosappanin B, and protosappanin A dimethyl acetal). The HAE-Hbrasiletto elicited low lethality in N2 worms and significantly reduced the Cd-induced death of the nematodes. It also improved Cd-induced motility inhibition, as well as body length and reproduction reduction provoked by the heavy metal. The extract displayed a good capacity to halt Cd-induced DAF-16 translocation. As this last process was associated with lethality (r = 0.962, p < 0.01), the antioxidant properties of the extract may contribute to ameliorating tissue damage induced by oxidative stress from Cd exposure.

Conclusion

HAE-Hbrasiletto has remarkable properties to protect against Cd-induced toxicity.
Design, development, and evaluation of a surveillance system for suicidal behaviors in Iran
Authors: Shafiee Mohsen , Mahboubi Mohammad , Shanbehzadeh Mostafa , Kazemi-Arpanahi Hadi
Published: July 2022

Background

Suicide is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in Iran and worldwide. Although several organizations gather information on suicide and suicide attempts, there is substantial misperception regarding the description of the phenomenon. This study proposes the minimum data set (MDS) for suicidal behaviors surveillance.

Methods

A literature review was first conducted to achieve a thorough overview of suicide-related items and map the existing evidence supporting the development of the MDS. The data items included in the literature review were then analyzed using a two-round Delphi technique with content validation by an expert panel. The suicidal behaviors surveillance system was then established based on the confirmed MDS, and ultimately, its performance was assessed by involving the end-users.

Results

The panel of experts consisted of 50 experts who participated in the Delphi phase and validity content review. Of these, 46% were men, and their mean age and average work experience were (36.4, SD ± 6.4) and (12.32, SD ± 5.2) years, respectively. The final MDS platform of our study contained 108 items classified into eight main categories. A web-based system with a modular and layered architecture was developed based on the derived MDS.

Conclusion

The developed system provides a framework for recording suicidal behaviors' data. The integration of multiple suicide-related information systems at the regional and national levels makes it possible to assess the long-term outcomes and evolutions of suicide prevention interventions.
How responding in Spanish affects CAHPS results
Authors: Fowler Floyd J. , Brenner Philip S. , Cosenza Carol , Cleary Paul D.
Published: July 2022

Background

The most widely used surveys for assessing patient health care experiences in the U.S. are the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys. Studies examining the associations of language and ethnicity with responses to CAHPS surveys have yielded inconsistent findings. More research is needed to assess the effect of responding to CAHPS surveys in Spanish.

Methods

Subjects were patients who had received care at a study community health center in Connecticut within 6 or 12 months of being sent a CAHPS survey that asks about care experiences. The survey included four multi-item measures of care plus an overall rating of the provider. Sampled patients were mailed dual language (English and Spanish) cover letters and questionnaires. Those who did not respond after follow-up mailings were contacted by bilingual interviewers to complete the survey by telephone.

We tested three hypotheses for any observed differences by ethnicity and language:

1. Spanish speakers are more likely than others to choose extreme response options.

2. The semantic meaning of the Spanish translation is not the same as the English version of the questions, resulting in Spanish speakers giving different answers because of meaning differences.

3. Spanish speakers have different expectations regarding their health care than those who answer in English.

Analyses compared the answers on the survey measures for three groups: non-Hispanics answering in English, Hispanics answering in English, and Hispanics answering in Spanish.

Results

The overall response rate was 45%. After adjusting for differences in demographic characteristics and self-rated health, those answering in Spanish gave significantly more positive reports than the other two groups on three of the five measures, and higher than the non-Hispanic respondents on a fourth.

Conclusions

Those answering in Spanish gave more positive reports of their medical experiences than Hispanics and non-Hispanics answering in English. Whether these results reflect different response tendencies, different standards for care, or better care experiences is a key issue in whether CAHPS responses in Spanish need adjustment to make them comparable to responses in English.
“It wasn’t here, and now it is. It’s everywhere": fentanyl’s rising presence in Oregon’s drug supply
Authors: Shin Sarah S. , LaForge Kate , Stack Erin , Pope Justine , Leichtling Gillian , Larsen Jessica E. , Leahy Judith M. , Seaman Andrew , Hoover Daniel , Chisholm Laura , Blazes Christopher , Baker Robin , Byers Mikaela , Branson Katie , Korthuis P. Todd
Published: July 2022

Background

Illicit fentanyl has contributed to a drastic increase in overdose drug deaths. While fentanyl has subsumed the drug supply in the Northeastern and Midwestern USA, it has more recently reached the Western USA. For this study, we explored perspectives of people who use drugs (PWUD) on the changing drug supply in Oregon, experiences of and response to fentanyl-involved overdose, and recommendations from PWUD to reduce overdose risk within the context of illicit fentanyl’s dramatic increase in the recreational drug supply over the past decade.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews by phone with 34 PWUD in Oregon from May to June of 2021. We used thematic analysis to analyze transcripts and construct themes.

Results

PWUD knew about fentanyl, expressed concern about fentanyl pills, and were aware of other illicit drugs containing fentanyl. Participants were aware of the increased risk of an overdose but remained reluctant to engage with professional first responders due to fear of arrest. Participants had recommendations for reducing fentanyl overdose risk, including increasing access to information, harm reduction supplies (e.g., naloxone, fentanyl test strips), and medications for opioid use disorder; establishing drug checking services and overdose prevention sites; legalizing and regulating the drug supply; and reducing stigma enacted by healthcare providers.

Conclusion

PWUD in Oregon are aware of the rise of fentanyl and fentanyl pills and desire access to tools to reduce harm from fentanyl. As states in the Western USA face an inflection point of fentanyl in the drug supply, public health staff, behavioral health providers, and first responders can take action identified by the needs of PWUD.
Cross-sectional associations between mental health indicators and social vulnerability, with physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep in urban African young women
Authors: Draper Catherine E. , Cook Caylee J. , Redinger Stephanie , Rochat Tamsen , Prioreschi Alessandra , Rae Dale E. , Ware Lisa J. , Lye Stephen J. , Norris Shane A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Relationships between mental health and multiple health behaviours have not been explored in young South African women experiencing social constraints. The aim of this study was to identify associations between mental health indicators and risk factors with physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep, amongst young women living in Soweto, a predominantly low-income, urban South African setting.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, baseline measurements for participants (n = 1719, 18.0–25.9 years old) recruited for the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative were used including: physical activity, sedentary behaviour (sitting, screen and television time), sleep (duration and quality), depression and anxiety indicators, emotional health, adverse childhood experiences, alcohol-use risk; social vulnerability, self-efficacy, and social support.

Results

Multiple regression analyses showed that depression (β = 0.161, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = 0.126, p = 0.001), adverse childhood experiences (β = 0.076, p = 0.014), and alcohol-use risk (β = 0.089, p = 0.002) were associated with poor quality sleep. Alcohol-use risk was associated with more screen time (β = 0.105, p < 0.001) and television time (β = 0.075, p < 0.016). Social vulnerability was associated with lower sitting time (β = − 0.187, p < 0001) and screen time (β = − 0.014, p < 0.001). Higher self-efficacy was associated with more moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (β = 0.07, p = 0.036), better-quality sleep (β = − 0.069, p = 0.020) and less television time (β = − 0.079, p = 0.012). Having no family support was associated with more sitting time (β = 0.075, p = 0.022). Binomial logistic regression analyses supported these findings regarding sleep quality, with anxiety and depression risk doubling the risk of poor-quality sleep (OR = 2.425, p < 0.001, OR = 2.036, p = 0.003 respectively).

Conclusions

These findings contribute to our understanding of how mental health indicators and risk factors can be barriers to health behaviours of young women in Soweto, and that self-efficacy and social support can be protective for certain of these behaviours for these women. Our results highlight the uniqueness of this setting regarding associations between mental health and behaviours associated with non-communicable diseases risk.
Dynamic versus static medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction technique in the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation: a randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Bartsch Anna , Nüesch Corina , Rieger Bertram , Mündermann Annegret , Egloff Christian
Published: July 2022

Background

The redislocation rate of conservatively treated patella instability is high. One of the leading surgical strategies is medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Over-tensioning is one of the most challenging complications in static medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction as the graft used for reconstruction is isometric and the anatomical MPFL is a mostly dynamic structure. As an alternative to established static reconstruction techniques, dynamic graft techniques have been introduced for stabilizing the patella with the aim of providing a more physiological reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament. To date, data on clinical outcomes are scarce and on biomechanical outcomes of the dynamic MPFL reconstruction are lacking. Here, we present the protocol of a randomized clinical trial for comparing clinical and biomechanical outcomes of dynamic versus static medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.

Methods

This study is a prospective, single blinded, randomized, multicenter, multimodal (clinical and biomechanical) clinical trial. Patients with recurrent patella dislocation requiring isolated MPFL reconstruction will be recruited and randomized to the dynamic or static reconstruction technique. Participants will be followed up for 2 years with a total of five follow-ups. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, upright radiographs, surgical reports and patient records will be evaluated, and clinical and functional outcomes will be measured. Patient-reported knee function and anterior knee pain as assessed with the Kujala score will serve as primary outcome. For biomechanical outcome, pre- and postoperative evaluations will be performed to assess isokinetic muscle strength, gait asymmetry, joint kinematics and kinetics, and timing of muscle activity.

Discussion

The results of the study will clarify whether the reported surgery success for patella stabilization via dynamic MPFL reconstruction is due to muscle contraction or to the passive tenodesis effect combined with clinical outcome measures. With this study, we will provide much needed information on knee biomechanics after dynamic versus static MPFL reconstruction to provide evidence to support orthopedic surgeons in evidence-based decision-making in their quest for surgical techniques most favorable for their patients.

Trial registrationThe study protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04849130). Registered 19 April 2021,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04849130.
Using participatory action research to pilot a model of service user and caregiver involvement in mental health system strengthening in Ethiopian primary healthcare: a case study
Authors: Abayneh Sisay , Lempp Heidi , Kohrt Brandon A. , Alem Atalay , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: July 2022

Background

Little is known about actual involvement or how to achieve service user and caregiver in mental health systems strengthening in low-and middle-income countries. This study describes the processes and explores involvement experiences of participants in a pilot study of a new model of service user involvement in mental health system strengthening in a rural district in southern Ethiopia.

Methods

We applied a case study design using participatory action research (PAR). The PAR process comprised of three stages, each with iterative activities of plan, act, observe and reflect. Two stakeholder groups, a Research Advisory Group (RAG) and Research Participant Group (RPG), were established and collaborated in the PAR process. Data collection involved process documentation of meetings and activities: attendances, workshop minutes, discussion outputs, reflective notes, participatory observation of sessions, and in-depth interviews with 12 RPG members. We analyzed the process data descriptively. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Triangulation and synthesis of findings was carried out to develop the case study.

Results

The stakeholder groups identified their top research priorities, developed an intervention and action plan and made a public presentation of preliminary findings. Key mechanisms used for inclusive participation included capacity building and bringing together diverse stakeholders, anchoring the study in established strong community involvement structures, and making use of participatory strategies and activities during the PAR process. Four themes were developed about experiences of involvement in PAR: (i) expectations and motivation, (ii) experiences of the dynamics of the PAR process, (iii) perceived impacts of involvement in the PAR process, and (iv) implementation challenges and future directions.

Conclusions

This case study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a complex model of service-user involvement in mental health system strengthening in a resource constrained setting. More needs to be done to embed service-user involvement into routines of the primary healthcare system, alongside sustained support and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration at multiple levels.
A clinician perspective on the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase
Authors: García-Gutiérrez Valentin , Breccia Massimo , Jabbour Elias , Mauro Michael , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: July 2022

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have vastly improved long-term outcomes for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). After imatinib (a first-generation TKI), second- and third-generation TKIs were developed. With five TKIs (imatinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, nilotinib, and ponatinib) targeting BCR::ABL approved in most countries, and with the recent approval of asciminib in the USA, treatment decisions are complex and require assessment of patient-specific factors. Optimal treatment strategies for CML continue to evolve, with an increased focus on achieving deep molecular responses. Using clinically relevant case studies developed by the authors of this review, we discuss three major scenarios from the perspective of international experts. Firstly, this review explores patient-specific characteristics that affect decision-making between first- and second-generation TKIs upon initial diagnosis of CML, including patient comorbidities. Secondly, a thorough assessment of therapeutic options in the event of first-line treatment failure (as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European LeukemiaNet guidelines) is discussed along with real-world considerations for monitoring optimal responses to TKI therapy. Thirdly, this review illustrates the considerations and importance of achieving treatment-free remission as a treatment goal. Due to the timing of the writing, this review addresses global challenges commonly faced by hematologists treating patients with CML during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, as new treatment approaches continue to be explored in CML, this review also discusses the advent of newer therapies such as asciminib. This article may be a useful reference for physicians treating patients with CML with second-generation TKIs and, as it is focused on the physicians’ international and personal experiences, may give insight into alternative approaches not previously considered.
First national-scale evaluation of temephos resistance in Aedes aegypti in Peru
Authors: Palomino Miriam , Pinto Jesus , Yañez Pamela , Cornelio Anali , Dias Luciana , Amorim Quesia , Martins Ademir Jesus , Lenhart Audrey , Lima Jose Bento Pereira
Published: July 2022

Background

The development of resistance against insecticides inAedes aegyptican lead to operational failures in control programs. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal trends of this resistance is needed to drive effective monitoring campaigns, which in turn provide data on which vector control decision-making should be based.

Methods

Third-stage larvae (L3) from the F1 and F2 generations of 39 Peruvian field populations ofAe. aegyptimosquitoes from established laboratory colonies were evaluated for resistance against the organophosphate insecticide temephos. The 39 populations were originally established from eggs collected in the field with ovitraps in eight departments of Peru during 2018 and 2019. Dose–response bioassays, at 11 concentrations of the insecticide, were performed following WHO recommendations.

Results

Of the 39 field populations ofAe. aegyptitested for resistance to temephos , 11 showed high levels of resistance (resistance ratio [RR] > 10), 16 showed moderate levels of resistance (defined as RR values between 5 and 10) and only 12 were susceptible (RR < 5). The results segregated the study populations into two geographic groups. Most of the populations in the first geographic group, the coastal region, were resistant to temephos, with three populations (AG, CR and LO) showing RR values > 20 (AG 21.5, CR 23.1, LO 39.4). The populations in the second geographic group, the Amazon jungle and the high jungle, showed moderate levels of resistance, with values ranging between 5.1 (JN) and 7.1 (PU). The exception in this geographic group was the population from PM, which showed a RR value of 28.8 to this insecticide.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate thatAe. aegyptipopulations in Peru present different resistance intensities to temephos, 3 years after temephos use was discontinued. Resistance to this larvicide should continue to be monitored because it is possible that resistance to temephos could decrease in the absence of routine selection pressures.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical encounter with three cancer patients affected by groundwater contamination at Camp Lejeune: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Jung Kyungsuk , Khan Aziz , Mocharnuk Robert , Olivo-Marston Susan , McDaniel Justin T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Advanced understanding of tumor biology has recently revealed the complexity of cancer genetics, intra/inter-tumor heterogeneity, and diverse mechanisms of resistance to cancer treatment. In turn, there has been a growing interest in cancer prevention and minimizing exposure to potential environmental carcinogens that surround us. In the 1980s, several chemical carcinogens, including perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and benzene, were detected in water systems supplying Camp Lejeune, a US Marine Corps Base Camp located in North Carolina.

Case presentation

This article presents three cases of cancer patients who have lived at Camp Lejeune, and, decades later, came to our clinic located 1000 miles from the original exposure site. The first patient is a young Caucasian man who was diagnosed with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 37, and the second patient is a Caucasian man who had multiple types of cancer in the prostate, lung, and colon as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia in his 60s and 70s. The third patient is another Caucasian man who had recurrent skin cancers of different histology, namely basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma, from his 50s to 70s.

Conclusions

The US Congress passed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act in 2012, which covers appropriate medical care for the people affected by the contamination. We hope that this article raises awareness about the history of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination among cancer care providers, so the affected patients can receive appropriate medical coverage and cancer screening across the country.
Orlistat, a competitive lipase inhibitor used as an antiobesity remedy, enhances inflammatory reactions in the intestine
Authors: Katimbwa Dorsilla Anono , Oh Jisun , Jang Chan Ho , Lim Jinkyu
Published: July 2022

Alterations in secondary gut metabolites derived from the microbial fermentation of food in the gut have significant effects on various aspects of host physiology. Our recent studies on obese mice treated with Orlistat, an antiobesity treatment, revealed a significantly altered gut microbial profile marked by an over-abundance of Proteobacteria and alterations in secondary gut metabolites. In this study, we determined effect of fecal metabolites from high-fat diet fed mice treated with Orlistat (HFDOrl) on colonic epithelial cells in relation to inflammation, barrier function, mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and oxidative stress. Quantitative PCR was used to measure intestinal mRNA expression of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and gut barrier function genes in mice on a high fat diet with and without Orlistat treatment versus those fed a low-fat diet (HFDOrl, HFD, Normal diet-fed [ND] respectively). Alterations to antioxidant function in HCT-116-ARE-luciferase stable cell line and mitochondrial function in Caco-2 cells was analyzed under oxidative stress with exposure to aqueous fecal extracts from HFDOrl, HFD, and ND groups. The results of this study indicate that a significant increase in anti-oxidative response was observed based on the luciferase activity of HCT-116-ARE-luciferase stable cells. Increased maximal respiration and mitochondrial ROS under oxidative stress was also detected in confluent Caco-2 cells resulting from exposure to fecal extracts from the HFDOrl group compared with the HFD group and pure Orlistat. Furthermore, mice from the HFDOrl group exhibited a significant increase in colonic epithelial expression of oxidative markers (Nrf-2 and SOD-2), inflammation-related markers (IL-6 and TNF-α), and gut barrier function markers (Muc-2 and Occludin). Taken together, the results suggest that Orlistat treatment in the HFD group causes changes in secondary gut metabolites which affect the colonic redox state and may eventually lead to the development of inflammatory, oxidative, and mitochondrial dysfunction at the cellular level.
EXTL3 could serve as a potential biomarker of prognosis and immunotherapy for prostate cancer and its potential mechanisms
Authors: Chang Pingan , Chen Shenglan , Chang Xiumei , Zhu Jiaxi , Tang Qingsheng , Ma Limin
Published: July 2022

Background

Exostosin like glycosyltransferase 3 (EXTL3) had been reported to be associated with immune deficiency and play prognostic roles in various cancers. However, little is known about the associations between EXTL3 and prostate cancer (PCa). Hence, this article was designed to clarify their associations.

Methods

All original data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and CellMiner database was utilized, respectively, to identify EXTL3-related signaling pathways and drugs. We explored the relationships between EXTL3 expression and immunity to further evaluate the involvement of EXTL3 in response to immunotherapies. LncRNA/RBP/EXTL3 mRNA networks were also identified for its potential mechanism.

Results

Compared with normal prostate samples, EXTL3 was poorly expressed in PCa samples not only in mRNA expression levels, but also in protein expression levels, with worse overall survival (P < 0.05) and this gene could be an independent prognostic biomarker for PCa (both P < 0.05). EXTL3 was revealed to be markedly linked with seven signaling pathways in PCa by GSEA, including calcium, chemokine, ERBB, JAK STAT, MAPK, WNT, oxidative phosphorylation pathways. EXTL3 expression was also revealed to be significantly associated with MSI, immune cells, immune checkpoint molecules, tumor microenvironment and immune cells infiltration. We further predicted immune responses of EXTL3 gene to immunotherapies by TIDE database and the IMvigor210 cohort. A total of six LncRNA/RBP/EXTL3 mRNA networks were eventually identified for its potential mechanisms.

Conclusions

EXTL3 could serve as a potential biomarker of prognosis and immunotherapy for PCa and six LncRNA/RBP/EXTL3 mRNA networks were also identified for its potential mechanisms.
A plant-based diet supplemented with Hermetia illucens alone or in combination with poultry by-product meal: one step closer to sustainable aquafeeds for European seabass
Authors: Pleić Ivana Lepen , Bušelić Ivana , Messina Maria , Hrabar Jerko , Žuvić Luka , Talijančić Igor , Žužul Iva , Pavelin Tina , Anđelić Ivana , Pleadin Jelka , Puizina Jasna , Grubišić Leon , Tibaldi Emilio , Šegvić-Bubić Tanja
Published: July 2022

Background

Increasing demand for high-value fish species and pressure on forage fish is challenging aquaculture to ensure sustainable growth by replacing protein sources in aquafeeds with plant and terrestrial animal proteins, without compromising the economic value and quality of the final fish product. In the present study, the effects of a plant protein-based diet (CV), two plant-based diets in which graded amounts of plan protein mixtures were replaced with Hermetia illucens meal alone (VH10) or in combination with poultry by-product meal (PBM) (VH10P30), a fishmeal (FM) diet (CF) and an FM diet supplemented with H. illucens (FH10) on growth performance, gut health and homeostasis of farmed subadult European seabass were tested and compared.

Results

Fish fed the VH10 and VH10P30 diets showed the highest specific growth rates and lowest feed conversion ratios among the tested groups. Expectedly, the best preservation of PI morphology was observed in fish fed the CF or FH10 diets, while fish fed the CV diet exhibited significant degenerative changes in the proximal and distal intestines. However, PBM supplementation mitigated these effects and significantly improved all gut morphometric parameters in the VH10P30 group. Partial substitution of the plant mixture with insect meal alone or PBM also induced most BBM genes and activated BBM enzymes, suggesting a beneficial effect on intestinal digestive/absorption functions. Regarding intestinal microbiota, fish fed diets containing H. illucens meal (FH10, VH10, VH10P30) had the highest richness of bacterial communities and abundance of beneficial genera such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus. On the other hand, fish fed CV had the highest microbial diversity but lost a significant component of fish intestinal microbiota, the phylum Bacteroidetes. Finally, skin pigmentation most similar to that of farmed or even wild seabass was also observed in the fish groups fed CF, FH10 or VH10P30.

Conclusion

Plant-based diets supplemented with PBM and H. illucens pupae meal have great potential as alternative diets for European seabass, without affecting growth performance, gut homeostasis, or overall fitness. This also highlights the importance of animal proteins in diets of European seabass, as the addition of a small amount of these alternative animal protein sources significantly improved all measured parameters.
Light/dark phase influences intra-individual plasticity in maintenance metabolic rate and exploratory behavior independently in the Asiatic toad
Authors: Tan Song , Li Juan , Yang Qiao , Fu Jinzhong , Chen Jingfeng
Published: July 2022

Background

It is well-known that light/dark phase can affect energy expenditure and behaviors of most organisms; however, its influences on individuality (inter-individual variance) and plasticity (intra-individual variance), as well as their associations remain unclear. To approach this question, we repeatedly measured maintenance metabolic rate (MR), exploratory and risk-taking behaviors across light/dark phase four times using wild-caught female Asiatic toads (Bufo gargarizans), and partitioned their variance components with univariate and bivariate mixed-effects models.

Results

The group means of maintenance MR and risk-taking behavior increased at night, while the group mean of exploratory behavior remained constant throughout the day. At night, the intra-individual variances were elevated in maintenance MR but reduced in exploration, suggesting that phenotypic plasticity was enhanced in the former but constrained in the latter. In addition, maintenance MR was not coupled with exploratory or risk-taking behaviors in daytime or at night, neither at the inter-individual nor intra-individual levels.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that these traits are independently modulated by the light/dark phase, and an allocation energy management model may be applicable in this species. This study sheds new insights into how amphibians adapt nocturnal lifestyle across multiple hierarchy levels via metabolic and behavioral adjustments.
Association between serum calcium and biochemical parameters among nephrotic syndrome patients: a case-control study
Authors: Thakor Jinal M. , Mistry Kinnari N. , Gang Sishir
Published: July 2022

Background

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and edema. The annual incidence of nephrotic syndrome is 2–7 cases/100,000 children.

Methods and results

The present study included 32 control, 32 steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome cases, and 32 steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome cases aged ≤ 17 years. Serum samples were handled to check serum albumin, creatinine, calcium, and total cholesterol in SSNS and SRNS. Pearson’s correlation test was performed to investigate the relationship between the parameters. The independent sample t-test was done to compare the mean differences between two parameters by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). We found a significant positive correlation in SSNS in serum albumin, creatinine, calcium, and total cholesterol. In SRNS, we did not find a correlation between serum calcium and total cholesterol.

Conclusions

The combination of serum albumin, creatinine, and total cholesterol with serum calcium improves the diagnostic sensitivity of SSNS and SRNS. Thus, serum calcium may be used as an equivalent marker in the early diagnosis and treatment of nephrotic syndrome in children.
Eprenetapopt Plus Azacitidine After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for TP53-Mutant Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Mishra Asmita , Tamari Roni , DeZern Amy E. , Byrne Michael T. , Gooptu Mahasweta , Chen Yi-Bin , Deeg H. Joachim , Sallman David , Gallacher Phillip , Wennborg Anders , Hickman Denice K. , Attar Eyal C. , Fernandez Hugo F.
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE

Outcomes are poor in TP53-mutant (m TP53) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), even after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HCT). Eprenetapopt (APR-246) is a first-in-class, small-molecule p53 reactivator.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a phase II, multicenter, open-label trial to assess efficacy and safety of eprenetapopt combined with azacitidine as maintenance therapy after HCT (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03931291 ). Patients with m TP53 MDS or AML received up to 12 cycles of eprenetapopt 3.7 g once daily intravenously on days 1-4 and azacitidine 36 mg/m2 once daily intravenously/subcutaneously on days 1-5 in 28-day cycles. The primary outcomes were relapse-free survival (RFS) and safety.

RESULTS

Of the 84 patients screened for eligibility before HCT, 55 received a transplant. Thirty-three patients ultimately received maintenance treatment (14 AML and 19 MDS); the median age was 65 (range, 40-74) years. The median number of eprenetapopt cycles was 7 (range, 1-12). With a median follow-up of 14.5 months, the median RFS was 12.5 months (95% CI, 9.6 to not estimable) and the 1-year RFS probability was 59.9% (95% CI, 41 to 74). With a median follow-up of 17.0 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 20.6 months (95% CI, 14.2 to not estimable) and the 1-year OS probability was 78.8% (95% CI, 60.6 to 89.3). Thirty-day and 60-day mortalities from the first dose were 0% and 6% (n = 2), respectively. Acute and chronic (all grade) graft-versus-host disease adverse events were reported in 12% (n = 4) and 33% (n = 11) of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In patients with m TP53 AML and MDS, post-HCT maintenance therapy with eprenetapopt combined with azacitidine was well tolerated. RFS and OS outcomes were encouraging in this high-risk population.
Therapy for Stage IV Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline
Authors: Singh Navneet , Temin Sarah , Baker Sherman , Blanchard Elizabeth , Brahmer Julie R. , Celano Paul , Duma Narjust , Ellis Peter M. , Elkins Ivy B. , Haddad Rami Y. , Hesketh Paul J. , Jain Dharamvir , Johnson David H. , Leighl Natasha B. , Mamdani Hirva , Masters Gregory , Moffitt Pamela R. , Phillips Tanyanika , Riely Gregory J. , Robinson Andrew G. , Rosell Rafael , Schiller Joan H. , Schneider Bryan J. , Spigel David R. , Jaiyesimi Ishmael A.
Published: July 2022

Living guidelines are routinely updated guidelines that are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in clinical practice. These guidelines are updated on a regular schedule, based on the work of a standing panel that reviews the literature on a continuous basis. Updates will be made regularly and can be found at https://ascopubs.org/nsclc-non-da-living-guideline .

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations updating the 2020 ASCO and Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) guideline on systemic therapy for patients with stage IV non–small-cell lung cancer without driver alterations.

METHODS

ASCO updated recommendations on the basis of an ongoing systematic review of randomized clinical trials from 2018 to 2021.

RESULTS

This guideline update reflects changes in evidence since the previous update. Five randomized clinical trials provide the evidence base. Outcomes of interest include efficacy and safety.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In addition to 2020 options for patients with high programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression (tumor proportion score [TPS] ≥ 50%), nonsquamous cell carcinoma (non-SCC), and performance status (PS) 0-1, clinicians may offer single-agent atezolizumab. With high PD-L1 expression (TPS ≥ 50%), non-SCC, and PS 0-1, clinicians may offer nivolumab and ipilumumab alone or nivolumab and ipilimumab plus chemotherapy. With negative (0%) and low positive PD-L1 expression (TPS 1%-49%), non-SCC, and PS 0-1, clinicians may offer nivolumab and ipilimumab alone or nivolumab and ipilimumab plus chemotherapy. With high PD-L1 expression, SCC, and PS 0-1, clinicians may offer single-agent atezolizumab. With high PD-L1 expression, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and PS 0-1, clinicians may offer nivolumab and ipilimumab alone or in combination with two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. With negative and low positive PD-L1 expression, SCC, and PS 0-1, clinicians may offer nivolumab and ipilimumab alone or in combination with two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. With non-SCC who received an immune checkpoint inhibitor and chemotherapy as first-line therapy, clinicians may offer second-line paclitaxel plus bevacizumab. With non-SCC, who received chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, clinicians should offer the options of third-line single-agent pemetrexed, docetaxel, or paclitaxel plus bevacizumab. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/thoracic-cancer-guidelines .
Embedding procedure and wormhole solutions in f(Q) gravity
Authors: Hassan Zinnat , Mustafa G. , Santos Joao R. L. , Sahoo P. K.
Published: July 2022

An intriguing solution that appears in General Relativity (GR) but has not been observed so far is the wormhole. This exotic solution describes a topological bridge connecting two distinct universes or two different points in the same universe. It is known that the traversable wormhole solutions violate all the energy conditions in GR, resulting in their instability. In this work, we are going to unveil new wormhole solutions for f(Q) gravity where Q is the nonmetricity scalar, which is responsible for the gravitational interaction. The energy conditions to constraint these wormhole solutions were derived using the embedding procedure. This procedure consists in rewriting the density and the pressures of the solutions as those presented by General Relativity. Then, the nontrivial contributions coming from new theories of gravity are embedded into the effective equations for density and pressures. Along with our approach, we carefully analyze two families of f(Q) models and we use two different shape functions to build the wormholes solutions for each of these f(Q) models. We are going to present new scenarios with the possibility of traversable wormholes satisfying SEC or DEC energy conditions in the presence of exotic matter.
Where Did John von Neumann's Mathematical Economics Come From?
Authors: Carvajalino Juan
Published: July 2022

This article shows, based on archival material, where and how von Neumann's mathematical economics evolved from the realization around 1932 that there existed a formal analogy between economics and games to the conviction in 1940 that the analogy between homo economicus and homo ludens was more than a formal one. It also shows that von Neumann's application of games to economics echoed in nontrivial ways scholarly discussions of a seminar organized in Fuld Hall at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton by von Neumann's historian colleague Edward Mead Earle. In the Earle seminar, an international community of historians and political and social scientists concerned with stability, strategy, and security issues investigated war as a social phenomenon from the perspectives of international relations and military history. In some of their discussions, homo ludens might have appeared as a category that should be taken more seriously in social theory. This article argues that the Earle seminar discussions likely helped convince von Neumann in 1940 that the analogy between economics and games that he had found in 1932 was meaningful in a scholarly way to history, political science, and social science. By putting the von Neumann–Earle seminar connection in the backdrop of Theory of Games and Economic Behavior, this article briefly bridges some interwar, World War II, and Cold War developments related to von Neumann's influence in economics and social science.
Adam Smith, Adam Ferguson, and the Reconceptualization of Philosophy in Eighteenth-Century Scotland
Authors: Smith Craig
Published: July 2022

One of the most powerful themes in the contemporary revisionist literature on the Scottish Enlightenment is the desire to understand the disciplinary context within which political economy began to develop. Central to this is the observation that Adam Smith was a professor of moral philosophy and conceived of his writing as a branch of that discipline. This article suggests that we can better come to understand some important elements of Smith's thinking if we appreciate and read The Theory of Moral Sentiments in the context of a philosophical debate between Smith and his contemporary Adam Ferguson, a debate that is driven by the pedagogical dimensions of moral philosophy in the eighteenth-century Scottish universities.
DecenteringSinas: Poststructuralism and Sinology
Authors: Klein Lucas
Published: July 2022

In Of Grammatology Jacques Derrida describes the “necessary decentering” that took place in Western philosophy following “the becoming-legible of non-Western scripts,” when the European intellectual tradition was forced to confront its civilizational others. Derrida positions himself as contributing to this decentering, displacing the value-laden binary opposition central to structuralism. But as Derrida explained, the “first decentering limits itself” by “recenter[ing] itself upon” what he calls “the ‘Chinese’ prejudice: all the philosophical projects of a universal script and of a universal language [which] encouraged seeing in the recently discovered Chinese script a model of the philosophical language thus removed from history.” How has the approach to Chinese language and literature of that decentering known as poststructuralism limited itself or recentered itself, and how has sinology responded to the influence of poststructuralism? Insofar as the Chinese term for the Sinae (China) at the root of sinology is itself “middle” or “central” (中), how susceptible to decentering can sinology be? This article begins with a survey of poststructuralist writings about China by renowned post-structuralists, alongside responses to their work by sinologists and comparatists, arguing that poststructuralist writings tend to recenter themselves on a binary opposition between China and the West. The author then addresses the influence of poststructuralism on Chinese literary studies, to argue that the most successful poststructural decentering occurs in sinology when sinologists disseminate their decentering through a dissipated poststructuralism.
Gata2, Nkx2-2 and Skor2 form a transcription factor network regulating development of a midbrain GABAergic neuron subtype with characteristics of REM-sleep regulatory neurons
Authors: Kirjavainen Anna , Singh Parul , Lahti Laura , Seja Patricia , Lelkes Zoltan , Makkonen Aki , Kilpinen Sami , Ono Yuichi , Salminen Marjo , Aitta-Aho Teemu , Stenberg Tarja , Molchanova Svetlana , Achim Kaia , Partanen Juha
Published: July 2022

The midbrain reticular formation (MRF) is a mosaic of diverse GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons that have been associated with a variety of functions, including sleep regulation. However, the molecular characteristics and development of MRF neurons are poorly understood. As the transcription factor, Gata2 is required for the development of all GABAergic neurons derived from the embryonic mouse midbrain, we hypothesized that the genes expressed downstream of Gata2 could contribute to the diversification of GABAergic neuron subtypes in this brain region. Here, we show that Gata2 is required for the expression of several GABAergic lineage-specific transcription factors, including Nkx2-2 and Skor2, which are co-expressed in a restricted group of post-mitotic GABAergic precursors in the MRF. Both Gata2 and Nkx2-2 function is required for Skor2 expression in GABAergic precursors. In the adult mouse and rat midbrain, Nkx2-2-and Skor2-expressing GABAergic neurons locate at the boundary of the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and the MRF, an area containing REM-off neurons regulating REM sleep. In addition to the characteristic localization, Skor2+ cells increase their activity upon REM-sleep inhibition, send projections to the dorsolateral pons, a region associated with sleep control, and are responsive to orexins, consistent with the known properties of midbrain REM-off neurons.