bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary therapy of murine primary biliary cholangitis induces hepatocellular steatosis: A cautionary tale
Authors: Zhang Weici , Al Tekreeti Taha , Leung Patrick S. C. , Tsuneyama Koichi , Dhillon Harleen , Rojas Manuel , Heuer Luke S. , Ridgway William M. , Ansari Aftab A. , Young Howard A. , Mackay Charles R. , Gershwin M. Eric
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

There is increased interest in utilizing dietary interventions to alter the progression of autoimmune diseases. These efforts are driven by associations of gut microbiota/metabolites with levels of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Propionate is a key SCFA that is commonly used as a food preservative and is endogenously generated by bacterial fermentation of non‐digestible carbohydrates in the gut. A thesis has suggested that a diet rich in propionate and other SCFAs can successfully modulate autoimmunity. Herein, we investigated the effect of long‐term administration of propionylated high‐amylose resistant starches (HAMSP) on the course of murine primary biliary cholangitis.

Materials and Methods

Groups of female ARE‐Del mice were fed an HAMSP diet either before or after disease onset. A detailed immunobiological analysis was performed involving autoantibodies and rigorous T‐cell phenotyping, including enumeration of T‐cell subsets in the spleen, liver, intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria by flow cytometry. Histopathological scores were used to assess the frequency and severity of liver inflammation and damage to hepatocytes and bile ducts.

Results

Our results demonstrate that a long‐term propionate‐yielding diet re‐populated the T‐cell pool with decreased naïve and central memory T‐cell subsets and an increase in the effector memory T cells in mice. Similarly, long‐term HAMSP intake reduced CD4+CD8+ double‐positive T cells in intraepithelial lymphocytes and the intestinal lamina propria. Critically, HAMSP consumption led to moderate‐to‐severe hepatocellular steatosis in ARE‐Del mice, independent of the stage of autoimmune cholangitis.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that administration of HAMSP induces both regulatory and effector T cells. Furthermore, HAMSP administration resulted in hepatocellular steatosis. Given the interest in dietary modulation of autoimmunity and because propionate is widely used as a food preservative, these data have significant implications. This study also provides new insights into the immunological and pathological effects of chronic propionate exposure.
Emotions and emotion regulation in L2 classroom speaking tasks: A mixed‐methods study combining the idiodynamic and quantitative perspectives
Authors: Bielak Jakub , Mystkowska‐Wiertelak Anna
Published: August 2024

This study used idiodynamic methodology to investigate the dynamics of second language (L2) learners’ foreign language anxiety (FLA) and foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and the details of emotion regulation (ER) directed at managing these emotions, in pair‐ and group‐work speaking tasks performed by 10 advanced English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language (EFL) learners. L2 classroom tasks were video recorded and then while viewing them, participants registered their emotion ratings per second. In stimulated‐recall interviews, they revealed the causes of emotional intensity fluctuations and ER strategies used to manage the emotions. Additionally, the adapted Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from a larger same‐population sample (N = 103). The major high ecological validity results concerned (a) the highly individual patterns of emotional intensity fluctuations, with FLA fluctuating more than FLE, (b) the common triggers and mitigators of FLA and FLE—including specific errors, performance deficits, and message‐conceptualization problems—and FLE triggers and mitigators related to its social aspect, (c) the varying degrees of the relationship between FLE and FLA, which depends on communication dynamics, and (d) a range of ER strategies, including their chains (sequences) and clusters (co‐occurrence), with a special focus on the most common category—namely, cognitive ER, some types of which emerged as automatic ER processes.
A systematic cognitive behavioral therapy approach for pediatric disorders of gut‐brain interaction
Authors: Chancey Leigh P. , Winnick Joel B. , Buzenski Jessica , Winberry Gabriel , Stiles Anquonette , Zahka Nicole E. , Williams Sara E.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for youth with Disorders of Gut‐Brain Interaction (DGBIs) is effective; however, there are calls in the field to strengthen the evidence base and identify specific mechanisms of treatment that yield the most benefit for this patient population. A unique, systematic treatment approach of CBT with initial evidence for success for pediatric patients with DGBIs was evaluated to further demonstrate its clinical utility in this population.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 42 pediatric patients aged 11–17 years with DGBIs, who were diagnosed and referred for CBT by pediatric gastroenterology providers. Providers also completed a survey rating acceptability and effectiveness of CBT. The systematic CBT approach included 10 sessions delivered by a psychologist at an integrated Pediatric GI Clinic.

Results

Review of 42 pediatric charts showed significant decreases in self‐reported functional disability, abdominal pain, as well as depression and anxiety symptoms pre‐ to post‐CBT completion. A moderation effect was observed where patients reporting higher levels of depressive symptoms and primary symptom of abdominal pain reported smaller reductions in functional impairment compared to those with lower levels of depression and primary symptom of nausea or vomiting. Pediatric Gastroenterology providers were satisfied with this psychological treatment approach.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for acceptability and effectiveness of implementation of a systematic CBT approach for pediatric DGBIs in an integrated GI clinic, as well as areas worthy of future research, including identifying the most important mechanisms of treatment and factors that influence treatment response.
Life at the conservative end of the leaf economics spectrum: intergeneric variation in the allocation of phosphorus to biochemical fractions in species of Banksia (Proteaceae) and Hakea (Proteaceae)
Authors: Gille Clément E. , Hayes Patrick E. , Ranathunge Kosala , Liu Shu Tong , Newman Robert P. G. , de Tombeur Félix , Lambers Hans , Finnegan Patrick M.
Published: August 2024

In severely phosphorus (P)‐impoverished environments, plants have evolved to use P very efficiently. Yet, it is unclear how P allocation in leaves contributes to their photosynthetic P‐use efficiency (PPUE) and position along the leaf economics spectrum (LES). We address this question in 10 species of Banksia and Hakea, two highly P‐efficient Proteaceae genera.

We characterised traits in leaves of Banksia and Hakea associated with the LES: leaf mass per area, light‐saturated photosynthetic rates, P and nitrogen concentrations, and PPUE. We also determined leaf P partitioning to five biochemical fractions (lipid, nucleic acid, metabolite, inorganic and residual P) and their possible association with the LES.

For both genera, PPUE was negatively correlated with fractional allocation of P to lipids, but positively correlated with that to metabolites. For Banksia only, PPUE was negatively correlated with residual P, highlighting a strategy contrasting to that of Hakea. Phosphorus‐allocation patterns significantly explained PPUE but were not linked to the resource acquisition vs resource conservation gradient defined by the LES.

We conclude that distinct P‐allocation patterns enable species from different genera to achieve high PPUE and discuss the implications of different P investments. We surmise that different LES axes representing different ecological strategies coexist in extremely P‐impoverished environments.
Editorial comments on “Global assessment of the knowledge and confidence in managing allergic disorders among primary care pediatricians across Europe: An EAACI task force report”
Authors: Braun Camille , Mazenq Julie , Eigenmann Philippe , Kalayci Omer , Tanno Luciana
Published: August 2024

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Aspergillus‐sensitized asthma in children
Authors: Celik Enes , Kocacik Uygun Dilara , Kaya Mehmet Akif , Gungoren Merve Sibel , Keven Ayse , Bingol Aysen
Published: August 2024

Background

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease in childhood. Aspergillus fumigatus sensitivity may be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma by leading to different clinical presentations.

Objective

To investigate the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of A. fumigatus sensitivity in childhood asthma and identify associated risk factors and diagnostic parameters.

Methods

A total of 259 children with asthma were included in the study, 7 (2.7%) with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), 84 (32.4%) with A. fumigatus‐sensitized asthma (Af‐SA), and 168 (64.9%) with A. fumigatus‐unsensitized asthma (Af‐UA).

Results

Aspergillus sensitivity was associated with early asthma onset and longer asthma duration. Total IgE level and asthma severity are highest in ABPA and higher in Af‐SA. Absolute eosinophil count was higher, and FEV1 was lower in Af‐SA and ABPA. Aspergillus fumigatus was associated with greater odds of being male (odds ratio [OR], 2.45), having atopic dermatitis (OR, 3.159), Alternaria sensitivity (OR, 10.37), and longer asthma duration (OR, 1.266). The best cut‐off values for detecting A. fumigatus positivity were 363.5 IU/mL for total IgE and 455 cells/μL for absolute eosinophil count. In Af‐SA compared to Af‐UA, centrilobular nodules and peribronchial thickening were more common, and the bronchoarterial ratio was higher.

Conclusions

Aspergillus sensitivity is a strong allergic stimulus in asthma, leading to laboratory, structural, clinical, and functional consequences. Af‐SA is a distinct asthma endotype independent of ABPA that is characterized by increased risk of severe clinical presentations and impaired lung function.
Linear eczema induced by oral isotretinoin
Authors: Loizate Irene , Torrelo Antonio
Published: August 2024

Eczema can manifest in a linear arrangement, as can other inflammatory conditions. We report a case of a teenager who, during treatment with oral isotretinoin for acne, developed a generalized eczematous dermatitis together with a superimposed linear eczema on her posterior lower limb. We hypothesize that a postzygotic mutation caused an increased sensitivity to the impact of oral isotretinoin on the epidermal skin barrier structure and lipid composition within a specific skin segment.
Development of a prediction model for frailty among older Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes residing in the community
Authors: Du Jin , Zhang Di , Chen Yurong , Zhang Weihong
Published: August 2024

Methods

The study employed a retrospective survey of 458 older individuals with T2D residing in a Chinese community, conducted between June 2020 and May 2021, to develop a predictive model for frailty. Among the participants, 83 individuals (18.1%) were diagnosed with frailty using modified frailty phenotypic criteria. The predictors of frailty in this community‐dwelling older population with T2D were determined using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariable logistic regression. These predictors were utilized to construct a nomogram. The discrimination, calibration, and medical usefulness of the prediction model were assessed through the C‐index, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA), respectively. Additionally, internal validation of the prediction model was conducted using bootstrapping validation.

Results

The developed nomogram for frailty prediction predominantly incorporated age, smoking status, regular exercise, depression, albumin (ALB) levels, sleep condition, HbA1c, and polypharmacy as significant predictors. Our prediction model demonstrated excellent discrimination and calibration, as evidenced by a C‐index of 0.768 (95% CI, 0.714–0.822) and strong calibration. Internal validation yielded a C‐index of 0.732, further confirming the reliability of the model. DCA indicated the utility of the nomogram in identifying frailty among the studied population.

Conclusion

The development of a predictive model enables a valuable estimation of frailty among community‐dwelling older individuals with type 2 diabetes. This evidence‐based tool provides crucial guidance to community healthcare professionals in implementing timely preventive measures to mitigate the occurrence of frailty in high‐risk patients. By identifying established predictors of frailty, interventions and resources can be appropriately targeted, promoting better overall health outcomes and improved quality of life in this vulnerable population.
Palmoplantar psoriasis: A clinicopathological correlation in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Das Gautam , Mathur Mahesh , Shrestha Ayasha , Jaiswal Sunil , Maharjan Sailuja
Published: August 2024

Background

Palmoplantar psoriasis is a clinical variant of psoriasis characterized by well‐defined erythematous desquamating plaques on palms and soles, which may or may not include pustules. Hyperkeratotic lesions of palm and sole commonly include Psoriasis, Eczema and Tinea. These conditions often present with overlapping clinical and histopathological features requiring clinicohistopathological correlation for a conclusive diagnosis. The presence of munro's microabscess or spongiform pustule of kogoj differentiates psoriasis of palm and sole from other hyperkeratotic lesions of palm and sole. The objective of this study was to study the clinical and histopathological profile of palmoplantar psoriasis and correlate clinical diagnosis with histopathological diagnosis.

Method

A hospital‐based, descriptive study was conducted from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. Fifty‐two patients were clinically diagnosed as palmoplantar psoriasis with or without involving other parts of body and routine histopathological evaluation was carried out as per standard protocols.

Result

Clinically diagnosed 52 cases of palmoplantar psoriasis showed varied histopathology with hyperkeratosis (100%), parakeratosis (100%), regular acanthosis (75%), Supra‐papillary thinning (44.2%), spongiosis (65.4%), tortuous vessels in the papillary dermis (78.8%) and mixed inflammatory infiltrates (predominantly lymphocytic‐100%), which were observed to be prominent findings in skin biopsies of our patients. Clinicopathological correlation was achieved in 88.5% of cases.

Conclusion

This study shows clinically diagnosed palmoplantar psoriasis with histopathological features consistent with palmoplantar psoriasis in 88.5% cases. Thus, clinically inconclusive hyperkeratotic lesions with palmoplantar psoriasis can be diagnosed with histopathological correlation improving the therapeutic intervention.
From co‐teaching to co‐mentoring: Transforming special education and mathematics instructional partnerships through shared content‐focused professional development
Authors: LaValley Bethany , James Julie , Steimle Alice
Published: August 2024

Co‐teaching is described as the pairing of a general education teacher and a special education teacher in the general education classroom for the shared instruction of students with and without disabilities. Many teachers struggle to form unified partnerships, especially in mathematics classrooms. The MathMATES project was developed to address a need for joint special education and mathematics professional development aimed to support teachers in merging their individual strengths and expertise through shared content development and relationship‐building exercises. Over the course of the year‐long academy, teachers developed strong knowledge‐sharing partnerships that resembled co‐mentoring partnerships. We compare their progression with research on co‐mentoring to suggest a framework for developing more unified mathematics co‐teaching teams.
Religious freedom and welfare in Africa
Authors: Wirajing Muhamadu Awal Kindzeka , Wung Alang Ernest , Nchofoung Tii N. , Kountchou Armand Mboutchouang
Published: August 2024

Objective

Regions with multi‐ethnicity like Africa benefit from religiosity and freedom for improved mental and physical well‐being. Although religious freedom in its original sense advocates for peace, there are questions about whether it results in making healthy decisions that are beneficial to one's well‐being. This argument is made in light of the crimes carried out globally in the name of religious freedom, even though it is considered to be wrongly expressed if the expression does not improve well‐being. As a symbol of democracy, religious freedom is expected to boost sentiments of personal authenticity and belonging, and enhance support networks. This study explores the impact of freedom of religion on basic welfare in 49 African countries from 2000 to 2020.

Methodology

To control for potential endogeneity, the authors adopted the smoothed instrumental‐variables quantile regression strategy. The outcome variable of basic welfare is measured using an index that includes life expectancy, literacy rate, and calorie supply while religious freedom is proxied on a 4‐point scale that indicates the extent to which individuals could freely express their religious beliefs.

Results

The findings reveal a statistically significant positive impact of freedom of religion on basic welfare in Africa. It manifests itself in protecting the rights of individuals, especially the most vulnerable, and promotes social belonging and cohesion. In addition, the results reveal that freedom of religion enhances basic welfare in both former British and French African colonies when the differences in the legal systems are considered.

Conclusions

The study's findings support the religious freedom‐welfare enhancing relationship and are consistent after considering life expectancy and literacy rate as indicators of basic welfare. Policymakers are encouraged to promote democracy and healthy religious behaviors that enhance basic well‐being.
Motivation and personality: A comparative study of social media use and misinformation in the United States and China
Authors: Huang Minxuan
Published: August 2024

Objective

Scholarship has now recognized the potentially detrimental effects of social media on political knowledge, but the question as to whether political knowledge and susceptibility to misinformation are related remains open. Furthermore, there are not many cross‐national comparison studies. This study compares the general and differential factors of the mechanisms of misinformation formation in social media between China and the United States from the perspectives of media factors and psychological factors.

Methods

Using the 2020 Netizen Social Awareness Survey, we analyze the relationships between social media, personality traits, cognitive closure, and misinformation in China and the United States.

Results

The study shows that social media such as Microblog and Twitter do not mislead news consumers. Personality traits and motivational factors have a significant impact on people's misinformation. Authoritarian personality is a general psychological factor affecting public misinformation. Moreover, under different media systems in China and the United States, the impact of social media on misinformation varies with the degree of cognitive closure.

Conclusion

It is evident that in the era of social media, cultivating rational and knowledgeable democratic citizens cannot focus solely on the role of the media. It must also consider the cultural and psychological characteristics of the national population.
Validation and functional follow‐up of cervical cancer risk variants at the HLA locus
Authors: Eisenblätter Rieke , Seifert Finja , Schürmann Peter , Beckhaus Theresa , Hanel Patricia , Jentschke Matthias , Böhmer Gerd , Strauß Hans‐Georg , Hirchenhain Christine , Schmidmayr Monika , Müller Florian , Hein Alexander , Stuebs Frederik , Koch Martin , Ruebner Matthias , Beckmann Matthias W. , Fasching Peter A. , Luyten Alexander , Häfner Norman , Hillemanns Peter , Dörk Thilo , Ramachandran Dhanya
Published: August 2024

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in females. Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have proposed cervical cancer susceptibility variants at the HLA locus on chromosome 6p21. To corroborate these findings and investigate their functional impact in cervical tissues and cell lines, we genotyped nine variants from cervical cancer GWASs (rs17190106, rs535777, rs1056429, rs2763979, rs143954678, rs113937848, rs3117027, rs3130214, and rs9477610) in a German hospital‐based series of 1122 invasive cervical cancers, 1408 dysplasias, and 1196 healthy controls. rs17190106, rs1056429 and rs143954678/rs113937848 associated with cervical malignancies overall, while rs17190106 and rs535777 associated specifically with invasive cancer (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.55–0.86, p = 0.001) or adenocarcinomas (OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.17–2.27, p = 0.004), respectively. We tested these and one previously genotyped GWAS variant, rs9272117, for potential eQTL effects on 36 gene transcripts at the HLA locus in 280 cervical epithelial tissues. The strongest eQTL pairs were rs9272117 and HLA‐DRB6 (p = 1.9x10E‐5), rs1056429 and HLA‐DRB5 (p = 2.5x10E‐4), and rs535777 and HLA‐DRB1 (p = 2.7x10E‐4). We also identified transcripts that were specifically upregulated (DDX39B, HCP5, HLA‐B, LTB, NFKBIL1) or downregulated (HLA‐C, HLA‐DPB2) in HPV+ or HPV16+ samples. In comparison, treating cervical epithelial cells with proinflammatory cytokine γ‐IFN led to a dose‐dependent induction of HCP5, HLA‐B, HLA‐C, HLA‐DQB1, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DRB6, and repression of HSPA1L. Taken together, these results identify relevant genes from both the MHC class I and II regions that are inflammation‐responsive in cervical epithelium and associate with HPV (HCP5, HLA‐B, HLA‐C) and/or with genomic cervical cancer risk variants (HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DRB6). They may thus constitute important contributors to the immune escape of precancerous cells after HPV‐infection.
Experimental Investigation on Spray Cooling Heat Transfer Properties of Ethylene Glycol−Water-Based Nanofluids
Authors: Zhou Nianyong , Tang Guanghua , Liu Yudi , Liu Yang , Bao Qingguo , Zou Youxin , Lv Wenyu , Zhao Yingjie , Li Jun
Published: August 2024

Spray cooling is a practical solution for high heat flux heat dissipation problems. The spray cooling experiment was conducted with 50 wt% ethylene glycol aqueous solution as the base liquid in this paper. The effects of the concentrations of copper nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, and surfactant Tween-20 on the heat transfer characteristics during spray cooling were investigated. The results showed that adding nanoparticles within a certain concentration range could enhance the effectiveness of spray cooling's heat transmission. Under the same conditions, adding copper nanoparticles has the best effect, followed by copper oxide nanoparticles, and silica nanoparticles have a relatively poor effect. Among them, the heat transfer coefficient and heat flux of the nanofluid could be raised by 10.58% and 11.34% in comparison to the base liquid when the concentration of copper nanoparticles was 0.01 wt%. As the concentration of nanoparticles rises higher, spray cooling's ability to transfer heat is hampered. Adding the surfactant Tween-20 could effectively improve the copper−water−ethylene glycol nanofluid's capacity for heat transmission. When the concentration is 3 ppm, the heat transfer coefficient and heat flux of the nanofluid with Tween-20 were increased by 9.81% and 10.38% compared to the copper−water−ethylene glycol nanofluid.
Etch-stop mechanisms in plasma-enhanced atomic layer etching of silicon nitride: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Tercero Jomar U. , Isobe Michiro , Karahashi Kazuhiro , Vasquez Magdaleno R. , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: August 2024

Possible mechanisms of etch-stops in plasma-enhanced atomic layer etching (PE-ALE) for silicon nitride (SiN) were examined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Recent experiments [Hirata et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 38, 062601 (2020)] have shown that the PE-ALE process of SiN consisting of hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) adsorption and argon ion (Ar+) irradiation can lead to an etch-stop. The MD simulations have revealed that carbon (C) remnants at the end of a PE-ALE cycle can enhance further accumulation of C in the subsequent cycle. Under typical Ar+ ion irradiation conditions, nitrogen (N) atoms are preferentially removed from the surface over silicon (Si) atoms, and therefore, the SiN surface becomes more Si rich, which also promotes C accumulation by the formation of Si–C bonds. It is also seen that fluorine atoms contribute to the removal of Si, whereas hydrogen and C atoms contribute to the removal of N from the SiN surface.
Identifying evidence-practice gaps for shoulder injury risk factors in competitive swimmers: uniting literature and expert opinion
Authors: McKenzie Alec Kenneth , Hams Andrea , Headrick Jonathon , Donaldson Alex , Dann Rick , Coyne Joseph , Duhig Steven John
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To identify evidence-practice gaps regarding shoulder injury risk factors in competitive swimmers.

Methods

We gathered insights from 27 swimming experts including elite swimmers, coaches, high-performance staff and applied researchers using Concept Mapping. Participants brainstormed, sorted and rated (from 1 (least) to 10 (most) important and modifiable) their ideas of shoulder injury risk factors in competitive swimmers. Proposed risk factors rated above the grand mean for importance (6.2±0.4) or modifiability (6.5±0.5) ratings were considered highly important/modifiable. Expert opinions were then juxtaposed with systematic review findings to identify overlaps or convergences.

Results

Brainstorming generated 126 proposed shoulder injury risk factors for competitive swimmers, subsequently refined to 61 unique proposed risk factors by removing duplicates and combining similar responses. The participants sorted the 61 risk factors into seven distinct clusters. Experts perceived 36/61 proposed risk factors as highly important, of which 6 were supported by literature, 6 showed no association with injury, 2 had conflicting evidence and the remaining 22 have not yet been investigated, suggesting an evidence-practice gap. Three proposed risk factors ‘inconsistent training load’, ‘poor stroke technique’ and ‘low posterior shoulder strength-endurance’ exhibited high perceived importance, high perceived modifiability and supporting evidence.

Conclusion

An evidence-practice gap was identified for 28 proposed risk factors perceived as highly important by swimming experts despite either (1) no relevant empirical research (n=22), or (2) no association with injury (n=6) from synthesised evidence. Greater collaboration between researchers and practitioners is needed to effectively address shoulder injury risk factors in competitive swimmers.
COVID-19 Modeling: A Review
Authors: Cao Longbing , Liu Qing
Published: August 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 viruses and their triggered COVID-19 pandemic have fundamentally reshaped the world in almost every aspect, their evolution and influences remain. While over a million of literature have been produced on these unprecedented, overwhelming global disaster, one critical question is open: How has COVID-19 been quantified globally? This further inspires many other questions: What COVID-19 problems have been modeled? How have modeling methods in areas such as epidemiology, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, machine learning, deep learning, mathematics and social science played their roles in characterizing COVID-19? Where are the gaps and issues of these COVID-19 modeling studies? What are the lessons for quantifying future disasters? Answering these questions involves the analysis of a very broad spectrum of literature across different disciplines and domains. Distinguishing from specific efforts, this review takes the first attempt to generate a systematic, structured and contrastive landscape and taxonomy of global COVID-19 modeling. First, the surveyed problems span over a full range of COVID-19, including epidemic transmission processes, case identification and tracing, infection diagnosis and medical treatments, non-pharmaceutical interventions and their influence, drug and vaccine development, psychological, economic and social influence and impact, and misinformation, and so on. Second, the reviewed modeling methods traverse all relevant disciplines, from statistic modeling to epidemic modeling, medical analysis, biomedical analysis, AI, deep and machine learning, analytics, and simulation. Critical analyses further identify significant issues and gaps, for example, simple techniques and similar problems have been overwhelmingly addressed everywhere, while intrinsic and foundational issues and deep insights have been overlooked. The review discloses significant opportunities for more deeply, effectively and uniquely quantifying COVID-19-like global disasters from their intrinsic working mechanisms, interactions and dynamics.
Enhancing e-KYC Security and Privacy: Harnessing Quantum Computing and Blockchain in Web 3.0
Authors: Ahmed G. M. Faruk , Hasan Imran , Hassan Md Soumike , Khan Rahul , Al Gefari Abu Jor , Buksh Zain , Liu Joseph , Ali A B M Shawkat
Published: August 2024

By implementing a successful and effective Electronic-Know Your Customer (e-KYC) infrastructure, conventional defects and expenses may be greatly reduced. Strong authentication procedures are used by existing e-KYC solutions to guarantee safety and confidentiality. However, these technologies have shortcomings like as key administration expenses and dependency on encryption. We suggest a revolutionary strategy that integrates blockchain technology, Web 3.0, and quantum computing to get around these restrictions. In this research, we show how current e-KYC processes could possibly be improved, making them faster and more reliable, by integrating Web 3.0 with quantum computing. Our solution makes it simple to quickly verify several consumers, increasing productivity. We provide improved safety for online requests, transcending the weaknesses inherent in traditional encryption techniques by utilizing quantum computing technology and applying the concept of quantum encryption key methodology. We contribute to the development of safe and private solutions by addressing the shortcomings of the present e-KYC systems. The results of our research show how Web 3.0 and quantum computer technology have the power to completely alter the e-KYC environment.
Depressive Symptom Change Patterns during the COVID‐19 Pandemic and Their Impact on Psychiatric Treatment Seeking: A 24‐Month Observational Study of the Adult Population
Authors: Ebrahimi Omid V. , Freichel René , Johnson Sverre Urnes , Hoffart Asle , Solbakken Ole André , Bauer Daniel J.
Published: August 2024

Despite the presence of individual differences in the depressive symptom change in adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic, most studies have investigated population‐level changes in depression during the first year of the pandemic. This longitudinal repeated‐measurement study obtained 39,259 observations from 4,361 adults assessed nine times over a 24‐month period in Norway (March 2020 to March 2022). Using a Latent Change Score Mixture Model to investigate differential change patterns in depressive symptoms, five profiles were identified. Most adults revealed a consistently resilient (42.52%) or predominantly resilient pattern differentiated by an initial shock in symptomatology (13.17%). Another group exhibited consistently high depressive adversities (8.5%). One group showed mild deterioration with small increases in depressive symptomatology compared to onset levels (29.04%), and a second strong deterioration group exhibited clinically severe levels of gained symptoms over time (6.77%). Both deteriorating depressive symptom change patterns predicted the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis and treatment seeking at the end of the study period. Together, the absence of a preexisting psychiatric diagnosis at the onset of the pandemic and severe symptom increases during, combined with reports of psychiatric treatment seeking and diagnosis at the end of the study period, indicated that the strongly deteriorating subgroup represents an additional and newly emerged group of adults struggling with depressive problems. Factors related to general adverse change (lower education levels, lone residence), initial shocks prior to recovery (frequent information seeking, financial and occupational concerns), and resilience and recovery (older age, being in a relationship, physical activity) were identified. Binge drinking and belonging to an ethnic minority were influential predictors of the strongly deteriorating group. All major change patterns in depressive symptoms occurred during the first 3 months of the pandemic, suggesting this period represents a window of sensitivity for the development of long‐lasting depressive states versus patterns of recovery and resilience. These findings call for increased vigilance of psychiatric symptoms during the initial phases of infectious disease outbreaks and highlight a specific target period for the implementation of preventive measures.
Occurrence of Florfenicol and Linezolid Resistance and Emergence of optrA Gene in Campylobacter coli Isolates from Tunisian Avian Farms
Authors: Gharbi Manel , Tiss Rihab , Hamdi Chadlia , Hamrouni Safa , Maaroufi Abderrazak
Published: August 2024

Campylobacter species, especially C. coli and C. jejuni, have been associated with a range of human gastrointestinal diseases. During the last two decades, due to the irrational use of antibiotics in poultry farms, high rates of antimicrobial resistance have been globally reported in C. coli and C. jejuni isolates. Recently, acquired linezolid‐resistance mechanisms have been reported in Campylobacter spp. isolates, which is a cause of concern to human health. In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis of 139 C. coli isolates previously collected from broilers (n = 41), laying hens (n = 53), eggs (n = 4), and environment (n = 41) to detect acquired genes implicated in linezolid resistance. Isolates were tested for their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion assay. Chloramphenicol‐ and linezolid‐resistant isolates were subjected to PCR screening for the following genes: fexA, fexB, floR, RE‐cmeABC, cfrA, and optrA. The genetic relatedness of eight multidrug‐resistant isolates was determined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Among the 139 C. coli isolates, high rates of resistance (57.55%–100%) were detected toward nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, azithromycin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, linezolid, and kanamycin. Among 135 chloramphenicol‐resistant isolates, the optrA, cfr, fexA floR, RE‐cmeABC, and fexB genes were detected in 124 (124/135, 91.85%), 108 (80%), 105 (77.7%), 64 (47.4%), 56 (41, 48%), and 27 (20%) isolates, respectively. In addition, the majority of isolates harbored more than one of these genes. The selected eight isolates belonged to the same sequence type ST13450, which is a new sequence type (ST), not belonging to ST828 and ST1150 complexes. In conclusion, the emergence of optrA gene in Campylobacter spp. isolates makes this genus an optrA reservoir and vector to other pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp., which is a cause of concern for human and animal health.
Mystical Myositis: A Case Series from Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Myburgh Michael
Published: August 2024

Idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) is an expanding field in rheumatology as more myositis‐specific antibodies (MSAs) and myositis‐associated antibodies (MAAs) become available for testing. Clinical signs and specific clinical phenotypes are found in the MSA group, with as high as 70% of IIM patients having a positive myositis‐specific antibody. Although IIM remains a heterogenous disease, assigning a phenotype to these patients will prove to be critical as we learn which cases require more aggressive therapy and what complications to search for as the disease progresses. The IIM patients for the last 5 years were reviewed and profiled using recently available myositis profile testing at our National Health Laboratory Services. Patients from our rheumatology clinic were categorized according to this antibody profile. Three cases diagnosed with dermatomyositis (DM) were selected for discussion in this article which include a patient with each of the following: anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor 1‐y (TIF1y) DM, anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated protein 5 (MDA 5) DM, and anti‐signal recognition particle (SRP) DM.
Evaluation of Second‐Line Treatment for Castration‐Resistant Prostate Cancer following the Administration of Upfront Androgen Receptor Signaling Inhibitors
Authors: Kikkawa Kazuro , Tamaki Masahiro , Maruno Kouhei , Hazama Tatsuya , Takahashi Toshifumi , Yamada Yuya , Nakashima Masakazu , Ito Noriyuki
Published: August 2024

This study evaluated the effects of docetaxel and androgen receptor signaling inhibitors as second‐line treatments in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer after androgen receptor signaling inhibitors as first‐line treatment. This study retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of second‐line treatment with docetaxel or androgen receptor signaling inhibitor in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer who received first‐line treatment with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Clinical backgrounds and outcomes were compared between docetaxel and androgen receptor signaling inhibitors as second‐line treatment. Of 59 patients, 21 (35.6%) and 38 (64.4%) received docetaxel and androgen receptor signaling inhibitors as second‐line treatment after first‐line treatment with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors, respectively. In the second‐line setting, the median progression‐free survival was longer with androgen receptor signaling inhibitor than with docetaxel (17 versus 6 months, P = 0.014). In the first‐line setting, the median progression‐free survival was longer with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors than with docetaxel (32 versus 25 months, P = 0.014); however, no significant difference was found in the overall survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that there was no significant association between second‐line treatment and survival, and first‐line treatment with abiraterone was identified as a prognostic factor for progression‐free survival. Subgroup analysis showed that the abiraterone–enzalutamide sequence was more effective than the other three sequences for progression‐free survival and overall survival. This study suggests that second‐line treatment with an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor for castration‐resistant prostate cancer after androgen receptor signaling inhibitors as first‐line treatment may be more beneficial, particularly with abiraterone as the upfront treatment.
Combined Papillectomy and Autologous Conjunctival Membrane Graft as Management of Giant Papillae for Severe, Refractory Palpebral Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis—A Case Report
Authors: Annisa Devina Nur , Suharko Hernawita , Gaol Hasiana Lumban , Viona Viona
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an allergic disease that predominantly affects young individuals, with a higher incidence among males. Traditionally seen as a condition of childhood that resolves at puberty, recent studies have shown persistent cases in some individuals, potentially influenced by hot and dry tropical environmental conditions. VKC is more prevalent in regions with a hot and humid climate and a high presence of airborne allergens, leading to significant morbidity and impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. Severe and chronic cases can lead to vision‐threatening corneal complications, making effective management crucial. Although the clinical profile of VKC varies geographically, comprehensive studies in specific regions remain limited.

Case Presentation: In this case report, we present an 18‐year‐old male patient with severe and refractory VKC. Despite initial treatments, including topical and oral medications, recurrent episodes occurred every 6 months, accompanied by giant papillae (GP) formation and corneal ulcers. The patient had a history of triamcinolone injection and papillectomy combined with amnion membrane transplantation, but presented with a refractory disease in a year. Surgical intervention involving papillectomy and autologous conjunctival membrane graft was performed, leading to a smooth upper tarsal conjunctiva during the 2‐year follow‐up period, without GP recurrence and maintaining a clear cornea. The patient’s symptoms were effectively managed with topical medications.

Conclusion: The management of VKC necessitates a comprehensive approach involving preventive measures, pharmacological treatment, and surgical interventions for refractory cases. This case highlights the potential benefits of surgical techniques, such as papillectomy and autologous conjunctival membrane graft, in managing severe and refractory VKC cases with a history of previous surgical procedure failure. However, it is essential to recognize that exposure avoidance and allergic control remain fundamental in VKC management. Further research and larger studies are required to validate the efficacy of these surgical techniques in managing VKC.
Table S4 from Tumor-Intrinsic Activity of Chromobox 2 Remodels the Tumor Microenvironment in High-grade Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Iwanaga Ritsuko , Yamamoto Tomomi M. , Gomez Karina , Nguyen Lily L. , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Post Miriam D. , Mikeska Railey G. , Danis Etienne , Danhorn Thomas , Boorgula Meher P. , Mitra Siddhartha S. , Marjon Nicole A. , Bitler Benjamin G. , Brubaker Lindsay W.
Published: August 2024

TIMERv2
Figure 2 from Tumor-Intrinsic Activity of Chromobox 2 Remodels the Tumor Microenvironment in High-grade Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Iwanaga Ritsuko , Yamamoto Tomomi M. , Gomez Karina , Nguyen Lily L. , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Post Miriam D. , Mikeska Railey G. , Danis Etienne , Danhorn Thomas , Boorgula Meher P. , Mitra Siddhartha S. , Marjon Nicole A. , Bitler Benjamin G. , Brubaker Lindsay W.
Published: August 2024

CBX2 regulates immune-related pathways in a tumor cell–intrinsic fashion. A, Carcinoma EcoTyper epithelial states (S1–6) compared with CBX2 expression (top panel) and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway. B, Correlation (x-axis, rho) of CBX2 mRNA expression in 303 HGSC tumors with imputed cell type. Adjusted P value shown on y-axis. Imputation pipeline (e.g., CIBERSORT and TIDE) utilized follows underscore in title of plot (details included in Supplementary Table S4). C, Scatter plot of CBX2 mRNA expression and macrophage M2_TIDE. D, Scatter plot of CBX2 mRNA expression and MDSC_TIDE. E, Scatter plot of CBX2 mRNA expression and Macrophage M0_CIBERSORT. F, Scatter plot of CBX2 mRNA expression and T cell CD4+ effector memory_XCELL. G, An annotated tissue microarray was used to perform mIHC evaluating CBX2 expression and immune cell types. Plot demonstrating the relationship between % stromal CD68+/pStat3+ and CBX2 H-score. Statistical tests, unpaired t test (C) and Pearson correlation (D–G).
A Fatal Outcome after Cessation of Nucleotide Analogue Therapy in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Case Report
Authors: Brakenhoff Sylvia M. , Chi Heng , Friederich Pieter , Doukas Michail , den Hoed Caroline , Flink Hajo J. , de Knegt Robert J. , de Man Robert A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy can be ceased in a selective group of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This is being gradually implemented in clinical practice. Case Presentation: A 68-year-old man known with a chronic hepatitis B e antigen-positive hepatitis B infection without signs of advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis was admitted with acute liver failure. Two months prior to his admission, he ceased his NA therapy. During the admission, NA therapy was restarted, but the liver function worsened. The patient was put on the high-urgency liver transplantation waiting list, and the next day, he was successfully transplanted. However, the patient died 17 days later due to hemorrhagic shock that resulted from intra-abdominal bleeding and acute pancreatitis. Conclusion: Current guidelines suggest that NA therapy can be discontinued in a selective group of CHB patients. However, these guidelines suggest different stopping and follow-up criteria. This case illustrates that NA withdrawal is not without risks and that these differences in recommendations may lead to inadequate management and eventually a fatal outcome.
The Glasgow Prognostic Score as a Predictor of Survival after Chemoradiotherapy for Limited-Disease Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Endo Satoshi , Imai Hisao , Shiono Ayako , Hashimoto Kosuke , Miura Yu , Okazaki Shohei , Abe Takanori , Mouri Atsuto , Kaira Kyoichi , Masubuchi Ken , Masubuchi Takeshi , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Minato Koichi , Kato Shingo , Kagamu Hiroshi
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Established biomarkers for predicting chemoradiotherapy efficacy for limited-disease small cell lung cancer (LD-SCLC) are lacking. The inflammation-based Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), comprising serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels, can predict survival in advanced cancer. This study investigated whether metabolic and inflammatory markers, including the GPS, can predict the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy in patients with LD-SCLC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 124 patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy for LD-SCLC at two institutions between April 2007 and June 2021, and assessed the prognostic significance of various metabolic and inflammatory markers. The GPS was calculated using the CRP and albumin concentrations, and categorized as follows: 0, CRP <1.0 mg/dL and albumin ≥3.5 mg/dL; 1, elevated CRP or decreased albumin; and 2, CRP ≥1.0 mg/dL and albumin<3.5 mg/dL. Differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were examined using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional-hazard models. Results: The overall response rate was 95.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 89.6–97.9%). The median PFS and OS from chemoradiotherapy initiation were 12.6 (95% CI: 9.9–15.4) and 29.0 (95% CI: 24.8–45.5) months, respectively. The GPS demonstrated independent predictive ability for the effectiveness of chemoradiotherapy, wherein favorable scores (GPS 0–1) were significantly correlated with superior PFS and OS compared to unfavorable scores (GPS 2: PFS: 14.8 vs. 6.7 months, p = 0.0001; OS: 35.4 vs. 11.0 months, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This preliminary examination revealed that the GPS was significantly associated with PFS and OS in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for LD-SCLC, indicating its potential utility in assessing the therapeutic outcomes in LD-SCLC.