bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Role of Political Party Predispositions and Polarized Media on Network Agenda Setting: The Case of Syrian Refugees in Türkiye
Authors: Melek Gizem
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the media and the public network agendas concerning Syrian refugees in Türkiye, as an exemplar of a polarized media system within the context of a competitive authoritarian regime to gain insight into the cognitive effects of media in such a context internationally. Large-scale media and nationally representative mind-mapping survey data analysis show that the media’s network agenda is only significantly transferred to the pro-government individuals, while no significant effect was found on pro-opposition individuals from any media outlet regardless of their political stances. Implications are discussed.
From illiterate assumption to literate potentiality: Harnessing the possibility of parent-of-Color stories
Authors: Edwards Patricia A. , Smith Patriann
Published: November 2023

A plethora of services in early childhood care and education has not sufficiently resulted in equitable practice for families and, specifically, families of Color across the globe. Despite numerous programs geared toward alleviating literacy challenges, families of Color worldwide continue to experience Eurocentric approaches to addressing the literacies of their children, as well as the practices they hold dear. This insistence on programming that is focused on family literacy and not “family literacies” has created a context where the playing field remains unlevel, and all students are not provided with equal opportunities. Moreover, even with largely sanctioned programming, the potentiality of the multiple literacies of families of Color has been left untapped and thus obscured, making it impossible to identify the meaningful contributions that such families can provide to the field. The authors argue in this article that this obscured potentiality, engendered through centuries of assumptions made about the supposed ‘illiteracy' of families of Color, and inadvertently reinforced by the silencing of parents and families of Color in drawing from the imagination of their children and on the extant narratives of their daily lives, continues to be maintained through Eurocentric mechanisms that tout a false notion of what young children of Color can and cannot do. In response, parent-of-Color stories is presented as a mechanism for recognizing and restoring the potentiality of families of Color worldwide.
Vascular cognitive impairment: When memory loss is not the biggest challenge
Authors: van de Schraaf Sara AJ , Smit Merel F , Muller Majon , Hertogh Cees MPM , Rhodius-Meester Hanneke FM , Sizoo Eefje M
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Vascular cognitive impairment is the second most common type of cognitive impairment. Care needs of community-dwelling people with vascular cognitive impairment and their caregivers have not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, we aimed to explore care needs of people with vascular cognitive impairment and their family caregivers.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Setting and participants

Participants were purposefully sampled community-dwelling people with vascular cognitive impairment and their family caregivers.

Methods

Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Analysis and data collection followed an iterative process, until data saturation was achieved. We conducted 18 interviews (nine people with vascular cognitive impairment and nine caregivers), concerning 13 unique people with vascular cognitive impairment. We analyzed the data using inductive thematic analysis following the Braun & Clark method. The study was reported in accordance with the COREQ criteria.

Findings

Five themes were identified in the care needs reported by people with vascular cognitive impairment and family caregivers: (1) Specific information need with subtheme (1A) No memory problem, no dementia? (2) Being respected as a person, (3) Differing concerns about the future, (4) The roles of the caregiver and (5) Decisiveness from professional healthcare.

Conclusions and implications

The care needs of people with vascular cognitive impairment and their caregivers were affected by (a lack of knowledge about) the characteristic symptoms of this condition. Participants equated cognitive impairment or dementia to memory loss (“Alzheimerization”), although memory loss was not their biggest challenge. People with vascular cognitive impairment and caregivers preferred resolute and decisive healthcare professionals. These professionals activate the person with vascular cognitive impairment who lacks initiative and diminishe role conflict of the caregiver. Care for people with vascular cognitive impairment and their caregivers could be improved by providing tailored information, promoting awareness of neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly apathy, and by healthcare professionals providing more guidance in decision-making.
Political theory and the politics of need
Authors: Boss George
Published: November 2023

The theory of needs has a political problem. Whilst contemporary theorists largely recognise that politics plays an important part in many of the processes surrounding our needs, they nevertheless hang onto the notion that our most important needs can be determined outside of the political. This article challenges that framing. It does so through a taxonomy and critique of the major contemporary approaches to needs. Considering the works of Len Doyal and Ian Gough, Martha Nussbaum, and Lawrence Hamilton, I divide these into three strands: theories that attempt to avoid, solve, and improve the politics of need. Despite some major differences, these approaches share an understanding of the underlying challenges involved in discerning which needs matter. That framing, I argue, is responsible for certain intractable difficulties that leave needs theorists unable to provide the solutions they demand to the theoretical dilemma they posit. Moreover, in attempting to find those solutions, these theories end up ignoring their partisan implications. The conclusion I reach is that the political theory of needs is not very ‘political’ at all, and that this represents the root of the problem. I thus suggest an alternative, politically realist framing that conceptualises needs as constitutively political.
Leak monitoring and positioning of pressurized water pipeline network
Authors: Yupei Yan , Shuoyuan Wang , Hao Feng , Chao Gao , Jinyu Ma , Jian Li , Xinjing Huang
Published: November 2023

Due to the presence of numerous branches in the pressurized water pipeline network (PWPN), leak-caused negative pressure wave (NPW) has non-unique propagation path, so leak detection and positioning for PWPN is highly challenging. This paper proposes a leak monitoring and positioning method for PWPN based on the time delay matching of NPW propagation. Via introducing the NPW velocity equation, the PWPN is divided into short segments with equal NPW propagation duration, and then the shortest NPW propagation path from each discrete point, namely hypothetical leak point, to each deployed pressure transmitter, is efficiently numerically searched and then used to calculate the NPW arrival time and establish a contrastive time delay library (CTDL) in advance. A set of signal processing algorithm are developed to capture the NPW arrival time and compare these measured values with the pre-established CTDL to accurately position leak point in the PWPN. The effectiveness of this method is verified via leak localization experiments on a field PWPN with an area of 12 × 12 km and 1478 branches. The proposed method can achieve leak positioning with errors less than 100 m throughout the entire pipeline network when only six pressure transmitters are effective.
Percutaneous Endovascular Management of a Splenic Vein Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Pancreatic Pseudocyst
Authors: Al-Balas Hassan , Vyas Ajit
Published: November 2023

A 74-year-old male patient with remote history of severe gallstone pancreatitis underwent cholecystectomy and distal pancreatectomy. The surgical intervention was complicated by postsurgical chronic collection/pseudocyst that was managed conservatively. Patient presented to emergency room with anaerobic bacterial sepsis. Abdominal imaging demonstrated peripancreatic collection with new air bubble and surrounding inflammatory changes suggestive of infected pseudocyst. Computed tomography (CT) also revealed interval development of splenic vein pseudoaneurysm protruding into the collection. Splenic vein pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated with covered stent using transhepatic percutaneous endovascular approach prior to planned endoscopic transgastric drainage of the pancreatic pseudocyst.

Clinical Impact

This case report sheds light on a rare complication of pancreatitis, splenic vein pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated percutaneously using a covered stent. The article also emphasizes the utilization and safety of transhepatic approach to interventions related to portal vein and its tributaries.
Using Bland–Altman Analysis to Identify Appropriate Clonogenic Assay Colony Counting Techniques
Authors: Buryska Seth , Arji Sanjana , Wuertz Beverly , Ondrey Frank
Published: November 2023

Objective

Determine the interchangeability of various methods utilized for counting colonies in clonogenic assays.

Methods

Clonogenic assays of 2 head and neck cancer cell lines were counted through 4 different counting modalities: Manual counting pen, via microscope, 1 publicly available automated algorithm, and a semiautomated algorithm presented by the authors. Each method counted individual wells (N = 24). Pen and microscopic counts were performed by 2 observers. Parameters included both low-growth (<150 colonies/well) and high-growth (>150 colonies/well) cell lines. Correlational and Bland–Altman analyses were performed using SPSS software.

Results

Interobserver manual pen count correlation R2 value in both growth conditions was 0.902; controlling for only low-growth conditions decreased R2 to 0.660. Correlation of microscopic versus pen counts R2 values for observers 1 and 2 were 0.955 and 0.775, respectively. Comparing techniques, Bland–Altman revealed potential bias with respect to the magnitude of measurement ( P < .001) for both observers. Correlation of microscopic counts for both interobserver ( R2 = 0.902) and intraobserver ( R2 = 0.916) were analyzed. Bland–Altman revealed no bias ( P = .489). Automated versus microscopic counts revealed no bias between methodologies ( P = .787) and a lower correlation coefficient ( R2 = 0.384). Semiautomated versus microscopic counts revealed no bias with respect to magnitude of measurement for either observer ( P = .327, .229); Pearson correlation was 0.985 ( R2 = 0.970) and 0.965 ( R2 = 0.931) for observer 1 and 2. Semiautomated versus manual pen colony counts revealed a significant bias with respect to magnitude of measurement ( P < .001).

Conclusion

Counting with a manual pen demonstrated significant bias when compared to microscopic and semiautomated colony counts; 2 methods were deemed to be interchangeable. Thus, training algorithms based on manual counts may introduce this bias as well. Algorithms trained to select colonies based on size (pixels2) and shape (circularity) should be prioritized. Solely relying on Bland–Altman or correlational analyses when determining method interchangeability should be avoided; they rather should be used in conjunction.
An Examination of Two Diverse Communities: Residents’ Transportation Behaviors, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Jeghers Mary , Classen Sherrilene , Manjunatha Pruthvi , Elefteriadou Lily
Published: November 2023

The Smart Cities Collaborative aims to mitigate transportation challenges and inequities with new approaches and technologies (e.g., ridesharing). Therefore, assessing community transportation needs is essential. The team explored the travel behaviors, challenges, and/or opportunities among low- and high-socioeconomic status (SES) communities. Using Community-Based Participatory Research principles, four focus groups were conducted to investigate residents’ behaviors and experiences with transportation availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and adaptability. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and verified before thematic and content data analysis. Participants with low SES ( n = 11) discussed user-friendliness, uncleanliness, and bus accessibility challenges. Comparatively, the participants with high SES ( n = 12) discussed traffic congestion and parking. Both communities had concerns about safety and limited bus services and routes. Alternatively, opportunities included a convenient fixed-route shuttle. All groups stated the bus fare was affordable unless multiple fares or rideshare were needed. Findings provide valuable insight when developing equitable transportation recommendations.
Integrating Constructivist Grounded Theory with a Patient-Oriented Research Approach to Enhance Health Promotion Research
Authors: Nelson Heather J. , Bally Jill M. G. , Spurr Shelley , Foulds Heather , de Padua Anthony
Published: November 2023

Aim

To critically explore the value and challenges of combining a traditional methodology (constructivist grounded theory) with a newer approach (Patient-Oriented Research) in nursing research.

Overview of the Issue

Researchers need to examine novel approaches to research which incorporate the thoughts and ideas of patients and stakeholders in order to ensure that the research is important to end users. However, it is essential to maintain the rigour of traditional methodologies. Therefore, there is a need to explore combining traditional methodologies with new approaches.

Results

We combined a rigorous methodology with a modern approach to health promotion research that has not been described in the literature. There are numerous synergies between constructivist grounded theory and Patient-Oriented Research. However, tensions exist including pre-conceived knowledge, patients as researchers, and flexibility in research direction.

Discussion

Constructivist grounded theory with a Patient-Oriented Research approach for use in health promotion research requires thought and intentionality. Consideration of the time and money needed to build relationships and include patient partners as full team members is critical to successful research. Additionally, points of synergy and tension between constructivist grounded theory and Patient-Oriented Research must be navigated with each study.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that constructivist grounded theory can be enhanced with a Patient-Oriented Research approach and may lead to increased depth in the development of the substantive grounded theory while also giving voice to the patient-partners.

Implications for Profession

There is a need for researchers to actively engage patients and stakeholders in a Patient-Oriented Research process while retaining the core of traditional methodologies.

Impact

This paper will provide researchers with an exemplar to incorporate patients as team members while conducting constructivist grounded theory research.
Illuminating the augmented reality stage: Assessment of lighting conditions for space exploration
Authors: N. Alesawy , P. Halim , M. Nadai , J. Son , S. Davis , C. Teixeira , T. Nelson , A. Wang , G. Holliman-Lopez , S. Alesawy , L. Stirling
Published: November 2023

Augmented reality (AR) technology faces a prevailing challenge when dealing with harsh lighting environments, which are common in space. The study aims to evaluate the lighting compatibility for successful hand gestures using HoloLens 2, a device that utilizes AR technology for heads-up displays (HUDs), as a potential way to provide critical information to astronauts during extravehicular activities (EVAs). The study modulated luminance (dim, neutral, bright) and hand coverings (bare hand, white glove, black glove) to determine the HoloLens functionality. The results will inform design changes to support the astronaut experience by enhancing hand gesture recognition and reducing time wasted re-gesturing. By understanding the lighting requirements for HoloLens, we can improve the AR experience for future space missions. This study highlights the importance of considering lighting conditions in the development of AR technology, especially in challenging environments like space.
Self-efficacy in life skills and satisfaction among adolescents in school transitions
Authors: Pedditzi Maria Luisa , Nonnis Marcello , Fadda Roberta
Published: November 2023

Background:

Life skills, according to the World Health Organization, can promote youth well-being through educational school programs. Among life skills, decision-making and problem-solving skills can help adolescents consciously choose their career path. The Italian school system, in fact, requires students, already at a young age (13–14 years old) to make important decisions about their future, like for example choosing the high school that they would like to attend. This study aims to analyze differences in decision-making, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction in a sample of adolescents in secondary school in Italy. It aims to analyze whether there are differences in those dimensions according to students’ age, gender, regularity, and future choice intentions.

Design and methods:

Here we present a cross-sectional study involving 2104 students, balanced by gender, and attending upper secondary school in Italy. Participants completed Soresi and Nota’s questionnaires on life satisfaction and Caprara’s questionnaire on problem-solving self-efficacy. The data were processed using MANOVA.

Results:

Research results show significant differences in self-efficacy and school satisfaction in relation to the age at which school transition occurred. Specifically, incoming preadolescents (13–14 years old) scored lower than outgoing late adolescents (17–18 years old) in both decision-making self-efficacy and school satisfaction. Girls scored lower than boys in decision-making self-efficacy. Students who expressed the intention to drop out of school scored lowest on both the self-efficacy and perceived support satisfaction scales.

Conclusions:

The results highlight the importance of promoting the development of self-efficacy in life skills and school satisfaction to help students in school transitions.
Paying for the Prestige: Differences in College Investment between Asian American and White Families
Authors: Goyette Kimberly A. , Jin Yongai , Xie Yu
Published: November 2023

Much research has focused on the relative success of Asian Americans in U.S. higher education, particularly their high rates of enrollment and graduation compared to White Americans. In this research, we investigate one factor that may influence these outcomes: whether Asian American families invest more financially in their children’s college education. Using data from the 2015–2016 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, we find that Asian American families contribute more not only absolutely but also proportionate to their incomes. This is not due to their greater financial resources but is related to Asian American students’ attendance at more selective institutions. Asian American families may adopt college investment strategies that place more value on selective institutions, perhaps because of perceived intrinsic value, high esteem in their social networks, limited information about other institutions, and/or because they anticipate that such experiences more easily translate into desired occupations.
Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation at a Selected Training Hospital in Namibia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Tomas Nestor , Kachekele Zuze A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Nurses play a key role in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest by promptly attending to and initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation thus requires nurses to possess appropriate attitudes, competencies, and adherence to the best nursing practice. Cardiac arrests are a prevalent cause of fatalities, being responsible for approximately 30% of deaths worldwide. Despite this statistic, however, research in this specific field is lacking in Namibia.

Objective

The objective of this research was to examine registered nurses’ knowledge, attitudes toward, and practice with regard to cardiopulmonary resuscitation at a selected teaching hospital in Namibia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design using a self-administered questionnaire was utilized to purposively recruit 158 registered nurses from the inpatient and outpatient departments of a teaching hospital in Namibia. Descriptive and chi-square tests were performed using SPSSv26.

Results

The results of the study indicate that a significant percentage of nurses have limited knowledge (14.7 ± 1.50), negative attitudes (36.2 ± 4.8), and poor practice (11.16 ± 1.18) when it comes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Their poor knowledge is strongly associated with poor practice (χ2 = 9.162, P = .002). The study further revealed a significant correlation between the departments in which the nurses worked and their practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, suggesting that the work environment is a crucial factor in determining a nurse's approach to emergency care.

Conclusion

The findings of study indicate that the cardiopulmonary resuscitation practice in the selected hospital is unsafe due to the registered nurses’ poor knowledge and negative attitudes. It is strongly recommended that hospital managers and policy-makers take steps to formulate guidelines that mandate regular cardiopulmonary resuscitation training at predetermined times.
Deficiency and altered phenotype of mucosal-associated invariant T cells in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Lesturgie-Talarek Manon , Gonzalez Virginie , Beaudoin Lucie , Frantz Camelia , Sénot Noémie , Gouda Zouriatou , Rousseau Camille , Avouac Jérôme , Lehuen Agnès , Allanore Yannick
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs including the lung. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells are innate-like T lymphocytes able to produce various cytokines and cytotoxic mediators such as granzyme B. A large body of evidence supports a role of mucosal-associated invariant T cells in autoimmune disease but more recent reports suggest also a potential role in fibrotic conditions. Therefore, we herein addressed the question as whether mucosal-associated invariant T cells may have an altered profile in systemic sclerosis.

Methods:

Mucosal-associated invariant T cell frequency was analyzed by flow cytometry, using fresh peripheral blood from 74 consecutive systemic sclerosis patients who were compared to 44 healthy donors. In addition, in-depth mucosal-associated invariant T cell phenotype and function were analyzed in unselected 29 women with systemic sclerosis who were compared to 23 healthy women donors.

Results:

Proportion of circulating mucosal-associated invariant T cells was significantly reduced by 68% in systemic sclerosis compared to healthy donors (0.78% in systemic sclerosis vs 2.5%, p < 0.0001). Within systemic sclerosis subsets, mucosal-associated invariant T cells were reduced in patients with interstitial lung disease (systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease) (0.56% vs 0.96% in patients without interstitial lung disease, p = 0.04). Moreover, in systemic sclerosis patients, mucosal-associated invariant T cells displayed an activated phenotype indicated by markedly increased CD69+ mucosal-associated invariant T cell frequency (20% mucosal-associated invariant T cell CD69+ compared to 9.4% in healthy donors, p = 0.0014). Interestingly, mucosal-associated invariant T cells from systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease patients had a more pronounced altered phenotype compared to systemic sclerosis without interstitial lung disease with a correlation between mucosal-associated invariant T cells expressing CCR6+ and mucosal-associated invariant T cell frequency (r = 0.8, p = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Circulating mucosal-associated invariant T cells were reduced and exhibited an activated phenotype in systemic sclerosis patients. This peripheral mucosal-associated invariant T cell deficiency may be related to enhanced apoptosis and/or homing in inflamed tissue, particularly in systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease patients.
Surgical Management of Full-Thickness Macular Holes Spontaneously Arising From Lamellar Macular Holes
Authors: Garg Anubhav , Wahab Charbel , Yan Peng
Published: November 2023

Introduction: To review the literature regarding surgical management of full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) spontaneously arising from lamellar MHs (LMHs). Methods: The literature on surgically managed FTMHs arising from LMHs was reviewed via Ovid MEDLINE and Embase through June 5, 2022. Results: Seventy-six eyes from 16 articles were included. Forty eyes had internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, 32 inverted ILM flap techniques, and 4 an unclear surgical technique. The FTMH closure rate was not significantly different between ILM peeling (34/40 [85%]) and the inverted ILM flap techniques (28/32 [88%]) ( P = .761). The mean (±SD) logMAR visual acuity improved from 0.64 ± 0.46 to 0.25 ± 0.22 (Snellen 20/87 to 20/36) with ILM peeling (n = 30); similar data were not available for inverted ILM flap techniques. Conclusions: Foveal tissue loss, flat hole edges, and limited retinal hydration may result in inverted ILM flap techniques having outcomes similar to those of ILM peeling in repairing FTMHs from LMHs. Future studies are needed to compare techniques.
Effects of Electric and Magnetic Treatments on Microstructures of Solid Metals: A Review
Authors: Song Yanli , Wu Wenlin , Yu Yongqing , Hua Lin
Published: November 2023

An external electric or magnetic field can transfer high-intensity energy directly to the electronic scale of materials, and change the spin, energy level arrangement and trajectory of electrons. These changes produce tremendous and profound impacts on the microstructure and mechanical properties of metal materials, which may be impossible with traditional technologies. This paper reviews the effects of electric or magnetic field on the microstructures of solid metals including phase transformation, precipitation, recrystallization, dislocations and so on. Based on the existing research results, the mechanisms of these effects have been discussed. Additionally, some typical applications of electric and magnetic treatments on solid metals have been described and the challenges in this field have also been discussed.
Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18,649 patients
Authors: Al-dardery Nada Mostafa , Abdelwahab Omar Ahmed , Abouzid Mohamed , Albakri Khaled , Elkhadragy Ali , Katamesh Basant E. , Hamamreh Rawan , Mohd Ahmed B. , Abdelaziz Ahmed , Khaity Abdulrhman
Published: November 2023

Background

In this meta-analysis, we aimed to update the clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of TXA in the prevention of PPH.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library from inception until December 2022 was conducted. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TXA with a placebo among pregnant women. All relevant outcomes, such as total blood loss, the occurrence of nausea and/or vomiting, and changes in hemoglobin, were combined as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) in the meta-analysis models using STATA 17 MP.

Results

We included 59 RCTs (18,649 patients) in this meta-analysis. For cesarean birth, TXA was favored over the placebo in reducing total blood loss (MD= -2.11 mL, 95%CI [-3.09 to -1.14], P < 0.001), and occurrence of nausea or/and vomiting (OR = 1.36, 95%CI [1.07 to 1.74], P = 0.01). For vaginal birth, the prophylactic use of TXA was associated with lower total blood loss, and higher occurrence of nausea and/or vomiting (MD= -0.89 mL, 95%CI [-1.47 to -0.31], OR = 2.36, 95%CI [1.32 to 4.21], P = 0.02), respectively. However, there were no differences between the groups in changes in hemoglobin during vaginal birth (MD = 0.20 g/dl, 95%CI [-0.07 to 0.48], P = 0.15). The overall risk of bias among the included studies varies from low to high risk of bias using ROB-II tool for RCTs.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggested that TXA administration is effective among women undergoing cesarean birth or vaginal birth in lowering total blood loss and limiting the occurrence of PPH. Further clinical trials are recommended to test its efficacy on high-risk populations.
Molecular subtyping based on immune cell marker genes predicts prognosis and therapeutic response in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Zi-Tao , Shen Jun-Ting , Lei Yu-Jie , Huang Yun-Chao , Zhao Guang-Qiang , Zheng Cheng-Hong , Wang Xi , Wang Yu-Tian , Chen Long , Li Zi-Xuan , Li Shou-Zhuo , Liao Jun , Yu Ting-Dong
Published: November 2023

Objective

Lung adenocarcinoma (LA) is one of the most common malignancies and is responsible for the greatest number of tumor-related deaths. Our research aimed to explore the molecular subtype signatures of LA to clarify the correlation among the immune microenvironment, clinical outcomes, and therapeutic response.

Methods

The LA immune cell marker genes (LICMGs) identified by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis were used to discriminate the molecular subtypes and homologous immune and metabolic traits of GSE72094 LA cases. In addition, the model-building genes were identified from 1441 LICMGs by Cox-regression analysis, and a LA immune difference score (LIDscore) was developed to quantify individual differences in each patient, thereby predicting prognosis and susceptibility to immunotherapy and chemotherapy of LA patients.

Results

Patients of the GSE72094 cohort were divided into two distinct molecular subtypes based on LICMGs: immune activating subtype (Cluster-C1) and metabolically activating subtype (cluster-C2). The two molecular subtypes have distinct characteristics regarding prognosis, clinicopathology, genomics, immune microenvironment, and response to immunotherapy. Among the LICMGs, LGR4, GOLM1, CYP24A1, SFTPB, COL1A1, HLA-DQA1, MS4A7, PPARG, and IL7R were enrolled to construct a LIDscore model. Low-LIDscore patients had a higher survival rate due to abundant immune cell infiltration, activated immunity, and lower genetic variation, but probably the higher levels of Treg cells in the immune microenvironment lead to immune cell dysfunction and promote tumor immune escape, thus decreasing the responsiveness to immunotherapy compared with that of the high-LIDscore patients. Overall, high-LIDscore patients had a higher responsiveness to immunotherapy and a higher sensitivity to chemotherapy than the low-LIDscore group.

Conclusions

Molecular subtypes based on LICMGs provided a promising strategy for predicting patient prognosis, biological characteristics, and immune microenvironment features. In addition, they helped identify the patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
A retrospective pilot study of transarterial chemoembolisation using camrelizumab-eluting Callisphere beads for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Xiaonan , Wang Yang , Ren Jianzhuang , Han Xinwei , Bi Yonghua
Published: November 2023

Background

Our objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of initial hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy combined with transarterial chemoembolisation using camrelizumab-eluting Callisphere beads (camrelizumab-DEB-TACE) for treating unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Enrolment included patients with unresectable HCC who underwent camrelizumab-DEB-TACE treatment from September 2021 to February 2023. The assessment included the examination of tumour response, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and the monitoring of adverse events (AEs).

Results

Twenty-one patients were included in the study. The objective response rates (ORR) and disease control rates (DCR) were 55.0% and 90.0% at 1 month and 57.9% and 78.9% at 3 months, respectively. The median PFS and OS were 7.4 and 15.5 months months, respectively. Among the 21 patients, 4 underwent more than 2 procedures of camrelizumab-DEB-TACE, with a mean of 1.9 ± 1.1 procedures (range: 1–4) per patient. No severe complications or treatment-related mortalities were observed. In addition, no patient developed severe AEs related to camrelizumab, such as reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation, immune-related pneumonia, or immune-related myocarditis. Nineteen patients experienced at least one type of AEs related to DEB-TACE, with abdominal pain (n = 16, 76.2%) being the most prevalent AE.

Conclusion

Camrelizumab-DEB-TACE demonstrated effectiveness and safety as a treatment for unresectable HCC, with no occurrence of severe camrelizumab-related AEs.
Comparison of intraocular lens power calculation formulas in patients with a history of acute primary angle-closure attack
Authors: Kim Na Hyun , Gim Yujin , Choi Kyu-Ryong , Suh Wool , Jun Roo Min , Han Kyung Eun
Published: November 2023

Background

To compare the accuracy of nine intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas, including three traditional formulas (SRK/T, Haigis, and Hoffer Q) and six new-generation formulas (Barrett Universal II [BUII], Hill-Radial Basis Function [RBF] 3.0, Kane, Emmetropia verifying optical [EVO], Ladas Super, and Pearl-DGS) in patients who underwent cataract surgery after acute primary angle closure (APAC).

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 44 eyes of 44 patients (APAC) and 60 eyes of 60 patients (control) were included. We compared the mean absolute error, median absolute error (MedAE), and prediction error after surgery. Subgroup analyses were performed on whether axial length (AL) or preoperative laser peripheral iridotomy affected the postoperative refractive outcomes.

Results

In the APAC group, all formulas showed higher MedAE and more myopic shift than the control group (all P < 0.05). In APAC eyes with AL ≥ 22 mm, there were no differences in MedAEs according to the IOL formulas; however, in APAC eyes with AL < 22 mm, Haigis (0.49 D) showed lower MedAE than SRK/T (0.82 D) (P = 0.036) and Hill-RBF 3.0 (0.54 D) showed lower MedAE than SRK/T (0.82 D), Hoffer Q (0.75 D) or Kane (0.83 D) (P = 0.045, 0.036 and 0.027, respectively). Pearl-DGS (0.63 D) showed lower MedAE than Hoffer Q (0.75 D) and Kane (0.83 D) (P = 0.045 and 0.036, respectively). Haigis and Hill-RBF 3.0 showed the highest percentage (46.7%) of eyes with PE within ± 0.5 D in APAC eyes with AL < 22 mm. Iridectomized eyes did not show superior precision than the non-iridotomized eyes in the APAC group.

Conclusions

Refractive errors in the APAC group were more myopic than those in the control group. Haigis and Hill-RBF 3.0 showed high precision in the eyes with AL < 22 mm in the APAC group.
Indications, success, and adverse event rates of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hosseini Amirhossein , Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Sharifi Elham , Sayyari Aliakbar , Sridharan Kannan , Tajalli Saleheh , Imanzadeh Negar , Fatahi Somaye
Published: November 2023

Background

To improve knowledge on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children, we aimed to study the proportion of indications, success rate and complication of ERCP.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of all articles published up to December 2022 in the following databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was determined by the I2 statistics and the Cochrane Q test. The included data were analyzed to identify the proportion of indications, success rate and complications of ERCP in children.

Results

Based on data from 52 studies with a total of 5624 participants, the most common indications for ERCP in children were biliary [48% (95% CI: 0.40 - 0.57; I2 = 98.17%, P < 0.001)] and both biliary and pancreatic [41% (95% CI: 0.33 - 0.49; I2 = 98.27%, P < 0.001)]. The success rate of ERCP was 95% (95% CI: 0.94 - 0.96; I2 = 82.53%, P < 0.001) with the overall complication rate of 7% (95% CI: 0.05 - 0.09; I2 = 82.06%, P < 0.001). The pooled estimate for the incidence of post ERCP pancreatitis was 4% (95% CI: 0.03 - 0.06; I2 = 85.46%, P < 0.001) and the bleeding was 0% (95% CI: 0.0 - 0.0; I2 = 28.21%, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

ERCP appears to be performed safely in children with a similar success rate as in the adult population.
Diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in a pediatric patient initially suspected of tuberculosis
Authors: Li Yiyuan , Wen Yang
Published: November 2023

Background

Symptoms of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) are atypical, and histopathological misdiagnosis of IMT is still inevitable. Here we present a pediatric case that an eight-year-old boy with recurrent fever for fifteen months, received anti-tuberculosis therapy for five months and was ultimately confirmed to be IMT.

Case presentation

An eight-year-old boy experienced a recurrent fever for fifteen months, accompanied by cough, vomiting, meteorism, night sweating, and emaciation. Thoracoabdominal computer tomography revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the thorax, abdomen, and axilla, as well as minimal bilateral pleural effusion. Histopathological examinations of the intestines and greater omentum implied fibrous tissue hyperplasia along with eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration. The patient was initially misdiagnosed with tuberculosis, and symptoms were relieved partially following anti-tuberculosis treatment. However, after four months, the symptoms aggravated again and a subsequent histopathological analysis of a second sample from the greater omentum revealed the presence of IMT. Eventually, after surgical resection of the lesions and chemotherapy, the clinical symptoms in the child gradually alleviated.

Conclusions

The clinical course of IMT is variable, and pediatricians should pay attention to differentiating IMT from tuberculosis.
Perceptions and feelings of a French sample regarding lung cancer screening
Authors: Darnaud Nicolas , Mory Jean-Eudes , Romy Pascal , Berger Jacques , Eve Karine , Lantheaume Sophie
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study investigated the perceptions and feelings of a French sample about the possible introduction of lung cancer screening.

Methods

A total of 146 individuals, aged between 19- and 64-years, participated in this study conducted between November 2020 and January 2021. Participants were divided into three groups according to their smoking status: (i) active smokers (G1); former smokers (G2); and non-smokers (G3). Each individual completed an online questionnaire evaluating their perceptions and feelings about lung cancer, screening and scans.

Results

Overall, a higher percentage of former smokers (47%) indicated a greater willingness to participate in lung cancer screening compared to active smokers (19%) and non-smokers (32%). Active smokers and former smokers reported anxiety about the development of lung cancer. Active smokers who wished to participate in screening reported a greater motivation to reduce their tobacco consumption. The perception of lung cancer risk had less influence than age and socio-economic category on the participation in screening. Finally, stigma did not appear to be a barrier to undergoing screening.

Conclusion

Active and former smokers were generally optimistic about screening; however, active smokers showed less inclination to participate in screening compared to former smokers and non-smokers. Three main factors appeared to influence this participation: the perception of the risk of developing cancer, age and socio-economic category.
The short-term impact of terrorism on public mental health: an emergency primary care approach
Authors: Nilsen Lisa Govasli , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Stene Lise Eilin
Published: November 2023

Background

Terrorist attacks commonly have mental health consequences for those directly affected. Existing research is, however, divided when it comes to how and whether terrorist attacks affect the general population’s mental health. There is a need for studies investigating a broader range of mental health reactions to understand more about how different groups of the population are affected by terrorist attacks, while also illuminating important systemic factors.

Methods

In this study we investigated whether there was any change in the number of consultations with out-of-hours emergency primary care for psychological reactions in association with the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway. Data covering the entire Norwegian population’s primary care contacts in 2008–2013, where the reason for encounter was coded as psychological concerns or psychiatric disorders, were studied. A time series intervention analysis, using ARIMA modelling, was used to estimate whether there was indeed a change in healthcare utilisation associated with the terrorist attacks.

Results

The analysis uncovered an increase in contacts with emergency primary care by the overall population for mental health concerns associated with the terrorist attacks. When divided into groups according to geographical proximity to attacks, no significant change was found in the area closest to the attack in Oslo, whereas an increase was found for the rest of the country. There was also heterogeneity across different age groups. An increase was found among youths, young adults, and middle-aged people, but not the other age groups, and an increase was found for both men and women.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need for primary care services to be prepared to meet mental health reactions in the general population when planning for healthcare provision in the aftermath of terrorism. Simultaneously, it should be noted that needs may vary across different groups of the population.
Association between number of children and incident heart disease and stroke in parents – results from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
Authors: Girschik Carolin , Stolpe Susanne , Kowall Bernd
Published: November 2023

Background

In former studies, parity was associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in parents. This study aims to extend the limited existing data regarding the association between the number of children and heart disease and/or stroke in a large longitudinal study in different European countries in both men and women.

Methods

For 42 075 subjects (18 080 men, 23 995 women; median age 58 years (interquartile range: 53 to 65)) from 19 European countries and Israel in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), odds ratios (OR) for the association between number of children and incident self-reported heart disease and/or stroke (HDS) were estimated using logistic regression analyses. Persons with one or two children were used as reference. The final model was adjusted for baseline age, sex, education, region, and marital status. All analyses were stratified by sex.

Results

Women with seven or more children had the highest OR for the association between the number of children and incident HDS (OR = 2.12 [95% CI: 1.51 to 2.98]), while men with six children showed the highest OR (OR = 1.62 [1.13 to 2.33]). Stratified by education, across all education levels, men and women with five or more children had the highest ORs for this association. The highest OR was observed in both women and men in the group with primary education (OR = 1.66 [1.29 to 2.15] and OR = 1.60 [1.19 to 2.14], respectively). Stratified by region, both men and women with five or more children showed the highest ORs in Southern Europe (OR = 2.07 [1.52 to 2.82] and OR = 1.75 [1.25 to 2.44], respectively).

Conclusion

In this long-term follow-up study in various countries in Europe and Israel we found a positive association between number of children and incident HDS. This association was more pronounced in lower educated subjects and showed regional variations.
The health and wellbeing of Australian social housing tenants compared to people living in other types of housing
Authors: Freund Megan , Clapham Matthew , Ooi Jia Ying , Adamson David , Boyes Allison , Sanson-Fisher Robert
Published: November 2023

Background

Although social housing provides access to safe and affordable housing, recent studies have found that social housing tenants consistently have lower levels of health and well-being compared to other people. Given this, there is a need to examine multimorbidity for social housing tenants.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of the 2017-18 Australian National Health Survey (n = 14,327) compared the health of adults residing in social housing compared to people in other housing types (private rentals, homeowners, and homeowners/mortgagees).

Results

Most health factors examined were more prevalent in social housing tenants compared to those living in other housing types. Individual health problems identified as more highly prevalent in social housing tenants compared to all other housing types included mental health issues (43%), arthritis (36%), back problems (32%), hypertension (25%), asthma (22%) and COPD (11%). 24% of social housing tenants reported five or more health factors compared to 3–6% of people in other housing types.

Conclusions

Although these findings are not unexpected, they provide more detailed evidence that social housing providers and policy makers should consider when planning future initiatives.
Seminal papers in urology: maintenance Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy for recurrent Ta, T1 and carcinoma in situ transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: a randomized southwest oncology group study (SWOG-8507)
Authors: Tempo Jake , Bolton Damien , O’Callaghan Michael
Published: November 2023

The South West Oncology Group’s 2000 randomised-control trial investigated the addition of maintenance intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) to non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma (NMIUC) treatment. The results were published when the efficacy of BCG immunotherapy maintenance was unclear.

Randomisation produced two arms, each containing 192 patients assessed to be at high risk of recurrence following induction BCG therapy for NMIUC. The treatment arm went on to receive three successive weekly intravesical and percutaneous BCG administrations at three months, six months and then six monthly for three years from the start of induction therapy.

Recurrence free-survival (RFS), was higher in the maintenance arm with 41% (95%CI 35–49) RFS at five years in the control arm and 60% RFS (53–67 95% CI) in the maintenance arm (p < 0.0001). Only 16% of patients in the treatment arm received all of the scheduled maintenance courses of BCG.

The study’s seminal results correlate with contemporary systematic review and have guided international guidelines.