bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant expression of GSTM5 in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with DNA hypermethylation and poor prognosis
Authors: Hao Xuewei , Zhang Jun , Chen Guoyou , Cao Weiwei , Chen Hongyang , Chen Shuo
Published: June 2022

Background

Glutathione-S transferases (GSTs) comprise a series of critical enzymes involved in detoxification of endogenous or xenobiotic compounds. Among several GSTs, Glutathione S-transferases mu (GSTM) has been implicated in a number of cancer types. However, the prognostic value and potential functions of the GSTM family genes have not been investigated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

We examined the expression of GSTM5 in LUAD and identified associations among GSTM5 expression, clinicopathological features, survival data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The correlation between GSTM5 DNA methylation and its expression was analyzed using the MEXPRESS tool and UCSC Xena browser. The methylation status of GSTM5 in the promoter region in lung cancer cells was measured by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). After 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment of lung cancer cells, expression of GSTM5, cell proliferation and migration were assessed by RT-PCR, CCK-8 and transwell assays, respectively.

Results

The results showed that GSTM5 was abnormally down-regulated in LUAD patients’ tissues, and patients with low GSTM5 expression level had significantly shorter OS. Cox regression analyses revealed that GSTM5 was associated with overall survival (OS) of LUAD patients, which expression was an independent prognostic indicator in terms of OS (hazard ratio: 0.848; 95% CI: 0.762–0.945;P = 0.003). In addition, we found the promoter region of GSTM5 was hypermethylated in the tumor tissue compared with adjacent normal tissues, and the average methylation level of GSTM5 were moderately correlated with its expression. Moreover, methylation-specific PCR also showed that the GSTM5 gene promoter was hypermethylated in lung cancer cells, and treatment with 5-Aza-CdR can restore the gene expression and inhibit cell proliferation and migration. Finally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that low GSTM5 expression was significantly related to DNA repair pathways.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that low GSTM5 expression and its high DNA methylation status may act as a novel putative molecular target gene for LUAD.
Periodontal conditions in a 65-year-old population and prevalence of periodontitis according to three different bone level thresholds
Authors: Sødal Anne Thea Tveit , Hove Lene Hystad , Diep My Tien , Skudutyte-Rysstad Rasa , Koldsland Odd Carsten
Published: June 2022

Aims

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to describe the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in a 65-year-old population in Oslo, Norway, and to investigate to what extent the radiographic bone level threshold for periodontitis case definition influences the prevalence.

Materials and methods

A random sample of 454 subjects underwent a clinical and radiographic examination and answered a questionnaire regarding general health, medications, and smoking habits. Clinical periodontal parameters (periodontal pocket depths, bleeding on probing, mobility, and furcation involvement) and radiographic bone loss were used to identify periodontitis cases and to assess periodontal stage and grade.

Results

Of the 454 participants, 52.6% were defined as “periodontitis cases”. Of the total study population “unstable cases of recurrent periodontitis” were present in 38.1%, 16.5% of the participants were assigned to stage II, 32.8% to stage III, and 3.3% to stage IV. When lowering the radiographic bone loss cutoff from > 3 mm to > 2 mm or > 1 mm the prevalence of periodontitis increased to 91.9% and 99.6%.

Conclusions

Periodontitis was common among 65 year-olds living in Oslo, and in the majority of those with periodontitis, the disease was recurrent and unstable. This study also shows that the choice of bone loss cutoff for defining a periodontitis case affects the prevalence estimates to a large extent. In addition, this study addresses weaknesses in the use of the consensus report of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions for epidemiologic studies in its current form.
“It’s only fatness, it doesn’t kill”: a qualitative study on perceptions of weight gain from use of dolutegravir-based regimens in women living with HIV in Uganda
Authors: Alhassan Yussif , Twimukye Adelline , Malaba Thokozile , Myer Landon , Waitt Catriona , Lamorde Mohammed , Colbers Angela , Reynolds Helen , Khoo Saye , Taegtmeyer Miriam
Published: June 2022

Background

Dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimens have been recommended by the WHO as the preferred first-line and second-line HIV treatment in all populations. Evidence suggests an association with weight gain, particularly among black women. Our study investigated perceptions of weight gain from DTG-based regimen use on body image and adherence of antiretroviral therapy in women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Uganda.

Methods

Between April and June 2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews involving 25 WLHIV (adolescents, women of reproductive potential and post-menopausal women) and 19 healthcare professionals (clinicians, nurses, ART managers and counsellors) purposively selected from HIV clinics in Kampala. The interviews explored perceptions of body weight and image; experiences and management of weight related side effects associated with DTG; and knowledge and communication of DTG-related risks. Data was analysed thematically in NVivo 12 software.

Results

Our findings indicate WLHIV in Uganda commonly disliked thin body size and aspired to gain moderate to high level body weight to improve their body image, social standing and hide their sero-positive status. Both WLHIV and healthcare professionals widely associated weight gain with DTG use, although it was rarely perceived as an adverse event and was unlikely to be reported or to alter medication adherence. Clinical management and pharmacovigilance of DTG-related weight gain were hampered by the limited knowledge of WLHIV of the health risks of being over-weight and obesity; lack of diagnostic equipment and resources; and limited clinical guidance for managing weight gain and associated cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities.

Conclusions

The study highlights the significance of large body-size in promoting psychosocial wellbeing in WLHIV in Uganda. Although weight gain is recognized as a side effect of DTG, it may be welcomed by some WLHIV. Healthcare professionals should actively talk about and monitor for weight gain and occurrence of associated comorbidities to facilitate timely interventions. Improved supply of diagnostic equipment and support with sufficient guidance for managing weight gain for healthcare professionals in Uganda are recommended.
Development and validation of motivators for medical specialist career choice questionnaire (MMSCCQ) - a methodological study
Authors: Nadarajah Anuradha , Ramasamy Shamala , Shankar Pathiyil Ravi , Sreeramareddy Chandrashekhar T.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

A validated instrument to assess the motivating factors influencing junior doctors’ medical specialist career choices is not available. The Motivators for Medical Specialist Career Choice Questionnaire (MMSCCQ) was developed and validated in the present study.

Methods

An exploratory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted among house officers (HO) of a tertiary care hospital. A literature review was used to construct an interview guide. Seven HOs participated in an online, one-on-one audio-recorded in-depth interview (IDI). Seven sub-themes and 33 codes identified by thematic analyses were used to develop the MMSCCQ. The importance of each motivator was rated on a five-point Likert scale. The MMSCCQ was pretested, and a random sample of 262 house officers was invited to participate in an online survey. Psychometric evaluation was done using reliability statistics, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Results

The seven main themes identified by thematic analyses were labeled as factors related to ‘work schedule and personal life,’ ‘training opportunities’, ‘past work experiences’, ‘specialty characteristics’, ‘career prospects’, ‘patient care characteristics’, and ‘social factors.’ The highest ratings were given to “previous job experience” and “patient care traits. “The response rate was 71%, the mean age of the 185 HOs was 26.7 years (SD = 1.6). Females made up 63.8% of the population. The internal consistency for the overall questionnaire measured by Cronbach’s alpha was 0.85. Each construct demonstrated an acceptable internal consistency. Twenty-six of 33 items were maintained after an exploratory factor analysis was conducted, yielding 7 constructs with a 64.9% variance. Confirmatory factor analyses established the construct validity.

Conclusion

The MMSCCQ has acceptable reliability and construct validity. Further studies are needed to test psychometric properties in different settings.
US medical student perspectives on Asian American patient inclusion in medical education: a qualitative study
Authors: Le Thomas K. , Vongsachang Hursuong , Pang Sharon , Zhang George Q. , Li Taibo , Lee Jason T. C. , Lawson Shari M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Asian American (AsAm) representation is lacking in conversations surrounding cultural humility in healthcare. We aimed to investigate US medical student perspectives on AsAm patient inclusion in cultural humility training in medical education.

Methods

This qualitative study analyzed free-text responses to an optional, open-ended question presented at the conclusion of an online survey assessing medical student experiences with and perceptions regarding AsAm patients in their medical education. This survey was distributed to a convenience sample of nine US medical schools. Medical students who completed at least one clinical rotation were eligible to participate in the survey. Qualitative analysis of free-text responses was conducted in an iterative process to generate emergent themes.

Results

There was a total of 195 optional free-text responses from 688 participants (28%). Motivation to learn about AsAm population included shared identity and desire to better serve the AsAm population in their local community and future careers. Topics of interest included healthcare-related cultural preferences, healthcare delivery strategies, and health disparities for the AsAm population and other minority patients. Students reported that they drew on personal experiences and some pre-clinical or clinical exposures to learn about AsAm patients. Respondents cited the lack of exposure in the medical school curriculum and clinical experiences as the main challenge to learning about AsAm health and provided suggestions for the delivery of this education in their pre-clinical and clinical education. Respondents emphasized that AsAms are treated as a monolith in medical education and healthcare, despite their heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Medical students identified a need and interest for greater inclusion of AsAm topics in medical education on cultural humility and minority health.
The preparatory phase for ground larviciding implementation for onchocerciasis control in the Meme River Basin in South West Cameroon: the COUNTDOWN Consortium alternative strategy implementation trial
Authors: Ekanya Relindis , Obie Elisabeth Dibando , Hamill Louise , Thorogood Sophie , Abong Raphael Awah , Njouendou Abdel Jelil , Amuam Andrew , Ndzeshang Bertrand Lontum , Nkimbeng Desmond Akumtoh , Cho Jerome Fru , Esum Mathias Eyong , Enyong Peter , Turner Joseph D. , Taylor Mark J. , Wanji Samuel
Published: June 2022

Background

Onchocerciasis control using ivermectin alone has been achieved in some endemic savannah zones of Africa. In the forest regions, the co-endemicity with Loa loa has led to severe adverse events (SAEs) resulting in poor adherence of community members to ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA). This may jeopardize achieving the interruption of transmission of onchocerciasis. Therefore, to accelerate the elimination of onchocerciasis in L. loa co-endemic zones, alternative treatment strategies (ATS) including ground larviciding may be necessary. This study aimed at identifying Simulium breeding sites, cytospecies, transmission profile, susceptibility of Simulium larvae to insecticide (temephos) and identification of some non-target aquatic fauna prior to the implementation of the COUNTDOWN consortium ground larviciding alternative strategy in the Meme River Basin in South West Cameroon.

Methods

A topographic map and entomological survey were used to determine breeding sites. Larvae and adults were identified using standard identification keys. Susceptibility tests were carried out on collected larvae by exposing them to decreasing concentrations of temephos and assessing survival rates while the cytospecies were identified using cytotaxonomy. Various entomological indicators were assessed from dissected flies. Fishing was used as proxy to traps to assess some aquatic fauna at different sites.

Results

Twenty-two breeding sites were prospected in the Meme River Basin with eight productive for larvae. A concentration of 0.5–0.1 mg/l temephos induced 100% larval mortality. As the concentration of temephos decreased from 0.05 to 0.0025 mg/l, mortality of larvae also decreased from 98.7 to 12%. Nine cytospecies were observed in the Meme River Basin; 13,633 flies were collected and 4033 dissected. A total of 1455 flies were parous (36.1%), 224 flies were infected (5.5%), and 64 were infective (1.6%). Aquatic fauna observed included Cyprinus spp., Clarias spp., crabs, tadpoles, beetles and larvae of damsel fly.

Conclusions

Onchocerciasis is being actively transmitted within the Meme River Basin. Simulium larvae are susceptible to temephos, and nine cytospecies are present. Non-target fauna observed included fishes, frogs, crabs and insects. Besides treatment with ivermectin, vector control through ground larviciding may be a complementary strategy to accelerate onchocerciasis elimination in the study area.

Graphical Abstract
Screening and phylogenetic characterization of tick-borne pathogens in a population of dogs and associated ticks in Egypt
Authors: Hegab Asmaa A. , Omar Hussein M. , Abuowarda Mai , Ghattas Souzan G. , Mahmoud Nisreen E. , Fahmy Magdy M.
Published: June 2022

Background

The incidence or recurrence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in animals and humans is increasing rapidly worldwide, but there is insufficient information about TBDs infecting dogs in Egypt. Thus, the present study was conducted to screen and genetically identify tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in dogs and associated ticks by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Methods

In Cairo and Giza governorates, 208 blood samples were collected from dogs of different breeds, ages, and sex. In addition, 1266 dog-associated ticks were collected (546 ticks were used to prepare hemolymph smears, and 720 ticks were kept in 70% ethanol until PCR analysis). PCR was applied to 124 dog blood samples and 144 tick pools prepared from 720 ticks.

Results

All ticks collected from dogs were Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.). Microscopic examination revealed that TBP prevalence among dogs was 23.56% (49/208), including Anaplasma and Ehrlichia with 11.1% (23/208) and Babesia canis with 8.2% (17/208). Hepatozoon canis was not detected in blood smears. Co-infections with two pathogens were visible in 4.33% (9/208) of examined dogs. The prevalence of TBPs in hemolymph smears was 45.97% (251/546) including 35.89% (196/546) for H. canis, 8.1% (44/546) for B. canis, and 2.01% (11/546) for Anaplasmataceae (A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. platys, and E. canis). The overall molecular prevalence rate of TBPs was 25.81% and 29.17% in the blood of examined dogs and in ticks, respectively. The molecular prevalence of Anaplasmataceae family, Babesia canis, and H. canis in dog blood samples was 19.35%, 6.45%, and 0.0%, respectively, while in ticks, it was 20.83%, 5.55%, and 2.8%, respectively. A sequential analysis identified six different species of TBPs, namely B. canis vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. platys, and E. canis. The obtained sequences were submitted to GenBank and assigned accession numbers.

Conclusions

The present study detected a wide range of TBPs (B. canis, H. canis, A. platys, A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, and E. canis) that are considered a threat to domestic animals and humans in Egypt. Hepatozoon canis and A. marginale were reported in dogs and associated ticks for the first time in Egypt.

Graphical Abstract
The effect of synbiotic supplementation on atherogenic indices, hs-CRP, and malondialdehyde, as major CVD-related parameters, in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a secondary data-analysis of a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Nabhani Zohoor , Clark Cain C. T. , Goudarzi Nazanin , Hariri Far Alemeh , Razmpoosh Elham
Published: June 2022

Background

Women with GDM have a higher risk of future cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Meanwhile, synbiotics have been demonstrated to have favorable impacts on atherogenic indices, and inflammatory and oxidative stress indicators, all of which are known to be CVD-predictive factors. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on the atherogenic indices of plasma, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) in women with GDM.

Methods

Eligible pregnant women with GDM were randomized into two groups to receive a daily synbiotic capsule [500 mg of L.acidophilus(5 × 1010 CFU/g), L.plantarum(1.5 × 1010 CFU/g), L.fermentum(7 × 109 CFU/g), L.Gasseri(2 × 1010 CFU/g) and 38.5 mg of fructo-oligo-saccharides], or placebo, for 6 weeks. The ratios of TC/HDL-C, LDL/HDL-C, and logTG/HDL-C were calculated as the atherogenic indices. Serum hs-CRP and MDA concentrations were quantified before and after the intervention. Cohen’s d(d) was used to calculate the magnitude of the effect.

Results

Ninety participants completed the study. There was no significant difference in dietary antioxidant and mineral intakes between the two groups. Compared with placebo, synbiotic supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in logTG/HDL-C ratio with a medium–low effect size (mean difference = −0.11; 95% CI −0.21, 0; P values for the placebo and the intervention groups were 0.02, and 0.042, respectively; P between groups = 0.003; d = 0.25). No significant changes were observed in other parameters.

Conclusions

Overall, 6 weeks of synbiotic supplementation in women with GDM resulted in a significant improvement in logTG/HDL-C, suggesting that synbiotics may have a beneficial role in reducing the risk of future CVDs associated with GDM. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to confirm the veracity of these results.

Trial Registration IRCT201511183140N16 (December 29th, 2015).
Presepsin and platelet to lymphocyte ratio predict the progression of septic subclinical acute kidney injury to septic acute kidney injury: a pilot study
Authors: Shimoyama Yuichiro , Umegaki Osamu , Kadono Noriko , Minami Toshiaki
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether presepsin and inflammation-based prognostic scores can predict the progression of septic subclinical acute kidney injury (AKI) to septic AKI among intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Results

Presepsin values were measured immediately after ICU admission (baseline) and on Days 2, 3, and 5 after ICU admission. Glasgow Prognostic Score, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Prognostic Index, and Prognostic Nutritional Index were measured at baseline. Presepsin values and these indices were compared between septic AKI and septic subclinical AKI patients. There were 38 septic AKI patients and 21 septic subclinical AKI patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed the following cut-off values for AKI (relative to subclinical AKI): 708.0 (pg/ml) for presepsin on Day 1 (AUC, 0.69; sensitivity, 82%; specificity, 52%), 1283.0 (pg/ml) for presepsin on Day 2 (AUC, 0.69; sensitivity, 55%; specificity, 80%), and 368.66 for PLR (AUC, 0.67; sensitivity, 71%; specificity, 62%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed PLR to be a predictor of septic subclinical AKI (odds ratio, 1.0023; 95% confidence interval, 1.0000–1.0046; p = 0.046). Presepsin and PLR predicted the progression of septic subclinical AKI to septic AKI and the prognosis of subclinical septic AKI patients.
The function of uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase in the lyophilization-stress response of Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Xia Chaoran , Zeng Xiaoqun , Peng Liuyang , Pan Daodong , Wu Zhen , Guo Yuxing , Cai Zhendong
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) plays an important role in glucose metabolism, catalyzing the reversible formation and decomposition of UDP-glucose (UDPG). In previous work, we found that UGPase is a key enzyme in lyophilization response for Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). However, its function and regulatory mechanism in the freeze-drying stress response are unknown. Herein, the effect of UGPase on freeze-drying survival rate of Staphylococcus carnosus (S. carnosus) was studied.

Methods

In this work, the genes LBA1719 encoding UGPase of L. acidophilus ATCC4356 were inserted into plasmid pMG-36e to construct the recombinant plasmid pMG-LBA1719 and then overexpressed in S. carnosus; the control group was S. carnosus transformed by pMG-36e. The lyophilization-survival rate of overexpressed S. carnosus was determined, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by transcriptome to disclose the mechanism of LBA1719 in regulating the lyophilization-survival rate.

Results

Compared with the control group, the UGPase activities of the overexpressed S. carnosus increased by 35.49%, while the lyophilization-survival rates decreased by 11.17% (p < 0.05). Overexpression of LBA1719 decreased the expression of genes gapA, gapB, and pgiA in carbohydrate metabolism and dapA, dapB, and dapE in amino acid metabolism, significantly changing the physiological characteristics of S. carnosus and decreasing its lyophilization-survival rate.

Conclusion

In summary, overexpression of UGPase accelerated the growth rate of S. carnosus and reduced its lyophilization-survival rates. GapA, gapB, pgiA, dapA, dapB, and dapE are vital to lyophilization protection in lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These findings provide new theoretical basis for analyzing the regulatory and molecular mechanisms of lyophilization resistance in LABs.
Periodontal ligament stem cells as a promising therapeutic target for neural damage
Authors: Mohebichamkhorami Fariba , Fattahi Roya , Niknam Zahra , Aliashrafi Morteza , Khakpour Naeimi Sahar , Gilanchi Samira , Zali Hakimeh
Published: June 2022

Background

The damaged neuronal cells of adult mammalian lack the regenerative ability to replace the neuronal connections. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are the promising source for neuroregenerative applications that can improve the injured microenvironment of the damaged neural system. They provide neuronal progenitors and neurotrophic, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory factors. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively explore the various neuronal differentiation potentials of PDLSCs for application in neural regeneration therapy.

Main text

PDLSCs have superior potential to differentiate into various neural-like cells through a dedifferentiation stage followed by differentiation process without need for cell division. Diverse combination of nutritional factors can be used to induce the PDLSCs toward neural lineage. PDLSCs when coupled with biomaterials could have significant implications for neural tissue repair. PDLSCs can be a new clinical research target for Alzheimer's disease treatment, multiple sclerosis and cerebral ischemia. Moreover, PDLSCs have beneficial effects on retinal ganglion cell regeneration and photoreceptor survival. PDLSCs can be a great source for the repair of injured peripheral nerve through the expression of several neural growth factors and differentiation into Schwann cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these cells are an appealing source for utilizing in clinical treatment of the neuropathological disorders. Although significant in vitro and in vivo investigations were carried out in order for neural differentiation evaluation of these cells into diverse types of neurons, more preclinical and clinical studies are needed to elucidate their therapeutic potential for neural diseases.
Book review of Sámi media and indigenous agency in the Arctic North by Coppelie Coco and Thomas A. Dubois
Authors: Hahn Allison
Published: June 2022

Book details

Coco, C and Dubois, T

Sámi media and indigenous agency in the Arctic North

Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2020

280 pages, ISBN 978-029-574-6609
Constant light in early life induces fear-related behavior in chickens with suppressed melatonin secretion and disrupted hippocampal expression of clock- and BDNF-associated genes
Authors: Yang Yang , Cong Wei , Liu Jie , Zhao Mindie , Xu Peirong , Han Wanwan , Wang Deyun , Zhao Ruqian
Published: June 2022

Background

Light management plays an important role in the growth and behavior of broiler chickens. Constant light in early post hatch stage has been a common practice in broiler industry for improving growth performance, while whether and how constant light in early life affects the behavior of broiler chickens is rarely reported.

Results

In this study, newly hatched chicks were kept in either constant (24 L:0 D, LL) or (12 L:12 D, LD) photoperiod for 7 d and then maintained in 12 L:12 D thereafter until 21 days of age. Constant light increased the average daily feed intake but not the body weight, which led to higher feed conversion ratio. Chickens in LL group exhibited fear-related behaviors, which was associated with higher corticosterone, lower melatonin and 5-HT levels. Concurrently, constant light exposure increased the mRNA expression of clock-related genes and suppressed the expression of antioxidative genes in the hippocampus. Moreover, brain derived neurotrophic factor/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (BDNF/ERK) pathway was suppressed in the hippocampus of chickens exposed to constant light in the first week post hatching.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that constant light exposure in early life suppress melatonin secretion and disrupts hippocampal expression of genes involved in circadian clock and BDNF/ERK pathway, thereby contributing to fear-related behaviors in the chicken.
Novel applications of molecular imaging to guide breast cancer therapy
Authors: Edmonds Christine E. , O’Brien Sophia R. , Mankoff David A. , Pantel Austin R.
Published: June 2022

The goals of precision oncology are to provide targeted drug therapy based on each individual’s specific tumor biology, and to enable the prediction and early assessment of treatment response to allow treatment modification when necessary. Thus, precision oncology aims to maximize treatment success while minimizing the side effects of inadequate or suboptimal therapies. Molecular imaging, through noninvasive assessment of clinically relevant tumor biomarkers across the entire disease burden, has the potential to revolutionize clinical oncology, including breast oncology. In this article, we review breast cancer positron emission tomography (PET) imaging biomarkers for providing early response assessment and predicting treatment outcomes. For 2-18fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG), a marker of cellular glucose metabolism that is well established for staging multiple types of malignancies including breast cancer, we highlight novel applications for early response assessment. We then review current and future applications of novel PET biomarkers for imaging the steroid receptors, including the estrogen and progesterone receptors, the HER2 receptor, cellular proliferation, and amino acid metabolism.
Cybersecurity in smart local energy systems: requirements, challenges, and standards
Authors: Dong Siyuan , Cao Jun , Flynn David , Fan Zhong
Published: June 2022

Smart local energy system (SLES) can support tailored regional solutions through the orchestration of cyber physical architectures, coordinating distributed technologies, with operational and forecasting models across all energy actors. Unprecedented access to new information, data streams and remotely accessible control can substantially benefit the multi-objective optimisation of multiple performance metrics. Given the expansion of this internet of things (IoT) and cyber-physical system (CPS), it is important to not only design effective detection and management of potential cybersecurity issues, but also to address the challenges in having affective and adaptive governance—built on standards to ensure the security of the IoT to minimise risks and harms to all users. This study conducts an extensive and critical investigation into the existing standards and identifies areas to focus on as to support the expansive adoption of cyber physical networks. Although existing standards and protocols are highly fragmented, our findings suggest that many of them can meet the requirements of the applications and infrastructures of SLES. Additionally, many standards have been introduced to protect information security and personal privacy due to their increasing importance. The research also suggests that the industry needs to produce more affordable and cyber-secured devices and services. For the government and regulators, relevant guidelines on the minimum function and security requirements for applications should be provided. Additionally, compliance testing and certifications should be in place and carried out by an independent third party to ensure the components of SLES ecosystem with a satisfied security level by design.
A comparison of question order effects on item-by-item and grid formats: visual layout matters
Authors: Stefkovics Ádám , Kmetty Zoltán
Published: June 2022

Question order effect refers to the phenomenon that previous questions may affect the cognitive response process and respondents’ answers. Previous questions generate a context or frame in which questions are interpreted. At the same time, in online surveys, the visual design may also shift responses. Past empirical research has yielded considerable evidence supporting the impact of question order on measurement, but few studies have investigated how question order effects vary with the visual design. Our main research question was whether question order effects are different on item-by-item formats compared to grid formats. The study uses data from an online survey experiment conducted on a non-probability-based online panel in Hungary, in 2019. We used the welfare-related questions of the 8’th wave of ESS. We manipulated the questionnaire by changing the position of a question that calls forth negative stereotypes about such social benefits and services. We further varied the visual design by presenting the questions in separate pages (item-by-item) or one grid. The results show that placing the priming questions right before the target item significantly changed respondents’ attitudes in a negative way, but the effect was significant only when questions were presented on separate pages. A possible reason behind this finding may be that respondents engage in a deeper cognition when questions are presented separately. On the other hand, the grid format was robust against question order, in addition, we found little evidence of stronger satisficing on grids. The findings highlight that mixing item-by-item and grids formats in online surveys may introduce measurement inequivalence, especially when question order effects are expected.
Endovascular management of hemoptysis in a known case of tetralogy of fallot and tuberculosis complicated with aspergilloma: a case report
Authors: Varghese Jerin Kuruvilla , Agarwal Vivek , Batra Amit
Published: June 2022

Background

Hemoptysis is a life-threatening complication due to bleeding either from hypertrophied bronchial arteries or enlarged non-bronchial systemic collaterals, having multiple etiologies. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a minimally invasive modality of management that can effectively manage moderate-to-severe hemoptysis.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 25-year-old female with moderate-to-severe hemoptysis. There was prior history of tuberculosis and treatment with anti-tubercular therapy 6 months back. There was also a background of tetralogy of Fallot(TOF) with symptoms of chronic breathlessness and palpitations. Imaging evaluation with X-ray and HRCT thorax revealed a cavity in the left upper lobe with dependent soft tissue, implying a diagnosis of aspergilloma in an old tubercular cavity. TOF and right-sided aortic arch were noted. CT bronchial angiography showed dilated and tortuous left bronchial artery, as well as non-bronchial systemic collaterals from the ipsilateral internal mammary artery. Endovascular management was achieved by super-selective catheterization and embolization of the involved branch of the left bronchial artery and selective embolization of non-bronchial systemic collaterals from the ipsilateral internal mammary artery.

Conclusions

BAE has a high clinical success rate and is recommended as first-line therapy in the management of massive hemoptysis. The CT pulmonary angiography, as well as the pre-embolization angiogram, is very important to detect the source of hemoptysis from the non-bronchial systemic circulation, increasing the success rate and decreasing the incidence of recurrence. BAE is effective even in presence of underlying vascular anomalies such as Fallot of Tetralogy.
Review on development of potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPro)
Authors: Katre Soumya Gulab , Asnani Alpana Jagdish , Pratyush Kumar , Sakharkar Nilima Gangadhar , Bhope Ashwini Gajanan , Sawarkar Kanchan Tekram , Nimbekar Vaibhav Santosh
Published: June 2022

Background

The etiological agent for the coronavirus illness outbreak in 2019–2020 is a novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19), whereas coronavirus disease pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) has compelled the implementation of novel therapeutic options.

Main body of the abstract

There are currently no targeted therapeutic medicines for this condition, and effective treatment options are quite restricted; however, new therapeutic candidates targeting the viral replication cycle are being investigated. The primary protease of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus is a major target for therapeutic development (MPro). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) all seem to have a structurally conserved substrate-binding domain that can be used to develop novel protease inhibitors.

Short conclusion

With the recent publication of the X-ray crystal structure of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Mm, virtual and in vitro screening investigations to find MPro inhibitors are fast progressing. The focus of this review is on recent advancements in the quest for small-molecule inhibitors of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 main protease.
Correction: Consensus evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia
Authors: El Miedany Yasser , Gadallah Naglaa , Mohasseb Diaa , Gaballah Nahla M. , El Zohiery Abeer K. , Hassan Mohammed , El Gaafary Maha , Hassan Waleed , Mortada Mohamed , Eissa Mervat , Tabra Samar Abdelhamed , Foad Nermeen , El Nouby Fatma H. , Saber Sally , Galal Salwa
Published: June 2022

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Climate change, coastal built heritage, and critical challenges facing the heritage law frameworks of the United States, United Kingdom, and France
Authors: Rowberry Ryan
Published: June 2022

Climate change poses a particular threat to the world’s unique built heritage—historic buildings, sites monuments, and museums. As preserving built heritage resources from climate change becomes a global priority, understanding the current inadequacies of legal frameworks designed to protect built heritage in coastal areas is essential. Only by identifying and examining these shortfalls can countries create resilient legal policies and tools that better protect coastal built heritage from the immediate and long-term effects of climate change. Building on previous comparative cultural heritage law scholarship, this article describes the legal frameworks that the United States, United Kingdom, and France use to protect their respective built heritage in coastal areas and identifies two critical challenges facing each country.
Differences in Remote Mental Healthcare: Minority Ethnic Service User Experiences and Perceptions During COVID-19
Authors: Samad Lamiya , Teague Bonnie , Moreira Karen , Bagge Sophie , Elzubeir Khalifa , Marriott Emma , Wilson Jonathan , Agarwal Nita
Published: June 2022

Aims

COVID-19 has resurfaced health inequalities but also provides new opportunities for remote healthcare. Minority ethnic service users (SUs) are substantially under-represented in secondary mental health services due to gaps in understanding needs of this priority group. We aimed to assess and identify any differences in characteristics and acceptability, with a focus on minority ethnic mental health SUs.

Methods

A prospective, online feedback questionnaire was developed with the help of SUs. This was built into video consultations (VCs), using the secure Attend Anywhere platform through a survey link. We present results between July 2020 and January 2022, during which, a total of 2,565 SUs completed the online questionnaire after VCs. SPSS (version 27) was used for descriptive statistical analysis. Chi-squared test, using 5% level of significance, was conducted to test differences between the two (minority Vs majority ethnic) SU groups.

Results

Of 2,565 SUs, 119 (4.6%) were from minority ethnic groups (Asian British, Mixed/multiple, Black British, and Other), 2,398 (93.5%) were White British, and 48 (1.9%) preferred not to disclose. A higher percentage of SUs were females from both minority (55.6%) and White British (66.1%) ethnic groups (ϰ2=5.476, p < 0.05). By age group, almost half (48.7%) of minority ethnic SUs were less than 25 years old, compared with those from White British ethnicity (29.2%). In contrast, only 2.5% minority ethnic SUs were aged ≥65 years with none ≥80 years old (ϰ2 Likelihood Ratio = 27.11, p < 0.001).

No significant differences were found for video technical quality, such as waiting area, joining the video call, sound, and video quality. Similar findings were observed for video care delivery aspects with no significant differences between (minority ethnic and White British) SUs. Overall, both groups felt comfortable during the video call (ϰ2=0.137, p > 0.05), their needs were met (ϰ2=0.384, p > 0.05) and felt supported (ϰ2=0.164, p > 0.05). However, according to care team, a significantly higher percentage of minority ethnic SUs (43%) had remotely consulted Specialist (Eating disorders, Well-being/IAPT) services compared with those of majority ethnicity (29%) (ϰ2 Likelihood Ratio = 21.936, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both minority ethnic and White British SUs found video care to be acceptable, with positive experiences. A significantly high proportion of minority ethnic SUs was younger and had remotely consulted Specialist services, with none in the 80-plus age group. These findings highlight priority areas to address among this massively underrepresented group in mental healthcare services.
Service Evaluation: Patient Engagement With Online Group Psychotherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic in West of Scotland
Authors: Vatalis Christos , McGuinness Lorraine , Ogston Elizabeth
Published: June 2022

Aims

Online group therapy has gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as an alternative to face-to-face group therapy. This service evaluation is aimed at assessing how this paradigm shift is received by the patients and how the quality of the provided services is assured and potentially improved.

Methods

1. We have retrospectively compared the attendance records from all psychotherapy groups in North Lanarkshire psychotherapy department between two distinct time periods: from November 2018 to January 2019 when only face-to-face groups were available (5 groups, 29 patients) and from November 2021 to January 2022 when only online groups were available (4 groups, 21 patients).

2. In order to prospectively assess patient's views regarding online group therapy, Client Satisfaction Questionnaires (CSQ-4, quantitative and qualitative) were distributed to January 2022 groups only.

Results

1. The attendance rate was 5% lower in the face-to-face groups (76% vs 81%) while the non-attendance rate was lower by 1% in the online groups (9% vs 8%). The cancellation rate was also smaller by 5% in the online groups (14% to 9%).

2. In regard to the service satisfaction rates in the online groups, 57% of patients who responded, answered that “most of their needs have been met by the online services’’, 71% answered “services helped with their problems somewhat’’, 71% answered “they think they would come back to the program again and 66% answered” they are mostly satisfied with the services received.“The predominant positive aspects of the services according to free text comments were” “communication, understanding, sense of community’’ and the negative aspects that need improvement: “return to face-to-face (71% of answers), need personal interaction’’.*

* We have extended the deadline for the acceptance of the responses to 20th of February 2022 due to mailing systems being slowed down by the pandemic. (7 out of 21 questionnaires have been returned)

Conclusion

Overall the attendance rates between the online and face-to-face group therapy exhibit minor differences. Concerning the patient satisfaction rates they reveal that the majority of patients who receive group therapy online are above-average satisfied with the services, feel that the online therapy provides a sense community but would prefer to return to face-to-face therapy.

Further data and studies will be needed to reach more robust conclusions.
Health Care Burden Associated With Adolescent Prolonged Opioid Use After Surgery
Authors: Cummings Joyner Alice Kate , King Michael R. , Safranek Conrad , Parvathinathan Gomathy , De Souza Elizabeth , Anderson T. Anthony
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

Prolonged opioid use after surgery (POUS), defined as the filling of at least 1 opioid prescription filled between 90 and 180 days after surgery, has been shown to increase health care costs and utilization in adult populations. However, its economic burden has not been studied in adolescent patients. We hypothesized that adolescents with POUS would have higher health care costs and utilization than non-POUS patients.

METHODS:

Opioid-naive patients 12 to 21 years of age in the United States who received outpatient prescription opioids after surgery were identified from insurance claim data from the Optum Clinformatics Data Mart Database from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2019. The primary outcomes were total health care costs and visits in the 730-day period after the surgical encounter in patients with POUS versus those without POUS. Multivariable regression analyses were used to determine adjusted health care cost and visit differences.

RESULTS:

A total of 126,338 unique patients undergoing 132,107 procedures were included in the analysis, with 4867 patients meeting criteria for POUS for an incidence of 3.9%. Adjusted mean total health care costs in the 730 days after surgery were $4604 (95% confidence interval [CI], $4027–$5181) higher in patients with POUS than that in non-POUS patients. Patients with POUS had increases in mean adjusted inpatient length of stay (0.26 greater [95% CI, 0.22–0.30]), inpatient visits (0.07 greater [95% CI, 0.07–0.08]), emergency visits (0.96 greater [95% CI, 0.89–1.03]), and outpatient/other visits (5.78 greater [95% CI, 5.37–6.19]) in the 730 days after surgery (P < .001 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS:

In adolescents, POUS was associated with increased total health care costs and utilization in the 730 days after their surgical encounter. Given the increased health care burden associated with POUS in adolescents, further investigation of preventative measures for high-risk individuals and additional study of the relationship between opioid prescription and outcomes may be warranted.
Bank profitability in the euro area
Authors: Αυγέρη Ιωάννα
Published: June 2022

Η παρούσα εργασία ερευνά τον τρόπο με τον οποίο επηρεάστηκε η τραπεζική κερδοφορία από την εισαγωγή του Ενιαίου Μηχανισμού Εποπτείας των τραπεζών (SSM), του πρώτου πυλώνα της Ευρωπαϊκής Ενιαίας Τραπεζικής Αγοράς. Από τη μία πλευρά, η αυξημένη διαφάνεια και αξιοπιστία, αναμενόταν να βελτιώσει την κερδοφορία, ενώ από την άλλη η προσαρμογή σε ένα απαιτητικό εποπτικό καθεστώς αναμενόταν να την εμποδίσει. Εστιάζοντας σε ένα δείγμα άμεσα εποπτευόμενων τραπεζών από τον SSM και τραπεζών εποπτευόμενων από τις εθνικές εποπτικές αρχές, κατά την περίοδο 2011-2017, αυτή η μελέτη εξετάζει την καθαρή επίπτωση του SSM στην εξέλιξη των δεικτών τραπεζικής κερδοφορίας και συγκεκριμένα την απόδοση επί του ενεργητικού (ROA) και την απόδοση επί των ιδίων κεφαλαίων (ROE). Το Κεφάλαιο 1 παρουσιάζει συνοπτικά τη δημιουργία της Ενιαίας Τραπεζικής Αγοράς εντός του Ευρωπαϊκού χρηματοοικονομικού τομέα και τη σχέση της με την κερδοφορία των τραπεζών. Το Κεφάλαιο 2 εξετάζει εάν η εισαγωγή του SSM επηρέασε την κερδοφορία των άμεσα εποπτευόμενων τραπεζών με διαφορετικό τρόπο σε σχέση με τις υπόλοιπες Ευρωπαϊκές τράπεζες. Μέσω της μεθοδολογίας difference-in-differences τα βασικά αποτελέσματα ανέδειξαν θετικές επιπτώσεις του SSM στην τραπεζική κερδοφορία. Στο Κεφάλαιο 3 αυτές οι θετικές επιπτώσεις αναλύονται περαιτέρω, μέσω της unconditional quantile regression μεθοδολογίας, προκειμένου να εξεταστούν ασύμμετρες επιπτώσεις κατά μήκος της κατανομής της τραπεζικής κερδοφορίας. Το Κεφάλαιο 4 εξετάζει εάν και σε ποιο βαθμό η εφαρμογή του SSM οδήγησε σε σύγκλιση της κερδοφορίας των τραπεζών της ευρωζώνης, μέσω της μεθόδου Phillips and Sul (2007) κατάλληλη να εκτιμήσει τη σύγκλιση σε δείγματα panel. Επιπροσθέτως, εφαρμόζεται ο συνδυασμός ελέγχων β- και σ- σύγκλισης ως εναλλακτική μέθοδος. Το Κεφάλαιο 5 συνοψίζει τα κύρια ευρήματα σύμφωνα με τα οποία εντοπίζεται θετική επίπτωση του SSM στην κερδοφορία των τραπεζών, ενώ επίσης αναδεικνύουν και ενίσχυση της σύγκλισης κερδοφορίας στον Ευρωπαϊκό χρηματοοικονομικό τομέα.