bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytisine Versus Varenicline for Smoking Cessation in a Primary Care Setting: A Randomized Non-inferiority Trial
Authors: Oreskovic Tin , Percac-Lima Sanja , Ashburner Jeffrey M , Tiljak Hrvoje , Rifel Janez , Klemenc Ketiš Zalika , Oreskovic Stjepan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

A smoking-cessation program was implemented as a randomized non-inferiority trial in primary care practices in Croatia and Slovenia to investigate whether a standard 4-week treatment with cytisine was at least as effective and feasible as a standard 12-week treatment with varenicline in helping smokers quit.

Aims and Methods

Out of 982 surveyed smokers, 377 were recruited to the non-inferiority trial: 186 were randomly assigned to cytisine and 191 to varenicline treatment. The primary cessation outcome was 7-day abstinence after 24 weeks, while the primary feasibility outcome was defined by adherence to the treatment plan. We also compared the rates of adverse events between the two treatment groups.

Results

The cessation rate after 24 weeks was 32.46% (62/191) in the varenicline group and 23.12% (43/186) in the cytisine group (odds ratio [OR]: 0.63, 95% credible interval [CI]: 0.39 to 0.98). Of 191 participants assigned to varenicline treatment 59.16% (113) were adherent, while 70.43% (131 of 186) were adherent in the cytisine group (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.56). Participants assigned to cytisine experienced fewer total (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.81) and fewer severe or more extreme adverse events (IRR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.35 to 1.47).

Conclusions

This randomized non-inferiority trial (n = 377) found the standard 4-week cytisine treatment to be less effective than the standard 12-week varenicline treatment for smoking cessation. However, adherence to the treatment plan, ie, feasibility, was higher, and the rate of adverse events was lower among participants assigned to cytisine treatment.

Implications

The present study found the standard 12 weeks of varenicline treatment to be more effective than the standard 4 weeks of cytisine treatment for smoking cessation in a primary care setting in Croatia and Slovenia. Participants assigned to cytisine, however, had a higher adherence to the treatment plan and a lower rate of adverse events. Estimates from the present study may be especially suitable for generalizations to high-smoking prevalence populations in Europe. Given the much lower cost of cytisine treatment, its lower rate of adverse events, and higher feasibility (but its likely lower effectiveness with the standard dosage regimen), future analyses should assess the cost-effectiveness of the two treatments for health policy considerations.
Home Care Aides’ Perspectives of Occupational Tobacco Smoke Exposure: A Q Methodology Study
Authors: Huang Su-Fei , Liao Jung-Yu
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The increased growth of older adults has generated demand for home care aides (HCAs). Occupational tobacco smoke exposure (OTSE) may risk their health which should be paid attention to.

Aims and Methods

This study explored the HCAs’ perspectives of OTSE to inform health promotion programs catering to individual needs. A two-stage Q methodology was employed for data collection and analysis. Thirty-nine Q statements were extracted in the first stage and then 51 HCAs with OTSE were recruited to complete Q sorting in the second stage. PQ Method software was used for data analysis. Principal component analysis was performed to determine the most appropriate number of factors.

Results

The five factors identified from HCAs’ perspective of OTSE explained 51% of the variance. The HCAs agreed that OTSE could increase cancer risk. The HCAs with factor I did not care about OTSE, tending to complete their work. The HCAs with factor II agreed with the health hazards of OTSE, but did not know how to help their clients stop smoking. The HCAs with factor III cared about OTSE but were afraid of disrupting the client-provider relationship. The HCAs with factor IV regarded OTSE as a priority for occupational interventions whereas the HCAs with factor V did not think OTSE was an issue and believed that they could balance work and OTSE health hazards.

Conclusions

Our findings will inform the design of home care pre-service and on-the-job training courses. Long-term care policies should be developed to promote smoke-free workplaces.

Implications

There are five types of HCAs’ perspectives on OTSE. The tailor interventions can be developed to help them avoid the OTSE (eg, opening windows for ventilation or using air purification equipment) and have an OTSE-free space.
Inundative, Dry-Powder, Inhaled Measles Vaccination to Prevent Deaths of Young Children in War-torn Regions
Authors: Sievers Benjamin L , Sievers Robert E , Sievers Eric L
Published: June 2023

Children living in war-torn and geographically remote regions often die from measles due to undervaccination. Protective community immunity could be safely improved through the comprehensive use of small, inexpensive, easy-to-use, dry-powder aerosolized measles vaccination inhalers. Influential local community members could be engaged to provide risk counseling and inform their peers of measles risks to inspire vaccine uptake. Vaccination by inhaled live attenuated measles vaccine has been shown to be safe and protective among several million research subjects and omits (1) needles, syringes, glass vials, and specialized disposal systems; (2) deadly vaccine reconstitution errors; (3) cold chain technology to protect temperature-sensitive vaccine; (4) vaccine wastage associated with suboptimal use of multidose vials; (5) trained vaccinators; (6) food, housing, and transportation costs associated with centralized vaccination campaigns; and (7) risk of violence to vaccinators and associated staff. All elements for inhaler-based measles vaccination are readily available. Dry-powder measles vaccine inhalers can be assembled and distributed to save lives.
Latent Tuberculosis Screening Cascade for Non–US-Born Persons in a Large Health System
Authors: Shapiro Adrienne E , Gupta Ayushi , Lan Kristine , Kim H Nina
Published: June 2023

Review of electronic health records revealed substantial drop-off at each stage of the latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) care cascade among non–US-born persons in an academic primary care system. Of 5148 persons eligible for LTBI screening, 1012 (20%) had an LTBI test, and 140 (48%) of 296 LTBI-positive persons received LTBI treatment.
Is the “P-value” Alone a Sufficient Metric for the Magnitude of Clinical Benefit and Which Clinical Trial Is Actually Positive, KEYNOTE-394 or KEYNOTE-240?
Authors: Kus Tulay , Aktas Gokmen , Cicin Irfan
Published: June 2023

This commentary asks if, when determining the target P -value in a clinical study, it is sufficient to evaluate the study as “negative” or “positive” based on the target P -value alone, or whether this could lead to illusions.
An Analysis of Clinical and Pathologic Features, RecurIndex Genomic Profiles, and Survival Outcomes in HER2-Low Breast Cancer
Authors: Hui Tianli , Li Sainan , Wang Huimin , Ma Xuejiao , Du Furong , Gao Wei , Yang Shan , Sang Meixiang , Li Ziyi , Ding Ran , Liu Yueping , Geng Cuizhi
Published: June 2023

Background

In recent years, breast cancer has become the most common cancer in the world, increasing women’s health risks. Approximately 60% of breast cancers are categorized as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low tumors. Recently, antibody-drug conjugates have been found to have positive anticancer efficacy in patients with HER2-low breast cancer, but more studies are required to comprehend their clinical and molecular characteristics.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 165 early breast cancer patients with pT1-2N1M0 who had undergone the RecurIndex testing. To better understand HER2-low tumors, we investigated the RecurIndex genomic profiles, clinicopathologic features, and survival outcomes of breast cancers according to HER2 status.

Results

First, there were significantly more hormone receptor (HR)-positive tumors, luminal-type tumors, and low Ki67 levels in the HER2-low than in the HER2-zero. Second, RI-LR (P = .0294) and RI-DR (P = .001) scores for HER2-low and HER2-zero were statistically significant. Third, within HER2-negative disease, HR-positive/HER2-low tumors showed highest ESR1, NFATC2IP, PTI1, ERBB2, and OBSL1 expressions. Fourth, results of the survival analysis showed that lower expression of HER2 was associated with improved relapse-free survival for HR-positive tumors, but not for HR-negative tumors.

Conclusions

The present study highlights the unique features of HER2-low tumors in terms of their clinical characteristics as well as their gene expression profiles. HR status may influence the prognosis of patients with HER2-low expression, and patients with HR-positive/HER2-low expression may have a favorable outcome.
A Single-Arm, Open-Label Phase II Study of ONC201 in Recurrent/Refractory Metastatic Breast Cancer and Advanced Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Atkins Sarah L P , Greer Yoshimi Endo , Jenkins Sarah , Gatti-Mays Margaret E , Houston Nicole , Lee Sunmin , Lee Min-Jung , Rastogi Shraddha , Sato Nahoko , Burks Christina , Annunziata Christina M , Lee Jung-Min , Nagashima Kunio , Trepel Jane B , Lipkowitz Stanley , Zimmer Alexandra S
Published: June 2023

Background

ONC201 is a small molecule that can cause nonapoptotic cell death through loss of mitochondrial function. Results from the phase I/II trials of ONC201 in patients with refractory solid tumors demonstrated tumor responses and prolonged stable disease in some patients.

Methods

This single-arm, open-label, phase II clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of ONC201 at the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) in patients with recurrent or refractory metastatic breast or endometrial cancer. Fresh tissue biopsies and blood were collected at baseline and at cycle 2 day 2 for correlative studies.

Results

Twenty-two patients were enrolled; 10 patients with endometrial cancer, 7 patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, and 5 patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The overall response rate was 0%, and the clinical benefit rate, defined by complete response (CR) + partial response (PR) + stable disease (SD), was 27% (n = 3/11). All patients experienced an adverse event (AE), which was primarily low grade. Grade 3 AEs occurred in 4 patients; no grade 4 AEs occurred. Tumor biopsies did not show that ONC201 consistently induced mitochondrial damage or alterations in tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or the TRAIL death receptors. ONC201 treatment caused alterations in peripheral immune cell subsets.

Conclusion

ONC201 monotherapy did not induce objective responses in recurrent or refractory metastatic breast or endometrial cancer at the RP2D dose of 625 mg weekly but had an acceptable safety profile (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03394027).
Pearls of wisdom: Updated skill-specific parenting strategies in the first 6 years
Authors: Dosman Cara , Koscielnuk Dorrie , Gallagher Sheila
Published: June 2023

This article provides knowledge translation on up-to-date parenting strategies (pearls of wisdom). These pearls support the development of specific skills in children from birth through 5 years of age. Paediatricians have indicated that they feel inadequately trained in providing parenting guidance. This article could be used by family physicians, community health nurses, nurse practitioners, and paediatricians as an office reference when providing anticipatory parenting guidance and when there are parent or clinician concerns that relate to various developmental stages. Included are general tips for guiding parents and pearls that support self-regulation, attachment, perspective taking, and developing the child’s sense of self. The present review links pearls to specific reference sources in the literature which cite developmental standards and advice. Evidence-based parenting programs are cited for children with more complex presentations due to developmental, regulatory, or behavioural disorders, temperament individual differences, or limited parenting support. Website links for parents are recommended, and Parenting Pearls handouts provided, to solidify understanding and follow through.
Assemblages of pelagic thaliaceans in oceanographic features at the tropical-temperate transition zone of a western boundary current
Authors: Pitt Kylie A , Lawley Jonathan W , Hinchliffe Charles , Matis Paloma A , OlguÍn-Jacobson Carolina , Arafeh-Dalmau Nur , Lindholm Pauline , Arnold Jade , Suthers Iain M
Published: June 2023

Mesoscale oceanographic features influence the composition of zooplankton. Cyclonic eddies can promote upwelling and production of gelatinous zooplankton, which play critical roles in ocean biogeochemical cycling. We examined variation in assemblages of thaliaceans (salps, doliolids and pyrosomes) among mesoscale oceanographic features at the tropical-temperate boundary of the East Australian Current (EAC) in Spring 2019 and Autumn 2021. The influence of cyclonic eddies was examined in a large offshore cyclonic eddy in 2019 and a newly formed frontal eddy in 2021. Pyrosomes were most abundant in the offshore EAC jet, and salps and doliolids were most abundant in coastal features, including within eddies that were transported offshore. In 2019, Salpa fusiformis increased 4-fold over 8 days in the large cyclonic eddy, and in 2021, doliolids increased > 50-fold over 2 weeks in a chlorophyll-rich coastal eddy while abundances of other thaliaceans remained unchanged or decreased. Correlations between abundances of thaliaceans and chlorophyll-a concentrations across the 102 samples collected during both voyages revealed that doliolids occupy a wider range of chlorophyll-a concentrations than salps. Our observations indicate that doliolids thrive in productive shelf environments, salps occur in less productive shelf waters and pyrosomes are most abundant in oligotrophic waters of the south Coral Sea.
A systematic review of the relationship between household food insecurity and childhood undernutrition
Authors: Lye Chuan Way , Sivasampu Sheamini , Mahmudiono Trias , Majid Hazreen Abdul
Published: June 2023

Background

This systematic review aims to investigate the association between household food insecurity (HFIS) and undernutrition in children under 5 years old, thereby informing policymakers on the vital factors needed to be considered in tailoring an effective strategy to tackle childhood undernutrition and ultimately HFIS.

Methods

We performed a systematic review that examined household food insecurity among the undernourished under-five children. PubMed, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched from 1 January 2012 to 1 April 2022, for relevant articles. Outcome measures were stunting, underweight or wasting. Of the 2779 abstracts screened, 36 studies that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. A range of tools had been used to measure HFIS, the most common being Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. HFIS has been found to be significantly associated with undernutrition, particularly stunting and underweight. This is observed proportionately across all national income levels.

Conclusions

Sustainable and inclusive economic growth, which aims to reduce income, education and gender inequality, should be a key policy goal in the minimizing food insecurity and childhood undernutrition. Multisectoral interventions are needed to address these issues.
Subconvexity of a double Dirichlet series over the Gaussian field
Authors: Gao Peng , Zhao Liangyi
Published: June 2023

We establish a subconvexity bound for a double Dirichlet series involving with the quadratic Hecke L-functions over the Gaussian field.
The course of cytokine and chemokine gene expression in clinically suspect arthralgia patients during progression to inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Heutz Judith W , Rogier Cleo , Niemantsverdriet Ellis , van den Eeden Susan J F , de Jong Pascal H P , Lubberts Erik , Geluk Annemieke , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H M
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Autoantibody responses increase years before the onset of inflammatory arthritis (IA) and are stable during transitioning from clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) to IA. Cytokine and chemokine levels also increase years before IA onset. However, the course in the at-risk stage of CSA during progression to disease or non-progression is unknown. To increase the understanding of processes mediating disease development, we studied the course of cytokine, chemokine and related receptors gene expression in CSA patients during progression to IA and in CSA patients who ultimately did not develop IA.

Methods

Whole-blood RNA expression of 37 inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and related receptors was determined by dual-colour reverse transcription multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification in paired samples of CSA patients at CSA onset and either at IA development or after 24 months without IA development. ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative CSA patients developing IA were compared at CSA onset and during progression to IA. Generalised estimating equations tested changes over time. A false discovery rate approach was applied.

Results

None of the cytokine/chemokine genes significantly changed in expression between CSA onset and IA development. In CSA patients without IA development, G-CSF expression decreased (P = 0.001), whereas CCR6 and TNIP1 expression increased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively) over a 2 year period. Expression levels in ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative CSA patients who developed IA were similar.

Conclusion

Whole-blood gene expression of assessed cytokines, chemokines and related receptors did not change significantly from CSA to IA development. This suggests that changes in expression of these molecules may not be related to the final process of developing chronicity and may have occurred preceding CSA onset. Changes in gene expression in CSA patients without IA development may provide clues for processes related to resolution.
Estimation of inhomogeneous occupational exposure to the lens of the eyes and the extremities of radiation workers in a research accelerator facility
Authors: Kowatari Munehiko , Kubota Takumi , Yoshitomi Hiroshi , Kunugita Naoki
Published: June 2023

We performed an experimental investigation on occupational exposure of the eye lens and the extremity of radiation workers engaged in handling of highly activated materials in a small research accelerator facility. Using a simplified physical phantom to simulate the relevant inhomogeneous radiation exposure situations, the personal dose equivalents obtained at the eye lens and the extremities of radiation workers handling heavily radioactive converters were measured together with the dose measured by personal dosemeters worn on their trunk. Results of mockup experiments and the Monte Carlo calculations suggest that the quantitative estimation of the eye lens doses can be estimated from the trunk dose, while the extremity doses vary considerably from the dose readings from the trunk, depending on the use of simple point-source or volume source geometry.
More than Teacher Bias: A QuantCrit Analysis of Teachers’ Perceptions of Young Black Boys’ Noncognitive Skills
Authors: Zimmermann Calvin Rashaud , Cannady Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

Studies of racial bias document how racial meanings shape human perceptions and interactions in a variety of social institutions, including education. However, few sociologists connect quantitative evidence of racial bias to sociological theories of racism. Consequently, quantitative analyses of teacher racial bias are frequently decontextualized. This paper uses national data on kindergarteners to examine racial/ethnic disparities in teacher perceptions of boys’ noncognitive skills. We find evidence of teacher racial-gender bias that casts young Black boys as more often exhibiting poorer noncognitive skills as compared to their non-Black peers. Interestingly, we find no difference between teachers’ ratings of Black and non-Black boys’ interpersonal skills. We analyze our findings using sociological theories of racism. By doing so, we provide a Du Boisian framework for interpreting evidence of racial bias in education. We also discuss the implications of our paper for contextualizing racial biases in other social institutions.
Flexibly Maintained Inequality in Workplace Flexibility: Absolute and Relative Shifts in Telework Under Covid-19
Authors: ARAKI Satoshi
Published: June 2023

Recent research argues that the availability of flexible work arrangements (FWA) is unequally distributed among workers. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically transformed the way we work, including the abrupt introduction of telework. However, we know little about how workers are stratified in telework usage under the global crisis and how it differs from pre-pandemic times. This study leverages the nation-wide longitudinal survey data in Japan to investigate (a) who are more/less likely to be excluded from telework and (b) how the structure changes from 2019 to 2022, with close attention to both absolute and relative shifts. The analysis shows (a) the absolute amount of telework opportunities has increased in the wake of the pandemic; but (b) the relative inequality among workers has rather been intensified since 2020, with the probability of non-telework ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 across their socio-economic attributes and (c) labour stratification in telework use persists over time despite its fluctuating magnitude. One may call this social phenomenon ‘flexibly maintained inequality (FMI)’ in that relative inequalities remain via adjusting their absolute thresholds across worker segments. Examining the mechanism of FMI and its impact on individuals, organisations, and societies is crucial for future research and relevant policy/practice.
Allogenic Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Sustain Long-Term Therapeutic Efficacy Compared With Low-Dose Interleukin-2 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Cao Zhouli , Wang DanDan , Jing Lijuan , Wen Xin , Xia Nan , Ma Wenjuan , Zhang Xueyi , Jin Ziyi , Shen Wei , Yao Genhong , Chen Weiwei , Tang Xiaojun , Geng Linyu , Li Hui , Li Xiaojing , Ding Shuai , Liang Jun , Feng Xuebing , Zhang Huayong , Liu Shanshan , Li Wenchao , Sun Lingyun
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) both have demonstrated efficacy in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study is to conduct a head-to-head comparison between the 2 treatments and provide insights for clinical applications.

Methods

Lupus-prone mice were treated with umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), IL-2, or a combination of UC-MSCs and IL-2, respectively. The lupus-like symptoms, renal pathology, and T-cell response were assessed 1 or 4 weeks later. Modulation of IL-2 production by MSCs on immune cells was investigated by the coculture assay. Disease activity and serum IL-2 of SLE patients were determined before and after receiving UC-MSCs.

Results

Both UC-MSCs and IL-2 improved lupus symptoms in lupus-prone mice 1 week after treatment, while the effects of UC-MSCs lasted up to 4 weeks. Moreover, the UC-MSC-treated group showed better renal pathology improvement. Importantly, UC-MSCs combined with IL-2 did not provide better efficacy than UC-MSCs alone. Consistent with this, UC-MSCs alone and UC-MSCs + IL-2 resulted in similar levels of serum IL-2 and frequencies of Tregs. Neutralization of IL-2 partly reduced the promotion of Tregs by UC-MSCs, suggesting that IL-2 was involved in the upregulation of Tregs by UC-MSCs. Lastly, an increase in serum IL-2 positively correlated with the reduction of disease activity of SLE patients by UC-MSCs.

Conclusion

Both the single injection of UC-MSCs and repeated IL-2 administration exerted comparable efficacy in alleviating SLE manifestations, but UC-MSCs provided sustained alleviation and showed better improvement in renal pathology.
Development of a Robust Consensus Modeling Approach for Identifying Cellular and Media Metabolites Predictive of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Potency
Authors: Van Grouw Alexandria , Colonna Maxwell B , Maughon Ty S , Shen Xunan , Larey Andrew M , Moore Samuel G , Yeago Carolyn , Fernández Facundo M , Edison Arthur S , Stice Steven L , Bowles-Welch Annie C , Marklein Ross A
Published: June 2023

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown promise in regenerative medicine applications due in part to their ability to modulate immune cells. However, MSCs demonstrate significant functional heterogeneity in terms of their immunomodulatory function because of differences in MSC donor/tissue source, as well as non-standardized manufacturing approaches. As MSC metabolism plays a critical role in their ability to expand to therapeutic numbers ex vivo, we comprehensively profiled intracellular and extracellular metabolites throughout the expansion process to identify predictors of immunomodulatory function (T-cell modulation and indoleamine-2,3-dehydrogenase (IDO) activity). Here, we profiled media metabolites in a non-destructive manner through daily sampling and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), as well as MSC intracellular metabolites at the end of expansion using mass spectrometry (MS). Using a robust consensus machine learning approach, we were able to identify panels of metabolites predictive of MSC immunomodulatory function for 10 independent MSC lines. This approach consisted of identifying metabolites in 2 or more machine learning models and then building consensus models based on these consensus metabolite panels. Consensus intracellular metabolites with high predictive value included multiple lipid classes (such as phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and sphingomyelins) while consensus media metabolites included proline, phenylalanine, and pyruvate. Pathway enrichment identified metabolic pathways significantly associated with MSC function such as sphingolipid signaling and metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and autophagy. Overall, this work establishes a generalizable framework for identifying consensus predictive metabolites that predict MSC function, as well as guiding future MSC manufacturing efforts through identification of high-potency MSC lines and metabolic engineering.
Glioblastoma Stem Cell Targeting Peptide Isolated Through Phage Display Binds Cadherin 2
Authors: Kim JongMyung , Potez Marine , She Chunhua , Huang Ping , Wu Qiulian , Bao Shideng , Rich Jeremy N , Liu James K C
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) have unique properties of self-renewal and tumor initiation that make them potential therapeutic targets. Development of effective therapeutic strategies against GSCs requires both specificity of targeting and intracranial penetration through the blood-brain barrier. We have previously demonstrated the use of in vitro and in vivo phage display biopanning strategies to isolate glioblastoma targeting peptides. Here we selected a 7-amino acid peptide, AWEFYFP, which was independently isolated in both the in vitro and in vivo screens and demonstrated that it was able to target GSCs over differentiated glioma cells and non-neoplastic brain cells. When conjugated to Cyanine 5.5 and intravenously injected into mice with intracranially xenografted glioblastoma, the peptide localized to the site of the tumor, demonstrating intracranial tumor targeting specificity. Immunoprecipitation of the peptide with GSC proteins revealed Cadherin 2 as the glioblastoma cell surface receptor targeted by the peptides. Peptide targeting of Cadherin 2 on GSCs was confirmed through ELISA and in vitro binding analysis. Interrogation of glioblastoma databases demonstrated that Cadherin 2 expression correlated with tumor grade and survival. These results confirm that phage display can be used to isolate unique tumor-targeting peptides specific for glioblastoma. Furthermore, analysis of these cell specific peptides can lead to the discovery of cell specific receptor targets that may serve as the focus of future theragnostic tumor-homing modalities for the development of precision strategies for the treatment and diagnosis of glioblastomas.
The impact of cell-based therapy on female sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Saltzman Russell G , G Campbell Katherine , J Ripps Sarah , Golan Roei , Cabreja-Castillo Maria A , Garzon Ana Maria , Rahman Farah , Caceres Lina V , Tovar Jairo A , Khan Aisha , Hare Joshua M , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a complex issue affecting women of all ages; it involves several overlapping body systems and profoundly affects quality of life. The use of cell-based therapy, such as mesenchymal stem cells, has recently been investigated as a potential treatment for FSD.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess FSD outcomes following cell-based therapy.

Methods

We evaluated peer-reviewed articles from multiple online databases through November 2022 to identify studies that used cell-based therapy and reported sexual function outcomes in women. We performed a meta-analysis using data pooled from 3 clinical trials at our institution: CRATUS (NCT02065245), ACESO (NCT02886884), and CERES (NCT03059355). All 3 trials collected data from the Sexual Quality of Life–Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire as an exploratory outcome.

Results

Existing literature on this topic is scarce. Five clinical studies and 1 animal study were included in the systematic review, and only 2 clinical studies were considered good quality: 1 reported significant SQOL-F improvement in women 6 months after cell therapy, and 1 reported posttherapy sexual satisfaction in all women. When individual patient data were pooled in a meta-analysis from 29 women across 3 trials at our institution, the SQOL-F was not significantly improved.

Conclusion

Despite growing interest in cell-based therapy for women’s sexual health, this important issue is understudied in the literature. The optimal route, source, and dose of cell therapy to produce clinically meaningful change have yet to be determined, and further research is needed in larger randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials.
Evidence for a Multimodal Pain Management Regimen in Reduction of Postoperative Opioid Use in Pediatric Patients Receiving Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Collis Reid W. , Dry Tonia , Ray Herman E. , Grundlingh Nina , Chan Gilbert , Oswald Timothy
Published: June 2023

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

This project aims to evaluate the relationship between increased use of intraoperative nonopioid analgesics, muscle relaxers, and anesthetics and postoperative outcomes, including opioid utilization, time until ambulation, and hospital length of stay.

Summary of Background Data:

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a structural deformity of the spine that occurs in otherwise healthy adolescents, occurring with a frequency of 1% to 3%. Up to 60% of patients receiving spinal surgeries, particularly posterior spinal fusion (PSF), experience at least 1 day of moderate-to-severe pain after surgery.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 having received PSF with >5 levels fused for AIS at a dedicated children’s hospital and a regional tertiary referral center with a dedicated pediatric spine program between January 2018 and September 2022. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the influence of baseline characteristics and intraoperative medications on the total amount of postoperative morphine milligram equivalents received.

Results:

There were no significant differences in the background characteristics of the two patient populations. Patients receiving PSF at the tertiary referral center received equivalent or greater amounts of all nonopioid pain medications and demonstrated decreased time until ambulation (19.3 vs. 22.3 h), postoperative opioid use (56.1 vs. 70.1 MME), and postoperative hospital length of stay (35.9 vs. 58.3 h). Hospital location was not individually associated with a difference in postoperative opioid use. There was not a significant difference in postoperative pain ratings. When accounting for all other variables, liposomal bupivacaine had the greatest contribution to the decrease in postoperative opioid use.

Conclusion:

Patients receiving greater amounts of nonopioid intraoperative medications utilized 20% fewer postoperative morphine milligram equivalents, were discharged 22.3 hours earlier and had earlier recorded evidence of mobility. Postoperatively, nonopioid analgesics were as effective as opioids in the reduction of subjective pain ratings. This study further demonstrates the efficacy of multimodal pain management regimens in pediatric patients receiving PSF for AIS.
Can serum tumor marker densities according to tumor volume and testicle size be used to predict progression in patients with testicular cancer?
Authors: Demirci Aykut , Başar Halil
Published: June 2023

Background

The objective of this study is to determine the role of tumor marker density (TMD) values such as alpha-fetoprotein tumor volume ratio (ATVR), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin tumor volume ratio (βTVR), alpha-fetoprotein testicle size ratio (ATSR), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin testicle size ratio (βTSR), lactate dehydrogenase tumor volume ratio (LTVR), and lactate dehydrogenase testicle size ratio (LTSR) in the determination of progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with testicular cancer.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was conducted of 95 patients followed-up in our clinic with a diagnosis of testicular cancer between January 2015 and August 2022. Patients were grouped according to clinical stage, as either early stage (n = 50) or advanced stage (n = 45). Clinical and pathological data and TMD values for all patients were recorded.

Results

The median age of patients was 35 years (21–63 years). All TMDs except LTVR in advanced stage patients were found to be significantly higher than those of early stage patients (p < 0.05). Median ATVR (2.58 vs. 0.0), ATSR (0.63 vs. 0.03), βTVR (0.9 vs. 0.009), and βTSR (0.18 vs. 0.007) of the nonseminoma patients were found to be significantly higher than those of the seminoma patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Progression-free survival (months) was decreased in seminoma patients with high values of βTVR (11.3 ± 1.9 vs. 35.2 ± 0.7), βTSR (16.2 ± 3.4 vs. 35.2 ± 0.75), LTVR (17.7 ± 3.4 vs. 35.2 ± 0.7), and LTSR (21.5 ± 3.13 vs. 35.09 ± 0.8) (p < 0.001). Decreased PFS (months) was associated with higher values of ATVR (5.37 ± 0.7 vs. 35.05 ± 0.93), βTVR (7.4 ± 1.5 vs. 34.6 ± 1.3), ATSR (5.37 ± 0.75 vs. 35.05 ± 0.9), βTSR (7 ± 1.5 vs. 34.6 ± 1.3), and LTSR (7.9 ± 1.2 vs. 34.3 ± 1.5) in nonseminoma patients (p < 0.001). Based on multivariate analysis, βTVR-LTVR and ATVR-ATSR were determined to be independent risk factors for reduced PFS in seminoma and nonseminoma patients, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the calculation of TMDs could be a promising and simple method for prediction of PFS among testicular cancer patients.
ASCRS clinical advisory on intracameral moxifloxacin injection for infection prophylaxis
Authors: Myers William G. , Chang David F. , Shorstein Neal H. , Mah Francis S. , Mamalis Nick , Miller Kevin M. ,   on behalf of the ASCRS Cataract Clinical Committee
Published: June 2023

Moxifloxacin solution is frequently injected at the conclusion of cataract surgery for endophthalmitis prophylaxis. 2 different concentrations are most commonly available in the United States for intracameral (IC) use: 0.5% (5 mg/mL) and 0.1% (1 mg/mL). The recommended volume to be injected is different for the 2 concentrations, and incorrect dosing can increase the risk of toxic anterior segment syndrome or endophthalmitis. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently published an alert regarding potential adverse events associated with intraocular compounded moxifloxacin. This clinical advisory reviews the optimal dosing of IC moxifloxacin based on current evidence.
How can we assess “thrifty” and “spendthrift” phenotypes?
Authors: Hollstein Tim , Piaggi Paolo
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review

There is a large inter-individual variability in the magnitude of body weight change that cannot be fully explained by differences in daily energy intake and physical activity levels and that can be attributed to differences in energy metabolism. Measuring the short-term metabolic response to acute changes in energy intake can better uncover this inter-individual variability and quantify the degree of metabolic thriftiness that characterizes an individual's susceptibility to weight gain and resistance to weight loss. This review summarizes the methods used to identify the individual-specific metabolic phenotype (thrifty vs. spendthrift) in research and clinical settings.

Recent findings

The metabolic responses to short-term fasting, protein-imbalanced overfeeding, and mild cold exposure constitute quantitative factors that characterize metabolic thriftiness.

The energy expenditure response to prolonged fasting is considered the most accurate and reproducible measure of metabolic thriftiness, likely because the largest energy deficit best captures interindividual differences in the extent of metabolic slowing. However, all the other dietary/environmental challenges can be used to quantify the degree of thriftiness using whole-room indirect calorimetry. Efforts are underway to identify alternative methods to assess metabolic phenotypes in clinical and outpatient settings such as the hormonal response to low-protein meals.
Acupuncture effect on dumping syndrome in esophagus cancer patients with feeding jejunostomy: A study protocol for a single blind randomized control trial
Authors: Mayer Peter Karl , Kao Pei-Yu , Lee Yu-Chen , Liao Yi-Fang , Ho Wen-Chao , Ben-Arie Eyal
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Esophagus cancer patients are at risk for malnourishment. Feeding jejunostomy is used in advanced esophagus cancer patients in order to support and supplement the patients’ nutrition needs. In dumping syndrome, the food is rapidly introduced into the intestine at a rate that is faster than normal, it is associated with both digestive system and vasoactive symptoms. Dumping syndrome has an association with both esophagus cancer patients and feeding jejunostomy. In the mid and long term, dumping syndrome is an important issue that contributes to the risk of malnourishment in advanced esophagus cancer patients. In recent studies, acupuncture was effective in regulating digestive symptoms. Acupuncture is considered to be a safe intervention, that was previously shown to be effective in treating digestive-related symptoms.

Methods:

Sixty advanced esophageal cancer patients post-feeding jejunostomy will be divided into 2 equal groups, an intervention group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Patients in the intervention group will receive acupuncture using the following acupoints: ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu), ST39 (Xiajuxu), PC6 (Neiguan), LI4 (Hegu), and Liv 3 (Taichung). Patients in the control group will receive shallow acupuncture on 12 non-acupoints (sham points), 1 cm from the above mention points. Patients and assessors will be blind to trial allocation. Both groups will receive acupuncture twice a week for 6 weeks. The main outcome measurements are: body weight, BMI, Sigstad’s score, and the Arts’ dumping questionnaire.

Discussion:

There are no previous studies that have examined the use of acupuncture on patients with dumping syndrome. This single-blind randomized control trial will investigate the effect of acupuncture on dumping syndrome in advanced esophagus cancer patients with feeding jejunostomy. The results will determine if verum acupuncture can affect dumping syndrome and prevent weight loss.
Relationship between medical history and multiple sclerosis: A-case-control study
Authors: esfandiari Fatemeh , Ghazaiean Mobin , Darvishi-Khezri Hadi , Baghbanian Seyed Mohammad
Published: June 2023

This project sought to explore the potential association between medical history and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) by conducting a retrospective study. This population-based case-control study included 200 MS cases and 2 control groups of 200 patients and healthy individuals each. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews, medical file reviews, and an electronic checklist. Multivariable analysis was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to estimate the risk of each medical history on MS occurrences. Of 600 participants, 381 (63.5%) individuals were female. The mean age of the participants was 36.5 ± 11.9 years. The adjusted risks of MS were 4.40; 95% CI: 1.73 to 11.1 for measles and 4.75; 95% CI: 2.05 to 11 for amoxicillin consumption. The adjusted MS odds for autoimmune disease including 4.63; 95% CI: 0.35 to 60.6 for psoriasis and 7.15; 95% CI: 1.87 to 27.2 for myasthenia gravis. On the other hand, the calculated adjusted odds of MS occurrence were 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.69 for seizure and 0.17; 95% CI: 0.02 to 1.49 for epilepsy. This study suggested that individuals with autoimmune diseases should be monitored more closely, as they may be at an increased risk of developing other autoimmune conditions, particularly MS.
Statin versus ezetimibe-statin for incident atrial fibrillation among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with acute coronary syndrome and acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Hu Wei-Syun , Yu Teng-Shun , Lin Cheng-Li
Published: June 2023

The objective was to assess the role of the combination approach with ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 20 mg versus atorvastatin 40 mg in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with acute coronary syndrome and acute ischemic stroke. The authors formed a cohort of diabetic patients with extensive vascular diseases between 2000 and 2018 using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. AF was the outcome of interest in this study. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to estimate the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals in the analysis. After controlling for sex, age, comorbidities and medications, the patients coexisting with type 2 diabetes mellitus, acute coronary syndrome and acute ischemic stroke with ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 20 mg treatment were not significantly at risk of AF, compared to the patients with atorvastatin 40 mg treatment (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–1.38). A similar effect for AF risk between ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 20 mg and atorvastatin 40 mg users was observed in the current investigation.
Influence of genetic polymorphisms on serum biomarkers of cardiac health
Authors: Krishnamurthy Hari Krishnan , Balaguru Uma Maheshwari , Pereira Michelle , Jayaraman Vasanth , Song Qi , Krishna Karthik , Wang Tianhao , Bei Kang , Rajasekaran John J.
Published: June 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide which is why early risk prediction is crucial. Discrete Polygenic risk score (PRS) measurement using saliva or dried blood spot samples collected at home poses a convenient means for early CVD risk assessment. The present study assessed the effects of 28 disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on 16 serological cardiac markers and also aggregated the risk alleles into a PRS to evaluate its applicability in CVD-risk prediction. The study assessed genetic and serological markers in 184 individuals. The association between serological markers and individual genetic variants was evaluated using a two-tailed t test while the associations of serum markers with the PRS was analyzed using the Pearson correlation. The comparative analysis of genotypes revealed statistically significant associations between serum markers and CVD-associated SNPs with Apo B: Apo A-1, LDL Direct, Apo B, sdLDL, hsCRP, Lp(a), NT-proBNP, and PLAC levels being significantly associated with the risk alleles of the SNPs, rs12526453, rs5186, rs10911021, rs1801131, rs670, rs10757274, and rs10757278. Increased PLAC levels were associated with rs10757274 and rs10757278 (P < .05). The SNPs, rs1801133, rs1549758, rs1799983, rs5082, and rs5186 were significantly associated with an increase in the cardioprotective markers, HDL and ApoA1 (P < .05). Furthermore, the PRS was associated with increasing levels of several serum cardiac markers (r
2 > 0.6). Significant correlations were observed between high PRS and NT-proBNP and ox-LDL levels with the r
2 values being 0.82 (95% CI = 0.13–0.99; P = .03) and 0.94 (95% CI = 0.63–0.99; P = .005), respectively. The present study reports that SNPs have differential effects on serum markers with rs12526453, rs5186, rs10911021, rs1801131, rs670, rs10757274, and rs10757278 showing significant associations with elevated marker levels, which are indicators of deteriorating cardiac health. Genetic assessment via a convenient at-home collection to calculate the PRS can serve as an effective predictive tool for early CVD-risk assessment. This may help identify the risk groups that may require increased serological monitoring.
Effects of empowerment education on patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Guo Linbin , Gao Wanpeng , Wang Tianlin , Shan Xinjue
Published: June 2023

Background:

Empowerment education is a new nursing education model with great significance in the process of chronic disease rehabilitation, and a number of studies have found that it has good benefits for patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). But there is no meta-analysis on how empowerment education influence the life of patients after PCI.

Aims:

Our study intends to evaluate the impact of empowerment education on the quality of life, cognitive level, anxiety and depression level of patients after PCI.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis, following PRISMA guidelines.

Methods:

RevMan5.4 software and R software were used for statistical analysis. Mean difference or standard mean difference was used as effect analysis statistic for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

Six studies met the inclusion criteria, including 641 patients. The Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group, with statistically significant difference. Empowerment education could increase the knowledge of coronary heart disease in patients after PCI, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Significant effects of empowerment have been found in improving patients’ quality of life and self-care ability. Empowerment education could be a safe exercise option in PCI rehabilitation. However, the effect of empowerment on cognitive level for coronary heart disease and the depression needs to carry out more large-sample, multi-center clinical trials.

Patient or public contribution:

A data-analysis researcher and 3 clinicians are responsible for the writing, and no patients participated in the writing of this paper.