bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aetiological, seasonal and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of diarrhoeal diseases in Bhutan (2016–2022): a retrospective study of surveillance data
Authors: Gyem Kinley , Pelden Sonam , Tshering Dorji , Penjor Kinley , Wangchuk Rinzin , Dorji Sangay , Tenzin Jigme , Phuyel Birdi Lal
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the aetiological spectrum, seasonal distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns of diarrhoeal diseases in Bhutan.

Study design and setting

The study used a cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of secondary data gathered through a passive, hospital-based sentinel surveillance for diarrhoeal disease across 12 hospitals, representing Bhutan’s demographically diverse regions.

Participants

A total of 3429 participants’ data of all age groups who presented with diarrhoea at sentinel hospitals between 1 January 1 2016 and 31 December 2022 were analysed.

Results

DiarrhoeagenicEscherichia coli(DEC),Shigella,SalmonellaandAeromonasspp. were predominant bacterial pathogens, whileRotavirus, AstrovirusandNoroviruswere the leading viral pathogens. Coinfections were observed in 195 cases. Children under nine were significantly affected than the other age groups. Seasonal trends revealed that bacterial pathogen incidence peaked during the summer/monsoon season, viral pathogens were more common in winter and spring, and parasites persisted year-round. Among the antibiotics tested, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone and tetracycline exhibited high efficacy, with susceptibility rates of 93.4%, 87.2%, 81.5% and 69.5%, respectively. Conversely, high resistance rates were observed for amoxicillin (80.3%), ampicillin (77.4%) and nalidixic acid (69.5%). Multidrug resistance was prevalent, with β-lactamase production contributing to resistance rates of 80.7% to penicillin and 65.4% to fluoroquinolones groups. Cephalosporin resistance was also notable, with rates of 34.4% for cephalexin, 40.0% for cefazolin and 16.9% for ceftriaxone.

Conclusions

DEC andRotaviruswere identified as the leading causes of diarrhoea, with significant resistance patterns observed in common bacterial isolates. These findings underscore the need for DEC screening in paediatric cases and emphasise the need for sustained antimicrobial resistance surveillance.
Prevalence of and factors associated with long COVID among diverse healthcare workers in the UK: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationwide study (UK-REACH)
Authors: Al-Oraibi Amani , Martin Christopher A , Woolf Katherine , Bryant Luke , Nellums Laura B , Tarrant Carolyn , Khunti Kamlesh , Pareek Manish
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of UK healthcare workers (HCWs) who reported symptoms of COVID-19 lasting for longer than 5 weeks and examine associated factors with experiencing long COVID in an ethnically diverse cohort.

Design

A cross-sectional study using data from the UK Research study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 Outcomes in HCWs cohort study.

Setting

Data were collected electronically between December 2020 and March 2021.

Participants

Individuals aged 16 years or older, residing in the UK, and working as HCWs or ancillary workers in a healthcare setting and/or registered with one of the seven major UK healthcare professional regulators.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The main outcome was long COVID (symptoms>5 weeks). The primary exposure of interest was self-reported ethnicity. We employed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify associations. We adjusted for demographic information, health status and existing long-term conditions in our multivariate analysis.

Results

In our analysis of 11 513 HCWs, we found that 2331 (20.25%) reported COVID-19, of whom 525 (22.52%) experienced long COVID. There were no significant differences in risk of long COVID by ethnic group. In terms of other demographic characteristics, the majority of those experiencing long COVID were female (80.0%) and were slightly older than those who did not experience long COVID (median age 46 (IQR 36–54)). In multivariable analyses of those who reported having had COVID-19, HCWs in nursing/midwifery roles (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.76, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.46; p=0.001) and allied health professions (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.93; p=0.023) had higher odds of experiencing long COVID compared with those in medical roles. Other factors significantly associated with long COVID included self-reported psychological conditions (eg, depression and anxiety) and respiratory conditions (eg, asthma).

Conclusions

In this large ethnically diverse cohort study, more than one in five UK HCWs reported experiencing long COVID after acute COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic. We found that specific demographic (older age and female gender) and occupational factors (nursing/midwifery and allied health professions) were associated with higher odds of long COVID. Notably, there were no significant differences in the risk of long COVID by ethnic group. Further research and collaborative efforts are urgently needed to address these factors effectively, develop targeted interventions and understand the temporal and longitudinal dynamics of the condition.
Exploring fatigue in Marfan and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: an analytical cross-sectional study in two Italian healthcare centres
Authors: Udugampolage Nathasha , Taurino Jacopo , Bassotti Alessandra , Pini Alessandro , Caruso Rosario , Callus Edward , Magon Arianna , Conte Gianluca , De Angeli Giada , Paglione Giulia , Baroni Irene , Trifirò Giuliana
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study investigates the prevalence and underlying factors of fatigue in individuals with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (hEDS), highlighting the necessity for focused research on this symptom within these patient populations.

Design

Cross-sectional, multicentre study.

Setting

Data were collected from participants diagnosed with MFS or hEDS across multiple healthcare centres.

Participants

The study enrolled 282 participants (127 with MFS and 155 with hEDS).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Additional assessments included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) for sleep disturbances.

Results

Participants with hEDS exhibited significantly higher median fatigue scores (FSS median=5.9, IQR=5.00–6.44) compared with the MFS group (FSS median=4.0, IQR=2.88–5.00). Significant predictors of fatigue included being female, having hEDS, participating in psychotherapy, and elevated scores on depression and insomnia scales. In the overall sample, hEDS significantly predicted fatigue (B=0.430, p=0.022), with depression and insomnia as strong influencers (PHQ-9: B=0.12, p<0.001; ISI: B=0.092, p<0.001). Notably, 80% of the hEDS group reported clinically relevant fatigue levels, compared with 31.5% in the MFS group. Daily persistence of fatigue was especially pronounced in hEDS, with 72.2% reporting everyday fatigue versus 25.2% in MFS. Temporal fatigue patterns also differed, with a more evenly distributed pattern throughout the day in hEDS, correlating with higher insomnia scores.

Conclusions

The results underscore the severe impact of fatigue on individuals with hEDS compared with those with MFS, suggesting the need for targeted, multidisciplinary management strategies to enhance quality of life.

Trial registration number

NCT05712564.
Completion of registration of risk factor variables during telephone vs on-site follow-up after myocardial infarction: a nationwide observational study in 101 199 patients from contemporary clinical practice in Sweden
Authors: Ögmundsdottir Michelsen Halldora , Bäck Maria , Ekström Mattias , Hadziosmanovic Nermin , Hagstrom Emil , Leosdottir Margret
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the completeness of registration of secondary preventive variables comparing on-site visits with telephone consultations during follow-up after myocardial infarction.

Design

This was an observational study based on the Swedish quality registry SWEDEHEART.

Setting and outcome measures

We analysed the proportion of missing values for major secondary preventive target data registered at the 2-month and 1-year follow-up visits, during 2006–2022 (n=101 199). χ2tests were used to compare differences in data registration comparing on-site visits with telephone consultations. Patient characteristics and time trends in the proportion of missing values were also analysed.

Results

Baseline characteristics for patients with on-site visits and telephone consultations were similar. At the 2-month follow-up, the proportion of missing data registered at on-site visits compared with telephone consultations was systolic blood pressure 2.4% (n=1729) vs 28.0% (n=5462), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 9.1% (n=6525) vs 32.6% (n=6360), weight 20.1% (n=14 343) vs 43.0% (n=8401) and haemoglobin A1c for patients with diabetes mellitus 39.4% (n=4594) vs 69.4% (n=2225), p for all <0.0001. The differences were similar at the 1-year follow-up. Self-reported measures such as smoking status, level of physical activity and current medication had a low proportion of missing data (≤2.1%) for both follow-up modalities.

Conclusion

Registration of secondary preventive variables was less complete at telephone consultations compared with on-site cardiac rehabilitation follow-up visits, which might indicate lower quality of care during telephone follow-up. Further analysis on the possible impact of lack of registration of secondary preventive variables on patient outcomes is warranted.
Gender-based violence and associated factors during armed conflict among female high school students in Kobo town, North Wollo, Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Andargie Gezahegn Aychew , Amlak Baye Tsegaye , Alamneh Genet Degu , Aycheh Moges Wubie
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to assess gender-based violence and associated factors during the time of armed conflict among female high school students in Kobo administration town, North Wollo, Ethiopia.

Study design

An institutional-based, quantitative and cross-sectional study was conducted.

Setting

This research was carried out in Kobo town, North Wollo, Ethiopia high schools.

Study participants

This study was conducted among 422 female high school students in Kobo administration town at time of armed conflict from May 20 to 5 June 2022.

Outcome measures

Gender-based violence (GBV) was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered in Epidemiological data (EPI-Data) V.3.1 and exported to SPSS V.25 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify significant factors associated with GBV.

Results

The magnitude of GBV among female high school students at Kobo town during armed conflict was 45%, with 95% CI 40.2% to 49.8%. Students with poor current academic performance (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=3.001; 95% CI 1.335 to 6.750), students with a family member who participated in conflict (AOR=1.809; 95% CI 1.135 to 2.882), students with a family member who was subjected to conflict (AOR=1.954; 95% CI 1.164 to 3.281), students who drank alcohol (AOR=8.158; 95% CI 4.325 to 15.386) and students who did not freely disclosing reproductive health issues (AOR=3.267; 95% CI 1.509 to 7.075) were more likely to suffer GBV.

Conclusions

The magnitude of GBV during the armed conflict was high. Variables such as poor academic performance, family members who participated in the war, family members subjected to the war, students who drank alcohol and not freely discussing reproductive health issues were statistically associated with GBV. It is recommended to put in place programmes that address factors such as academic challenges, alcohol use, family trauma and the need for open discussions on reproductive health to help to reduce GBV.
Impact of education and training on LGBT-specific health issues for healthcare students and professionals: a systematic review of comparative studies
Authors: Damery Sarah , Sekoni Adekemi Oluwayemisi , Retzer Ameeta , Okafor Ifeoma , Manga-Atangana Bibiane , Posaner Rachel , Gale Nicola Kay , Jolly Kate
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Training/education is increasingly used to improve healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and clinical skills about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) health, but few reviews have assessed their effectiveness. This review describes the impact of training about LGBT healthcare for healthcare professionals on participants’ knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice.

Design

Systematic review of intervention studies with contemporaneous comparators.

Data sources

Medline, CINAHL (Cumulated Index in Nursing and Alllied Health Literature), PsycINFO, Social Sciences Citation Index, Education Resources Information Center, Cochrane Library, University of York CRD, PROSPERO and Ethos e-thesis database were searched from 15/12/2015 to 29/11/2023 to update a review published in 2017.

Eligibility criteria

Interventional studies of training/education for healthcare professionals or students about LGBT-specific health issues, compared with standard or no training/education. Outcomes were changes in participants’ knowledge, attitudes or clinical practice regarding LGBT health.

Data extraction and synthesis

Reviewer pairs independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second (population, training content, development, delivery, duration/intensity and outcomes). The National Institutes of Health tool for controlled intervention studies assessed study quality. Synthesis was descriptive.

Results

11 734 citations were screened, and 10 studies were included. 8/10 were published since 2019. Study quality was poor (8/10) or fair (2/10), and all were conducted in high-income countries. Four focused on transgender care. All studies used multi-component approaches, with topics covering terminology, lived experience, LGBT-specific health, sexuality and sexual history taking. Training duration ranged from 40 min to 50+ hours. Five studies included LGBT individuals in training development and/or delivery. 7/7 studies assessing attitudes, 2/4 studies assessing knowledge and 4/6 studies assessing skills/practice (actual or intended) reported statistically significant improvements.

Conclusions

Multi-component healthcare professional training on LGBT health can significantly improve participants’ knowledge, attitudes and skills. However, there was substantial heterogeneity in training content, delivery and duration, and most studies were of poor quality.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023414431 (26/06/2023).
Inpatient autopsy rate and associated factors in a Chinese megacity: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Hange , Wang Yu , Wang Zihan , Zhao Dachun , Guo Xidong , Zhang Hanbo , He Yanrong , Zeng Huatang , Zhu Jiming
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study investigated the autopsy rate of hospital deaths in Shenzhen megacity and identified factors that may impact the decision to perform an autopsy in hospital deaths.

Design

This is a population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Shenzhen is a megacity in China with a population of more than 17 million and a total of 151 hospitals. The official dataset of the inpatient medical record home page was used. Demographic, clinical and hospital information was extracted.

Participants

All the 35 272 inpatient deaths between 2016 and 2022 with known autopsy status were included to calculate the overall autopsy rate. Among them, a total of 34 577 cases with complete data, classified hospital and Chinese nationality, were included for further multivariable rare events logistic regression and Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood regression.

Outcome measures

Whether the inpatient death was autopsied or not.

Results

The autopsy procedure was performed in 0.9% (319/35 272) of hospital deaths. The autopsy decision was significantly and positively associated with being married (OR= 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.21), self-paying (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.26), death due to external causes of injury and poisoning (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.81) and pregnancy (OR=13.58, 95% CI: 4.94 to 37.36), but negatively associated with age (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.98), emergency admission (OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.88), referral (OR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.88), neoplasms (OR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.56), respiratory diseases (OR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.95) and for-profit hospitals (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.91). There were no statistically significant differences in autopsy rates between large teaching hospitals and other hospitals.

Conclusions

The autopsy rate of hospital deaths was extremely low, largely due to healthcare providers. Even large teaching hospitals do not request more autopsies compared with other hospitals, after controlling for the patient characteristics. More efforts are urged to encourage hospitals and healthcare providers to proactively request autopsies, helping to revive this important procedure.
Validation of the REDS score in hospitalised patients who deteriorated and were admitted to the intensive care unit—a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sivayoham Narani , O’Mara Harriet , Trenchard Turner Natasha , Sysum Katie , Wicks Georgina , Mason Oliver
Published: January 2025

Background

Hospitalised patients are at risk of deterioration and death. Delayed identification and transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) are known to be associated with increased mortality rates. The Risk-stratification of Emergency Department suspected Sepsis (REDS) score was derived and validated in emergency department patients with suspected sepsis. It is unknown if the REDS score would risk-stratify undifferentiated hospitalised patients who deteriorate.

Objectives

To validate the REDS score in hospitalised patients who deteriorate.

Methods

This retrospective cohort single-centre study involved hospitalised adult patients who deteriorated and were transferred to the ICU between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023. The first admission to the ICU was studied. The National Early Warning Score2 (NEWS2), REDS, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and change-in-SOFA (ΔSOFA) scores were calculated at the time of referral to the Critical Care Outreach Team (CCOT). The primary outcome measure was in-hospital all-cause mortality. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curves for the scores were compared. Test characteristics at the cut-off points individually and in combination were noted.

Results

Of the 289 patients studied, 91 died. The REDS score had the largest AUROC curve at 0.70 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.75), greater than the NEWS2 score at 0.62 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.68), p=0.03, and similar to the SOFA score 0.67 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.72), p=0.3. The cut-off points for the NEWS2, REDS, SOFA and ΔSOFA scores were >9, >3, >6 and >4, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for a ΔSOFA≥2 was 91.2% (95% CI 83.4 to 96.1) and 15.7% (95% CI 10.9 to 21.5), respectively. REDS≥4 or NEWS2≥7 had a sensitivity of 87.9% (95% CI 79.4 to 93.8) and specificity of 29.3% (95% CI 23.1 to 36.2).

Conclusion

The prognostic performance of the REDS score was similar to the SOFA score, but greater than the NEWS2 score. The REDS score could be used in addition to the established NEWS2 score to risk-stratify hospitalised patients for mortality.
Benefits, problems, and optimal timing of administration of indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Kinami Shinichi , Maruyama Kaori , Sannomiya Yuta , Saito Hitoshi , Takamura Hiroyuki
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The advantages of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence cholangiography have been emphasized, but its disadvantages remain unclear. This study investigated the advantages and disadvantages of this modality, particularly the optimal timing of administration of ICG fluorescence.

Design

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected patient data.

Setting

Data were gathered from a single institution.

Participants

69 patients scheduled for cholecystectomy were included.

Interventions

We administered intravenous ICG injections at three different times: preoperatively (5 mg/body weight (BW), 15 min before incision), morning of the surgery (12.5 mg/BW 4 hours before surgery), and on the day before the surgery (25 mg/BW, 20 hours before surgery). The PINPOINT or SPY-PHI (Stryker) systems were used for fluorescence imaging.

Main outcome measures

The course of the common bile and cystic ducts was identified using fluorescence imaging. The visualization quality was graded on a three-point scale: good, poor, and unobservable.

Results

There were 17 patients for preoperative administration, 14 on the morning of the surgery, and 38 on the day before the surgery. The cystic duct could not be visualized in five patients because of insufficient dose, impacted gallstones, cystic duct stones, after endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD), and severe cholecystitis. The observations were poor in 14 patients. The reasons for the poor visualization were cholecystitis after ERBD and a low signal-to-noise ratio due to intense light emission from the liver, which is a characteristic of preoperative administration.

Conclusion

The cystic and common bile ducts were well visualized using ICG fluorescence cholangiography, except in patients with impacted gallstones, cystic duct stones, ERBD, and severe cholecystitis. The most effective timing for ICG administration was the day before the surgery. ICG fluorescence cholangiography is not a substitute for intraoperative cholangiography or preoperative biliary imaging; however, it would be desirable in all patients who undergo cholecystectomy.

Trial registration number

jRCTs041180006.
Insular infraorbital neurovascular pedicle labial salivary gland transplantation for the treatment of severe dry eye disease: an IDEAL stage 0, 1 and 2a study
Authors: Yang Ke , Zhou Jing , Wang Yinghui , Piao Yingshi , Li Mei , Cheng Yun , Chen Xiaohong , Jie Ying
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To address the lack of nerve and blood supply after labial salivary gland transplantation (LSGT) resulting in glandular atrophy. We designed a modified LSGT, called insular infraorbital neurovascular pedicle LSGT, and evaluated the postoperative efficacy.

Design

This is a prospective, single-centre, self-contained study.

Setting

The research was conducted at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from July 2019 to March 2024.

Participants

Eight patients (nine eyes) with severe dry eye disease (DED) were enrolled in this study.

Interventions

All patients underwent insular infraorbital neurovascular pedicle LSGT and were followed up for at least 6 months postoperatively.

Main outcome measure

Key evaluation indices were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, tear break-up time (TBUT), Corneal Fluorescence Staining (CFS) score, and Schirmer I test (SIT).

Results

With a mean follow-up of 17.56±11.72 months, BCVA improved in four eyes and stabilized in five. OSDI score decreased from 59.33±14.37 to 26.27±10.14 (p<0.001). SIT improved from 0.00±0.00 mm to 5.44±2.01 mm (p<0.0001). TBUT increased from 0.23±0.48 s to 5.48±4.67 s (p=0.008). CFS scores decreased from 12.56±2.65 to 7.56±3.09 (p<0.001). All glands remained viable with good blood supply, and no serious complications were observed.

Conclusion

Insular infraorbital neurovascular pedicle LSGT for severe DED is a feasible and effective treatment, maintaining good secretory capacity and blood supply long-term.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200056015.
Gaps in the evidence for interventions in global drowning research
Authors: Vearing Rebecca , Scarr Justin , Queiroga Ana Catarina , Jagnoor Jagnoor
Published: January 2025

Background

Since 2014, drowning has received increased political attention. Translating this political commitment to saving lives needs policy-supported evidence-informed interventions. An evidence gap map (EGM) was developed, which aims to facilitate the strategic prioritisation of future research and efficient commissioning of interventions.

Methods

Available evidence was sought by searching four electronic databases using drowning key terms from 2005 to 2023. Peer-reviewed studies, which measured the outcome of a drowning prevention intervention, were included in the EGM. Classification of interventions was guided by the WHO’s recommendations for drowning prevention interventions and strategies. Intervention outcomes were classified into health, social, economic, policy and other supporting outcomes.

Results

49 intervention studies were identified. Of these, 25 studies were conducted in high-income countries (HICs), 19 in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), 3 in both HICs and LMICs and 2 were not country specific. Interventions, which used community education, were the most common (n=29, 27%), followed by teaching school-age children swimming and water safety skills (n=13, 12%) and others combined (n=66, 61%). Majority of interventions focused on process outcomes such as knowledge acquisition (n=42, 39%) in comparison with objective outcomes such as incidence of drowning mortality (n=21, 19%). No studies reported on interventions that manage flood risks.

Conclusions

Knowledge gaps of effective drowning prevention interventions were identified using an EGM, emphasising the need for methodological advancements reporting on outcomes measures, implementation research and targeted research among high-risk populations in LMICs.
XCL1-secreting CEA CAR-T cells enhance endogenous CD8+T cell responses to tumor neoantigens to confer a long-term antitumor immunity
Authors: Li Xing-Ning , Wang Feifei , Chen Kun , Wu Zhiyuan , Zhang Ruochan , Xiao Chentong , Zhao Fei , Wang Dongmei , Zhao Hong , Ran Yuliang , Qu Chunfeng
Published: January 2025

Background

Therapeutic efficacy of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells against colorectal cancer (CRC) remains limited due to the unique characteristics and distinct microenvironments of tumor tissues. We modified CEA-specific CAR-T cells, aiming to stimulate endogenous CD8+T cell responses against neoantigens that were derived from CEA-positive tumors destroyed by the CAR T cells.

Methods

In a conventional CEA CAR (reg-CAR), we modified it to express lymphotactin XCL1 and interleukin (IL)-7 genes, constructing a modified 7XCL1-CAR. By generating the CEA-specific 7XCL1-CAR T cells, we assessed their antitumor efficacy against CRC cells with varying levels of CEA expression, both in cell-cultures and in two strains of tumor-bearing syngeneic mice.

Results

Following retroviral transduction, 7XCL1-CAR T cells and reg-CAR T cells exhibited similar positive proportions of CEA-CAR and CD4:CD8 ratios. In co-culture system with CEA-negative CT26 cells, no differences in cytotoxicity were observed between 7XCL1-CAR and reg-CAR T cells. However, in co-culture with CT26.CEAhighand CT26.CEAintcells, 7XCL1-CAR T cells displayed higher cytotoxicity than that reg-CAR T cells after 60 hours. On interaction with CT26.CEA-positive cells, 7XCL1-CAR T cells secreted higher levels of XCL1 and IL-7, effectively recruited the most potent cross-presenting cDC1s (type-I conventional dendritic cells), and sustained the antitumor activity of CAR-T cells. In treating mice that carried tumors derived from universally CEA-positive cells, 7XCL1-CAR T cells exhibited no difference compared with reg-CAR T cells. However, in treating mice with tumors containing both CEA-positive and CEA-negative cells, 7XCL1-CAR T cells displayed greater inhibition than that of reg-CAR-T cells. After treatment of 7XCL1-CAR T cells, tumor-bearing mice exhibited enhanced infiltration of cDC1s, maintained CAR-T activity, and generation of endogenous neoantigen-specific T cells. Consequently, 7XCL1-CAR T cell-treated mice demonstrated resistance to challenge with CEA-negative CT26 cells.

Conclusion

Treatment with CEA-specific, XCL1-secreting CAR-T cells for CEA-positive tumors promoted the generation of CD8+T cells against tumor neoantigens, mediating a long-term antitumor immunity against heterogeneous CRCs.
Burden of coronary artery calcification in ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Hendrickson Michael , Parakh Anushri , Weber Brittany , Cook Claire , Ahola Catherine , Hedgire Sandeep , Lu Michael , Wallace Zachary S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Screening and primary cardiovascular prevention may improve outcomes.

Methods

We identified patients in the 2002–2019 Mass General Brigham AAV cohort with thoracic CT scans obtained for other clinical purposes. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and age, sex and race-standardised CAC percentiles were calculated. Quantile regression was used to identify differences by ANCA type, and Gray’s test examined differences in major adverse cardiac events by CAC score.

Results

Of 175 included patients, 127 (73%) were MPO-ANCA+and 48 (27%) were PR3-ANCA+. The median CAC score was 17 (IQR 0, 334) and CAC percentile was 45 (IQR 0, 78); 65 (39%) patients had CAC of ≥100. The total CAC score was higher in patients with MPO-ANCA+AAV vs PR3-ANCA+AAV (median 24 vs 1, p=0.003), as was the standardised CAC percentile (50th vs 34th, p=0.02). Of 116 (66%) patients with non-zero CAC scores, only 29 (25%) were on a statin. In a time-to-event analysis, CAC of 100 or higher trended towards association with higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (χ2=1.9, p=0.16).

Conclusion

A majority of patients with AAV had clinically significant CAC. There were differences in CAC burden among those with MPO-ANCA+AAV versus PR3-ANCA+AAV. Although CAC is associated with CVD risk and an indication for statins, the use was inconsistent. The role of CT imaging to screen for CVD and guide primary prevention in AAV requires further study.
Reference intervals of work ability and productivity loss and their use in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases
Authors: Capelusnik Dafne , Smeets Wouter , Webers Casper , Ramiro Sofia , Nikiphorou Elena , Braekers Roel , Boekel Laura , Wolbink Gertjan , Boonen Annelies
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To establish reference intervals (RIs) for work ability, at-work productivity loss and overall productivity loss in the general working population and to compare work ability and at-work productivity loss of patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (iRMD) with this population.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis among patients with iRMDs and population controls without iRMDs having paid work and participating in a Dutch cohort study. They reported on three work outcomes: work ability (0–10), at-work productivity loss and overall productivity loss (0%–100%). A generalised additive model for location, shape and scale parameters was used to establish age-specific RIs and percentile curves for controls. The proportion of patients and controls below each percentile curve was compared.

Results

413 controls were included; 73% female, with mean age 53 (SD 10) years, 60% had high education, mean work ability was 8.7 (1.6), at-work productivity loss 6.3% (7.2) and overall work productivity loss 11% (25.6).

Percentile curves illustrated that work ability and at-work/overall work productivity loss were worse with increasing age. For instance, for work ability, the 95% RI for 22 to 29-year individuals was 5.9–10, while for individuals between 50 and 59 years, it was 4.9–9.1. Patients compared with controls had worse work outcomes, especially for at-work and overall productivity loss.

Conclusion

Work ability and productivity are not perfect in the general population, based on the newly developed RIs for the three work outcomes. This calls for caution to not overestimate the iRMD impact on work outcomes. Nevertheless, iRMD patients have worse work ability and higher work productivity loss, compared with controls.
The State of Large Language Models in HCI Research: Workshop Report
Authors: Quéré Marianne Aubin Le , Schroeder Hope , Randazzo Casey , Gao Jie
Published: January 2025

In this section, we feature reports from conferences, symposia, workshops, and similar events, focusing on discussions where the boundaries of HCI and UX are being challenged and where debate is lively and ongoing.
Spectral Deconfounding for High-Dimensional Sparse Additive Models
Authors: Scheidegger Cyrill , Guo Zijian , Bühlmann Peter
Published: January 2025

Many high-dimensional data sets suffer from hidden confounding which affects both the predictors and the response of interest. In such situations, standard regression methods or algorithms lead to biased estimates. This paper substantially extends previous work on
spectral deconfounding
for high-dimensional linear models to the nonlinear setting and with this, establishes a proof of concept that spectral deconfounding is valid for general nonlinear models. Concretely, we propose an algorithm to estimate high-dimensional sparse additive models in the presence of hidden dense confounding: arguably, this is a simple yet practically useful nonlinear scope. We prove consistency and convergence rates for our method and evaluate it on synthetic data and a genetic data set.
Construction of Potentiometric Sensors for Selective Determination of Benzydamine Hydrochloride in Artificial Saliva: Greenness and Whiteness Assessment
Authors: Bakr Maryam A. , Abbas Samah S. , Hegazy Maha A. , Badawey Amr M. , El-Mosallamy Sally S.
Published: January 2025

Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are used in diverse environmentally-friendly analytical applications. In this study, we developed and assessed potentiometric sensing membranes for the selective determination of benzydamine hydrochloride (BZ) using two distinct ISE designs: solid contact and conventional liquid contact sensors. The responses over a wide BZ concentration range (1.00 × 10−7–1.00 × 10−2 M) using the previously mentioned sensors were fast, linear, and stable. The fabricated potentiometric sensors demonstrated effective BZ measurement in pure powder, pharmaceutical formulation, and artificial saliva without the need for sample preparation or derivatization, demonstrating their ability to be used for the direct analysis of complex matrices. The proposed solid contact ISE method exhibited comparable performance to the published HPLC method, as indicated by the lack of a statistically significant difference in the results obtained. A comprehensive greenness assessment of the proposed method revealed its environmental friendliness, as reflected in its favorable scores on the Analytical Eco-Scale, GAPI, and AGREE algorithm. Lastly, the whiteness level of the offered method was assessed using the RGB 12 model, confirming its suitability for the application, also there was no significant difference upon comparing it to the HPLC-reported method.
Method—A High-Throughput Technique for Unidirectional Critical Current Density Testing of Solid Electrolyte Materials
Authors: Gendron Danielle M. , Torabi Alireza , Wanees Mathew , Dsouza Macwin Savio , Feddersen Ben , Holme Tim
Published: January 2025

Work on solid electrolytes for rechargeable lithium-based batteries is motivated by the potential benefits of lithium-metal anodes for a variety of applications, including electric vehicles. Dendrite formation has been the key challenge preventing commercialization of rechargeable lithium-metal batteries, so establishing, validating, and improving the dendrite resistance of electrolytes is a key enabler of progress in the field. Typical symmetric cycling tests of Li-Li cells introduce operational and theoretical limitations which compromise the data produced and the conclusions which can be drawn from such testing. A high-throughput technique for unidirectional critical current density testing is presented which has allowed the development of a solid electrolyte capable of withstanding current densities of at least 300 mA cm−2. The theoretical and empirical basis for this testing methodology is outlined, results are presented and analyzed, and best practices for critical current density testing of solid electrolyte materials are proposed.
Review—Recent Progress in Materials Development for Electrochemical Gas Sensors
Authors: Lang Kening , Liu Tianyi , Patel Rishi J. , Ballentine Mark L. , Kennedy Alan J. , Shih Wu-Sheng , Scotch Adam , Zhu Jiadeng
Published: January 2025

Gas sensors are critical in detecting various gases across industrial, environmental, and healthcare applications. Among them, electrochemical gas sensors stand out due to their high sensitivity, selectivity, and portability. However, traditional electrochemical gas sensors have faced limitations regarding long-term stability and the ability to detect gases at low concentrations. This review paper explores the emerging materials and innovative approaches that promise to address these challenges and enhance sensor performance. The unique properties of novel materials, including metal and metal oxides, carbon materials, conducting polymers, their composites, and others, are discussed in detail. These materials exhibit vital features such as high surface area, enhanced conductivity, and improved gas adsorption capabilities, which are crucial for developing advanced electrochemical gas sensors. Our review emphasizes the critical relationship between material properties and sensing mechanisms, offering insights into optimal material selection and design strategies. In addition to the materials aspect, we also cover many advanced electrochemical techniques, including electrode design enhancements, surface functionalization strategies, and innovative electrolytes like ionic liquids and polymer electrolytes. Overall, this comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art developments in electrochemical gas sensing highlights the potential for transformative applications across diverse fields and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to drive future innovations.
G protein regulation by RGS proteins in the pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Garcia Yadhira E. , Sjögren Benita , Osei-Owusu Patrick
Published: January 2025

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins fine-tune signaling via heterotrimeric G proteins to maintain physiologic homeostasis in various organ systems of the human body including the brain, kidney, heart, and vasculature. Impaired regulation of G protein signaling by RGS proteins is implicated in the pathogenesis of several human diseases including various forms of cardiomyopathy such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Both genetic and nongenetic changes that impinge on G protein signaling in cardiomyocytes are implicated in the etiology of DCM, and there is accumulating evidence that such genetic and nongenetic changes affecting G protein signaling in cell types other than cardiomyocytes could serve as a DCM trigger in humans. This review discusses and highlights mammalian RGS proteins and their roles in cardiac physiology and disease, with a specific focus on the current understanding of the etiology of DCM and the pathogenic roles of RGS proteins that are prominently expressed in the cardiovascular system. Growing evidence suggests that defects in G protein regulation by RGS proteins in the cardiovascular system likely contribute to cardiomyocyte structural damage and decreased contractile function that hallmark DCM. Further studies that enhance the understanding of the dynamics of G protein regulation by RGS proteins in several cell types in the myocardium and the vasculature are critical to gaining more insight into the etiology of DCM and heart failure, and to the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Repeated social stress increases posterior medial amygdala neuronal activity in stress-susceptible adult male rats
Authors: Ritger Alexandra C. , Loh Maxine K. , Stickling Courtney P. , Padival Mallika , Ferrara Nicole C. , Rosenkranz J. Amiel
Published: January 2025

The medial amygdala (MeA) is activated by social stimuli and manipulations of the MeA disrupt a wide range of social behaviors. Social stress can shift social behaviors and may accomplish this partly via effects on the MeA. However, very little is known about the effects of social stress on the electrophysiological activity of MeA neurons. The posterior division of the MeA (MeAp) has been implicated in driving social engagement. We hypothesized that repeated social stress would cause parallel changes in in vivo activity of MeAp neurons and social behavior. The resident-intruder paradigm was used to produce a repeated social stress in adult male rats. After repeated social stress, MeAp neurons were recorded with in vivo single-unit electrophysiology in anesthetized rats. MeAp neurons, specifically those in the posterodorsal subnucleus (MeApd), fired faster in stressed rats than controls, and this effect was directly associated with stressor intensity. The MeAp sends dense projections to the posterior bed nucleus of stria terminalis (pBNST) and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), and both regions are essential for social engagement and are sensitive to social stressors. MeAp projections to pBNST had higher activity after stress, while projections to the VMH were not affected. These effects were significant only in rats that displayed susceptibility to this social stressor, as demonstrated by lower weight gain. Furthermore, the effect of stress on MeApd and MeAp-pBNST neuronal firing was correlated with lower social interaction. These results indicate that heightened MeApd and MeA-pBNST activity may contribute to alterations in social behaviors following social stress.
Inteligencia Artificial. Desafíos para las mujeres contables
Authors: Sepúlveda Rivera Joselyn
Published: January 2025

En el contexto actual en el que los avances en inteligencia artificial, automatización y aprendizaje automático están transformando profundamente el mercado laboral, especialmente en sectores como la contabilidad, donde las tareas rutinarias están cada vez más expuestas a la automatización, este artículo explora los aspectos que deben considerar las mujeres contables para mantenerse a la vanguardia. Mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas con 15 mujeres CPA que trabajan actualmente en las Big Four en Chile, se exploran los cambios y las herramientas usadas para sus labores profesionales asociadas a los cambios tecnológicos y el uso de la inteligencia artificial en sus tareas diarias, ligados a un entorno laboral en constante evolución tecnológica. Los resultados de esta investigación ofrecen una visión integral de los retos que las mujeres CPA enfrentan en el entorno contable, destacando la importancia de la formación continua y el desarrollo de competencias tecnológicas para acreditar su sostenibilidad en un entorno altamente automatizado.
Aproximaciones teórico-conceptuales a la rotación y retención de personal CPA
Authors: Benítez Reyes Damaris Nayelly
Published: January 2025

Este artículo tiene como objetivo entregar argumentos teóricos y conceptuales respecto de la rotación y retención de los profesionales, específicamente en el caso del Contador Público y Auditor, a partir de la revisión sistemática y análisis de literatura especializada. Se analiza la relevancia de esta problemática organizacional en el ámbito internacional dentro de las Firmas que ofrecen servicios de contabilidad, consultoría y auditoría. Se explica el modelo de retención de Baruah & Das (2013) destacando los aspectos y dimensiones más relevantes, y se discute como estos factores impactan directamente en la retención y rotación de personal. Se concluye que estos elementos pueden ser aplicados en estudios futuros sobre las Firmas de Auditoría, describiendo como dichos factores moldean la retención y satisfacción laboral.
Juan Ivanovich: Alumno egresado de la primera promoción de la Carrera de Contador Público de la USACH, fundada en 1965 por Luis Vargas Valdivia
Authors: Caiceo Escudero Jaime , Retamal Peñaloza Myriam
Published: January 2025

Este artículo muestra la faceta profesional y académica de un importante docente de la Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Juan Ivanovich Pagés. Él es el único egresado de la primera promoción de la carrera de contadores públicos fundada en 1965 por quien es considerado el padre de la contabilidad en Chile, Luis Vargas Valdivia, que ha estado ligado desde que ingresó a la antigua Universidad Técnica del Estado hasta ahora en una de las cinco universidades chilenas reconocida con siete años de acreditación, el máximo existente: la Universidad de Santiago de Chile; ha estado ligado por 60 años. Se ha destacado por compartir su experiencia profesional exitosa en tres empresas con la academia, en donde ha sido docente, director del Departamento de Contabilidad y Auditoría, director del Programa de Magíster en Contabilidad y Auditoría de Gestión, Vicerrector de Administración y Finanzas y director de la Sociedad de Desarrollo Tecnológico. Actualmente es el Administrador de los cinco Liceos de Administración Delegada que están a cargo de la universidad.
Editorial
Authors: Mateluna Sánchez Camila
Published: January 2025

La contabilidad y disciplinas afines, como prácticas sociales, tienen mucho que ofrecer en la actualidad, en un mundo donde el desarrollo tecnológico avanza a pasos agigantados, y donde también se agudizan problemas socioambientales como los planteados por el cambio climático. La práctica contable cumple un rol clave en construir la realidad tal como la entendemos (Hines, 1988), por ejemplo, incluyendo o excluyendo aspectos sociales y ambientales.
Chronic Viral Mimicry Induction following p53 Loss Promotes Immune Evasion
Authors: Ishak Charles A. , Marhon Sajid A. , Tchrakian Naïri , Hodgson Anjelica , Loo Yau Helen , Gonzaga Isabela M. , Peralta Melanie , Lungu Ilinca M. , Gomez Stephanie , Liang Sheng-Ben , Shen Shu Yi , Chen Raymond , Chen Jocelyn , Chatterjee Biji , Wanniarachchi Kevin N. , Lee Junwoo , Zehrbach Nicholas , Hosseini Amir , Mehdipour Parinaz , Sun Siyu , Solovyov Alexander , Ettayebi Ilias , Francis Kyle E. , He Aobo , Wu Taiyi , Feng Shengrui , da Silva Medina Tiago , Campos de Almeida Felipe , Bayani Jane , Li Jason , MacDonald Spencer , Wang Yadong , Garcia Sarah S. , Arthofer Elisa , Diab Noor , Srivastava Aneil , Austin Paul Tran , Sabatini Peter J.B. , Greenbaum Benjamin D. , O’Brien Catherine A. , Shepherd Trevor G. , Tsao Ming Sound , Chiappinelli Katherine B. , Oza Amit M. , Clarke Blaise A. , Rottapel Robert , Lheureux Stephanie , De Carvalho Daniel D.
Published: January 2025

Epigenetic therapies facilitate transcription of immunogenic repetitive elements that cull cancer cells through “viral mimicry” responses. Paradoxically, cancer-initiating events also facilitate transcription of repetitive elements. Contributions of repetitive element transcription toward cancer initiation, and the mechanisms by which cancer cells evade lethal viral mimicry responses during tumor initiation remain poorly understood. In this report, we characterize premalignant lesions of the fallopian tube along with syngeneic epithelial ovarian cancer models to explore the earliest events of tumorigenesis following the loss of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. We report that p53 loss permits the transcription of immunogenic repetitive elements and chronic viral mimicry activation that increases cellular tolerance of cytosolic nucleic acids and diminishes cellular immunogenicity. This selection process can be partially attenuated pharmacologically. Altogether, these results reveal that viral mimicry conditioning following p53 loss promotes immune evasion and may represent a pharmacologic target for early cancer interception.

Significance:

Our landmark discovery of viral mimicry characterized repetitive elements as immunogenic stimuli that cull cancer cells. If expressed repetitive elements cull cancer cells, why does every human cancer express repetitive elements? Our report offers an exciting advancement toward understanding this paradox and how to exploit this mechanism for cancer interception.