bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant OCIAD2 demethylation in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with outcome
Authors: Maki Masahiro , JeongMin Hong , Nakagawa Tomoki , Kawai Hitomi , Sakamoto Noriaki , Sato Yukio , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: August 2022

Overexpression of OCIAD2 in lung adenocarcinoma has already been reported in several research articles, but the molecular mechanism involved remains unknown. Promoter CpG methylation is a representative form of epigenetic gene regulation, and a considerable number of tumor suppressor genes show hypermethylation in many cancers. In contrast, promoter CpG hypomethylation causes oncogene overexpression, resulting in carcinogenesis and malignant progression. In the present study, we investigated the CpG methylation and expression status of OCIAD2 using tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues from seven cases of lung adenocarcinoma. We also examined the relationship between CpG methylation status and outcome in 58 patients with adenocarcinoma. Pyrosequencing showed that CpG sites in OCIAD2 promoter regions were more frequently demethylated in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues, and reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed overexpression of OCIAD2 in lung adenocarcinoma. There was a correlation between OCIAD2 CpG demethylation and the level of mRNA expression, and statistical analysis showed that CpG hypomethylation of OCIAD2 was associated with poor outcomes. Our results suggest that overexpression of OCIAD2 might be caused mainly by CpG hypomethylation and that OCIAD2 methylation status might be a useful prognostic indicator in lung adenocarcinoma.
Can computer‐assisted implant surgery improve clinical outcomes and reduce the frequency and intensity of complications in implant dentistry? A critical review
Authors: Pimkhaokham Atiphan , Jiaranuchart Sirimanas , Kaboosaya Boosana , Arunjaroensuk Sirida , Subbalekha Keskanya , Mattheos Nikos
Published: August 2022

Computer‐assisted implant surgery (CAIS), either static or dynamic, is well documented to significantly improve the accuracy of implant placement. Whether the increased accuracy leads to a corresponding improvement in clinical outcomes has not yet been systematically investigated. The aim of this critical review was to investigate whether the use of CAIS can lead to reduction of complications as well as improved clinical and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) when compared with conventional freehand implant surgery. A comprehensive online search was conducted to identify studies where implants were installed with static computer‐assisted implant surgery (s‐CAIS)or dynamic computer‐assisted implant surgery(d‐CAIS) or combinations of the two, either compared with conventional free‐hand implant placement or not. Seventy‐seven studies were finally included in qualitative analysis, while data from three studies assessing postsurgical pain were suitable for a meta‐analysis. Only a small number of the available studies were comparative. The current evidence does not suggest any difference with regard to intraoperative complications, immediate postsurgical healing, osseointegration success, and survival of implants placed with CAIS or freehand protocols. Intraoperative and early healing events as reported by patients in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) did not differ significantly between CAIS used with flap elevation and conventional implant placement. There is limited evidence that increased accuracy of placement with CAIS is correlated with superior esthetic outcomes. Use of CAIS does not significantly reduce the length of surgeries in cases of single implants and partially edentulous patients, although there appears to be a more favorable impact in fully edentulous patients. Although CAIS alone does not seem to improve healing and the clinical and PRO, to the extent that it can increase the utilization of flapless surgery and predictability of immediacy protocols, its use may indirectly lead to substantial improvements in all of the above parameters.
Keeping policy commitments: An organizational capability approach to local green housing equity
Authors: Deslatte Aaron , Kim Serena , Hawkins Christopher V. , Stokan Eric
Published: August 2022

Affordable housing that incorporates sustainability goals into its design has the potential to address both health and economic disparities via enhanced energy‐efficiency, structural durability and indoor environmental quality. Despite the potential for these win‐win advances, survey data of U.S. local governments indicate these types of equity investments remain rare. This study explores barriers and pathways to distributional equity via energy‐efficient housing. Using archival city sustainability survey data collected during a period of heightened U.S. federal investment in local government energy‐efficiency programs, we combine machine learning (ML) and process‐tracing approaches for modeling the complex drivers and barriers underlying these decisions. First, we ask, how do characteristics of a city's organizational learning methods—its administrative structure, past experience with housing programs, resources, stakeholder engagement and planning—predict policy commitments to green affordable housing? Using ensemble ML methods, we find that three specific modes of organizational learning—past experience with affordable housing programs, seeking assistance from neighborhood groups and the technical expertise of professional green organizations—are the most impactful features in determining city commitments to constructing green affordable housing. Our second stage uses process‐tracing within a specific case identified by the ML models to determine the ordering of these factors and to provide more nuance on green‐housing policy implementation.
Receipt of clinician‐delivered firearm safety counseling among U.S. Veterans: Results from a 2019 national survey
Authors: Simonetti Joseph A. , Azrael Deborah , Zhang Wilson , Miller Matthew
Published: August 2022

Objective

Seventy percent of suicides among U.S. veterans are due to firearm injury. Because discussions about firearm access are an important component of evidence‐based suicide prevention programs, we sought to quantify the proportion of U.S. veterans who have discussed firearm safety with a healthcare provider.

Methods

Data come from a probability‐based, nationally representative online survey of U.S. adults living in households with firearms in 2019 (response 65%). In this study, we include only self‐identified veteran firearm owners. Respondents were asked, “Has a physician or other healthcare practitioner ever spoken to you about firearm safety?” Analyses were stratified by self‐reported use of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare services.

Results

Overall, 31.5% (95% CI 27.5–35.8) reported using VHA services and 9.2% (95% CI 6.8–12.3) reported that a clinician had ever spoken with them about firearm safety (14.3% among VHA users, 6.8% among non‐users). Of those who reported a discussion, nearly three quarters reported it was with an outpatient primary care physician or medical specialist.

Conclusions

A large majority of veteran firearm owners have not had, or do not recall having had, a firearm safety discussion with a clinician, suggesting that additional efforts to facilitate such discussions in the VHA and elsewhere are needed.
Transfusion outcomes between regular and low yield pathogen reduced platelets across different patient populations in a single institution
Authors: Tang Mei San , Shu Elaine , Sussman Harry , Virk Mrigender , Pandey Suchitra , Shan Hua , Pham Tho
Published: August 2022

Background

Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) effectively mitigates bacterial contamination in platelets but is more likely to produce low yield units. Although low dose transfusion using conventional platelets has not been associated with increased bleeding, these findings have not been reproduced with PRT‐treated platelets.

Study Design and Methods

Platelet transfusions in a tertiary adult hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Comparisons were made between PRT‐treated regular (PRT‐PR) and low (PRT‐PL) yield platelets. Outcomes examined included the number of platelets and RBCs transfused, transfusion‐free interval, and corrected count increment (CCI). Subgroup analyses were also performed on hematology–oncology inpatients and outpatients, as well as non‐hematology–oncology patients.

Results

Platelet utilization per patient remained mostly unchanged (mean 2.9–4.3 units per patient per month) even when the frequency of PRT‐PL transfusion increased. Among 1402 patients examined, the number of platelets and RBCs transfused was not significantly different between patients first transfused with PRT‐PR versus PRT‐PL (mean number of platelet units = 2.8 vs. 3.1, p = 0.38; mean number of RBC units = 4.8 vs. 4.3, p = 0.93). Among 10,257 platelet transfusions examined, the transfusion‐free interval (hazard ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.10) and CCI (10.2 vs. 11.0, p = 0.70) were comparable between PRT‐PR and PRT‐PL units. Similar findings were observed in all subgroups, except for shortened transfusion‐free intervals among hematology–oncology inpatients.

Conclusion

PRT‐PR and PRT‐PL units may be used in an equivalent manner to maintain an adequate platelet inventory, since there was only a minor difference in time between transfusions.
Hyperbaric treatment of platelets extends in vitro storage to 14 days
Authors: Kelly Kathleen , Sen Sharon , Ilyin Ilya , Dumont Larry J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Platelets for transfusion have a storage time of 5–7 days at 22°C–24°C, which results in a strain on the supply chain and supply shortages. We describe a novel method to extend platelet storage using xenon (Xe) gas under high pressure and refrigeration.

Study Design and Methods

Apheresis platelets (APU) prepared in 65% platelet additive solution (PAS) were stored under standard conditions (SC) at 20°C–24°C to Day 5. Paired APUs were prepared with Xe and stored to Day 14 at 2°C–6°C under hyperbaric conditions (XHC). A standard panel of in vitro assays was conducted.

Results

XHC platelets were viable out to Day 14. The average pH of Day 14 platelets was 6.58, and 86% maintained some degree of swirl compared with 7.02 and 100% swirl for Day 5 SC platelets. The rate of glycolysis was reduced under XHC storage with less glucose consumption and lactate generation. Activation levels for Day 14 platelets, while increased, did not prevent response to agonists in vitro, including epinephrine + Adenosine 5‐Diphosphate (EPI/ADP) and thrombin receptor‐activating peptide (TRAP) aggregation. Thromboelastogram (TEG) assessment showed 80% or greater conservation of platelet function for Day 14 xenon stored platelets compared with Day 5 SC platelets.

Discussion

Platelet storage with the Xe/hyperbaric/cold method is a feasible candidate for extension of storage to 14 days based on in vitro characteristics. In vivo recovery and survival studies are indicated. The capability to extend platelet storage to 14 days would make large strides toward resolving issues of platelet outdating for prophylactic use.
Inclusão Excludente: Limitações da Incidência Política na Luta pela Inclusão da Orientação Sexual na Assembleia Nacional Constituinte
Authors: Carrano Lelis Rafael , Vidal de Oliveira Adriana
Published: August 2022

O trabalho investiga os possíveis apagamentos produzidos pelo uso de categorias identitárias no processo de incidência política ocorrido na Assembleia Nacional Constituinte de 1987-1988 (ANC) para inclusão do termo “orientação sexual” no texto da futura Constituição. Desse modo, a partir do acesso ao material disponível nos anais da ANC, desenvolve-se uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo por meio de análise do discurso da fala proferida pelo ativista João Antônio de Souza Mascarenhas na Subcomissão dos Direitos e Garantias Individuais (1C). Tendo como referencial teórico a noção de performatividade de gênero de Judith Butler e seus diversos desdobramentos críticos, identificou-se que a tentativa de estabelecimento do homossexual enquanto sujeito de direitos ocorreu por meio da marginalização de identidades trans e travestis, ilustrando o processo histórico de construção do Movimento LGBTI+, marcado pela proeminência de certas identidades em detrimento de outras. Ao final, concluiu-se que a dificuldade de acesso por grupos minoritários à ANC pode ter tornado imprescindível a utilização de categorias identitárias para seu ingresso e participação naquele ambiente. Todavia, a crítica e a exposição das instâncias de exclusões e apagamentos promovidas por meio do emprego de tais categorias são necessárias para que se avance para um uso mais crítico e consciente de termos identitários, diminuindo, assim, seu potencial excludente e reificador.
Subharmonic Resonance of Duffing Oscillator With Dry Friction Under Foundation Excitation
Authors: Niu Jiangchuan , Zhang Wanjie , Wen Shaofang , Zhang Jianchao
Published: August 2022

The 1/3 subharmonic resonance response of Duffing oscillator with Coulomb dry friction under foundation excitation is investigated, and the approximate analytical solution of the subharmonic resonance of the system is obtained by using the incremental averaging method. Based on the approximate analytical solution of the primary resonance obtained by the averaging method, the approximate analytical solution of subharmonic resonance is solved by the averaging method according to the incremental equation, and the amplitude–frequency response equation of subharmonic resonance is obtained. It is found that the Coulomb friction affects the amplitude–frequency response of both the primary resonance and subharmonic resonance of the nonlinear dry friction system in the form of equivalent damping. The comparison between the approximate analytical solution and the numerical solution shows that the approximate analytical solutions of the primary resonance and subharmonic resonance are both in very good agreement with the numerical solution. The existence condition of the 1/3 subharmonic resonance for the nonlinear dry friction system is presented, and the stability of the steady-state solution of subharmonic resonance is also judged. Based on the approximate analytical solution, the effects of the nonlinear stiffness and the Coulomb friction on the amplitude–frequency response of resonance and critical frequency of 1/3 subharmonic resonance of the nonlinear dry friction system are analyzed in detail. The analysis results show that the incremental averaging method can effectively obtain the approximate analytical solution in unified form for the subharmonic resonance of nonlinear system with Coulomb friction.
Solution of Unsteady Flow Equations for Nanoscale Heat and Mass Transfer in Diverse Applications
Authors: Sinha Ramlala P.
Published: August 2022

A new innovative stable time-dependent compressible flow solution over the order of nanoseconds is provided here for wide-ranging critically important challenging applications. Specifically, a solution of the highly complex unsteady high speed oscillating compressible flow field inside a cylindrical tube, closed at one end with a piston oscillating at very high resonant frequency at the other end, has been obtained numerically, assuming one-dimensional, viscous, and heat-conducting flow, by solving the appropriate fluid dynamic and energy equations. An iterative implicit finite difference scheme is employed to obtain the solution. The scheme permits arbitrary boundary conditions at the piston and the end wall and allows assumptions for transport properties. In successfully predicting the time-dependent results/data, an innovative simple but stable solution of unsteady fluid dynamic and energy equations is provided here for wide ranging research, design, development, analysis, and industrial applications in solving a variety of complex fluid flow heat transfer problems. The method is directly applicable to pulsed or pulsating flow and wave motion thermal energy transport, fluid-structure interaction heat transfer enhancement, nanoscale heat and mass transfer, diverse range of advanced fluidics, biofluidics/bio-engineering, and fluidic pyrotechnic initiation devices. It can further be easily extended to cover muzzle blasts and high energy nuclear explosion blast wave propagations in one-dimensional and/or radial spherical coordinates with or without including energy generation/addition terms. No other solution exists for such applications.
H1 and H2 Forced Convection in Semi-Elliptic Ducts
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: August 2022

The fully developed forced convection with H1 and/or H2 conditions in a semi-elliptic duct is studied. Such ducts model conduits attached to a flat surface and etched microfluidic channels. Due to differences in materials, the duct wall may be highly conductive (H1) or poorly conductive (H2) or a mixture of both. This paper presents analytic small aspect ratio asymptotic solutions and tables of Poiseuille and Nusselt numbers for various aspect ratios and boundary conditions.
Structure and stability of van der Waals layered group-IV monochalcogenides
Authors: Jai Likith Sri Ranga , Ciobanu Cristian V.
Published: August 2022

As the quest for versatile and multifunctional 2D materials has expanded beyond graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and transition metal dichalcogenides, van der Waals (vdW) layered monochalcogenides have gathered significant attention due to their attractive (opto)electronic, thermoelectric, and topological properties. These quasi-2D (q2D) materials are also valuable precursors for high-quality 2D materials, thus enlarging the range of materials’ properties and associated functionalities for novel applications. Using density functional theory calculations, we report on the stability of vdW-layered phases of group-IV AX monochalcogenides (where A and X belong, respectively to the sets {C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb} and {S, Se, Te}) in six potential structural types, some of which not heretofore synthesized. We report phonon spectrum calculations and evaluate their thermodynamic stability using the formation enthalpy. Based on these results on dynamic stability and formation enthalpy of a total of 90 q2D monochalcogenide structures, we suggest that some of the new materials reported here would be synthesizable in current laboratory conditions. Our results, thus, provide guidance for future experimental synthesis and characterization studies and would enable subsequent implementation of novel AX q2D monochalcogenides in various nanoelectronic devices.
Coaching With Latour in the Sociomateriality of Sport: A Cartography for Practice
Authors: Maclean Jordan , Allen Justine
Published: August 2022

While there is increasing recognition that sport is sociomaterial, little is known about what this means for an analysis of coaching practice. This paper develops a cartography of coaching based on an actor–network theory ethnography of two volunteer football coaches’ practices in Scotland. A sociomaterial analysis generates anecdotes that are reordered into five parts: (a) moving from the eleven-a-side game toward a field of practice, (b) delegation, (c) quasi-object, (d) interruptions, and (e) manufacturing. Each part is accompanied with an analytical move inspired by Latourian actor–network theory. Coaching is conceptualized as a field of practice resting on three propositions. The first proposition is that coaches intervene by fabricating passages in practices which are always under construction. The second proposition is that materials and materiality shape practices in ways which can make players more, or less, disciplined. And the third proposition is for a local and situated sociomaterial competence where nonhumans are matters of concern. Coaching with Latour paves the way for a new space in the sociology of sport for studies dedicated to the sociomateriality of sport.
Deacetylation of ATG4B promotes autophagy initiation under starvation
Authors: Sun Liangbo , Xiong Haojun , Chen Lingxi , Dai Xufang , Yan Xiaojing , Wu Yaran , Yang Mingzhen , Shan Meihua , Li Tao , Yao Jie , Jiang Wenbin , He Haiyan , He Fengtian , Lian Jiqin
Published: August 2022

Eukaryotes initiate autophagy when facing environmental changes such as a lack of external nutrients. However, the mechanisms of autophagy initiation are still not fully elucidated. Here, we showed that deacetylation of ATG4B plays a key role in starvation-induced autophagy initiation. Specifically, we demonstrated that ATG4B is activated during starvation through deacetylation at K39 by the deacetylase SIRT2. Moreover, starvation triggers SIRT2 dephosphorylation and activation in a cyclin E/CDK2 suppression–dependent manner. Meanwhile, starvation down-regulates p300, leading to a decrease in ATG4B acetylation at K39. K39 deacetylation also enhances the interaction of ATG4B with pro-LC3, which promotes LC3-II formation. Furthermore, an in vivo experiment using
Sirt2
knockout mice also confirmed that SIRT2-mediated ATG4B deacetylation at K39 promotes starvation-induced autophagy initiation. In summary, this study reveals an acetylation-dependent regulatory mechanism that controls the role of ATG4B in autophagy initiation in response to nutritional deficiency.
Unleashing spontaneity in a time crystal
Authors: LeBlanc Lindsay J.
Published: August 2022

Ordered patterns reoccur over time in an ultracold atomic gas trapped in light
Inequality goes viral
The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide
Steven W. Thrasher
Celadon Books, 2022. 352 pp.
Authors: Nuriddin Ayah
Published: August 2022

Structural factors exacerbate the impact of viruses
Polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines to
Streptococcus pneumoniae
generate distinct humoral responses
Authors: Davies Leela R. L. , Cizmeci Deniz , Guo Wenyue , Luedemann Corinne , Alexander-Parrish Ronika , Grant Lindsay , Isturiz Raul , Theilacker Christian , Jodar Luis , Gessner Bradford D. , Alter Galit
Published: August 2022

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis in older adults worldwide. Two pneumococcal vaccines containing
S. pneumoniae
capsular polysaccharides are in current use: the polysaccharide vaccine PPSV23 and the glycoconjugate vaccine PCV13. In clinical trials, both vaccines elicit similar opsonophagocytic killing activity. In contrast to polysaccharide vaccines, conjugate vaccines have shown consistent efficacy against nasopharyngeal carriage and noninvasive pneumonia overall and for some prevalent individual serotypes. Given these different clinical profiles, it is crucial to understand the differential immunological responses induced by these two vaccines. Here, we used a high-throughput systems serology approach to profile the biophysical and functional features of serum antibodies induced by PCV13 and PPSV23 at 1 month and 1 year. In comparison with PPSV23, PCV13 induced higher titers across antibody isotypes; more durable antibody responses across immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM isotypes; and increased antigenic breadth. Although titers measured in opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) assays were similar between the two groups, confirming what was observed in clinical studies, serum samples from PCV13 vaccinees could induce additional non-OPA antibody-dependent functions, including monocyte phagocytosis and natural killer cell activation. In a multivariate modeling approach, distinct humoral profiles were demonstrated in each arm. Together, these results demonstrate that the glycoconjugate PCV13 vaccine induces an antigenically broader, more durable, polyfunctional antibody response. These findings may help explain the increased protection against
S. pneumoniae
colonization and noninvasive pneumonia and the longer duration of protection against invasive pneumococcal disease, mediated by PCV13.
Differential Impact of the
rpoB
Mutant on Rifampin and Rifabutin Resistance Signatures of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Is Revealed Using a Whole-Genome Sequencing Assay
Authors: Yu Ming-Chih , Hung Ching-Sheng , Huang Chun-Kai , Wang Cheng-Hui , Liang Yu-Chih , Lin Jung-Chun
Published: August 2022

Current approaches to diagnose drug-resistant MTB are time-consuming, consequently leading to inefficient intervention or further disease transmission. In this study, we curated lists of coding variants associated with differential rifampin and rifabutin resistant signatures using a single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing platform with a shorter hands-on time.
Detection and Quantification of the Capsular Polysaccharide of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Serum and Urine Samples from Melioidosis Patients
Authors: DeMers Haley L. , Nualnoi Teerapat , Thorkildson Peter , Hau Derrick , Hannah Emily E. , Green Heather R. , Pandit Sujata G. , Gates-Hollingsworth Marcellene A. , Boutthasavong Latsaniphone , Luangraj Manophab , Woods Kate L. , Dance David , AuCoin David P.
Published: August 2022

Melioidosis is very challenging to diagnose. There is a clear need for a point-of-care assay for the detection of
B. pseudomallei
antigen directly from patient samples.
Triosephosphate Isomerase and Its Product Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Are Involved in the Regulatory Mechanism That Suppresses Exit from the Quiescent State in Yeast Cells
Authors: Liu Guoyu , Yang Yan , Yang Ganglong , Duan Shenglin , Yuan Peng , Zhang Shuang , Li Feng , Gao Xiao-Dong , Nakanishi Hideki
Published: August 2022

Our results suggest that, in quiescent cells, nutrient signals do not merely provoke a positive regulatory process to commence mitotic growth. Exit from the quiescent state in yeast cells is regulated by balancing between the positive and negative signaling pathways.
Human Adenovirus Type 26 Infection Mediated by αvβ3 Integrin Is Caveolin-1-Dependent
Authors: Nestić Davor , Custers Jerome , Švec Danijel , Majhen Dragomira
Published: August 2022

In order to fulfill its role as a vector, adenovirus needs to successfully deliver its DNA genome to the host nucleus, a process highly influenced by adenovirus intracellular translocation. Thus, cell entry pathway and intracellular trafficking determine functionality of human adenovirus-based vectors.
Supplemental Material: New insights into deep carbon recycling and formation of nepheline-bearing alkaline rocks from Sr-Nd-Mg isotope compositions
Authors: Kong Weiliang , Zhang Zhaochong
Published: August 2022

Supplemental Figures S1–S5 and Tables S1–S12.
Supplemental Material: Cambrian–Ordovician magmatic flare-up in NE Gondwana: A silicic large igneous province?
Authors: DAN WEI
Published: August 2022

Table S1: Compiled zircon U-Pb crystallization ages for Cambrian–Ordovician igneous rocks in NE Gondwana. Table S2: Compiled Nd isotopic geochemical data calculated at ca. 500 Ma. Table S3: Compiled early Paleozoic metamorphic dates.
Supplemental Material: Geological architecture and history of the Antigua volcano and carbonate platform: Was there an Oligo–Miocene lull in Lesser Antilles arc magmatism?
Authors: Montheil Leny , al. et
Published: August 2022

Supplemental Material 1: Description of the sections, ages and depositional settings. Supplemental Material 2: Microfacies and larger benthic foraminifera content. Supplemental Material 3: Description of the seismic profiles 508 and 510. Supplemental Material 4: Structural measurements collected in the field. Supplemental Material 5: Detail of Ar/Ar step-heating analyses.
Supplemental Material: Enhanced terrestrial nutrient release during the Devonian emergence and expansion of forests: Evidence from lacustrine phosphorus and geochemical records
Authors: Smart Matthew S. , al. et
Published: August 2022

Lake cycle geochemical correlations.
Channeling of Auroral Kilometric Radiation During Geomagnetic Disturbances
Authors: Mogilevsky M. M. , Chugunin D. V. , Chernyshov A. A. , Kolpak V. I. , Moiseenko I. L. , Kasahara Y. , Miyoshi Y.
Published: August 2022

The electromagnetic fields measured on the ERG satellite are presented and their comparative analysis with measurements on the WIND satellite is carried out. The possibility of capturing auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) into plasma channels, which was first discovered on the ISEE satellite, has been confirmed. Plasma inhomogeneities, formed with an increase in geomagnetic activity, are extended along the magnetic field and form channels along which the radiation propagates. The trapped radiation spectrum is distorted because of the relative position of the source and channel at low frequencies. The distortion of the AKR spectrum at high frequencies is related to the frequency dependence of propagation conditions in the channel. Asymmetry of the processes of formation of plasma channels and AKR sources in the northern and southern auroral regions is found.
Deep learning model to identify homonymous defects on automated perimetry
Authors: Tan Aaron Hao , Donaldson Laura , Moolla Luqmaan , Pereira Austin , Margolin Edward
Published: August 2022

Background

Homonymous visual field (VF) defects are usually an indicator of serious intracranial pathology but may be subtle and difficult to detect. Artificial intelligence (AI) models could play a key role in simplifying the detection of these defects. This study aimed to develop an automated deep learning AI model to accurately identify homonymous VF defects from automated perimetry.

Methods

VFs performed on Humphrey field analyser (24–2 algorithm) were collected and run through an in-house optical character recognition program that extracted mean deviation data and prepared it for use in the proposed AI model. The deep learning AI model, Deep Homonymous Classifier, was developed using PyTorch framework and used convolutional neural networks to extract spatial features for binary classification. Total collected dataset underwent 7-fold cross validation for model training and evaluation. To address dataset class imbalance, data augmentation techniques and state-of-the-art loss function that uses complement cross entropy were used to train and enhance the proposed AI model.

Results

The proposed model was evaluated using 7-fold cross validation and achieved an average accuracy of 87% for detecting homonymous VF defects in previously unseen VFs. Recall, which is a critical value for this model as reducing false negatives is a priority in disease detection, was found to be on average 92%. The calculated F2 score for the proposed model was 0.89 with a Cohen’s kappa value of 0.70.

Conclusion

This newly developed deep learning model achieved an overall average accuracy of 87%, making it highly effective in identifying homonymous VF defects on automated perimetry.
Risks of posterior segment ocular ischaemic events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Chiou Yi-Ran , Chang Yu-Sheng , Su Chin-Fang , Li Tzu-Hao , Lai Chien-Chih , Hwang De-Kuang , Wu Fang-Yi , Chang Yu-Fan
Published: August 2022

Backgroud/Aim

Ocular involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often primarily recognised by ophthalmologists rather than internists. This study aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors for the occurrence of posterior ocular ischaemic events (OIE), including retinal vein occlusion (RVO), retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and ischaemic optic neuropathy (ION), in patients with SLE.

Methods

A national database in Taiwan was used to identify 24 472 patients newly diagnosed with SLE and 244 720 age-matched and sex-matched controls between 1997 and 2012. New occurrences of OIE and confounding factors were recorded. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the risk of OIE between the two groups. Fixed effect models were applied to evaluate the risk factors for OIE.

Results

The mean age was 36.24±15.82 years and women accounted for 88.4%. Patients with SLE had significantly increased risk of overall OIE (HR 3.89, 95% CI 3.36 to 4.50, p<0.001) as well as each OIE subtype. End-stage renal disease (ESRD; HR 2.91, 95% CI 2.05 to 4.14, p<0.001), hypertension (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.58, p=0.003) and congestive heart failure (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.48, p=0.01) were associated with RVO development. Hypertension (HR 2.89, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.96, p=0.02) and ischaemic stroke (HR 3.58, 95% CI 1.97 to 6.48, p<0.001) had increased risk of RAO. ESRD was associated with ION (HR 3.03, 95% CI 1.41 to 6.51, p=0.004). Intravenous steroid was associated with RVO development (HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.67 to 3.84, p<0.001).

Conclusions

SLE increases the risk of developing OIE. Systemic comorbidities and higher dosage of steroid in patients with SLE are associated with severe ocular ischaemic complications.
Enhanced women’s decision-making power after the Suchana intervention in north-eastern Bangladesh: a cluster randomised pre-post study
Authors: Haque Md Ahshanul , Choudhury Nuzhat , Ahmed S M Tanvir , Farzana Fahmida Dil , Ali Mohammad , Naz Farina , Siddiqua Towfida Jahan , Raihan Mohammad Jyoti , Rahman Sheikh Shahed , Faruque A S G , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Women’s decision-making power is a dimension of empowerment and is crucial for better physical and psychosocial outcomes of mothers. Suchana, a large-scale development programme in Bangladesh, actively provided social interventions on behaviour change communication to empower women belonging to the poorest social segment. This paper aims to assess the impact of the Suchana intervention on various indicators related to women’s decision-making power.

Design, setting and participants

The evaluation design was a cluster randomised pre-post design with two cross-sectional surveys conducted among beneficiary women with at least one child aged <23 months from randomly selected poor or very poor beneficiary households in Sylhet division.

Outcome measure

Decision-making indicators included food purchases, major household purchases, food preparation, children’s healthcare as well as women’s own healthcare and visiting family and relatives.

Results

Our findings suggest that 45% of women were able to make decisions on food purchases, 25% on major household purchases, 78% on food preparation, 59% on children’s healthcare, 51% on their own healthcare and 43% on visiting family and relatives at baseline in the intervention group, whereas the results were almost the same in the control group. In contrast, at the endline survey, the respective proportions were 75%, 56%, 87%, 80%, 77% and 67% in the intervention group, which were significantly improved when compared with the control group. The prevalence of those outcome indicators were 64%, 41%, 80%, 71%, 68% and 56%, respectively, in the control group. As per multiple logistic regression analysis and structural equation modelling, the Suchana intervention had a substantial influence on the latent variable of women’s decision-making power.

Conclusion

In terms of food purchases, major household purchases, children’s healthcare, their own healthcare and visiting family and relatives, the Suchana intervention favourably influenced the decision-making power of rural women living in a vulnerable region of Bangladesh.

Trial registration number

RIDIE-STUDY-ID-5d5678361809b.
Long-term and serious harms of medical cannabis and cannabinoids for chronic pain: a systematic review of non-randomised studies
Authors: Zeraatkar Dena , Cooper Matthew Adam , Agarwal Arnav , Vernooij Robin W M , Leung Gareth , Loniewski Kevin , Dookie Jared E , Ahmed Muhammad Muneeb , Hong Brian Y , Hong Chris , Hong Patrick , Couban Rachel , Agoritsas Thomas , Busse Jason W
Published: August 2022

Objective

To establish the prevalence of long-term and serious harms of medical cannabis for chronic pain.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CENTRAL from inception to 1 April 2020.

Study selection

Non-randomised studies reporting on harms of medical cannabis or cannabinoids in adults or children living with chronic pain with ≥4 weeks of follow-up.

Data extraction and synthesis

A parallel guideline panel provided input on the design and interpretation of the systematic review, including selection of adverse events for consideration. Two reviewers, working independently and in duplicate, screened the search results, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We used random-effects models for all meta-analyses and the Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to evaluate the certainty of evidence.

Results

We identified 39 eligible studies that enrolled 12 143 adult patients with chronic pain. Very low certainty evidence suggests that adverse events are common (prevalence: 26.0%; 95% CI 13.2% to 41.2%) among users of medical cannabis for chronic pain, particularly any psychiatric adverse events (prevalence: 13.5%; 95% CI 2.6% to 30.6%). Very low certainty evidence, however, indicates serious adverse events, adverse events leading to discontinuation, cognitive adverse events, accidents and injuries, and dependence and withdrawal syndrome are less common and each typically occur in fewer than 1 in 20 patients. We compared studies with <24 weeks and ≥24 weeks of cannabis use and found more adverse events reported among studies with longer follow-up (test for interaction p<0.01). Palmitoylethanolamide was usually associated with few to no adverse events. We found insufficient evidence addressing the harms of medical cannabis compared with other pain management options, such as opioids.

Conclusions

There is very low certainty evidence that adverse events are common among people living with chronic pain who use medical cannabis or cannabinoids, but that few patients experience serious adverse events.
Electronic consultation in correctional facilities worldwide: a scoping review
Authors: Sethuram Claire , Helmer-Smith Mary , Karunananthan Sathya , Keely Erin , Singh Jatinderpreet , Liddy Clare
Published: August 2022

Objective

To provide an overview of the use of and evidence for eConsult in correctional facilities worldwide.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Three academic databases (MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL) were searched to identify papers published between 1990 and 2020 that presented data on eConsult use in correctional facilities. The grey literature was also searched for any resources that discussed eConsult use in correctional facilities. Articles and resources were excluded if they discussed synchronous, patient-to-provider or unsecure communication. The reference lists of included articles were also hand searched.

Results

Of the 226 records retrieved from the academic literature search and 595 from the grey literature search, 22 were included in the review. Most study populations included adult male offenders in a variety of correctional environments. These resources identified 13 unique eConsult services in six countries. Six of these services involved multiple medical specialties, while the remaining services were single specialty. The available evidence was organised into five identified themes: feasibility, cost-effectiveness, access to care, provider satisfaction and clinical impact.

Conclusions

This study identified evidence that the use of eConsult in correctional facilities is beneficial and avoids unnecessary transportation of offenders outside of the facilities. It is feasible, cost-effective, increases access to care, has an impact on clinical care and has high provider satisfaction. Some gaps in the literature remain, and we suggest further research on patient satisfaction, enablers and barriers to implementation, and women, youth and transgender populations in this setting to inform service providers and stakeholders. Despite some gaps, eConsult is evidently an important tool to provide timely, high-quality care to offenders.
Novel device for assisted vaginal birth: using integrated qualitative case study methodology to optimise Odon Device use within a feasibility study in a maternity unit in the Southwest of England
Authors: Hotton Emily J , Blencowe Natalie S , Bale Nichola , Lenguerrand Erik , Draycott Tim J , Crofts Joanna F , Wade Julia
Published: August 2022

Objective

When novel devices are used ‘in human’ for the first time, their optimal use is uncertain because clinicians only have experience from preclinical studies. This study aimed to investigate factors that might optimise use of the Odon Device for assisted vaginal birth.

Design

We undertook qualitative case studies within the ASSIST Study, a feasibility study of the Odon Device. Each ‘case’ was defined as one use of the device and included at least one of the following: observation of the attempted assisted birth, and an interview with the obstetrician, midwife or woman. Data collection and thematic analysis ran iteratively and in parallel.

Setting

Tertiary referral National Health Service maternity unit in the Southwest of England.

Participants

Women requiring a clinically indicated assisted vaginal birth.

Intervention

The Odon Device, an innovative device for assisted vaginal birth.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Determining the optimal device technique, device design and defining clinical parameters for use.

Results

Thirty-nine cases involving an attempted Odon-assisted birth were included in this study, of which 19 resulted in a successful birth with the device. Factors that improved use included optimisation of device technique, device design and clinical parameters for use. Technique adaptations included: applying the device during, rather than between, contractions; having a flexible approach to the application angle; and deflating the air cuff sooner than originally proposed. Three design modifications were proposed involving the deflation button and sleeve. Although use of the device was found to be appropriate in all fetal positions, it was considered contraindicated when the fetal station was at the ischial spines.

Conclusions

Case study methodology facilitated the acquisition of rapid insights into device function in clinical practice, providing key insights regarding use, design and key clinical parameters for success. This methodology should be considered whenever innovative devices are introduced into clinical practice.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10203171.
COVID-19 pandemic and vitamin D: rising trends in status and in daily amounts of vitamin D provided by supplements
Authors: McKenna Malachi J , Lyons Oonagh C , Flynn Mary AT , Crowley Rachel K , Twomey Patrick J , Kilbane Mark T
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there have been plausible suggestions about the need to augment vitamin D intake by supplementation in order to prevent SARS-CoV2 infection and reduce mortality. Some groups have advocated supplementation for all adults, but governmental agencies have advocated targeted supplementation. We sought to explore the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on both vitamin D status and on the dose of new-to-market vitamin D supplements.

Setting

University hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Participants

Laboratory-based samples of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) (n=100 505).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes: comparing yearly average 25OHD prior to the pandemic (April 2019 to March 2020) with during the pandemic (April 2020 to March 2021) and comparing the dose of new-to-market vitamin D supplements between 2017 and 2021 (n=2689). Secondary outcome: comparing prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D excess during the two time periods.

Results

The average yearly serum 25OHD measurement increased by 2.8 nmol/L (61.4, 95% CI 61.5 to 61.7 vs 58.6, 95% CI 58.4 to 58.9, p<0.001), which was almost threefold higher than two similar trend analyses that we conducted between 1993 and 2016. There was a lower prevalence of low 25OHD and a higher prevalence of high 25OHD. The dose of new-to-market vitamin D supplements was higher in the years 2020–2021 compared with the years 2017–2019 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

We showed significant increases in serum 25OHD and in the dose of new-to-market vitamin D supplements. The frequency of low vitamin D status reduced indicating benefit, but the frequency of vitamin D excess increased indicating risk of harm. Rather than a blanket recommendation about vitamin D supplementation for all adults, we recommend a targeted approach of supplementation within current governmental guidelines to at-risk groups and cautioning consumers about adverse effects of high dose supplements on the market.
DNA Methylation Analysis to predict Regression of high-grade anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia in HIV+ men (MARINE): a cohort study protocol
Authors: Dias Gonçalves Lima Fernando , van der Zee Ramon P , Dick Stèfanie , van Noesel Carel J M , Berkhof Johannes , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F , Prins Jan M , Steenbergen Renske D M , de Vries Henry J C
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Anal cancer precursors, or high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HGAIN), are highly prevalent in HIV-seropositive (HIV+) men who have sex with men (MSM). Around 30% of lesions regress within 1 year, but current histopathological assessment is unable to distinguish between HGAIN likely to regress and HGAIN likely to persist or progress to cancer. We aim to assess if host cell DNA methylation markers can predict regression of HGAIN, thus determining the need for immediate treatment or active surveillance. This could reduce overtreatment and the associated anal and psycho-sexual morbidity.

Methods and analysis

This is an active surveillance cohort study in three centres located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 200 HIV+ MSM diagnosed with HGAIN. Participants will not be treated, but closely monitored during 24 months of follow-up with 6 monthly visits including cytology, and high-resolution anoscopy with biopsies. The primary study endpoint is histopathological regression of each baseline HGAIN lesion at the end of the study. Regression is defined as ≤low grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia in the exit biopsy at 24 months. Regression proportions in lesions with low versus high methylation levels (ASCL1,ZNF582), other biomarkers (HPV genotype, HPV-E4, p16INK4A, Ki-67) and immunological markers at baseline will be compared. Main secondary endpoints are the histological and clinical outcome (ie, the number of octants affected by HGAIN) of each baseline HGAIN lesion and overall HGAIN disease (i.e., all lesions combined) after each visit. The health-related quality of life of the study group will be compared with that of a control group of 50 HIV+ MSM receiving regular HGAIN treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Academic Medical Center (Amsterdam, The Netherlands; reference no. 2021_099). Participants are required to provide written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations at international scientific conferences; dissemination to policy makers and the target patient group will be achieved through our (inter-)national network, professional associations and collaboration with a patient representative organisation.

Trial registration number

NL9664.