bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irisin inhibits microglial senescence via TFAM-mediated mitochondrial metabolism in a mouse model of tauopathy
Authors: Wang Cailin , Wang Xiufeng , Sun Shangqi , Chang Yanmin , Lian Piaopiao , Guo Hongxiu , Zheng Siyi , Ma Rong , Li Gang
Published: May 2024

Background

The accumulation of senescent microglia has been highlighted as a critical contributor to the progression of tauopathies. Irisin, a muscle-derived hormone produced by the proteolytic cleavage of Fibronectin-domain III containing 5 (FNDC5), mediates the pleiotropic effects of exercise on the physical body. Herein, we investigate the potential role of irisin in microglial senescence in tauopathies.

Methods

To model tauopathies both in vivo and in vitro, we utilized P301S tau transgenic mice and tau K18 fibril-treated microglia BV2 cells, respectively. We first examined the expression of the irisin expression and senescence phenotypes of microglia in tauopathies. Subsequently, we investigated the impact of irisin on microglial senescence and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Result

We observed a reduction in irisin levels and an onset of premature microglial senescence both in vivo and in vitro. Irisin administration was found to counteract microglial senescence and ameliorate cognitive decline in P301S mice. Mechanistically, irisin effectively inhibited microglial senescence by stimulating the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), a master regulator of mitochondrial respiratory chain biogenesis, thereby enhancing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Silencing TFAM eliminated the inhibitory effect of irisin on microglial senescence as well as the restorative effect of irisin on mitochondrial OXPHOS. Furthermore, the SIRT1/PGC1α signaling pathway appeared to be implicated in irisin-mediated upregulation of TFAM.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study revealed that irisin mitigated microglial senescence via TFAM-driven mitochondrial biogenesis, suggesting a promising new avenue for therapeutic strategies targeting tauopathies.
Quantitative evaluation of vertical control in orthodontic camouflage treatment for skeletal class II with hyperdivergent facial type
Authors: Guo Yan-Ning , Cui Sheng-Jie , Liu Ye , Fu Yu , Zhang Jie-Ni , Zhou Yan-Heng , Wang Xue-Dong
Published: May 2024

Background

In this study, we sought to quantify the influence of vertical control assisted by a temporary anchorage device (TAD) on orthodontic treatment efficacy for skeletal class II patients with a hyperdivergent facial type and probe into the critical factors of profile improvement.

Methods

A total of 36 adult patients with skeletal class II and a hyperdivergent facial type were included in this retrospective case–control study. To exclude the effect of sagittal anchorage reinforcement, the patients were divided into two groups: a maxillary maximum anchorage (MMA) group (N = 17), in which TADs were only used to help with anterior tooth retraction, and the MMA with vertical control (MMA + VC) group (N = 19), for which TADs were also used to intrude the maxillary molars and incisors. The treatment outcome was evaluated using dental, skeletal, and soft-tissue-related parameters via a cephalometric analysis and cast superimposition.

Results

A significant decrease in ANB (P < 0.05 for both groups), the retraction and uprighting of the maxillary and mandibular incisors, and the retraction of protruded upper and lower lips were observed in both groups. Moreover, a significant intrusion of the maxillary molars was observed via the cephalometric analysis (− 1.56 ± 1.52 mm, P < 0.05) and cast superimposition (− 2.25 ± 1.03 mm, P < 0.05) of the MMA + VC group but not the MMA group, which resulted in a remarkable decrease in the mandibular plane angle (− 1.82 ± 1.38°, P < 0.05). The Z angle (15.25 ± 5.30°, P < 0.05) and Chin thickness (− 0.97 ± 0.45°, P < 0.05) also improved dramatically in the MMA + VC group, indicating a better profile and a relaxed mentalis. Multivariate regression showed that the improvement in the soft tissue was closely related to the counterclockwise rotation of the mandible plane (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

TAD-assisted vertical control can achieve intrusion of approximately 2 mm for the upper first molars and induce mandibular counterclockwise rotation of approximately 1.8°. Moreover, it is especially important for patients without sufficient retraction of the upper incisors or a satisfactory chin shape.
Pulmonary artery sarcoma affecting the pulmonary valve mistaken as pulmonary vasculitis: a case report and comparative literature review
Authors: Smith Harry James , Al-Zubaidi Fadi , Sitaranjan Daniel , Chiu Steven , Jenkins David
Published: May 2024

Pulmonary arterial sarcomas (PAS) are rare aggressive tumours occurring mainly in the pulmonary trunk. We report a case of PAS involving the pulmonary trunk wall and valve, with uniform wall thickening which represents an atypical imaging manifestation of this tumour. A 63-year-old male presented with vague respiratory symptoms with rapid progression. CTPA showed low density filling defects in both pulmonary arteries and PET scan showed increased uptake in the pulmonary trunk, which along with raised ESR suggested Pulmonary Vasculitis. Echo imaging showed Right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary stenosis. Response to steroid therapy was minimal and his symptoms worsened. A referral for second opinion was made and he was diagnosed with PAS. He underwent Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy with Pulmonary valve replacement. Post-operative histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. PAS is rare and frequently misdiagnosed. Surgical resection is not curative, but together with chemotherapy can prolong survival.
Critical role of the gut microbiota in immune responses and cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Li Zehua , Xiong Weixi , Liang Zhu , Wang Jinyu , Zeng Ziyi , Kołat Damian , Li Xi , Zhou Dong , Xu Xuewen , Zhao Linyong
Published: May 2024

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the progression of human diseases, especially cancer. In recent decades, there has been accumulating evidence of the connections between the gut microbiota and cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the functional role of the gut microbiota in regulating immune responses to cancer immunotherapy is crucial for developing precision medicine. In this review, we extract insights from state-of-the-art research to decipher the complicated crosstalk among the gut microbiota, the systemic immune system, and immunotherapy in the context of cancer. Additionally, as the gut microbiota can account for immune-related adverse events, we discuss potential interventions to minimize these adverse effects and discuss the clinical application of five microbiota-targeted strategies that precisely increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Finally, as the gut microbiota holds promising potential as a target for precision cancer immunotherapeutics, we summarize current challenges and provide a general outlook on future directions in this field.
PLAG1 interacts with GPX4 to conquer vulnerability to sorafenib induced ferroptosis through a PVT1/miR-195-5p axis-dependent manner in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jiarui , Li Yilan , Wang Denghui , Liao Rui , Wu Zhongjun
Published: May 2024

Background

Sorafenib is a standard first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet its effectiveness is often constrained. Emerging studies reveal that sorafenib triggers ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death (RCD) mechanism characterized by lipid peroxidation. Our findings isolate the principal target responsible for ferroptosis in HCC cells and outline an approach to potentially augment sorafenib's therapeutic impact on HCC.

Methods

We investigated the gene expression alterations following sgRNA-mediated knockdown induced by erastin and sorafenib in HCC cells using CRISPR screening-based bioinformatics analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and the "GDCRNATools" package facilitated the correlation studies. We employed tissue microarrays and cDNA microarrays for validation. Ubiquitination assay, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were utilized to delineate the specific mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in HCC cells.

Results

Our study has revealed that pleiomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1), a gene implicated in pleomorphic adenoma, confers resistance to ferroptosis in HCC cells treated with sorafenib. Sorafenib leads to the opposite trend of protein and mRNA levels of PLAG1, which is not caused by affecting the stability or ubiquitination of PLAG1 protein, but by the regulation of PLAG1 at the transcriptional level by its upstream competitive endogenous long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1). Data from 139 HCC patients showed a significant positive correlation between PLAG1 and GPX4 levels in tumor samples, and PLAG1 is instrumental in redox homeostasis by driving the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), the enzyme that reduces lipid peroxides (LPOs), which further leads to ferroptosis inhibition.

Conclusions

Ferroptosis is a promising target for cancer therapy, especially for patients resistant to standard chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Our findings indicate that PLAG1 holds therapeutic promise and may enhance the efficacy of sorafenib in treating HCC.
Low levels of chicken body louse (Menacanthus stramineus) infestations affect chicken welfare in a cage-free housing system
Authors: Murillo Amy C. , Abdoli Alireza , Blatchford Richard A. , Keogh Eammon J. , Gerry Alec C.
Published: May 2024

Background

The chicken body louse is an obligate ectoparasite of domestic chickens. Chicken body lice feed on feathers, and infestation with this louse is linked to decreases in egg production, hen weight, and feed conversion efficiency. However, it is unknown how chicken body lice impact egg-laying chickens in cage-free environments. Welfare and behavior metrics were collected from flocks of egg-laying chickens either infested with chicken body lice or left uninfested.

Methods

In two trials, two flocks of cage-free commercial egg-laying chickens were infested with chicken body lice or maintained as uninfested controls. At three timepoints, behavior and welfare of all chickens was measured. On-animal sensors were used to quantify pecking, preening, and dustbathing behavior. Other animal-based welfare metrics included recording comb wounds and skin lesions.

Results

Birds infested with chicken body lice exhibited significantly more preening behaviors than uninfested birds, even at low louse levels. Moderate or severe skin lesions were detected on birds that were moderately infested with chicken body lice while skin lesions were never detected on uninfested birds.

Conclusions

The welfare of chickens was impacted by the chicken body louse, a chewing louse that primarily feather feeds. Evidence of skin lesions on infested birds suggests that lice may cause more damage to birds than previously thought, and further evaluation of louse economic damage is necessary.

Graphical Abstract
Portal vein thrombosis as extraintestinal complications of Crohn’s disease: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Alhalabi Marouf , Nasri Duaa , Aji Widad
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Thrombotic events are more than twice as common in inflammatory bowel disease patients as in the general population. We report an interesting and rare case of portal vein thrombosis as a venous thromboembolic event in the context of extraintestinal manifestations of Crohn’s disease. We also conducted a literature review on portal vein thrombosis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, with the following concepts: inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, portal vein, and thrombosis.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old Syrian female with active chronic Crohn’s disease was diagnosed 11 years ago and classified as A1L3B1P according to the Montreal classification. She had no prior surgical history. Her previous medications included azathioprine and prednisolone. Her Crohn’s disease activity index was 390 points. Gastroduodenoscopy revealed grade I esophageal varices, a complication of portal hypertension. Meanwhile, a colonoscopy revealed several deep ulcers in the sigmoid, rectum, and descending colon. An investigation of portal vein hypertension revealed portal vein thrombosis. We used corticosteroids to induce remission, followed by tapering; additionally she received ustekinumab to induce and maintain remission. She began on low-molecular-weight heparin for 1 week, warfarin for 3 months, and then apixaban, a novel oral anticoagulant, after excluding antiphospholipid syndrome. Primary prophylaxis for esophageal varices was not required. After 1 year, she achieved clinical, biochemical, and endoscopic remission. Despite 1 year of treatment, a computed tomography scan revealed no improvement in portal vein recanalization.

Conclusion

Portal vein thrombosis is a rare and poorly defined complication of inflammatory bowel disease. It is usually exacerbated by inflammatory bowel disease. The symptoms are nonspecific and may mimic a flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease, making the diagnosis difficult. Portal vein Doppler ultrasound for hospital-admitted inflammatory bowel disease patients may contribute to the diagnosis and management of this complication.
Exploring dual diagnosis in opioid agonist treatment patients: a registry-linkage study in Czechia and Norway
Authors: Rolová Gabriela , Skurtveit Svetlana , Gabrhelík Roman , Mravčík Viktor , Odsbu Ingvild
Published: May 2024

Background

Knowledge of co-occurring mental disorders (termed ‘dual diagnosis’) among patients receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is scarce. This study aimed (1) to estimate the prevalence and structure of dual diagnoses in two national cohorts of OAT patients and (2) to compare mental disorders between OAT patients and the general populations stratified on sex and standardized by age.

Methods

A registry-linkage study of OAT patients from Czechia (N = 4,280) and Norway (N = 11,389) during 2010–2019 was conducted. Data on mental disorders (F00-F99; ICD-10) recorded in nationwide health registers were linked to the individuals registered in OAT. Dual diagnoses were defined as any mental disorder excluding substance use disorders (SUDs, F10-F19; ICD-10). Sex-specific age-standardized morbidity ratios (SMR) were calculated for 2019 to compare OAT patients and the general populations.

Results

The prevalence of dual diagnosis was 57.3% for Czechia and 78.3% for Norway. In Czechia, anxiety (31.1%) and personality disorders (25.7%) were the most prevalent, whereas anxiety (33.8%) and depression (20.8%) were the most prevalent in Norway. Large country-specific variations were observed, e.g., in ADHD (0.5% in Czechia, 15.8% in Norway), implying differences in screening and diagnostic practices. The SMR estimates for any mental disorders were 3.1 (females) and 5.1 (males) in Czechia and 5.6 (females) and 8.2 (males) in Norway. OAT females had a significantly higher prevalence of co-occurring mental disorders, whereas SMRs were higher in OAT males. In addition to opioid use disorder (OUD), other substance use disorders (SUDs) were frequently recorded in both countries.

Conclusions

Results indicate an excess of mental health problems in OAT patients compared to the general population of the same sex and age in both countries, requiring appropriate clinical attention. Country-specific differences may stem from variations in diagnostics and care, reporting to registers, OAT provision, or substance use patterns.
The digital revolution in India: bridging the gap in rural technology adoption
Authors: Sindakis Stavros , Showkat Gazal
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the factors that influence the adoption of digital technology in rural areas of India, with a focus on the Digital India Program (DIP). By analyzing the age distribution, education levels, technology adoption rates, and utilization patterns among rural populations, this research provides insights into the effectiveness of the DIP in targeting specific demographics and promoting digital inclusion. Quantitative data were collected from 400 respondents in Kalahandi District in the Odisha state of India. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS. The findings reveal a predominantly young population in rural India, indicating a workforce with significant economic potential and a higher likelihood of embracing digital technologies. Moreover, the study highlights the high levels of education among respondents, indicating a population well-equipped to understand and benefit from digital initiatives. Unexpectedly, the research shows a higher rate of digital technology adoption among female respondents, challenging the perception of gender disparities in technology access. This finding suggests that the DIP has played a vital role in bridging the gender gap and empowering women in rural areas. Additionally, the study uncovers a trend towards mobile-based services over computer-based services, signaling a shift in technology utilization patterns. This emphasizes the need to prioritize mobile technology and improve connectivity in rural areas to ensure wider access to digital platforms.
The potential modulatory impact of garlic-selenium nanoparticles coated with synthetic tocopherol polyethylene glycol-succinate against lead acetate toxicity in male rabbits
Authors: Yaseen Mohamed Abdel Rida , Ayed Madiha Hadj , Al-Saaidi Jabbar A. A.
Published: May 2024

Toxic heavy metal lead enters in the environment due to industrial and anthropogenic activity threatens ecosystems and public health. Natural garlic extract (GE) exhibits antioxidant properties and various applications against several ailments. Therefore, this study scrutinized the protective effects of tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate-coated garlic selenium (TPGS-GSNP) against lead acetate (LA) toxicity in rabbits. Sixty-four mature male rabbits were involved and divided into 8 equal groups. They received distilled water (negative control; T1), 30 mg/kg bw of LA (positive control; T2), 800 mg/kg bw of GE (T3), GE + LA (T4), 1 mg/kg bw of TPGS-Selenium (T5), TPGS-S + LA (T6), 1 mg/kg bw of TPGS-GSNP (T7), and TPGS-GSNP + LA (T8). Consequently, treatments were administered three times a week for 12 weeks. Following the treatment period, serum oxidant-antioxidant, protein, and lipid profiles, liver and kidney function, histopathological findings of the adrenal, liver, and kidneys, femur bone marrow chromosomal aberrations, and mitotic activity were collected and analysed. LA exposure showed significant reductions in antioxidant levels, organ weights, and mitotic activity while increasing oxidative stress, corticosteroid levels, and chromosomal aberrations. Importantly, TPGS-GSNP administration significantly improved these markers compared to the LA group. In addition, histological analysis revealed structural improvements of the studied organs in the TPGS-GSNP group compared to the LA group, which displayed high cellular necrotic and degenerative changes. In conclusion, synthetic TPGS-GSNP demonstrated higher protective efficacy against LA-induced toxicity compared to natural GE or selenium alone. However, more future studies could be conducted to explore the potential of TPGS-GSNP as an anticancer or immunomodulatory agent.
Correlating Reiff scores with clinical, functional, and prognostic factors: characterizing noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis severity: validation from a nationwide multicenter study in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Wen-Chien , Chang Chia-Ling , Sheu Chau-Chyun , Wang Ping-Huai , Hsieh Meng-heng , Chen Ming-Tsung , Ou Wei-Fan , Wei Yu-Feng , Yang Tsung-Ming , Lan Chou-Chin , Wang Cheng-Yi , Lin Chih-Bin , Lin Ming-Shian , Wang Yao-Tung , Lin Ching-Hsiung , Liu Shih-Feng , Cheng Meng-Hsuan , Chen Yen-Fu , Peng Chung-Kan , Chan Ming-Cheng , Chen Ching-Yi , Jao Lun-Yu , Wang Ya-Hui , Chen Chi-Jui , Chen Shih-Pin , Tsai Yi-Hsuan , Cheng Shih-Lung , Lin Horng-Chyuan , Chien Jung-Yien , Wang Hao-Chien , Hsu Wu-Huei ,   Taiwan Bronchiectasis Research Collaboration (TBARC)
Published: May 2024

Background

Our study aimed to confirm a simplified radiological scoring system, derived from a modified Reiff score, to evaluate its relationship with clinical symptoms and predictive outcomes in Taiwanese patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB).

Methods

This extensive multicenter retrospective study, performed in Taiwan, concentrated on patients diagnosed with NCFB verified through high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. We not only compared the clinical features of various types of bronchiectasis (cylindrical, varicose, and cystic). Furthermore, we established relationships between the severity of clinical factors, including symptom scores, pulmonary function, pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization, exacerbation and admission rates, and HRCT parameters using modified Reiff scores.

Results

Data from 2,753 patients were classified based on HRCT patterns (cylindrical, varicose, and cystic) and severity, assessed by modified Reiff scores (mild, moderate, and severe). With increasing HRCT severity, a significant correlation was found with decreased forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (p < 0.001), heightened clinical symptoms (p < 0.001), elevated pathogen colonization (pseudomonas aeruginosa) (p < 0.001), and an increased annual hospitalization rate (p < 0.001). In the following multivariate analysis, elderly age, pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, and hospitalizations per year emerged as the only independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Based on our large cohort study, the simplified CT scoring system (Reiff score) can serve as a useful adjunct to clinical factors in predicting disease severity and prognosis among Taiwanese patients with NCFB.
An empirical assessment of seaports as facilitators of FOC-flagged transshipment landings
Authors: Petrossian Gohar A. , Pires Stephen F. , Spencer M. Dylan , Cohen Noah D.
Published: May 2024

Transshipment is one of the most common activities occurring between carriers and fishing vessels to exchange fish, as well as fuel, crew, and gear at sea or at port. While transshipment reduces the need for the fishing vessels to visit ports to offload their catches, thus increasing their efficiency, research has shown that this activity is also one of the major facilitators of IUU fishing. Research on transshipments is limited, and the few studies that are available on the subject focus on identifying hotspots of transshipment, and networks of actors involved. No study to date has examined the role ports play in facilitating transshipment activities, nor are there any studies that examine whether ports that are affiliated with China (the country with the highest IUU Fishing Index Score and 38% of the global share of distant-water fleets) are more likely to experience disproportionately higher volumes of FOC-flagged carrier vessel visits. Therefore, using the carrier vessel portal database from Global Fishing Watch, which contains information on the origin and destination ports of the carrier vessels involved in transshipment activities between 2015 and 2022, this research aims to (a) understand hot spots of FOC-flagged carrier vessel activity in the high seas and where such vessels offload their catches around the world; and (b) empirically test the characteristics of the ports (and the countries where these ports are located) used by these vessels to offload their catches. Findings suggest that ports that experience higher volumes of fishing vessel traffic, are in close proximity to high-seas transshipment activities involving FOC-flagged carriers, are designated ports of entry for foreign vessels, are Chinese-affiliated, as well as have low monitoring, control, and surveillance capacity are significantly more likely to be visited by FOC-flagged high-risk carrier vessels. This research proposes policy recommendations deriving from the findings of this research.
Ancient mural dynasty recognition algorithm based on a neural network architecture search
Authors: Cao Jianfang , Jin Mengyan , Tian Yun , Cao Zhen , Peng Cunhe
Published: May 2024

A neural network model needs to be manually designed for ancient mural dynasty recognition, and this paper proposes an ancient mural dynasty recognition algorithm that is based on a neural architecture search (NAS). First, the structural edge information of mural images is extracted for use by the neural network model in recognizing mural missions. Second, an NAS algorithm that is based on contrast selection (CS) simplifies the architecture search to an incremental CS and then searches for the optimal network architecture on the mural dataset. Finally, the identified optimal network architecture is used for training and testing to complete the mural dynasty recognition task. The results show that the top accuracy of the proposed method on the mural dataset is 88.10%, the recall rate is 87.52%, and the precision rate is 87.69%. Each evaluation index used by the neural network model is superior to that of classical network models such as AlexNet and ResNet-50. Compared with NAS methods such as ASNG and MIGO, the accuracy of mural dynasty recognition is higher by an average of 4.27% when using the proposed method. The proposed method is verified on CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, ImageNet16-120 and other datasets and achieves a good recognition accuracy in the NAS-bench-201 search space, which averages 93.26%, 70.73% and 45.34%, respectively, on the abovementioned datasets.
Idiopathic superior mesenteric venous thrombosis requiring bowel resection: a report of four cases
Authors: Kamohara Kazuto , Miyazaki Yoshihiro , Nakahashi Hiromitsu , Furuya Kinji , Doi Manami , Shimomura Osamu , Hashimoto Shinji , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Owada Yohei , Ogawa Koichi , Ohara Yusuke , Akashi Yoshimasa , Enomoto Tsuyoshi , Oda Tatsuya
Published: May 2024

Background

Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT) is mostly treated with anticoagulation therapy; however, SMVT can lead to irreversible bowel ischemia and require bowel resection in the acute or subacute phase.

Case presentation

We report four cases of SMVT that required careful observation and bowel resection. Case 1: A 71-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting that showed a completely occluded SMV with thrombus and small bowel ischemia. Case 2: A 47-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, peritoneal irritation symptoms, and a completely occluded SMV with thrombus, ischemia of the small bowel, and massive ascites. Case 3: A 68-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and vomiting for several days and showed a partially occluded SMV with a thrombus, bowel ischemia, and massive ascites. Case 4: A 68-year-old man presented with acute abdominal pain and a partially occluded SMV with thrombus and bowel edema without ischemic changes. Anticoagulation therapy was administered; however, 3 days later, abdominal pain and bowel ischemia worsened. Bowel resection was performed in all cases.

Conclusions

Most idiopathic SMVT cases can be treated with anticoagulation therapy or endovascular thrombectomy. However, in cases with peritoneal irritation signs, these treatments may be ineffective, and bowel resection may be required.
Gym and Fitness Injuries amongst those Aged 16–64 in New Zealand: Analysis of Ten Years of Accident Compensation Corporation Injury Claim Data
Authors: Cuthbertson-Moon Melissa , Hume Patria A. , Wyatt Hannah E. , Carlson Isaac , Hastings Bryce
Published: May 2024

Background

To provide epidemiological data for minor and moderate-to-serious injury claims for gym and fitness related injuries amongst those aged 16–64 in New Zealand, to inform the development of an injury prevention program.

Methods

Retrospective analytical review of gym and fitness related injury entitlement minor and moderate- to-serious Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) claims from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2020. Data were analysed by cause of injury, geographical region, sex, age, body site and injury type. Qualitative analysis of free text describing the activity causing the injury was conducted.

Results

Over the ten-year period, 16–64 year olds made 345,254 injury claims, costing ACC NZ$241,298,275 in treatment charges. Soft tissue injuries were the most prevalent making up 96% (331,343) of all claims and 88% (NZ$213,049,197) of the total charges. Strenuous movement with lifting (n = 154,467, 47%), strenuous movement without lifting (n = 84,469, 25%), impact/contact with object (n = 39,610, 12%) and impact/contact with ground (n = 25,351, 8%) were the top four mechanisms resulting in injury, accounting for 92% of soft tissue injuries. Males and females aged 21 to 30 years old were most frequently injured. The four most injured body sites (lower back/spine, shoulder, knee, neck/back of head) accounted for 63% of injuries in females, and 65% in males.

Conclusions

The most common cause of injury from gym and fitness activity claims in 16–64 year olds in New Zealand was lifting/carrying/strain resulting in lower back/spine and shoulder (including clavicle/blade) soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries accounted for 96% of the total claims. Males and females aged 21 to 30 years old were most frequently injured age group.
Development and validation of clinical implementation methods for patient-reported outcomes in Japanese multi-center palliative care units
Authors: Ito Nao , Sato Azusa , Takeuchi Kana , Shigeno Tomoko , Sasaki Hiroko , Aoyama Maho , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: May 2024

Background

Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) are recommended for use in clinical oncology. However, they are not routinely used in professional palliative care practices in Japan. The reasons include both patient and healthcare provider factors and the implementation of PROs. This study aimed to develop and validate clinical implementation methods for PROs in Japanese palliative care units.

Methods

The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was conducted with four palliative care units in Japan. The study was conducted in six steps: unit assessment, development and implementation of a PRO implementation plan, PRO post-implementation survey and analysis of its utilization, a review of the PRO implementation process, creation of a PRO implementation method in a palliative care unit, and use and verification of the implementation method. Steps 1–5 were the development phase, and step 6 was the verification phase.

Results

Interviews were conducted with healthcare providers prior to PRO implementation. Intervention characteristics, patient needs in the palliative care unit, and factors related to the organization were identified as barriers. The implementation plan was developed, and the core members were selected. The implementation procedures were created in the above mentioned steps. PROs were used in the palliative care units. The same was true in the validation phase.

Conclusions

This study guided PROs in specialized palliative care unit in a clinical setting. The method was developed and validated for the implementation of PROs in the palliative care unit. In the PRO implementation process, it was important to assess the unit, address the barriers to implementation, and reduce the burden on healthcare providers. Furthermore, healthcare providers had to be supported by the champion, a person responsible for the implementation of PROs in the palliative care unit.
Explanation and Elaboration with Examples for CLEAR (CLEAR-E3): an EuSoMII Radiomics Auditing Group Initiative
Authors: Kocak Burak , Borgheresi Alessandra , Ponsiglione Andrea , Andreychenko Anna E. , Cavallo Armando Ugo , Stanzione Arnaldo , Doniselli Fabio M. , Vernuccio Federica , Triantafyllou Matthaios , Cannella Roberto , Trotta Romina , Ghezzo Samuele , Akinci D’Antonoli Tugba , Cuocolo Renato
Published: May 2024

Overall quality of radiomics research has been reported as low in literature, which constitutes a major challenge to improve. Consistent, transparent, and accurate reporting is critical, which can be accomplished with systematic use of reporting guidelines. The CheckList for EvaluAtion of Radiomics research (CLEAR) was previously developed to assist authors in reporting their radiomic research and to assist reviewers in their evaluation. To take full advantage of CLEAR, further explanation and elaboration of each item, as well as literature examples, may be useful. The main goal of this work, Explanation and Elaboration with Examples for CLEAR (CLEAR-E3), is to improve CLEAR’s usability and dissemination. In this international collaborative effort, members of the European Society of Medical Imaging Informatics−Radiomics Auditing Group searched radiomics literature to identify representative reporting examples for each CLEAR item. At least two examples, demonstrating optimal reporting, were presented for each item. All examples were selected from open-access articles, allowing users to easily consult the corresponding full-text articles. In addition to these, each CLEAR item’s explanation was further expanded and elaborated. For easier access, the resulting document is available at https://radiomic.github.io/CLEAR-E3/. As a complementary effort to CLEAR, we anticipate that this initiative will assist authors in reporting their radiomics research with greater ease and transparency, as well as editors and reviewers in reviewing manuscripts.

Relevance statement Along with the original CLEAR checklist, CLEAR-E3 is expected to provide a more in-depth understanding of the CLEAR items, as well as concrete examples for reporting and evaluating radiomic research.

Key points

• As a complementary effort to CLEAR, this international collaborative effort aims to assist authors in reporting their radiomics research, as well as editors and reviewers in reviewing radiomics manuscripts.

• Based on positive examples from the literature selected by the EuSoMII Radiomics Auditing Group, each CLEAR item explanation was further elaborated in CLEAR-E3.

• The resulting explanation and elaboration document with examples can be accessed at https://radiomic.github.io/CLEAR-E3/.

Graphical Abstract
Simmering tensions on the Russia–Ukraine border and natural gas futures prices: identifying the impact using new hybrid GARCH
Authors: Tsuji Chikashi
Published: May 2024

Focusing on the Russia–Ukraine war, this paper investigates natural gas futures volatilities. Applying several hybrid GARCH and EGARCH models, which innovatively incorporate both fat-tailed distribution errors and structural breaks, we derive the following new evidence. First, our hybrid modeling approach is effective in timely capturing the natural gas futures volatility spike when tensions simmered on the Russia–Ukraine border. Second, the hybrid modeling approach is effective for not only GARCH modeling but also EGARCH modeling. Third, the volatility estimates from our hybrid models have predictive power for the volatilities of nonhybrid models. Fourth, the volatility estimates from the nonhybrid models lag behind the volatilities of our hybrid models.
Predicting altered bone biomechanics in juvenile mice: insights from microgravity simulation, loading interventions, and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Berteau J. P.
Published: May 2024

Background

Microgravity, a condition experienced in a spatial environment, poses unique challenges to the skeletal system, particularly in juvenile organisms. This study aimed to investigate alterations in bone biomechanics of juvenile mice due to unloading – that simulates microgravity in the laboratory—and the effects of a bone-loading intervention. We compared bone compositional and mechanical properties between 21-six-week-old C57Bl/6 from a control group (wild type) and a group that underwent a tail-suspension unloading protocol to mimic microgravity (MG). The second group (MG) experienced additional in vivo loading protocol (MG + LDG) on the right hind leg, where dynamic compressive loading was applied to the right knee using a custom-built loading device.

Results

Our results show that after two weeks, we successfully induced bone alterations by (i) decreasing the energy dissipated before fracture and (ii) decreasing the yield and maximum stress. In addition, we showed that Mineral to matrix component [ν1PO4/Amide I], Carbonate to Amide [CO3/Amide I], and Crystallinity [1/FWHM(ν1PO4)] are strongly linked in physiological bone but not in microgravity even after loading intervention. While Crystallinity is very sensitive to bone deformation (strain) alterations coming from simulated microgravity, we show that Carbonate to Amide [CO3/Amide I] – a common marker of turnover rate/remodeling activity—is a specific predictor of bone deformation for bone after simulated microgravity. Our results also invalidate the current parameters of the loading intervention to prevent bone alterations entirely in juvenile mice.

Conclusions

Our study successfully induced bone alterations in juvenile mice by using an unloading protocol to simulate microgravity, and we provided a new Raman Spectroscopy (RS) dataset of juvenile mice that contributes to the prediction of cortical bone mechanical properties, where the degree of interrelationship for RS data for physiological bone is improved compared to the most recent evidence.
3D endoanal ultrasound versus external phased array MRI in detection and evaluation of anal sphincteric lesions
Authors: Abdelzaher Asmaa Ahmed , Elbarmelgi Mohamed Yehia Ahmed , El Azizi Hatem Mohamed Said , Mohamed Alaa Sayed , Abdelatty Mohamed A. , Azzam Heba Allah Mounir
Published: May 2024

Background

The anal sphincteric complex is formed by internal and external sphincters making two partially overlapping tubes around the anal canal. Anal sphincteric lesions represent a spectrum of entities with different patients’ presentations and surgical managements. Endoanal ultrasound has an increasing role in detection and evaluation of anal sphincteric lesions as compared to MRI of the anal canal. The aim of this work was to compare between the 3D EAUA and external phased array MRI in detection and evaluation of anal sphincteric lesions.

Results

There is almost perfect agreement of 97.92% (Κw = 0.972) between 3D EAUS and external phased array MRI in the detection of the internal anal sphincter lesions and fair agreement of 66.67% (Κw = 0.37) in the detection of the external anal sphincteric lesions.

Conclusions

3D EAUS and external phased array MRI are comparable imaging techniques in the detection of the internal anal sphincter lesions, while the MRI could detect more external sphincteric lesions than EAUS.
The intestinal ultrasound role in inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice and a critical appraisal of the current guidelines (mini-review)
Authors: El-Nakeep Sarah
Published: May 2024

Background

Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a beneficial tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. IUS has long been established in monitoring of Crohn’s disease patients. Recent studies and guidelines show similar benefits in ulcerative colitis patients.

Aim

To assess the recent guidelines and the effectiveness and practicality of using IUS in the clinical settings.

Methods

To assess the role of IUS in different guidelines, a search on the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was conducted using the following keywords: inflammatory bowel disease, guidelines, and intestinal ultrasound—in addition to a search conducted on national and international guideline sites on the use of IUS in IBD. Related references on the topic were examined by a manual separate search.

Results

A discussion of the results of different guidelines was conducted regarding the role of IUS in IBD.

Conclusion

IUS is a very useful tool in IBD diagnosis and follow-up in the clinical settings. There are some areas that have not been yet validated when compared with other established standard diagnostic tools such as endoscopy, histopathology, or other radiological methods. This makes incorporation into the guidelines in its primary stages, added to the different geographical-dependent experience, and availability of the specialty practitioners. Point-of-care management and learning curve for young practitioners are still areas of debate in clinical practice.
Spin-charged point particle in a non-Abelian external field with the generalized uncertainty relation
Authors: Dagoudo Léonie , Dossa Finagnon Anselme , Avossevou Gabriel Yves Hugues
Published: May 2024

The dynamics of a particle carrying a non-Abelian charge is studied in the presence of a minimal length. By choosing an appropriate non-Abelian gauge field, the system identifies with the Hamiltonian of the Jaynes-Cummings model whose solutions can be determined algebraically. The model has an underlying graded Lie algebra symmetry reminiscent of supersymmetric quantum mechanics. We calculate the energy levels and associated eigenstates using conservation of the number of excitations of the system. Then, we present the effect of the minimal length on the dynamics of the system and we are particularly interested in two particular cases, that of Rabi oscillations and that of the collapse-revival of the wave function. The results show that the higher the deformation parameter, the faster the oscillatory behavior of the atomic inversion.
Micro-CT, Mechanical, and Histological Examination of the Effect of Local Adjuvants on Porcine Cortical Bone Following Intralesional Curettage of Bone Tumors
Authors: Apostolopoulos Vasileios , Boháč Petr , Marcián Petr , Zambo Iva Staniczkova , Pazourek Lukáš , Mahdal Michal , Neradil Jakub , Návrat Tomáš , Tomáš Tomáš
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Curettage is the removal of a tumor from the bone while preserving the surrounding healthy cortical bone, and is associated with higher rates of local recurrence. To lower these rates, curettage should be combined with local adjuvants, although their use is associated with damage to nearby healthy bone.

Objective

The purpose of this analysis is to determine the effect of local adjuvants on cortical porcine bone by using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) along with histological and mechanical examination.

Methods

Local adjuvants were applied to porcine specimens under defined conditions. To assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD), a micro-CT scan was used. The pixel gray values of the volume of interest (VOI) were evaluated per specimen and converted to BMD values. The Vickers hardness test was employed to assess bone hardness (HV). The depth of necrosis was measured histologically using hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections.

Results

A noticeable change in BMD was observed on the argon beam coagulation (ABC) sample. Comparable hardness values were measured on samples following electrocautery and ABC, and lowering of bone hardness was obtained in the case of liquid nitrogen. Extensive induced depth of necrosis was registered in the specimen treated with liquid nitrogen.

Conclusion

This study determined the effect of local adjuvants on cortical bone by using micro-CT along with histological and mechanical examination. Phenolization and liquid nitrogen application caused a decrease in bone hardness. The bone density was affected in the range of single-digit percentage values. Liquid nitrogen induced extensive depth of necrosis with a wide variance of values.
Como enfrentar os desastres climáticos?
Authors: Wilner Adriana
Published: May 2024

Nesta edição especial, os editores convidados Mario Monzoni e Mariana Xavier Nicolletti nos presenteiam com o texto de abertura "Abra a janela" que mostra com profundidade as questões envolvidas na adaptação climática, destrinchando o desenvolvimento nas últimas décadas e os desafios para políticas públicas e para o setor privado. O especial sobre adaptação climática conta mais quatro artigos.
Além do especial, a edição traz os artigos de Márcio Ferreira Santos, Lucas Sciencia do Prado e Felipe Zambaldi, com 10 passos para testar e escolher as melhores estratégias de preço promocional, e de Livia Kuga e Miguel Caldas, que constroem uma ferramenta para ajudar os profissionais a enfrentarem os impasses crescentes em suas carreiras.
Μελέτη και ταυτοποίηση σύστασης, εκχυλισιμότητας και βιομετατροπής ουσιών των βοτάνων «φαρμακευτική κάνναβη, φασκόμηλο και μελισσόχορτο» σε οίνους
Authors: Ρούφα Παρασκευή
Published: May 2024

Από τα πανάρχαια χρόνια, τα βότανα διαδραματίζουν, ζωτικό ρόλο τόσο στην διατροφή, όσο και στην ιατρική όλων των πολιτισμών. Σήμερα η χρήση τους στην φαρμακευτική, στην ποτοποιία αλλά και στην βιομηχανία καλλυντικών είναι αδιαμφισβήτητη. Η πλούσια Ιστορική αναφορά του Διοσκουρίδη για αρωματισμένους οίνους σε συνδυασμό με την ολοένα και αυξανόμενη παραγωγή αποσταγμάτων και ποτών με εκχύλιση ή απευθείας απόσταξη μείγματος διαφόρων βοτάνων, μας οδήγησε στην σύλληψη της ιδέας της διδακτορικής διατριβής. Για την επίτευξη της μελέτης επιλέχθηκαν τρία βότανα, το Φασκόμηλο, το Μελισσόχορτο και η φαρμακευτική Κάνναβη από δύο διαφορετικές εσοδείες, ενώ ως οίνος βάσης χρησιμοποιούνται συνάμα λευκοί και κόκκινοι οίνοι από διαφορετικές ποικιλίες, οιναπαραγωγικές ζώνες και εσοδείες. Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η μελέτη και η ταυτοποίηση των ουσιών που εμπεριέχονται στα τρία επιλεγμένα βότανα (Salviaofficinalis, Melissaofficinalis και CannabisSativa) και εκχυλίζονται στον οίνο. Για την εκπόνηση της έρευνας έγινε εκτενής βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση, ενώ χρησιμοποιούνται οι μέθοδοι DPPH και FolinCiocalteu ως προς τον προσδιορισμό των αντιοξειδωτικών ουσιών και του ολικού φαινολικού δυναμικού, αλλά και η μέθοδος HPLC για την ταυτοποίηση των επιζητούμενων ουσιών που εκχυλίζονται δίνοντας έμφαση στο Καφεϊκό και στο Ροσμαρινικό οξύ που παρουσιάζουν εξαιρετικό φαρμακευτικό ενδιαφέρον. Τέλος γίνεται ανάλυση GC/MS για τον προσδιορισμό των πτητικών ενώσεων που εκχυλίζονται από τα βότανα στο κρασί και παρουσιάζουν αρωματικό ενδιαφέρον. Η αξιολόγηση των ουσιών γίνεται σε ποσοτικό επίπεδο σε οίνους με απώτερο σκοπό και προσδοκώμενο αποτέλεσμα την δημιουργία νέων προϊόντων οργανοληπτικού ενδιαφέροντος και φαρμακευτικής αξίας με βάση τον οίνο. Όσον αφορά το φαινολικό δυναμικό και την αντιοξειδωτική ικανότητα όλων των δειγμάτων που μελετιούνται παρατηρείται σαφώς αύξηση τόσο του φαινολικού δυναμικού όσο και της αντιοξειδωτικής ικανότητας στο τυφλό δείγμα, με περισσότερη ενίσχυση όταν το βότανο προστεθεί σε σταθεροποιημένο οίνο συγκριτικά με τα δείγματα όπου το βότανο είχε προστεθεί σε γλεύκος εν ζυμώσει. Τέλος οι αρωματικές ενώσεις που εκχυλίζονται στον οίνο παρουσιάζουν επίσης διαφορετική συμπεριφορά αλλά και ποσοστιαία συγκέντρωση σε σχέση με τα δύο ξεχωριστά περιβάλλοντα προσθήκης των βοτάνων.
Σχεδιασμός και αξιολόγηση υποδομών τεχνητής νοημοσύνης για την υποστήριξη εποικοδομιστικών δραστηριοτήτων μαθητών
Authors: Ξένος Μάριος
Published: May 2024

Η Διατριβή μελετά την αλληλεπίδραση εκπαιδευτικών λογισμικών με τον χρήστη-μαθητή/τρια, καθώς και τη δυνατότητα παροχής αυτοματοποιημένης βοήθειας από το υπολογιστικό σύστημα. Εστιάζει σε εκπαιδευτικά λογισμικά που υποστηρίζουν την εποικοδομητική μέθοδο (constructionist) και εξετάζει τη δυνατότητα που μπορεί να έχουν ώστε να παρέχουν ανατροφοδότηση στον/στην μαθητή/τρια σε δραστηριότητες που δεν έχουν μοναδική λύση και προκαθορισμένο μονοπάτι μάθησης. Μελετά τους χρονισμούς και τους μεταξύ τους συσχετισμούς που μπορεί να έχουν οι ενέργειες του χρήστη, αναπτύσσει μια μεθοδολογία για την ανάλυση τους και προτείνει παραμετροποιήσιμη ανατροφοδότηση ανάλογα με τη δραστηριότητα. Επιπρόσθετα εξετάζει τη δυνατότητα ευελιξίας και προσαρμοστικότητας ενός τέτοιου συστήματος ώστε να μην απαιτείται υπέρογκος χρόνο και επιστημονική εργασία για κάθε νέα δραστηριότητα που σχεδιάζεται. Τέλος, διερευνά πιθανούς τρόπους ώστε ένα σύστημα ανίχνευσης και ανατροφοδότησης να μπορεί να εφαρμόζεται με τον ίδιο τρόπο σε πολλές δραστηριότητες και η προσαρμογή, όπου χρειάζεται, να γίνεται με τρόπο προσιτό για τον εκπαιδευτικό - σχεδιαστή.