bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between psychosocial well-being and leisure time physical activity among 160.000 young Finnish men: a cross-sectional study during 2015–2021
Authors: Appelqvist-Schmidlechner Kaija , Heikkinen Risto , Vasankari Tommi , Virtanen Toni , Pihlainen Kai , Honkanen Tuomas , Kyröläinen Heikki , Vaara Jani P.
Published: February 2023

Evidence on the relationship between psychosocial well-being and physical activity (PA) is insufficient, especially in young adults between 18 and 29 years. Identifying protective factors for psychosocial well-being as well as factors that may promote PA behaviour in this specific age group is crucial.

The aim of the present study was to explore the association between self-reported leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and a number of measures of psychosocial well-being in a large sample of Finnish young men. The sample used for this study is based on registers of the Finnish Defence Forces and consist of questionnaire-based data collected from 159,776 young healthy men (18–29 years, mean age 19 years) who started their military service during the period from 2015 to 2021. Sum scores were calculated for self-esteem and prosocial behaviour. Physical activity, number of friends and the relationship with the parents were each measured with a single question. Unadjusted and adjusted (education, financial situation of the family, family structure) logistic regression models were calculated.

A multinominal logistic regression analysis showed that a higher level of LTPA was associated with a higher level of both prosocial behaviour (OR 6.12, 95% CI 5.88–6.36) and self-esteem (OR 4.41 95% CI 4.28–4.54). Further, LTPA had a positive relationship with good social relations, both with peers and parents. The odds ratio for participation in any LTPA weekly was higher (OR 2.74; CI 2.27–3.20) among those who had a close and trustworthy relationship with their parents compared to those men with more challenging relationships with their parents (OR 1.77; CI 1.46–2.14). An inactive lifestyle (PA less than once a week) seemed to be most common among men with no friends. About one third (31%) of men with no friends reported to engage in LTPA less than once a week, while only 10% of men with very many good friends reported to engage in similarly inactive LTPA behaviour.

LTPA seems to be positively associated with self-esteem, prosocial behaviour and good social relations among young adult men. Actions aimed at promoting LTPA may have a positive impact on psychosocial well-being among young men, or vice versa. The relationship between PA and psychosocial well-being is complex and interrelated.
Effects of SCFAs and TMAO on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease indicating the therapeutic benefits of plant-based diet, and supplemental prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics
Authors: Vu Vuong , Kim Young Mee , Cho Moonjae
Published: February 2023

This review discusses the effects of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) on metabolic diseases, focusing on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease, and suggests dietary modification as a promising therapeutic strategy. SCFAs, a product of fiber fermentation by microbiota, foster intestinal cell populations, upregulate mucin production, and secure the gut barrier. In contrast, TMAO, a microbiota-produced metabolite from choline, phosphatidylcholine, and l-carnitine, induces atherosclerosis by decreasing cholesterol clearance. An unmanageable abundance of TMAO is potentially harmful to patients with NAFLD owing to its ability to regulate the synthesis and transport of bile acids. The production of SCFAs and TMAO is strongly dependent on the microbial community; therefore, dietary modifications, such as reduction in meat intake, and prebiotic and probiotic consumption that can shape the gut microbiome are considered as promissing therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on well-known prebiotics, such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides, and β-glucan, and probiotics, such as VSL#3 mixture, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus spp. These additives facilitate microbiota modification, gut homeostasis, intestinal barrier maintenance, and promotion of cholesterol excretion, which may protect the liver from steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Controversial results from previous studies suggest that personalized approaches should be used for dietary modifications.
Identification of HOXB9 to predict prognosis of endometrial cancer based on comprehensive bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Xu Yanhua , Zhang Mu , Shi Qin , Cheng Xi , Du Rong , Li Chenglu , Zhang Yuquan
Published: February 2023

Background

The HOXB9 gene, which plays a key role in embryonic development, is also involved in the regulation of various human cancers. However, the potential relationship between HOXB9 and endometrial cancer (EC) has not yet been comprehensively analyzed and fully understood.

Methods

We used multiple bioinformatics tools to explore the role of HOXB9 in EC.

Results

The expression of HOXB9 was significantly upregulated in pan-cancer, including EC (P < 0.05). Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiment confirmed the high expression of HOXB9 in EC from clinical samples (P < 0.001). Double validated by Enrichr and Metascape, HOXB9 showed a strong correlation with HOX family, suggesting that HOX family may also involve in the development of EC (P < 0.05). Enrichment analysis revealed HOXB9 is mainly associated with cellular process, developmental process, P53 signaling pathway, etc. At the single-cell level, the clusters of cells ranked were glandular and luminal cells c-24, glandular and luminal cells c-9, endothelial cells c-15, compared with the other cells. At the genetic level, promoter methylation levels of HOXB9 were significantly higher in tumors than in normal tissues. Furthermore, variations of HOXB9 were closely associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) in EC patients (P < 0.05). The agreement between univariate and multivariate Cox regression indicated that the results were more reliable. Stages III and IV, G2 and G3, tumor invasion ≥ 50%, mixed or serous histological type, age > 60 years, and high expression of HOXB9 were risk factors strongly associated with OS in EC patients (P < 0.05). Therefore, six factors were incorporated to construct a nomogram for survival prediction. Finally, we used the Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and time-dependent ROC to assess predictive power of HOXB9. KM curve showed EC patients overexpressing HOXB9 had a worse OS. AUC of diagnostic ROC was 0.880. AUCs of time-dependent ROC were 0.602, 0.591, and 0.706 for 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival probabilities (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study provids new insights into the diagnosis and prognosis of HOXB9 in EC and constructs a model that can accurately predict the prognosis of EC.
Role of epigenetics in the clinical evolution of COVID-19 disease. Epigenome-wide association study identifies markers of severe outcome
Authors: Calzari Luciano , Zanotti Lucia , Inglese Elvira , Scaglione Francesco , Cavagnola Rebecca , Ranucci Francesco , Di Blasio Anna Maria , Stefanini Giulio , Carlo Gaetano , Parati Gianfranco , Gentilini Davide
Published: February 2023

Background

COVID-19 has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and given its impact on morbidity and mortality, there is an unmet medical need to discover endogenous cellular and molecular biomarkers that predict the expected clinical course of the disease. Recently, epigenetics and especially DNA methylation have been pointed out as a promising tool for outcome prediction in several diseases.

Methods and results

Using the Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip850K, we investigated genome-wide differences in DNA methylation in an Italian Cohort of patients with comorbidities and compared severe (n = 64) and mild (123) prognosis. Results showed that the epigenetic signature, already present at the time of Hospital admission, can significantly predict risk of severe outcomes. Further analyses provided evidence of an association between age acceleration and a severe prognosis after COVID-19 infection. The burden of Stochastic Epigenetic Mutation (SEMs) has been significantly increased in patients with poor prognosis. Results have been replicated in silico considering COVID-19 negative subjects and available previously published datasets.

Conclusions

Using original methylation data and taking advantage of already published datasets, we confirmed in the blood that epigenetics is actively involved in immune response after COVID-19 infection, allowing the identification of a specific signature able to discriminate the disease evolution. Furthermore, the study showed that epigenetic drift and age acceleration are associated with severe prognosis. All these findings prove that host epigenetics undergoes notable and specific rearrangements to respond to COVID-19 infection which can be used for a personalized, timely, and targeted management of COVID-19 patients during the first stages of hospitalization.
Individuals’ experiences in U.S. immigration detention during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic: major challenges and public health implications
Authors: Lee Caroline H. , Uppal Nishant , Erfani Parsa , Sandoval Raquel Sofia , Hampton Kathryn , Mishori Ranit , Peeler Katherine R.
Published: February 2023

Background

Individuals held in carceral settings were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, limited research exists of the direct experiences of individuals detained by the United States (U.S.) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This study illustrates the major challenges described by individuals held in ICE’s immigration detention centers during the initial spread of COVID-19.

Methods

We interviewed 50 individuals who were released from ICE detention between March 15, 2020 until August 31, 2020. Participants were recruited through immigration attorneys. Responses to a semi-structured interview were documented. Quotes from these interviews were thematically analyzed.

Results

Study participants were detained in 22 different ICE detention centers, which were located across 12 states, in both county (41%) and privately-contracted facilities (59%). The major themes that emerged from interviews included inadequate protections against COVID-19, denial of physical and mental healthcare, and experiences of retaliation in response to self-advocacy. These issues perpetuated emotions of fear, distrust, and helplessness in individuals in immigration detention centers.

Conclusions

This study represents the largest analysis of experiences of ICE-detained immigrants during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the rights to health and wellbeing for this population, further actions should include improving public health conditions, protecting against human rights violations, addressing barriers to healthcare access, ensuring transparency about conditions in detention centers, and moving toward decarceration.
Precision of CT-derived alveolar recruitment assessed by human observers and a machine learning algorithm in moderate and severe ARDS
Authors: Penarrubia Ludmilla , Verstraete Aude , Orkisz Maciej , Davila Eduardo , Boussel Loic , Yonis Hodane , Mezidi Mehdi , Dhelft Francois , Danjou William , Bazzani Alwin , Sigaud Florian , Bayat Sam , Terzi Nicolas , Girard Mehdi , Bitker Laurent , Roux Emmanuel , Richard Jean-Christophe
Published: February 2023

Background

Assessing measurement error in alveolar recruitment on computed tomography (CT) is of paramount importance to select a reliable threshold identifying patients with high potential for alveolar recruitment and to rationalize positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) setting in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The aim of this study was to assess both intra- and inter-observer smallest real difference (SRD) exceeding measurement error of recruitment using both human and machine learning-made lung segmentation (i.e., delineation) on CT. This single-center observational study was performed on adult ARDS patients. CT were acquired at end-expiration and end-inspiration at the PEEP level selected by clinicians, and at end-expiration at PEEP 5 and 15 cmH2O. Two human observers and a machine learning algorithm performed lung segmentation. Recruitment was computed as the weight change of the non-aerated compartment on CT between PEEP 5 and 15 cmH2O.

Results

Thirteen patients were included, of whom 11 (85%) presented a severe ARDS. Intra- and inter-observer measurements of recruitment were virtually unbiased, with 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) encompassing zero. The intra-observer SRD of recruitment amounted to 3.5 [CI95% 2.4–5.2]% of lung weight. The human–human inter-observer SRD of recruitment was slightly higher amounting to 5.7 [CI95% 4.0–8.0]% of lung weight, as was the human–machine SRD (5.9 [CI95% 4.3–7.8]% of lung weight). Regarding other CT measurements, both intra-observer and inter-observer SRD were close to zero for the CT-measurements focusing on aerated lung (end-expiratory lung volume, hyperinflation), and higher for the CT-measurements relying on accurate segmentation of the non-aerated lung (lung weight, tidal recruitment…). The average symmetric surface distance between lung segmentation masks was significatively lower in intra-observer comparisons (0.8 mm [interquartile range (IQR) 0.6–0.9]) as compared to human–human (1.0 mm [IQR 0.8–1.3] and human–machine inter-observer comparisons (1.1 mm [IQR 0.9–1.3]).

Conclusions

The SRD exceeding intra-observer experimental error in the measurement of alveolar recruitment may be conservatively set to 5% (i.e., the upper value of the CI95%). Human–machine and human–human inter-observer measurement errors with CT are of similar magnitude, suggesting that machine learning segmentation algorithms are credible alternative to humans for quantifying alveolar recruitment on CT.
Management disclosure of risk factors and COVID-19
Authors: Loughran Tim , McDonald Bill
Published: February 2023

Public companies in the United States are required to file annual reports (i.e., Form 10-K) and disclose, among other things, the risk factors that may harm their stock price. The risk of a pandemic was well-known before the recent crisis, and we now know that the initial impact on many shareholders was significant and negative. To what extent did managers forewarn their shareholders about this valuation risk? We examine all 10-K filings from 2018, before any knowledge of the current pandemic, and find that less than 21% of them contain any reference to pandemic-related terms. Given the management’s presumed in-depth knowledge of their business and the general awareness that pandemics have been identified as a significant global risk for at least the past decade, this number should have been higher. We find an unexpectedly positive correlation (0.137) between the use of pandemic-related words in annual reports and realized stock returns during the actual pandemic at the industry level. Some industries most severely impacted by COVID-19 barely mentioned pandemic risk in their financial disclosures to shareholders, indicating that managers were ineffective in highlighting their exposure to pandemic risks to investors.
Time to recovery and its predictors among children 6–59 months with acute malnutrition admitted to community inpatient therapeutic feeding centers in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria: a retrospective review of health records (2010–2016)
Authors: Joseph Friday Ilop , Falade Adewale , Earland Jane
Published: February 2023

Background

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children under five years of age remains a huge public health and economic burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated time to recovery and its predictors among children aged 6 to 59 months admitted into Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) stabilisation centres for complicated severe acute malnutrition and whether the outcomes met the minimum Sphere standards.

Methods

The study was a retrospective cross sectional quantitative review of data recorded in six CMAM stabilization centres registers in four Local Government Areas, Katsina state, Nigeria from September 2010 to November 2016. Records of 6925 children, aged 6–59 months with complicated SAM were reviewed. Descriptive analysis was used to compare performance indicators with Sphere project reference standards. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to estimate the predictors of recovery rate at p < 0.05 and Kaplan–Meier curve to predict the probability of surviving different forms of SAM.

Results

Marasmus was the most common form of severe acute malnutrition (86%). Overall, the outcomes met the minimum sphere standards for inpatient management of SAM. Children with oedematous SAM (13.9%) had the lowest survival rate on Kaplan–Meier graph. The mortality rate was significantly higher during the ‘lean season’—May to August (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) = 0.491, 95% CI = 0.288–0.838). MUAC at Exit (AHR = 0.521, 95% CI = 0.306–0.890), marasmus (AHR = 2.144, 95% CI = 1.079–4.260), transfers from OTP (AHR = 1.105, 95% CI = 0.558–2.190) and average weight gain (AHR = 0.239, 95% CI = 0.169–0.340) were found to be significant predictors of time-to-recovery with p values < 0.05.

Conclusion

The study showed that, despite a high turnover of complicated SAM cases in the stabilization centres, the community approach to inpatient management of acute malnutrition enabled early detection and reduced delays in access to care of complicated SAM cases. In the face of health workforce shortage in rural communities to provide pediatric specialist care for SAM children, we recommend task shifting to community health care workers through in service training could bridge the gap and save more lives of children dying from the complication of SAM in rural communities in Nigeria.
Risk behaviors in substance use disorder in a sample of Egyptian female patients with or without symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: El Rasheed Amany Haroun , Abd el moneam Mohamed Hossam el-din , Tawfik Fairouz , Farid Radwa Walid Mohamed , Elrassas Hanan
Published: February 2023

Background

Risk-taking behaviors are associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals with both diagnoses have been reported to have an earlier onset, a longer course, and greater severity, with more relapses and greater difficulty remaining abstinent.

The current study was assessing females seeking treatment for SUDs for the presence of comorbid ADHD, to investigate the association between severity of SUD and co-occurring ADHD symptoms and to examine related risk behaviors. Therefore, thirty female patients were enrolled, and demographic data was collected. Participants were interviewed by SCID I, addiction severity index, Arabic-translated and validated version of the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11, and Arabic version of the Adult Scale of Hostility and Aggression.

Results

Thirty female patients were included in the study, and 33.3% had extreme severity, on the addiction severity index scale. Fifteen patients had ADHD symptoms; 33.3% had high likely scores, according to Adult ADHD Self-Reported Scale (ASRS). There is a significant difference regarding the age of onset of substance use and smoking (P = 0.029), first sexual activity (P = 0.002), number of sexual partners (P = 0.009), impairment in employment, and family and social relationships items (P = 0.024, P = 0.028, respectively) in SUD patients with ADHD symptoms than in SUD patients without ADHD symptoms.

Conclusion

Female patients diagnosed with adult ADHD have an earlier age of smoking and substance use, having first sexual activity at younger age, and having more sexual partners with more employment, family, and social relationship problems.
Pitfalls in the management of metabolic liver diseases (debate)
Authors: Ghaffar Tawhida Yassin Abdel , Abo-Alam Hani Sayed , Emam Mohammed , El-Shabrawi Mortada , Soliman Ali Ibrahim Ali , Badwei Nourhan
Published: February 2023

Background

The liver has an important role in the different metabolic processes. So, inborn errors of metabolism will result in several metabolic disorders, which can cause acute or chronic liver disease leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Main body

In one of our Egyptian conferences, the United Conference of Hepatogastroenterology and Infectious Diseases (UCHID) 2022, our authors discussed the debates on the management of Wilson’s disease, hereditary hemochromatosis, and alpha one anti-trypsin deficiency.

Conclusion

The session summarized the pitfalls in the management of the 3 serious metabolic liver disorders with focused take-home messages to every physician.
How subjective well-being, patient-reported clinical improvement (PROMs) and experience of care (PREMs) relate in an acute psychiatric care setting?
Authors: Scanferla Elisabetta , de Bienassis Katherine , Pachoud Bernard , Gorwood Philip
Published: February 2023

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are increasingly acknowledged as critical tools for enhancing patient-centred, value-based care. However, research is lacking on the impact of using standardized patient-reported indicators in acute psychiatric care. The aim of this study was to explore whether subjective well-being indicators (generic PROMs) are relevant for evaluating the quality of hospital care, distinct from measures of symptom improvement (disease-specific PROMs) and from PREMs.

Methods

Two hundred and forty-eight inpatients admitted to a psychiatric university hospital were included in the study between January and June 2021. Subjective well-being was assessed using standardized generic PROMs on well-being, symptom improvement was assessed using standardized disease-specific PROMs, and experience of care using PREMs. PROMs were completed at admission and discharge, PREMs were completed at discharge. Clinicians rated their experience of providing treatment using adapted PREMs items.

Results

Change in subjective well-being (PROMs) at discharge was significantly (p < 0.001), but moderately (r2 = 28.5%), correlated to improvement in symptom outcomes, and weakly correlated to experience of care (PREMs) (r2 = 11.0%), the latter being weakly explained by symptom changes (r2 = 6.9%). Patients and clinicians assessed the experience of care differently.

Conclusions

This study supports the case for routinely measuring patients’ subjective well-being to better capture the unmet needs of patients undergoing psychiatric hospital treatment, and the use of standardized patient-reported measures as key indicators of high quality of care across mental health services.
Applying Lean Kaizen to Improve Timely Computed Tomography Scan Appointments for Oncology Patients in a Safety Net Hospital
Authors: Epistola Raisa , Ho Brian , Leong Sally , Ali Sana , Germono Rachel , Kummerfeldt Christopher , Gutierrez Griselda , Shim John , Lee Jennifer M. , Yeh James J.
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE:

Timely radiographic studies are essential to oncology care. At our institution, a safety net hospital in a large metropolitan area, baseline assessment determined that the overwhelming majority of outpatient computed tomographic (CT) scans for oncology patients were overdue and not scheduled within 2 weeks of their first requested date.

METHODS:

We conducted a series of structured, interdisciplinary meetings including staff from radiology, oncology, scheduling, and administration to critically review the scheduling process utilizing Lean Kaizen quality improvement methods. A new workflow was developed in which clinic staff scheduled CT scans before clinic discharge. Three months after our initial meeting, the new workflow was launched. We set a target of decreasing the percentage of overdue scans to below 20%.

RESULTS:

At baseline, 87% (65 of 75) of CT scans awaiting scheduling were overdue. Data were gathered at 5 and 10 weeks after implementation of our workflow. The percentage of CT scans overdue for scheduling was 17% (9 of 53) at 5 weeks and 0.97% (1 of 103) at 10 weeks after implementation. Clinic visit durations were not affected.

CONCLUSION:

The Lean Kaizen QI model was successful in decreasing the rate of oncology patients overdue for CT scan scheduling with minimal effects on clinic visit durations. This study demonstrated the importance of interdepartmental collaboration and continuous monitoring for improvement. Given the success of this project, this workflow will be expanded to other outpatient clinics within our institution.
Experiences of a Multiethnic Cohort of Patients Enrolled in a Financial Reimbursement Program for Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Medina Sheyla P. , Zhang Sylvia , Nieves Elena , Dornsife Dana L. , Johnson Robert , Spicer Darcy , Borno Hala T.
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE:

Financial reimbursement programs (FRPs) offset out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses from therapeutic clinical trial (TCT) participation. The study explores patients' experience in TCTs after enrollment in a FRP at two academic medical centers, including barriers and opportunities to improve trial participation.

METHODS:

From May 2019 to January 2020, adults diagnosed with cancer and eligible for TCTs and FRP were recruited from the Improving Patient Access to Cancer Clinical Trials randomized trial at the University of California San Francisco and University of Southern California. Patients with income ≤ 700% of national poverty guidelines were eligible. Semistructured interviews were conducted in patients' preferred language. Qualitative analysis was performed by site and preferred language by two independent coders.

RESULTS:

Of 65 trial patients, 53 participated (38%, University of California San Francisco; 62%, USC). The median age was 59 (IQR, 46-65) years, and 58% were female. Nearly half (49%) identified as Latinx/Hispanic compared with 32% non-Hispanic White, 10% Asian, 4% Black, 1% Native American, and 4% Others. A third were non-English speakers, 42% had college education or more, and 55% were retired/unemployed. Most common malignancies were gastrointestinal (42%), breast (19%), and genitourinary (13%), and 66% had metastatic disease. Patients experienced long travel time (1-4.5 hours) among 57% and financial toxicity from OOP costs (68%). High acceptability of the FRP was reported (81%). Although 30% of patients reported willingness to discuss finances of cancer treatment/trial with physicians, majority (87%) preferred discussion with social workers or TCT staff. Proposed modifications to TCTs included decentralization, recruitment strategies, voucher structure, and established rates for OOP expenses.

CONCLUSION:

Patients' experience with TCTs reveal financial and logistical stressors that may be lessened by the Improving Patient Access to Cancer Clinical Trial reimbursement program. FRPs may address inequities in clinical trial access among low-income and diverse populations.
Novel Cell Quantification Method Using a Single Surrogate Calibration Curve Across Various Biological Samples
Authors: Nakayama Miyu , Yamamoto Syunsuke , Hirabayashi Hideki
Published: February 2023

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is generally used to quantify transplanted cell therapy products in biological samples. As the matrix effects on PCR amplification and variability in DNA recovery from biological samples are well-known limitations that hinder the assay’s performance, a calibration curve is conventionally established for each matrix. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is based on the endpoint assay and advantageous in avoiding matrix effects. Moreover, the use of an external control gene may correct assay fluctuations to minimize the effects caused by inconsistent DNA recovery. In this study, we aimed to establish a novel and robust ddPCR method capable of quantifying human cells across various mouse biological samples using a single surrogate calibration curve in combination with an external control gene and DNA recovery normalization. Acceptable accuracy and precision were observed for quality control samples from different tissues, indicating the excellent quantitative and versatile potential of the developed method. Furthermore, the established method enabled the evaluation of human CD8+ T cell biodistribution in immunodeficient mice. Our findings provide new insights into the use of ddPCR-based quantification methods in biodistribution studies of cell therapy products.

Graphical Abstract
Defect-controlled topological edge states in the curved acoustic lattices
Authors: Zheng Zehuan , Chen Ying
Published: February 2023

The concept of disclinations and dislocations, which are related to the real-space topology, have been widely studied in crystal materials. In two-dimensional (2D) materials, disclinations lead to the warping and deformation of the hosting material, yielding non-Euclidean geometries. However, such geometries have not been linked to the effects of topological edge states. Here we construct two curved lattices in the C3 symmetric valley acoustic crystals by removing or inserting a wedge of the crystal, which correspond exactly to the conic and hyperbolic lattices. We then discuss the topological edge states as well as the curved waveguide modes in different defect-constructed structures. Simulation results show that the topological waveguide modes can be controlled not only by the alignment of topologically different valley acoustic crystals, but also by the 5|7 edge dislocation. Our work may provide a route to study new exotic phenomena related to topological defects in 3D non-Euclidean geometries.
Opportunistic Evaluation of Trabecular Bone Texture by MRI Reflects Bone Mineral Density and Microarchitecture
Authors: Heilbronner Alison K , Koff Matthew F , Breighner Ryan , Kim Han Jo , Cunningham Matthew , Lebl Darren R , Dash Alexander , Clare Shannon , Blumberg Olivia , Zaworski Caroline , McMahon Donald J , Nieves Jeri W , Stein Emily M
Published: February 2023

Context

Many individuals at high risk for fracture are never evaluated for osteoporosis and subsequently do not receive necessary treatment. Utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is burgeoning, providing an ideal opportunity to use MRI to identify individuals with skeletal deficits. We previously reported that MRI-based bone texture was more heterogeneous in postmenopausal women with a history of fracture compared to controls.

Objective

The present study aimed to identify the microstructural characteristics that underlie trabecular texture features.

Methods

In a prospective cohort, we measured spine volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) by quantitative computed tomography (QCT), peripheral vBMD and microarchitecture by high-resolution peripheral QCT (HRpQCT), and areal BMD (aBMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Vertebral trabecular bone texture was analyzed using T1-weighted MRIs. A gray level co-occurrence matrix was used to characterize the distribution and spatial organization of voxelar intensities and derive the following texture features: contrast (variability), entropy (disorder), angular second moment (ASM; uniformity), and inverse difference moment (IDM; local homogeneity).

Results

Among 46 patients (mean age 64, 54% women), lower peripheral vBMD and worse trabecular microarchitecture by HRpQCT were associated with greater texture heterogeneity by MRI—higher contrast and entropy (r ∼ −0.3 to 0.4, P < .05), lower ASM and IDM (r ∼ +0.3 to 0.4, P < .05). Lower spine vBMD by QCT was associated with higher contrast and entropy (r ∼ −0.5, P < .001), lower ASM and IDM (r ∼ +0.5, P < .001). Relationships with aBMD were less pronounced.

Conclusion

MRI-based measurements of trabecular bone texture relate to vBMD and microarchitecture, suggesting that this method reflects underlying microstructural properties of trabecular bone. Further investigation is required to validate this methodology, which could greatly improve identification of patients with skeletal fragility.
Role of the Beta and Gamma Isoforms of the Adapter Protein SH2B1 in Regulating Energy Balance
Authors: Argetsinger Lawrence S , Flores Anabel , Svezhova Nadezhda , Ellis Michael , Reynolds Caitlin , Cote Jessica L , Cline Joel M , Myers Martin G , Carter-Su Christin
Published: February 2023

Human variants of the adapter protein SH2B1 are associated with severe childhood obesity, hyperphagia, and insulin resistance—phenotypes mimicked by mice lacking Sh2b1. SH2B1β and γ isoforms are expressed ubiquitously, whereas SH2B1α and δ isoforms are expressed primarily in the brain. Restoring SH2B1β driven by the neuron-specific enolase promoter largely reverses the metabolic phenotype of Sh2b1-null mice, suggesting crucial roles for neuronal SH2B1β in energy balance control. Here we test this hypothesis by using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to delete the β and γ isoforms from the neurons of mice (SH2B1βγ neuron-specific knockout [NKO] mice) or throughout the body (SH2B1βγ knockout [KO] mice). While parameters of energy balance were normal in both male and female SH2B1βγ NKO mice, food intake, body weight, and adiposity were increased in male (but not female) SH2B1βγ KO mice. Analysis of long-read single-cell RNA seq data from wild-type mouse brain revealed that neurons express almost exclusively the α and δ isoforms, whereas neuroglial cells express almost exclusively the β and γ isoforms. Our work suggests that neuronal SH2B1β and γ are not primary regulators of energy balance. Rather, non-neuronal SH2B1β and γ in combination with neuronal SH2B1α and δ suffice for body weight maintenance. While SH2B1β/γ and SH2B1α/δ share some functionality, SH2B1β/γ appears to play a larger role in promoting leanness.
The diverse actions of cytoskeletal vimentin in bacterial infection and host defense
Authors: Miao Chenglin , Zhao Shuangshuang , Etienne-Manneville Sandrine , Jiu Yaming
Published: February 2023

Bacterial infection is a major threat to human health, with infections resulting in considerable mortality, urging the need for a more profound understanding of bacteria–host interactions. During infection of cells, host cytoskeletal networks constantly interact with bacteria and are integral to their uptake. Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, is one such cytoskeletal component that interacts with bacteria during infection. Although vimentin is predominantly present in the cytoplasm, it also appears in a secreted form or at the surface of multiple cell types, including epithelial cells, endothelial cells, macrophages and fibroblasts. As a cytoplasmic protein, vimentin participates in bacterial transportation and the consequential immune-inflammatory responses. When expressed on the cell surface, vimentin can be both pro- and anti-bacterial, favoring bacterial invasion in some contexts, but also limiting bacterial survival in others. Vimentin is also secreted and located extracellularly, where it is primarily involved in bacterial-induced inflammation regulation. Reciprocally, bacteria can also manipulate the fate of vimentin in host cells. Given that vimentin is not only involved in bacterial infection, but also the associated life-threatening inflammation, the use of vimentin-targeted drugs might offer a synergistic advantage. In this Review, we recapitulate the abundant evidence on vimentin and its dynamic changes in bacterial infection and speculate on its potential as an anti-bacterial therapeutic target.
Dual-energy CT for gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Okamura-Kawasaki Miyuki , Uesugi Yuya , Yabusaki Satoshi
Published: February 2023

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) can be used for various types of analyses, including iodine quantification, and its usefulness in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases has been reported. This pictorial review describes the use of DECT in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Virtual non-contrast computed tomography (CT) is available in DECT and can be used as a substitute for pre-contrast CT in the case of gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The omission of pre-contrast CT can reduce radiation exposure by approximately 30%. A low-keV virtual monochromatic X-ray image (VMI) can increase the contrast of iodine, and iodine maps can provide better visibility of extravasation. These analytical images can provide a diagnosis with a high degree of confidence. In addition, the low-keV VMI clearly illustrates the vascular structure, which may be useful for improving the visibility of vascular lesions and for confirming the arterial anatomy before embolisation. Considering that these analytical images are created on the basis of contrast-enhanced CT, the positional information of organs is entirely identical, thus allowing the comparison of images regardless of intestinal peristalsis or body motion.

In conclusion, the analytical images of DECT can solve the problems of conventional protocols, and DECT is considered useful in the imaging diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Development and validation of apparent diffusion coefficient histogram-based nomogram for predicting malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma
Authors: Qi Meng , Xia Zhipeng , Zhang Fang , Sha Yan , Ren Jiliang
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

To develop and validate a nomogram based on whole-tumour histograms of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps for predicting malignant transformation (MT) in sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP).

Methods:

This retrospective study included 209 sinonasal IPs with and without MT, which were assigned into a primary cohort (n = 140) and a validation cohort (n = 69). Eight ADC histogram features were extracted from the whole-tumour region of interest. Morphological MRI features and ADC histogram parameters were compared between the two groups (with and without MT). Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors and to construct models. The predictive performances of variables and models were assessed using the area under the curve (AUC). The optimal model was presented as a nomogram, and its calibration was assessed.

Results:

Four morphological features and seven ADC histogram parameters showed significant differences between the two groups in both cohorts (all p < 0.05). Maximum diameter, loss of convoluted cerebriform pattern, ADC10th and ADCSkewness were identified as independent predictors to construct the nomogram. The nomogram showed significantly better performance than the morphological model in both the primary (AUC, 0.96 vs 0.88; p = 0.006) and validation (AUC, 0.96 vs 0.88; p = 0.015) cohorts. The nomogram showed good calibration in both cohorts. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram is clinically useful.

Conclusions:

The developed nomogram, which incorporates morphological MRI features and ADC histogram parameters, can be conveniently used to facilitate the pre-operative prediction of MT in IPs.
Πειραματική και υπολογιστική μελέτη της ροής λιπαντικού σε κιβώτιο με περιστρεφόμενο δίσκο
Authors: Σεραλίδου Κυπριανή
Published: February 2023

Η πειραματική και υπολογιστική μελέτη της ροής λιπαντικού σε διάταξη κίνησης περιστρεφόμενου δίσκου έχει σαν στόχο τον προσδιορισμό του συντελεστή συναγωγής, η γνώση του οποίου είναι απαραίτητη για την επιλογή τόσο του κατάλληλου λιπαντικού όσο και της μεθόδου λίπανσης. Το πρώτο βήμα για την πειραματική μελέτη των φαινομένων είναι ο σχεδιασμός και η κατασκευή μίας πειραματικής διάταξης περιστρεφόμενου δίσκου με τις εξής δυνατότητες:Δημιουργία μίας ροής θερμότητας στην μετωπική επιφάνεια του δίσκου που προσομοιώνει με επιτυχία την ροή θερμότητας από την μετωπική επιφάνεια δοντιών και τροχού, η οποία προκύπτει κατά την λειτουργία δύο συνεργαζόμενων οδοντοτροχών. Μέτρηση της κατανομής της θερμοκρασίας στην επιφάνεια του δίσκου, με στόχο τη μελέτη της απαγωγής θερμότητας από τυποποιημένο λιπαντικό λάδι. Μελέτη της ροής λιπαντικού λαδιού που έρχεται σε επαφή με περιστρεφόμενο δίσκο για την περίπτωση της λίπανσης με βύθιση (λουτρό λαδιού).Μελέτη του συντελεστή συναγωγής σε σχέση με τους αριθμούς Reynolds και Prandtl για το λιπαντικό.
Developing an African medical and health professions student regional elective exchange program: approaches and lessons learned
Authors: Nawagi Faith , Iacone Anna , Seeling Justin , Mukherjee Snigdha
Published: February 2023

Background:Given the significant gap in International Medical Elective (IME) opportunities for African health professions students, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (ECFMG|FAIMER) launched an African regional elective exchange program through the Global Educational Exchange in Medicine and the Health Professions (GEMx) in 2016. This paper provides an overview of the development of the GEMx program, the pillars of implementation, and lessons learned.

Methods:The authors conducted a longitudinal qualitative study utilizing in-depth interviews with institutional leaders, program leaders, and faculty, participant observation through symposia, strategic planning meetings, staff meetings, and document review of the annual progress reports, strategic plans, and newsletter articles, abstracts, and concept notes. Common categories were identified and incorporated into a matrix to create themes. Data were analyzed using the manifest content approach guided by a literature review.

Results:The key pillars for implementation of the GEMx Africa regional elective exchange program included: the commitment from African training institutional networks and their member institutions that enabled electives to be offered, the GEMx Charter (multilateral agreement) that enabled reciprocity and diversity of elective opportunities, GEMx web-based application system that enabled the centralization of the application process and real-time feedback on acceptance, GEMx Africa Regional Coordination Center in Kampala, Uganda that lead the development and implementation in Africa, and ECFMG mini-grants that helped defray elective costs.

Conclusions:Through the development of multilateral partnerships across the continent, the GEMx regional elective exchange program contributed towards bridging a long-existing gap of inadequate opportunities for African health professions students to enhance their global exposure and strengthen their knowledge and skills.

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Russia in Global Politics
Authors: Balynskaya Natal'ya , Kireeva Natal'ya , Koptyakova Svetlana , Zinov'eva Ekaterina , Gafurova Vasilya , Bol'shakov Sergey , Kuvshinov Mihail
Published: February 2023

The textbook is devoted to the analysis of the main trends of world political development in the context of globalization processes, determining the degree of their influence on modern Russia. The multidimensionality of research perspectives is described in detail, and the synthesis of various approaches will help to identify an alternative vision of the problem under study.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students studying in economic, political and social areas of training, as well as for teachers, graduate students, management personnel, state and municipal employees, political scientists and anyone interested in the problems of political development.
Changes in the composition and structure of the components of the landscapes of the forest zone in the conditions of technogenesis
Authors: Gruzdev Vladimir , Suslov Sergey , Kosinskiy Vladimir , Hrustaleva Mariya
Published: February 2023

The monograph is devoted to the analysis of changes in the structure of natural and agricultural landscapes under conditions of anthropogenic, including man-made, impact on landscapes. The author summarizes his own research conducted in the forest zone in the subzones of the middle and southern taiga and broad-leaved coniferous forests. The studies were carried out in forests, meadows and swamps, and also studied the formation of the quality of natural waters and the overgrowth of reservoirs in the forest zone. The composition and structure of zonal plant communities and the dynamic successional stages of secondary, derived communities formed in logging, burning, flooding by reservoirs, man-made pollution, as well as integrated anthropogenic impact are considered. Factors of technogenic transformation of landscapes are analyzed. The analysis of the complex of anthropogenic impacts has been carried out and the main trends of anthropogenic dynamics of soil and vegetation cover have been identified, recommendations for optimization and rationalization of nature management under anthropogenic impact are given. The issues of formation of geotechnical systems, their structure and issues of interaction in the system "man and nature" are considered.
It is of interest to ecologists, geographers, biologists. It can be used in the work of state bodies for monitoring the state of the environment and in the educational process — by teachers and students dealing with ecology, nature management, biology, environmental monitoring, territory engineering, as well as by researchers, graduate students and applicants.
Fundamentals of financial literacy
Authors: Gadzhiev Nazirhan , Konovalenko Sergey , Skripkina Ol'ga , Murzak Natal'ya , Vavilkina Nadezhda , Gavrilova Tat'yana , Knyazeva Ol'ga , Ahmedova Hamida , Kiseleva Ol'ga , Gusev V.
Published: February 2023

Financial literacy in today's developed and rapidly changing world is one of the vital elements in the system of skills and rules of conduct. The textbook contains six chapters that form students' financial literacy and contribute to the development of decision-making skills in the field of personal finance management. The textbook discusses modern financial services and financial products for the population, types of financial violations and fraud, as well as ways to counter them. The practical aspects of taxation of individuals, ways of protecting the rights of consumers of financial services are separately touched upon.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the main educational programs of higher education in the areas of bachelor's degree.
Polder watercourses: research methods and geoecological assessment
Authors: Spirin Yuriy , Zotov Sergey , Krasnov Evgeniy , Cvetkova Nadezhda
Published: February 2023

The monograph describes research methods and geoecological assessment of polder lands.
The history of research and practical use of surface waters of the Kaliningrad region is characterized, modern problems of their geoecological state are revealed. The characteristic of polder lands as complex natural and economic systems is given, the necessity of geoecological studies of the catchments of small rivers located on them is substantiated. A methodological approach has been developed to assess the geoecological condition of the basins of small watercourses through the combined analysis of hydrological, hydrochemical and geoecological data. Hydrological calculations of the key characteristics of the river flow of small watercourses of polder lands were carried out, the dependencies between them were revealed. Field studies were carried out, hydrochemical data sets were obtained on the rivers of polder lands for four hydrological seasons of 2020-2021. Retrospective hydrochemical information has been processed. The prevailing pollutants, integral indicators of water quality and the main sources of pollution are calculated. Based on the results obtained, a scheme of spatial distribution of pollution of the river network of polder lands is constructed. The geoecological condition of the basins is assessed on the basis of a complex of natural and anthropogenic data; based on the result obtained, recommendations for its improvement are given.
It is of interest to specialists in the field of geoecology, hydrology, hydrochemistry, environmental management and environmental protection.