bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OGC P39 Absolute lymph node yield <15 is associated with reduced overall survival in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer and is an important quality metric
Authors: Bolger Jarlath , Tavakoli Iran , Espin-Garcia Osvaldo , Darling Gail , Yeung Jonathan
Published: December 2022

Background

Surgical resection following neoadjuvant therapy with either chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy remains the cornerstone of curative management of oesophageal cancer. In spite of this, there remains uncertainty regarding the optimal radicality of lymphadenectomy, and whether increasing lymph node yields confer a true survival benefit. This study aims to assess the impact of lymph node yield and lymph node ratio on survival following surgery for oesophageal cancer, in addition to identifying factors that may influence lymph node yield and radicality of resection.

Methods

Patients in a single centre undergoing oesophagectomy with curative intent from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020 were reviewed. Clinical and pathological variables were assessed, with univariable, multivariable, regression and survival analyses performed as appropriate. Regression with cut-point analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off for lymph node ratio and for minimum number of nodes resected.

Results

Three hundred and ninety-seven patients underwent oesophagectomy in the study period, with 288 of these having a minimally invasive operation (MIE). Stage (stage 3 HR: 1.64 (1.02–2.62), p=0.04, stage 4 HR: 2.50 (1.43–5.01), p=0.001), positive margin status (HR: 2.62 (1.57–4.36), p<0.001), lymph node yield <15 (HR: 2.62 (1.57–4.36), p<0.001) and an elevated lymph node ratio (HR: 8.42 (2.85–24.90, p<0.001) predicted survival. Patients undergoing MIE had higher lymph node yields compared with open procedures (30.7 vs 25.3, p<0.001). Patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation had lower lymph node yields compared with those with no neoadjuvant therapy and those with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (26.4 vs 30.6 vs 36.8 respectively, p<0.001). Cut-point regression analysis determined lymph node ratio of <0.05 was associated with a survival benefit. Cut-point analysis also demonstrated that resecting more than 15 lymph nodes had an associated benefit, and 15 nodes is the minimum that should be resected, consistent with guidelines.

Conclusions

Lymphadenectomy is a cornerstone of resection of oesophageal cancer. Low lymph node yield and high lymph node ratio are associated with reduced overall survival. A lymph node ratio of <0.05 is associated with significant survival benefit. The minimum number of lymph nodes that should be resected in esophageal cancer is 15, consistent with current guidelines.
OGC P40 The RM Partners Cancer Hub approach to Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Doyle Joseph , Geropoulos Georgios , Patel Nikhil , Patel Pranav , Doran Sophie , Allum William , Jiao Long , Chaudry Asif , Bhogal Ricky , Kumar Sacheen
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant cancellations of major surgery to maximise critical care capacity. Our unit instituted the ‘RM Partners Cancer Hub’ based at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, which allowed cancer surgery from multiple NHS Trusts to continue in a ‘COVID-lite’ setting. We present the outcomes for Upper GastroIntestinal (UGI) surgery managed via this approach over the course of the pandemic.

Methods

From April 2020 to April 2021, the Royal Marsden Hospital formed the ‘RM Partners Cancer Hub’. This was designed to co-ordinate resources and deliver as much oncological treatment and cancer surgery as feasible for patients across the RM Partners West London Cancer Alliance. An UGI clinical case prioritisation strategy, along with strict infection control pathways and pre-operative screening protocols were adopted.

Results

Overall, 231 patients underwent surgery for confirmed UGI cancer via the RM Partners Cancer Hub, with 213 completed resections and combined 90-day mortality rate of 3.5%. Good short-term survival outcomes were demonstrated with 2-year Disease Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS) for oesophageal (DFS 70.8%; OS 72.9%), gastric (DFS 66.7%; OS 83.3%) and pancreatic cancer resections (DFS 68.0%, OS 88.0%). One patient developed peri-operative COVID-19 during the RM Partners Cancer Hub operation; they made a full recovery with no lasting clinical sequelae.

Conclusions

The ‘RM Partners Cancer Hub’ approach provided a workable model for delivering multidisciplinary UGI cancer care and surgery with favourable 2-year DFS and OS when compared to nationally published pre- and post-pandemic data. It also established a template for cancer service during periods of marked disruption to healthcare service delivery and should be a useful guide in the future planning of safe operating pathways.
OGC P41 Long term Outcomes after curative treatment of lower oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Single centre study
Authors: Patel Maitreyi , Sharif Mohammad Usman , Amalesh Thangadorai , Mukherjee Dipankar , Mukherjee Samrat
Published: December 2022

Background

Over the past few decades the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of lower oesophagus has decreased slightly. While multimodal therapy for resectable oesophageal cancer has shown definite benefits in management of adenocarcinoma of oesophagus, the ideal therapeutic modality for management of lower oesophageal SCC remains unclear. Worldwide there are a wide variations in the management of lower oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Except for a small proportion of patients with early cancers confined to the mucosa, curative therapies for Oesophageal SCC entail either neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CTRT) followed by oncological resection or radical chemo/radiotherapy. However, there are no clear guidelines to support either modality.

The purpose of this study was to assess various curative treatment modalities for lower oesophageal SCC and analyse the short and long term outcomes.

Methods

Data of patients with histologically proven distal oesophageal SCC treated at a single OG resection Centre in North East London between 2011 and 2021, was retrospectively collected from a prospectively maintained database. All patients were discussed in Upper GI MDT for management plan.The lower oesophagus was defined as distal third of oesophagus below the tracheal bifurcation. In the patients who underwent surgery, post operative complications were recorded according to Clavien Dindo classification.

Results

Between January 2011 to December 2021, 34 patients with lower oesophageal SCC were treated at our Centre. The median age of patients was 72 +/-2 years. 47.06% were females. The median Charlson Co morbidity index was 5. 25 (73.53%) patients received definitive chemo-radiotherapy. 20.58% received neoadjuvant treatment. Overall, 20.58% patients with lower oesophageal SCC underwent surgical resection (Five with neoadjuvant and two i.e. 5.89% went straight for surgery). Median age of patients received definitive radiotherapy was 72+/-9 years as compared to median age of 67+/- 9 years in those who underwent resection. Most patients had stage III disease (16 patients). Severe surgical complications defined as Clavein Dino Grade III/IV occurred in two patients. There were no post operative mortalities. Overall median survival was 24 months. 5-year survival 20.58%. Median survival in patients who received definitive CTRT was 13 +/- 21 months, while those who were operated had a median survival of 72 +/- 39 months.

Conclusions

We reported the management and outcomes of lower oesophageal SCC over a period of 10 years. These findings are limited due to the small number of cases. A multicentre study to assess the management and outcomes of this group of cancer will assist in the future development of guidelines.
Case-control study developing Scottish Epilepsy Deaths Study Score to predict epilepsy-related death
Authors: Mbizvo Gashirai K , Schnier Christian , Simpson Colin R , Duncan Susan E , Chin Richard F M
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for epilepsy-related death in adults.

In this age- and sex-matched case-control study, we compared adults (aged ≥16 years) who had epilepsy-related death between 2009 and 2016 to living adults with epilepsy in Scotland. Cases were identified from validated administrative national datasets linked to mortality records. ICD-10 cause-of-death coding was used to define epilepsy-related death. Controls were recruited from a research database and epilepsy clinics. Clinical data from medical records were abstracted and used to undertake univariable and multivariable conditional logistic regression to develop a risk prediction model consisting of four variables chosen a priori. A weighted sum of the factors present was taken to create a risk index—the Scottish Epilepsy Deaths Study Score. Odds ratios were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Here, 224 deceased cases (mean age 48 years, 114 male) and 224 matched living controls were compared. In univariable analysis, predictors of epilepsy-related death were recent epilepsy-related accident and emergency attendance (odds ratio 5.1, 95% CI 3.2–8.3), living in deprived areas (odds ratio 2.5, 95% CI 1.6–4.0), developmental epilepsy (odds ratio 3.1, 95% CI 1.7–5.7), raised Charlson Comorbidity Index score (odds ratio 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.2), alcohol abuse (odds ratio 4.4, 95% CI 2.2–9.2), absent recent neurology review (odds ratio 3.8, 95% CI 2.4–6.1) and generalized epilepsy (odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.0). Scottish Epilepsy Deaths Study Score model variables were derived from the first four listed before, with Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2 given 1 point, living in the two most deprived areas given 2 points, having an inherited or congenital aetiology or risk factor for developing epilepsy given 2 points and recent epilepsy-related accident and emergency attendance given 3 points. Compared to having a Scottish Epilepsy Deaths Study Score of 0, those with a Scottish Epilepsy Deaths Study Score of 1 remained low risk, with odds ratio 1.6 (95% CI 0.5–4.8). Those with a Scottish Epilepsy Deaths Study Score of 2–3 had moderate risk, with odds ratio 2.8 (95% CI 1.3–6.2). Those with a Scottish Epilepsy Deaths Study Score of 4–5 and 6–8 were high risk, with odds ratio 14.4 (95% CI 5.9–35.2) and 24.0 (95% CI 8.1–71.2), respectively.

The Scottish Epilepsy Deaths Study Score may be a helpful tool for identifying adults at high risk of epilepsy-related death and requires external validation.
South Asian Americans and anti-Black racism: critically reflexive racialization as an anti-racist vernacular discourse
Authors: Mudambi Anjana
Published: December 2022

In this study, I propose the concept of critically reflexive racialization as a vernacular discourse through which nondominant groups engage critical reflexivity in exploring and renegotiating their racialized identities in relation to other marginalized groups in the struggle against White supremacy. This study is based on my analysis of the discourses of South Asian Americans within the online news magazine American Kahani over the course of a year following the murder of George Floyd. I explore how they (re-)negotiate their racialized identities vis-à-vis Black Americans and in relation to anti-Black racism, critically reflecting on historical, discursive, and structural contexts around Whiteness, caste, and colorism. This study provides a lens into (anti-)racism among the South Asian American community, demonstrating a need for continued research into conversations around race within it and other communities of color.
Plant-based diets for CKD patients: fascinating, trendy, but feasible? A green nephrology perspective
Authors: Torreggiani Massimo , Fois Antioco , Lippi Françoise , Attini Rossella , Longhitano Elisa , Matarazzo Ida , Masturzo Bianca , Cabiddu Gianfranca , Versino Elisabetta , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara
Published: December 2022

Climate change is inducing us to rethink our way of life. There is widespread awareness that we need to adopt environmentally friendly approaches and reduce the amount of waste we generate. In medicine, nephrology was one of the first specialties to adopt a green approach. Plant-based or vegan–vegetarian diets, which are planet-friendly and associated with a reduced carbon footprint, were rapidly acknowledged as a valid method for reducing protein intake in the conservative management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, how the transition from an omnivorous to a plant-based diet should be managed is not universally agreed; there is little data in the literature and indications based on randomized trials fail to consider feasibility and patients’ preferences. Nonetheless, in some conditions the use of plant-based diets has proved safe and effective. For example, in CKD pregnancies, it has reduced unfavorable maternal and fetal outcomes. This review will present the available evidence on the benefits of plant-based diets in CKD, as well as old and new criticisms of their use, including emerging issues, such as contaminants, additives and pesticides, from a green nephrology perspective.
What do cancer-specific T cells ‘see’?
Authors: Shah Sabaria , Al-Omari Abdullah , Cook Katherine W , Paston Samantha J , Durrant Lindy G , Brentville Victoria A
Published: December 2022

Complex cellular interactions between the immune system and cancer can impact tumour development, growth, and progression. T cells play a key role in these interactions; however, the challenge for T cells is to recognize tumour antigens whilst minimizing cross-reactivity with antigens associated with healthy tissue. Some tumour cells, including those associated with viral infections, have clear, tumour-specific antigens that can be targeted by T cells. A high mutational burden can lead to increased numbers of mutational neoantigens that allow very specific immune responses to be generated but also allow escape variants to develop. Other cancer indications and those with low mutational burden are less easily distinguished from normal tissue. Recent studies have suggested that cancer-associated alterations in tumour cell biology including changes in post-translational modification (PTM) patterns may also lead to novel antigens that can be directly recognized by T cells. The PTM-derived antigens provide tumour-specific T-cell responses that both escape central tolerance and avoid the necessity for individualized therapies. PTM-specific CD4 T-cell responses have shown tumour therapy in murine models and highlight the importance of CD4 T cells as well as CD8 T cells in reversing the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. Understanding which cancer-specific antigens can be recognized by T cells and the way that immune tolerance and the tumour microenvironment shape immune responses to cancer is vital for the future development of cancer therapies.
Recruitment and characteristics of participants in trials of physical activity for adults aged 45 years and above in general practice: a systematic review
Authors: McNamara Richard , Davy Kimberly , Niranjan Vikram , O’Regan Andrew
Published: December 2022

Background

General practice is well situated to promote physical activity (PA), but with PA levels declining after 45 years of age, often those who are most likely to benefit from interventions tend to be the least likely recruited to participate in research.

Aims and rationale

The aim of this study was to investigate recruitment and reporting of participant demographics in PA trials for adults aged 45 years and above. Specific objectives were: (i) to examine the reporting of demographics of participants; (ii) to investigate the strategies used to recruit these participants; and, (iii) to examine the efficiency of recruitment strategies.

Methods

Seven databases were searched, including: PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Only randomized control trials involving adults 45 years old or older recruited through primary care were included. The PRISMA framework for systematic review was followed, which involved 2 researchers independently conducting title, abstract, and full article screening. Tools for data extraction and synthesis were adapted from previous work on inclusivity in recruitment.

Results

The searches retrieved 3,491 studies of which 12 were included for review. Sample size of the studies ranged from 31 to 1,366, with a total of 6,042 participants of which 57% were female. Of 101 participating practices, 1 was reported as rural. Reporting of recruitment lacked detail—only 6 studies outlined how practices were recruited. 11/12 studies involved a database or chart review to identify participants that met the inclusion criteria, followed by a letter of invitation sent to those people. The studies with higher recruitment efficiency ratios each employed more than 1 recruitment strategy, e.g. opportunistic invitations and telephone calls.

Conclusion

This systematic review has presented deficits in the reporting of both demographics and recruitment. Future research should aim for a standardized approach to reporting.
Awareness of India’s national health insurance scheme (PM-JAY): a cross-sectional study across six states
Authors: Parisi Diletta , Srivastava Swati , Parmar Divya , Strupat Christoph , Brenner Stephan , Walsh Caitlin , Neogi Rupak , Basu Sharmishtha , Ziegler Susanne , Jain Nishant , De Allegri Manuela
Published: December 2022

The literature suggests that a first barrier towards accessing benefits of health insurance in low- and middle-income countries is lack of awareness of one’s benefits. Yet, across settings and emerging schemes, limited scientific evidence is available on levels of awareness and their determinants. To fill this gap, we assessed socio-demographic and economic determinants of beneficiaries’ awareness of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the national health insurance scheme launched in India in 2018, and their awareness of own eligibility. We relied on cross-sectional household (HH) survey data collected in six Indian states between 2019 and 2020. Representative data of HHs eligible for PM-JAY from 11 618 respondents (an adult representative from each surveyed HH) were used. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models to explore the association between awareness of PM-JAY and of one’s own eligibility and socio-economic and demographic characteristics. About 62% of respondents were aware of PM-JAY, and among the aware, 78% knew that they were eligible for the scheme. Regression analysis confirmed that older respondents with a higher educational level and salaried jobs were more likely to know about PM-JAY. Awareness was lower among respondents from Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu. Respondents from Other Backward Classes, of wealthier socio-economic status or from Meghalaya or Gujarat were more likely to be aware of their eligibility status. Respondents from Chhattisgarh were less likely to know about their eligibility. Our study confirms that while more than half of the eligible population was aware of PM-JAY, considerable efforts are needed to achieve universal awareness. Socio-economic gradients confirm that the more marginalized are still less aware. We recommend implementing tailored, state-specific information dissemination approaches focusing on knowledge of specific scheme features to empower beneficiaries to demand their entitled services.
Inflammation and Blood-Brain Barrier in Depression: Interaction ofCLDN5andIL6Gene Variants in Stress-Induced Depression
Authors: Gal Zsofia , Torok Dora , Gonda Xenia , Eszlari Nora , Anderson Ian Muir , Deakin Bill , Juhasz Gabriella , Bagdy Gyorgy , Petschner Peter
Published: December 2022

Background

Evidence from rodents indicated that after recent stress, reduced expression of tight junction protein claudin-5 may weaken the blood-brain barrier and allow interleukin-6 to induce depressive symptoms. Our aims were to prove this pathomechanism in humans.

Methods

We used a large population genetic database (UK Biobank, n = 277 501) to test whether variation in the CLDN5 gene could modulate effects of the IL6 gene variant in stress-induced depression. Three-way interaction of functional polymorphisms, rs885985 of CLDN5, and rs1800795 of IL6 with recent stressful life events were tested on current depressive symptoms. Analyses were performed in male and female populations as well.

Results

The 3-way interaction including recent stress yielded highly significant results on current depressive symptoms in the UK Biobank sample, which was more pronounced in men and could be replicated on trend level in an independent cohort (NewMood, n = 1638). None of any other associations or interactions, including, for example, childhood stressors and lifetime depression as an outcome, yielded significance.

Conclusions

These findings provide genetic evidence in humans for the interaction among interleukin-6, claudin-5, and recent stress, suggesting that inflammation is involved in the development of depression and that stress-connected brain entry of inflammatory molecules is a key factor in this pathomechanism. These genetic polymorphisms may help to identify people at higher risk for recent stress-induced depression.
hp-FEM for reaction–diffusion equations. II: robust exponential convergence for multiple length scales in corner domains
Authors: Banjai Lehel , Melenk Jens M , Schwab Christoph
Published: December 2022

In bounded, polygonal domains $\varOmega \subset {{\mathbb {R}}}^2$ with Lipschitz boundary $\partial \varOmega $ consisting of a finite number of Jordan curves admitting analytic parametrizations, we analyze $hp$-FEM discretizations of linear, second-order, singularly perturbed reaction–diffusion equations on so-called geometric boundary layer meshes. We prove, under suitable analyticity assumptions on the data, that these $hp$-FEM afford exponential convergence in the natural ‘energy’ norm of the problem, as long as the geometric boundary layer mesh can resolve the smallest length scale present in the problem. Numerical experiments confirm the robust exponential convergence of the proposed $hp$-FEM.
Promoting Learning about Precarity and Resilience in War: Virtual Encounters between Afghan and American Students in International Studies Courses
Authors: Cromwell Alexander , Miyashiro Saaya
Published: December 2022

International studies students are often interested in understanding contexts of conflict and war and working with affected populations. Although various research has assessed different pedagogical tools for increasing students’ understanding of war experiences and reducing the perceived distance between such populations, virtual encounters are an understudied means for achieving these aims. This article examines how a US international studies course integrated virtual dialogue sessions with Afghan students to reduce the distance between Americans and Afghans. Accordingly, we conducted pre- and post-surveys and interviews, engaged in participant observation, and analyzed reflection papers to understand how US students’ views transformed from the program. We find that American students learned about the precarity and resilience of Afghans and recognized their humanity. Moreover, participants developed outgroup trust, reduced intergroup anxiety, and in some cases developed empathy for the other group. Students experienced these shifts despite technological and logistical challenges, a language barrier, and the power imbalance, which led to ethical concerns for program instructors. Thus, we argue that virtual encounters can be an effective pedagogical tool for reducing distance between international studies students and war-affected populations and helping them to connect across group differences despite the inherent challenges in such programs.
A framework for improving wheat spike development and yield based on the master regulatory TOR and SnRK gene systems
Authors: Flavell Richard B
Published: December 2022

The low rates of yield gain in wheat breeding programs create an ominous situation for the world. Amongst the reasons for this low rate are issues manifested in spike development that result in too few spikelets, fertile florets, and therefore grains being produced. Phases in spike development are particularly sensitive to stresses of various kinds and origins, and these are partly responsible for the deficiencies in grain production and slow rates of gain in yield. The diversity of developmental processes, stresses, and the large numbers of genes involved make it particularly difficult to prioritize approaches in breeding programs without an overarching, mechanistic framework. Such a framework, introduced here, is provided around the master regulator target of rapamycin and sucrose non-fermenting-1 (SNF1)-related protein kinase complexes and their control by trehalose-6-phosphate and other molecules. Being master regulators of the balance between growth and growth inhibition under stress, these provide genetic targets for creating breakthroughs in yield enhancement. Examples of potential targets and experimental approaches are described.
Protection of the human gene research literature from contract cheating organizations known as research paper mills
Authors: Byrne Jennifer A , Park Yasunori , Richardson Reese A K , Pathmendra Pranujan , Sun Mengyi , Stoeger Thomas
Published: December 2022

Human gene research generates new biology insights with translational potential, yet few studies have considered the health of the human gene literature. The accessibility of human genes for targeted research, combined with unreasonable publication pressures and recent developments in scholarly publishing, may have created a market for low-quality or fraudulent human gene research articles, including articles produced by contract cheating organizations known as paper mills. This review summarises the evidence that paper mills contribute to the human gene research literature at scale and outlines why targeted gene research may be particularly vulnerable to systematic research fraud. To raise awareness of targeted gene research from paper mills, we highlight features of problematic manuscripts and publications that can be detected by gene researchers and/or journal staff. As improved awareness and detection could drive the further evolution of paper mill-supported publications, we also propose changes to academic publishing to more effectively deter and correct problematic publications at scale. In summary, the threat of paper mill-supported gene research highlights the need for all researchers to approach the literature with a more critical mindset, and demand publications that are underpinned by plausible research justifications, rigorous experiments and fully transparent reporting.
A superior gene allele involved in abscisic acid signaling enhances drought tolerance and yield in chickpea
Authors: Thakro Virevol , Malik Naveen , Basu Udita , Srivastava Rishi , Narnoliya Laxmi , Daware Anurag , Varshney Nidhi , Mohanty Jitendra K , Bajaj Deepak , Dwivedi Vikas , Tripathi Shailesh , Jha Uday Chand , Dixit Girish Prasad , Singh Ashok K , Tyagi Akhilesh K , Upadhyaya Hari D , Parida Swarup K
Published: December 2022

Identifying potential molecular tags for drought tolerance is essential for achieving higher crop productivity under drought stress. We employed an integrated genomics-assisted breeding and functional genomics strategy involving association mapping, fine mapping, map-based cloning, molecular haplotyping and transcript profiling in the introgression lines (ILs)- and near isogenic lines (NILs)-based association panel and mapping population of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). This combinatorial approach delineated a bHLH (basic helix–loop–helix) transcription factor, CabHLH10 (Cicer arietinum bHLH10) underlying a major QTL, along with its derived natural alleles/haplotypes governing yield traits under drought stress in chickpea. CabHLH10 binds to a cis-regulatory G-box promoter element to modulate the expression of RD22 (responsive to desiccation 22), a drought/abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive gene (via a trans-expression QTL), and two strong yield-enhancement photosynthetic efficiency (PE) genes. This, in turn, upregulates other downstream drought-responsive and ABA signaling genes, as well as yield-enhancing PE genes, thus increasing plant adaptation to drought with reduced yield penalty. We showed that a superior allele of CabHLH10 introgressed into the NILs improved root and shoot biomass and PE, thereby enhancing yield and productivity during drought without compromising agronomic performance. Furthermore, overexpression of CabHLH10 in chickpea and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) conferred enhanced drought tolerance by improving root and shoot agro-morphological traits. These findings facilitate translational genomics for crop improvement and the development of genetically tailored, climate-resilient, high-yielding chickpea cultivars.
Senescent stroma induces nuclear deformations in cancer cells via the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK/myosin II-based cytoskeletal tension
Authors: Aifuwa Ivie , Kim Byoung Choul , Kamat Pratik , Starich Bartholomew , Agrawal Anshika , Tanrioven Derin , Luperchio Teresa R , Valencia Angela M Jimenez , Perestrelo Tania , Reddy Karen , Ha Taekjip , Philip Jude M
Published: December 2022

The presence of senescent cells within tissues has been functionally linked to malignant transformations. Here, using tension-gauge tethers technology, particle-tracking microrheology, and quantitative microscopy, we demonstrate that senescent-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) derived from senescent fibroblasts impose nuclear lobulations and volume shrinkage on malignant cells, which stems from the loss of RhoA/ROCK/myosin II-based cortical tension. This loss in cytoskeletal tension induces decreased cellular contractility, adhesion, and increased mechanical compliance. These SASP-induced morphological changes are, in part, mediated by Lamin A/C. These findings suggest that SASP induces defective outside-in mechanotransduction from actomyosin fibers in the cytoplasm to the nuclear lamina, thereby triggering a cascade of biophysical and biomolecular changes in cells that associate with malignant transformations.
Malaria absorption peaks acquired through the skin of patients with infrared light can detect patients with varying parasitemia
Authors: Garcia Gabriela A , Kariyawasam Tharanga N , Lord Anton R , da Costa Cristiano Fernandes , Chaves Lana Bitencourt , Lima-Junior Josué da Costa , Maciel-de-Freitas Rafael , Sikulu-Lord Maggy T
Published: December 2022

To eliminate malaria, scalable tools that are rapid, affordable, and can detect patients with low parasitemia are required. Non-invasive diagnostic tools that are rapid, reagent-free, and affordable would also provide a justifiable platform for testing malaria in asymptomatic patients. However, non-invasive surveillance techniques for malaria remain a diagnostic gap. Here, we show near-infrared Plasmodium absorption peaks acquired non-invasively through the skin using a miniaturized hand-held near-infrared spectrometer. Using spectra from the ear, these absorption peaks and machine learning techniques enabled non-invasive detection of malaria-infected human subjects with varying parasitemia levels in less than 10 s.
Sense Perception and Mereological Nihilism
Authors: Brenner Andrew
Published: December 2022

In the debate over the existence of composite objects, it is sometimes suggested that perceptual evidence justifies belief in composite objects. But it is almost never suggested that we are perceptually justified in believing in composite objects on the basis of the fact that the phenomenology of our perceptual experiences enables us to discriminate between situations where there are composite objects and situations where there are merely simples arranged composite object-wise. But while the thought that the phenomenology of our perceptual experiences cannot enable us to discriminate between situations where there are composite objects and situations where there are merely simples arranged composite object-wise is commonly taken for granted, it requires some defence, both in light of its importance in shaping the debate and in light of its recently coming under attack by a prominent philosopher of perception. In this paper, I offer such a defence.
Gender gaps in power and control within jobs
Authors: Fana Marta , Villani Davide , Bisello Martina
Published: December 2022

This article investigates the gender differences in the tasks performed at the workplace using individual-level data representative of the French working population. In particular, we are interested in exploring gender gaps in power and control. Our findings reveal that, within the same job, women tend on average to be subjected to more forms of control than men even controlling for a wide set of supply-side characteristics, such as education, age and seniority. Moreover, these gender differences often exacerbate within male-dominated jobs, although they do not necessarily disappear as the share of women increases. We conclude that, within the same job, in the French labour market women tend to be in a more subordinated position compared with men.
Insufficient sleep predicts poor weight loss maintenance after 1 year
Authors: Bogh Adrian F , Jensen Simon B K , Juhl Christian R , Janus Charlotte , Sandsdal Rasmus M , Lundgren Julie R , Noer Mikkel H , Vu Nhu Q , Fiorenza Matteo , Stallknecht Bente M , Holst Jens J , Madsbad Sten , Torekov Signe S
Published: December 2022

Study Objectives

Insufficient sleep may attenuate weight loss, but the role of sleep in weight loss maintenance is unknown. Since weight regain after weight loss remains a major obstacle in obesity treatment, we investigated whether insufficient sleep predicts weight regain during weight loss maintenance.

Methods

In a randomized, controlled, two-by-two factorial study, 195 adults with obesity completed an 8-week low-calorie diet and were randomly assigned to 1-year weight loss maintenance with or without exercise and liraglutide 3.0 mg/day or placebo. Sleep duration and quality were measured before and after the low-calorie diet and during weight maintenance using wrist-worn accelerometers (GENEActiv) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). To test associations between insufficient sleep and weight regain, participants were stratified at randomization into subgroups according to sleep duration (</≥6 h/night) or sleep quality (PSQI score ≤/>5).

Results

After a diet-induced 13.1 kg weight loss, participants with short sleep duration at randomization regained 5.3 kg body weight (p = .0008) and had less reduction in body fat percentage compared with participants with normal sleep duration (p = .007) during the 1-year weight maintenance phase. Participants with poor sleep quality before the weight loss regained 3.5 kg body weight compared with good quality sleepers (p = .010). During the weight maintenance phase, participants undergoing liraglutide treatment displayed increased sleep duration compared with placebo after 26 weeks (5 vs. −15 min/night) but not after 1 year. Participants undergoing exercise treatment preserved the sleep quality improvements attained from the initial weight loss.

Conclusions

Short sleep duration or poor sleep quality was associated with weight regain after weight loss in adults with obesity.
Paradoxical effects from stimulus density manipulation provide new insight into the impact of sleep deprivation on PVT performance
Authors: Honn Kimberly A , Van Dongen Hans P A
Published: December 2022

Study Objectives

The psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), a 10-min one-choice reaction time task with random response-stimulus intervals (RSIs) between 2 and 10 s, is highly sensitive to behavioral alertness deficits due to sleep loss. To investigate what drives the performance deficits, we conducted an in-laboratory total sleep deprivation (TSD) study and compared performance on the PVT to performance on a 10-min high-density PVT (HD-PVT) with increased stimulus density and truncated RSI range between 2 and 5 s. We hypothesized that the HD-PVT would show greater impairments from TSD than the standard PVT.

Methods

n = 86 healthy adults were randomized (2:1 ratio) to 38 h of TSD (n = 56) or corresponding well-rested control (n = 30). The HD-PVT was administered when subjects had been awake for 34 h (TSD group) or 10 h (control group). Performance on the HD-PVT was compared to performance on the standard PVTs administered 1 h earlier and 1 h later.

Results

The HD-PVT yielded approximately 60% more trials than the standard PVT. The HD-PVT had faster mean response times (RTs) and equivalent lapses (RTs > 500 ms) compared to the standard PVT, with no differences between the TSD effects on mean RT and lapses between tasks. Further, the HD-PVT had a dampened time-on-task effect in both the TSD and control conditions.

Conclusions

Contrary to expectation, the HD-PVT did not show greater performance impairment during TSD, indicating that stimulus density and RSI range are not primary drivers of the PVT’s responsiveness to sleep loss.
A moderated serial mediation analysis of the association between HIV stigma and sleep quality in people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Taiyi , Jianhua Hou , Wei Jiaqi , Mu Tingting , Zhu Guanlin , Wang Xiuwen , Qu Diyang , Wu Hao , Zhang Tong , Su Bin
Published: December 2022

With the wide use of antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV (PLWH), the mortality and morbidity rates among this community are dramatically decreasing. However, sleep disorder is still one of the prominent health issues among PLWH, and it lowers their quality of life. Although we already know the potential biological pathway that links poor sleep quality among PLWH, the potential contribution of the psychosocial pathway (e.g., stigma) is far from understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential serial mediating effects (HIV stigma-loneliness-depression-sleep quality) and potential moderating effects of perceived social support. We recruited a consecutive sample of 139 participants from voluntary counseling testing (VCT) clinics of Beijing Youan Hospital and participant referrals. Then, we used serial mediation models and moderated serial mediation models to fit our data. We found significant serial mediation effects between three types of HIV stigma (enacted, anticipated, and internalized) and sleep quality via depression and loneliness. Perceived social support also significantly moderated this serial mediation between enacted stigma, internalized stigma, and sleep quality. Our results highlight the potential role of perceived social support in moderating the negative effects of enacted and internalized stigma on sleep quality and identify potential psychosocial pathways.
Pediatric Infectious Diseases Related to Transplantation: Insights From Japan
Authors: Yamada Masaki , Shoji Kensuke , Miyairi Isao , Kasahara Mureo , Saitoh Akihiko
Published: December 2022

Infectious diseases after transplantation account for significant morbidity and mortality in children undergoing transplantation; the importance of pediatric transplant infectious disease (TID) specialists has therefore been recognized. Although tremendous advancement continues in transplantation medicine, pediatric-specific data and evidence are limited. In Japan, the majority of TIDs had not been managed by infectious disease specialists because pediatric infectious diseases have not been recognized as a solo subspecialty until recently in Japan. However, in the last decade, there was a new movement for pediatric TID in Japan; some pediatric infectious disease specialists trained outside Japan have been playing an important role in managing pediatric TID in a few academic and pediatric institutions. In this review article, we introduce the current status of infectious complications related to pediatric hematopoietic cell and solid organ transplantation, highlighting currently available local evidence, common practice and issues in the field of pediatric TID in Japan.
Positive Predictive Value of Rapid Antigen Tests in School During SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Surge
Authors: Jang Eun Jung , Choe Young June , Yun Go-Woon , Kim Ryu Kyung , Jeong Heegwon , Lee Sangwon , Park Young-Joon
Published: December 2022

In Korea, we conducted a national observational study to calculate the positive predictive value of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests in K-12 schools during the Omicron variant surge in March 2022. The weekly positive predictive value ranged from 86.4% to 93.2%. The positive predictive value was the highest among elementary school students with symptoms (95.7%) and lowest among teachers/staff without symptoms (70.9%).
Clinical Characteristics, Transmission Rate and Outcome of Neonates Born to COVID-19-Positive Mothers: A Prospective Case Series From a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Rood Marloes , ten Kate Lisa , Boeddha Navin P. , van ‘t Kruys Kevin
Published: December 2022

Background:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection during pregnancy could damage the placenta, but data on neonates born to COVID-19-positive mothers is scarce. In this case series, we aim to describe clinical characteristics, transmission rate and outcomes at 3 months of age among neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 diagnosed near the time of delivery.

Methods:

Prospective, multicenter case series from Suriname. We collected clinical data of neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 infection between June and August 2021. COVID-19 swabs were taken within 5 days and 2 weeks after birth. Follow-up took place at 3 months.

Results:

We enrolled 18 neonates. However, 18/18 (100%) mothers were infected in the third trimester and 10/18 (55.6%) had severe COVID-19 infection requiring ICU admission and 2/10 (20%) died. In total 16/18 (77.8%) neonates were born after cesarean section and 13/18 (72.2%) were born preterm (median 35 weeks, Interquartile range 32 + 4–38 + 0). Neonatal intensive care unit admission was needed in 7/18 (38.9%) neonates. Respiratory symptoms occurred in 12/18 (66.7%), 5/18 (27.8%) were suspected of early-onset sepsis and 1/18(5.6%) of late-onset sepsis. One preterm neonate developed necrotizing enterocolitis. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive in 1/18 (5.5%) neonates within 5 days of life and in 0/11 (0%) neonates after 2 weeks. Follow-up showed mild neurodevelopmental delay in 2/14 (14.3%) patients.

Conclusion:

We describe a high proportion of severely ill mothers due to COVID-19 infection with subsequent cesarean delivery and prematurity. Accounting for gestational age at birth, the neonatal clinical course and findings at follow-up appeared similar to neonates born to COVID-19-negative mothers. Maternal vaccination is recommended to prevent neonatal risks associated with prematurity and cesarean delivery.
Historical eye: from traditional to endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle aspiration and beyond
Authors: Zuccatosta Lina , Mei Federico , Bonifazi Martina , Gasparini Stefano
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review

In the history of bronchoscopy, the advent of flexible transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) before and, subsequently, of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), have represented fundamental events, as they have significantly and definitively changed interventional pulmonology's role in diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of most of thoracic diseases.

Purpose of this historical review is to retrace the main stages that have contributed to the development of these two techniques.

Recent findings

TBNA allowed the bronchoscopists to overcome the barrier of the tracheobronchial wall and to obtain samples from hilar-mediastinal lesions. With this additional method, bronchoscopy has become an essential procedure for staging of lung cancer.

The advent of echo-bronchoscopes, allowing to perform TBNA under direct ultrasound guidance in real time, further increased the diagnostic yield of this technique. Furthermore, the insertion of the echo-bronchoscope through the oesophagus allowed to extend the landscape of targets to sample, including also para-esophageal lesions, liver metastases, celiac nodes and left adrenal glands.

EBUS-TBNA has shown its usefulness not only in the approach to mediastinal lesions, but also in other clinical conditions, such as lung nodules or masses adjacent to the tracheobronchial tree.

Despite the obvious advantages of EBUS-TBNA, this technology is not yet available in many centres and countries worldwide. For this reason, TBNA remains a basic technique that must complete the technical background of bronchoscopists and it should not be forgotten.
Advances in bronchoscopic optical coherence tomography and confocal laser endomicroscopy in pulmonary diseases
Authors: Kramer Tess , Wijsman Pieta C. , Kalverda Kirsten A. , Bonta Peter I. , Annema Jouke T.
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review

Imaging techniques play a crucial role in the diagnostic work-up of pulmonary diseases but generally lack detailed information on a microscopic level. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) are imaging techniques which provide microscopic images in vivo during bronchoscopy. The purpose of this review is to describe recent advancements in the use of bronchoscopic OCT- and CLE-imaging in pulmonary medicine.

Recent findings

In recent years, OCT- and CLE-imaging have been evaluated in a wide variety of pulmonary diseases and demonstrated to be complementary to bronchoscopy for real-time, near-histological imaging. Several pulmonary compartments were visualized and characteristic patterns for disease were identified. In thoracic malignancy, OCT- and CLE-imaging can provide characterization of malignant tissue with the ability to identify the optimal sampling area. In interstitial lung disease (ILD), fibrotic patterns were detected by both (PS-) OCT and CLE, complementary to current HRCT-imaging. For obstructive lung diseases, (PS-) OCT enables to detect airway wall structures and remodelling, including changes in the airway smooth muscle and extracellular matrix.

Bronchoscopic OCT- and CLE-imaging allow high resolution imaging of airways, lung parenchyma, pleura, lung tumours and mediastinal lymph nodes. Although investigational at the moment, promising clinical applications are on the horizon.