bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Untangling the role of social relationships in the association between caregiver burden and caregiver health: an observational study exploring three coping models of the stress process paradigm
Authors: Tough Hannah , Brinkhof Martin W. G. , Fekete Christine
Published: September 2022

Background

Caregivers health is often at risk due to the detrimental effects of caregiver burden. It is therefore vital to identify strategies and resources, which ensure the safeguarding of caregivers' health, whilst also enabling caregivers to continue providing high quality long-term care to care-receivers. The objective of this study is therefore to examine the moderating and mediating role of different social relationship constructs (social networks, social support, relationship quality, and loneliness) in the relationship between subjective caregiver burden and health, by exploring different coping models of the stress process paradigm, namely the stress buffering, social deterioration and counteractive models.

Methods

Longitudinal survey data from 133 couples of caregiving romantic partners and persons with spinal cord injury, living in Switzerland were used. We employed multivariable regression analysis with the inclusion of interaction terms to explore moderation effects of social relationships (i.e. stress buffering model), and path analysis to explore mediation effects (i.e. social deterioration vs. counteractive model) of social relationships on the association between subjective caregiver burden and health. Health was operationalised using the following outcomes: mental health, vitality, bodily pain and general health.

Results

Social support and relationship quality were found to buffer the negative effects of subjective caregiver burden on mental health. Mediating effects of social relationships were observed for mental health (indirect effect -0.25, -0.42- -0.08) and vitality (indirect effect -0.20, -0.37- -0.03), providing support for the deterioration model. Loneliness was found to be a particularly important construct on the pathway from caregiver burden to health.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the potential of social support and relationship quality to override the negative consequences of caregiver burden on mental health and vitality. Our evidence thus supports the advance of interventions that seek to improve qualitative aspects of social relationships, especially in caregivers experiencing a high subjective caregiver burden.
Intramedullary nailing vs modular megaprosthesis in extracapsular metastases of proximal femur: clinical outcomes and complication in a retrospective study
Authors: Vitiello Raffaele , Perisano Carlo , Greco Tommaso , Cianni Luigi , Polichetti Chiara , Comodo Rocco Maria , De Martino Ivan , La Vergata Vincenzo , Maccauro Giulio
Published: September 2022

Background

Extracapsular proximal femur metastasis could be treated by synthesis or resection and megaprosthesis. No universal accepted guidelines are present in the literature. The aim of our study is to analyze of patients with metastases in the trochanteric region of the femur treated by a single type of intramedullary nailing or hip megaprosthesis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients affected by extracapsular metastases of proximal femur. Anthropometric and anamnestic data, routine blood exams and complications were collected. VAS score and MSTS score was administered before the surgery, ad 1–6-12 months after surgery. An un-paired T test and Chi-square were used. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression was performed. Significance was set for p < 0.05.

Result

Twenty patients were assigned in intramedullary Group, twenty-five in megaprostheses Group. The mean operative time is shorter in intramedullary group. Differential shows a higher anemization in megaprostheses group (2 ± 2 vs 3.6 ± 1.3; p = 0.02). The patients of intramedullary group showed malnutrition (Albumin: 30.5 ± 6.5 vs 37.6 ± 6 g/L; p = 0.03) and pro-inflammatory state (NLR: 7.1 ± 6.7 vs 3.8 ± 2.4; p = 0.05) (PLR: 312 ± 203 vs 194 ± 99; p = 0.04) greater than megaprostheses group. The patients in intramedullary groups shows a higher functional performance score than megaprostheses group at 1 month follow-up (MSTS: 16.4 ± 6.3 vs 12.2 ± 3.7; p = 0.004). A multivariate analysis confirms the role of type of surgery (p = 0.001), surgery duration (p = 0.005) and NLR (p = 0.02) in affecting the MSTS.

Globally eight complications were recorded, no statistical difference was noticed between the two groups (p = 0.7), no predictor was found at logistic analysis.

Conclusion

Intramedullary nailing guarantees a rapid functional recovery, compared to patients undergoing hip megaprosthesis who instead improve gradually over time. The selection of patients with poor prognosis allows the correct surgical indication of nailing, while in the case of a more favorable prognosis, the intervention of hip megaprosthesis is to be preferred.
Novel postoperative nomograms for predicting individual prognoses of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis
Authors: Xu Liangliang , Dai Fuzhen , Wang Peng , Li Lian , Zhang Ming , Xu Mingqing
Published: September 2022

Background

Liver cirrhosis is a well-known risk factor for carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to construct individual prognostic models for HCC with cirrhosis.

Methods

The clinical differences between HCC patients with and without cirrhosis were compared using a large cohort of 1003 cases. The patients with cirrhosis were randomly divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort in a ratio of 2:1. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to reveal the independent risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in HCC patients with cirrhosis. These factors were subsequently used to construct nomograms.

Results

Multivariate analyses revealed that five clinical variables (hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, tumour diameter, microvascular invasion (MVI), and satellite lesions) and seven variables (HBeAg positivity, AFP level, tumour diameter, MVI, satellite lesions, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level, and histological differentiation) were significantly associated with RFS and OS, respectively. The C-indices of the nomograms for RFS and OS were 0.739 (P < 0.001) and 0.789 (P < 0.001), respectively, in the training cohort, and 0.752 (P < 0.001) and 0.813 (P < 0.001), respectively, in the validation cohort. The C-indices of the nomograms were significantly higher than those of conventional staging systems (P < 0.001). The calibration plots showed optimal consistence between the nomogram-predicted and observed prognoses.

Conclusions

The nomograms developed in the present study showed good performance in predicting the prognoses of HCC patients with hepatitis B virus-associated cirrhosis.
Artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic tools: utilizing a convolutional neural network (CNN) to assess periodontal bone level radiographically—a retrospective study
Authors: Alotaibi Ghala , Awawdeh Mohammed , Farook Fathima Fazrina , Aljohani Mohamed , Aldhafiri Razan Mohamed , Aldhoayan Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Background

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a computer-assisted detection system based on a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm and to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of this system for the detection of alveolar bone loss in periapical radiographs in the anterior region of the dental arches. We also aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the system in categorizing the severity of bone loss due to periodontal disease.

Method

A data set of 1724 intraoral periapical images of upper and lower anterior teeth in 1610 adult patients were retrieved from the ROMEXIS software management system at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Using a combination of pre-trained deep CNN architecture and a self-trained network, the radiographic images were used to determine the optimal CNN algorithm. The diagnostic and predictive accuracy, precision, confusion matrix, recall, F1-score, Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC), Cohen Kappa, were calculated using the deep CNN algorithm in Python.

Results

The periapical radiograph dataset was divided randomly into 70% training, 20% validation, and 10% testing datasets. With the deep learning algorithm, the diagnostic accuracy for classifying normal versus disease was 73.0%, and 59% for the classification of the levels of severity of the bone loss. The Model showed a significant difference in the confusion matrix, accuracy, precision, recall, f1-score, MCC and Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC), Cohen Kappa, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC), between both the binary and multi-classification models.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the deep CNN algorithm (VGG-16) was useful to detect alveolar bone loss in periapical radiographs, and has a satisfactory ability to detect the severity of bone loss in teeth. The results suggest that machines can perform better based on the level classification and the captured characteristics of the image diagnosis. With additional optimization of the periodontal dataset, it is expected that a computer-aided detection system can become an effective and efficient procedure for aiding in the detection and staging of periodontal disease.
Symmetric subgenomes and balanced homoeolog expression stabilize the establishment of allopolyploidy in cyprinid fish
Authors: Ren Li , Gao Xin , Cui Jialin , Zhang Chun , Dai He , Luo Mengxue , He Shaofang , Qin Qinbo , Luo Kaikun , Tao Min , Xiao Jun , Wang Jing , Zhang Hong , Zhang Xueyin , Zhou Yi , Wang Jing , Zhao Xin , Liu Guiming , Wang Guoliang , Huo Linhe , Wang Shi , Hu Fangzhou , Zhao Rurong , Zhou Rong , Wang Yude , Liu Qinfeng , Yan Xiaojing , Wu Chang , Yang Conghui , Tang Chenchen , Duan Wei , Liu Shaojun
Published: September 2022

Background

Interspecific postzygotic reproduction isolation results from large genetic divergence between the subgenomes of established hybrids. Polyploidization immediately after hybridization may reset patterns of homologous chromosome pairing and ameliorate deleterious genomic incompatibility between the subgenomes of distinct parental species in plants and animals. However, the observation that polyploidy is less common in vertebrates raises the question of which factors restrict its emergence. Here, we perform analyses of the genome, epigenome, and gene expression in the nascent allotetraploid lineage (2.95 Gb) derived from the intergeneric hybridization of female goldfish (Carassius auratus, 1.49 Gb) and male common carp (Cyprinus carpio, 1.42 Gb), to shed light on the changes leading to the stabilization of hybrids.

Results

We firstly identify the two subgenomes derived from the parental lineages of goldfish and common carp. We find variable unequal homoeologous recombination in somatic and germ cells of the intergeneric F1and allotetraploid (F22and F24) populations, reflecting high plasticity between the subgenomes, and rapidly varying copy numbers between the homoeolog genes. We also find dynamic changes in transposable elements accompanied by genome merger and duplication in the allotetraploid lineage. Finally, we observe the gradual decreases incis-regulatory effects and increases intrans-regulatory effects along with the allotetraploidization, which contribute to increases in the symmetrical homoeologous expression in different tissues and developmental stages, especially in early embryogenesis.

Conclusions

Our results reveal a series of changes in transposable elements, unequal homoeologous recombination,cis- andtrans-regulations (e.g. DNA methylation), and homoeologous expression, suggesting their potential roles in mediating adaptive stabilization of regulatory systems of the nascent allotetraploid lineage. The symmetrical subgenomes and homoeologous expression provide a novel way of balancing genetic incompatibilities, providing a new insight into the early stages of allopolyploidization in vertebrate evolution.
IL-37 protects against airway remodeling by reversing bronchial epithelial–mesenchymal transition via IL-24 signaling pathway in chronic asthma
Authors: Feng Kang-ni , Meng Ping , Zou Xiao-ling , Zhang Min , Li Hai-ke , Yang Hai-ling , Li Hong-tao , Zhang Tian-tuo
Published: September 2022

Background

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the mechanisms of airway remodeling in chronic asthma. Interleukin (IL)-24 has been implicated in the promotion of tissue fibrosis, and increased IL-24 levels have been observed in the nasal secretions and sputum of asthmatic patients. However, the role of IL-24 in asthmatic airway remodeling, especially in EMT, remains largely unknown. We aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of IL-24 on EMT and to verify whether IL-37 could alleviate IL-24-induced EMT in chronic asthma.

Methods

BEAS-2B cells were exposed to IL-24, and cell migration was assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays. The expression of EMT-related biomarkers (E-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA) was evaluated after the cells were stimulated with IL-24 with or without IL-37. A murine asthma model was established by intranasal administration of house dust mite (HDM) extracts for 5 weeks, and the effects of IL-24 and IL-37 on EMT and airway remodeling were investigated by intranasal administration of si-IL-24 and rhIL-37.

Results

We observed that IL-24 significantly enhanced the migration of BEAS-2B cells in vitro. IL-24 promoted the expression of the EMT biomarkers vimentin and α-SMA via the STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways. In addition, we found that IL-37 partially reversed IL-24-induced EMT in BEAS-2B cells by blocking the ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways. Similarly, the in vivo results showed that IL-24 was overexpressed in the airway epithelium of an HDM-induced chronic asthma model, and IL-24 silencing or IL-37 treatment could reverse EMT biomarker expression.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings indicated that IL-37 mitigated HDM-induced airway remodeling by inhibiting IL-24-mediated EMT via the ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways, thereby providing experimental evidence for IL-24 as a novel therapeutic target and IL-37 as a promising agent for treating severe asthma.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy versus conventional radiotherapy for painful bone metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Ito Kei , Saito Tetsuo , Nakamura Naoki , Imano Nobuki , Hoskin Peter
Published: September 2022

Background

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a promising approach in treating painful bone metastases. However, the superiority of SBRT over conventional external beam radiotherapy (cEBRT) remains controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was conducted to compare SBRT and cEBRT for the treatment of bone metastases.

Methods

A search was conducted using PubMed on January 22, 2022, with the following inclusion criteria: (i) randomised controlled trials comparing SBRT with cEBRT for bone metastases and (ii) endpoint including pain response. Effect sizes across studies were pooled using random-effects models in a meta-analysis of risk ratios.

Results

A total of 1246 articles were screened, with 7 articles comprising 964 patients (522 and 442 patients in the SBRT and cEBRT arms, respectively) meeting the inclusion criteria. The overall pain response (OR) rates of bone metastases at 3 months were 45% and 36% in the SBRT and cEBRT arms, respectively. The present analyses showed no significant difference between the two groups. In four studies included for the calculation of OR rates of spinal metastases at three months, the OR rates were 40% and 35% in the SBRT and cEBRT arms, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups. The incidence of severe adverse effects and health-related quality of life outcomes were comparable between the two arms.

Conclusions

The superiority of SBRT over cEBRT for pain palliation in bone metastases was not confirmed in this meta-analysis. Although SBRT is a standard of care for bone metastases, patients receiving SBRT should be selected appropriately.
Retraction Note: MicroRNA-1468 promotes tumor progression by activating PPAR-γ-mediated AKT signaling in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhikui , Wang Yufeng , Dou Changwei , Sun Liankang , Li Qing , Wang Liang , Xu Qiuran , Yang Wei , Liu Qingguang , Tu Kangsheng
Published: September 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-018-0717-3
Testing the generalizability of ancestry-specific polygenic risk scores to predict prostate cancer in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kim Michelle S. , Naidoo Daphne , Hazra Ujani , Quiver Melanie H. , Chen Wenlong C. , Simonti Corinne N. , Kachambwa Paidamoyo , Harlemon Maxine , Agalliu Ilir , Baichoo Shakuntala , Fernandez Pedro , Hsing Ann W. , Jalloh Mohamed , Gueye Serigne M. , Niang Lamine , Diop Halimatou , Ndoye Medina , Snyper Nana Yaa , Adusei Ben , Mensah James E. , Abrahams Afua O. D. , Biritwum Richard , Adjei Andrew A. , Adebiyi Akindele O. , Shittu Olayiwola , Ogunbiyi Olufemi , Adebayo Sikiru , Aisuodionoe-Shadrach Oseremen I. , Nwegbu Maxwell M. , Ajibola Hafees O. , Oluwole Olabode P. , Jamda Mustapha A. , Singh Elvira , Pentz Audrey , Joffe Maureen , Darst Burcu F. , Conti David V. , Haiman Christopher A. , Spies Petrus V. , van der Merwe André , Rohan Thomas E. , Jacobson Judith , Neugut Alfred I. , McBride Jo , Andrews Caroline , Petersen Lindsay N. , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Lachance Joseph
Published: September 2022

Background

Genome-wide association studies do not always replicate well across populations, limiting the generalizability of polygenic risk scores (PRS). Despite higher incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in men of African descent, much of what is known about cancer genetics comes from populations of European descent. To understand how well genetic predictions perform in different populations, we evaluated test characteristics of PRS from three previous studies using data from the UK Biobank and a novel dataset of 1298 prostate cancer cases and 1333 controls from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.

Results

Allele frequency differences cause predicted risks of prostate cancer to vary across populations. However, natural selection is not the primary driver of these differences. Comparing continental datasets, we find that polygenic predictions of case vs. control status are more effective for European individuals (AUC 0.608–0.707, OR 2.37–5.71) than for African individuals (AUC 0.502–0.585, OR 0.95–2.01). Furthermore, PRS that leverage information from African Americans yield modest AUC and odds ratio improvements for sub-Saharan African individuals. These improvements were larger for West Africans than for South Africans. Finally, we find that existing PRS are largely unable to predict whether African individuals develop aggressive forms of prostate cancer, as specified by higher tumor stages or Gleason scores.

Conclusions

Genetic predictions of prostate cancer perform poorly if the study sample does not match the ancestry of the original GWAS. PRS built from European GWAS may be inadequate for application in non-European populations and perpetuate existing health disparities.
Comparison of three insulin bolus calculators to increase time in range of glycemia in a group of poorly controlled adults Type 1 diabetes in a Brazilian public health service
Authors: Montanari Vanessa Araujo , Gabbay Mônica Andrade Lima , Dib Sérgio Atala
Published: September 2022

Background

A main factor contributing to insufficient glycemic control, during basal/bolus insulin therapy, is poor self-management bolus. Insulin bolus administration frequency is strongly associated with glycated hemoglobin (A1c) in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). In the present study, we analyzed the performance of two-bolus calculator’s software that could be accessible to T1D patients from a Public Health Service to improve glycemic time in range (TIR) and A1c.

Methods

This prospective, controlled, randomized, parallel intervention clinical trial was carried out with 111 T1D participants on basal/bolus therapy [multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) or subcutaneous infusion pump (CSII)] with basal A1c ≥ 8.5% for 24 weeks. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 2 interventions: COMBO® (bolus calculator) and GLIC (mobile application) and 1 control (CSII group). Anthropometrics and metabolic variables were assessed on basal, 3 and 6 months of follow-up.

Results

TIR was increased in 9.42% in COMBO group (29 ± 12% to 38.9 ± 12.7%; p < 0.001) in 8.39% in the GLIC® group (28 ± 15% to 36.6 ± 15.1%; p < 0.001) while remained stable in CSII group (40 ± 11% to 39.3 ± 10.3%). A1c decrease in 1.08% (p < 0.001), 0.64% (p < 0.001) and 0.38% (p = 0.01) at 6 months in relation to basal in the COMBO, GLIC and CSII respectively. Daily basal insulin dose was reduced by 8.8% (p = 0.01) in the COMBO group.

Conclusion

The COMBO and a mobile applicative (GLIC) bolus calculator had a similar and a good performance to optimize the intensive insulin treatment of T1D in the public health system with increase in the TIR and reduction in A1C without increase hypoglycemia prevalence.
The effect of 3-nitrooxypropanol, a potent methane inhibitor, on ruminal microbial gene expression profiles in dairy cows
Authors: Pitta Dipti W. , Indugu Nagaraju , Melgar Audino , Hristov Alexander , Challa Krishna , Vecchiarelli Bonnie , Hennessy Meagan , Narayan Kapil , Duval Stephane , Kindermann Maik , Walker Nicola
Published: September 2022

Background

Enteric methane emissions from dairy cows are an environmental problem as well as a gross feed energy loss to the animal. Methane is generated in the rumen by methanogenic archaea from hydrogen (H2) + carbon dioxide and from H2 + methanol or methylamines. The methanogenic substrates are provided by non-methanogens during feed fermentation. Methane mitigation approaches have yielded variable results, partially due to an incomplete understanding of the contribution of hydrogenotrophic and methylotrophic archaea to methanogenesis. Research indicates that 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) reduces enteric methane formation in dairy cows by inhibiting methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR), the enzyme responsible for methane formation. The purpose of this study was to utilize metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches to investigate the effect of 3-NOP on the rumen microbiome and to determine the fate of H2 that accumulates less than expected under inhibited methanogenesis.

Results

The inhibitor 3-NOP was more inhibitory on Methanobrevibacter species than methanol-utilizing Methanosphaera and tended to reduce the gene expression of MCR. Under inhibited methanogenesis by 3-NOP, fluctuations in H2 concentrations were accompanied by changes in the expression of [FeFe] hydrogenases in H2-producing bacteria to regulate the amount of H2 production. No previously reported alternative H2 sinks increased under inhibited methanogenesis except for a significant increase in gene expression of enzymes involved in the butyrate pathway.

Conclusion

By taking a metatranscriptomic approach, this study provides novel insights on the contribution of methylotrophic methanogens to total methanogenesis and regulation of H2 metabolism under normal and inhibited methanogenesis by 3-NOP in the rumen.
Accuracy of behavioral health variables in Oregon national violent death reporting system data: a linked cohort study
Authors: Carlson Kathleen F. , Gilbert Tess A. , DeFrancesco Susan , Wright Dagan A. , Shen Xun , Cook Lawrence J.
Published: September 2022

Background

The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) collects data on the circumstances of violent deaths, and all firearm-related deaths, across states and territories in the USA. This surveillance system is critical to understanding patterns and risk factors for these fatalities, thereby informing targets for prevention. NVDRS variables include behavioral health conditions among decedents, but the validity of the reported behavioral health data is unknown. Using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare records as a criterion standard, we examined the accuracy of NVDRS-reported behavioral health variables for veteran decedents in a sample state (Oregon) between 2003 and 2017.

Methods

We linked Oregon NVDRS data to VA healthcare data to identify veteran decedents who used VA services within two years of death. Veterans’ VA diagnoses within this time frame, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and substance use disorders, were compared to behavioral health variables identified in the Oregon NVDRS. Concordance, sensitivity, and correlates of sensitivity were examined over time and by decedent characteristics.

Results

We identified 791 VA-using veterans with violent and/or firearm-related fatal injuries documented in the Oregon NVDRS between 2003 and 2017. In this cohort, the Oregon NVDRS accurately identified only 49% of decedents who were diagnosed with depression, 45% of those diagnosed with PTSD, and 17% of those diagnosed with anxiety by the VA. Among 211 veterans diagnosed by the VA with a substance use disorder, the Oregon NVDRS coded only 56% as having a substance use problem. In general, the sensitivity of behavioral health variables in the Oregon NVDRS remained the same or decreased over the study period; however, the sensitivity of PTSD diagnoses increased from 21% in 2003–2005 to 54% in 2015–2017. Sensitivity varied by some decedent characteristics, but not consistently across behavioral health variables.

Conclusions

NVDRS data from one state missed more than half of behavioral health diagnoses among VA-using veterans who died from violence or from firearm injuries. This suggests that reports of behavioral health conditions among decedents nationally may be severely undercounted. Efforts to improve validity of these variables in state NVDRS data are needed.
Orienting paleomagnetic drill cores using a portable GPS compass
Authors: Fukuma Koji , Muramatsu Tetsuo
Published: September 2022

A portable Global Positioning System (GPS) compass was devised for orienting paleomagnetic drill cores and field test measurements were conducted. Orientation of drill cores has been done by magnetic compasses, sun compasses, and backsighting using landmarks. We modified a lightweight marine GPS compass to be mounted on an orientation device and directly measure azimuths, and compared them to measurements made with a magnetic compass, sun compass, and backsighting. Tests on our campus for a site with open sky above showed a root-mean-squared (rms) error of $$0.39^\circ$$

0
.

39
∘

, which is less than what is noted on the specifications of the GPS compass, and a difference of $$-\,0.1^\circ \pm 1.1^\circ$$

-

0
.

1
∘

±
1
.

1
∘

(average ± rms) between the GPS and sun azimuths for 11 direction measurements. However, the site between buildings showed an average deviation of $$11.4^\circ$$

11
.

4
∘

from the sun azimuth due to multipath effects. When tested on drill core sampling of historical lavas in a volcanic island, the GPS azimuths were deviated only by $$0.4^\circ \pm 2.3^\circ$$

0
.

4
∘

±
2
.

3
∘

from the sun azimuths at a flat coastal site with open sky above, indicating that the GPS azimuths are as accurate as the sun azimuths. On the other hand, the GPS compass could not provide azimuths at vertical outcrops in forests due to the small number of satellites captured and multipath effects. If other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) satellites are captured and false signals caused by multipath are eliminated, portable GNSS compasses, which operate regardless of rock type, weather, or geographic situation, would replace other methods of orienting drill cores.

Graphical Abstract
Functional characterization of the soybean cyst nematode effector SCN-27D09 using the model plant pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae-mediated delivery system
Authors: Yang Nan , Yu Qianqian , Li Wenhao , Chen Deng , Jian Jinzhuo , Zhang Huixia , Wang Gaofeng , Liu Shiming , Huang Wenkun , Peng Huan , Peng Deliang , Yang Jun , Guo Xiaoli , Kong Lingan
Published: September 2022

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is widely considered as the model plant-parasitic nematode, which secretes effector proteins to manipulate host responses. In this study, we cloned a dorsal gland-expressed effector protein SCN-27D09 that belongs to the same family as Hg10A07 in SCN. We used the model plant pathogen rice blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae) to quickly predict and characterize the functions of SCN-27D09. By using M. oryzae secretion system in barley, we confirmed that the signal peptide of SCN-27D09 has secretory activity and can guide the protein into the host cells. Heterologous expression of SCN-27D09 in M. oryzae significantly enhanced the susceptibility of barley to M. oryzae. SCN-27D09 can inhibit Bax-triggered cell death when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Overexpression of SCN-27D09 in soybean hairy root also increased the susceptibility of soybean plants to SCN. Moreover, yeast two-hybrid and firefly luciferase complementation imaging assays showed that SCN-27D09 interacts with a soybean plant kinase GmIPK-2. Functional characterization of GmIPK-2 revealed its positive role in soybean resistance, indicating that SCN-27D09 might compromise the function of GmIPK-2 to facilitate nematode infection. Our results not only uncover the biological role of SCN-27D09 in suppressing plant defense responses and therefore promoting nematode parasitism, but also reaffirm the potential application of the model plant pathogenic fungus M. oryzae in investigating the pathogenic roles of candidate effectors of phytonematodes.
Gastric perforation and renal vein thrombosis in acute pancreatitis: a case report
Authors: Alagappan Alamelu , Sahoo Biswajit , Panigrahi Manas Kumar , Sidhu Simran
Published: September 2022

Background

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen. It is associated with multiple complications. Gastric perforation and isolated renal vein thrombosis are two infrequent complications. We present a case of acute pancreatitis with gastric perforation and isolated renal vein thrombosis in the same patient.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old gentleman with chronic alcohol intake presented with complaints of abdominal pain and not responding to analgesics. Biochemical investigations revealed elevated amylase and lipase level. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed necrotizing pancreatitis with necrotic collection in the lesser sac. On oral contrast, active contrast extravasation from gastric perforation was picked up. Renal vein and splenic vein thrombosis was observed.

Conclusions

Gastric perforation and renal vein thrombosis are two infrequent complications of acute pancreatitis. High-end radiological suspicion is needed to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.
Centri-lobular pulmonary nodules on HRCT: incidence and approach for etiological diagnosis
Authors: Hafez Mona Ahmed Fouad , Koirala Thakur , El Hinnawy Yasmine Hamdy , Tadros Sally Fouad
Published: September 2022

Background

Centri-lobular nodules are the most common pattern of diffuse pulmonary nodules encountered on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). HRCT with post-processing techniques such as obtaining maximum intensity projection (MIP) is helpful in making centri-lobular nodules more conspicuous. The study aimed to highlight the role of HRCT with its reconstruction capabilities in the detection and characterization of centri-lobular pulmonary nodules, interpret the most frequent associated findings, and correlate with the clinical findings to reach the most appropriate diagnosis.

Results

The study included 58 patients; 41.4% males and 58.6% females. Their age ranged from 2 to 67 years with mean age of 25.69. The centri-lobular nodules numbers, distribution, shape, and associated HRCT chest findings were identified. The top three etiological diagnoses were infection/inflammation in 50.0% of cases followed by acute viral bronchiolitis in 27.6% and inhalation bronchiolitis in 19.0% of cases. Correlation of HRCT findings with the clinical diagnosis was carried out with consequent formulation of an algorithm for the diagnostic approach of various etiologies of centri-lobular pulmonary nodules.

Conclusions

HRCT is a useful tool in the detection and characterization of centri-lobular pulmonary nodules. It can be used to differentiate the different etiologies that share centri-lobular nodularity. Other associated features and multidisciplinary approach are essential for further characterization of the most relevant etiological diagnosis.
An innovative use of PIRS technique for pediatric femoral hernia: report of 2 cases
Authors: Ergun Ergun , Kara Yusuf Alper , Yagiz Beytullah , Karalar Sila Ispir , Balci Ozlem , Ozguner Ismet Faruk
Published: September 2022

Background

Femoral hernia is very rare in children. Surgical intervention is necessary for treatment. There are many different surgical methods explained before. Laparoscopic single port repair technique is not reported before.

Case presentation

A 2.5-year-old girl with left femoral hernia and a 5.5-year-old boy with a right femoral hernia were presented to the hospital with bulging on the groin. Using a 5-mm telescope with optical forceps, the defects of patients were repaired with percutaneous ring suturing technique via spinal needle without excision of the lipoma. No complications developed on the patients in 12 months follow-up.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic single port needle assisted repair is a safe and feasible method repairing femoral hernia and excision of the lipoma should be kept in mind to avoid possible recurrences.
Relation between derived cardiovascular indices, body surface area, and blood pressure/heart rate recovery among active and inactive Nigerian student
Authors: Ewah Patrick Ayi , Oyeyemi Adetoyeje Y.
Published: September 2022

Background

The ease in the computation of derived cardiovascular indices, such as mean arterial pressure (MAP), rate pressure product (RPP), and pulse pressure (PP), makes them attractive for use in making clinical decisions for patient management in resource-deprived environments. This study sought to determine the relationship between these indices and heart rate/blood pressure drops during recovery state among physically active and inactive individuals following submaximal exercise.

Results

This quasi-experimental study conveniently sampled 105 apparently healthy male subjects aged 18–35 years of the University of Maiduguri. Intergroup categorization was executed by IPAQ. The derived indices were calculated using heart rate and blood pressure measurement while the body surface area (BSA) was determined using height and weight. The subjects performed a submaximal exercise test using a bicycle ergometer. Data analysis includes descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation, Studentt-test, analysis of covariance, and multiple linear regression. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 at a significance ofp< 0.05. The mean BSA and resting PP, MAP, and RPP were 1.84 ± 0.16 m2, 41.23 ± 7.57 mmHg, 85.92 ± 9 mmHg, and 8266.45 ± 1404.05 respectively. The resting RPP of the physically inactive subjects was significantly higher than that of the active (8742.71 ± 1496.31 Vs 7790.18 ± 1131.59,p= 0.00); however, the active subject had a higher resting MAP than the inactive (87.91 ± 7.98 Vs 83.93 ± 9.59,p= 0.03). A significant negative relationship was found between the RPP and the Absolute/percent recovery HR (r= -0.23,p= 0.02 Vsr= -0.34,p= 0.00). However, for the PP and absolute recovery SBP it was significantly positive (r= 0.22,p= 0.03) and also that of the MAP and absolute recovery SBP was positive (r= 0.33,p= 0.00). The best negative predictor of recovery HR was the RPP (β= −0.45,p= 0.00) while the MAP was the best positive predictor of recovery HR and SBP.

Conclusions

Overall, the physically active subjects coped better during the exercise than their inactive counterpart because of lower cardiac work and better blood perfusion to vital body organs. An inverse relationship was found between the RPP and absolute/percent recovery HR at 1 min post-exercise while a positive relationship was found between the PP and absolute drop in SBP/percent drop in DBP 1 min post-exercise. The best predictor of recovery in HR and blood pressure was the RPP.
Increased GH Secretion and Body Growth in Mice Carrying Ablation of IGF-1 Receptor in GH-releasing Hormone Cells
Authors: Gusmao Daniela O , de Sousa Maria E , Tavares Mariana R , Donato Jose
Published: September 2022

Growth hormone (GH) secretion is controlled by short and long negative feedback loops. In this regard, both GH (short-loop feedback) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1; long-loop feedback) can target somatotropic cells of the pituitary gland and neuroendocrine hypothalamic neurons to regulate the GH/IGF-1 axis. GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)–expressing neurons play a fundamental role in stimulating pituitary GH secretion. However, it is currently unknown whether IGF-1 action on GHRH-expressing cells is required for the control of the GH/IGF-1/growth axis. In the present study, we investigated the phenotype of male and female mice carrying ablation of IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) exclusively in GHRH cells. After weaning, both male and female GHRHΔIGF1R mice exhibited increases in body weight, lean body mass, linear growth, and length of long bones (tibia, femur, humerus, and radius). In contrast, the percentage of body fat was similar between control and GHRHΔIGF1R mice. The higher body growth of GHRHΔIGF1R mice can be explained by increases in mean GH levels, GH pulse amplitude, and pulse frequency, calculated from 36 blood samples collected from each animal at 10-minute intervals. GHRHΔIGF1R mice also showed increased hypothalamic Ghrh mRNA levels, pituitary Gh mRNA expression, hepatic Igf1 expression, and serum IGF-1 levels compared with control animals. Furthermore, GHRHΔIGF1R mice displayed significant alterations in the sexually dimorphic hepatic gene expression profile, with a prevailing feminization in most genes analyzed. In conclusion, our findings indicate that GHRH neurons represent a key and necessary site for the long-loop negative feedback that controls the GH/IGF-1 axis and body growth.
Metformin Decreases Serum Thyroglobulin Concentration in Nonmedullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Caetano Celina , Pico Paola Tabaro , Singh Charan , Tendler Beatriz , Malchoff Diana M , Malchoff Carl D
Published: September 2022

Context

The conventional treatment of nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (NMTC) includes surgical resection, thyrotropin (TSH) suppression, and 131-iodine. Some patients develop persistent/recurrent metastatic disease requiring expensive alternative therapies, such as external radiation and multikinase inhibitors, which may have clinically significant side effects. Recent in vitro studies, in vivo studies in animals, and association studies in humans suggest that metformin, an inexpensive medication with a modest side effect profile, may help prevent or treat NMTC. No interventional trials analyzing the effect of metformin have been performed in humans.

Objective

We hypothesize that metformin administration will decrease serum thyroglobulin concentration (Tg), a surrogate marker for NMTC burden.

Methods

This retrospective institutional review board–approved study included 10 patients with persistent/recurrent NMTC who had exhausted conventional therapies including total thyroidectomy and 131-iodine. Five had detectable disease on computed tomography imaging. All had biochemical evidence of NMTC with Tg > 2.0 ng/mL with nondetectable serum thyroglobulin antibody concentrations. Five elected to have metformin treatment at doses varying from 500 to 2000 mg/day for 2 to 5 months. The remaining 5 served as untreated controls. Statistical significance was determined by the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

Tg decreased (mean decrease = 21.7 ± 8.4%) in all 5 patients receiving metformin and increased (mean increase = 16.6 ± 12.1%) in all 5 controls (P < .01). TSH did not change significantly in either group.

Conclusion

In summary, metformin caused a TSH-independent Tg decrease in patients with persistent/recurrent NMTC. More extensive studies are required to determine if metformin slows NMTC progression
Genres of Listening
Authors: Marsilli-Vargas Xochitl
Published: September 2022

In Genres of Listening Xochitl Marsilli-Vargas explores a unique culture of listening and communicating in Buenos Aires. She traces how psychoanalytic listening circulates beyond the clinical setting to become a central element of social interaction and cultural production in the city that has the highest number of practicing psychologists and psychoanalysts in the world. Marsilli-Vargas develops the concept of genres of listening to demonstrate that hearers listen differently, depending on where, how, and to whom they are listening. In particular, she focuses on psychoanalytic listening as a specific genre. Porteños (citizens of Buenos Aires) have developed a “psychoanalytic ear” that emerges during conversational encounters in everyday interactions in which participants offer different interpretations of the hidden meaning the words carry. Marsilli-Vargas does not analyze these interpretations as impositions or interruptions but as productive exchanges. By outlining how psychoanalytic listening operates as a genre, Marsilli-Vargas opens up ways to imagine other modes of listening and forms of social interaction.
Pseudouridylation of Epstein-Barr virus noncoding RNA EBER2 facilitates lytic replication
Authors: Henry Belle A. , Marchand Virginie , Schlegel Brent T. , Helm Mark , Motorin Yuri , Lee Nara
Published: September 2022

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) expresses two highly abundant noncoding RNAs called EBV-encoded RNA 1 (EBER1) and EBER2, which are preserved in all clinical isolates of EBV, thus underscoring their essential function in the viral life cycle. Recent epitranscriptomics studies have uncovered a vast array of distinct RNA modifications within cellular as well as viral noncoding RNAs that are instrumental in executing their function. Here we show that EBER2 is marked by pseudouridylation, and by using HydraPsiSeq the modification site was mapped to a single nucleotide within the 3′ region of EBER2. The writer enzyme was identified to be the snoRNA-dependent pseudouridine synthase Dyskerin, which is the catalytic subunit of H/ACA small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein complexes, and is guided to EBER2 by SNORA22. Similar to other noncoding RNAs for which pseudouridylation has a positive effect on RNA stability, loss of EBER2 pseudouridylation results in a decrease in RNA levels. Furthermore, pseudouridylation of EBER2 is required for the prolific accumulation of progeny viral genomes, suggesting that this single modification in EBER2 is important for efficient viral lytic replication. Taken together, our findings add to the list of RNA modifications that are essential for noncoding RNAs to implement their physiological roles.
Determining Pointe Readiness in Young Adolescent Female Dancers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hough-Coles Kelly , Wyon Matthew
Published: September 2022

Dancing en pointe is an integral aspect of ballet for female dancers and they start pointe training in young adolescence. The primary objective of this review was to investigate the screening tests used to determine pointe readiness in young adolescent female dancers, and the secondary objective was to determine the injuries associated with pointe training. The search engines Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were mined using medical subject heading terms "pointe," "pointe readiness," "injury," "young," "adolescent," "female," and "dancer," and a manual search of relevant articles was conducted. The inclusion criteria were: females aged 8 to 20 years, pre-pointe, training en pointe, and pointe-related injury. The search strategy followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following data were extracted; first author, year of publication, study design, participant size, mean age, testing, outcome, and general notes of each study. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Research Triangle Institute Item Bank (RTI-IB). Eight cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. Results suggested that the topple, airplane, sauté, and relevé tests are statistically better determinants of pointe readiness than chronological age alone. Utilizing these methods alongside age, strength, body maturation, range of motion (ROM), and teacher evaluation could provide an all-round insight into a dancer's readiness for pointe. However, the included studies had contradictory outcomes with regard to pointe-related injury and the review's conclusions are limited by methodological design.
Neuromuscular Warm-Up is Associated with Fewer Overuse Injuries in Ballet Dancers Compared to Traditional Ballet-Specific Warm-Up
Authors: Kaufmann Judith-Elisa , Nelissen Rob G. H. H. , Stubbe Janine H. , Gademan Maaike G. J.
Published: September 2022

Neuromuscular warm-up exercises (NMWU) have been shown to prevent injuries. In dance, research on warming-up is scarce. We investigated warm-up habits among ballet dancers and the effects of NMWU and traditional ballet-specific warm-up (TBSWU) on injuries. Using a cross-sectional survey among ballet dancers over the age of 18 years, we recorded acute and overuse injuries sustained in the previous 2 years. Warm-up behavior was assessed through 28 items. Dancers were grouped into NMWU or TBSWU: NMWU was based on neuromuscular warm-up programs in sports science and included exercises improving strength, power, proprioception, sensorimotor control, or cardiovascular stimulus; and TBSWU consisted of stretching, dance-technical exercises, marking steps and running-through-choreographies, or stretching with tools. Separate linear regression analyses adjusted for confounding factors were performed for acute and overuse injuries. A total of 192 dancers (26.7 ± 7.82 years, 159 females, 132 professionals) reported 203 acute and 469 overuse injuries. In total, 47.4% of dancers always warmed up (mean duration 20.7 ± 13.2 minutes) based on stretching (63%), technical-exercises (58.9%), strength-training (54.7%), and the barre (53.6%); and 9.4% never warmed up. A total of 31 dancers (16.15%) were classified as TBSWU, 16 dancers (8.3%) for NMWU, and 145 dancers did combined exercises. Those in the NMWU group were associated with fewer overuse injuries compared to those in the TBSWU group (β = -2.34; 95%CI -3.54 to -1.14). No association was found with acute injuries. As in other athletes, NMWU might be protective against overuse injuries in dancers. Large-scale prospective cohort studies are needed to gain more insight into NMWU as a possible component of injury prevention in ballet.