bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dibutyltin(IV) formulations as potential antitubercular scaffold: DFT assisted emerging advances and mechanism of antitubercular action
Authors: Soni Komal , Kumawat Anita , Saxena Sanjiv , Jain Asha
Published: May 2024

The interplay between N,O-orthometallated, O,O′-chelated, and dibutyltin(IV) groups in biopotent hybrid formulations to combat tuberculosis is deciphered. The present study is concerned with design, generation, spectroscopic, and DFT-assisted structural characterization. It improves understanding of the structure-antitubercular activity relationship and mode of action of some dibutyltin(IV) formulations against Mycobacterium tuberculosis as possible antituberculosis agents. Dibutyltin(IV) formulations of the general formula Bu2SnLL′ (where LH = heterocyclic/non-fluorinated/fluorinated β-diketones and L′H = aminophenol/substituted aminophenols) were generated by the reaction of Bu2SnCl2 with sodium salts of the ligands in 1:1:1 molar ratio. The newly generated dibutyltin(IV) formulations were characterized with the assistance of spectroscopic techniques and mass studies. Computational calculations of some representative complexes (1 and 2) also supported the obtained spectral data. Antituberculosis activity analysis was performed on some representative dibutyltin(IV) complexes (1, 4, and 8). Out of these, complex 4 demonstrated the highest activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The structure-antitubercular activity relationship and mechanism of action of the active complexes against M. tuberculosis were also investigated. An intercluster electron hopping mechanism of mode of action is suggested.
Patient-initiated follow-up for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: how we do it and 2 years of outcome data
Authors: Abdul Gafoor Shafiah Muna , Robinson Sophie , Diskantova Sofya , Woodcock Emma , Yethenpa Sonam , Holloran Sophie , Nelson Toby
Published: May 2024

Background

For patients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs), current guidance suggests we should offer post-treatment follow-up appointments at regular intervals for 24 months. Is this to improve prognosis, provide psychological support or find the next cancer? Recent data confirm that recurrence and metastasis are rarer events, and that perhaps these intense follow-up schedules do not really lead to improved health outcomes.

Objectives

To question whether current follow-up practices are truly needed by introducing an option of patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU).

Methods

We enrolled 476 patients with cSCC (January 2020–January 2023) who fulfilled the definition of high-risk cSCC based on guidelines in use at the time. Of the total, 59 did not fulful the inclusion criteria and were excluded; 250 (52.5%) did not recontact us during the 2-year period, with no clinical record of complications or recurrences; and 167 (35.1%) utilized the PIFU pathway, of which 119 patients required only one face-to-face appointment. Seven patients (1.5%) developed metastatic disease, 11 (2.3%) developed recurrence and 68 (14.3%) developed cSCC at another site. All lesions were identified by the patient via PIFU. We saved 1250 follow-up appointments from those who did not contact us (n = 250), financially equating to £181 462.50.

Conclusions

Our data imply that PIFU can be considered safe alternative practice for patients with cSCC. Patients independently identified the need for review without scheduled follow-up, making these appointments available to other patient cohorts. Although follow-up appointments may provide mental health support, they can be inconvenient and not the ideal use of our healthcare resources. Our findings support a call for revision of existing skin cancer health policies to cope with and subsequently improve our practices for better patient care.
Risk factors for the development of Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis following drug administration: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fathima Samaah , Grainge Matthew J , Wainman Hannah , Swiderski Mikolaj , Gran Sonia
Published: May 2024

The aim of this systematic review was to determine risk factors for the development of Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) following drug administration. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. On 17 October 2022, a search, advised by a librarian, was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase. Five studies were pooled. We report that HIV and male gender may be risk factors for SJS/TEN; however, this review was limited by a low number and quality of included studies. We conclude that a well-designed, large population-based case–control study with an appropriate control group is required to assess risk factors for the development of drug-induced SJS/TEN.
Porokeratosis
Authors: Awad Andrew , Nirenberg Alexander , Colla Themis Getsos , Sinclair Rodney
Published: May 2024

A 48-year-old woman with an otherwise clear past medical history presented with pink-to-brown pruritic plaques on sun-exposed areas, including the hands and torso, which started 5 years previously. She was otherwise well. Similar lesions on sun-exposed areas were also present in her son and mother.
Recalcitrant acneiform papules on the face
Authors: Agrawal Sushant , Arava Sudheer , Mehta Nikhil
Published: May 2024

A woman in her 40s presented with multiple firm skin-coloured papules for 6 years. She had been diagnosed with adult-onset acne and treated with isotretinoin for 9 months with no response. A biopsy from a papule revealed an unexpected pathology.
Inclisiran administration potently and durably lowers LDL-C over an extended-term follow-up: the ORION-8 trial
Authors: Wright R Scott , Raal Frederick J , Koenig Wolfgang , Landmesser Ulf , Leiter Lawrence A , Vikarunnessa Sheikh , Lesogor Anastasia , Maheux Pierre , Talloczy Zsolt , Zang Xiao , Schwartz Gregory G , Ray Kausik K
Published: May 2024

Aims

Data describing the long-term efficacy and tolerability of inclisiran are limited. This was explored in ORION-8, an open-label extension of preceding Phase 2 and Phase 3 placebo-controlled and open-label extension trials.

Methods and results

Following completion of the parent trial, adult patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), ASCVD risk equivalent, or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia received open-label inclisiran twice yearly (after initial and 3-month doses) until Day 990, followed by an end-of-study visit at Day 1080 or ≥ 90 days after the last dose. The study endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving pre-specified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals [ASCVD: < 1.8 mmol/L (< 70 mg/dL); ASCVD risk equivalent: < 2.6 mmol/L (< 100 mg/dL)], percentage and absolute changes in LDL-C at end-of-study, and safety of inclisiran. Of 3274 patients, 2446 (74.7%) were followed until end-of-study. Mean age was 64.9 ± 9.9 years, 82.7% (n = 2709) had ASCVD, and mean baseline LDL-C was 2.9 ± 1.2 mmol/L. Mean cumulative exposure to inclisiran (including parent trials) was 3.7 years; maximum exposure was 6.8 years. With inclisiran, 78.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 76.8, 80.0] of patients achieved pre-specified LDL-C goals and mean percentage change in LDL-C was −49.4% (95% CI: −50.4, −48.3). No attenuation of LDL-C lowering over time was observed. Treatment-emergent adverse events at injection site (all mild/moderate) occurred in 5.9% of the patients. Inclisiran-associated anti-drug antibodies were infrequent (5.5%) and had no impact on the efficacy or safety of inclisiran. No new safety signals were identified.

Conclusion

In the largest and longest follow-up to date with >12 000 patient-years exposure, inclisiran demonstrated consistent and effective LDL-C lowering with a favourable long-term safety and tolerability profile.

Trial Registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03814187
A case report of superior vena cava/right coronary artery fistula secondary to chronic endocarditis
Authors: Kiel Michaela D , Prathivadhi-Bhayankaram Sruti , Singhal Arun K , Ashwath Mahi L
Published: May 2024

Background

Coronary arteriovenous fistulas present an abnormal connection between the coronary arteries and an adjacent systemic or pulmonary vessel. They are rare, representing 0.002% of the general population. The majority is congenital but may additionally occur related to trauma or interventional cardiac procedures.

Case summary

We present the case of a 48-year-old male with a history of untreated bacterial endocarditis developing a right coronary/superior vena cava fistula. We detail the imaging findings of this rare phenomenon to arrive at this diagnosis. We describe his clinical course and the interventions considered, including surgical extraction. Unfortunately, this patient left against medical advice before completing recommended treatment.

Discussion

We present the first documentation of a right coronary/superior vena cava fistula secondary to chronic untreated bacterial endocarditis. Clinicians should be aware of this rare complication.
A case report of refractory multivessel coronary spasm associated with hypereosinophilic syndrome: one cell, one disease?
Authors: Godo Shigeo , Takagi Hidenobu , Komaru Kohei , Takahashi Jun , Yasuda Satoshi
Published: May 2024

Background

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is characterized by moderate to severe eosinophilia, exclusion of neoplastic or secondary origins of eosinophilia, and systemic involvement with end-organ damage. Coronary arteries can be affected to cause vasospastic angina (VSA); however, the association of the two diseases is not well recognized.

Case summary

A 55-year-old woman who had a history of multiple allergic disease such as bronchial asthma and chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps was hospitalized due to attacks of chest pain at rest. During a spontaneous attack of chest pain, ECG revealed ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads and emergency coronary angiography showed focal spasms of the right and left anterior descending coronary arteries, both of which were relieved after intracoronary administration of nitroglycerine. She was diagnosed with VSA according to the Japanese Circulation Society guidelines. Despite conventional vasodilator therapies, her resting angina remained refractory. Laboratory findings were notable for moderate eosinophilia. A comprehensive evaluation to uncover the underlying cause of refractory VSA led to the diagnosis of HES, concomitant with eosinophilic pneumonia and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Pericoronary inflammation by fat attenuation index (FAI) was increased in the proximal segment of the right coronary artery. Treatment was initiated with oral prednisolone at a starting dose of 30 mg/day. The response to treatment was rapid, with her symptoms disappearing and a regression of eosinophilia observed the following day.

Discussion

Hypereosinophilic syndrome manifests with refractory VSA, and eosinophil-suppressing corticosteroid therapy proves effective in improving both conditions along with reduction of the pericoronary inflammation by FAI.
Coronary artery fistula following surgical myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Bowles James , Martin Joshua , Russell Penni L , Bailey Amy , Holland David J
Published: May 2024

Background

Coronary artery fistula is a rare, but recognized complication of surgical myectomy. Although most communicate with the right heart, a large fistula into the left ventricular cavity may result in a shunt haemodynamically analogous to aortic regurgitation. Understanding the variable presentation of iatrogenic coronary fistulae and the optimal evaluation strategy is critical to obtaining a timely diagnosis and instituting treatment.

Case summary

We report the case of a 57-year-old renal transplant recipient admitted for evaluation of presyncope, one-year post-surgical myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. An iatrogenic coronary artery fistula was suspected by transthoracic echocardiography, and later confirmed with both non-invasive and invasive coronary angiography.

Discussion

We highlight various cardiac imaging modalities that confirmed the diagnosis of coronary artery fistula and helped to determine the clinical significance. We report the tailored approach often required to determine the anatomic and haemodynamic characteristics of coronary fistulae and outline potential management strategies.
Bilateral isolated coronary ostial stenosis in a middle-aged premenopausal woman with vasospastic angina: a case report
Authors: Takahashi Koji , Kodama Akihiro , Uemura Shigeki , Okura Takafumi
Published: May 2024

Background

Vasospastic angina (VSA) is uncommon in premenopausal women who have less chronic endothelial injury causing vascular remodelling, considered to play a primary role in the pathogenesis for coronary vasospasms. Furthermore, vasospasms rarely occur in the bilateral coronary ostia. Isolated coronary ostial stenosis (ICOS), which often causes severe effort angina and requires surgical intervention, is more commonly reported in middle-aged women, with causes including fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and large-vessel vasculitis. However, ICOS associated with VSA is extremely rare.

Case summary

A 50-year-old premenopausal Japanese woman presented with a complaint of typical chest pain due to angina during light exertion daily in the early morning hours since 3 years. Coronary angiography (CAG) revealed bilateral mild-to-moderate ICOS in addition to multi-vessel spasms involving the bilateral coronary ostia confirmed by the vasospasm provocation test using intracoronary acetylcholine injection. Tests to determine the cause of ICOS did not identify FMD or any other disease. The angina attacks alleviated after calcium channel blocker (CCB) administration without intervention for bilateral ICOS for 24 years since the first presentation. Moreover, coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) performed 24 years after the first presentation showed no ICOS.

Discussion

In our patient with typical and frequent VSA symptoms, CAG revealed both mild-to-moderate ICOS and the vasospasms in the bilateral coronary ostia. Fibromuscular dysplasia or large-vessel vasculitis was ruled out as the causes of ICOS. Vasospastic angina rarely occurred after the prescription of CCB, and coronary CTA 24 years after the first presentation showed no ICOS. Bilateral ICOS in our patient might be VSA related.
Syncope or seizure: that is the question—case report of a young patient with convulsive cardioinhibitory syncope treated with cardioneuroablation
Authors: Papa Andrea , Fisch Urs , Bassetti Stefano , Badertscher Patrick , Krisai Philipp
Published: May 2024

Background

Differentiation of syncope from seizure is challenging and has therapeutic implications. Cardioinhibitory reflex syncope typically affects young patients where permanent pacing should be avoided whenever possible. Cardioneuroablation may obviate the need for a pacemaker in well-selected patients.

Case summary

A previously healthy 24-year-old woman was referred to the emergency department after recurrent episodes of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC). The electrocardiogram (ECG) and the echocardiogram were normal. An electroencephalogram (EEG) showed intermittent, generalized pathological activity. During EEG under photostimulation, the patient developed a short-term TLOC followed by brachial myocloni, while the concurrent ECG registered a progressive bradycardia, which turned into a complete atrioventricular block and sinus arrest with asystole for 14 s. Immediately after, the patient regained consciousness without sequelae. The episode was interpreted as cardioinhibitory convulsive syncope. However, due to the pathological EEG findings, an underlying epilepsy with ictal asystole could not be fully excluded. Therefore, an antiseizure therapy was also started. After discussing the consequences of pacemaker implantation, the patient agreed to undergo a cardioneuroablation and after 72 h without complications, she was discharged home. At 10 months, the patient autonomously discontinued the antiepileptics. The follow-up EEG displayed unspecific activities without clinical correlations. An implantable loop recorder didn’t show any relevant bradyarrhythmia. At 1-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic and without syncopal episodes.

Discussion

Reflex syncope must be considered in the differential diagnosis of seizures. The cardioneuroablation obviated the need for a pacemaker and allowed for the withdrawal of anticonvulsants, originally started on the premise of seizure.
Sex-specific cardiac magnetic resonance pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
Authors: Garg Pankaj , Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Matthews Gareth , Swoboda Peter , Zhong Liang , Aung Nay , Thomson Ross , Alabed Samer , Demirkiran Ahmet , Vassiliou Vassilios S , Swift Andrew J
Published: May 2024

Aims

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction disproportionately affects women. There are no validated sex-specific tools for HF diagnosis despite widely reported differences in cardiac structure. This study investigates whether sex, as assigned at birth, influences cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP), a hallmark of HF agnostic to ejection fraction.

Methods and results

A derivation cohort of patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension and HF from the Sheffield centre underwent invasive right heart catheterization and CMR within 24 h of each other. A sex-specific CMR model to estimate LVFP, measured as pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), was developed using multivariable regression. A validation cohort of patients with confirmed HF from the Leeds centre was used to evaluate for the primary endpoints of HF hospitalization and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Comparison between generic and sex-specific CMR-derived PCWP was undertaken. A total of 835 (60% female) and 454 (36% female) patients were recruited into the derivation and validation cohorts respectively. A sex-specific model incorporating left atrial volume and left ventricular mass was created. The generic CMR PCWP showed significant differences between males and females (14.7 ± 4 vs. 13 ± 3.0 mmHg, P > 0.001), not present with the sex-specific CMR PCWP (14.1 ± 3 vs. 13.8 mmHg, P = 0.3). The sex-specific, but not the generic, CMR PCWP was associated with HF hospitalization (hazard ratio 3.9, P = 0.0002) and MACE (hazard ratio 2.5, P = 0.001) over a mean follow-up period of 2.4 ± 1.2 years.

Conclusion

Accounting for sex improves precision and prognostic performance of CMR biomarkers for HF.
Name-Based Estimators of Intergenerational Mobility
Authors: Santavirta Torsten , Stuhler Jan
Published: May 2024

Recent studies use names—first and surnames—to estimate intergenerational mobility in sources that lack direct family links. While generating novel evidence on intergenerational transmission processes, it remains unclear how different estimators compare and how reliable they are. This paper evaluates the most popular name-based methods, using newly digitised records from Finland and US census data. We illustrate that their interpretation depends on sampling properties of the data, such as the overlap between the parent and child samples, which differ widely across studies. We correct for the attenuation bias from limited overlap and address other common problems encountered in applications.
Brugada syndrome in Japan and Europe: a genome-wide association study reveals shared genetic architecture and new risk loci
Authors: Ishikawa Taisuke , Masuda Tatsuo , Hachiya Tsuyoshi , Dina Christian , Simonet Floriane , Nagata Yuki , Tanck Michael W T , Sonehara Kyuto , Glinge Charlotte , Tadros Rafik , Khongphatthanayothin Apichai , Lu Tzu-Pin , Higuchi Chihiro , Nakajima Tadashi , Hayashi Kenshi , Aizawa Yoshiyasu , Nakano Yukiko , Nogami Akihiko , Morita Hiroshi , Ohno Seiko , Aiba Takeshi , Krijger Juárez Christian , Mauleekoonphairoj John , Poovorawan Yong , Gourraud Jean-Baptiste , Shimizu Wataru , Probst Vincent , Horie Minoru , Wilde Arthur A M , Redon Richard , Juang Jyh-Ming Jimmy , Nademanee Koonlawee , Bezzina Connie R , Barc Julien , Tanaka Toshihiro , Okada Yukinori , Schott Jean-Jacques , Makita Naomasa
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited arrhythmia with a higher disease prevalence and more lethal arrhythmic events in Asians than in Europeans. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed its polygenic architecture mainly in European populations. The aim of this study was to identify novel BrS-associated loci and to compare allelic effects across ancestries.

Methods

A GWAS was conducted in Japanese participants, involving 940 cases and 1634 controls, followed by a cross-ancestry meta-analysis of Japanese and European GWAS (total of 3760 cases and 11 635 controls). The novel loci were characterized by fine-mapping, gene expression, and splicing quantitative trait associations in the human heart.

Results

The Japanese-specific GWAS identified one novel locus near ZSCAN20 (P = 1.0 × 10−8), and the cross-ancestry meta-analysis identified 17 association signals, including six novel loci. The effect directions of the 17 lead variants were consistent (94.1%; P for sign test = 2.7 × 10−4), and their allelic effects were highly correlated across ancestries (Pearson’s R = .91; P = 2.9 × 10−7). The genetic risk score derived from the BrS GWAS of European ancestry was significantly associated with the risk of BrS in the Japanese population [odds ratio 2.12 (95% confidence interval 1.94–2.31); P = 1.2 × 10−61], suggesting a shared genetic architecture across ancestries. Functional characterization revealed that a lead variant in CAMK2D promotes alternative splicing, resulting in an isoform switch of calmodulin kinase II-δ, favouring a pro-inflammatory/pro-death pathway.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates novel susceptibility loci implicating potentially novel pathogenesis underlying BrS. Despite differences in clinical expressivity and epidemiology, the polygenic architecture of BrS was substantially shared across ancestries.
Three-dimensional cardiac magnetic resonance allows the identification of slow-conducting anatomical isthmuses in tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Kimura Yoshitaka , Wallet Justin , Bouyer Benjamin , Jongbloed Monique R M , Bertels Robin , Hazekamp Mark G , Thambo Jean-Benoit , Iriart Xavier , Cochet Hubert , Sacher Frederic , Lamb Hildo J , Blom Nico A , Zeppenfeld Katja
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot remain at risk of life-threatening ventricular tachycardia related to slow-conducting anatomical isthmuses (SCAIs). Preventive ablation of SCAI identified by invasive electroanatomical mapping is increasingly performed. This study aimed to non-invasively identify SCAI using 3D late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (3D-LGE-CMR).

Methods

Consecutive tetralogy of Fallot patients who underwent right ventricular electroanatomical mapping (RV-EAM) and 3D-LGE-CMR were included. High signal intensity threshold for abnormal myocardium was determined based on direct comparison of bipolar voltages and signal intensity by co-registration of RV-EAM with 3D-LGE-CMR. The diagnostic performance of 3D-LGE-CMR to non-invasively identify SCAI was determined, validated in a second cohort, and compared with the discriminative ability of proposed risk scores.

Results

The derivation cohort consisted of 48 (34 ± 16 years) and the validation cohort of 53 patients (36 ± 18 years). In the derivation cohort, 78 of 107 anatomical isthmuses (AIs) identified by EAM were normal-conducting AI, 22 were SCAI, and 7 blocked AI. High signal intensity threshold was 42% of the maximal signal intensity. The sensitivity and specificity of 3D-LGE-CMR for identifying SCAI or blocked AI were 100% and 90%, respectively. In the validation cohort, 85 of 124 AIs were normal-conducting AI, 36 were SCAI, and 3 blocked AI. The sensitivity and specificity of 3D-LGE-CMR were 95% and 91%, respectively. All risk scores showed an at best modest performance to identify SCAI (area under the curve ≤ .68).

Conclusions

3D late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance can identify SCAI with excellent accuracy and may refine non-invasive risk stratification and patient selection for invasive EAM in tetralogy of Fallot.
Differences in colorectal cancer awareness between screening eligible vs. ineligible Palestinians: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Elshami Mohamedraed , Albandak Maram , Alser Mohammed , Al-Slaibi Ibrahim , Ayyad Mohammed , Dwikat Mohammad F , Naji Shoruq A , Mohamad Balqees M , Isleem Wejdan S , Shurrab Adela , Yaghi Bashar , Ayyash Qabaja Yahya , Hamdan Fatma K , Sweity Raneen R , Jneed Remah T , Assaf Khayria A , Hmaid Mohammed M , Awwad Iyas I , Alhabil Belal K , Alarda Marah N , Alsattari Amani S , Aboyousef Moumen S , Aljbour Omar A , AlSharif Rinad , Giacaman Christy T , Alnaga Ali Y , Abu Nemer Ranin M , Almadhoun Nada M , Skaik Sondos M , Albarqi Shurouq I , Abu-El-Noor Nasser , Bottcher Bettina
Published: May 2024

Background

This study aimed to compare colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness between screening-eligible and ineligible individuals in Palestine.

Methods

Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit Palestinian adults from diverse settings, including hospitals, primary healthcare centers and public spaces across 11 governorates. The evaluation of CRC awareness in terms of signs/symptoms, risk factors and causation myths was conducted using Arabic-translated, modified versions of the validated instruments, the Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure and the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale.

Results

The final analysis included 2698 participants, with 2158 (80.9%) eligible for CRC screening and 540 (19.1%) ineligible for it. The most recognized CRC sign/symptom was ‘lump in the abdomen’ in both screening-eligible (n = 386, 71.5%) and ineligible (n = 1582, 73.3%) groups. ‘Lack of physical activity’ was the most recognized risk factor in both groups (eligible: n = 451, 83.5%; ineligible: n = 1766, 81.8%). The most reported causation myth in both groups was ‘having a physical trauma’ (eligible: n = 340, 63.0%; ineligible: n = 1353, 62.7%). In the screening-eligible group, only 210 participants (38.9%) demonstrated high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms, 213 participants (39.4%) showed high awareness of CRC risk factors and only 46 participants (8.5%) displayed high awareness of CRC causation myths. There were no significant associations between being eligible for screening colonoscopy and the awareness levels of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors and causation myths.

Conclusion

Overall, awareness levels of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors and causation myths were notably low among screening-eligible participants. There were no differences in awareness levels between individuals eligible for colonoscopy and those who were not.
Ethnic Density as a Key Factor to Narrow Health Disparities: A Case of American Indians and Alaska Natives
Authors: Kim Yong-Mi , Noyori-Corbett Chie
Published: May 2024

Out of all the racial groups in the United States, people who identify as American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) have disproportionately worse health as a result of living in poverty. The preponderance of research connects poor health with a socioeconomic perspective, which might create prejudice against AI/AN. As already known, AI/AN’s high rates of obesity, diabetes, and stroke in comparison with that of other ethnic groups are mainly derived from their impoverished economic conditions that have forced them to consume the food distributed by the U.S. government. When minority health is discussed generally, the ethnic density perspective explains a minority population’s positive health despite low socioeconomic status. This perspective helps researchers and practitioners understand the connections of psychological and social factors with physical health and demonstrates positive health effects on minority groups. Despite the high correlation between ethnic density and health having been validated, little to no research has explored AI/AN’s health from this perspective. Using 13,064 electronic health records, this research tests the relationship between AI/AN density and health outcomes. This article introduces an innovative analytical strategy (i.e., a data mining technique), which is ideal for discovering frequently appearing health outcomes in a group. The finding reveals positive relationships between health outcomes and AI/AN density.
From Metrics to Experiences: Investigating How Sport Data Shapes the Social Context, Self-Determination and Motivation of Athletes
Authors: Postma Dees , Reidsma Dennis , van Delden Robby , Karahanoğlu Armağan
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we use self-determination theory and its related mini-theories to investigate the influence of sport data on sports experience and motivation in sports. First, we reflect on the use of technology in sports and show how sport data thwarts and promotes motivation in sports. Second, we argue that human–computer interaction (HCI) has been too narrowly focused on the ‘performance’ aspect of sport data. We argue for a more liberal take on sport data, showing that it also relates to motivation in sports through basic human needs. By bridging SportsHCI studies with the insights we gain from self-determination theory, we uncover the interwoven relations between the objective measures that sports technology provides and their motivational aspects for athletes. Our paper ends with five emerging points for attention for SportsHCI that we think can pave the way towards a more holistic approach to considering sport data for motivation in sports.
Time is running out. No excuses to delay implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes: impact, sustainability, resilience and efficiency through an interrupted time series analysis (2017–2022)
Authors: Del Fabro Giovanni , Venturini Sergio , Avolio Manuela , Basaglia Giancarlo , Callegari Astrid , Bramuzzo Igor , Basso Barbara , Zanusso Chiara , Rizzo Anna , Tonutti Giuseppe , Chittaro Michele , Fiappo Eva , Tonizzo Maurizio , Crapis Massimo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The WHO declared antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a significant concern in 2014, sparking initiatives to ensure responsible antibiotic use. In human medicine, Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes (ASPs) in hospitals play a pivotal role in combating AMR. Although evidence supports the effectiveness of ASPs in optimizing antimicrobial use, often the lack of resources becomes an excuse to limit their dissemination and use. This paper provides a comprehensive report on a 6-year analysis of an ASP implemented in a healthcare region in north-east Italy.

Methods

A retrospective data collection was conducted to assess the programme's impact on antibiotic consumption expressed as DDDs/100 patient-days, its sustainability over time, resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and the efficiency of the ASP (relationship between workload and human resources).

Results

A substantial overall reduction in antibiotic consumption (−14%), particularly in fluoroquinolones (−64%) and carbapenems (−68%), was demonstrated, showcasing the programme's impact. Sustainability was confirmed through enduring trends in antibiotic consumption and ecological analysis over time. The ASP demonstrates resilience by maintaining positive trends even amid the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. Efficiency was underscored by an increase in on-site consultations despite consistent human resources until 2021.

Conclusions

This study offers insights into the prolonged success of a resource-efficient ASP, emphasizing the crucial role of long-term commitment in fostering responsible antibiotic use in the context of global health challenges such as AMR.
Effectiveness of a tissue conditioner containing antifungals in a rat model of denture stomatitis
Authors: Moraes Gustavo Simão , Albach Thaís , Sugio Carolina Yoshi Campos , Cachoeira Victoria Schlumberger , Kiratcz Falyne , Tozetto Nathaly Mayer , Pedroso Thaynara Aparecida Alves , Campagnoli Eduardo Bauml , Claudino Marcela , dos Santos Fabio André , Neppelenbroek Karin Hermana , Urban Vanessa Migliorini
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study investigated the effectiveness of a drug-modified tissue conditioner in an animal model of denture stomatitis.

Methods and Results

Wistar rats wore a Candida albicans-contaminated palatal device for 4 days. Next, nystatin (Nys) or chlorhexidine (Chx) were added to a tissue conditioner in their raw or β-cyclodextrin-complexed (βCD) forms at their minimum inhibitory concentrations. As controls, one group was not subjected to any procedure (NC), one group used sterile devices, one group had denture stomatitis but was not treated (DS), and another had the devices relined with the tissue conditioner without the addition of any drug (Soft). After 4 days of treatment, treatment effectiveness was assessed visually, histologically, and through CFU count, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) assays. Rats from the Soft, Nys, Nys:βCD, and Chx groups presented a significant decrease in the microbial load compared with the untreated group. Treatment groups showed lower MPO and NAG activity compared to the non-treated group.

Conclusions

The addition of antifungals to a soft tissue conditioner can be a promising approach for denture stomatitis treatment.
Identification of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) as downstream target of nuclear factor I/X (NFIX): implications for skeletal dysplasia syndromes
Authors: Kooblall Kreepa G , Stevenson Mark , Heilig Raphael , Stewart Michelle , Wright Benjamin , Lockstone Helen , Buck David , Fischer Roman , Wells Sara , Lines Kate E , Teboul Lydia , Hennekam Raoul C , Thakker Rajesh V
Published: May 2024

Nuclear factor I/X (NFIX) mutations are associated with 2 skeletal dysplasias, Marshall-Smith (MSS) and Malan (MAL) syndromes. NFIX encodes a transcription factor that regulates expression of genes, including Bobby sox (BBX) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in neural progenitor cells and astrocytes, respectively. To elucidate the role of NFIX mutations in MSS, we studied their effects in fibroblast cell lines obtained from 5 MSS unrelated patients and 3 unaffected individuals. The 5 MSS NFIX frameshift mutations in exons 6-8 comprised 3 deletions (c.819-732_1079-948del, c.819-471_1079-687del, c.819-592_1079-808del), an insertion (c.1037_1038insT), and a duplication (c.1090dupG). Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses using MSS and unrelated control fibroblasts and in vitro expression studies in monkey kidney fibroblast (COS-7) cells showed that frameshift mutations in NFIX exons 6-8 generated mutant transcripts that were not cleared by nonsense-mediated-decay mechanisms and encoded truncated NFIX proteins. Moreover, BBX or GFAP expression was unaffected in the majority of MSS fibroblasts. To identify novel NFIX downstream target genes, RNA sequencing and proteomics analyses were performed on mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells derived from control Nfix+/+, Nfix+/Del2, Nfix+/Del24, NfixDel24/Del24, Nfix+/Del140, and NfixDel140/Del140 mice, compared with NfixDel2/Del2 mice which had developmental, skeletal, and neural abnormalities. This identified 191 transcripts and 815 proteins misregulated in NfixDel2/Del2 MEFs with ≥2-fold-change (P <0 .05). Validation studies using qRT-PCR and western blot analyses confirmed that 2 genes, cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (Crabp2) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam1), were misregulated at the RNA and protein levels in NfixDel2/Del2 MEFs, and that CRABP2 and VCAM1 expressions were altered in 60%–100% of MSS fibroblast cells. Furthermore, in vitro luciferase reporter assays confirmed that NFIX directly regulates CRABP2 promoter activity. Thus, these altered genes and pathways may represent possible targets for drugs as potential treatments and therapies for MSS.
Practical guidance for managing patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis using small molecule therapies
Authors: Jairath Vipul , Afif Waqqas , Bressler Brian , Pope Janet E , Selchen Daniel , Targownik Laura E , Panaccione Remo
Published: May 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a severe and debilitating illness that affects the quality of life and physical health of many Canadians. Given the dynamic and progressive nature of the disease, advanced therapies are required to support its long-term management. The emergence of small molecule therapies offers novel treatment options that target mechanisms central to the immunopathology of UC. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators and Janus-activated kinase inhibitors are 2 classes of therapies that target unique pathways to attenuate inflammation and modulate the immune response characteristic of UC. This review aims to provide practical guidance on how these therapeutic options can best be used to optimize treatment management and highlight the emerging role of small molecule therapies as a treatment strategy for UC.
The Science of Creating Brand Associations: A Continuous Trinity Model Linking Brand Associations to Learning Processes
Authors: du Plessis Christilene , D’Hooge Serena , Sweldens Steven
Published: May 2024

The continuous trinity model (CTM) of brand associations integrates 50 years of consumer learning research with recent conceptualizations of consciousness. Three types of brand associations are proposed at the representational level (expectations, meaning, and affect), corresponding to three types of learning at the process level (predictive learning, referential learning, and direct affect transfer). A core proposition derived from research on automaticity holds that the operating conditions of the learning processes vary on a continuum from mostly System 2 for predictive learning to mostly System 1 for direct affect transfer, with referential learning as a mix of the two. The CTM aims to bring clarity and structure to a complex literature by highlighting the web of interrelations between operating principles (“what” brand associations are learned), operating processes (“how” brand associations are learned), and operating conditions (“when” brand associations are learned). For consumer and learning researchers, the CTM outlines an agenda for future research and guidelines to improve conceptual and methodological clarity. For brand managers, the CTM provides tactical recommendations (a “toolkit”) for structuring advertising campaigns to create desired brand associations and strategic recommendations for managing brand partnerships. For policymakers, the CTM offers guidance on types of advertisements requiring closer scrutiny.
People, Peace, Prosperity, and the Planet: A Journey toward Sustainable Development in Consumer Research
Authors: Mende Martin , Borah Abhishek , Scott Maura L , Bolton Lisa E , Lee Leonard
Published: May 2024

With its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations (UN) developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a “blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.” This initiative raises the question: how has the Journal of Consumer Research (JCR) shed light on the SDGs? This research analyzes 50 years of consumer research through the lens of the SDG and makes four contributions. First, the authors provide a content analysis of articles in JCR and how it relates to the SDGs over time; they also analyze the Journal of Consumer Psychology (JCP) and Journal of Public Policy & Marketing (JPP&M) with regard to the SDGs. Second, this research reveals where JCR has made progress and achieved impact (via Altmetric) but also identifies gaps in the literature. Thus, the analyses shed light on what research in JCR, JCP, and JPP&M understands (and does not understand) about consumer behavior and points the way to future SDG-oriented research. Finally, based on insights from interviews with thought leaders, sociology of science, UN data dashboards, and an exploratory survey in three countries (the U.S., France, and Singapore), the authors provide recommendations on how the field can (better) incorporate the SDGs in research, teaching, and service.
Benchmarking Scholarship in Consumer Research: The p-Index of Thought Leadership
Authors: Pham Michel Tuan , Wu Alisa Yinghao , Wang Danqi
Published: May 2024

The assessment of consumer scholarship must move beyond a mere counting of the number of “A”s on a researcher’s CV to include at least some measure of impact. To facilitate a broader assessment of scholarship in consumer research, we provide detailed statistics on the productivity and citation impact of the field’s 340 main gatekeepers: the editors, associate editors, and editorial board members of the Journal of Consumer Research and the Journal of Consumer Psychology. In addition, we introduce a new metric, called the p-index, which can be interpreted as an indicator of a researcher’s propensity for thought leadership. Using this metric, we show that productivity and thought leadership do not necessarily go hand in hand in consumer research and that a combination of the two is a good predictor of the level of esteem that consumer scholars enjoy among their peers and of the receipt of major career awards. Our analyses provide greater transparency into how productivity, citation impact, and propensity for thought leadership are currently distributed among prominent consumer scholars. Furthermore, the detailed descriptive statistics reported can serve as useful benchmarks against which other consumer researchers’ records may be meaningfully compared.
Impact of copper and zinc oral chronic exposure on Carniolan honey bee survival and feeding preference
Authors: Glavan Gordana , Benko Grega , Božič Janko
Published: May 2024

Honey bees are important plant pollinators and honey producers. Contamination of the environment with metals can lead to a decline in honey bee populations. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) salts are commonly used as fungicides and foliar fertilizers. In this study, we investigated the effects of 10-day chronic oral exposure to different concentrations of Cu (CuSO4) and Zn (ZnCl2) on survival and feeding rates of Carniolan honey bees in laboratory conditions. We found that mortality in honey bee workers increased in a concentration-dependent manner and that Cu (lethal concentration [LC50] = 66 mg/l) was more toxic than Zn (LC50 = 144 mg/l). There was no difference in the feeding rate of Cu-treated bees for the different concentrations tested, but the feeding rate decreased with the increase in Zn concentration. To determine feeding preference or avoidance for Cu and Zn, we conducted 2-choice 24-h feeding experiments. We demonstrated that honey bees preferred Zn-containing solutions compared to the control diet. A two-choice experiment with Cu showed a tendency for honey bees to be deterred by Cu at high concentrations; however, it was not statistically significant. In summary, our results suggest that honey bee workers may suffer adverse effects when exposed to ecologically relevant concentrations of Cu and Zn.
Modeling of host PDZ-dependent interactions with SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein and changes in PDZ protein expression in macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: Rosas-García Jorge , Padilla-Zúñiga Alberta Jaqueline , Ávila-Flores Antonia , Gutiérrez-González Luis Horacio , Mérida Isabel , Santos-Mendoza Teresa
Published: May 2024

PDZ (PSD-95 [postsynaptic density protein 95]/Dlg [Discs large]/ZO-1 [zonula occludens-1]) domain–containing proteins constitute a large family of scaffolds involved in a wide range of cellular tasks and are mainly studied in polarity functions. Diverse host PDZ proteins can be targeted by viral pathogens that express proteins containing PDZ-binding motifs (PDZbms). Previously, we have identified host PDZ-based interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 E protein (2E) in human monocytes. Here, we deepen the study of these interactions by docking and molecular dynamics analyses to identify the most favorable PDZ-PDZbm interaction of 7 host PDZ proteins with the PDZbm of 2E. In addition, we analyzed changes in the expression of 3 of the PDZ proteins identified as 2E interactors in monocytes (syntenin, ZO-2, and interleukin-16), in human monocyte-derived macrophages and in dendritic cells upon stimulation. Our results suggest that these PDZ proteins may have important functions in professional antigen-presenting cells, and their targeting by the PDZbm of 2E, a central virulence determinant of SARS-CoV-2, supports the hypothesis that such PDZ-dependent interaction in immune cells may constitute a viral evasion mechanism. An inhibitor design based on the PDZbm of 2E in the development of drugs against a variety of diseases is discussed.
Spatial distribution and environmental correlations of Culex pipiens pallens (Diptera: Culicidae) in Haidian district, Beijing
Authors: Liu Meide , Zhang Yong , Li Qiuhong , Zhou Xiaojie , Yan Ting , Li Jing , Zhang Hongjiang , Wang Lei , Wang Guangwen , Li Ruoxi , Tong Ying , Zeng Xiaopeng
Published: May 2024

Culex pipiens pallens Coquillett, 1898 (Diptera: Culicidae) was the dominant health threat to mosquito species in Beijing, and it is important to unravel the spatial distribution and environmental correlations of Cx. pipiens pallens in Beijing. 3S technology methods and spatial statistics were used to clarify the distribution pattern. Subsequently, linear and spatial regression were performed to detect the environmental factors linked with the density of Cx. pipiens pallens. The same “middle peak” spatial distribution pattern was observed for Cx. pipiens pallens density at the community, subdistrict, and loop area levels in our study area. In addition, there were various correlated environmental factors at the community and subdistrict scales. At the community scale, the summary values of the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) in 2 km buffer zone (MNDWI_2K) were negatively correlated, and the summary values of Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) in 800 m buffer zone (NDBI_800) was positively correlated to the Cx. pipiens pallens density. However, the summary values of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Nighttime Light Index significantly affected Cx. pipiens pallens density at the subdistrict scale. Our findings provide insight into the spatial distribution pattern of Cx. pipiens pallens density and its associated environmental risk factors at different spatial scales in the Haidian district of Beijing for the first time. The results could be used to predict the Cx. pipiens pallens density as well as the risk of lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection, which would help implement prevention and control measures to prevent future risks of biting and LF transmission in Beijing.
An antihalo void catalogue of the Local Super-Volume
Authors: Stopyra Stephen , Peiris Hiranya V , Pontzen Andrew , Jasche Jens , Lavaux Guilhem
Published: May 2024

We construct an antihalo void catalogue of 150 voids with radii $R \gt 10\, h^{-1}\mathrm{\, Mpc}$ in the Local Super-Volume ($\lt 135\, h^{-1}\mathrm{\, Mpc}$ from the Milky Way), using posterior resimulation of initial conditions inferred by field-level inference with Bayesian Origin Reconstruction from Galaxies (borg). We describe and make use of a new algorithm for creating a single, unified void catalogue by combining different samples from the posterior. The catalogue is complete out to $135\, h^{-1}\mathrm{\, Mpc}$, with void abundances matching theoretical predictions. Finally, we compute stacked density profiles of those voids which are reliably identified across posterior samples, and show that these are compatible with Λ cold dark matter expectations once environmental selection (e.g. the estimated $\sim 4{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ underdensity of the Local Super-Volume) is accounted for.