bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of brachial plexus injuries after caesarean birth: challenging delivery?
Authors: Jaufuraully Shireen , Lakshmi Narasimhan Anjana , Stott Daniel , Attilakos George , Siassakos Dimitrios
Published: May 2023

Background

Caesarean section (CS) is widely perceived as protective against obstetric brachial plexus injury (BPI), but few studies acknowledge the factors associated with such injury. The objectives of this study were therefore to aggregate cases of BPI after CS, and to illuminate risk factors for BPI.

Methods

Pubmed Central, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched using free text: (“brachial plexus injury” or “brachial plexus injuries” or “brachial plexus palsy” or “brachial plexus palsies” or “Erb’s palsy” or “Erb’s palsies” or “brachial plexus birth injury” or “brachial plexus birth palsy”) and (“caesarean” or “cesarean” or “Zavanelli” or “cesarian” or “caesarian” or “shoulder dystocia”). Studies with clinical details of BPI after CS were included. Studies were assessed using the National Institutes for Healthy Study Quality Assessment Tool for Case Series, Cohort and Case-Control Studies.

Main results

39 studies were eligible. 299 infants sustained BPI after CS. 53% of cases with BPI after CS had risk factors for likely challenging handling/manipulation of the fetus prior to delivery, in the presence of considerable maternal or fetal concerns, and/or in the presence of poor access due to obesity or adhesions.

Conclusions

In the presence of factors that would predispose to a challenging delivery, it is difficult to justify that BPI could occur due to in-utero, antepartum events alone. Surgeons should exercise care when operating on women with these risk factors.
The concept of developmental anatomy: the greater omentum should be resected in right-sided colon cancer?
Authors: Li Kai , Cao Fengyu , He Xiaobo , Zheng Yongbin
Published: May 2023

Background

The greater omentum is derived from the foregut, and the right hemicolon is derived from the midgut based on developmental anatomy. This study aimed to investigate whether the greater omentum should be resected in laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision based on developmental anatomy for right-sided colon cancer.

Methods

A total of 183 consecutive patients with right-sided colon cancer were recruited in this study between February 2020 and July 2022. Ninety-eight patients underwent standard laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision surgery (CME group). The presence of isolated tumor cells and micrometastases was detected in resected greater omentum by the HE staining and immunohistochemistry analysis. Based on developmental anatomy, laparoscopic CME surgery with greater omentum preservation (DACME group) was proposed and performed on 85 right-sided colon cancer patients. To overcome selection bias, we performed a 1:1 match between two groups using four variables: age, sex, BMI, and ASA scores.

Results

No isolated tumor cells and micrometastases were found in the resected greater omentum specimen in the CME group. After the propensity score, 81 pairs were balanced and analyzed. Patients in the DACME group showed shorter operative time (194.9 ± 16.4 min vs.201.5 ± 11.5 min, p = 0.002), less blood loss (23.5 ± 24.7 ml vs.33.6 ± 26.3 ml, p = 0.013), and the shorter hospital stays (9.6 ± 1.7 days vs.10.3 ± 2.0 days, p = 0.010) compared with patients in the CME group. In addition, patients in the DACME group had a lower incidence of postoperative complications (4.9% vs.14.8%, p = 0.035) than patients in the CME group.

Conclusion

The greater omentum should be preserved during right-sided colon cancer surgery, laparoscopic CME surgery based on developmental anatomy is technically safe and feasible for right-sided colon cancer.
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and chromosomal aberrations: clinical heterogeneity and implications on the health of elderly men, case series
Authors: Elhadd Tarik , Majzoub Ahmad , Wilson Charlotte , McCreight Laura , Mohamed Muna S. , Green Fiona C. , Collier Andrew J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Hypogonadism in older men is often considered as late onset hypogonadism. However, this clinical condition results from primary testicular failure which could be of genetic origin with Klinefelter syndrome being the most common chromosomal abnormality associated with it.

Case presentation

We report a heterogeneous group of cases who were diagnosed with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in their adulthood and were found to have rare chromosomal aberrations. All were elderly men (in their 70 s and 80 s) for whom the diagnosis was made during the evaluation of incidental symptoms suggestive of endocrinopathy. The first had hyponatremia; the other two had gynaecomastia and features of hypogonadism noted during admission for various acute medical problems. With respect to their genetic results; the first had a male karyotype with balanced reciprocal translocation between the long arm of chromosome 4 and the short arm of chromosome 7. The second case had a male karotype with one normal X chromosome and an isochrome for the short arm of the Y chromosome. The third case was an XX male with unbalanced translocation between the X & Y chromosomes with retention of the SRY locus.

Conclusion

Hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism in the elderly, may be due to chromosomal aberrations, resulting in heterogeneous and diverse clinical phenotypes. Vigilance must be exercised when seeing cases with subtle clinical findings. This report suggests that in selected cases of adult hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, chromosomal analysis may be indicated.
Modeling the effect of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy on posterior, superior and medial space dimensions of the temporomandibular joint: a retrospective controlled cohort study
Authors: Hupp Linus Christian , Verius Michael , Bertram Annika , Kolk Andreas , Emshoff Rüdiger
Published: May 2023

Background

To model the effect of isolated bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) on changes in posterior (PSD), superior (SSD), and medial space dimensions (MSD) of the temporomandibular joint.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort study design, pre- and postoperative (immediately after surgery; 1 year follow-up) cone-beam computed tomography measurements of 36 patients who had undergone BSSO for mandibular advancement were compared with a control group of 25 subjects from whom a mandibular odontogenic cyst was removed under general anesthesia. Generalized estimation equation (GEE) models were used to examine the independent effects of study group, preoperative condylar position, and time points on PSD, SSD, and MSD adjusting for covariates (age, sex, and mandibular advancement).

Results

No significant differences were found regarding changes in PSD (p = 0.144), SSD (p = 0.607), or MSD (p = 0.565) between the BSSO and control groups. However, the preoperative posterior condylar position showed significant effects on PSD (p < 0.001) and MSD (p = 0.043), while the preoperative central condylar position demonstrated a significant effect on PSD (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The data suggest that preoperative posterior condylar position is a significant effect modifier of PSD and MSD over time in this cohort.
Factors influencing professionalism during dental training at the University of Chile: perception of students and patients
Authors: Alcota Marcela , Salinas Juan C. , Cornejo-Ovalle Marco , de Gauna Pilar Ruiz , González Fermín E.
Published: May 2023

Background

The University should be considered a favourable space and agent for the training and transmission of values and attitudes related to professionalism, such as responsibility, teamwork and ethical commitment. In addition, dentistry is a profession with a deep social sense that seeks to solve the oral health problems of the population to improve the quality of life. In this context, our aim was to explore the perception of students and patients about the contribution of the curriculum to the development of professionalism and to identify the factors that strengthen and weaken this perception.

Methods

A qualitative approach was carried out through focus groups and semi-structured interviews with students from the 4th, 5th and 6th year of training and patients treated at the Dental Clinic of our Faculty.

Results

In the opinion of patients and students, the factors that debilitate the training in professionalism are associated with weakened professional values/behaviours in the training, the lack of teacher training of the professors and factors of educational environment. On the contrary, factors strengthening the professionalism are mainly related to hallmark values/ professional behaviours trained in the institution and to the good evaluation by patients. The respondents also perceive the implementation of a new curriculum as a positive factor for the training in professionalism.

Conclusion

The patients and students interviewed believe that the main strength for the training in professionalism in the institution is the development of adaptability for the future professionals to any social context, especially to a vulnerable one, the ability to solve the problems they face and the responsibility towards the patients and their treatment.
Determinants of awareness, value perception, and societal support for sexual and reproductive health services among in-school adolescents in South-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Eze Irene Ifeyinwa , Mbachu Chinyere Ojiugo , Agu Ifunanya Clara , Akamike Ifeyinwa Chizoba , Eigbiremolen Godstime , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: May 2023

Background

Adolescents are vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks yet, have poor utilisation of SRH services due to personal, social, and demographic influences. This study aimed to compare the experiences of adolescents that had received targeted adolescent SRH interventions and those that did not and evaluated the determinants of awareness, value perception, and societal support for SRH service utilisation among secondary school adolescents in eastern Nigeria.

Methods

We undertook a cross-sectional study of 515 adolescents in twelve randomly selected public secondary schools, grouped into schools that had received targeted adolescent SRH interventions and those that did not, across six local government areas in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The intervention comprised training of schools’ teachers/counsellors and peer educators and community sensitisation and engagement of community gatekeepers for demand generation. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to the students to assess their experiences with SRH services. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test, and predictors were determined through multivariate logistic regression. The level of statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence limit.

Results

A higher proportion of adolescents in the intervention group, 126(48%), than in the non-intervention group, 35(16.1%), were aware of SRH services available at the health facility (p-value < 0.001). More adolescents in the intervention than the non-intervention group perceived SRH services as valuable– 257(94.7%) Vs 217(87.5%), p-value = 0.004. Parental/community support for SRH service utilisation was reported by more adolescents in the intervention group than in the non-intervention group- 212 (79.7%) Vs 173 (69.7%), p-value = 0.009. The predictors are (i) awareness-intervention group (β = 0.384, CI = 0.290–0.478), urban residence (β=-0.141, CI=-0.240-0.041), older age (β-0.040, CI = 0.003–0.077) (ii) value perception - intervention group (β = 0.197, 0.141–0.253), senior educational class (β = 0.089, CI = 0.019–0.160), work-for-pay (β=-0.079, CI=-0.156–0.002), awareness (β = 0.192, CI = 0.425–0.721) (iii) parental/community support - work-for-pay (β = 0.095, CI = 0.003–0.185).

Conclusions

Adolescents’ awareness, value perception, and societal support for sexual and reproductive health services were influenced by the availability of SRH interventions and socio-economic factors. Relevant authorities should ensure the institutionalisation of sex education in schools and communities, targeting various categories of adolescents, to reduce disparity in the utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services and promote adolescents’ health.
“That was our afterparty”: a qualitative study of mobile, venue-based PrEP for MSM
Authors: Chamberlin Grace , Lopes Mairead Day , Iyer Surabhi , Psaros Christina , Bassett Ingrid V. , Medeiros Susana , O’Connor Catherine , Ard Kevin L.
Published: May 2023

Background

HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM), a group disproportionately impacted by HIV, is not commensurate with need. Settings which reduce or remove barriers to accessing care are promising venues to support PrEP uptake. PrEP provision at mobile clinics represents a novel strategy to increase PrEP access; however, the acceptability and feasibility of this approach have not been well studied.

Methods

Our objective was to understand patient and staff experiences of a mobile clinic van offering PrEP and sexual health services in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. We interviewed mobile unit users and conducted focus groups with mobile unit staff and users. Data were organized using Dedoose software, and content analysis was used to identify themes of access, community, and stigma.

Results

Nineteen individuals (16 patients and 3 staff members) participated in interviews (N = 13) or focus groups (N = 6). All patients identified as MSM, 63% were Hispanic or Latino, and 21% of patient interviews were conducted in Spanish. Logistical and psychological convenience facilitated service use, while the community-oriented environment improved satisfaction with care. Overall, participants supported expansion of mobile unit services and recommended changes to improve access to longitudinal care. However, some barriers to PrEP persisted, including low HIV risk perception and stigma about sexual behavior.

Conclusions

Mobile units can promote sexual health and PrEP uptake, particularly for populations facing social and logistical barriers to care in traditional settings.
Nano-metals forming bacteria in Egypt. II. Efficacy towards biomolecules, ultrastructure, growth parameters, and eco-friendly therapeutic of soft rot/blackleg genera
Authors: Shoeib Alia A. , Ashmawy Nader A. , Kamal Ayman , Zaki Sahar Abd El Fatah
Published: May 2023

The nanoparticles (NPs) formed by Enterococcus thailandicus, Pseudomonas putida, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, and P. geniculate were tested against soft rot/blackleg genera. The effects of NPs recorded on bacterial DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates concentration of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, Enterobacter cloacae (soft rot), and Dickeya solani (soft rot/blackleg). Treated cells showed degradation in isolated DNA, decreased proteins and carbohydrates concentration compared with untreated cells. Using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), the treated cells showed collapsed and small pits in the cell wall. Using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), internal changes showed penetration of NPs inside the tested bacterial cells, the appearance of periplasmic space, formation of vacuoles, and condensation of cytoplasm. Disease severity ex vivo of potato tuber infected with tested genera demonstrated that NPs treatment didn’t show any rotted tissue compared with untreated. The ability to uptake and accumulate FeNPs from the soil in potato (Solanum tuberosum) seedlings; Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used. It recorded an increase in iron content of treated potato (Solanum tuberosum) seedlings with NPs, compared with untreated. FeNPs can be used to control soft rot/blackleg diseases, instead of copper pesticides. It could be a new, approach for disease management and increase the plant’s nutritional value.
Analysis of surgical treatment of appendix neuroendocrine neoplasms—17 years of single-center experience
Authors: Zhang He-wei , Jiang Yi , Huang Zhi-yang , Zhou Xiao-cong
Published: May 2023

Background/aim

This study investigated the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of appendix neuroendocrine neoplasms in appendectomy specimens of our center.

Materials and methods

The clinicopathological data, including age, sex, preoperative clinical manifestation, surgical method, and histopathological examination results of 11 patients with appendix neuroendocrine neoplasms confirmed by surgery and pathology between November 2005 and January 2023, were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

In the histopathological examination of 7277 appendectomy specimens, 11 cases (0.2%) had appendix neuroendocrine neoplasms. Among the 11 patients, 8(72.7%) were males, and 3(27.3%) were females, with an average age of 48.1 years. All patients underwent emergency surgery. A total of 9 patients underwent open appendectomy, including 1 patient who underwent second-stage simple right hemicolectomy after an appendectomy, and two who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. All 11 patients were followed up for a period of 1 to 17 years. All patients survived without any indication of tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

Appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasms are low-grade malignant tumors originating from neuroendocrine cells. They are rarely seen in clinical practice and are often treated based on acute and chronic appendicitis symptoms. These tumors are challenging to diagnose before surgery due to the lack of specificity in clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations. The diagnosis generally depends on postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry. Despite the diagnostic challenges, these tumors have a favorable prognosis.
The independent and joint association of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time with dementia: a cohort study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Zhong Qi , Zhou Rui , Huang Yi-Ning , Chen Hao-Wen , Liu Hua-Min , Huang Zhiwei , Yuan Zelin , Wu Keyi , Cao Bi-Fei , Liu Kuan , Fan Wei-Dong , Liang Yong-Qi , Wu Xian-Bo
Published: May 2023

Background

Research on the association of physical activity and sedentary time with dementia is accumulating, though elusive, and the interaction effects of the two remain unclear. We analysed the joint associations of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time with risk of incident dementia (all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia).

Methods

A total of 90,320 individuals from the UK Biobank were included. Accelerometer-measured total volume of physical activity (TPA) and sedentary time were measured at baseline and dichotomised by median (low TPA [< 27 milli-gravity (milli-g)], high TPA [≥ 27 milli-g]; low sedentary time [< 10.7 h/day], high sedentary time [≥ 10.7 h/day]). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the joint associations with incident dementia on both additive and multiplicative scales.

Results

During a median follow-up of 6.9 years, 501 cases of all-cause dementia were identified. Higher TPA was associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia; the multivariate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI) per 10 milli-g increase were 0.63 (0.55–0.71), 0.74 (0.60–0.90) and 0.69 (0.51–0.93), respectively. Sedentary time was only found to be linked to all-cause dementia, and the HR for high sedentary time was 1.03 (1.01–1.06) compared with that for low sedentary time. No additive and multiplicative relationship of TPA and sedentary time to incident dementia was found (all P values > 0.05).

Conclusion

Higher TPA level was related to a lower risk of incident dementia irrespective of sedentary time, which highlighted the implication of promoting physical activity participation to counteract the potential detrimental effect of sedentary time on dementia.
Southern Europe is becoming climatically favourable for African birds: anticipating the establishment of a new species
Authors: López-Ramírez Sandro , Chamorro Darío , Real Raimundo , Muñoz Antonio-Román
Published: May 2023

Background

The current modification of species distribution ranges, as a response to a warmer climate, constitutes an interesting line of work and a recent challenge for biogeography. This study aimed to determine if the climatic conditions of southern Europe are adequate to host a typical African species, the House Bunting, which is registered regularly during the last years, still in low numbers. To this end, the distribution of the species in its native range was modelled, both in the present and in future climate scenarios, using its current breeding distribution areas and a set of environmental variables.

Results

The results showed that the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula exhibits high values of favourability to host this African species for the current climatic conditions. Furthermore, future forecasts indicated an increase in favourability for this area. The highly favourable areas we detected in the south of the Iberian Peninsula are already regularly receiving individuals of the species. These observations are very likely vagrant birds dispersing from recently colonised breeding areas in northern Morocco, which may indicate a continuous process of colonisation towards the north, as has occurred during the last decades in Northern Africa.

Conclusions

We cannot anticipate when the House Bunting will establish on the European continent because colonisation processes are usually slow but, according to our results, we predict its establishment in the near future. We have also identified those areas hosting favourable conditions for the species in Europe. These areas are a potential focal point for the colonisation of this and other African birds if the climate continues to warm.
Clinicopathological correlation of Cathepsin K expression in salivary gland carcinomas; relation to patients` outcome
Authors: Elhendawy Heba Ahmed , Soliman Samar
Published: May 2023

Background

Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) represent various groups of tumors that demonstrate marked diversity in their prognosis owing to different histology and clinical characteristics. One of the poor prognostic indicators is distant metastasis which is considered the major reason for death in SGC patients. Discovering new biomarkers is urgently required to aid in the detection of cancer onset and progression. Cathepsin K (CTSK), the lysosomal cysteine protease has a principal role in cancer invasion and progression through interaction with the tumor microenvironment, degradation of extracellular membrane proteins and destruction of the elastic lamina of blood vessels. In the English literature, little information was present about the role of CTSK in SGCs. The current study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical expression of CTSK in SGCs and correlate its expression to different clinicopathologic parameters.

Methods

The retrospective study applied to 45 cases of SGCs categorized as high-grade (33 cases) and low-grade SGCs (12 cases) following the criteria of WHO classification (2017) of head and neck tumors. All patients` clinicopathological and follow-up records were retrieved. The following statistical tests were used to study the variance of CTSK expression in SGCs concerning different clinicopathological parameters; Pearson`s Chi-square test, unpaired two-tailed student t-test, One-way ANOVA, and Post Hoc tests. Disease-free survival (DFS) and Overall survival (OS) were calculated and displayed with the Kaplan–Meier strategy and analyzed with the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed with Cox regression. A P-value lesser than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Strong CTSK expression was significantly related to high-grade SGCs (P = 0.000), large infiltrating carcinomas (P = 0.000), presence of nodal (P = 0.041) and distant metastasis (P = 0.009), advanced TNM clinical stage (P = 0.000), the incidence of recurrence (P = 0.009), and reduced DFS (P = 0.006). Distant metastasis was the independent predictor for DFS using Cox regression model.

Conclusions

CTSK has a great role in cancer progression by triggering many signaling pathways. Its level in cancerous tissue is considered an effective index for predicting the severity and prognosis of cancer. Therefore, we indicate its utility as a prognostic tool and therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.
Correlation between delayed carpal tunnel syndrome and carpal malalignment after distal radial fracture
Authors: Elwakil Walaa
Published: May 2023

Background

Delayed carpal tunnel syndrome after Colles’ fracture is a common complication particularly following conservative treatment. The aim of the study was to verify the correlation of different radiological parameters of carpal alignment and the development as well as the severity of DCTS in elderly female patients within 6 months of distal radial fracture (DRF).

Methods

This is a retrospective case–control study that included 60 female patients with DRF within 6 months treated conservatively (30 patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of DCTS and 30 asymptomatic patients as a control group). Electrophysiological evaluation was done for all the participants, as well as radiological assessment to measure parameters of carpal alignment mainly radiocapitate distance (RCD), volar prominence height (VPH) and volar tilt (VT).

Results

There was a statistical significant difference between both groups regarding the radiological parameters of carpal alignment (The mean values of RCD, VT and VPH were − 11.48 mm, − 20.68° angle, and 2.24 mm respectively in the symptomatic group). A strong correlation was found between decrease in the parameters of carpal alignment and the severity of DCTS. Logistic regression analysis showed that VT is strongly involved in the development of DCTS. The threshold value of the VT was − 20.2° angle (sensitivity 0.83; specificity 0.9; odds ratio 45; 95% CI 0.894–0.999; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Anatomical alteration of the carpal tunnel after DRF with dorsal displacement of the carpal bones contribute to the development of DCTS. Decreasing VT and VPH and RCD are the most significant independent predictors for the development of DCTS in conservatively managed DRF.

Protocol ID: 0306060.
Individualized design of thoracodorsal artery perforator chimeric flap for customized reconstruction of complex three-dimensional defects in the extremities
Authors: Qing Liming , Luo Gaojie , Li Xiaoxiao , Wu Panfeng , Tang Juyu
Published: May 2023

Background

It was always challenging to accurately and effectively reconstruct the complicated defects with three-dimensional tissue deficits in the extremities. Muscle-chimeric perforator flap is an excellent choice for repairing those complicated wound. However, problems like donor-site morbidity and time-consuming intramuscular dissection still exist. This purpose of this study was to present a novel design of the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) chimeric flap for the customized reconstruction of complex three-dimensional tissue defects in the extremities.

Methods

From January 2012 to June 2020, 17 patients with complex three-dimensional deficits in the extremities were retrospectively analyzed. All patients in this series underwent extremity reconstruction using latissimus dorsi (LD)-chimeric TDAP flap. Three different types of LD-chimeric TDAP flaps were performed.

Results

A total of seventeen TDAP chimeric flaps were successfully harvested for the reconstruction of those complex three-dimensional defects in extremities. Among them, Design Type A flaps were used in 6 cases, Design Type B flaps were performed in 7 cases, and Design Type C flaps were used in the remaining 4 cases. The sizes of the skin paddles ranged from 6 cm × 3 cm to 24 cm × 11 cm. Meanwhile, the sizes of the muscle segments ranged from 3 cm × 4 cm to 33 cm × 4 cm. All the flaps survived. Nevertheless, one case required re-exploration owing to venous congestion. Moreover, the primary closure of the donor site was successfully achieved in all patients, and the mean follow-up time was 15.8 months. Most of the cases displayed satisfactory contour.

Conclusion

The LD-chimeric TDAP flap is available for the reconstruction of complicated defects with three-dimensional tissue deficits in the extremities. It provided a flexible design for customized coverage of complex soft tissue defects with limited donor site morbidity.
Meta-analysis of (single-cell method) benchmarks reveals the need for extensibility and interoperability
Authors: Sonrel Anthony , Luetge Almut , Soneson Charlotte , Mallona Izaskun , Germain Pierre-Luc , Knyazev Sergey , Gilis Jeroen , Gerber Reto , Seurinck Ruth , Paul Dominique , Sonder Emanuel , Crowell Helena L. , Fanaswala Imran , Al-Ajami Ahmad , Heidari Elyas , Schmeing Stephan , Milosavljevic Stefan , Saeys Yvan , Mangul Serghei , Robinson Mark D.
Published: May 2023

Computational methods represent the lifeblood of modern molecular biology. Benchmarking is important for all methods, but with a focus here on computational methods, benchmarking is critical to dissect important steps of analysis pipelines, formally assess performance across common situations as well as edge cases, and ultimately guide users on what tools to use. Benchmarking can also be important for community building and advancing methods in a principled way. We conducted a meta-analysis of recent single-cell benchmarks to summarize the scope, extensibility, and neutrality, as well as technical features and whether best practices in open data and reproducible research were followed. The results highlight that while benchmarks often make code available and are in principle reproducible, they remain difficult to extend, for example, as new methods and new ways to assess methods emerge. In addition, embracing containerization and workflow systems would enhance reusability of intermediate benchmarking results, thus also driving wider adoption.
Establishing the safety of selective digestive decontamination within the ICU population: a bridge too far?
Authors: Hurley James C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Infection prevention interventions within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting, whether studied within quality improvement projects or cluster randomized trials (CRT), are seen as low risk and grounded in an ethical imperative. Selective digestive decontamination (SDD) appears highly effective at preventing ICU infections within randomized concurrent control trials (RCCTs) prompting mega-CRTs with mortality as the primary endpoint.

Findings

Surprisingly, the summary results of RCCTs versus CRTs differ strikingly, being respectively, a 15-percentage-point versus a zero-percentage-point ICU mortality difference between control versus SDD intervention groups. Multiple other discrepancies are equally puzzling and contrary to both prior expectations and the experience within population-based studies of infection prevention interventions using vaccines. Could spillover effects from SDD conflate the RCCT control group event rate differences and represent population harm? Evidence that SDD is fundamentally safe to concurrent non-recipients in ICU populations is absent. A postulated CRT to realize this, the SDD Herd Effects Estimation Trial (SHEET), would require > 100 ICUs to achieve sufficient statistical power to find a two-percentage-point mortality spillover effect. Moreover, as a potentially harmful population-based intervention, SHEET would pose novel and insurmountable ethical issues including who is the research subject; whether informed consent is required and from whom; whether there is equipoise; the benefit versus the risk; considerations of vulnerable groups; and who should be the gatekeeper?

Conclusion

The basis for the mortality difference between control and intervention groups of SDD studies remains unclear. Several paradoxical results are consistent with a spillover effect that would conflate the inference of benefit originating from RCCTs. Moreover, this spillover effect would constitute to herd peril.
Upgrading dilute ethanol to odd-chain carboxylic acids by a synthetic co-culture of Anaerotignum neopropionicum and Clostridium kluyveri
Authors: Parera Olm Ivette , Sousa Diana Z.
Published: May 2023

Background

Dilute ethanol streams generated during fermentation of biomass or syngas can be used as feedstocks for the production of higher value products. In this study, we describe a novel synthetic microbial co-culture that can effectively upgrade dilute ethanol streams to odd-chain carboxylic acids (OCCAs), specifically valerate and heptanoate. The co-culture consists of two strict anaerobic microorganisms: Anaerotignum neopropionicum, a propionigenic bacterium that ferments ethanol, and Clostridium kluyveri, well-known for its chain-elongating metabolism. In this co-culture, A. neopropionicum grows on ethanol and CO2 producing propionate and acetate, which are then utilised by C. kluyveri for chain elongation with ethanol as the electron donor.

Results

A co-culture of A. neopropionicum and C. kluyveri was established in serum bottles with 50 mM ethanol, leading to the production of valerate (5.4 ± 0.1 mM) as main product of ethanol-driven chain elongation. In a continuous bioreactor supplied with 3.1 g ethanol L−1 d−1, the co-culture exhibited high ethanol conversion (96.6%) and produced 25% (mol/mol) valerate, with a steady-state concentration of 8.5 mM and a rate of 5.7 mmol L−1 d−1. In addition, up to 6.5 mM heptanoate was produced at a rate of 2.9 mmol L−1 d−1. Batch experiments were also conducted to study the individual growth of the two strains on ethanol. A. neopropionicum showed the highest growth rate when cultured with 50 mM ethanol (μmax = 0.103 ± 0.003 h−1) and tolerated ethanol concentrations of up to 300 mM. Cultivation experiments with C. kluyveri showed that propionate and acetate were used simultaneously for chain elongation. However, growth on propionate alone (50 mM and 100 mM) led to a 1.8-fold reduction in growth rate compared to growth on acetate. Our results also revealed sub-optimal substrate use by C. kluyveri during odd-chain elongation, where excessive ethanol was oxidised to acetate.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential of synthetic co-cultivation in chain elongation processes to target the production of OCCAs. Furthermore, our findings shed light on to the metabolism of odd-chain elongation by C. kluyveri.
Cloud Enterprise Dynamic Risk Assessment (CEDRA): a dynamic risk assessment using dynamic Bayesian networks for cloud environment
Authors: Behbehani Dawood , Komninos Nikos , Al-Begain Khalid , Rajarajan Muttukrishnan
Published: May 2023

Cloud computing adoption has been increasing rapidly amid COVID-19 as organisations accelerate the implementation of their digital strategies. Most models adopt traditional dynamic risk assessment, which does not adequately quantify or monetise risks to enable business-appropriate decision-making. In view of this challenge, a new model is proposed in this paper for assignment of monetary losses terms to the consequences nodes, thereby enabling experts to understand better the financial risks of any consequence. The proposed model is named Cloud Enterprise Dynamic Risk Assessment (CEDRA) model that uses CVSS, threat intelligence feeds and information about exploitation availability in the wild using dynamic Bayesian networks to predict vulnerability exploitations and financial losses. A case study of a scenario based on the Capital One breach attack was conducted to demonstrate experimentally the applicability of the model proposed in this paper. The methods presented in this study has improved vulnerability and financial losses prediction.
Targeting NRF2 uncovered an intrinsic susceptibility of acute myeloid leukemia cells to ferroptosis
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhong Shuxin , Qiu Kangjie , Chen Xi , Wu Weiyue , Zheng Jiamian , Liu Yanwen , Wu Haolong , Fan Shiyun , Nie Dingrui , Wang Xianfeng , Yu Zhi , Liao Ziwei , Zhong Mengjun , Li Yangqiu , Zeng Chengwu
Published: May 2023

Drug resistance and poor treatment response are major obstacles to the effective treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A deeper understanding of the mechanisms regulating drug resistance and response genes in AML is therefore urgently needed. Our previous research has highlighted the important role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in AML, where it plays a critical role in detoxifying reactive oxygen species and influencing sensitivity to chemotherapy. In this study, we identify a core set of direct NRF2 targets that are involved in ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death. Of particular interest, we find that glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a key ferroptosis gene that is consistently upregulated in AML, and high expression of GPX4 is associated with poor prognosis for AML patients. Importantly, simultaneous inhibition of NRF2 with ML385 and GPX4 with FIN56 or RSL3 synergistically targets AML cells, triggering ferroptosis. Treatment with ML385 + FIN56/RSL3 resulted in a marked reduction in NRF2 and GPX4 expression. Furthermore, NRF2 knockdown enhanced the sensitivity of AML cells to the ferroptosis inducers. Taken together, our results suggest that combination therapy targeting both NRF2 and GPX4 may represent a promising approach for the treatment of AML.
Tracking crocodylia: a review of telemetry studies on movements and spatial use
Authors: Mascarenhas-Junior Paulo Braga , Sousa Correia Jozelia Maria , Simões Pedro Ivo
Published: May 2023

Crocodylians are top predators that play key ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems. As in other groups of large predators, crocodylian populations are often impacted by habitat loss, habitat degradation or direct exploitation for commercial purposes or subsistence. Hence, understanding their spatiotemporal ecology can provide valuable information for conservation planning. We reviewed the published scientific literature on telemetry-tracking in crocodylians, combining the terms “telemetry”, “track” or “tag” and variations; “VHF”, “UHF”, “satellite”, “GPS”, “radio”, “acoustic” or “transmitters”; and “caiman”, “alligator”, “crocodile”, “gharial” or “Crocodylia”. Publications retrieved by our search were carefully reviewed for information on study length, geographic location, sample size, taxonomy, and telemetry technology used. We identified 72 research articles in indexed journals and 110 reports available from the IUCN’s Crocodile Specialist Group, published between 1970 and 2022. Publications included 23 of the 27-living described crocodylian species. We identified strong geographic and taxonomic biases, with most articles proceeding from the USA (21.2%) and Australia (14%), with Alligator mississipiensis and Crocodylus porosus as the main target species in studies conducted in these countries, respectively. Despite representing 22% of IUCN’s reports, Gavialis gangeticus was referred in a single indexed research article. VHF telemetry was the prevalent tracking method, followed by GPS and acoustic transmitters. Studies using VHF devices had generally shorter in length when compared to alternative technologies. Transmitter weight represented less than 2% of the body mass of the carrying individual in all studies. Although attachment site of transmitters was notified in all research papers, few described anaesthetic or clinical procedures during attachment (33%). Our review highlights the need to encourage publication of crocodylian telemetry studies in non-English speaking countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where many endemic species are threatened. We also highlight the need of detailed information on methods and results to facilitate the choice and implementation of appropriate protocols in future telemetry-tracking studies.
Predictors of adherence to electronic self-monitoring in patients with bipolar disorder: a contactless study using Growth Mixture Models
Authors: Ortiz Abigail , Park Yunkyung , Gonzalez-Torres Christina , Alda Martin , Blumberger Daniel M. , Burnett Rachael , Husain M. Ishrat , Sanches Marcos , Mulsant Benoit H.
Published: May 2023

Background

Several studies have reported on the feasibility of electronic (e-)monitoring using computers or smartphones in patients with mental disorders, including bipolar disorder (BD). While studies on e-monitoring have examined the role of demographic factors, such as age, gender, or socioeconomic status and use of health apps, to our knowledge, no study has examined clinical characteristics that might impact adherence with e-monitoring in patients with BD. We analyzed adherence to e-monitoring in patients with BD who participated in an ongoing e-monitoring study and evaluated whether demographic and clinical factors would predict adherence.

Methods

Eighty-seven participants with BD in different phases of the illness were included. Patterns of adherence for wearable use, daily and weekly self-rating scales over 15 months were analyzed to identify adherence trajectories using growth mixture models (GMM). Multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to compute the effects of predictors on GMM classes.

Results

Overall adherence rates were 79.5% for the wearable; 78.5% for weekly self-ratings; and 74.6% for daily self-ratings. GMM identified three latent class subgroups: participants with (i) perfect; (ii) good; and (iii) poor adherence. On average, 34.4% of participants showed “perfect” adherence; 37.1% showed “good” adherence; and 28.2% showed poor adherence to all three measures. Women, participants with a history of suicide attempt, and those with a history of inpatient admission were more likely to belong to the group with perfect adherence.

Conclusions

Participants with higher illness burden (e.g., history of admission to hospital, history of suicide attempts) have higher adherence rates to e-monitoring. They might see e-monitoring as a tool for better documenting symptom change and better managing their illness, thus motivating their engagement.
The effect of marital satisfaction on the self-assessed depression of husbands and wives: investigating the moderating effects of the number of children and neurotic personality
Authors: Yang Le , Yang Ziqi , Yang Jingjing
Published: May 2023

Background

Based on the family system theory, there is an interactive relationship in the family, especially the cognitive style and emotional changes of the husband and wife will affect the behavior, cognition and emotion of the partner. Data about the effects of marital relationships on mental health are often paired. Scholars study the effect of individual independent variables on the dependent variables and the effect of spouse independent variables on the dependent variables to explore the actor and partner effect in marital relationships.

Methods

This study used the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2018 dataset to collect paired data on the marital satisfaction and self-rated mental health of 9,560 couples. The Actor–Partner Interdependence Moderation Model (APIMoM) was used to analyze whether moderator variables affect the direction and strength of the effect of marital satisfaction on self-rated depression. In the robustness test part, the robustness of the APIMoM model was tested by reanalyzing the independent variables using two kinds of  binary codes respectively, and the results showed that the models were robust.

Results

Individuals’ marital satisfaction was significantly negatively correlated with their own depression level and with that of their spouse. The number of family members had a positive moderating effect on the results of the wife’s partner effect. Couples who lived in the environment with more family members had lower depression scores. Couples who have more children have higher depression scores. The number of children has a negative moderating effect on the results of partner effect of husbands and wives. The wife’s neurotic personality score has a negative moderating effect on the wife’s actor effect.

Conclusions

In terms of measures to prevent depression, women’s mental health should be given more priority than men’s. Living in a larger family with more children is beneficial for couples’ mental health. Efforts to prevent depression in couples should take into account the neurotic character of the members, especially the wife, and design special treatment and preventive measures accordingly. These findings highlight that binary dynamics should be considered in exploring what factors influence the mental health of married couples.
Spatio-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of traditional villages in the Yangtze River Basin: a Geodetector model
Authors: Chen Wanxu , Yang Liyan , Wu Jianhua , Wu Jiahui , Wang Guanzheng , Bian Jiaojiao , Zeng Jie , Liu Zhiling
Published: May 2023

The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is the birthplace of Chinese civilization and is rich in traditional village resources. Studying their spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors can guide the protection, inheritance, and development of traditional villages in YRB. This study takes 5 batches of 3346 traditional villages in YRB since 2012 as the research object. Using the nearest neighbor index, kernel density analysis, standard deviation ellipse, and Geodetector model, we analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics of traditional villages in YRB and detected their influencing factors. The results show that the distribution of traditional villages in YRB exhibited a spatial pattern of cohesive clusters, forming a high-density area and development center in the junction zone between Guizhou and Hunan provinces and southeast of Anhui Province, and secondary-density areas in Northeast Yunnan Province and east Jiangxi Province. The results of the Geodetector show that the formation of the spatial distribution pattern of traditional villages in YRB is affected by the combined effects of natural and socio-economic factors, among which elevation and NDVI were the main factors, and the interaction of multiple factors showed an enhanced trend. The findings of this study can provide scientific decision-making support for the development and protection of traditional villages in YRB.
Practical ANN prediction models for the axial capacity of square CFST columns
Authors: Đorđević Filip , Kostić Svetlana M.
Published: May 2023

In this study, two machine-learning algorithms based on the artificial neural network (ANN) model are proposed to estimate the ultimate compressive strength of square concrete-filled steel tubular columns. The development of such prognostic models is achievable since an extensive set of experimental tests exist for these members. The models are developed to use the simplest possible network architecture but attain very high accuracy. A total dataset of 1022 specimens with 685 stub columns and 337 slender columns subjected to pure axial compression is collected from the available literature. This is significant for the development of the initial model considering that for this field it falls under the scope of big data analysis. The ANN models are validated by comparison with experimental results. The validation study has shown the superiority of surrogate models over the Eurocode 4 design code. The empirical equation derived from the best-tuned Bayesian regularization algorithm shows a better agreement with the experimental results than those obtained by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm, and Eurocode 4 design code. A similar conclusion applies to stub and slender columns independently. The Bayesian regularization-based model is negligibly slower than the one developed on the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm but gives a better generalization even with simplified ANN. Generally, besides its high accuracy, one of the key benefits of the presented ANN model is its applicability to a broader range of columns than Eurocode 4 and other studies.