bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel model for predicting prolonged stay of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a 13-year (2010–2022) multicenter retrospective case–control study
Authors: Tan Juntao , Zhang Zhengyu , He Yuxin , Yu Yue , Zheng Jing , Liu Yunyu , Gong Jun , Li Jianjun , Wu Xin , Zhang Shengying , Lin Xiantian , Zhao Yuxi , Wu Xiaoxin , Tang Songjia , Chen Jingjing , Zhao Wenlong
Published: February 2023

Background

Length of stay (LOS) is an important metric for evaluating the management of inpatients. This study aimed to explore the factors impacting the LOS of inpatients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and develop a predictive model for the early identification of inpatients with prolonged LOS.

Methods

A 13-year multicenter retrospective study was conducted on 83,776 patients with T2DM to develop and validate a clinical predictive tool for prolonged LOS. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model and multivariable logistic regression analysis were adopted to build the risk model for prolonged LOS, and a nomogram was taken to visualize the model. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis and clinical impact curves were used to respectively validate the discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability of the model.

Results

The result showed that age, cerebral infarction, antihypertensive drug use, antiplatelet and anticoagulant use, past surgical history, past medical history, smoking, drinking, and neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio were closely related to the prolonged LOS. Area under the curve values of the nomogram in the training, internal validation, external validation set 1, and external validation set 2 were 0.803 (95% CI [confidence interval] 0.799–0.808), 0.794 (95% CI 0.788–0.800), 0.754 (95% CI 0.739–0.770), and 0.743 (95% CI 0.722–0.763), respectively. The calibration curves indicated that the nomogram had a strong calibration. Besides, decision curve analysis, and clinical impact curves exhibited that the nomogram had favorable clinical practical value. Besides, an online interface (https://cytjt007.shinyapps.io/prolonged_los/) was developed to provide convenient access for users.

Conclusion

In sum, the proposed model could predict the possible prolonged LOS of inpatients with T2DM and help the clinicians to improve efficiency in bed management.
Impaired antibody responses were observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after receiving the inactivated COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Xiang Feng , Long Boyu , He Jiaoxia , Cheng Feifei , Zhang Sijing , Liu Qing , Chen Zhiwei , Li Hu , Chen Min , Peng Mingli , Yin Wenwei , Liu Dongfang , Ren Hong
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been reported to be more susceptible to 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and more likely to develop severe pneumonia. However, the safety and immunological responses of T2DM patients after receiving the inactivated vaccines are not quite definite. Therefore, we aimed to explore the safety, antibody responses, and B-cell immunity of T2DM patients who were vaccinated with inactivated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.

Methods

Eighty-nine patients with T2DM and 100 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled, all of whom had received two doses of full-course inactivated vaccines. At 21–105 days after full-course vaccines: first, the safety of the vaccines was assessed by questionnaires; second, the titers of anti-receptor binding domain IgG (anti-RBD-IgG) and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) were measured; third, we detected the frequency of RBD-specific memory B cells (RBD-specific MBCs) to explore the cellular immunity of T2DM patients.

Results

The overall incidence of adverse events was similar between T2DM patients and HCs, and no serious adverse events were recorded in either group. Compared with HCs, significantly lower titers of anti-RBD-IgG (p = 0.004) and NAbs (p = 0.013) were observed in T2DM patients. Moreover, the frequency of RBD-specific MBCs was lower in T2DM patients than in HCs (p = 0.027). Among the 89 T2DM patients, individuals with lower body mass index (BMI) had higher antibody titers (anti-RBD-IgG: p = 0.009; NAbs: p = 0.084). Furthermore, we found that sex, BMI, and days after vaccination were correlated with antibody titers.

Conclusions

Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines were safe in patients with T2DM, but the antibody responses and memory B-cell responses were significantly decreased compared to HCs.

Trial registration number and date

NCT05043246. September 14, 2021. (Clinical Trials.gov)
Radiosurgery of limited brain metastases from primary solid tumor: results of the randomized phase III trial (NCT02355613) comparing treatments executed with a specialized or a C-arm linac-based platform
Authors: Scorsetti Marta , Navarria Pierina , Cozzi Luca , Clerici Elena , Bellu Luisa , Franceschini Davide , Marzo Antonio Marco , Franzese Ciro , Torri Valter , Reggiori Giacomo , Lobefalo Francesca , Raspagliesi Luca , Attuati Luca , Pessina Federico , Franzini Andrea , Picozzi Piero , Tomatis Stefano
Published: February 2023

Background

Comparative prospective data regarding different radiosurgery (SRS) modalities for treating brain metastases (BMs) from solid tumors are not available. To investigate with a single institute phase III randomized trial whether SRS executed with linac (Arm-B) is superior to a dedicated multi-source gamma-ray stereotactic platform (Arm-A).

Methods

Adults patients with 1–4 BMs from solid tumors up to 30 mm in maximum diameter were randomly assigned to arms A and B. The primary endpoint was cumulative incidence of symptomatic (grade 2–3) radionecrosis (CIRN). Secondary endpoints were local progression cumulative incidence (CILP), distant brain failure, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 251 patients were randomly assigned to Arm-A (121) or Arm-B (130). The 1-year RN cumulative incidence was 6.7% in whole cohort, 3.8% (95% CI 1.9–7.4%) in Arm-B, and 9.3% (95% CI 6.2–13.8%) in the Arm-A (p = 0.43). CIRN was influenced by target volume irradiated only for the Arm-A (p << 0.001; HR 1.36 [95% CI 1.25–1.48]). Symptomatic RN occurred in 56 cases at a median time of 10.3 months (range 1.15–54.8 months), 27 in the Arm-B at a median time of 15.9 months (range 4.9–54.8 months), and 29 in the Arm-A at a median time of 6.9 months (1.2–32.3 months), without statistically significant differences between the two arms. No statistically significant differences were recorded between the two arms in CILP, BDF, DFS or OS. The mean beam-on time to deliver SRS was 49.0 ± 36.2 min in Arm-A, and 3.1 ± 1.6 min in Arm-B.

Conclusions

Given the technical differences between the treatment platforms investigated in this single-institution study, linac-based SRS (Arm-B) did not lead to significantly lower grade 2–3 RN rates versus the multi-source gamma-ray system (Arm-A) in a population of patients with limited brain metastases of small volume. No significant difference in local control was observed between both arms. For Arm-B, the treatment delivery time was significantly lower than for Arm-A.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02355613.
Effects of early recombinant human growth hormone treatment in young Chinese children with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Gao Ying , Yang Li-Li , Dai Yang-Li , Shen Zheng , Zhou Qiong , Zou Chao-Chun
Published: February 2023

Background

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare and multisystemic genetic disorder that is characterized by severe hypotonia, hyperphagia, short stature, and global developmental delay. Although early recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment has been proven to rescue some symptoms and bring additional benefits to PWS patients, studies in patients under 2 years old are scarce. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of rhGH treatment for young children.

Methods

A total of 96 genetically confirmed Chinese PWS infants or toddlers (47 males) followed between 2013 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-five infants (early treatment group) started rhGH treatment during their first year, and 31 toddlers (later treatment group) started at the age of 1–2 years. Auxological parameters, carbohydrate metabolism parameters, thyroid function, liver function, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and radiographs were acquired before the initiation of the treatment and every 3–6 months thereafter. Height/length, weight, and weight for height were expressed as standard deviation scores (SDSs) according to WHO child growth standards.

Results

The mean SDS of length/height in the early treatment group was significantly higher than that in the later treatment group throughout the observation period (all P < 0.001). The change in the length SDS between the two groups at 1 year old and 4 years old was 1.50 (95% CI, 0.88–2.13) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.16–1.10), respectively. Compared to the later treatment group, the weight SDS in the early treatment group increased by 0.94 (95% CI, 0.37–1.52) at 1 year old and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.28–1.39) at 2 years old. No statistical significance was found after 2.5 years of age. No significant differences were observed in IGF-1, incidence of liver dysfunction, hypothyroidism or spinal deformity between the two groups.

Conclusions

rhGH treatment improved growth and body composition in infants and toddlers. Furthermore, an early start of rhGH treatment is expected to have more efficacy than the later treatment group without an increase in adverse effects.
Lessons identified from initiating a thalassaemia programme in a conflict setting: a case study from northeast Syria
Authors: MacVinish Sally , van Leeuwen Crystal , Hoetjes Maartje , Aoki Yoshihiro , Foley Deirdre , Roggeveen Harriet
Published: February 2023

Background

Thalassaemia affects many families in Northeast Syria, an area devastated by over a decade of conflict which has significantly impacted their health system. People with thalassaemia require holistic multidisciplinary care for the clinical complications of thalassaemia. The risks of thalassaemia treatment include blood-borne viral infections secondary to unsafe transfusion, increased vulnerability to serious bacterial infection following splenectomy, and complications of both iron overload and iron chelation therapy. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provided outpatient thalassaemia care programmes in northeast Syria between April 2017 October 2019 in a complex conflict context challenged by population displacement, the destruction of medical facilities, and periods of insecurity.

Methods

We performed a secondary descriptive analysis of the thalassaemia cohort data to describe basic clinical and demographic characteristics of the patient population. A desk review of internal and publicly available documents was supplemented by informal interviews with MSF staff to describe and analyse the programmatic approach.

Case description

MSF delivered programmes with thalassaemia investigations, provision of blood transfusion, iron chelation therapy, and psychosocial support. Thalassemia programmes were novel for the organisation and operational learning took place alongside service implementation. Lessons were identified on equipment procurement and the requirements for the implementation of vital investigations (including ferritin testing), to inform clinical decision making. Lessons included the importance of supply planning for sufficient blood products to meet diverse clinical needs in a conflict area, so those with thalassaemia have continued access to blood products among the competing priorities. Iron chelation therapy met a large need in this cohort. Adapted protocols were implemented to balance social factors, hygiene considerations, toxicity, tolerability, and adherence to therapy. Wider service needs included considerations for family planning advice and services, continuity of care and patient access through decentralised services or laboratory access, psychosocial support, and improved data collection including quality of life measurements to understand the full impact of such programmes.

Conclusions

Although this type of programming was not “routine” for the organisation, MSF demonstrated that life-sustaining thalassaemia care can be provided in complex conflict settings. International non-governmental organisations can consider this care possible in similar contexts.
LIFTOSCOPE: development of an automated AI-based module for time-effective and contactless analysis and isolation of cells in microtiter plates
Authors: Narrog Florian , Lensing Richard , Piotrowski Tobias , Nottrodt Nadine , Wehner Martin , Nießing Bastian , König Niels , Gillner Arnold , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: February 2023

Background

The cultivation, analysis, and isolation of single cells or cell cultures are fundamental to modern biological and medical processes. The novel LIFTOSCOPE technology aims to integrate analysis and isolation into one versatile, fully automated device.

Methods

LIFTOSCOPE’s three core technologies are high-speed microscopy for rapid full-surface imaging of cell culture vessels, AI-based semantic segmentation of microscope images for localization and evaluation of cells, and laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) for contact-free isolation of cells and cell clusters. LIFT transfers cells from a standard microtiter plate (MTP) across an air gap to a receiver plate, from where they can be further cultivated. The LIFT laser is integrated into the optical path of an inverse microscope, allowing to switch quickly between microscopic observation and cell transfer.

Results

Tests of the individual process steps prove the feasibility of the concept. A prototype setup shows the compatibility of the microscope stage with the LIFT laser. A specifically designed MTP adapter to hold a receiver plate has been designed and successfully used for material transfers. A suitable AI algorithm has been found for cell selection.

Conclusion

LIFTOSCOPE speeds up cell cultivation and analysis with a target process time of 10 minutes, which can be achieved if the cell transfer is sped up using a more efficient path-finding algorithm. Some challenges remain, like finding a suitable cell transfer medium.

Significance

The LIFTOSCOPE system can be used to extend existing cell cultivation systems and microscopes for fully automated biotechnological applications.
Comparative transcriptome and co-expression network analysis revealed the genes associated with senescence and polygalacturonase activity involved in pod shattering of rapeseed
Authors: Mahmood Umer , Li Xiaodong , Qian Mingchao , Fan Yonghai , Yu Mengna , Li Shengting , Shahzad Ali , Qu Cunmin , Li Jiana , Liu Liezhao , Lu Kun
Published: February 2023

Background

The pod shattering (PS) trait negatively affects the crop yield in rapeseed especially under dry conditions. To better understand the trait and cultivate higher resistance varieties, it’s necessary to identify key genes and unravel the PS mechanism thoroughly.

Results

In this study, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis between two materials significantly different in silique shatter resistance lignin deposition and polygalacturonase (PG) activity. Here, we identified 10,973 differentially expressed genes at six pod developmental stages. We found that the late pod development stages might be crucial in preparing the pods for upcoming shattering events. GO enrichment results fromK-means clustering and weighed gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) both revealed senescence-associated genes play an important role in PS. Two hub genesBna.A05ABI5andBna.C03ERF/AP2-3were selected from the MEyellow module, which possibly regulate the PS through senescence-related mechanisms. Further investigation found that senescence-associated transcription factorBna.A05ABI5upregulated the expression ofSAG2andERF/AP2to control the shattering process. In addition, the upregulation ofBna.C03ERF/AP2-3is possibly involved in the transcription of downstreamSHP1/2and LEA proteins to trigger the shattering mechanism. We also analyzed the PS marker genes and foundBna.C07SHP1/2 andBna.PG1/2were significantly upregulated in susceptible accession. Furthermore, the role of auxin transport byBna.WAG2was also observed, which could reduce the PG activity to enhance the PS resistance through the cell wall loosening process.

Conclusion

Based on comparative transcriptome evaluation, this study delivers insights into the regulatory mechanism primarily underlying the variation of PS in rapeseed. Taken together, these results provide a better understanding to increase the yield of rapeseed by reducing the PS through better engineered crops.
Review of methods for coding of speech signals
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Douglas
Published: February 2023

Speech is the most common form of human communication, and many conversations use digital communication links. For efficient transmission, acoustic speech waveforms are usually converted to digital form, with reduced bit rates, while maintaining decoded speech quality. This paper reviews the history of speech coding techniques, from early mu-law logarithmic compression to recent neural-network methods. The techniques are examined in terms of output quality, algorithmic complexity, delay, and cost. Focus is on which aspects of speech can be exploited for high-quality transmission. The choices made to code speech are motivated by efficiency, the needs of applications, and access to information in the speech signal that is useful for both intelligibility and naturalness in the reconstructed speech at the decoder.
Local limit theorems without assuming finite third moment
Authors: Kammoo Punyapat , Laipaporn Kittipong , Neammanee Kritsana
Published: February 2023

One of the most fundamental probabilities is the probability at a particular point. The local limit theorem is the well-known theorem that estimates this probability. In this paper, we estimate this probability by the density function of normal distribution in the case of lattice integer-valued random variables. Our technique is the characteristic function method. We complete to relax the third moment condition of Siripraparat and Neammanee (J. Inequal. Appl. 2021:57, 2021) and the references therein and also obtain explicit constants of the error bound.
Grayken lessons: the role of an interdisciplinary endocarditis working group in evaluating and optimizing care for a woman with opioid use disorder requiring a second tricuspid valve replacement
Authors: Rozansky Hallie , Awtry Eric , Weinstein Zoe M. , Peterkin Alyssa F.
Published: February 2023

Background

Injection drug use-related endocarditis is increasingly common among hospitalized patients in the United States, and associated morbidity and mortality are rising.

Case presentation

Here we present the case of a 34-year-old woman with severe opioid use disorder and multiple episodes of infective endocarditis requiring prosthetic tricuspid valve replacement, who developed worsening dyspnea on exertion. Her echocardiogram demonstrated severe tricuspid regurgitation with a flail prosthetic valve leaflet, without concurrent endocarditis, necessitating a repeat valve replacement. Her care was overseen by our institution’s Endocarditis Working Group, a multidisciplinary team that includes providers from addiction medicine, cardiology, infectious disease, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurocritical care. The team worked together to evaluate her, develop a treatment plan for her substance use disorder in tandem with her other medical conditions, and advocate for her candidacy for valve replacement.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary endocarditis teams such as these are important emerging innovations, which have demonstrated improvements in outcomes for patients with infective endocarditis and substance use disorders, and have the potential to reduce bias by promoting standard-of-care treatment.
The role and regulation of Maf proteins in cancer
Authors: Deng Yalan , Lu Liqing , Zhang Huajun , Fu Ying , Liu Ting , Chen Yongheng
Published: February 2023

The Maf proteins (Mafs) belong to basic leucine zipper transcription factors and are members of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) superfamily. There are two subgroups of Mafs: large Mafs and small Mafs, which are involved in a wide range of biological processes, such as the cell cycle, proliferation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Therefore, dysregulation of Mafs can affect cell fate and is closely associated with diverse diseases. Accumulating evidence has established both large and small Mafs as mediators of tumor development. In this review, we first briefly describe the structure and physiological functions of Mafs. Then we summarize the upstream regulatory mechanisms that control the expression and activity of Mafs. Furthermore, we discuss recent studies on the critical role of Mafs in cancer progression, including cancer proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, tumor/stroma interaction and angiogenesis. We also review the clinical implications of Mafs, namely their potential possibilities and limitations as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer.
Inverse correlation of free triiodothyronine with glycated albumin and the glycated albumin/glycated hemoglobin ratio in hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mimura Keiji , Nishide Takahiro , Naganuma Toshihide , Katsube Yui , Ishitani Seiji , Nakahara Katsuhiko , Hirasaka Naohisa , Mizobata Rie , Yamagata Yuko , Nishikawa Osamu , Yukawa Susumu
Published: February 2023

Background

That the prevalence of low triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome is high among hemodialysis (HD) patients has been previously established. Herein, we examined the association of glycated albumin (GA) and the GA to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ratio (GA/HbA1c) with free triiodothyronine (FT3) in HD patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 134 patients (68 patients with diabetes mellitus [DM group] and 66 patients without diabetes mellitus [non-DM group]) who received maintenance HD at our dialysis clinic between 2014 and 2018. Univariate linear regression analyses of GA, GA/HbA1c, or HbA1c with several clinical variables were primarily conducted. Multiple regression analyses with GA (or GA/HbA1c) as the objective variable were conducted with explanatory variable FT3 adjusted for age, sex, Hb, Alb, and average plasma glucose (Av-PG) (or HbA1c).

Results

In the DM and non-DM groups, GA tended to be inversely correlated with FT3, although significantly so only in the non-DM group. GA/HbA1c also showed a strong significant inverse correlation with FT3 in the DM group and the non-DM group. FT3 and GA/HbA1c were also significantly correlated with the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in the DM group and non-DM group. In the multivariate analysis, which was adjusted for age, sex, Hb, Alb, and HbA1c, FT3 was a significant and independent factor associated with GA in the DM group (β = − 0.334, p < 0.001) and in the non-DM group (β = − 0.412, p < 0.001). The regression equations obtained by stepwise multiple regression analyses using all of these variables as independent variables were GA = 3.3HbA1c − 4.4FT3 + 1.9sex + 8.8 for the DM group and GA =  − 2.4FT3 + 0.04Age − 0.5Hb + 25.2 for the non-DM group. These contribution rates (i.e., coefficient of determination) were R2 = 0.708 in the DM group and R2 = 0.347 in the non-DM group, In the DM group, the estimation formulas, based on the regression equation [GA (men) = 3.3HbA1c − 4.4FT3 + 10.7 and GA (women) = 3.3HbA1c − 4.4FT3 + 8.8], showed very high contribution rates (i.e., coefficient of determination R2 = 0.674 for men and 0.761 for women) for the GA measured values.

Conclusions

GA and GA/HbA1c have a close relationship with FT3 in HD patients. The estimation formulas of GA could be obtained. In particular, the estimation formulas in the DM group are believed to be useful in considering HbA1c and FT3 simultaneously when evaluating GA.
Measuring the effect of employment uncertainty on fertility in low-fertility contexts: an overview of existing measures
Authors: Buh Brian
Published: February 2023

Numerous studies aim to connect negative fertility desires and outcomes with employment conditions deemed to be uncertain. However, there is a lack of consensus about how to define, conceptualise, and measure employment uncertainty. This paper considers issues surrounding the conceptualisation of employment uncertainty. It then reviews existing measures of employment uncertainty in the context of fertility decisions. Finally, it raises considerations about their use. While some aspects of employment uncertainty are well studied, there are still gaps between theory and empirical evidence. Researchers should be aware of existing population heterogeneity, contextual factors, and model selection when considering their conceptualisation of employment uncertainty.
Development and internal validation of a diagnostic prediction model for psoriasis severity
Authors: Liljendahl Mie Sylow , Loft Nikolai , Egeberg Alexander , Skov Lone , Nguyen Tri-Long
Published: February 2023

Background

While administrative health records such as national registries may be useful data sources to study the epidemiology of psoriasis, they do not generally contain information on disease severity.

Objectives

To develop a diagnostic model to distinguish psoriasis severity based on administrative register data.

Method

We conducted a retrospective registry-based cohort study using the Danish Skin Cohort linked with the Danish national registries. We developed a diagnostic model using a gradient boosting machine learning technique to predict moderate-to-severe psoriasis. We performed an internal validation of the model by bootstrapping to account for any optimism.

Results

Among 4016 adult psoriasis patients (55.8% women, mean age 59 years) included in this study, 1212 (30.2%) patients were identified as having moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The diagnostic prediction model yielded a bootstrap-corrected discrimination performance: c-statistic equal to 0.73 [95% CI: 0.71–0.74]. The internal validation by bootstrap correction showed no substantial optimism in the results with a c-statistic of 0.72 [95% CI: 0.70–0.74]. A bootstrap-corrected slope of 1.10 [95% CI: 1.07–1.13] indicated a slight under-fitting.

Conclusion

Based on register data, we developed a gradient boosting diagnostic model returning acceptable prediction of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Intraspecific body size variability in a population of Billaea rhynchophorae (Blanchard) (Diptera: Tachinidae) parasitizing Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Brazil
Authors: Guzzo Elio Cesar , Toma Ronaldo , Acevedo Juan Pablo Molina , Vega Jackeline Gaviria , Negrisoli Aldomario Santo , Löhr Bernhard Leo , dos Santos Tamara Tais , da Silva Diego Jorge , Diniz Leandro Eugênio Cardamone
Published: February 2023

Background

The black palm weevil,Rhynchophorus palmarum(Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is considered the most important palm pest in the Americas. In the State of Bahia, Brazil, it is parasitized by tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae). During 2019–2020, larvae and pupae ofR. palmarumwere collected from African oil palms (Elaeis guineensisJacq.) in the municipalities of Jaguaripe and Taperoá, Bahia State, Brazil. Puparia and adult tachinids of two apparent morphospecies, with considerable differences in body size, were obtained from theR. palmarumimmatures, which led to initially assume that we had collected two different tachinid species.

Results

Morphological identification as well asCOIgene sequencing showed that the two apparent morphospecies belong to a single taxonomic species,Billaea rhynchophorae(Blanchard, 1937) (Diptera: Tachinidae).

Conclusions

Occurrence of intraspecific size variability inB. rhynchophoraewas reported, as well as performed the first genetic sequencing for this species. The reason of the size variation could not be determined but some possible causes and implications are discussed.
The double-balloon technique: a safe and effective adjunctive technique in patients undergoing arterial therapy for hepatic malignancies with vascular supply not amenable to selective administration
Authors: Tanaka Mari , Uppot Raul , Daye Dania , Liu Raymond , Wehrenberg-Klee Eric
Published: February 2023

Purpose

During catheter directed intraarterial therapy for liver lesions, challenging hepatic vascular anatomy can sometimes prevent selective administration of treatment delivery to liver tumors leading to increased toxicity to normal liver parenchyma. The objective of this study is to describe a variation of the double balloon technique that isolates the feeding artery to liver tumors proximally and distally to provide treatment delivery in lesions that cannot be otherwise selected.

Materials and methods

An IRB-approved retrospective review of 7 patients who had undergone either radioembolization, chemoembolization, or bland embolization and the double balloon technique was employed. The devices used for flow augmentation were two 2.1 French balloon microcatheters (Sniper™, Embolx). One balloon was inflated distal to target vessel and the second was inflated proximal to protect from reflux.

Results

DEB-TACE was performed in 3 cases, 90Y was performed in 4, and bland embolization was performed in the last patient. There were no adverse effects from the procedure or clinically evident effects from non-target embolization. Mean follow up time was 286.4 +/− 200.1 days. Six of the 7 patients are alive. One patient passed away on post-procedure day 121 from septic shock unrelated to the procedure. One patient was bridged to transplant with an additional TACE of a separate lesion.

Conclusion

Double-balloon technique for patients undergoing 90Y or chemoembolization is a safe adjunctive technique for super selective treatment of hepatic lesions where direct selection via catheter is not feasible. This may increase the range of lesions that can be both safely and effectively treated by catheter directed therapies.
Structured illumination microscopy based on principal component analysis
Authors: Qian Jiaming , Cao Yu , Bi Ying , Wu Hongjun , Liu Yongtao , Chen Qian , Zuo Chao
Published: February 2023

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is one of the powerful super-resolution modalities in bioscience with the advantages of full-field imaging and high photon efficiency. However, artifact-free super-resolution image reconstruction requires precise knowledge about the illumination parameters. The sample- and environment-dependent on-the-fly experimental parameters need to be retrieved a posteriori from the acquired data, posing a major challenge for real-time, long-term live-cell imaging, where low photobleaching, phototoxicity, and light dose are a must. In this work, we present an efficient and robust SIM algorithm based on principal component analysis (PCA-SIM). PCA-SIM is based on the observation that the ideal phasor matrix of a SIM pattern is of rank one, leading to the low complexity, precise identification of noninteger pixel wave vector and pattern phase while rejecting components that are unrelated to the parameter estimation. We demonstrate that PCA-SIM achieves non-iteratively fast, accurate (below 0.01-pixel wave vector and 0.1$$\%$$
%
of 2$$\pi$$
π
relative phase under typical noise level), and robust parameter estimation at low SNRs, which allows real-time super-resolution imaging of live cells in complicated experimental scenarios where other state-of-the-art methods inevitably fail. In particular, we provide the open-source MATLAB toolbox of our PCA-SIM algorithm and associated datasets. The combination of iteration-free reconstruction, robustness to noise, and limited computational complexity makes PCA-SIM a promising method for high-speed, long-term, artifact-free super-resolution imaging of live cells.
The Potential Impact of Basivertebral Foramen Morphology and Pedicle Screw Placement on Epidural Cement Leakage With Cement-Augmented Fenestrated Pedicle Screw Fixation: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of 282 Patients and 1404 Augmented Screws
Authors: Yu Weibo , Liang De , Yao Zhensong , Zhang Haiyan , Zhong Yuanming , Tang Yongchao , Jiang Xiaobing , Cai Daozhang
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Epidural cement leakage (CL) is a common complication in cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation (CAFPSF) with the potential for neural injury. However, there are no reports discussing basivertebral vein morphology and pedicle screw placement, which are critical in the analysis of the risk of epidural CL after CAFPSF.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify the incidence and risk factors of epidural CL in osteoporotic patients during CAFPSF.

METHODS:

Two hundred and eighty-two osteoporotic patients using 1404 cement-augmented fenestrated screws were included. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) was used to characterize the morphology of posterior cortical basivertebral foramen. After CAFPSF, the severity of epidural CL, the implantation position of the screw tip, and cement extension within the vertebral body were determined by postoperative CT scans. In this study, significant risk factors for epidural CL were identified through logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS:

In total, 28 patients (18.8%) and 108 screws (7.7%) had epidural CL and 7 patients (13 screws) experienced neurological symptoms. Although local epidural CL was generally not clinically significant, extensive epidural leakage posed a higher risk of neurological symptoms. Significant predictors for extensive epidural CL were a magistral type of basivertebral foramen and the smaller distance between the tip of the screw and the posterior wall of the vertebral body.

CONCLUSION:

In osteoporotic patients receiving CAFPSF, epidural CL is relatively common. The morphology of basivertebral foramen should be taken into account when planning a CAFPSF procedure. It is important to try and achieve a deeper screw implantation, especially when a magistral type of basivertebral foramen is present.
OBRIGAÇÕES POLÍTICAS ASSOCIATIVAS E (OU) DE PAPEL: UMA CRÍTICA À TEORIA DE DWORKIN PARA A OBEDIÊNCIA DO DIREITO POR CIDADÃOS E JUÍZES
Authors: Faggion Vinicius De Souza
Published: February 2023

Objetivo: sugiro que a teoria das obrigações políticas associativas de Ronald Dworkin, conhecida por justificar a obediência moral ao direito pelos cidadãos, especialmente os juízes, está incorreta. Teorias associativas propõem que o vínculo constituído entre os indivíduos em práticas sociais é o fator responsável por justificar obrigações morais. Porém, vínculos associativos se mostrarão incompatíveis com o contexto sociopolítico, sobretudo, quanto ao papel exercido pelos juízes.Metodologia: apresento uma exposição crítico-reflexiva dos principais argumentos em favor e contra as obrigações associativas de Dworkin. A discussão teórica assume pressupostos da filosofia analítica, em que prossigo com uma análise normativa acerca desse tipo de obrigação.Resultados: procuro demonstrar como razões associativas que embasam a teoria em discussão são motivadas por relacionamentos sociais mais íntimos e parciais entre os indivíduos. Por isso, elas seriam incompatíveis com o tipo de obrigação moral e política esperado entre cidadãos e juízes.Contribuições: os argumentos abordados traçam quais são os limites e o escopo de teorias baseadas em obrigações associativas. Também permitem uma reflexão mais cuidadosa acerca da justificação normativa das obrigações políticas dos cidadãos e dos juízes.
Stable isotopes provide evidence of a trophic shift in the lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula from the Central Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: REINERO FRANCESCA ROMANA , BECERRIL-GARCÍA EDGAR EDUARDO , ELORRIAGAVERPLANCKEN FERNANDO R. , MELO-BARRERA FELIPE NERI , TORALDO-SERRA MARIA LUDOVICA , GIGLIO GIANNI , MICARELLI PRIMO , TRIPEPI SANDRO , GALVÁN-MAGAÑA FELIPE , SPERONE EMILIO
Published: February 2023

Stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) were analysed in vertebrae of Scyliorhinus canicula (n=40; 13 males, 27 females) from the central Tyrrhenian Sea to explore a potential trophic shift in relation to sex and maturity condition. Isotopic values were obtained from the centre and the periphery of the vertebra of each individual to test for the effect of maturity condition. The values of δ13C and δ15N showed significant differences between the immature and mature state of the individuals analysed (U’=1392, P<0.0001 for δ13C; U’=1385, P<0.0001 for δ15N). Differences in values of δ15N demonstrated a trophic shift during maturation progress of S. canicula. The peripheral vertebral part, corresponding to the mature state of each individual, showed higher values of δ15N (mean 5.41‰ SD±1.29‰), compared with the lower values of δ15N (mean 2.78‰ SD±1.52‰) observed in the central vertebral part related to the immature state. In contrast, the isotopic signature of δ13C was lower in the vertebral centra, and thus related to areas less enriched in C13 (mean -22.56‰ SD±1.26‰) in comparison with the vertebral periphery (mean -20.03‰ SD±1.34‰) linked to more productive environments. No significant differences in δ13C or for δ15N values were observed between sexes.
Targeting Acanthamoeba proteins interaction with flavonoids of Propolis extract by in vitro and in silico studies for promising therapeutic effects
Authors: Sama-ae Imran , Sangkanu Suthinee , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Norouzi Roghayeh , Chuprom Julalak , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Surinkaew Sirirat , Boonhok Rachasak , Paul Alok K. , Mahboob Tooba , Abtahi Najme Sadat , Jimoh Tajudeen O. , Oliveira Sónia M.R. , Gupta Madhu , Sin Chea , de Lourdes Pereira Maria , Wilairatana Polrat , Wiart Christophe , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Dolma Karma G. , Nissapatorn Veeranoot
Published: February 2023

Background: Propolis is a natural resinous mixture produced by bees. It provides beneficial effects on human health in the treatment/management of many diseases. The present study was performed to demonstrate the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of ethanolic extracts of Propolis samples from Iran. The interactions of the compounds and essential proteins of Acanthamoeba were also visualized through docking simulation.

Methods: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Propolis extract against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts was determined in vitro. In addition, two-fold dilutions of each of agents were tested for encystment, excystment and adhesion inhibitions. Three major compounds of Propolis extract such as chrysin, tectochrysin and pinocembrin have been selected in molecular docking approach to predict the compounds that might be responsible for encystment, excystment and adhesion inhibitions of A. castellanii. Furthermore, to confirm the docking results, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also carried out for the most promising two ligand-pocket complexes from docking studies.

Results: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) 62.5 and 125 µg/mL of the most active Propolis extract were assessed in trophozoites stage of Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC30010 and ATCC50739, respectively. At concentrations lower than their MICs values (1/16 MIC), Propolis extract revealed inhibition of encystation. However, at 1/2 MIC, it showed a potential inhibition of excystation and anti-adhesion. The molecular docking and dynamic simulation revealed the potential capability of Pinocembrin to form hydrogen bonds with A. castellanii Sir2 family protein (AcSir2), an encystation protein of high relevance for this process in Acanthamoeba.

Conclusions: The results provided a candidate for the development of therapeutic drugs against Acanthamoeba infection. In vivo experiments and clinical trials are necessary to support this claim.
Education programmes on performance-based assessment for allied health and nursing clinical educators: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Alpine Lucy , Barrett Emer , Broderick Julie , Mockler David , O'Connor Anne
Published: February 2023

Background: Performance-based assessment (PBA) is a complex process undertaken in the workplace by healthcare practitioners known as clinical educators, who assist universities in determining health professional students’ readiness for independent practice. Preparing healthcare professionals for PBA is considered essential to ensuring the quality of the assessment process in the clinical learning environment. A preliminary search of the literature indicated a paucity of research guiding the development of education programmes that support practice educators to understand and implement PBA. 

Objective: The aim of this scoping review is to investigate and describe education programmes delivered to allied health and nursing clinical educators, to develop PBA knowledge and skills.

Methods: This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for conducting scoping reviews. Electronic databases relevant to this research topic will be searched including, EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science and CINAHL and other targeted databases for grey literature. Studies that include PBA as the main focus or a component of the education programmes, of any format, delivered to clinical educators in allied health and nursing will be included. Studies may report the design and/or implementation and/or evaluation of PBA education programmes. Relevant English language publications will be sought from January 2000 to October 2022. Two reviewers will screen all titles and abstracts against the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and publications deemed relevant will be eligible for full text screening, confirming appropriateness for inclusion in the scoping review. Data will be charted to create a table of the results, supported by narrative summary of findings in line with the review objectives.
Creating personas for exposome research: the experience from the HEAP project
Authors: Coombs Heather , Wootton Tracy , Dillner Joakim , Müller Heimo , Berger Anouk , Kozlakidis Zisis
Published: February 2023

The exposome is a complex scientific field that has enjoyed consistent growth over the last two decades, defined as the composite of every exposure to which an individual is subjected from conception to death. The study of the exposome requires consideration of both the nature of those exposures and their changes over time, and as such necessitates high quality data and software solutions. As the exposome is both a broad and a recent concept, it is challenging to define or to introduce in a structured way. Thus, an approach to assist with clear definitions and a structured framework is needed for the wider scientific and public communication.

Results: A set of 14 personas were developed through three focus groups and a series of 14 semi-structured interviews. The focus groups defined the broad themes specific to exposome research, while the sub-themes emerged to saturation via the interviews process. Personas are imaginary individuals that represent segments/groups of real people within a population. Within the context of the HEAP project, the created personas represented both exposome data generators and users.

Conclusion: Personas have been implemented successfully in computer science, improving the understanding of human-computer interaction. The creation of personas specific to exposome research adds a useful tool supporting education and outreach activities for a complex scientific field.
Breakfast nutrient profile and food sources among children with feeding difficulties
Authors: Maximino Priscila , Nogueira Luana Romão , Leme Ana Carolina , Ricci Raquel , Gioia Nathália , Fussi Camila , Fisberg Mauro
Published: February 2023

Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo, perfil nutricional e fontes de alimentos consumidos no café da manhã por crianças com dificuldades alimentares. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 137, lactentes, pré-escolares, e crianças em idade escolar de um centro de referência em nutrição e dificuldades alimentares em São Paulo, Brasil. Características sociodemográficas foram retiradas da anamnese clínica. Café da manhã foi definido como a primeira refeição do dia após um longo período de sono, consumido entre 5 e 10 horas da manhã. Crianças que não apresentaram consumo de acordo com essa definição foram consideradas como não consumidoras de café da manhã. Os pais relataram o consumo alimentar de seus filhos. Perfil nutricional e fontes de alimentos do café da manhã foram identificados. Estatística descritiva e testes de Kruskal-Wallis, e t-Student foram utilizados com nível de significância de 5% (p<0.05). Resultados: A maioria das crianças consomem café-da-manhã (80,3%), e apresentam uma mediana de energética de 54,67kcal/dia. Crianças com fobia alimentar apresentaram menor consumo de energia, carboidrato, proteínas e outros nutrientes comparadas às crianças seletivas e com apetite limitado. Seletivos apresentaram menor consumo de vitamina E, cálcio, fibras, potássio, riboflavina, vitamina K e açúcar total. Fórmulas e cereais infantis, leite e pães foram as principais fontes de energia consumidas, independentemente do grupo etário, sexo e tipo de dificuldades alimentares. Conclusão: Consumo de café da manhã em crianças com dificuldades alimentares não é satisfatório e destaca a necessidade de ações para melhoria do consumo regular e equilibrado.
Plusy i minusy kształcenia w okresie pandemii dla rodziny i dzieci
Authors: Nowak Marian
Published: February 2023

Przez ponad rok, ze względu na pandemię, zaistniały w całym świecie specyficzne restrykcje dotyczące życia ludzi i ich funkcjonowania, obejmujące także edukację – w tym wkroczyły one w zasady pracy szkół każdego stopnia i etapu kształcenia, w realizowanie programu zajęć, we wzajemne relacje uczniów i nauczycieli oraz funkcjonowanie instytucji szkolnych. Kształcenie na odległość, dzięki możliwościom stwarzanym przez współczesną technologię, okazywało się bardzo pomocne w zachowaniu ciągłości kształcenia i zapewnieniu ciągłości ścieżki szkoleniowej. Kształcenie takie posiada swoje wady i ograniczenia, ale także można wskazać na szereg zalet, zwłaszcza jeśli się uwzględni uwarunkowania, jakie wymuszała sytuacja w odniesieniu do dzieci jak i rodziców, samej rodziny i też instytucji szkolnych, ich współpracy oraz odkrywania nowych zadań. Nadzwyczajne i nieoczekiwane sytuacje w szkole i w rodzinie, jakie spowodował okres pandemii, to nie tylko zatem cały szereg nowych i dotychczas nieznanych problemów, ale zarazem także impuls do kreatywnego poszukiwania nowych rozwiązań pro-jakościowych i faktycznej troski o jakość kształcenia.
Wizerunek i rola nauczyciela edukacji przedszkolnej i wczesnoszkolnej w opinii rodziców
Authors: Lukasek Aleksandra , Ostapińska Małgorzata
Published: February 2023

Artykuł został poświęcony wizerunkowi i roli nauczyciela edukacji przedszkolnej i wczesnoszkolnej w opinii rodziców. Podjęte starania badawcze miały na celu uzyskanie odpowiedzi na pytanie: Jaki jest wizerunek i rola nauczyciela w edukacji przedszkolnej i wczesnoszkolnej w opinii rodziców? W celu poznania opinii rodziców, zastosowano metodę sondażu diagnostycznego, w grupie reprezentującej wybraną populację, którą stanowili rodzice dzieci uczęszczających do przedszkola i szkoły – klas I-III. Od nauczyciela i od jego umiejętności pedagogicznych i cech osobowych zależy w dużym stopniu rozwój dziecka w zakresie intelektualnym, społecznym, moralnym, kulturalnym, a nawet fizycznym. Badania potwierdziły postawione hipotezy.
Aspekty kształcenia zdalnego w przedszkolu w świetle potrzeb dziecka
Authors: Miłek Katarzyna
Published: February 2023

Optymalnie, najefektywniejszy proces wspomagania rozwoju dziecka w instytucji przedszkolnej, musi opierać się na prawidłowym spełnianiu potrzeb dziecka, zarówno biologicznych, jak i psychicznych. W celu odpowiedniego poziomu regulacji jednostki wobec otoczenia, nauczyciel powinien te potrzeby rozpoznawać, spełniać i odpowiednio modyfikować. Artykuł stanowi przegląd problemu wybranych potrzeb wiodących w wieku przedszkolnym w świetle procesu edukacji, jaki odbywał się w czasach edukacji on-line w czasach pandemii wirusa COVID-19.