bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prognosis of iatrogenic saphenous nerve injuries during hamstring tendon harvesting in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Egerci Omer Faruk , Dogruoz Fırat , Asoglu Mehmet Melih , Ertan Mehmet Barıs , Yapar Aliekber , Kose Ozkan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of saphenous nerve (SN) injuries from hamstring tendon harvesting during ACL reconstruction, focusing on clinical results and patient satisfaction after at least two years. Additionally, it investigates the incidence, recovery patterns, and impact of these injuries on functional outcomes, daily activities, and ACL re-rupture rates immediately post-surgery and at final follow-up.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon grafts at a single institution between January 2015 and January 2020. The incidence of SN injuries was assessed immediately after surgery and at final follow-up. Additionally, the recovery rate and time were evaluated, and the impact of these injuries on functional outcomes was measured using the Lysholm Knee Score (LKS) and patient-reported effects on daily activities.

Results

Of the 159 patients analyzed, iatrogenic SN injuries were initially observed in 87 (54.7%) patients post-ACLR. By the final follow-up, paresthesia had resolved in 36 (22.6%) patients within an average of 11.1 months. Persistent SN injuries were recorded in 51 (32.1%) patients, affecting various extents of the infrapatellar branch (IPBSN) and the sartorial branch (SBSN) of the saphenous nerve. Patients with persistent SN injuries experienced a significant impact on daily activities and had lower LKS scores compared to those without injuries or with recovered injuries. Furthermore, a higher re-rupture rate was associated with persistent SN injuries.

Conclusions

The study finds that SN injuries during hamstring graft harvesting for ACL reconstruction are common, with a significant portion of patients experiencing persistent sensory deficits for at least two years postoperatively. These injuries are observed to adversely affect patient satisfaction and functional outcomes and to increase the re-rupture rate.
Genomic profiling and comparative analysis of male versus female metastatic breast cancer across subtypes
Authors: Kadamkulam Syriac Arun , Nandu Nitish Singh , Clark Allison , Tavallai Mehrad , Jin Dexter X. , Sokol Ethan , McGregor Kimberly , Ross Jeffrey S. , Danziger Natalie , Leone Jose Pablo
Published: July 2024

Background

Male breast cancer (MaBC) has limited data on genomic alterations. We aimed to comprehensively describe and compare MaBC’s genomics with female breast cancer’s (FBC) across subtypes.

Methods

Using genomic data from Foundation Medicine, we categorized 253 MaBC into estrogen receptor (ER)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (n = 210), ER-positive/HER2-positive (n = 22) and triple-negative (n = 20). One ER-negative/HER2-positive case was excluded due to n-of-1. The genomics of the final MaBC cohort (n = 252) were compared to a FBC cohort (n = 2708) stratified by molecular subtype, with adjusted p-values. In the overall MaBC and FBC cohorts, we compared mutational prevalence in cancer susceptibility genes (CSG) (ATM/BRCA1/BRCA2/CHEK2/PALB2).

Results

Comparing ER-positive/HER2-negative cases, MaBc had increased alterations in GATA3 (26.2% vs. 15.9%, p = 0.005), BRCA2 (13.8% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001), MDM2 (13.3% vs. 6.14%, p = 0.004) and CDK4 (7.1% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001); and decreased frequency of TP53 (11.0% vs. 42.6%, p < 0.001) and ESR1 mutations (5.7% vs. 14.6%, p < 0.001). Comparing ER-positive/HER2-positive cases, MaBC had increased short variants in ERBB2 (22.7% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.002), GATA3 (36.3% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.004), and MDM2 (36.3% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.002); decreased frequency of TP53 alterations was seen in MaBC versus FBC (9.1% vs. 61.7%, p < 0.001). Within triple-negative cases, MaBC had decreased alterations in TP53 compared to FBC (25.0% vs. 84.4%, p < 0.001). MaBC had higher frequency of CSG variants than FBC (22.6% vs. 14.6%, p < 0.05), with increased BRCA mutations in MaBC (14.6% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Although MaBC and FBC share some common alterations, our study revealed several important differences relevant to tumor biology and implications for targeted therapies.
Improving Diabetes Equity and Advancing Care (IDEA) to optimize team-based care at a safety-net health system for Black and Latine patients living with diabetes: study protocol for a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial
Authors: Jacobs Jacquelyn , Labellarte Patricia , Margellos-Anast Helen , Garcia Lizbeth , Qeadan Fares , Tingey Benjamin , Barnick Kelsey , Dougherty Alyn , Wagener Christina
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the USA. Inequities driven by structural racism and systemic oppression have led to racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment. Diabetes-self management training (DSMT), remote glucose monitoring (RGM), and tailored support from a community health worker (CHW) have the potential to improve outcomes. This study will examine the implementation of these interventions in a safety-net healthcare setting.

Methods

Using implementation science and racial equity principles, this study aims to (1) evaluate the appropriateness; (2) measure fidelity; and (3) compare the effectiveness of varying the combination and sequence of three interventions. An exploratory aim will measure sustainability of intervention adherence and uptake. This mixed-methods trial employs a sequential, multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) design, patient focus group discussions, and staff interviews. Eligible Black/Latine patients will be recruited using patient lists extracted from the electronic medical record system. After a detailed screening process, eligible patients will be invited to attend an in-person enrollment appointment. Informed consent will be obtained and patients will be randomized to either DSMT or RGM. At 6 months, patients will complete two assessments (diabetes empowerment and diabetes-related distress), and HbA1c values will be reviewed. “Responders” will be considered those who have an HbA1c that has improved by at least one percentage point. “Responders” remain in their first assigned study arm. “Nonresponders” will be randomized to either switch study arms or be paired with a CHW. At 6 months participants will complete two assessments again, and their HbA1c will be reviewed. Twelve patient focus groups, two for each intervention paths, will be conducted along with staff interviews.

Discussion

This study is the first, to our knowledge, that seeks to fill critical gaps in our knowledge of optimal sequence and combinations of interventions to support diabetes management among Black and Latine patients receiving care at a safety-net hospital. By achieving the study aims, we will build the evidence for optimizing equitable diabetes management and ultimately reducing racial and ethnic healthcare disparities for patients living in disinvested urban settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06040463. Registered on September 7, 2023.
Neph1 is required for neurite branching and is negatively regulated by the PRRXL1 homeodomain factor in the developing spinal cord dorsal horn
Authors: Baltar João , Miranda Rafael Mendes , Cabral Maria , Rebelo Sandra , Grahammer Florian , Huber Tobias B. , Reguenga Carlos , Monteiro Filipe Almeida
Published: July 2024

The cell-adhesion molecule NEPH1 is required for maintaining the structural integrity and function of the glomerulus in the kidneys. In the nervous system of Drosophila and C. elegans, it is involved in synaptogenesis and axon branching, which are essential for establishing functional circuits. In the mammalian nervous system, the expression regulation and function of Neph1 has barely been explored. In this study, we provide a spatiotemporal characterization of Neph1 expression in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and spinal cord. After the neurogenic phase, Neph1 is broadly expressed in the DRGs and in their putative targets at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, comprising both GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons. Interestingly, we found that PRRXL1, a homeodomain transcription factor that is required for proper establishment of the DRG-spinal cord circuit, prevents a premature expression of Neph1 in the superficial laminae of the dorsal spinal cord at E14.5, but has no regulatory effect on the DRGs or on either structure at E16.5. By chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of the dorsal spinal cord, we identified four PRRXL1-bound regions within the Neph1 introns, suggesting that PRRXL1 directly regulates Neph1 transcription. We also showed that Neph1 is required for branching, especially at distal neurites. Together, our work showed that Prrxl1 prevents the early expression of Neph1 in the superficial dorsal horn, suggesting that Neph1 might function as a downstream effector gene for proper assembly of the DRG-spinal nociceptive circuit.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of Leishmania species, vectors and reservoirs
Authors: Blaizot Romain , Pasquier Gregoire , Kone Abdoulaye Kassoum , Duvignaud Alexandre , Demar Magalie
Published: July 2024

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is understudied in sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemiology of CL is determined by the species involved in its transmission. Our objectives were to systematically review available data on the species ofLeishmania, along with vectors and reservoirs involved in the occurrence of human cases of CL in sub-Saharan Africa, and to discuss implications for case management and future research.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and African Index Medicus. There was no restriction on language or date of publication. The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022384157).

Results

In total, 188 published studies and 37 reports from the grey literature were included. An upward trend was observed, with 45.7% of studies published after 2010. East Africa (55.1%) represented a much greater number of publications than West Africa (33.3%). In East Africa, the identification of reservoirs forLeishmania tropicaremains unclear. This species also represents a therapeutic challenge, as it is often resistant to meglumine antimoniate. In Sudan, the presence of hybrids betweenLeishmania donovaniand strictly cutaneous species could lead to important epidemiological changes. In Ghana, the emergence of CL in the recent past could involve rare species belonging to theLeishmaniasubgenusMundinia. The area of transmission ofLeishmania majorcould expand beyond the Sahelian zone, with scattered reports in forested areas. While theL. major–Phlebotomus duboscqi–rodent complex may not be the only cycle in the dry areas of West Africa, the role of dogs as a potential reservoir forLeishmaniaspecies with cutaneous tropism in this subregion should be clarified. Meglumine antimoniate was the most frequently reported treatment, but physical methods and systemic agents such as ketoconazole and metronidazole were also used empirically to treatL. majorinfections.

Conclusions

Though the number of studies on the topic has increased recently, there is an important need for intersectional research to further decipher theLeishmaniaspecies involved in human cases of CL as well as the corresponding vectors and reservoirs, and environmental factors that impact transmission dynamics. The development of molecular biology in sub-Saharan Africa could help in leveraging diagnostic and research capacities and improving the management of human cases through personalized treatment strategies.

Graphical Abstract
The efficacy of custom-made offloading devices for diabetic foot ulcer prevention: a systematic review
Authors: Jones Aled Wyn , Makanjuola Abraham , Bray Nathan , Prior Yeliz , Parker Daniel , Nester Christopher , Tang Jinghua , Jiang Liudi
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Therapeutic offloading devices, including insoles, shoes, and other orthoses, are some of the most commonly used interventions to treat or prevent diabetic foot ulceration. Custom-made offloading devices are increasingly used to offset the development of foot ulcers. However, whether these devices are more effective than prefabricated standard offloading devices is uncertain. Therefore, this systematic review collates and examines evidence on the efficacy of custom-made offloading devices in preventing foot ulcer incidence and recurrence in people diagnosed with diabetes.

Methods

Five scientific databases were searched, covering 2011–2023. Initial searches and screening were carried out independently by two researchers. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were further examined through additional screenings, and critical appraisal. Data relevant to the review aims were extracted and analysed within a narrative synthesis.

Results

Of the 1,715 articles found in the initial searches, nine papers were found to meet inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The evidence shows that custom-made offloading devices are likely to be more effective for reducing or preventing diabetic foot ulcers than standard offloading devices. However, due to a lack of data it remains uncertain whether custom-made offloading devices are more cost-effective for preventing ulceration compared to standard insoles. Likewise, due to measurement heterogeneity between studies and lack of data, it is unclear whether adherence is higher in users of custom-made offloading devices, and whether such devices deliver significantly greater reductions in peak pressure as compared to standard offloading devices.

Conclusion

Custom-made offloading devices are more effective than standard devices for preventing diabetic foot ulceration, and we recommended their use when feasible; however, there remains uncertainty regarding their cost-effectiveness compared to standard insoles and offloading devices.
RNA-Seq analysis of the fruiting bodies and mycelia of angel-wing mushroom Pleurocybella porrigens that cause acute encephalopathy
Authors: Watanabe Nozomu , Mitsukuni Keisuke , Sato Takumi , Zhang Jili , Ono Akiko , Suzuki Tomohiro
Published: July 2024

Objective

In 2004, after consuming angel-wing mushrooms, Pleurocybella porrigens, 59 incidents of food poisoning were reported in Japan. Consequently, 17 individuals died of acute encephalopathy. In 2023, we proved that a lectin, pleurocybelline, and pleurocybellaziridine from this mushroom caused damage to the brains of mice. Although we reported genomic and transcriptomic data of P. porrigens in 2013, the assembly quality of the transcriptomic data was inadequate for accurate functional annotation. Thus, we obtained detailed transcriptomic data on the fruiting bodies and mycelia of this mushroom using Illumina NovaSeq 6000.

Results

De novo assembly data indicated that the N50 lengths for the fruiting bodies and mycelia were improved compared with those previously reported. The differential expression analysis between the fruiting bodies and the mycelia revealed that 1,937 and 1,555 genes were significantly up-regulated in the fruiting bodies and the mycelia, respectively. The biological functions of P. porrigens transcripts, including PA biosynthetic pathways, were investigated using BLAST search, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. The obtained results revealed L-valine, a predicted precursor of PA, is biosynthesized in the fruiting bodies and mycelia. Furthermore, real-time RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the results of differential expression analysis.
1H-NMR-based metabolomics reveals metabolic alterations in early development of a mouse model of Angelman syndrome
Authors: Gupta Pooja Kri , Barak Sharon , Feuermann Yonatan , Goobes Gil , Kaphzan Hanoch
Published: July 2024

Background

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental genetic disorder caused by the loss of function of the ubiquitin ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene, affecting approximately 1:15,000 live births. We have recently shown that mitochondrial function in AS is altered during mid to late embryonic brain development leading to increased oxidative stress and enhanced apoptosis of neural precursor cells. However, the overall alterations of metabolic processes are still unknown. Hence, as a follow-up, we aim to investigate the metabolic profiles of wild-type (WT) and AS littermates and to identify which metabolic processes are aberrant in the brain of AS model mice during embryonic development.

Methods

We collected brain tissue samples from mice embryos at E16.5 and performed metabolomic analyses using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. Multivariate and Univariate analyses were performed to determine the significantly altered metabolites in AS mice. Pathways associated with the altered metabolites were identified using metabolite set enrichment analysis.

Results

Our analysis showed that overall, the metabolomic fingerprint of AS embryonic brains differed from those of their WT littermates. Moreover, we revealed a significant elevation of distinct metabolites, such as acetate, lactate, and succinate in the AS samples compared to the WT samples. The elevated metabolites were significantly associated with the pyruvate metabolism and glycolytic pathways.

Limitations

Only 14 metabolites were successfully identified and investigated in the present study. The effect of unidentified metabolites and their unresolved peaks was not determined. Additionally, we conducted the metabolomic study on whole brain tissue samples. Employing high-resolution NMR studies on different brain regions could further expand our knowledge regarding metabolic alterations in the AS brain. Furthermore, increasing the sample size could reveal the involvement of more significantly altered metabolites in the pathophysiology of the AS brain.

Conclusions

Ube3a loss of function alters bioenergy-related metabolism in the AS brain during embryonic development. Furthermore, these neurochemical changes could be linked to the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress that occurs during the AS embryonic development.
A framework for ex-ante evaluation of the potential effects of risk equalization and risk sharing in health insurance markets with regulated competition
Authors: van Kleef Richard C. , Reuser Mieke , Stam Pieter J.A. , van de Ven Wynand P.M.M.
Published: July 2024

Many health insurance markets are organized by principles of regulated competition. Regulators of these markets typically apply risk equalization (aka risk adjustment) and risk sharing to mitigate risk selection. Risk equalization and risk sharing can have various positive and negative effects on efficiency and fairness. This paper provides a comprehensive framework for ex-ante evaluation of these effects. In a first step, we distinguish 22 potential effects. In a second step, we summarize and discuss quantitative measures used for evaluating risk equalization and risk sharing schemes in academic research. To underline the relevance of our work, we compare our framework with an existing framework that was previously used in the Dutch regulated health insurance market. We conclude that this framework is incomplete and uses inappropriate measures. To avoid suboptimal policy choices, we recommend policymakers (1) to consider the entire spectrum of potential effects and (2) to select their measures carefully.
Predictive value of the random forest model based on bioelectrical impedance analysis parameter trajectories for short-term prognosis in stroke patients
Authors: Yang Jiajia , Peng Jingjing , Liu Guangwei , Li Feng
Published: July 2024

Background

The short-term prognosis of stroke patients is mainly influenced by the severity of the primary disease at admission and the trend of disease development during the acute phase (1–7 days after admission).

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameter trajectories during the acute phase of stroke patients and their short-term prognosis, and to investigate the predictive value of the prediction model constructed using BIA parameter trajectories and clinical indicators at admission for short-term prognosis in stroke patients.

Methods

A total of 162 stroke patients were prospectively enrolled, and their clinical indicators at admission and BIA parameters during the first 1–7 days of admission were collected. A Group-Based Trajectory Model (GBTM) was employed to identify different subgroups of longitudinal trajectories of BIA parameters during the first 1–7 days of admission in stroke patients. The random forest algorithm was applied to screen BIA parameter trajectories and clinical indicators with predictive value, construct prediction models, and perform model comparisons. The outcome measure was the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge.

Results

PA in BIA parameters can be divided into four separate trajectory groups. The incidence of poor prognosis (mRS: 4–6) at discharge was significantly higher in the “Low PA Rapid Decline Group” (85.0%) than in the “High PA Stable Group “ (33.3%) and in the “Medium PA Slow Decline Group “(29.5%) (all P < 0.05). In-hospital mortality was the highest in the “Low PA Rapid Decline Group” (60%) compared with the remaining trajectory groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the prediction model with only clinical indicators (Model 1), the prediction model with PA trajectories (Model 2) demonstrated higher predictive accuracy and efficacy. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of Model 2 was 0.909 [95% CI 0.863, 0.956], integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI), 0.035 (P < 0.001), and net reclassification improvement (NRI), 0.175 (P = 0.031).

Conclusion

PA trajectories during the first 1–7 days of admission are associated with the short-term prognosis of stroke patients. PA trajectories have additional value in predicting the short-term prognosis of stroke patients.
Exploring the viability of combined laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy for stratigraphic analysis of murals containing isomeric pigments: a case study on realgar and orpiment
Authors: Sun Duixiong , Li Hanyun , Zhang Guoding , Yin Yaopeng , Su Maogen , Bai Xueshi , Sikorski Marek , Zhang Denghong
Published: July 2024

A novel combined measurements techniques has been designed in this work, enabling the acquisition of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectral signals at the same point on a sample. The application of this combined technique to the analysis of multi-layered mock-up blocks painted with orpiment and realgar pigments has yielded significant insights. By correlating variations in the emission line intensity of characteristic elements within the LIBS spectra with depth-specific Raman spectra, the number of laser pulses that penetrated the pigment layers has been accurately determined, thereby establishing a method to measure layer thickness. Finally, the technique wasto analysis the actual mural fragment from Mogao Cave 196, determining the types of pigment and the thickness of the pigment layers.

Graphical Abstract
Generic semi-automated radiofluorination strategy for single domain antibodies: [18F]FB-labelled single domain antibodies for PET imaging of fibroblast activation protein-α or folate receptor-α overexpression in cancer
Authors: Dierick Herlinde , Navarro Laurent , Ceuppens Hannelore , Ertveldt Thomas , Pombo Antunes Ana Rita , Keyaerts Marleen , Devoogdt Nick , Breckpot Karine , D’Huyvetter Matthias , Lahoutte Tony , Caveliers Vicky , Bridoux Jessica
Published: July 2024

Background

Radiofluorination of single domain antibodies (sdAbs) via N-succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) has shown to be a promising strategy in the development of sdAb-based PET tracers. While automation of the prosthetic group (PG) [18F]SFB production, has been successfully reported, no practical method for large scale sdAb labelling has been reported. Therefore, we optimized and automated the PG production, enabling a subsequently efficient manual conjugation reaction to an anti-fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-α sdAb (4AH29) and an anti-folate receptor (FR)-α sdAb (2BD42). Both the alpha isoform of FAP and the FR are established tumour markers. FAP-α is known to be overexpressed mainly by cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast, ovarian, and other cancers, while its expression in normal tissues is low or undetectable. FR-α has an elevated expression in epithelial cancers, such as ovarian, brain and lung cancers. Non-invasive imaging techniques, such as PET-imaging, using tracers targeting specific tumour markers can provide molecular information over both the tumour and its environment, which aides in the diagnosis, therapy selection and assessment of the cancer treatment.

Results

[18F]SFB was synthesized using a fully automated three-step, one-pot reaction. The total procedure time was 54 min and results in [18F]SFB with a RCP > 90% and a RCY d.c. of 44 ± 4% (n = 13). The manual conjugation reaction after purification produced [18F]FB-sdAbs with a RCP > 95%, an end of synthesis activity > 600 MBq and an apparent molar activity > 10 GBq/µmol. Overall RCY d.c., corrected to the trapping of [18F]F− on the QMA, were 9% (n = 1) and 5 ± 2% (n = 3) for [18F]FB-2BD42 and [18F]FB-4AH29, respectively.

Conclusion

[18F]SFB synthesis was successfully automated and upscaled on a Trasis AllInOne module. The anti-hFAP-α and anti-hFR-α sdAbs were radiofluorinated, yielding similar RCYs d.c. and RCPs, showing the potential of this method as a generic radiofluorination strategy for sdAbs. The radiofluorinated sdAbs showed a favourable biodistribution pattern and are attractive for further characterization as new PET tracers for FAP-α and FR-α imaging.
T1ρ relaxation mapping in osteochondral lesions of the talus: a non-invasive biomarker for altered biomechanical properties of hyaline cartilage?
Authors: Bogner Balázs , Wenning Markus , Jungmann Pia M. , Reisert Marco , Lange Thomas , Tennstedt Marcel , Klein Lukas , Diallo Thierno D. , Bamberg Fabian , Schmal Hagen , Jung Matthias
Published: July 2024

Background

To evaluate T1ρ relaxation mapping in patients with symptomatic talar osteochondral lesions (OLT) and healthy controls (HC) at rest, with axial loading and traction.

Methods

Participants underwent 3-T ankle magnetic resonance imaging at rest and with 500 N loading and 120 N traction, without axial traction for a subcohort of 17/29 HC. We used a fast low-angle shot sequence with variable spin-lock intervals for monoexponential T1ρ fitting. Cartilage was manually segmented to extract T1ρ values.

Results

We studied 29 OLT patients (age 31.7 ± 7.5 years, 15 females, body mass index [BMI] 25.0 ± 3.4 kg/m2) and 29 HC (age 25.2 ± 4.3 years, 17 females, BMI 22.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2. T1ρ values of OLT (50.4 ± 3.4 ms) were higher than those of intact cartilage regions of OLT patients (47.2 ± 3.4 ms; p = 0.003) and matched HC cartilage (48.1 ± 3.3 ms; p = 0.030). Axial loading and traction induced significant T1ρ changes in the intact cartilage regions of patients (loading, mean difference -1.1 ms; traction, mean difference 1.4 ms; p = 0.030 for both) and matched HC cartilage (-2.2 ms, p = 0.003; 2.3 ms, p = 0.030; respectively), but not in the OLT itself (-1.3 ms; p = 0.150; +1.9 ms; p = 0.150; respectively).

Conclusion

Increased T1ρ values may serve as a biomarker of cartilage degeneration in OLT. The absence of load- and traction-induced T1ρ changes in OLT compared to intact cartilage suggests that T1ρ may reflect altered biomechanical properties of hyaline cartilage.

Trial registration

DRKS, DRKS00024010. Registered 11 January 2021, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00024010.

Relevance statement

T1ρ mapping has the potential to evaluate compositional and biomechanical properties of the talar cartilage and may improve therapeutic decision-making in patients with osteochondral lesions.

Key Points

T1ρ values in osteochondral lesions increased compared to intact cartilage.

Significant load- and traction-induced T1ρ changes were observed in visually intact regions and in healthy controls but not in osteochondral lesions.

T1ρ may serve as an imaging biomarker for biomechanical properties of cartilage.

Graphical Abstract
Countermeasures to promote sustainable construction and coordinated development of healthy cities: a case study of Dandong City
Authors: Liu Xiang
Published: July 2024

In order to promote sustainable construction and coordinated development of healthy cities in small and medium-sized cities, as well as to improve people's happiness, this paper takes the border city of Dandong as an example. It constructs 5 primary indexes and 28 secondary indexes, including healthy environment, healthy culture, health service, healthy society, and healthy tourism real estate. Among them, the index for healthy tourism real estate includes five secondary indicators: tourism income, number of tourists, real estate transaction volume, average selling price of commercial housing, and renovation of old residential areas. This paper analyzes the overall goal of healthy city construction in Dandong using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The relative priorities of the five first-level indicators considered are: healthy environment; healthy society; health service; healthy tourism real estate; and healthy culture. This indicates that a focus on creating a healthy environment is more important in evaluating a city's health. According to data analysis, Dandong has met national standards for creating a healthy environment and promoting a vibrant cultural scene. In addition to this achievement, the number of practicing (assistant) doctors per 1000 people in health services reached national standards in 2018, and people's living standards have gradually improved. Combining the advantages of local tourist destinations with the promotion of healthy development in the tourist industry, and balanced growth in real estate development as contributed to the creation of a positive social environment conducive to good health.
The attitudes, knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals about cannabis-based products
Authors: Russo Emilio , Agredano Paula Martinez , Flachenecker Peter , Lawthom Charlotte , Munro Duncan , Hindocha Chandni , Bagul Makarand , Trinka Eugen
Published: July 2024

Background

Use of cannabis-based products is becoming more frequent, and it is important that healthcare professionals are informed and confident about them when making evidence-based decisions about their use. This study aimed to gain an international perspective on the attitudes, knowledge, and confidence of healthcare professionals about cannabis-based products.

Methods

An online questionnaire regarding these products was completed by 1580 healthcare professionals (neurologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners, pharmacists and nurses) from 16 countries across Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, and the Middle East.

Results

Respondents expressed a high level of interest in cannabis-based products (median score 9 out of 10) and reported that they felt knowledgeable about them (median score 6 out of 7). They reported a high level of confidence when providing patients with information on cannabis-based products, returning median scores of 6 and 5 out of 7 for their legality and regulations, and their benefits and risks, respectively. Despite this, healthcare professionals sought further information on cannabis-based products across areas including legality, neurobiology, and scientific evidence. Finally, 59% (n = 930) of respondents considered robust clinical trial evidence as the most important factor to ensure patient safety in the context of these products. Few nominally significant differences emerged between healthcare professionals from different specialities or regions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this large survey of attitudes held by healthcare professionals towards cannabis-based products revealed a high level of interest and a demand for more information. Limitations of this study include potential sample bias and limited external validity.
Assessing the impact of hatching system and body weight on the growth performance, caecal short-chain fatty acids, and microbiota composition and functionality in broilers
Authors: Akram Muhammad Zeeshan , Sureda Ester Arévalo , Comer Luke , Corion Matthias , Everaert Nadia
Published: July 2024

Background

Variations in body weight (BW) remain a significant challenge within broiler flocks, despite uniform management practices. Chicken growth traits are influenced by gut microbiota, which are in turn shaped by early-life events like different hatching environments and timing of first feeding. Chicks hatched in hatcheries (HH) experience prolonged feed deprivation, which could adversely impact early microbiota colonization. Conversely, hatching on-farm (HOF) allows early feeding, potentially fostering a more favorable gut environment for beneficial microbial establishment. This study investigates whether BW differences among broilers are linked to the disparities in gut microbiota characteristics and whether hatching systems (HS) impact the initial microbial colonization of broilers differing in BW, which in turn affects their growth patterns. Male Ross-308 chicks, either hatched in a hatchery or on-farm, were categorized into low (LBW) and high (HBW) BW groups on day 7, making a two-factorial design (HS × BW). Production parameters were recorded periodically. On days 7, 14, and 38, cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) and microbiota composition and function (using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and PICRUSt2) were examined.

Results

HOF chicks had higher day 1 BW, but HH chicks caught up within first week, with no further HS-related performance differences. The HBW chicks remained heavier attributed to higher feed intake rather than improved feed efficiency. HBW group had higher acetate concentration on day 14, while LBW group exhibited higher isocaproate on day 7 and isobutyrate on days 14 and 38. Microbiota analyses revealed diversity and composition were primarily influenced by BW than by HS, with HS having minimal impact on BW-related microbiota. The HBW group on various growth stages was enriched in VFA-producing bacteria like unclassified Lachnospiraceae, Alistipes and Faecalibacterium, while the LBW group had higher abundances of Lactobacillus, Akkermansia and Escherichia-Shigella. HBW microbiota presented higher predicted functional potential compared to the LBW group, with early colonizers exhibiting greater metabolic activity than late colonizers.

Conclusions

Despite differences in hatching conditions, the effects of HS on broiler performance were transient, and barely impacting BW-related microbiota. BW variations among broilers are likely linked to differences in feed intake, VFA profiles, and distinct microbiota compositions and functions.
Report of the Special-purpose Committee on Names of Fungi with the Same Epithet, established at the XIX International Botanical Congress in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Mitchell James K. , Hawksworth David L. , Pennycook Shaun R.
Published: July 2024

A Special-purpose Committee on Fungal Names with the Same Epithet was established at the XIX International Botanical Congress (IBC) in Shenzhen, China in 2017, with a mandate to report to the 12th International Mycological Congress (IMC) with recommendations on a preferred course of action with respect to names of pleomorphic fungi sharing the same epithet under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. This report provides a synthesis of the deliberations from the Special-purpose Committee. We discuss the arguments for and against the proposed solution to the problems that have arisen regarding the nomenclature of fungi described in multiple morphs using the same epithet. We also propose a gentler method of addressing the problem using existing procedures.
Real-World Noninferiority Assessment of Two Filgrastim Biosimilars in Patients Receiving Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy
Authors: Lee Ye Ji , Delate Thomas , Hui Rita L. , Le Kim , Pham Catherine
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Although multiple filgrastim biosimilars are now available in the United States, no studies comparing clinical outcomes between products have been reported. This analysis evaluated real-world outcomes of filgrastim-aafi and filgrastim-sndz in patients with select solid tumors receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy to compare the two filgrastim biosimilars.

METHODS

This was an observational, noninferiority, cohort study of patients from three integrated health care systems who received myelosuppressive chemotherapy and were prophylactically initiated on filgrastim-sndz between January and November 2021 or filgrastim-aafi between June and November 2022. Patients were followed from filgrastim biosimilar initiation until the start of their next chemotherapy cycle. The primary outcome of severe neutropenia was analyzed using a binary noninferiority test with a 5% upper margin. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of emergency department or hospital encounters due to febrile neutropenia and systemic antibiotic/antifungal medication use. If noninferiority was met, adjusted logistic regression modeling was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 2,730 patients who initiated filgrastim-aafi (n = 880) or filgrastim-sndz (n = 1,850) during the study period were included. The overall mean age was 55 years, 87.4% were female, 42.3% were White, and 76.6% had breast cancer. Severe neutropenia occurred in 1.8% and 1.7% of patients initiated on filgrastim-aafi and filgrastim-sndz, respectively (
P
< .01 for noninferiority). The adjusted odds ratio for severe neutropenia with filgrastim-aafi compared with filgrastim-sndz was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.49 to 1.68;
P
= .76). Noninferiority was met for all secondary outcomes (
P
< .01), and there were no adjusted statistically significant differences between the groups (all
P
> .05).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with select solid tumors receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy, severe neutropenia outcomes were comparable between filgrastim-aafi and filgrastim-sndz biosimilars. Findings from this study may support utilization of different filgrastim biosimilars in clinical practice.
The Archive as a Battlefield for the Future: Anti-colonial Struggles and Insurgent Temporality
Authors: Kamola Isaac , Calkivik Asli
Published: July 2024

Anti-fascist, anti-colonial, and anti-imperial struggles of the twentieth century provide important intellectual and political resources as we collectively seek to forge alternative futures in the face of our depleted political present. Setting out with this analytical and political concern, this article is interested in the question of what it means to visit the archive of past struggles and past insurgencies. It argues for a critical historical method that foregrounds the agency of the insurgents themselves—the agency of women, slaves, foreigners, the poor and the peasants—as the subjects of an insurgent universality (Tomba 2019). The article explores the international brigades fighting the fascists during the Spanish Civil War, the peasants gathered to affirm the Second Havana Declaration, and the audience that comprised Thomas Sankara's speech in Harlem. The artifacts of insurgency, the authors suggest, are embodied expressions of collective struggles written not by one but by a multiplicity. They are the artifacts of a collective political subjectivity united in their insurgent claim to disrupt the temporal and spatial delimitations of politics in modernity—enacting an insurgent universality. The archive of insurgent universality is our future for it provides compelling ways to think, write, and act politically toward the present.
Commentary on van Raalte et al.’s “The Dangers of Drawing Cohort Profiles From Period Data: A Research Note”
Authors: Schmertmann Carl P.
Published: July 2024

van Raalte et al. (2023) alerted demographers to the potential dangers of calculating cohort measures from the “diagonals” of gridded age–period (AP) data. In the case of cohort fertility, however, a minor change to the estimation procedure can mitigate the trend and cohort size biases that the authors identify. With an appropriate algorithm, researchers can estimate cohort fertility indices from AP data quite well.
Transdifferentiation is temporally uncoupled from progenitor pool expansion during hair cell regeneration in the zebrafish inner ear
Authors: Beaulieu Marielle O. , Thomas Eric D. , Raible David W.
Published: July 2024

Death of mechanosensory hair cells in the inner ear is a common cause of auditory and vestibular impairment in mammals, which have a limited ability to regrow these cells after damage. In contrast, non-mammalian vertebrates, including zebrafish, can robustly regenerate hair cells after severe organ damage. The zebrafish inner ear provides an understudied model system for understanding hair cell regeneration in organs that are highly conserved with their mammalian counterparts. Here, we quantitatively examine hair cell addition during growth and regeneration of the larval zebrafish inner ear. We used a genetically encoded ablation method to induce hair cell death and we observed gradual regeneration with correct spatial patterning over a 2-week period following ablation. Supporting cells, which surround and are a source of new hair cells, divide in response to hair cell ablation, expanding the possible progenitor pool. In parallel, nascent hair cells arise from direct transdifferentiation of progenitor pool cells temporally uncoupled from supporting cell division. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism of hair cell regeneration with implications for how hair cells may be encouraged to regenerate in the mammalian ear.
The role of the heart in the evolution of aerobic performance
Authors: Scott Graham R. , Garvey Kayla M. , Wearing Oliver H.
Published: July 2024

Aerobic metabolism underlies vital traits such as locomotion and thermogenesis, and aerobic capacity influences fitness in many animals. The heart is a key determinant of aerobic capacity, but the relative influence of cardiac output versus other steps in the O2 transport pathway remains contentious. In this Commentary, we consider this issue by examining the mechanistic basis for adaptive increases in aerobic capacity (thermogenic V̇O2,max; also called summit metabolism) in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) native to high altitude. Thermogenic V̇O2,max is increased by acclimation to cold hypoxia (simulating high-altitude conditions), and high-altitude populations generally have greater V̇O2,max than their low-altitude counterparts. This plastic and evolved variation in V̇O2,max is associated with corresponding variation in maximal cardiac output, along with variation in other traits across the O2 pathway (e.g. arterial O2 saturation, blood haemoglobin content and O2 affinity, tissue O2 extraction, tissue oxidative capacity). By applying fundamental principles of gas exchange, we show that the relative influence of cardiac output on V̇O2,max depends on the O2 diffusing capacity of thermogenic tissues (skeletal muscles and brown adipose tissues). Functional interactions between cardiac output and blood haemoglobin content determine circulatory O2 delivery and thus affect V̇O2,max, particularly in high-altitude environments where erythropoiesis can increase haematocrit and blood viscosity. There may also be functional linkages between cardiac output and tissue O2 diffusion due to the role of blood flow in determining capillary haematocrit and red blood cell flux. Therefore, the functional interactions between cardiac output and other traits in the O2 pathway underlie the adaptive evolution of aerobic capacities.
Αντιληπτές ορθογραφικές στρατηγικές παιδιών σχολικής ηλικίας με και χωρίς ορθογραφικές δυσκολίες
Authors: Πανταζοπούλου Ευαγγελία-Τζέσικα , Πολυχρόνη Φωτεινή , Διακογιώργη Κλεοπάτρα , Ράλλη Ασημίνα Μ.
Published: July 2024

Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν η διερεύνηση α) των αντιληπτών ορθογραφικών στρατηγικών ελληνόφωνων παιδιών δημοτικού σχολείου, με και χωρίς ορθογραφικές δυσκολίες, μέσα από τις αυτοαναφορές τους και β) της συσχέτισης του τύπου των στρατηγικών με τα επίπεδα της ορθογραφικής τους ακρίβειας όπως και του βαθμού πρόβλεψης των ορθών ή λανθασμένων ορθογραφικών αποδόσεων. Στην έρευνα έλαβαν μέρος 87 παιδιά κατανεμημένα σε τρεις ομάδες: 22 παιδιά Στ΄ Δημοτικού στην ομάδα των παιδιών με ορθογραφικές δυσκολίες (ΟΜΟΔ), 33 παιδιά Στ΄ Δημοτικού στην πρώτη ομάδα ελέγχου παιδιών τυπικής ανάπτυξης αντίστοιχης ηλικίας (ΟΕΙ) και 32 παιδιά Δ΄ Δημοτικού στη δεύτερη ομάδα ελέγχου αντίστοιχου ορθογραφικού επιπέδου με τα παιδιά της ΟΜΟΔ (ΟΕΙΙ). Πραγματοποιήθηκαν ημιδομημένες ατομικές συνεντεύξεις που στόχευαν στην ανίχνευση των στρατηγικών που οι συμμετέχοντες είχαν χρησιμοποιήσει για την ορθογραφική απόδοση ενός συνόλου λέξεων-στόχων σε ένα έργο ορθογραφίας καθ’ υπαγόρευση που είχε προηγηθεί. Οι αυτοαναφορές μελετήθηκαν τόσο στο επίπεδο της ορθογραφικής απόδοσης ολόκληρων των λέξεων όσο και στο επίπεδο της ορθογραφικής απόδοσης των μορφημάτων τους (λεξικών, παραγωγικών και κλιτικών). Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι η μνημονική, η μορφολογική και η φωνολογική στρατηγική αναφέρθηκε συχνότερα από το σύνολο των συμμετεχόντων για την ορθογραφική απόδοση ολόκληρων των λέξεων-στόχων. Η ΟΜΟΔ και η ΟΕΙΙ ανέφεραν συχνότερα τη χρήση της μνημονικής και της φωνολογικής στρατηγικής, ενώ η ΟΕΙ συχνότερα τη χρήση της μνημονικής και της μορφολογικής. Επιπλέον, για τα λεξικά μορφήματα, η πλειονότητα των συμμετεχόντων ανέφερε τη χρήση της μνημονικής και της μορφολογικής στρατηγικής ενώ για τα κλιτικά επιθήματα των λέξεων η πλειονότητα των συμμετεχόντων ανέφερε την στρατηγική ανάκλησης κανόνα. Σε σχέση με τα παραγωγικά επιθήματα, συχνή ήταν η αδυναμία δήλωσης από τις ΟΜΟΔ και ΟΕΙΙ ενώ η ΟΕΙ ανέφερε συχνότερα τη χρήση της μνημονικής στρατηγικής και της στρατηγικής ανάκλησης κανόνα. Η μνημονική και η μορφολογική στρατηγική σε επίπεδο λέξεων και λεξικών μορφημάτων προέβλεψαν ορθές απαντήσεις και συσχετίστηκαν με υψηλότερη ορθογραφική ακρίβεια, ενώ η φωνολογική στρατηγική προέβλεψε λανθασμένες απαντήσεις και συσχετίστηκε με χαμηλότερη ορθογραφική ακρίβεια. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας έδειξαν τη σημασία της εμβάθυνσης στις ορθογραφικές επιλογές των παιδιών με και χωρίς δυσκολίες και των προεκτάσεών τους στη διδασκαλία της ορθογραφίας στο σχολείο.
From reflective functioning to conspiracy thinking in the COVID-19 pandemic: Direct and indirect pathways
Authors: Christopoulos Anna , Pavlopoulos Vassilis , Poulios Antonios , Karadimitri Kalliopi , Lagos Emmanouil , Stavrakaki Maria , Stefanakou Eva , Alexopoulou Katerina , Bekiari Alexandra , Ktena Mara , Panaritis Christos , Risvas Charalampos , Tsiodra Melina , Pomini Valeria , Gournellis Rossetos
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge of conspiracy theories that are used to explain this health crisis. Belief in these theories in turn has significant implications regarding adherence to scientifically based health measures and the seeking of appropriate medical treatment. However, the precursors of conspiracy thinking have not yet been fully understood. The current study investigated the direct and indirect effect of reflective functioning on conspiracy thinking through the role of generalized perceived threat of the virus, positive and negative emotions, trust in scientists, and trust in God in a sample of 1,730 adults in Greece. The results indicate that enhanced capacity for reflective functioning is associated with less likelihood of conspiracy theory endorsement. Higher levels of reflective functioning were associated with increased negative emotionality, lower levels of generalized perceived threat, greater trust in scientists, and less trust in God. Reflective functioning in and of itself did not predict conspiracy theory endorsement directly. Rather, this relationship was fully mediated by negative emotionality, generalized perceived threat, and higher levels of trust in scientists. These findings support recently proposed positions indicating that reflective functioning has a significant role in the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic.