bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) studies assessing the clinical performance of highly sensitive rapid diagnostic tests (HS-RDT) for Plasmodium falciparum detection
Authors: Ding Xavier C. , Incardona Sandra , Serra-Casas Elisa , Charnaud Sarah C. , Slater Hannah C. , Domingo Gonzalo J. , Adams Emily R. , ter Kuile Feiko O. , Samuels Aaron M. , Kariuki Simon , Dittrich Sabine
Published: February 2023

Background

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are effective tools to diagnose and inform the treatment of malaria in adults and children. The recent development of a highly sensitive rapid diagnostic test (HS-RDT) for Plasmodium falciparum has prompted questions over whether it could improve the diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in malaria endemic areas.

Methods

This landscape review collates studies addressing the clinical performance of the HS-RDT. Thirteen studies were identified comparing the HS-RDT and conventional RDT (co-RDT) to molecular methods to detect malaria in pregnancy. Using data from five completed studies, the association of epidemiological and pregnancy-related factors on the sensitivity of HS-RDT, and comparisons with co-RDT were investigated. The studies were conducted in 4 countries over a range of transmission intensities in largely asymptomatic women.

Results

Sensitivity of both RDTs varied widely (HS-RDT range 19.6 to 85.7%, co-RDT range 22.8 to 82.8% compared to molecular testing) yet HS-RDT detected individuals with similar parasite densities across all the studies including different geographies and transmission areas [geometric mean parasitaemia around 100 parasites per µL (p/µL)]. HS-RDTs were capable of detecting low-density parasitaemias and in one study detected around 30% of infections with parasite densities of 0–2 p/µL compared to the co-RDT in the same study which detected around 15%.

Conclusion

The HS-RDT has a slightly higher analytical sensitivity to detect malaria infections in pregnancy than co-RDT but this mostly translates to only fractional and not statistically significant improvement in clinical performance by gravidity, trimester, geography or transmission intensity. The analysis presented here highlights the need for larger and more studies to evaluate incremental improvements in RDTs. The HS-RDT could be used in any situation where co-RDT are currently used for P. falciparum diagnosis, if storage conditions can be adhered to.
Harm reduction behaviors are associated with carrying naloxone among patients on methadone treatment
Authors: Kozak Zofia , Ciccarone Daniel , Thrul Johannes , Cole Thomas O. , Pappas Alexander L. , Greenblatt Aaron D. , Welsh Christopher , Yoon Mark , Gann Donald , Artigiani E. Erin , Wish Eric D. , Belcher Annabelle M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite the widespread availability of naloxone, US opioid overdose rates continue to rise. The “Cascade of Care” (CoC) is a public health approach that identifies steps in achieving specific outcomes and has been used to identify gaps in naloxone carriage among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). We sought to apply this framework to a treatment-seeking population with OUD that may be more inclined to engage in harm reduction behaviors.

Methods

Patients were recruited from an urban methadone program to complete a survey. We assessed naloxone familiarity, availability, obtainability, training, and possession, as well as naloxone carriage rates, demographics, and harm reduction behaviors. A multivariable logistic regression examined associations between naloxone carriage and individual-level factors.

Results

Participants (n = 97) were majority male (59%), with a mean age of 48 (SD = 12), 27% had college education or higher, 64% indicated injection drug use, and 84% reported past naloxone training. All participants endorsed familiarity with naloxone, but only 42% regularly carried naloxone. The following variables were associated with carrying naloxone: White race (aOR = 2.94, 95% CI 1.02–8.52), college education (aOR = 8.11, 95% CI 1.76–37.47), and total number of self-reported harm reduction behaviors (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.00–2.11).

Conclusion

We found low rates of naloxone carriage among methadone-treated patients. Methadone programs provide opportunities for naloxone interventions and should target racial/ethnic minorities and individuals with lower education. The spectrum of harm reduction behaviors should be encouraged among these populations to enhance naloxone carriage.
Dosimetric and clinical analysis of pseudo-progression versus recurrence after hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for brain metastases
Authors: Yang Siran , Ma Yuchao , Xu Yingjie , Liu Qingfeng , Zhang Ye , Huang Xiaodong , Chen Xuesong , Wang Kai , Zhao Ruizhi , Xiao Jianping , Zhang Hongmei
Published: February 2023

Background

The main challenge in follow-up duration of patients with brain metastases after stereotactic radiotherapy is to distinguish between pseudo-progression and tumor recurrence. The objective of this study is to retrospectively analyze the predictive factors.

Methods

The study included 123 patients with enlarged brain metastases after hypo-fractionated radiotherapy in our center from March 2009 to October 2019, and the baseline clinical features, radiotherapy planning parameters, and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging before and after radiation therapy were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to compare the differences between groups. Independent risk factors with P < 0.05 and associated with recurrence were used to establish a nomogram prediction model and validated by Bootstrap repeated sampling, ﻿which was validated in an internal cohort (n = 23) from October 2019 to December 2021.

Results

The median follow-up time was 68.4 months (range, 8.9–146.2 months). A total of 76 (61.8%) patients were evaluated as pseudo-progression, 47 patients (38.2%) were evaluated as tumor recurrence. The median time to pseudo-progression and tumor recurrence were 18.3 months (quartile range, 9.4–27.8 months) and 12.9 months (quartile range, 8.7–19.6 months) respectively. Variables associated with tumor recurrence included: gross tumor volume ≥ 6 cc, biological effective dose < 60 Gy, target coverage < 96% and no targeted therapy. The area under curve values were 0.730 and 0.967 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Thirty-one patients received salvage therapy in the tumor recurrence group. The survival time in pseudo-progression and tumor recurrence groups were 66.3 months (95% CI 56.8–75.9 months) and 39.6 months (95% CI 29.2–50.0 months, respectively; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Clinical and dosimetry features of hypo-fractionated radiation therapy based on enhanced brain magnetic resonance can help distinguish pseudo-progression from tumor recurrence after hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for brain metastases. Gross tumor volume, biological effective dose, target coverage, and having received targeted therapy or not were factors associated with the occurrence of tumor recurrence, and the individual risk could be estimated by the nomogram effectively.
Effect of resistance vs. aerobic exercise in pre-diabetes: an RCT
Authors: Luo Xijuan , Wang Zhengzhen , Li Bowen , Zhang Xianbo , Li Xin
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to assess the different impacts of aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on pre-diabetes and its possible influencing factor (obesity) to identify which exercise intervention mode was better for pre-diabetes to control their blood glucose levels.

Methods

Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from Southwest Hospital between February 2016 and May 2017 and randomly divided into three groups using stratified randomization: aerobic exercise (A), resistance exercise (R), and control (C). The effects of each group were analyzed, and the relationship with obesity was investigated following a 12-week intervention.

Results

Eighty participants were enrolled (9 were lost, and 1 was excluded). Finally, 26 participants were included in group A, 23 in group R, and 21 in group C. In groups A and R, FPG, OGTT 2-h PG, and HOMA2-IR decreased by 6.17% (P = 0.001) and 4.81% (P = 0.019), 20.39% (P < 0.001) and 16.50% (P < 0.001), and 8.34% (P = 0.026) and 18.31% (P = 0.001, superior to that in group A), respectively (all P < 0.001 compared with group C, with no significant differences between groups A and R). The ratio of reversal to euglycemia was 69.2% (P = 0.003 compared with group C) in group A and 43.5% (P = 0.213 compared with group C) in group R. The decreased ratio of GSP in group R was greater (65.2%, P = 0.008 compared with group C) compared with group A (38.5%, P = 0.355 compared with group C). Decreases in the parameters BMI (3.1 ± 3.2% P < 0.001, moderately positive correlation with the decreased FPG level, r = 0.498, P = 0.010, two-tailed) and waist circumference (3.1 ± 2.7% P < 0.001) were noted in group A, but no significant correlations were noted between other indicators in group R.

Conclusions

Both resistance and aerobic exercise can control and reverse IGR. Compared with aerobic exercise, resistance exercise may be superior in terms of GSP and IR improvement. Aerobic exercise decreases blood glucose levels through weight loss. However, the effect of resistance exercise might not be mediated via weight loss and obesity control.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000038304. Registered on September 17, 2020.
Developing a genetic engineering method for Acetobacterium wieringae to expand one-carbon valorization pathways
Authors: Moreira João P. C. , Heap John T. , Alves Joana I. , Domingues Lucília
Published: February 2023

Background

Developing new bioprocesses to produce chemicals and fuels with reduced production costs will greatly facilitate the replacement of fossil-based raw materials. In most fermentation bioprocesses, the feedstock usually represents the highest cost, which becomes the target for cost reduction. Additionally, the biorefinery concept advocates revenue growth from the production of several compounds using the same feedstock. Taken together, the production of bio commodities from low-cost gas streams containing CO, CO2, and H2, obtained from the gasification of any carbon-containing waste streams or off-gases from heavy industry (steel mills, processing plants, or refineries), embodies an opportunity for affordable and renewable chemical production. To achieve this, by studying non-model autotrophic acetogens, current limitations concerning low growth rates, toxicity by gas streams, and low productivity may be overcome. The Acetobacterium wieringae strain JM is a novel autotrophic acetogen that is capable of producing acetate and ethanol. It exhibits faster growth rates on various gaseous compounds, including carbon monoxide, compared to other Acetobacterium species, making it potentially useful for industrial applications. The species A. wieringae has not been genetically modified, therefore developing a genetic engineering method is important for expanding its product portfolio from gas fermentation and overall improving the characteristics of this acetogen for industrial demands.

Results

This work reports the development and optimization of an electrotransformation protocol for A. wieringae strain JM, which can also be used in A. wieringae DSM 1911, and A. woodii DSM 1030. We also show the functionality of the thiamphenicol resistance marker, catP, and the functionality of the origins of replication pBP1, pCB102, pCD6, and pIM13 in all tested Acetobacterium strains, with transformation efficiencies of up to 2.0 × 103 CFU/μgDNA. Key factors affecting electrotransformation efficiency include OD600 of cell harvesting, pH of resuspension buffer, the field strength of the electric pulse, and plasmid amount. Using this method, the acetone production operon from Clostridium acetobutylicum was efficiently introduced in all tested Acetobacterium spp., leading to non-native biochemical acetone production via plasmid-based expression.

Conclusions

A. wieringae can be electrotransformed at high efficiency using different plasmids with different replication origins. The electrotransformation procedure and tools reported here unlock the genetic and metabolic manipulation of the biotechnologically relevant A.wieringae strains. For the first time, non-native acetone production is shown in A. wieringae.
Bilateral central retinal vein occlusion as an initial presentation of Waldenström macroglobulinemia: a case report
Authors: Shrestha Suraj , Poddar Elisha , Bashyal Bibhav , Adhikari Aayush , Pathak Prabin , Acharya Suman , Sapkota Surendra , Bhattarai Anjan , Pant Samriddha Raj , Shrestha Anjan
Published: February 2023

Background

Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a rare hematological malignancy and is the most common diagnosis in patients with hyperviscosity syndrome. Bilateral central retinal vein occlusion as an initial presentation of hyperviscosity syndrome in Waldenström macroglobulinemia is rare.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old Nepalese male presented with sudden-onset bilateral painless blurring of vision. Fundus examination revealed bilateral, diffusely dilated, tortuous retinal veins and intraretinal deep blot hemorrhages in all four quadrants of the retina in both eyes; features of bilateral central retinal vein occlusion. Serum electrophoresis showed hypoalbuminemia with an immunoglobulin M kappa monoclonal spike. Bone marrow picture and immunohistochemistry analysis were suggestive of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. The patient received systemic therapy for Waldenström macroglobulinemia, along with intravitreal bevacizumab.

Conclusion

Adequate hydration, plasmapheresis, and a combination of bortezomib, dexamethasone, and rituximab regimen as a systemic therapy may represent an ideal choice for patients with hyperviscosity in Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
Sex-specific associations between diabetes and dementia: the role of age at onset of disease, insulin use and complications
Authors: Zhou Chunmiao , Dong Caiyun , Xie Ziwei , Hao Wenting , Fu Chunying , Sun Huizi , Zhu Dongshan
Published: February 2023

Background

Whether the association of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with dementia was differed by sex remains unclear, and the roles of age at onset of disease, insulin use and diabetes’ complications in their association are unknown.

Methods

This study analyzed data of 447 931 participants from the UK Biobank. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate sex-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and women-to-men ratio of HRs (RHR) for the association between T2DM and incident dementia [all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VD)]. The roles of age at onset of disease, insulin use and diabetes’ complications in their association were also analyzed.

Results

Compared to people with no diabetes at all, people with T2DM had increased risk of all-cause dementia (HR 2.85, 95% CI 2.56–3.17). The HRs between T2DM and AD were higher in women than men, with an RHR (95%CI) of 1.56 (1.20, 2.02). There was a trend that people who experienced T2DM before age 55 had higher risk of VD than those who had T2DM after age 55. In addition, there was a trend that T2DM had higher effect on VD that occurred before age 75 years than events that occurred after age 75. Patients with T2DM using insulin had higher risk of all-cause dementia than those without insulin, with an RHR (95%CI) of 1.54 (1.00–2.37). People with complications had doubled risk of all-cause dementia, AD and VD.

Conclusions

Adopting a sex-sensitive strategy to address the risk of dementia in patients with T2DM is instrumental for a precision medicine approach. Meanwhile, it is warranted to consider patients' age at onset of T2DM, insulin use status and complications conditions.
Investigation of autism-related transcription factors underlying sex differences in the effects of bisphenol A on transcriptome profiles and synaptogenesis in the offspring hippocampus
Authors: Thongkorn Surangrat , Kanlayaprasit Songphon , Kasitipradit Kasidit , Lertpeerapan Pattanachat , Panjabud Pawinee , Hu Valerie W. , Jindatip Depicha , Sarachana Tewarit
Published: February 2023

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to susceptibility to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our recent studies have shown that prenatal BPA exposure disrupted ASD-related gene expression in the hippocampus, neurological functions, and behaviors associated with ASD in a sex-specific pattern. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of BPA are still unclear.

Methods

Transcriptome data mining and molecular docking analyses were performed to identify ASD-related transcription factors (TFs) and their target genes underlying the sex-specific effects of prenatal BPA exposure. Gene ontology analysis was conducted to predict biological functions associated with these genes. The expression levels of ASD-related TFs and targets in the hippocampus of rat pups prenatally exposed to BPA were measured using qRT-PCR analysis. The role of the androgen receptor (AR) in BPA-mediated regulation of ASD candidate genes was investigated using a human neuronal cell line stably transfected with AR-expression or control plasmid. Synaptogenesis, which is a function associated with genes transcriptionally regulated by ASD-related TFs, was assessed using primary hippocampal neurons isolated from male and female rat pups prenatally exposed to BPA.

Results

We found that there was a sex difference in ASD-related TFs underlying the effects of prenatal BPA exposure on the transcriptome profiles of the offspring hippocampus. In addition to the known BPA targets AR and ESR1, BPA could directly interact with novel targets (i.e., KDM5B, SMAD4, and TCF7L2). The targets of these TFs were also associated with ASD. Prenatal BPA exposure disrupted the expression of ASD-related TFs and targets in the offspring hippocampus in a sex-dependent manner. Moreover, AR was involved in the BPA-mediated dysregulation of AUTS2, KMT2C, and SMARCC2. Prenatal BPA exposure altered synaptogenesis by increasing synaptic protein levels in males but not in females, but the number of excitatory synapses was increased in female primary neurons only.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that AR and other ASD-related TFs are involved in sex differences in the effects of prenatal BPA exposure on transcriptome profiles and synaptogenesis in the offspring hippocampus. These TFs may play an essential role in an increased ASD susceptibility associated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals, particularly BPA, and the male bias of ASD.
Association of systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse pressure with morbidity and mortality in septic ICU patients: a nationwide observational study
Authors: Khanna Ashish K. , Kinoshita Takahiro , Natarajan Annamalai , Schwager Emma , Linn Dustin D. , Dong Junzi , Ghosh Erina , Vicario Francesco , Maheshwari Kamal
Published: February 2023

Background

Intensivists target different blood pressure component values to manage intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between individual blood pressure components and organ dysfunction in critically ill septic patients.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated 77,328 septic patients in 364 ICUs in the eICU Research Institute database. Primary exposure was the lowest cumulative value of each component; mean, systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure, sustained for at least 120 min during ICU stay. Primary outcome was ICU mortality and secondary outcomes were composite outcomes of acute kidney injury or death and myocardial injury or death during ICU stay. Multivariable logistic regression spline and threshold regression adjusting for potential confounders were conducted to evaluate associations between exposures and outcomes. Sensitivity analysis was conducted in 4211 patients with septic shock.

Results

Lower values of all blood pressures components were associated with a higher risk of ICU mortality. Estimated change-points for the risk of ICU mortality were 69 mmHg for mean, 100 mmHg for systolic, 60 mmHg for diastolic, and 57 mmHg for pulse pressure. The strength of association between blood pressure components and ICU mortality as determined by slopes of threshold regression were mean (− 0.13), systolic (− 0.11), diastolic (− 0.09), and pulse pressure (− 0.05). Equivalent non-linear associations between blood pressure components and ICU mortality were confirmed in septic shock patients. We observed a similar relationship between blood pressure components and secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

Blood pressure component association with ICU mortality is the strongest for mean followed by systolic, diastolic, and weakest for pulse pressure. Critical care teams should continue to follow MAP-based resuscitation, though exploratory analysis focusing on blood pressure components in different sepsis phenotypes in critically ill ICU patients is needed.
Leukemogenic SHP2 mutations lead to erythropoietin independency of HCD-57 cells: a novel model for preclinical research of SHP2-mutant JMML
Authors: Zhao Yuming , He Chunxiao , Zhang Dengyang , Guo Yao , Peng Zhiyong , Yu Liuting , Li Na , Chen Chun , Zhao Zhizhuang Joe , Chen Yun
Published: February 2023

Leukemogenic SHP2 mutations occur in 35% of patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare but fatal hematopoietic malignancy without representative cell models, which are urgently needed to investigate the pathogenesis and to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we established stable cell lines with aberrant signaling resembling SHP2-mutant JMML through retroviral expression of SHP2-D61Y/E76K in HCD-57 cells, a murine erythroleukemia cell line that depends on erythropoietin (EPO) for survival. SHP2-D61Y/E76K drives the survival and proliferation of HCD-57 cells in the absence of EPO, but not in Ba/F3 cells in the absence of IL-3. Transformed HCD-57 cells showed activated MAPK signaling that is consistent with SHP2-mutant JMML. Transformed HCD-57 cells were sensitive to dasatinib and trametinib, two targeted drugs previously reported to inhibit SHP2-mutant JMML cells. Furthermore, we injected mutant SHP2-transformed HCD-57 cells into immune-deficient mice intravenously and found that these cells rapidly proliferated in the spleen and bone marrow, providing an excellent model for in vivo testing of drugs targeting the aberrant signaling of mutant SHP2. In conclusion, we established the novel cell lines HCD-57/SHP2-E76K and -D61Y that depended on signaling of mutant SHP2 for survival, thus resembling SHP2-mutant JMML. Our model is a valuable tool to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of mutant SHP2 and targeted drugs for SHP2-mutant JMML.
The relationship between self-control and symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with eating disorders: a cross-sectional study including exploratory longitudinal data
Authors: Eriksson Emmi , Ramklint Mia , Wolf-Arehult Martina , Isaksson Martina
Published: February 2023

Background

Personality style can partly be described as the way an individual controls and regulates emotions and can be divided into over- and undercontrol. Studies have indicated that personality style may impact the onset, clinical presentation, and recovery from an eating disorder (ED). Furthermore, symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in patients with EDs. However, the association between self-control levels and anxiety/depression symptoms in patients with EDs remains unknown. The main aim of this study was to assess how levels of self-control relate to anxiety/depression symptoms in patients with EDs, with a secondary, exploratory aim to assess the stability of self-control during treatment.

Methods

Patients were recruited from the outpatient ED clinic at the Uppsala University Hospital, between October 2014 and December 2019. In total, 227 patients (age: 25.4, SD: 7.1) were included at the start of their treatment, with 14 participants also completing post-treatment measurements. Self-control was assessed with the Ego Undercontrol scale (EUC-13), anxiety/depression symptoms with the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25), and ED diagnosis and symptoms with the Eating Disorder Examination Interview (EDE-I) and Questionnaire (EDE-Q), respectively.

Results

A quadratic regression (n = 227) showed that levels of self-control accounted for about four percent of the variance in degree of global anxiety/depressive symptoms. Anxiety/depression symptoms were better explained by ED symptoms (R2 = 0.24). Visualizations in boxplots revealed a tendency for extreme values of both over- and undercontrol to be associated with higher levels of depression, whereas symptoms of anxiety increased with increasing undercontrol. In the exploratory analyses (n = 14) levels of self-control remained more stable than symptoms of anxiety and depression, which decreased significantly during ED treatment.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that anxiety/depression symptoms, in patients with EDs, were not strongly correlated with levels of self-control, but rather with ED symptoms. However, extreme values of both over- and undercontrol showed a tendency to be associated with higher levels of depression symptoms, whereas anxiety symptoms increased with increasing levels of undercontrol. Future studies could benefit from considering both over- and undercontrol as potentially dysfunctional.
Attachment and need to belong as moderators of the relationship between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation
Authors: Dienst Franziska , Forkmann Thomas , Schreiber Dajana , Höller Inken
Published: February 2023

Background

In the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, thwarted belongingness is presented as a main predictor for suicidal ideation. Studies only partially support this prediction. The aim of this study was to examine whether the heterogenous results are due to moderating effects of attachment and the need to belong on the association between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation.

Methods

Four hundred forty-five participants (75% female) from a community sample aged 18 to 73 (M = 29.90, SD = 11.64) filled out online questionnaires about romantic attachment, their need to belong, thwarted belongingness, and suicidal ideation cross-sectionally. Correlations and moderated regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The need to belong significantly moderated the relationship between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation and was associated with higher levels of anxious attachment and avoidant attachment. Both attachment dimensions were significant moderators of the relationship between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

Anxious and avoidant attachment as well as a high need to belong are risk factors for suicidal ideation in people with thwarted belongingness. Therefore, attachment style and need to belong should both be considered in suicide risk assessment and therapy.
Portfolio vs. summative assessment: impacts on EFL learners’ writing complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF); self-efficacy; learning anxiety; and autonomy
Authors: Al-Hawamdeh Basem Okleh Salameh , Hussen Negash , Abdelrasheed Nasser Said Gomaa
Published: February 2023

Due to the benefits of e-portfolio assessment and summative assessment in Ethiopia and a dearth of research, this study attempted to contrast e-portfolio assessment and summative assessment use in developing Ethiopian EFL learners’ writing complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF); learners’ autonomy; learning anxiety; and self-efficacy as they have not been investigated in Ethiopia. In order to accomplish these goals, 60 Ethiopian intermediate EFL students were selected according to their OQPT performance. E-portfolio served as the experimental group (EG), and summative functioned as the control group (CG). Writing CAF, self-efficacy, autonomy, and anxiety pretests were administered to both groups. Then, groups received different treatments. Writing CAF, self-efficacy, autonomy, and anxiety posttests were then given to the groups after the instruction period of 21 sessions. The collected data were examined using SPSS software. Then, independent samples t-tests and paired samples t-tests were run to assess the effects of the assessments on the learners’ writing CAF, autonomy, anxiety, and self-efficacy. The outcomes displayed that the experimental group and control group differed in performance. Actually, the e-portfolio assessment group outdid the summative assessment group. The e-portfolio assessment was found to be a more useful method for fostering learner autonomy, self-efficacy, and the writing CAF in EFL learners than summative assessment. Some recommendations, implications, and limitations were also listed at the end.
Bi-allelic variations in CRB2, encoding the crumbs cell polarity complex component 2, lead to non-communicating hydrocephalus due to atresia of the aqueduct of sylvius and central canal of the medulla
Authors: Tessier Aude , Roux Nathalie , Boutaud Lucile , Lunel Elodie , Hakkakian Leila , Parisot Mélanie , Garfa-Traoré Meriem , Ichkou Amale , Elkhartoufi Nadia , Bole Christine , Nitschke Patrick , Amiel Jeanne , Martinovic Jelena , Encha-Razavi Férechté , Attié-Bitach Tania , Thomas Sophie
Published: February 2023

Congenital hydrocephalus is a common condition caused by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricular system. Four major genes are currently known to be causally involved in hydrocephalus, either isolated or as a common clinical feature: L1CAM, AP1S2, MPDZ and CCDC88C. Here, we report 3 cases from 2 families with congenital hydrocephalus due to bi-allelic variations in CRB2, a gene previously reported to cause nephrotic syndrome, variably associated with hydrocephalus. While 2 cases presented with renal cysts, one case presented with isolated hydrocephalus. Neurohistopathological analysis allowed us to demonstrate that, contrary to what was previously proposed, the pathological mechanisms underlying hydrocephalus secondary to CRB2 variations are not due to stenosis but to atresia of both Sylvius Aqueduct and central medullar canal. While CRB2 has been largely shown crucial for apico-basal polarity, immunolabelling experiments in our fetal cases showed normal localization and level of PAR complex components (PKCι and PKCζ) as well as of tight (ZO-1) and adherens (β-catenin and N-Cadherin) junction molecules indicating a priori normal apicobasal polarity and cell–cell adhesion of the ventricular epithelium suggesting another pathological mechanism. Interestingly, atresia but not stenosis of Sylvius aqueduct was also described in cases with variations in MPDZ and CCDC88C encoding proteins previously linked functionally to the Crumbs (CRB) polarity complex, and all 3 being more recently involved in apical constriction, a process crucial for the formation of the central medullar canal. Overall, our findings argue for a common mechanism of CRB2, MPDZ and CCDC88C variations that might lead to abnormal apical constriction of the ventricular cells of the neural tube that will form the ependymal cells lining the definitive central canal of the medulla. Our study thus highlights that hydrocephalus related to CRB2, MPDZ and CCDC88C constitutes a separate pathogenic group of congenital non-communicating hydrocephalus with atresia of both Sylvius aqueduct and central canal of the medulla.
A modern multimodal pain protocol eliminates the need for opioids for most patients following total knee arthroplasty: results from a retrospective comparative cohort study
Authors: van Deventer Leland , Bronstone Amy , Leonardi Claudia , Bennett Matthew , Yager Peter , Dasa Vinod
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Modern multimodal analgesia has been shown to significantly reduce opioid use following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study was conducted to determine if changing TKA discharge opioid prescriptions from automatic to upon request resulted in more opioid free recoveries without compromising pain control.

Methods

Between December 2019 and August 2021, an orthopedic surgeon performed 144 primary unilateral TKAs; patients received the same multimodal analgesia protocol except for postoperative opioid prescribing. The first consecutively‐treated cohort automatically received an opioid prescription following discharge (automatic group) and the second cohort received opioid prescriptions only upon request (upon request group). Opioid prescription data were derived from a prescription monitoring program and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) were collected preoperatively and at 2 and 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results

A higher percentage of the upon request group was opioid free 3 months after TKA compared with the automatic group (55.6% vs 4.3%, p < 0.0001) without compromising pain or function. Among opioid‐naïve patients, 72% in the upon request group were opioid free after TKA compared with 5.4% in the automatic group. Opioid prescribing was not significantly reduced among opioid‐experienced patients regardless of the pain protocol.

Conclusion

Requiring patients to request opioid prescriptions following TKA resulted in a higher rate of opioid free TKA, especially among opioid‐naïve patients, without increasing pain compared with offering all patients an initial opioid prescription.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Ventral hernia repair with enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal technique after a massive weight loss by laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Amiki Manabu , Ishiyama Yasuhiro , Mochizuki Ichitaro , Narita Kazuhiro , Goto Manabu , Sekikawa Koji
Published: February 2023

Background

Ventral hernia repair (VHR) for obese patients is often associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications and hernia recurrences. Achieving preoperative weight loss is ideal before VHR; however, it is difficult to attain with medical treatment. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) offers the most effective and durable treatment for obesity. Therefore, massive weight loss occurring after MBS will improve the outcome of VHR.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old man (122.9 kg, BMI 39.1 kg/m2) presented to our hospital wishing to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and VHR. Physical examination revealed a tennis ball-sized lower midline defect. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed a hernia orifice 5 cm in width and 10 cm in height. As the hernia orifice was large, mesh reinforcement was essential. We planned for him to undergo VHR after massive weight loss was achieved by MBS. VHR was performed using the enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique after weight loss of 38 kg was achieved 9 months following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. His postoperative course was uneventful, and neither recurrence nor seroma was observed at 1 year follow-up.

Conclusions

eTEP repair of a ventral hernia after massive weight loss following MBS would appear to be the best combination treatment for obese patients with ventral hernias. However, long-term follow-up is necessary to establish its safety and efficacy.
The factors influencing inappropriate child feeding practices among families receiving nutrition allowance in the Himalayan region of Nepal
Authors: Sunuwar Dev Ram , Bhatta Anuradha , Rai Anjana , Chaudhary Narendra Kumar , Tamang Man Kumar , Nayaju Suvash , Singh Devendra Raj
Published: February 2023

Background

Child feeding practices during the first two years of life are crucial to ensure good health and nutrition status. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing inappropriate child feeding practices in children aged 6 − 23 months in families receiving nutrition allowance in the remote Mugu district, Nepal.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 318 mothers who had children aged 6 − 23 months of age in the seven randomly selected wards. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the desired number of respondents. Data were collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression was used to estimate crude odds ratio (cOR), and adjusted odds ratio (aOR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to understand factor associated with child feeding practices.

Results

Almost half of the children aged 6 − 23 months were not consuming a diverse diet (47.2%; 95% CI: 41.7%, 52.7%), did not meet the recommended minimum meal frequency (46.9%; 95% CI: 41.4%, 52.4%) and did not consume minimum acceptable diet (51.7%; 95% CI: 46.1%, 57.1%). Only 27.4% (95% CI: 22.7%, 32.5%) of children met the recommended complementary feeding practices. Multivariable analysis showed maternal characteristics such as mothers who gave birth at home (aOR = 4.70; 95% CI: 1.03, 21.31) and mothers in unpaid employment (aOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.06, 6.19) were associated with increased odds of inappropriate child feeding practices. Household economy (i.e. family with < 150 USD monthly income) was also associated with increased odds of inappropriate child feeding practices (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.42).

Conclusion

Despite the receipt of nutritional allowances, child feeding practices among 6 − 23 months children were not optimal. Additional context-specific behavior change strategies on child nutrition targeting mothers may be required.
Operative Technique and Complication Management in a Case of Giant Esthesioneuroblastoma Resected by a Combined Transcranial and Endonasal Endoscopic Approach: Technical Case Report
Authors: McAvoy Malia , Satyanarayan Shenoy Varadaraya , Miller Charles , Feroze Abdullah , Moe Kris S. , Sekhar Laligam N.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare anterior skull base tumor derived from olfactory epithelium. There are very few operative videos in the literature demonstrating the surgical resection techniques for giant ENB because of their rarity and complexity. In this technical report, we demonstrate the microsurgical resection of a very large and complex high-grade ENB, initially deemed unresectable, through a bifrontal craniotomy and extended subfrontal approach combined with an endonasal endoscopic approach.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 34-year-old woman presented with headaches, nasal congestion, and bloody nasal drainage. MRI showed a large nasal cavity mass with extension into the anterior cranial fossa and bifrontal lobes. There was significant bifrontal edema causing headaches and abutting the optic nerves. Initial management with surgical resection was offered to the patient for local tumor control and to preserve her vision. A combined bifrontal craniotomy and endonasal transsphenoidal approach was used for resecting this giant tumor. After achieving gross total resection, we reconstructed the anterior skull base in layers. She developed several postoperative complications which were appropriately managed.

CONCLUSION:

We demonstrate the surgical resection of a giant ENB through a combined transcranial and endonasal endoscopic approach. We discuss the several postoperative complications in this complex case and the lessons learned.
Minimally Invasive Surgery of Deep-Seated Brain Lesions Using Tubular Retractors and Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Based Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography Guidance: The Minefield Paradigm
Authors: Angileri Filippo Flavio , Raffa Giovanni , Curcio Antonello , Granata Francesca , Marzano Giuseppina , Germanò Antonino
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Surgical treatment of deep-seated brain lesions is a major challenge for neurosurgeons. Recently, tubular retractors have been used to help neurosurgeons in achieving the targeting and resection of deep lesions.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a novel surgical approach based on the combination of tubular retractors and preoperative mapping by navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) and nTMS-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography for the safe resection of deep-seated lesions.

METHODS:

Ten consecutive patients affected by deep-seated brain lesions close to eloquent motor/language/visual pathways underwent preoperative nTMS mapping of motor/language cortical areas and nTMS-based DTI tractography of adjacent eloquent white matter tracts, including optic radiations. The nTMS-based information was used to plan the optimal surgical trajectory and to guide the insertion of tubular retractors within the brain parenchyma without causing injury to the eloquent cortical and subcortical structures. After surgery, all patients underwent a new nTMS-based DTI tractography of fascicles close to the tumor to verify their structural integrity.

RESULTS:

Gross total resection was achieved in 8 cases, subtotal resection in 1 case, and a biopsy in 1 case. No new postoperative deficits were observed, except in 1 case where a visual field defect due to injury to the optic radiations occurred. Postoperative nTMS-based DTI tractography showed the integrity of the subcortical fascicles crossed by tubular retractors trajectory in 9 cases.

CONCLUSION:

The novel strategy combining tubular retractors with functional nTMS-based preoperative mapping enables a safe microsurgical resection of deep-seated lesions through the preservation of eloquent cortical areas and subcortical fascicles, thus reducing the risk of new permanent deficits.
Thermodynamics and Kinetics of a Partial Peptide of K+ Channels: DFT Transition State Calculations Coupled with Temperature-Controlled Gas Phase Laser Spectroscopy
Authors: Suzuki Yukina , Hirata Keisuke , Lisy James M , Ishiuchi Shun-ichi , Fujii Masaaki
Published: February 2023

K+ channels selectively conduct K+ at a high conduction rate, but not smaller Na+ and Li+. To provide an insight into the conduction mechanism previously, we experimentally observed the temperature dependence of the conformer distributions of a model peptide in K+ channels (Ac-Tyr-NHMe) complexed with alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+) by gas phase laser spectroscopy. The K+ and Rb+ complexes showed a more significant temperature dependence than the Li+ complexes, whose conformer distributions barely varied. This different behavior with temperature can be interpreted either thermodynamically (entropy vs. enthalpy) or kinetically (barrier height). Due to the lack of temperature dependence of the Li+ complex, we could not determine which factor, an enthalpy-driven structure or a high energy barrier, governs the Li+ complex’s behavior. To resolve this issue, we carried out DFT transition state calculations and time-dependent simulation of the metal complexes’ conformer distributions based on the theoretical barrier heights. By comparing the experimental and computational data, the origin of the variation in the temperature dependence among different ion complexes was determined to be thermodynamic.
A further northward expansion of the invasive land snails Monacha cartusiana and M. Fruticola (Stylommatophora: Hygromiidae) in Eastern Europe
Authors: Balashov Igor , Markova Anna
Published: February 2023

Land snails of the genus Monacha are shown to have expanded widely northward in Eastern Europe during the last decade. Previously their ranges there were limited to Southern Ukraine, Caucasus and several isolated colonies in Western Ukraine. Our new reports cover all parts of Ukraine, as well as some regions of southern Belarus and western Russia. We have sampled 5 large colonies of M. cartusiana in Kyiv region (Central Ukraine) and one in Kharkiv city (northeastern Ukraine), as well as two colonies of M. fruticola in Kyiv city. We also report 72 new records of the subgenus Monacha (M. cf. cartusiana) in Eastern Europe, based mostly on the photographs from citizen science databases (iNaturalist, UkrBIN). The distribution of M. cartusiana around Kyiv city has shown an especially rapid and wide expansion; we report on 36 colonies, some of which are very abundant and cover several tens of hectares each, while the oldest known record of Monacha in this region is only from 2017. Origin, expansion and perspectives of the Monacha species in Eastern Europe are discussed.
Assessment of the synergistic effect of a poly-herbals combination on the antioxidant activity through a statistical approach
Authors: Ainurofiq Ahmad , Wiyono Nanang , Warni Rita , Choiri Syaiful
Published: February 2023

Poly-herbals combination was applied to enhance biological activity, particularly antioxidant activity. This present study was purposed to assess the synergistic interaction of a combination of five traditional Indonesian herbal plants through a simultaneous and integrated statistical technique. The plants were extracted using maceration, and purification was conducted before extraction to eliminate the ballast compounds. A simplex lattice design comprising 35 design points was utilized to understand herbal combinations' main effect and interaction through multiple linear regression analysis on the antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS assays. The results showed that C. longa, P. niruri, and C. xanthorrhiza had the most potent antioxidant activity than M. oleifera and C. asiatica. The presence of C. longa modulated the synergistic interaction between combinations. Meanwhile, the non-curcuminoid content in C. xanthorrhiza played a fundamental role in reducing the antioxidant activity. The synergistic interaction could enhance the antioxidant activity through poly-herbals combination. In addition, particular consideration should be withdrawn by antagonism interaction in the poly-herbals combination for reducing the biological activity.
Case Report: A case of a multivisceral echinococcosis with atypical localization
Authors: Kaddoussi Rania , Jellazi Mohamed , Mizouni Abdelkader , Chamtouri Ikram , Abdelaaly Mabrouk , Migaou Asma , Ben Brahim Hager , Fahem Nessrine , Ben Saad Ahmed , Joober Sameh , Cheikhmhamed Saoussen , Rouetbi Naceur
Published: February 2023

Hydatidosis is a pathology that is still common. The hydatid cyst commonly involves the liver and lung. Cases of multi visceral echinococcosis with atypical localization are rare. We report the case of a 53-year-old Tunisian farmer with a multiple organ hydatidosis that included 13 hydatid cysts: the lungs, the liver, the left heart ventricle, the left kidney, the abdomen cavity, muscles (psoas, adductors), and subcutaneous gluteal area. The majority of these cysts was already treated surgically, and some were due to be removed.