bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Running Speed From Wrist- or Waist-Worn Wearable Accelerometer Data: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Davis John J. , Oeding Blaise E. , Gruber Allison H.
Published: December 2022

Background: Running is a popular form of exercise, and its physiological effects are strongly modulated by speed. Accelerometry-based activity monitors are commonly used to measure physical activity in research, but no method exists to estimate running speed from only accelerometer data. Methods: Using three cohorts totaling 72 subjects performing treadmill and outdoor running, we developed linear, ridge, and gradient-boosted tree regression models to estimate running speed from raw accelerometer data from waist- or wrist-worn devices. To assess model performance in a real-world scenario, we deployed the best-performing model to data from 16 additional runners completing a 13-week training program while equipped with waist-worn accelerometers and commercially available foot pods. Results: Linear, ridge, and boosted tree models estimated speed with 12.0%, 11.6%, and 11.2% mean absolute percentage error, respectively, using waist-worn accelerometer data. Errors were greater using wrist-worn data, with linear, ridge, and boosted tree models achieving 13.8%, 14.0%, and 12.8% error. Across 663 free-living runs, speed was significantly associated with run duration (p = .009) and perceived run intensity (p = .008). Speed was nonsignificantly associated with fatigue (p = .07). Estimated speeds differed from foot pod measurements by 7.25%; associations and statistical significance were similar when speed was assessed via accelerometry versus via foot pod. Conclusion: Raw accelerometry data can be used to estimate running speed in free-living data with sufficient accuracy to detect associations with important measures of health and performance. Our approach is most useful in studies where research grade accelerometry is preferable to traditional global positioning system or foot pod-based measurements, such as in large-scale observational studies on physical activity.
Synaptic activity–dependent changes in the hippocampal palmitoylome
Authors: Nasseri Glory G. , Matin Nusrat , Wild Angela R. , Tosefsky Kira , Flibotte Stephane , Stacey R. Greg , Hollman Rocio B. , Foster Leonard J. , Bamji Shernaz X.
Published: December 2022

Dynamic protein S-palmitoylation is critical for neuronal function, development, and synaptic plasticity. Synaptic activity–dependent changes in palmitoylation have been reported for a small number of proteins. Here, we characterized the palmitoylome in the hippocampi of male mice before and after context-dependent fear conditioning. Of the 121 differentially palmitoylated proteins identified, just over half were synaptic proteins, whereas others were associated with metabolic functions, cytoskeletal organization, and signal transduction. The synapse-associated proteins generally exhibited increased palmitoylation after fear conditioning. In contrast, most of the proteins that exhibited decreased palmitoylation were associated with metabolic processes. Similar results were seen in cultured rat hippocampal neurons in response to chemically induced long-term potentiation. Furthermore, we found that the palmitoylation of one of the synaptic proteins, plasticity-related gene-1 (PRG-1), also known as lipid phosphate phosphatase-related protein type 4 (LPPR4), was important for synaptic activity–induced insertion of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) into the postsynaptic membrane. The findings identify proteins whose dynamic palmitoylation may regulate their role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
Metabolic Promiscuity of an Orphan Small Alarmone Hydrolase Facilitates Bacterial Environmental Adaptation
Authors: Fung Danny K. , Bai Kaihong , Yang Jin , Xu Xiaoli , Stevenson David M. , Amador-Noguez Daniel , Luo Laixin , Wang Jue D.
Published: December 2022

Small alarmone hydrolases (SAHs) comprise a widespread family of alarmone metabolizing enzymes. In metazoans, SAHs have been reported to control multiple aspects of physiology and stress resistance through alarmone and NADPH metabolisms, but their physiological functions in bacteria is mostly uncharacterized except for a few reports as antitoxins.
Coexistence of Multidrug Resistance and Virulence in a Single Conjugative Plasmid from a Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate of Sequence Type 25
Authors: Xia Peiwen , Yi Miao , Yuan Yaling , Huang Jinzhu , Yang Bingxue , Liao Jiajia , Dang Zijun , Luo Shengli , Xia Yun
Published: December 2022

The increased reporting of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent
K. pneumoniae
is considered a worrisome concern to human health care and has restricted the choice of effective antibiotics for clinical treatment. Moreover, virulence plasmids with complete conjugation modules have been identified, which evolved via homologous recombination.
A Matching Strategy To Guide Donor Selection for Ulcerative Colitis in Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Meta-Analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Zhang Bangzhou , Yang Luxi , Ning Hanbing , Cao Man , Chen Zhangran , Chen Qiongyun , Lian Guanghui , Tang Hailing , Wang Qizhi , Wang Junping , Lin Zhihui , Wen Jianbo , Liu Yuedong , Xuan Ji , Li Xuejun , Lin Aiqiang , He Jianquan , Zhang Lei , Hou Xiaohua , Zeng Qiang , Xiao Chuanxing
Published: December 2022

Modulation of gut microbiota by FMT from donors has been applied to the treatment of UC and yielded variable effectiveness in clinical trials. One possibility is that this variable effectiveness was related to donor selection, as a patient’s response to FMT may rely on the capability of the used donor’s microbiota to restore the specific gut disturbances of the patient.
Hyperthermia Prevents
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Biofilm Formation on Endotracheal Tubes
Authors: Palau Marta , Muñoz Estela , Larrosa Nieves , Gomis Xavier , Márquez Ester , Len Oscar , Almirante Benito , Gavaldà Joan
Published: December 2022

Biofilm-producing microorganisms are considered medically crucial since they cause 80% of the infections that occur in the human body. Medical devices such as endotracheal tubes (ETTs) can act as a reservoir for pathogens providing the surface to which microorganisms can adhere and cause biofilm-associated infections in critically ill patients.
Patterns of smoked and smokeless tobacco use among multimorbid and non-multimorbid middle-aged and older-aged adults in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Khowaja Salima , Hashmi Shahkamal , Zaheer Sidra , Shafique Kashif
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare the patterns of smoked and smokeless tobacco use among multimorbid and non-multimorbid middle-aged and older-aged individuals in Karachi, Pakistan.

Study design

This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted during 2015–2016.

Study setting and participants

A total of 3250 participants aged 30 years and above, residing in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal town, Karachi, Pakistan were enrolled in the study through systematic random sampling. The selected area of residence represents diverse socioeconomic and ethnic groups of the city. People who could speak and write English or Urdu, and those who provided written informed consent were included in the study.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome measure of the study was to determine the differences in patterns of tobacco consumption among multimorbid and non-multimorbid adult individuals.

Results

We found no difference in patterns of smoked (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.15, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.50, p=0.289) or smokeless tobacco (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.48, p= 0.379) use among multimorbid and non-multimorbid individuals. Individuals who perceived tobacco as a risk were less likely to consume smokeless tobacco products.

Conclusion

There was no difference in tobacco consumption among individuals with and without multimorbidity. Evidenced-based guidelines are required to implement mental and behavioural interventions in patients with multiple chronic diseases to help them modify their behaviours.
Design of the FP-RESTORE study: a protocol for prospective, observational study of real-world treatments with endovascular therapy in patients with femoropopliteal artery Tosaka III in-stent restenosis
Authors: Li Xu , Zhou Min , Ding Yong , Wu Ziheng , Feng Zibo , Guo Lianrui , Li Qiang , Fang Xin , Sang Hongfei , Ye Meng , Shi Zhenyu
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Femoropopliteal artery in-stent restenosis (FP-ISR) represents one of the main obstacles for stent implantation in peripheral artery disease patients, especially Tosaka III FP-ISR, which is also referred to as in-stent occlusion. Diverse endovascular treatments of Tosaka III FP-ISR are available, and the results are unequivocal. However, real-world data are limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety and health economics evaluation of various endovascular procedures in the treatment of Tosaka III FP-ISR.

Method and analysis

This study is a prospective, multicentre, real-world, observational clinical study. Patients diagnosed with Tosaka III FP-ISR and treated with endovascular procedures in nine centres from 1 April 2021 to 31 December 2022 will be recruited. The relevant clinical information, Ankle-Brachial Index and CT angiography will be collected. All the participants will undergo follow-up at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the operation. The primary outcome is freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularisation at 24 months. Safety and health economics issues will also be reported.

Ethics and dissemination

The FP-RESTORE clinical trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov/). This study was also approved by the Institutional Review Board and Human Research Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (approval number: B2021-427). Moreover, written informed consent will be obtained at the time of recruitment. The study outcomes will be disseminated by publication in a peer-reviewed journal to provide information for further clinical practice.

Trial registration number

NCT04801004.
Was size of healthcare institution a factor affecting changes in healthcare utilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea? A retrospective study design analysing national healthcare big data
Authors: Park Young-Taek , Lane Chris , Lee Hyun-Ji , Lee Jinhyung
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Many small-sized healthcare institutions play a critical role in communities by preventing infectious diseases. This study examines how they have been impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic compared with large hospitals.

Design

This study adopted a retrospective study design looking back at the healthcare utilisation of medical facilities according to size after the COVID-19 pandemic. The dependent variable was change in the number of outpatient health insurance claims before and after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The independent variable was an observation time point of the year 2020 compared with 2019.

Setting and participants

The study was conducted in Korea having a competitive medical provision environment under the national health insurance system. The units of analysis are hospitals and clinics: tertiary hospitals (42), general hospitals (293), small hospitals (1272) and medical clinics (27 049). This study analysed all the health insurance claim data from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020.

Results

Compared with 2019, in 2020, there were significant decreases in the number of claims (−14.9%), particularly in small hospitals (−16.8%) and clinics (−16.3%), with smaller decreases in general hospitals (−8.9%) and tertiary hospitals (−5.3%). The reduction in healthcare utilisation increased as the size of institutions decreased. The magnitude of decrease was significantly greatest in small hospitals (absolute risk (AR): 0.8317, 0.7758 to 0.8915, p<0.0001; relative risk (RR): 0.8299, 0.7750 to 0.888, p<0.0001) followed by clinics (AR: 0.8369, 0.8262 to 0.8478, p<0.0001; RR: 0.8362, 0.8255 to 0.8470, p<0.0001) even after controlling institutional covariates.

Conclusion

The external impact of the pandemic increased incrementally as the size of healthcare institutions decreased. Healthcare policy-makers need to keep in mind the possibility that small hospitals and clinics may experience reduced healthcare utilisation in the infectious disease pandemic. This fact has political implications for how healthcare policy-makers should prepare for the next infectious disease pandemic.
Prevalence of long COVID-19 among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Al-Oraibi Amani , Naidu Jatin Sridhar , Chaka Aasiya , Woolf Katherine , B Nellums Laura , Tarrant Carolyn , Pan Daniel , Sze Shirley , Martin Christopher A , Gogoi Mayuri , Nazareth Joshua , Pareek Manish
Published: December 2022

Introduction

A proportion of those who survive the acute phase of COVID-19 experience prolonged symptoms, commonly known as long COVID-19. Given that healthcare workers (HCWs) face an elevated risk of acute COVID-19 compared with the general population, the global burden of long COVID-19 in HCWs is likely to be large; however, there is limited understanding of the prevalence of long COVID-19 in HCWs, or its symptoms and their clustering. This review will aim to estimate the pooled prevalence and the symptoms of long COVID-19 among HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 globally, and investigate differences by country, age, sex, ethnicity, vaccination status and occupation.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted. Medline (via Ovid), CINAHL (via EBSCO), Embase (via Ovid), PsycINFO (via EBSCO),OpenGrey(grey literature) andmedRxiv(preprint server) will be searched from the 31 December 2019 onward. All research studies and preprint articles reporting any primary data on the prevalence and/or the symptoms of long COVID-19 among adult HCWs will be included. Methodological quality will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Outcomes are anticipated to be the prevalence of long COVID-19 among HCWs around the world and trajectory of symptoms. Data synthesis will include random-effect meta-analysis for studies reporting prevalence data of long COVID-19 following SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. The results will be presented with a 95% CI as an estimated effect across studies. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I² statistic. Where meta-analysis is inappropriate, a narrative synthesis of the evidence will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not needed as data will be obtained from published articles. We will publish our findings in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminate the results of our review at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022312781.
Efficacy of HEAR and HEART score to rule out major adverse cardiac events in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain: study protocol of the eCARE stepped-wedge randomised control trial
Authors: Moumneh Thomas , Penaloza Andrea , Charpentier Sandrine , Douillet Delphine , Prunier Fabrice , Riou Jérémie , Roy Pierre-Marie
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Current guidelines for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) on ECG are based on serial troponin measurements. A clinical tool able to identify very low-risk patients who could forgo a troponin test and low-risk patients requiring only one troponin measurement would be of great interest. To do so, the HEAR and HEART score, standing for history, ECG, age, risk factors±troponin were prospectively assessed, but not combined and implemented in clinical practice. The objective of the eCARE study is to assess the impact of implementing a diagnostic strategy based on a HEAR score <2 or a HEART score <4 (HEAR-T strategy) to rule out non-STEMI without or with a single troponin measurement in patients presenting to the ED with chest pain without obvious diagnosis after physical examination and an ECG.

Methods and analysis

Stepped-wedge cluster-randomised control trial in 10 EDs. Patients with non-traumatic chest pain and no formal diagnosis were included and followed for 30 days. In the interventional phase, the doctor will be asked not to perform a troponin test to look for an acute coronary if the HEAR score is <2 and not to perform an additional troponin test if the HEAR score is ≥2 and HEART score is <4. The main endpoint is the non-inferiority of the rates of major adverse cardiac events occurring between a patient’s discharge and the 30-day follow-up against current recommended guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by an institutional review board for all participating centres. If successful, the eCARE study will cover a gap in the evidence, proving that it is safe and efficient to rule out the hypothesis of an acute myocardial infarction in some selected very low-risk patients or based on a single troponin measurement in some low-risk patients.

Trial registration number

NCT04157790.
Understanding the trends, and drivers of emigration, migration intention and non-migration of health workers from low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Ikhurionan Paul , Kwarshak Yakubu Kevin , Agho Ekhosuehi T , Akhirevbulu Itua C G , Atat Josephine , Erhiawarie Franca , Gbejewoh Emmanuel O , Iwegim Chinelo , Nnawuihe Ukachi , Odogu Uyoyo , Okpere Jermaine , Omoyibo Efe E , Orikpete Efetobo Victor , Otakhoigbogie Uwaila , Ukueku Avwebo , Ugwi Patience , Wariri Oghenebrume
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The WHO estimates a shortage of 18 million health workers (HWs) by 2030, primarily in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). The perennial out-migration of HWs from LMICs, often to higher-income countries, further exacerbates the shortage. We propose a systematic review to understand the determinants of HWs out-migration, intention to migrate and non-migration from LMICs.

Methods and analysis

This protocol was designed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols guideline for the development and reporting of systematic review protocols. We will include English and French language primary studies (quantitative or qualitative) focused on any category of HWs; from any LMICs; assessed migration or intention to migrate; and reported any determinant of migration. A three-step search strategy that involves a search of one electronic database to refine the preliminary strategy, a full search of all included databases and reference list search of included full-text papers for additional articles will be employed. We will search Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Global Health and Web of Science from inception to August 2022. The retrieved titles will be imported to EndNote and deduplicated. Two reviewers will independently screen all titles and abstract for eligibility using Rayyan. Risk of bias of the individual studies will be determined using the National Institute of Health study quality assessment tools for quantitative studies and the 10-item Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists for qualitative studies. The results will be presented in the form of narrative synthesis using a descriptive approach

Ethics and dissemination

We will not seek ethical approval from an institutional review board, as this is a systematic review. At completion, we will submit the report of this review to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. Key findings will be presented at local and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022334283.
Short-term dynamics of circulating tumor DNA predicting efficacy of sintilimab plus docetaxel in second-line treatment of advanced NSCLC: biomarker analysis from a single-arm, phase 2 trial
Authors: Han Xiao , Tang Xiaoyong , Zhu Hui , Zhu Dongyuan , Zhang Xiqin , Meng Xiangjiao , Hua Ying , Wang Zhongtang , Zhang Yan , Huang Wei , Wang Linlin , Yuan Shuanghu , Zhang Pinliang , Gong Heyi , Sun Yulan , Zhang Yingjie , Liu Zengjun , Dong Xiaomeng , Gai Fei , Huang Zhan , Zhu Changbin , Guo Jun , Wang Zhehai
Published: December 2022

Objective

Robust biomarker predicting efficacy of immunotherapy is limited. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sought to effectively monitor therapeutic response as well as disease progression. This study aims to investigate predictive role of ctDNA short-term dynamic change (6 weeks postimmunotherapy) in a single-arm, phase 2 trial of sintilimab plus docetaxel for previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

A total of 33 patients with advanced NSCLC with disease progression during or after any first-line treatment were prospectively enrolled between 2019 and 2020. Patients received sintilimab (200 mg, day 1, every 3 weeks) plus docetaxel (75 mg/m2, day 3, every 3 weeks) for 4–6 cycles, followed by maintenance therapy with sintilimab (200 mg, day 1, every 3 weeks) until disease progression or unacceptable toxic effects. Blood samples were prospectively collected at baseline, and after 2 cycles of treatment (6 weeks post-treatment). All samples were subjected to targeted next-generation sequencing with a panel of 448 cancer-related genes. The landscape of high-frequency genomic profile of baseline and 6th week was described. Major molecular characteristics in preselected genes of interest associated with response to second-line chemoimmunotherapy were analyzed. The curative effects and prognosis of patients were evaluated.

Results

Patients with ctDNA clearance at 6th week had decreased tumor volume, while most patients with positive ctDNA at 6th-week experienced an increase in tumor volume. Positive 6th-week ctDNA was associated with significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (91 vs NR days; p<0.0001) and overall survival (47 vs 467 days; p =0.0039). Clearance of clonal mutations and none new clonal formation at 6th week were associated with longer PFS (mPFS 89 vs 266 days, p =0.003). ctDNA clearance at 6th week was an independent risk factor for progression or death (HR=100 (95% CI 4.10 to 2503.00), p=0.005).

Conclusion

ctDNA status and ctDNA mutation clearance putatively serve as predictive biomarkers for sintilimab combined with docetaxel chemotherapy in pretreated advanced NSCLC patients.
Silence of a dependence receptor CSF1R in colorectal cancer cells activates tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Zhu Mingxuan , Bai Liangliang , Liu Xiaoxia , Peng Shaoyong , Xie Yumo , Bai Hong , Yu Huichuan , Wang Xiaolin , Yuan Ping , Ma Rui , Lin Jinxin , Wu Linping , Huang Meijin , Li Yingjie , Luo Yanxin
Published: December 2022

Background

Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), a classic tyrosine kinase receptor, has been identified as a proto-oncogene in multiple cancers. The CSF1/CSF1R axis is essential for the survival and differentiation of M2-phenotype tumor-associated macrophages (M2 TAMs). However, we found here that the CSF1R expression was abnormally down-regulated in colorectal cancer (CRC), and its biological functions and underlying mechanisms have become elusive in CRC progression.

Methods

The expression of class III receptor tyrosine kinases in CRC and normal intestinal mucosa was accessed using The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and was further validated by our tested cohort. CSF1R was reconstructed in CRC cells to identify its biological functionsin vitroandin vivo. We compared CSF1R expression and methylation differences between CRC cells and macrophages. Furthermore, a co-culture system was used to mimic a competitive mechanism between CSF1R-overexpressed CRC cells and M2-like macrophages. We utilized a CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397 to ablate M2 TAMs and evaluated its efficacy on CRC treatment in animal models.

Results

We found here that the CSF1R is silenced in CRC, and the reintroduced expression of the receptor in CRC cells can be cleaved by caspases and constrain tumor growthin vitroandin vivo, functioning as a tumor suppressor gene. We further identified CSF1R as a novel dependence receptor, which has the potential to act as either a tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene, depending on its activated state. In CRC tumors, CSF1R expression is enriched in TAMs, and its expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients ith CRC. In a co-culture system, CRC cells expressing CSF1R compete with M2-like macrophages for CSF1R ligands, resulting in a decrease in CSF1R activation and cell proliferation in macrophages. Blocking CSF1R by PLX3397 could deplete M2 TAMs and augments CD8+T cell infiltration, effectively inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis and improving responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that CSF1R is a novel identified dependence receptor silenced in CRC. The silence abalienates its ligands to stimulate CSF1R expressed on M2 TAMs, which is an appealing therapeutic target for M2 TAM depletion and CRC treatment.
Black patients with cutaneous lupus are associated with positive family history of cutaneous lupus and systemic lupus
Authors: Keum Heejo , Brown L Steven , Chong Benjamin F
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Various genetic polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). However, it is not fully known how often positive family histories occur in patients with CLE. The aims of this study are to determine the rate of positive family history among patients with CLE and to identify risk factors associated with positive family history.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 338 patients with CLE seen in outpatient dermatology clinics in a tertiary referral centre in Dallas, Texas. The primary outcome was positive family history of CLE and/or SLE, as defined by the presence of self-reported CLE and/or SLE in first-degree or more distant relatives of a patient. Univariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with positive family history of CLE and/or SLE in patients with CLE. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine significant predictors of positive family history of CLE and/or SLE.

Results

34% (n=114) of patients reported positive family history of CLE and/or SLE. 7% (n=23) of patients with CLE had relatives with CLE, with 5% (n=18) having a first-degree relative with CLE. 30% (n=102) of patients with CLE had relatives with SLE, and 15% (n=52) had a first-degree relative with SLE. Black patients were more likely to have positive family history of CLE and/or SLE (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.69, p=0.007).

Conclusions

More patients with CLE had positive family history of SLE than CLE. Black patients with CLE were more likely to have a relative with CLE and/or SLE. Providers can use this information to counsel patients with CLE on the risk of other family members having CLE and/or SLE. These data may help identify potentially new genetic polymorphisms associated with positive family history.
Long-term follow-up of certolizumab pegol in uveitis due to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: multicentre study of 80 patients
Authors: Martín-Varillas José Luis , Sanchez-Bilbao Lara , Calvo-Río Vanesa , Adán Alfredo , Hernanz Inés , Gallego-Flores Adela , Beltran-Catalan Emma , Castro-Oreiro Sonia , Fanlo Patricia , Garcia Martos Alvaro , Torre Ignacio , Cordero-Coma Miguel , De Dios Juan Ramon , García-Aparicio Ángel , Hernández-Garfella Marisa , Sánchez-Andrade Amalia , García-Valle Andrea , Maiz Olga , Miguélez Roberto , Rodríguez-Montero Sergio , Urruticoechea Ana , Veroz Raúl , Conesa Arantxa , Fernández-Carballido Cristina , Jovaní Vega , Mondejar Jose J , Martínez González Olga , Moya Alvarado Patricia , Romero-Yuste Susana , Rubio-Muñoz Paula , Peña-Sainz-Pardo Eva , Garijo-Bufort Marta , Demetrio-Pablo Rosalía , Hernández José L , Blanco Ricardo
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To evaluate effectiveness and safety of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in uveitis due to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID).

Methods

Multicentre study of CZP-treated patients with IMID uveitis refractory to conventional immunosuppressant. Effectiveness was assessed through the following ocular parameters: best-corrected visual acuity, anterior chamber cells, vitritis, macular thickness and retinal vasculitis. These variables were compared between the baseline, and first week, first, third, sixth months, first and second year.

Results

We studied 80 (33 men/47 women) patients (111 affected eyes) with a mean age of 41.6±11.7 years. The IMID included were: spondyloarthritis (n=43), Behçet’s disease (n=10), psoriatic arthritis (n=8), Crohn’s disease (n=4), sarcoidosis (n=2), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n=1), reactive arthritis (n=1), rheumatoid arthritis (n=1), relapsing polychondritis (n=1),

Conclusions

CZP seems to be effective and safe in uveitis related to different IMID, even in patients refractory to previous biological drugs.
Research on the electromagnetic and weak dipole moments of the tau-lepton at the Bestest Little Higgs Model
Authors: Cruz-Albaro E. , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez A. , Aranda J. I. , Ramírez-Zavaleta F.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, using the Bestest Little Higgs Model (BLHM) we calculate at the one-loop level the contributions to the Anomalous Magnetic Dipole Moment (AMDM) and Anomalous Weak Magnetic Dipole Moment (AWMDM) of the tau-lepton. The implications from this model are studied, emphasizing the contributions of the new physics induced by the new scalar and vector bosons of the BLHM:$$S_i=H_0, A_0, \phi ^{0}, \eta ^{0}, \sigma , H^{\pm }, \phi ^{\pm }, \eta ^{\pm }$$Si=H0,A0,ϕ0,η0,σ,H±,ϕ±,η±, and$$V_i=Z', W'^{\pm }$$Vi=Z′,W′±because these quantify the new physics. With these new contributions, we estimated bounds on the real and imaginary parts of the AMDM and AWMDM of the tau-lepton. Our study complements other one-loop-level research performed on models beyond the Standard Model.
The potential of Facebook advertising data for understanding flows of people from Ukraine to the European Union
Authors: Minora Umberto , Bosco Claudio , Iacus Stefano M. , Grubanov-Boskovic Sara , Sermi Francesco , Spyratos Spyridon
Published: December 2022

This work contributes to the discussion on how innovative data can support a fast crisis response. We use operational data from Facebook to gain useful insights on where people fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion are likely to be displaced, focusing on the European Union. In this context, it is extremely important to anticipate where these people are moving so that local and national authorities can better manage challenges related to their reception and integration. By means of the audience estimates provided by Facebook advertising platform, we analyse the flows of people fleeing Ukraine towards the European Union. At the fifth week since the beginning of the war, our results indicate an increase in the number of Ukrainian stocks derived from Ukrainian-speaking Facebook user estimates in all the European Union (EU) countries, with Poland registering the highest percentage share (33%) of the overall increase, followed by Germany (17%), and Czechia (15%). We assess the reliability of prewar Facebook estimates by comparison with official statistics on the Ukrainian diaspora, finding a strong correlation between the two data sources (Pearson’s $r=0.9$
r
=
0.9
, $p<0.0001$
p
<
0.0001
). We then compare our results with data on refugees in EU countries bordering Ukraine reported by the UNHCR, and we observe a similarity in their trend. In conclusion, we show how Facebook advertising data could offer timely insights on international mobility during crises, supporting initiatives aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced people, as well as local and national authorities to better manage their reception and integration.
Probing EWPT in 2HDM with future lepton colliders
Authors: Su Wei , Williams Anthony G. , Zhang Mengchao
Published: December 2022

The electroweak phase transition can be made first order by extending the Standard Model (SM) Higgs sector with extra scalars. Here, we focus on the strong first-order electroweak phase transition (SFOEWPT) in the Type-II two Higgs doublet models (2HDMs). Through a parameter space scan, we find that SFOEWPT suggests upper limits on the masses of the heavy Higgs [Formula: see text], which is less than 1[Formula: see text]TeV. High-temperature expansion and Higgs vacuum uplifting are used for analytical understanding of our results. We find that sizeable loop corrections require [Formula: see text] to meet the SFOEWPT condition in the Type-II 2HDM. We also study the possibility of probing SFOEWPT at the one-loop level from Higgs and [Formula: see text]-pole precision measurements at future Higgs and [Formula: see text] factories.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Agricultural Development in Southeast Asia
Authors: Hung Wing Lok , Chang Chak Yan
Published: December 2022

This paper discusses how China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) can shed light on the issue of urbanization and agricultural development in Southeast Asia. The BRI is often understood to mean infrastructure projects, such as the building of high-speed railways and modern ports. This inter-pretation does not fully take into account the potential economic prospects between China and the BRI-participating countries. By revisiting Harvard-trained Economist Chang Pei-kang’s pioneering theory on Agriculture and Industrialization, we argue that agriculture rather than urbanization needs to be considered as the foundation for sustainable economic development in Southeast Asia. Advancements in agricultural development through BRI projects will improve not only the livelihoods of rural farmers in Southeast Asia, but also our global ecosystems. Turning the focus to agriculture can assist Southeast Asian countries in exploring their own development paths and avoiding repeated setbacks from fresh financial and global crises.
Robust Cause-Effect Chains with Bounded Execution Time and System-Level Logical Execution Time
Authors: Köhler Leonie , Hertha Phil , Beckert Matthias , Bendrick Alex , Ernst Rolf
Published: December 2022

In automotive and industrial real-time software systems, the primary timing constraints relate to cause-effect chains. A cause-effect chain is a sequence of linked tasks and it typically implements the process of reading sensor data, computing algorithms, and driving actuators. The classic timing analysis computes the maximum end-to-end latency of a given cause-effect chain to verify that its end-to-end deadline can be satisfied in all cases. This information is useful but not sufficient in practice: Software is usually evolving and updates may always alter the maximum end-to-end latency. It would be desirable to judge the quality of a software design a priori by quantifying how robust the timing of a given cause-effect chain will be in the presence of software updates. In this article, we derive robustness margins which guarantee that if software extensions stay within certain bounds, then the end-to-end deadline of a cause-effect chain can still be satisfied. Robustness margins are also useful to know if the system model has uncertain parameters. A robust system design can tolerate bounded deviations from the nominal system model without violating timing constraints. The results are applicable to both the bounded execution time programming model and the (system-level) logical execution time programming model. In this article, we study both an industrial use case from the automotive industry and analyze synthetically generated experiments with our open-source tool TORO.
Nutritional, pharmacological, and environmental programming of NAFLD in early life
Authors: Galvan-Martinez Dax Humberto , Bosquez-Mendoza Victor Manuel , Ruiz-Noa Yeniley , Ibarra-Reynoso Lorena del Rocio , Barbosa-Sabanero Gloria , Lazo-de-la-Vega-Monroy Maria-Luisa
Published: December 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main liver disease worldwide, and its prevalence in children and adolescents has been increasing in the past years. It has been demonstrated that parental exposure to different conditions, both preconceptionally and during pregnancy, can lead to fetal programming of several metabolic diseases, including NAFLD. In this article, we review some of the maternal and paternal conditions that may be involved in early-life programing of adult NAFLD. First, we describe the maternal nutritional factors that have been suggested to increase the risk of NAFLD in the offspring, such as an obesogenic diet, overweight/obesity, and altered lipogenesis. Second, we review the association of certain vitamin supplementation and the use of some drugs during pregnancy, for instance, glucocorticoids, with a higher risk of NAFLD. Furthermore, we discuss the evidence showing that maternal-fetal pathologies, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), insulin resistance (IR), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), as well as the exposure to environmental contaminants, and the impact of microbiome changes, are important factors in early-life programming of NAFLD. Finally, we review how paternal preconceptional conditions, such as exercise and diet (particularly obesogenic diets), may impact fetal growth and liver function. Altogether, the presented evidence supports the hypothesis that both in utero exposure and parental conditions may influence fetal outcomes, including the development of NAFLD in early life and adulthood. The study of these conditions is crucial to better understand the diverse mechanisms involved in NAFLD, as well as for defining new preventive strategies for this disease.
Development of a peripheral blood transcriptomic gene signature to predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Moreira Alvaro , Tovar Miriam , Smith Alisha M. , Lee Grace C. , Meunier Justin A. , Cheema Zoya , Moreira Axel , Winter Caitlyn , Mustafa Shamimunisa B. , Seidner Steven , Findley Tina , Garcia Joe G. N. , Thébaud Bernard , Kwinta Przemko , Ahuja Sunil K.
Published: December 2022

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common lung disease of extreme prematurity, yet mechanisms that associate with or identify neonates with increased susceptibility for BPD are largely unknown. Combining artificial intelligence with gene expression data is a novel approach that may assist in better understanding mechanisms underpinning chronic lung disease and in stratifying patients at greater risk for BPD. The objective of this study is to develop an early peripheral blood transcriptomic signature that can predict preterm neonates at risk for developing BPD. Secondary analysis of whole blood microarray data from 97 very low birth weight neonates on day of life 5 was performed. BPD was defined as positive pressure ventilation or oxygen requirement at 28 days of age. Participants were randomly assigned to a training (70%) and testing cohort (30%). Four gene-centric machine learning models were built, and their discriminatory abilities were compared with gestational age or birth weight. This study adheres to the transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement. Neonates with BPD ( n = 62 subjects) exhibited a lower median gestational age (26.0 wk vs. 30.0 wk, P < 0.01) and birth weight (800 g vs. 1,280 g, P < 0.01) compared with non-BPD neonates. From an initial pool (33,252 genes/patient), 4,523 genes exhibited a false discovery rate (FDR) <1%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting BPD utilizing gestational age or birth weight was 87.8% and 87.2%, respectively. The machine learning models, using a combination of five genes, revealed AUCs ranging between 85.8% and 96.1%. Pathways integral to T cell development and differentiation were associated with BPD. A derived five-gene whole blood signature can accurately predict BPD in the first week of life.
Willingness, Attitude, and Associated Factors towards Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting among Healthcare Providers in Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Siraj Jafer , Shafi Miftah , Ejeta Fikadu , Feyisa Diriba , Kebede Oliyad , Hassen Suleman
Published: December 2022

Background. An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is harm that arises from the use of a drug. Adverse drug reactions have a huge impact on the health system since they result in drug-related morbidity and mortality as well as indirect costs such as loss of productivity at work. Reporting of adverse drug reactions to a relevant authority is one of the methods of enhancing medication safety; however, underreporting of adverse drug reactions by health workers is a major challenge in enhancing medicines safety. The aim of this study was to assess the willingness, attitude, and associated factors of healthcare providers towards ADRs reporting at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH). Methods. A cross-sectional mixed method was conducted among healthcare providers working in Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital from August to September 2021. A total of 190 healthcare providers and five key informants were participated in the study. The quantitative data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires, and for the qualitative study, data from the key informant interviews were collected using a semistructured questionnaire containing open-ended questions. The collected data were coded, entered, and analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 21). Furthermore, the logistic regression model was fitted to see the association between attitude items and demographic characteristics. Variables with

P

value <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Analysis of the qualitative data was done by sorting the data into categories and examining the emerging themes. Results. The majority of individuals in the study (81.6%) were willing to report adverse drug reactions. High percent (57.9%) of the study participants knew how to report ADR to responsible body and 66 (34.7%) of the study participants believe that ADR reporting is the responsibility of all healthcare professionals. 86 (45.3%) of respondents encountered ADR cases during their professional career. It was found that the majority of participants (53.7%) had a positive attitude toward ADR reporting. The professional distribution and work experiences of healthcare professionals had a significant impact on their attitude toward ADR reporting (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. A large percentage of study subjects were willing to report adverse drug reactions to the appropriate authorities. The majority of healthcare providers were found to have a good attitude towards ADR reporting. Professional distribution and work experiences were significantly associated with attitude of healthcare providers towards ADR reporting. In order to improve the ADR reporting practices of the healthcare professionals and increase the ADR reporting load at the national level, the national regulatory body should collaborate with health facilities.
Anterior Upper Teeth Golden Proportion Analysis with Millimetric Templates: An Invention Developed at Londrina State University
Authors: Silva Adriana De Oliveira , Fabre Hebert Samuel Carafa , Ursi Wagner José Silva , Hoeppner Márcio Grama , Do Amaral Anna Laura Morais
Published: December 2022

In order to achieve aesthetic and harmonious smile results, the use of anterior upper teeth golden proportion concepts represents reliable and scientific based guidelines. However, measuring, recording and analysing teeth and smiles biometric values proves to be a clinical and laboratory routine chalenge, once it is time consuming and demands additional especific math calculus or formulas. The aim of this paper is present an invention, “anterior upper teeth golden proportion millimetric templates,” a set of instruments fabricated in order to achieve precise and fast millimetric measures, once they present predefined geometrical drawings and diagrams. Currently, when planning aesthetic tooth size modifications treatments, tools are used as pachymeters, dry edge compass, or some softwares. Most of times this strategy relies on professional expertise and intuiton, which shows to be limitating factors with the need of trial-and-error training and an accurate critical and artistic sense. Unfortunately, this is not inherent to all professionals, especially undergraduate dental school students. Thus, the templates bring differentials and advantages, being versatile and convenient, allowing countless clinical and laboratory uses, even over a cellphone or a computer screen. An excellent diagnostic aid providing ideal teeth proportions and positioning, increasing the chances of success in dental treatment planning.
Long Noncoding RNA SNHG4 Attenuates the Injury of Myocardial Infarction via Regulating miR-148b-3p/DUSP1 Axis
Authors: Wang Sheng , Cheng Zhaoyun , Chen Xianjie , Lu Guoqing , Zhu Xiliang , Xu Gaojun
Published: December 2022

Objective. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), including some members of small nucleolar RNA host gene (SNHG), are important regulators in myocardial injury, while the role of SNHG4 in myocardial infarction (MI) is rarely known. This study is aimed at exploring the regulatory role and mechanisms of SNHG4 on MI. Methods. Cellular and rat models of MI were established. The expression of relating genes was measured by qRT-PCR and/or western blot. In vitro, cell viability was detected by MTT assay, and cell apoptosis was assessed by caspase-3 level, Bax/Bcl-2 expression, and/or flow cytometry. The inflammation was evaluated by TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. The myocardial injury in MI rats was evaluated by echocardiography, TTC/HE/MASSON/TUNEL staining, and immunohistochemistry (Ki67). DLR assay was performed to confirm the target relationships. Results. SNHG4 was downregulated in hypoxia-induced H9c2 cells and MI rats, and its overexpression enhanced cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis and inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. SNHG4 overexpression also decreased infarct and fibrosis areas, relieved pathological changes, and improved heart function in MI rats. In addition, miR-148b-3p was an action target of SNHG4, and its silencing exhibited consistent results with SNHG4 overexpression in vitro. DUSP1 was a target of miR-148b-3p, which inhibited the apoptosis of hypoxia-induced H9c2 cells. Both miR-148b-3p overexpression and DUSP1 silencing weakened the effects of SNHG4 overexpression on protecting H9c2 cells against hypoxia. Conclusions. Overexpression of SNHG4 relieved MI through regulating miR-148b-3p/DUSP1, providing potential therapeutic targets.