bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfil de liderança dos treinadores de futebol das categorias de base do município de Aracaju
Authors: Reis Marcos Antônio Mattos dos , Vasconcellos Fabrício Vieira do Amaral , Bastos Afrânio de Andrade , Almeida Marcos Bezerra de
Published: April 2023

O objetivo deste estudo foi de identificar o perfil de liderança dos treinadores de categorias de base de equipes de futebol do município de Aracaju/SE. A amostra foi composta por 22 treinadores do sexo masculino que treinavam equipes de base. Foi utilizada a Escala de Liderança Revisada do Esporte que contém 60 questões fechadas divididas em dois estilos de liderança e seis dimensões. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis indicou prevalência dos comportamentos autocráticos (3,45 ± 1,60 pontos), de reforço positivo (4,48 ± 0,99 pontos) e de treino-instrução (4,59 ± 0,78 pontos) no perfil de liderança dos treinadores das categorias de base do município de Aracaju (p<0,05). Os treinadores têm hábito predominante de tomar decisões sem consultar seus jogadores, embora realizem o feedback positivo e valorizem os aspectos metodológicos do treino.
Cariocas da gema: representações de corpos masculinos e femininos na cultura fitness
Authors: Pontes Vanessa Silva , Silva Alan Camargo , Pereira Erik Giuseppe Barbosa
Published: April 2023

Objetivamos comparar as representações de corpos masculinos e femininos nos sites das academias de ginástica da Zona Sul e Norte do município do Rio de Janeiro. O método é do tipo descritivo e de natureza qualitativa, utilizando como técnica a análise de imagens. O corpo masculino apresentou relativa distinção em suas formas de exposição. O apelo social e estético a este corpo se manifesta nas formas musculosa, forte e potente, geralmente durante a execução de exercícios com pesos elevados para membros superiores. Já o feminino, para além da sensualidade explícita em todas as imagens, apresenta diferentes formas corporais: na Zona Sul o corpo exibido é magro, longilíneo e definido, enquanto na Zona Norte aparece também uma mulher forte e musculosa. Concluímos que corpos femininos e masculinos são postos à mostra de formas distintas, reproduzindo estereótipos ainda mantenedores da dominação masculina.
Análise discriminante do desempenho motor de ginastas brasileiras de níveis competitivos distintos
Authors: Bacciotti Sarita de Mendonça , Baxter-Jones Adam , Gaya Adroaldo Cezar Araujo , Maia José
Published: April 2023

O presente estudo pesquisou o poder discriminante da bateria de testes Talent Opportunity Program (TOPS) em ginastas brasileiras de elite e não-elite de três categorias competitivas: pré-infantil, infantil e juvenil. A amostra compreende 234 ginastas (67 elite e 170 não-elite) de 9 a 15 anos, provenientes de 26 clubes. Foram obtidas informações antropométricas, de composição corporal, maturação biológica e treinamento. O desempenho motor foi avaliado por meio de sete testes da bateria de capacidades físicas TOPS (parada de mãos, lançamento na barra, subida na corda, esquadro à parada de mãos, flexibilidade de pernas, elevação no espaldar, velocidade). Foram utilizados o teste T2 de Hotteling, bem como a opção stepwise da função discriminante implementada no SYSTAT 13. Há diferenças significativas (p<0.001) entre os vetores de médias dos grupos elite e não-elite em cada categoria. Em média, as ginastas de elite têm desempenhos significativamente superiores às não-elite em praticamente todos os testes (p<0.05), exceto na prova de velocidade (p>0.05). A análise discriminante identificou os testes que separaram maximamente as ginastas do grupo elite e não-elite: lançamento na barra (categoria pré-infantil); esquadro à parada de mãos de mãos, subida na corda e parada de mãos (categoria infantil); elevação no espaldar e flexibilidade de pernas (categoria juvenil). A reclassificação nos grupos originais foi relativamente elevada: 84% na categoria pré-infantil, 79% na categoria infantil e 75% na categoria juvenil. Em conclusão, os resultados evidenciaram diferenças significativas nos níveis de desempenho motor das ginastas de elite versus não-elite, além do poder discriminante da TOPS em cada uma das categorias competitivas, sugerindo sua utilização na avaliação e controle do treino, e adjuvante nas tomadas de decisão dos selecionadores de Ginástica Artística Feminina.
Molecular Interaction Networks and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: The Role of Food Bioactive Small Molecules
Authors: Nasirian Farzaneh , Menichetti Giulia
Published: April 2023

Diet is a well-known modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide. However, our current understanding of the human diet is still limited in terms of fully capturing the role of dietary compounds in the intraspecies and interspecies biochemical networks that determine our health. This is due, in part, to a lack of detailed information on the presence of small molecules in food (molecular weight ≤1000 daltons), their amounts, and their interactions with known protein targets. As a result, our ability to develop a mechanistic understanding of how food chemicals impact our health is limited. In recent years, the Foodome project has tackled several aspects of this challenging universe, leveraging the expertise of a diverse group of scientific communities, from computer science to epidemiology. Here, we review the most recent efforts of the Foodome project in mapping the chemical complexity of food and predicting its effect on human health. Leveraging the network medicine framework applied to Amla—a medicinal plant—we offer a rationale for future research on the mechanism of action of food bioactive small molecules, whose designing principles could inspire next-generation drug discovery and combinations.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Facilitate Tip Cell Fusion Downstream of BMP-Mediated Venous Angiogenesis—Brief Report
Authors: Eisa-Beygi Shahram , Hu Meng-Ming , Kumar Suresh N. , Jeffery Brooke E. , Collery Ross F. , Vo Nghia (Jack) , Lamichanne Bhawika S. , Yost H. Joseph , Veldman Matthew B. , Link Brian A.
Published: April 2023

Background:

The goal of this study was to identify and characterize cell-cell interactions that facilitate endothelial tip cell fusion downstream of BMP (bone morphogenic protein)-mediated venous plexus formation.

Methods:

High resolution and time-lapse imaging of transgenic reporter lines and loss-of-function studies were carried out to study the involvement of mesenchymal stromal cells during venous angiogenesis.

Results:

BMP-responsive stromal cells facilitate timely and precise fusion of venous tip cells during developmental angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

Stromal cells are required for anastomosis of venous tip cells in the embryonic caudal hematopoietic tissue.
it Freelancers as Knowledge Workers: Shifts in Working Conditions and Work Autonomy in Crowd Work
Authors: Nierling Linda , Krings Bettina-Johanna , Küstermann Leon
Published: April 2023

New forms of work via online platforms—here referred to as crowd work—have caused big shifts in the organization of work. This article addresses the question as to how the institutional and organizational conditions in crowd work have had an impact on it freelancers working at a platform in Germany. The article starts with a literature review on the settings of it freelancers in the 1990s—forming a spirit of optimism towards the it sector—which is followed by a review of current developments in crowd work with regard to worker’s autonomy and organizational control. We complement these findings with a qualitative interview case study from the year 2020 about the platform Upwork. Our aim is to analyze how previous expectations from the 1990s are related to societal and organizational processes of today. Based on our results we argue that for it freelancers closing processes, both on societal and organizational levels, prevail in the context of crowd work.
Researchers propose preregistration in taxonomy to enhance transparency and credibility and reduce subjectivity
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: April 2023

A new opinion piece published in Megataxa today (Conix et al. 2023) calls for preregistration in the field of taxonomy and discusses its potential benefits and objections. Preregistration is a practice for researchers to document their hypotheses, design and methods of their proposed studies in a public repository before they start the study and collect the data (Nosek et al. 2018). It is believed that preregistration can help reduce bias, increase transparency, and improve study design (especially replicability) of research (e.g. Nosek et al. 2018; Krypotos et al. 2022), including exploratory research such as some aspects of biodiversity discovery and taxonomy (Dirnagl et al. 2020). While preregistration has been already employed in other fields such as social sciences (e.g. Camerer et al. 2016, 2018) and ecology/evolution (e.g. Kelly 2019), it has yet been adopted in taxonomy. Conix et al. (2023) argue that preregistration could be beneficial for taxonomy, given the challenges it faces, such as subjectivity, disagreement, and credibility:
Two new species of green treefrogs (Pelodryadidae: Litoria) from the northern slopes of Papua New Guinea’s Central Cordillera
Authors: RICHARDS STEPHEN J. , DONNELLAN STEPHEN C.
Published: April 2023

We describe two new species of moderate-sized (male body length 26.5–29.8 mm and 41.0 mm), predominantly green treefrogs in the genus Litoria from hill forest on the northern slopes of Papua New Guinea’s Central Cordillera. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial ND4 nucleotide sequences shows that the first species is related to Litoria iris (Tyler) and its allies. It is morphologically most similar to Litoria mystax, a small green treefrog known only from the holotype that was described more than 100 years ago from the north coast of western New Guinea but differs from that species in having longer legs and a broader head. The second species is closest to Litoria gasconi, a species known only from the foothills of the Foja Mountains in Papua Province, Indonesian New Guinea, and the Prince Alexander Mountains in northern Papua New Guinea. It has a net average sequence divergence of 10% from L. gasconi and can be distinguished morphologically from it and from other pelodryadids by the presence of a striking pattern of spots and blotches on the ventral surfaces and on the hidden surfaces of the limbs. These descriptions add to the rapidly increasing known diversity of frogs in hill and lower montane forest, habitats that support the most diverse frog communities on mainland New Guinea.
New taxa in the leafhopper tribe Deltocephalini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from China
Authors: ZHANG XINYI , XU JING , SHAH BISMILLAH , DUAN YANI
Published: April 2023

Pseudomaiestas gen. nov. with Pseudomaiestas dietrichi sp. nov. (type species, China: Yunnan Prov.), and Maiestas anhuiensis sp. nov. (China: Anhui Prov.) are described and illustrated. A checklist to the known genera and species of Deltocephalini from China is given together with a generic key. The tribe now holds 14 genera and 59 species in total from China. The genera Alobaldia Emeljanov, Amblysellus Sleesman, Ctenurella Vilbaste, Graminella DeLong, Matsumuratettix Metcalf, Peitouellus Vilbaste, Polyamia DeLong, Recilia Edwards, Wyushinamia Zhang & Duan, and Pseudomaiestas Xu, Shah & Duan gen. nov. contain 1 species. Similarly, Yuanamia Zhang & Duan includes 2 species, Paramesodes Ishihara contains 6 species, Deltocephalus Burmeister has 7 species, and Maiestas Distant is recorded with 34 species respectively. A separate key for the Chinese Maiestas species is also given.
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in sickle cell disease: a multicenter cohort study of adolescent inpatients
Authors: Davila Jennifer , Stanek Joseph , O'Brien Sarah H.
Published: April 2023

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are predisposed to a hypercoagulable state. Despite the increased risk of venous thromboembolism in the SCD population, there is limited evidence available to guide thromboprophylaxis (TP) practices in these patients. This study aimed to assess the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic TP in adolescent patients with SCD using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). We hypothesized that TP was increasingly used in hospitalized adolescent patients with SCD. The study included patients with SCD aged 13 to 21 years, admitted to a PHIS hospital between 1 January, 2010, and 30 June, 2021. A total of 7202 unique patients consisting of 34 094 unique admissions were included for analyses. Pharmacologic or mechanical TP was used in 2600 (7.6%) admissions, with 3.6% of admissions (n = 1225) receiving pharmacologic prophylaxis and 4.3% (n = 1474) receiving mechanical prophylaxis. Pharmacologic TP increased in use from 1.3% of admissions in 2010 to 14.4% in the first half of 2021. Enoxaparin was the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant, used in 87% of admissions in which pharmacologic TP was used. The use of prophylactic direct oral anticoagulants was first documented in 2018 and increased to 25% of admissions with pharmacologic TP by 2021. This study demonstrates a steady increase in TP use in adolescent patients with SCD admitted to the hospital. Prospective cohort studies are needed to determine VTE risk factors in adolescents and children with SCD and the efficacy and safety of prophylactic regimens.
Impact of type of induction therapy on outcomes in older adults with AML after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Short Nicholas J. , Ong Faustine , Ravandi Farhad , Nogueras-Gonzalez Graciela , Kadia Tapan M. , Daver Naval , DiNardo Courtney D. , Konopleva Marina , Borthakur Gautam , Oran Betul , Al-Atrash Gheath , Mehta Rohtesh , Jabbour Elias J. , Yilmaz Musa , Issa Ghayas C , Maiti Abhishek , Champlin Richard E , Kantarjian Hagop , Shpall Elizabeth J , Popat Uday
Published: April 2023

Although venetoclax-based lower-intensity regimens have greatly improved outcomes for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy, the optimal induction for older patients with newly diagnosed AML who are suitable candidates for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is controversial. We retrospectively analyzed the post HSCT outcomes of 127 patients ≥60 years of age who received induction therapy at our institution with intensive chemotherapy (IC; n = 44), lower-intensity therapy (LIT) without venetoclax (n = 29), or LIT with venetoclax (n = 54) and who underwent allogeneic HSCT in the first remission. The 2-year relapse-free survival (RFS) was 60% with LIT with venetoclax vs 54% with IC, and 41% with LIT without venetoclax; the 2-year overall survival (OS) was 72% LIT with venetoclax vs 58% with IC, and 41% with LIT without venetoclax. The benefit of LIT with venetoclax induction was greatest in patients with adverse-risk AML (2-year OS: 74%, 46%, and 29%, respectively). Induction with LIT, with or without venetoclax, was associated with the lowest rate of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) (2-year NRM: 17% vs 27% with IC; P = .04). Using multivariate analysis, the type of induction therapy did not significantly affect any of the post HSCT outcomes evaluated; hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index was the only factor that independently predicted RFS and OS. LIT plus venetoclax followed by HSCT is a feasible treatment strategy in older, fit, HSCT-eligible patients with newly diagnosed AML and may be particularly beneficial for those with adverse-risk disease.
Neutral lipid storage disease with myopathy and myotonia associated to pathogenic variants on PNPLA2 and CLCN1 genes: case report
Authors: Landim João Igor Dantas , Ribeiro Ian Silva , Oliveira Eduardo Braga , Freitas Hermany Capistrano , Brito Lara Albuquerque , Maia Isaac Holanda Mendes , Távora Daniel Gurgel Fernandes , Rodrigues Cleonisio Leite
Published: April 2023

Background

Neutral lipid storage disease with myopathy (NLSD-M) is an autosomal recessive disease that manifests itself around the 3rd to 4th decade with chronic myopathy predominantly proximal in the shoulder girdle. Clinical myotonia is uncommon. We will report a rare case of association of pathogenic variants on PNPLA2 and CLCN1 genes with a mixed phenotype of NLSD-M and a subclinical form of Thomsen’s congenital myotonia.

Case presentation

We describe a patient with chronic proximal myopathy, subtle clinical myotonia and electrical myotonia on electromyography (EMG). Serum laboratory analysis disclosure hyperCKemia (CK 1280 mg/dL). A blood smear analysis showed Jordan’s anomaly, a hallmark of NLSD-M. A genetic panel was collected using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique, which identified two pathogenic variants on genes supporting two different diagnosis: NLSD-M and Thomsen congenital myotonia, whose association has not been previously described.

Conclusions

Although uncommon, it is important to remember the possibility of association of pathogenic variants to explain a specific neuromuscular disease phenotype. The use of a range of complementary methods, including myopathy genetic panels, may be essential to diagnostic definition in such cases.
Learning curve of robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty and its effects on implant position in asian patients: a prospective study
Authors: Jung Ho Jung , Kang Min Wook , Lee Jong Hwa , Kim Joong Il
Published: April 2023

Background

Robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty (r-TKA) can reportedly achieve more accurate implant positioning than conventional total knee arthroplasty (c-TKA), although its learning curve is controversial. Moreover, few studies have investigated r-TKA in Asians, who have different anatomical characteristics. This study aimed to determine the learning curve for r-TKA and compare implant positions between r-TKA and c-TKA according to the learning curve in Asian patients.

Methods

This prospective study included 50 consecutive c-TKAs (group C), followed by 50 consecutive r-TKAs conducted using the MAKO robotic system (Stryker, USA). Cumulative summation analyses were performed to assess the learning curve for operative time in r-TKA. Accordingly, the r-TKA cases were divided into the initial (group I) and proficiency cases (group P). The femoral and tibial component positions in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes and lower limb alignment were compared among the three groups.

Results

r-TKA was associated with a learning curve for operative time in 18 cases. The operative time was significantly shorter in groups C and P than that in group I, with no significant difference between groups C and P. Groups I and P demonstrated fewer outliers with respect to lower limb alignment, femoral component coronal position, axial position, and tibial component sagittal position than those in group C, with no significant difference between groups I and P.

Conclusion

The operative time did not differ significantly between r-TKA and c-TKA after the learning curve. Surgeons could expect more accurate and reproducible lower limb alignment and implant positioning with r-TKA in Asian patients, irrespective of the learning curve.
Heritability of cephalometric variables of airway morphology in twins with completed active growth
Authors: Šidlauskienė Monika , Šidlauskas Mantas , Šidlauskas Antanas , Juzėnas Simonas , Lopatienė Kristina
Published: April 2023

Background

The interplay between genetic and environmental impacts on dental and facial morphology has been widely analyzed, but little is known about their relative contributions to airway morphology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic and environmental influences on the cephalometric variables of airway morphology in a group of postpubertal twins with completed craniofacial growth.

Materials and methods

The materials comprised lateral head cephalograms of 94 pairs of twins (50 monozygotic, 44 dizygotic) with completed craniofacial growth. Zygosity was determined using 15 specific DNA markers. The computerized cephalometric analysis included 22 craniofacial, hyoideal, pharyngeal structural linear and angular variables. Genetic analysis and heritability estimation were performed using maximum likelihood genetic structural equation modeling (GSEM). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the correlations between cephalometric measurement variables.

Results

Upper airway dimensions showed moderate to high genetic determination (SPPW-SPP and U-MPW: a2 = 0.64 and 0.5, respectively). Lower airway parameters showed only common and specific environmental determination (PPW-TPP a2 = 0.24, e2 = 0.38; LPW-V c2 = 0.2, e2 = 0.63; PCV-AH c2 = 0.47, e2 = 0.28). The relationship between the maxilla and the hyoid bone (for variables PNS-AH, ANS-AH d2 = 0.9, 0.92, respectively) showed very strong additive genetic determination. The size of the soft palate was affected by additive and dominant genes. Its length (SPL) was strongly influenced by dominant genes, while its width (SPW) showed a moderate additive genetic influence. Owing to correlations in the behavior of variables, the data could be expressed in 5 principal components that jointly explained 36.8% of the total variance.

Conclusions

The dimensions of the upper airway are strongly determined by genes, while the parameters of the lower airway depend mainly on environmental factors.

Trial registration

The protocol has been approved by the Kaunas Regional Ethical Committee (No. BE – 2–41., May 13, 2020).
Clustering of children’s oral diseases in families and villages in a rural setting in Egypt
Authors: El Tantawi Maha , Elwan Amira H. , Hamed Hams
Published: April 2023

Background

This study assessed the clustering of children’ caries experience, plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in families and villages in Northwestern Egypt and the factors related to the severity of these conditions.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a 2019 household survey of children in villages around Alexandria, Egypt. Clinical examination assessed primary and permanent teeth caries experience (dmft/ DMFT using the World Health Organization criteria), plaque accumulation (Plaque Index (PlI)) and gingival inflammation (Gingival Index (GI)). A child questionnaire assessed child’s age, sex, the frequency of toothbrushing (at least twice daily versus less) and frequency of consuming eight types of sugary products (daily sugar consumption score, sum of sugary products consumed daily). Mothers’ questionnaire assessed the number of children in the family, mother’s education (at least high school versus less), at least twice daily toothbrushing and daily sugar consumption similar to the child. Multilevel regression analyses assessed clustering, calculated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the three conditions in families and villages. Regression estimates (B) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of individual and family factors were calculated.

Results

Complete data were available for 450 children (246 families, seven villages], mean = 9.9 years-old and 56% females. The mean caries experience score = 3.6, mean plaque index = 1.5 and mean gingival index = 1.2. Caries experience, plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation were not clustered in villages (ICC < 0.01) but clustered in families (ICC = 0.10, 0.44 and 0.29). Child factors significantly improved model fit for caries experience and gingivitis (p < 0.001) but not plaque accumulation (p = 0.90). Family factors did not improve any model fit (p > 0.05). Child’s age was significantly associated with caries experience (B= -0.48, p < 0.001) and gingival inflammation (B = 0.032, p < 0.001). Children who brushed their teeth twice daily had significantly more caries experience (B = 1.04, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The three oral conditions were not clustered in villages but clustered in families. Plaque accumulation showed the greatest within-family clustering. Family factors were not associated with the three conditions and individual factors indicated the need for interventions to promote preventive behaviors and identify families at risk of oral conditions.
Effectiveness of the SBAR-Based training program in self-efficacy and clinical decision-making of undergraduate anesthesiology nursing students: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Farzaneh Mehran , Saidkhani Vahid , Ahmadi Angali Kambiz , Albooghobeish Masoumeh
Published: April 2023

Background

Structured Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (SBAR) training technique have been widely utilized in clinical and educational settings. Therefore, the current study investigated the effectiveness of an SBAR-based educational program in students’ self-efficacy and clinical decision-making skills.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest and posttest design and a control group at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 70 three- and fourth-year students were recruited for the study using the census method. The students were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in an SBAR-based educational course consisting of eight sessions held in 4 weeks. Differences in the levels of self-efficacy and clinical decision-making skills before and after participation in the SBAR course were assessed and compared. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests, the Mann-Whiney U test, paired and independent t-tests, and the Wilcoxon test.

Results

The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher levels of self-efficacy with a mean score of 140.66 ± 22.43 (P < 0.001) and clinical decision-making with a mean score of 75.31 ± 7.72 (P < 0.001); while in the control group, the mean score of self-efficacy and clinical decision-making skills was 85.34 ± 18.15 and 65.51 ± 4.49, respectively. Moreover, the Mann-Whitney U test showed that the levels of students’ clinical decision-making skills were promoted to the next level after the intervention (P < 0.001); it means the distribution of the level of intuitive-interpretive skill was upgraded from 0 to 22.9%.

Conclusion

The SBAR-based training programs can promote the self-efficacy and clinical decision-making skills of anesthesiology nursing students. Considering the weakness of the anesthesiology nursing curriculum at the undergraduate level in Iran, it can be expected that the SBAR-based training course should be included as an educational intervention in the curriculum of anesthesiology nursing students.
Development, validation, and evaluation of a risk assessment tool for personalized screening of gastric cancer in Chinese populations
Authors: Zhu Xia , Lv Jun , Zhu Meng , Yan Caiwang , Deng Bin , Yu Canqing , Guo Yu , Ni Jing , She Qiang , Wang Tianpei , Wang Jiayu , Jiang Yue , Chen Jiaping , Hang Dong , Song Ci , Gao Xuefeng , Wu Jian , Dai Juncheng , Ma Hongxia , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Song Mingyang , Wei Qingyi , Chen Zhengming , Hu Zhibin , Shen Hongbing , Ding Yanbing , Li Liming , Jin Guangfu
Published: April 2023

Background

Effective risk prediction models are lacking for personalized endoscopic screening of gastric cancer (GC). We aimed to develop, validate, and evaluate a questionnaire-based GC risk assessment tool for risk prediction and stratification in the Chinese population.

Methods

In this three-stage multicenter study, we first selected eligible variables by Cox regression models and constructed a GC risk score (GCRS) based on regression coefficients in 416,343 subjects (aged 40–75 years) from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB, development cohort). In the same age range, we validated the GCRS effectiveness in 13,982 subjects from another independent Changzhou cohort (validation cohort) as well as in 5348 subjects from an endoscopy screening program in Yangzhou. Finally, we categorized participants into low (bottom 20%), intermediate (20–80%), and high risk (top 20%) groups by the GCRS distribution in the development cohort.

Results

The GCRS using 11 questionnaire-based variables demonstrated a Harrell’s C-index of 0.754 (95% CI, 0.745–0.762) and 0.736 (95% CI, 0.710–0.761) in the two cohorts, respectively. In the validation cohort, the 10-year risk was 0.34%, 1.05%, and 4.32% for individuals with a low (≤ 13.6), intermediate (13.7~30.6), and high (≥ 30.7) GCRS, respectively. In the endoscopic screening program, the detection rate of GC varied from 0.00% in low-GCRS individuals, 0.27% with intermediate GCRS, to 2.59% with high GCRS. A proportion of 81.6% of all GC cases was identified from the high-GCRS group, which represented 28.9% of all the screened participants.

Conclusions

The GCRS can be an effective risk assessment tool for tailored endoscopic screening of GC in China. Risk Evaluation for Stomach Cancer by Yourself (RESCUE), an online tool was developed to aid the use of GCRS.
Anti-inflammatory potential of Penicillium brefeldianum endophytic fungus supported with phytochemical profiling
Authors: Saleh Asmaa , Negm Walaa A. , El-Masry Thanaa A. , Eliwa Duaa , Alotaibi Badriyah , Alosaimi Manal E. , Alotaibi Khalid Nijr , Magdeldin Sameh , Mahgoub Sebaey , Elekhnawy Engy
Published: April 2023

Various factors contribute to the development of the acute inflammation process, like the pro-inflammatory cytokines, certain enzymes as well as oxidative stress mediators. The anti-inflammatory potential of the endophytic fungus Penicillium brefeldianum was explored in carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. After isolation of the fungus from Acalypha hispida leaves, it was identified by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Then, its phytochemical profile was elucidated using LC–ESI–MS/MS technique. There was a remarkable decrease in the edema weight in the endophytic fungi-treated group (200 mg/kg). Also, this group had few inflammatory cells and thickened epidermis with underlying moderate collagenosis when stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Besides, immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies of cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha showed a decrease in the positive immune cells in the endophytic fungi treated group (200 mg/kg) in relation to the positive control. Interestingly, the levels of the inflammatory as well as oxidative stress markers, including prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde, which are hallmarks of the inflammatory process, considerably diminished (p < 0.05) in this group. qRT-PCR was utilised to elucidate the impact of the endophytic fungi treatment on the expression of interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) genes, which decreased in comparison with the positive control group. Consequently, we can deduce that P. brefeldianum endophytic fungus has a promising anti-inflammatory potential and should be extensively studied on a broader range in the near future.

Graphical Abstract
Reactive surveillance and response strategies for malaria elimination in Myanmar: a literature review
Authors: Win Htike  , Nay Yi Yi Linn  , Kyawt Mon Win  , Lae Shwe Sin Myint  , May Chan Oo  , Ei Phyu Htwe  , Aung Khine Zaw  , O’Flaherty Katherine , Agius Paul A. , Kearney Ellen A. , Fowkes Freya J. I. , Win Han Oo
Published: April 2023

Myanmar, a country in Greater Mekong Sub-region, aims to eliminate malaria by 2030. To achieve malaria elimination, Myanmar adopted a reactive surveillance and response strategy of malaria case notification within 1 day and case investigation, foci investigation and response activities within 7 days. A literature review was conducted to gain a better understanding of how the reactive surveillance and response strategies are being implemented in Myanmar including enablers and barriers to their implementation. Only two assessments of the completeness and timeliness of reactive surveillance and response strategy in Myanmar have been published to date. The proportion of positive cases notified within one day was 27.9% and the proportion of positive cases investigated within 7 days as recommended by the national guidelines varied from 32.5 to 91.8% under different settings in reported studies. Strong collaboration between the National Malaria Control Programme and implementing partners, and adequate human resource and financial support contributed to a successful and timely implementation of reactive surveillance and response strategy. Documented enablers for successful implementation of reactive surveillance and response strategy included frontline health workers having good knowledge of reactive surveillance and response activities and availability of Basic Health Staff for timely implementation of foci response activities. Barriers for implementation of reactive surveillance and response activities were also identified, including shortage of human resources especially in hard-to-reach settings, limited mobile phone network services and internet coverage leading to delays in timely notification of malaria cases, lengthy and complex case investigation forms and different reporting systems between Basic Health Staff and volunteers.
Bioengineering extracellular vesicles: smart nanomaterials for bone regeneration
Authors: Man Kenny , Eisenstein Neil M. , Hoey David A. , Cox Sophie C.
Published: April 2023

In the past decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key regulators of bone development, homeostasis and repair. EV-based therapies have the potential to circumnavigate key issues hindering the translation of cell-based therapies including functional tissue engraftment, uncontrolled differentiation and immunogenicity issues. Due to EVs’ innate biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and high physiochemical stability, these naturally-derived nanoparticles have garnered growing interest as potential acellular nanoscale therapeutics for a variety of diseases. Our increasing knowledge of the roles these cell-derived nanoparticles play, has made them an exciting focus in the development of novel pro-regenerative therapies for bone repair. Although these nano-sized vesicles have shown promise, their clinical translation is hindered due to several challenges in the EV supply chain, ultimately impacting therapeutic efficacy and yield. From the biochemical and biophysical stimulation of parental cells to the transition to scalable manufacture or maximising vesicles therapeutic response in vivo, a multitude of techniques have been employed to improve the clinical efficacy of EVs. This review explores state of the art bioengineering strategies to promote the therapeutic utility of vesicles beyond their native capacity, thus maximising the clinical potential of these pro-regenerative nanoscale therapeutics for bone repair.

Graphical Abstract
Intravenous misuse of slow-release oral morphine capsules: how much morphine is injected?
Authors: Bertin Célian , Montigne Edouard , Teixeira Sarah , Ferrer Florent , Lauwerie Louis , Richard Damien , Authier Nicolas
Published: April 2023

Background

The injection of morphine from morphine sulfate capsules containing sustained-release microbeads (Skenan®) is a practice frequently described by French intravenous opioid users. They seek an injectable form of substitution for heroin. Depending on how the syringe is prepared, the morphine rates may vary. The dosage of the capsule, the temperature of the dissolving water and the type of filter used have been identified as the parameters most likely to influence the final quantity of morphine in solution before intravenous injection. The aim of our study was to determine the amounts of morphine actually injected, according to the different preparation modalities described by people who inject morphine and the harm reduction equipment made available to them.

Methods

Different morphine syringes were prepared by varying the dosage of the capsule (100 or 200 mg), the temperature of the dissolving water before adding morphine, ambient (≈ 22 °C) or heat (≈ 80 °C) and four filtration devices: risk reduction Steribox® cotton, risk reduction filter “Sterifilt®”, “Wheel” filter and cigarette filter. The quantification of the morphine in the syringe body was carried out by liquid phase chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometry detector.

Results

The best extraction yields were obtained with heated water, independently of dosages (p < 0.01). Yields of 100 mg capsules varied according to the filter (p < 0.01) and the water temperature (p < 0.01), with maximum yields obtained for solutions dissolved in heated water, then filtered with the “Wheel” filter (83 mg). The yields of the 200 mg capsules varied according to the temperature of the water (p < 0.01), without difference according to the filter used (p > 0.01), and maximum yields obtained for solutions dissolved in heated water (95 mg).

Conclusions

No procedure for dissolving Skenan® led to the complete dissolution of the morphine it contains. Whatever the variations in preparation conditions, the extraction rates of the 200 mg morphine capsules were lower than those of 100 mg, without the risk reduction filters adversely impacting morphine extraction. Offering an injectable substitution to persons who inject morphine would make it possible to reduce the risks and damage, particularly overdoses, associated with variations in dosage due to preparation methods.
Elastography in the assessment of the Achilles tendon: a systematic review of measurement properties
Authors: Mifsud Tiziana , Gatt Alfred , Micallef‐Stafrace Kirill , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Padhiar Nat
Published: April 2023

Background

Managing and rehabilitating Achilles tendinopathy can be difficult, and the results are often unsatisfactory. Currently, clinicians use ultrasonography to diagnose the condition and predict symptom development. However, relying on subjective qualitative findings using ultrasound images alone, which are heavily influenced by the operator, may make it difficult to identify changes within the tendon. New technologies, such as elastography, offer opportunities to quantitatively investigate the mechanical and material properties of the tendon. This review aims to evaluate and synthesise the current literature on the measurement properties of elastography, which can be used to assess tendon pathologies.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, MEDLINE Complete, and Academic Search Ultimate were searched. Studies assessing the measurement properties concerning reliability, measurement error, validity, and responsiveness of the instruments identified in healthy and patients with Achilles tendinopathy were included. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality using the Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments methodology.

Results

Out of the 1644 articles identified, 21 were included for the qualitative analysis investigating four different modalities of elastography: axial strain elastography, shear wave elastography, continuous shear wave elastography, and 3D elastography. Axial strain elastography obtained a moderate level of evidence for both validity and reliability. Although shear wave velocity was graded as moderate to high for validity, reliability obtained a very low to moderate grading. Continuous shear wave elastography was graded as having a low level of evidence for reliability and very low for validity. Insufficient data is available to grade three‐dimensional shear wave elastography. Evidence on measurement error was indeterminate so evidence could not be graded.

Conclusions

A limited number of studies explored quantitative elastography on Achilles tendinopathy as most evidence was conducted on a healthy population. Based on the identified evidence on the measurement properties of elastography, none of the different types showed superiority for its use in clinical practice. Further high‐quality studies with longitudinal design are needed to investigate responsiveness.
Follicle-innervating Aδ-low threshold mechanoreceptive neurons form receptive fields through homotypic competition
Authors: Pomaville Matthew B. , Wright Kevin M.
Published: April 2023

The mammalian somatosensory system is comprised of multiple neuronal populations that form specialized, highly organized sensory endings in the skin. The organization of somatosensory endings is essential to their functions, yet the mechanisms which regulate this organization remain unclear. Using a combination of genetic and molecular labeling approaches, we examined the development of mouse hair follicle-innervating low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) and explored competition for innervation targets as a mechanism involved in the patterning of their receptive fields. We show that follicle innervating neurons are present in the skin at birth and that LTMR receptive fields gradually add follicle-innervating endings during the first two postnatal weeks. Using a constitutive Bax knockout to increase the number of neurons in adult animals, we show that two LTMR subtypes have differential responses to an increase in neuronal population size: Aδ-LTMR neurons shrink their receptive fields to accommodate the increased number of neurons innervating the skin, while C-LTMR neurons do not. Our findings suggest that competition for hair follicles to innervate plays a role in the patterning and organization of follicle-innervating LTMR neurons.
Management and outcome of intracardiac heartworms in dogs
Authors: Vila Jorge , Alost Elisabeth
Published: April 2023

Background

Intracardiac heartworm (IH) disease is a serious condition that can become life threatening if the patient develops caval syndrome. We aim to describe the management and outcome of IH in dogs evaluated by Medvet’s New Orleans cardiology service from November 2015 to December 2021.

Methods

Records of 27 dogs with IH were examined retrospectively. Follow-up information was obtained from phone conversations with referring veterinarians and owners.

Results

Nine of 27 dogs had a previous diagnosis of heartworm disease and were undergoing “slow kill” treatment; 12/27 dogs' heartworm disease was a new diagnosis, and 6/27 had either scheduled or started adulticide therapy. Nine dogs had heartworm extraction. No dogs died during the heartworm extraction procedure. Four of 9 dogs have died (survival time 1; 676; 1815 and 2184 days). One dog died the day after the procedure secondary to continued respiratory distress; the other three died of non-cardiac causes. Five of nine are alive (median follow-up 1062 (range 648–1831) days. Eleven dogs had IH resolution. In 7/11 this occurred while undergoing stabilization for heartworm extraction. In 4/11 heartworm extraction was not recommended because of low IH burden. All dogs with IH resolution were discharged from the hospital. Four of 11 have died (survival time 6; 22, 58 and 835 days), and 6/11 are alive (median follow-up 523 (range 268–2081) days. One was lost to follow-up after 18 days. Five dogs were medically managed. In one of five dogs, extraction was not recommended because of low IH burden. In four of five extraction was recommended but declined. One of five has died (survival 26 days), and four of five are alive (follow-up 155, 371, 935 and 947 days). Two dogs were killed at the time of diagnosis. Fifteen of 27 dogs were considered to have caval syndrome.

Conclusion

The results suggest that patients with IH resolution have a good long-term prognosis. Most often IH resolution occurred while the dog was undergoing stabilization for heartworm extraction. When IHs are present, heartworm extraction should still be considered the treatment of choice and recommended as first-line therapy whenever possible.

Graphical Abstract
Comparisons of treatment satisfaction and health-related quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tofacitinib and adalimumab
Authors: Kim Seong-Kyu , Lee Sang-Heon , Sun Jiyu , Lee Soo Hyun , Jeon Ja-Young , Yoo Hyun-Jeong , Choe Jung-Yoon
Published: April 2023

Background

As significant advances in the field of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is a great need to identify the healthcare outcomes such as treatment satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with various treatment options. This study aims to identify the difference in the treatment satisfaction and HRQoL of patients with RA using different treatment options, by comparing the treatment satisfaction and HRQoL in patients with RA treated with tofacitinib and adalimumab in real-world settings in Korea, using propensity score methods.

Methods

In this non-interventional, multicenter, cross-sectional study (NCT03703817), a total of 410 patients with RA diagnosis were recruited in 21 university-based hospitals throughout Korea. The treatment satisfaction and HRQoL were assessed using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) and EQ-5D questionnaires self-reported by the patients. This study compared outcomes between two drug groups in unweighted, greedy matching, and stabilized inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) samples using propensity score.

Results

In all three samples, tofacitinib group showed higher convenience domain of TSQM than that in the adalimumab group, but not effectiveness, side effects, and global satisfaction domains. Multivariable analysis using the covariates of demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants also showed consistent results in TSQM. No statistical difference in EQ-5D-based HRQoL was identified between two drug groups in all three samples.

Conclusions

This study identified that tofacitinib shows higher treatment satisfaction in the convenience domain of TSQM rather than adalimumab, suggesting that various factors such as drug formulation, route or frequency of administration, and storage can have an impact on the treatment satisfaction, especially the convenience domain. These findings may be useful to patients and physicians when determining treatment options.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03703817.
3D printing exposure and perception in radiology residency: survey results of radiology chief residents
Authors: Chen David , Ganapathy Aravinda , Abraham Nihil , Marquis Kaitlin M. , Bishop Grace L. , Rybicki Frank J. , Hoegger Mark J. , Ballard David H.
Published: April 2023

Rationale and objectives

The purpose of this study is to summarize a survey of radiology chief residents focused on 3D printing in radiology.

Materials and methods

An online survey was distributed to chief residents in North American radiology residencies by subgroups of the Association of University Radiologists. The survey included a subset of questions focused on the clinical use of 3D printing and perceptions of the role of 3D printing and radiology. Respondents were asked to define the role of 3D printing at their institution and asked about the potential role of clinical 3D printing in radiology and radiology residencies.

Results

152 individual responses from 90 programs were provided, with a 46% overall program response rate (n = 90/194 radiology residencies). Most programs had 3D printing at their institution (60%; n = 54/90 programs). Among the institutions that perform 3D printing, 33% (n = 18/54) have structured opportunities for resident contribution. Most residents (60%; n = 91/152 respondents) feel they would benefit from 3D printing exposure or educational material. 56% of residents (n = 84/151) believed clinical 3D printing should be centered in radiology departments. 22% of residents (n = 34/151) believed it would increase communication and improve relationships between radiology and surgery colleagues. A minority (5%; 7/151) believe 3D printing is too costly, time-consuming, or outside a radiologist’s scope of practice.

Conclusions

A majority of surveyed chief residents in accredited radiology residencies believe they would benefit from exposure to 3D printing in residency. 3D printing education and integration would be a valuable addition to current radiology residency program curricula.