bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness analysis of autogenous arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft, and tunneled-cuffed catheter for hemodialysis in patients with end-stage kidney disease in Southern China
Authors: Wong Tak-sui , Chen Qian , Zhong Qiongqiong , Hu Bo , Feng Guanrui , Huang Fengqiu , Lu Jian , Yin Lianghong , Yu Zongchao , Akinwunmi Babatunde O , Huang Jian , Zhang Casper JP , Ming Wai-kit
Published: December 2022

Objectives:

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of three permanent vascular accesses for maintenance hemodialysis patients from a hospital perspective throughout 5 years, which is the average life expectancy of patients with end-stage kidney disease.

Subjects and methods:

We conducted a EuroQol(EQ-5D) questionnaire survey between January 2021 and March 2021 with 250 patients to estimate the health utility of various states in patients under different hemodialysis vascular access. We designed a Markov model and conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to compare the cost-effectiveness of three hemodialysis vascular access in Guangzhou throughout 5 years.

Results:

The mean costs were US$44,481 with tunneled-cuffed catheter (TCC), and US$68,952 and US$59,247 with arteriovenous graft (AVG) and autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF), respectively. The mean quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) was 1.41 with TCC, and 2.37 and 2.73 with AVG and AVF, respectively. AVG had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$25,491 per QALY over TCC; AVF had an ICER of -US$26,958 per QALY over AVG. At a willingness to pay below US$10,633.8 per QALY, TCC is likely the most cost-effective vascular access. At any willingness to pay between US$10,633.8 and US$30,901.4 per QALY, AVF is likely the most cost-effective vascular access.

Conclusion:

These findings illustrate the value of AVF given its relative cost-effectiveness to other hemodialysis modalities. Although AVG costs much more than TCC for slightly higher QALYs than TCC, AVG still has a greater advantage over TCC for patients with longer life expectancy due to its lower probability of death.
Community paediatric clinics and their role in supporting developmental outcomes and services for children living in disadvantaged communities
Authors: Buckley Lynn , Gibson Louise , Harford Katherine , Cornally Nicola , Curtin Margaret
Published: December 2022

Children living in disadvantaged communities have substantially increased risk for deleterious health and developmental outcomes. A considerable proportion of developmental delay is avoidable; however if children do not receive appropriate treatment within this critical period, damage can be irreparable. Community paediatric clinics provide medical and developmental assessment; deliver health promotion services, counselling, and advice to caregivers; and referral to services. The aim of this study was to systematically search, appraise, and synthesise the literature exploring the role of community paediatric clinics in supporting developmental outcomes and services for children living in disadvantaged communities. Electronic databases were searched using a carefully developed search strategy. Validated tools and appropriate guidelines assessed quality and confidence in evidence. Data analysis and mixed-methods synthesis was guided by the Segregated Framework for Mixed-Method Systematic Reviews. Eighteen studies were selected for inclusion. Areas of emphasis in the literature include the identification and monitoring of developmental delay; engagement of vulnerable families; relational working with children, families, and local services; referral to early intervention services; parental empowerment, practitioner capacity building; and tackling barriers to healthcare access. Through use of a child and family-centred model of care, community paediatric clinics can better meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
Characteristics of people who have received treatment for late-onset problem drinking and alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: McInerney Kevin , Best David , Cross Ainslea
Published: December 2022

Aims: The current review investigated the psychosocial characteristics of late-onset problem drinkers, an under-researched area of alcohol harm that accounts for one-third of older problem drinkers. Method: Following the PRISMA model, the protocol and search strategy included a scoping search and main search of nine databases. A total of 1,595 papers were identified; after screening, 26 papers were considered eligible and were included in the review. The review used an investigative framework comprising three categories: standardising age of onset; gender differences; and psychosocial and mental health characteristics. The review also investigated how meaning and purpose in life, and treatment have been reported in relation to this cohort. Findings/Conclusions: The combined onset ages of the reviews’ 26 papers (mean age = 52.69 years) and the participants’ self-reported age at onset (mean age = 56.79 years), suggest that late-onset alcohol use disorder (AUD)/problem drinking is likely to emerge at the age of 55 years and older. Moreover, there is a high prevalence of co-morbid mental health disorders among elderly, late-onset drinkers. Retirement was reported as the most prevalent psychosocial risk factor for late-onset problematic drinking; other late-life events included bereavement, loneliness and social isolation, and boredom. In the context of gender, women are at greater risk of developing late-onset problem drinking than men. Furthermore, late-onset problem drinkers, particularly women, are more treatment compliant than their early-onset counterparts, highlighting the case for bespoke treatments/interventions for late-onset problem drinkers. Finally, the role that meaning and purpose in life plays in late-onset problem drinking has been under-reported and requires further investigation.
Estimating ductile crack initiation in structural steel under combined tension and shear stress using a modified void growth model
Authors: Rostampoureh Aslan , Chakherlou Tajbakhsh Navid
Published: December 2022

Ductile fracture initiation is one of the important issues in recent research on structural steels. Many models have been established to simulate the mechanism of ductile fracture and predict the ductile crack initiation in different loading conditions. The void growth model is one of the most successful micro-models that is originally developed to estimate ductile crack initiation in the first mode of fracture under monotonic loading. However, one of the main shortcomings of these types of uncoupled void growth models is the incapability of them in capturing the behavior of steels under shear stress and the effect of it on the resulting voids and the process of ductile fracture in low and moderate-stress triaxialities. A newly proposed modified void growth model represented in this article is able to overcome this issue by introducing normalized maximum shear stress. A series of scanning electron microscopy examinations and experimental and numerical monotonic tensile examinations have been carried out on the notched round bar and flat groove plate specimens with different notch radii to calibrate the represented fracture model. Steel-holed plates with symmetric notches around the hole and notched shear plates have been tested and analyzed to demonstrate the application and validation of the represented void growth model in predicting the initiation of ductile fracture in various combinations of tension and shear under monotonic loading. Different angles of notches were used in the specimens to achieve diverse stress states to examine the application of the represented micro-model in non-uniform stress state fields. Finally, the role of the characteristic length, as the representative of the density of the inclusions in the material, on the accuracy of the model has been discussed in this article.
Remote Medical Scent Detection of Cancer and Infectious Diseases With Dogs and Rats: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bauër Pierre , Leemans Michelle , Audureau Etienne , Gilbert Caroline , Armal Carole , Fromantin Isabelle
Published: December 2022

Background:

Remote medical scent detection of cancer and infectious diseases with dogs and rats has been an increasing field of research these last 20 years. If validated, the possibility of implementing such a technique in the clinic raises many hopes. This systematic review was performed to determine the evidence and performance of such methods and assess their potential relevance in the clinic.

Methods:

Pubmed and Web of Science databases were independently searched based on PRISMA standards between 01/01/2000 and 01/05/2021. We included studies aiming at detecting cancers and infectious diseases affecting humans with dogs or rats. We excluded studies using other animals, studies aiming to detect agricultural diseases, diseases affecting animals, and others such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Only original articles were included. Data about patients’ selection, samples, animal characteristics, animal training, testing configurations, and performances were recorded.

Results:

A total of 62 studies were included. Sensitivity and specificity varied a lot among studies: While some publications report low sensitivities of 0.17 and specificities around 0.29, others achieve rates of 1 sensitivity and specificity. Only 6 studies were evaluated in a double-blind screening-like situation. In general, the risk of performance bias was high in most evaluated studies, and the quality of the evidence found was low.

Conclusions:

Medical detection using animals’ sense of smell lacks evidence and performances so far to be applied in the clinic. What odors the animals detect is not well understood. Further research should be conducted, focusing on patient selection, samples (choice of materials, standardization), and testing conditions. Interpolations of such results to free running detection (direct contact with humans) should be taken with extreme caution. Considering this synthesis, we discuss the challenges and highlight the excellent odor detection threshold exhibited by animals which represents a potential opportunity to develop an accessible and non-invasive method for disease detection.
Association Between Cancer-Related Fatigue and Falls in Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Results of a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey From the East German Study Group for Hematology and Oncology (OSHO #97)
Authors: Felser Sabine , Gube Martin , Gruen Julia , Coutre Philipp Ie , Schulze Susann , Muegge Lars-Olof , Junghanss Christian , Ulbricht Sabina
Published: December 2022

Objective:

This study retrospectively examined the association between cancer-related fatigue (CrF) and the number of falls during the last 12 months in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

Methods:

A multicenter, 1-time anonymous survey was conducted using analog and digital questionnaires. Sex-stratified multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate the association between CrF and number of falls. All analyses were adjusted for age, school education, body mass index, MPN subtype, and quality of life.

Results:

The final sample comprised 688 patients (mean age 57.4 ± 13.8, 62.4% women). The fall rate was 16.2% in women and 12.2% in men ( P = .153). There were no differences between women and men in terms of CrF between individuals with more than 1 fall, whereas women with 1 fall had a higher CrF compared to those without a fall (RRR = 1.019; 95% CI [1.002-1.039]), respectively.

Conclusion:

CrF increases the risk of falls in women with MPN. Physicians should evaluate and manage CrF symptoms and implement fall prevention strategies for those who are at increased risk. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of CrF on gait performance and associated fall risk.
Pandemic Poverty Governance: Neoliberalism under Crisis
Authors: Collins Devin , Beckett Katherine , Brydolf-Horwitz Marco
Published: December 2022

Prevailing theories of poverty governance emphasize how political and economic constraints associated with urban neoliberalism have led to the retraction of protective welfare commitments and an increased criminalization of poverty. While research on this “disciplinary turn” has been generative, it tells us little about countervailing trends or how institutional responses to poverty change over time. Addressing these gaps, this article offers a case study of the emergence and acceptance by the business community of a supportive Housing First and harm reduction initiative called JustCARE—a distinct technique of poverty governance not readily explicable within existing theoretical frameworks. By situating JustCARE within a wider strategic action field of poverty governance, we reveal the macro-, meso-, and micro-level dynamics that together facilitated its inception, growth, and eventual embrace by members of the formerly hostile business establishment. Specifically, we underscore how two exogenous shocks (COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter [BLM] uprisings) enabled a well-positioned advocacy organization to articulate and implement a non-punitive homelessness response alternative. We conclude that field-based scholarship centering “theoretically deviant” cases can reveal how the contradictions and failures of neoliberal poverty management can generate unique opportunities for meaningful institutional change.
The Scan, the Needle, or the Knife? National Trends in Diagnosing Stage I Lung Cancer
Authors: Lazar John F. , Adnan Sakib M. , Alpert Naomi , Joshi Shivam , Abbas Abbas E. , Bhora Faiz Y. , Taioli Emanuela , Bakhos Charles T.
Published: December 2022

Objective:

Indeterminate lung nodules have been increasingly discovered since the expansion of lung cancer screening programs. The diagnostic approach for suspicious nodules varies based on institutional resources and preferences. The aim of this study is to analyze factors associated with diagnostic modalities used for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:

The National Cancer Database was queried for all patients with stage I NSCLC from 2004 to 2015. Four diagnostic modalities were identified, including clinical radiography alone (CRA), bronchial cytology (BC), procedural biopsy (PB), and surgical biopsy (SB). A multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to assess associations of patient demographics, cancer characteristics, and facility characteristics with these modalities.

Results:

Of 250,614 patients, 4,233 (1.7%) had CRA, 5,226 (2.1%) had BC, 147,621 (59.9%) had PB, and 93,534 (37.3%) had SB. Older patients were more likely to receive CRA (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 5.3) and less likely to receive SB (ORadj = 0.73). Black patients were less likely to receive SB (ORadj = 0.83) and more likely to receive BC (ORadj = 1.31). Private insurance was associated with SB (ORadj = 1.11), whereas Medicaid was associated with BC (ORadj = 1.21). Patients more than 50 miles from the facility were more likely to undergo SB (ORadj = 1.25 vs PB; ORadj = 1.30 vs CRA; ORadj = 1.38 vs BC). Patients receiving SB had shorter days from diagnosis to treatment (23.0 vs 53.5 to 64.7 for other modalities, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Diagnostic SB to confirm early-stage NSCLC was associated with younger age, greater travel distance, and shorter time to treatment in comparison with other modalities. Black race and non-private insurance were less likely to be associated with SB.
Poor reporting quality of observational studies in children with non-syndromic cleft palate makes evidence synthesis difficult
Authors: Maina Grace , Pollock Danielle , Lockwood Craig
Published: December 2022

Objective

To assess the reporting quality of observational studies included in a systematic review of the management of chronic otitis media with effusion in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.

Methods

Medline, CINAHL, Scopus and Embase, were searched for studies comparing the use of ventilation tubes to surveillance. Two reviewers screened potential eligible articles, extracted data independently and assessed reporting quality using the STROBE checklist.

Results

The median compliance rate with individual STROBE items was low at 25% (range:0-100%) with 11 of the 22 items not reported in any of the studies. Items reported inconsistently pertained to potential sources of bias, sample size calculations, how loss to follow-up was addressed and management of missing data.

Conclusion

The development of this systematic review highlights the inadequate reporting standards in this field. Differences in the way the outcomes are defined, reported, and measured leads to variability in the observed intervention effects and difficulty in interpreting the true effect size. Future researchers are encouraged to use STROBE guidelines for the design and reporting of observational studies in this field.
Exploring the triadic parent–child–sibling relationship: How do mothers’ view of their children impact sibling relationships?
Authors: Drzymala Hannah , Grey Ben , Fowler Nancy
Published: December 2022

The functioning of the sibling subsystem is often overlooked in research on attachment relationships, despite its both threatening and protective potential. Taking a multi-case approach, this study sought to build theory regarding how the mother–child relationship and the mother’s view of each of her children impact the sibling relationship. Three families were assessed using the Meaning of the Child Interview, a method of analysing parental discourse in a semi-structured interview to understand the parent–child relationship, and a sibling free-play procedure. The study illustrated how in more struggling relationships, the child represented a particular threat or challenge to the mother, and how the child’s accommodation to this influenced the dynamics of the sibling relationship. The sibling may be recruited to care for their sibling to ease demands on their mother, serve as an ally with their mother against their sibling, or siblings may support each other to compensate for what is lacking in the child–parent relationship. This was further influenced by wider systemic challenges to both children and mother, such as parental conflict or settling in a new country.
Efficacy of regorafenib combined with PD-1 inhibitors in elderly patients with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Beibei , Zhao Huichen , Huang Jinxi , Lv Huifang , Xu Weifeng , Nie Caiyun , Wang Jianzheng , Zhao Jing , He Yunduan , Wang Saiqi , Chen Xiaobing
Published: December 2022

Objective

This is the first clinical study that wants to investigate the treatment patterns, clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors of regorafenib plus PD-1 inhibitors therapy in Chinese elderly patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Methods

A cohort of metastatic colorectal cancer patients 60 years or older who received treatment with regorafenib combined with PD-1 inhibitors was included in our analysis. The endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and prognostic factors.

Results

In total, 24 patients were enrolled with the median age of 68 years, and 62.5% were female. The median OS and PFS were 15.03 months (95% CI 7.0–23.0) and 4.0 months (95% CI 1.8–6.2), respectively. The objective response rate was 8.3%, and the disease control rate was 70.8%. Patients previously treated with regorafenib had a longer median PFS than those without (6.3 versus 2.8 months). In terms of final daily doses, it showed a trend toward better PFS (median PFS was 10.0 months) in high-dose group (daily dose above 80 mg of regorafenib) compared to low-dose group (daily dose no more than 80 mg of regorafenib) (median PFS was 3.5 months).

Conclusions

This real-world evidence confirms that Chinese elderly patients with advanced colorectal cancer may benefit from the treatment of regorafenib combined with PD-1 inhibitors, similarly with this combination therapy strategies in all age patients.
Effects of an educational program using a virtual social network on nurses’ knowledge and performance of blood pressure measurement: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elzeky Mohamed E. H. , Shahine Noha F. M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up depend on accurate blood pressure measurement; however, inaccurate measurement techniques are common among healthcare providers. To improve professional performance, continuous education is necessary. Distance education through virtual social network can be used as it is easy to use and accessible.

Methods

This study adopted a randomized controlled trial design and was conducted at two hospitals in Mansoura, Egypt. The subjects were selected from two hospitals using Stratified random sampling method in proportion to the total number of nurses. Seventy nurses were included in this study and were randomly divided into the intervention (n = 35) and control (n = 35) groups using block randomization. Data were gathered before and after intervention using a blood pressure measurement knowledge questionnaire and a blood pressure measurement observation checklist. The blood pressure measurement error (the difference between the BP determined by each observer and the reference BP) was calculated for the randomly selected recordings in both groups. The intervention group received 24 blood pressure measurement education sessions using WhatsApp, while the control group received only routine education using traditional lecture.

Results

No statistically significant differences in pretest knowledge scores, performance scores, and range of error were found between both groups, whereas, after intervention, knowledge scores were higher in the intervention group than those in the control group (p < 0.001). The range of error of systolic and diastolic blood pressure values significantly reduced after the intervention in the intervention group, and the posttest performance scores were higher than the pretest performance scores; however, the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The blood pressure measurement education program via WhatsApp was effective in increasing nurses’ knowledge and reducing the range of error; however, a multimodal approach may be required to improve performance scores.

Trial registration

Prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 09/03/2021; registration number NCT04789642.
Role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of severe lung damage in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Budnevsky Andrey V. , Avdeev Sergey N. , Kosanovic Djuro , Shishkina Victoria V. , Filin Andrey A. , Esaulenko Dmitry I. , Ovsyannikov Evgeniy S. , Samoylenko Tatiana V. , Redkin Alexander N. , Suvorova Olga A. , Perveeva Inna M.
Published: December 2022

Background

There is still insufficient knowledge with regard to the potential involvement of mast cells (MCs) and their mediators in the pathology of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the role of MCs, their activation and protease profiles in the pathogenesis of early and late lung damage in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded lung specimens from 30 patients who died from COVID-19 and 9 controls were used for histological detection of MCs and their proteases (tryptase, chymase) followed by morphometric quantification.

Results

Our results demonstrated increased numbers of MCs at early stage and further augmentation of MCs number during the late stage of alveolar damage in COVID-19 patients, as compared to the control group. Importantly, the percentage of degranulated (activated) MCs was higher during both stages of alveolar lesions in comparison to the controls. While there was no prominent alteration in the profile of tryptase-positive MCs, our data revealed a significant elevation in the number of chymase-positive MCs in the lungs of COVID-19 patients, compared to the controls.

Conclusions

MCs are characterized by dysregulated accumulation and increased activation in the lungs of patients suffering from COVID-19. However, future profound studies are needed for precise analysis of the role of these immune cells in the context of novel coronavirus disease.
Object location learning in mice requires hippocampal somatostatin interneuron activity and is facilitated by mTORC1-mediated long-term potentiation of their excitatory synapses
Authors: Honoré Eve , Lacaille Jean-Claude
Published: December 2022

Hippocampus-dependent learning and memory originate from long-term synaptic changes in hippocampal networks. The activity of CA1 somatostatin interneurons (SOM-INs) during aversive stimulation is necessary for contextual fear memory formation. In addition, mTORC1-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) of SOM-IN excitatory input synapses from local pyramidal cells (PC-SOM synapses) contributes to the consolidation of fear motivated spatial and contextual memories. Although, it remains unknown if SOM-IN activity and LTP are necessary and sufficient for novelty motivated spatial episodic memory such as the object location memory, and if so when it is required. Here we use optogenetics to examine whether dorsal CA1 SOM-IN activity and LTP are sufficient to regulate object location memory. First, we found that silencing SOM-INs during object location learning impaired memory. Second, optogenetic induction of PC-SOM synapse LTP (TBSopto) given 30 min before object location training, resulted in facilitation of memory. However, in mice with mTORC1 pathway genetically inactivated in SOM-INs, which blocks PC-SOM synapse LTP, TBSopto failed to facilitate object location memory. Our results indicate that SOM-IN activity is necessary during object location learning and that optogenetic induction of PC-SOM synapse LTP is sufficient to facilitate consolidation of object location memory. Thus, hippocampal somatostatin interneuron activity is required for object location learning, a hippocampus-dependent form of novelty motivated spatial learning that is facilitated by plasticity at PC-SOM synapses.
Exploring potential induction of grapevine (Vitis spp.) root phenolic compounds by ring nematodes, Mesocriconema xenoplax
Authors: Wallis Christopher M.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Ring nematodes can decrease vineyard productivity when plated in conditions favorable for their survival. Resistant rootstocks are available to combat harm due to ring nematodes, and compounds called phenolics were hypothesized as imparting this resistance. Therefore, this study measured phenolic compound levels in four different rootstocks and attempted to find associations with ring nematode populations. Furthermore, select phenolics called stilbenoids were tested in a bioassay to observe if these compounds affect ring nematode survival. This was part of a larger effort to assess the role of phenolics in protecting grapevines from nematodes and other pathogens or pests.

Data description

This study was conducted over 2 years, 2018 and 2019, and phenolic levels were much greater in 2019 than 2018 likely due to uncontrolled differences in climatic controls. Ring nematode infected grapevines also did not have different phenolic compound levels than healthy controls. Bioassays of different stilbenoid polymers revealed no significant effects on ring nematode survival. These results suggest that analyzed root phenolic compounds were not involved in resistance or susceptibility to ring nematodes. These data should steer future researchers into analyzing other potential sources of nematode resistance.
NAA60 (HAT4): the newly discovered bi-functional Golgi member of the acetyltransferase family
Authors: Donnarumma Federica , Tucci Valeria , Ambrosino Concetta , Altucci Lucia , Carafa Vincenzo
Published: December 2022

Chromatin structural organization, gene expression and proteostasis are intricately regulated in a wide range of biological processes, both physiological and pathological. Protein acetylation, a major post-translational modification, is tightly involved in interconnected biological networks, modulating the activation of gene transcription and protein action in cells. A very large number of studies describe the pivotal role of the so-called acetylome (accounting for more than 80% of the human proteome) in orchestrating different pathways in response to stimuli and triggering severe diseases, including cancer. NAA60/NatF (N-terminal acetyltransferase F), also named HAT4 (histone acetyltransferase type B protein 4), is a newly discovered acetyltransferase in humans modifying N-termini of transmembrane proteins starting with M–K/M-A/M-V/M-M residues and is also thought to modify lysine residues of histone H4. Because of its enzymatic features and unusual cell localization on the Golgi membrane, NAA60 is an intriguing acetyltransferase that warrants biochemical and clinical investigation. Although it is still poorly studied, this review summarizes current findings concerning the structural hallmarks and biological role of this novel targetable epigenetic enzyme.
The dynamics of three-dimensional chromatin organization and phase separation in cell fate transitions and diseases
Authors: Ling Xiaoru , Liu Xinyi , Jiang Shaoshuai , Fan Lili , Ding Junjun
Published: December 2022

Cell fate transition is a fascinating process involving complex dynamics of three-dimensional (3D) chromatin organization and phase separation, which play an essential role in cell fate decision by regulating gene expression. Phase separation is increasingly being considered a driving force of chromatin folding. In this review, we have summarized the dynamic features of 3D chromatin and phase separation during physiological and pathological cell fate transitions and systematically analyzed recent evidence of phase separation facilitating the chromatin structure. In addition, we discuss current advances in understanding how phase separation contributes to physical and functional enhancer-promoter contacts. We highlight the functional roles of 3D chromatin organization and phase separation in cell fate transitions, and more explorations are required to study the regulatory relationship between 3D chromatin organization and phase separation.

Graphical Abstract

3D chromatin organization (shown by Hi-C contact map) and phase separation are highly dynamic and play functional roles during early embryonic development, cell differentiation, somatic reprogramming, cell transdifferentiation and pathogenetic process. Phase separation can regulate 3D chromatin organization directly, but whether 3D chromatin organization regulates phase separation remains unclear.
Spatially resolved transcriptomics reveals genes associated with the vulnerability of middle temporal gyrus in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chen Shuo , Chang Yuzhou , Li Liangping , Acosta Diana , Li Yang , Guo Qi , Wang Cankun , Turkes Emir , Morrison Cody , Julian Dominic , Hester Mark E. , Scharre Douglas W. , Santiskulvong Chintda , Song Sarah XueYing , Plummer Jasmine T. , Serrano Geidy E. , Beach Thomas G. , Duff Karen E. , Ma Qin , Fu Hongjun
Published: December 2022

Human middle temporal gyrus (MTG) is a vulnerable brain region in early Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this regional vulnerability. Here we utilize the 10 × Visium platform to define the spatial transcriptomic profile in both AD and control (CT) MTG. We identify unique marker genes for cortical layers and the white matter, and layer-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in human AD compared to CT. Deconvolution of the Visium spots showcases the significant difference in particular cell types among cortical layers and the white matter. Gene co-expression analyses reveal eight gene modules, four of which have significantly altered co-expression patterns in the presence of AD pathology. The co-expression patterns of hub genes and enriched pathways in the presence of AD pathology indicate an important role of cell–cell-communications among microglia, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and neurons, which may contribute to the cellular and regional vulnerability in early AD. Using single-molecule fluorescent in situ hybridization, we validated the cell-type-specific expression of three novel DEGs (e.g., KIF5A, PAQR6, and SLC1A3) and eleven previously reported DEGs associated with AD pathology (i.e., amyloid beta plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles or neuropil threads) at the single cell level. Our results may contribute to the understanding of the complex architecture and neuronal and glial response to AD pathology of this vulnerable brain region.
Student perspectives on the use of universal design for learning in virtual formats in higher education
Authors: Beck Wells Melissa
Published: December 2022

Universal design for learning (UDL) in higher education may be a useful tool in supporting the heterogenous higher education student population, specifically in supporting student academic outcomes and retention. With more students enrolling in digital formatted education, specifically international students, a strong framework must be established to support non-geocentric students. Using survey responses of undergraduate degree-seeking students, this mixed-methods study explored the students’ perceptions and impact of UDL in virtual learning modalities (online courses, independent studies, and virtual study groups). A sample size of 57 participants used a Likert-type survey to assess the student-reported prevalence of UDL techniques in higher education in various virtual learning modalities. Students also discussed the strategies that impacted their experience as learners and the mode of study in which they felt most successful. Implications for practice and research are also presented.
Pediatric injury due to wheeled recreational devices: a single-institution retrospective study
Authors: Nichols John Charles , Sorrentino Annalise , Hayslip Margaret , King William , Jones Angela , Monroe Kathy
Published: December 2022

Background

Injuries are the number one cause of death in children and cause significant morbidity. Common scenarios for injury include wheeled recreational devices (WRDs) that allow children to be mobile and independent (example ATV-all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, bicycles, skateboards, and scooters). We present a case series review of these external causes of injury. This study aims to evaluate epidemiologic trends in WRD injuries and patterns in usage of protective gear.

Results

A total of 263 patients were identified as meeting criteria for inclusion with the following causes of injuries-103 bicycle, 73 ATV, 27 dirt bike, 14 skateboard, 13 motorcycle, 7 go carts, 3 hover board, 3 roller skates, 1 dune buggy, 1 motor scooter, 1 rip stick, and 1 tractor toy. Ages of patients ranged from 2 to 18 years of age with the greatest range being noted for bicycles (2–17 years) and motorcycles (3–18 years). The mean age was higher for motorcycle and skateboard (12.9 and 11.6, respectively) and lowest for scooter and bicycle (8.3 and 9.2, respectively). The majority of [overall study (97%) and for each mode of transportation] patients were Caucasian, which is in contrast to our overall ED population, which is only 42% Caucasian. The majority of patients were male [190 (72%)]. Over half of the overall patients, 159 of the 263 (60%), were not wearing a helmet (with only 10 charts having no documentation of helmet use). In regard to ATV riders specifically, 58% were not wearing helmets at the time of injury, with an additional 5 patients who reported their helmet came off. The lowest percentage of riders reporting appropriate helmet use was skateboarders with only 21% wearing helmets, and the highest percentage was dirt bike riders with 74% reporting helmet use.

Conclusion

Common scenarios for injury include WRDs that allow children to be mobile and independent. Most of these injuries were found in Caucasian males between the ages of 9–12 with low rates of helmet use. This study adds to the literature with a description of the breadth of products children use and are injured while using.
Impact of caregiver swimming capability on perceptions of swimming pool supervision of toddlers
Authors: Johnson Molly B. , Boriack Elizabeth D. , McConnell Carlee M. , Lawson Karla A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for toddlers within the USA. Keeping toddlers within arm’s reach while swimming is recommended, yet many caregivers do not. Possibly, caregivers’ attitudes are shaped by their expectations about whether they could quickly save a child. The aims of this study are to 1) explore caregivers’ views of arm’s reach pool supervision in various scenarios and 2) understand whether perceptions of arm’s reach pool supervision are impacted by the caregiver’s self-reported capability to swim the length of a standard pool.

Results

Caregivers generally showed agreement with arm’s reach pool supervision; however, arm’s reach supervision was viewed as less necessary when a toddler was in shallow water, wearing a flotation device, or with an older child or teen. There was a significant effect of caregiver swimming capability on perceptions of arm’s reach pool supervision, with non-swimmers and the strongest swimmers showing more positive perceptions of arm’s reach pool supervision than caregivers reporting poor swimming capability. Female caregivers showed significantly more agreement with arm’s reach pool supervision compared with male caregivers. Grandparents and parents showed significantly more agreement with arm’s reach pool supervision than siblings.

Conclusions

Caregivers’ views about what constitutes appropriate supervision are impacted by gender, the relationship to the toddler, and the caregiver’s swimming capability. Findings suggest that a caregiver’s ability to offer close supervision or respond in an emergency may influence their attitudes about what constitutes appropriate supervision. Caregivers may view arm’s reach pool supervision as less necessary when additional layers of protection are in place.
Age-dependent vestibular cingulate–cerebral network underlying gravitational perception: a cross-sectional multimodal study
Authors: Plute Tritan J. , Spencer Dennis D. , Alkawadri Rafeed
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives

The cingulate gyrus (CG) is a frequently studied yet not wholly understood area of the human cerebrum. Previous studies have implicated CG in different adaptive cognitive–emotional functions and fascinating or debilitating symptoms. We describe an unusual loss of gravity perception/floating sensation in consecutive persons with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing electrical cortical stimulation (ECS), network analysis, and network robustness mapping.

Methods

Using Intracranial–EEG, Granger causality analysis, cortico-cortical evoked potentials, and fMRI, we explicate the functional networks arising from this phenomenon's anterior, middle, and posterior cingulate cortex.

Results

Fifty-four icEEG cases from 2013 to 2019 were screened. In 40.7% of cases, CG was sampled and in 22.2% the sampling was bilateral. ECS mapping was carried out in 18.5% of the entire cohort and 45.4% of the cingulate sampled cases. Five of the ten CG cases experienced symptoms during stimulation. A total of 1942 electrodes were implanted with a median number of 182 electrode contacts per patient (range: 106–274). The electrode contacts sampled all major cortex regions. Sixty-three contacts were within CG. Of those, 26 were electrically stimulated; 53.8% of the stimulated contacts produced positive responses, whereas 46.2% produced no observable responses. Our study reports a unique perceptive phenomenon of a subjective sense of weightlessness/floating sensation triggered by anterior and posterior CG stimulation, in 30% of cases and 21.42% of electrode stimulation sites. Notable findings include functional connections between the insula, the posterior and anterior cingulate cortex, and networks between the middle cingulate and the frontal and temporal lobes and the cerebellum. We also postulate a vestibular–cerebral–cingulate network responsible for the perception of gravity while suggesting that cingulate functional connectivity follows a long-term developmental trajectory as indicated by a robust, positive correlation with age and the extent of Granger connectivity (r = 0.82,p = 0.0035).

Discussion

We propose, in conjunction with ECS techniques, that a better understanding of the underlying gravity perception networks can lead to promising neuromodulatory clinical applications.

Classification of evidence

This study provides Class II evidence for CG's involvement in the higher order processing of gravity perception and related actions.
Confocal imaging of biomarkers at a single-cell resolution: quantifying 'living' in 3D-printable engineered living material based on Pluronic F-127 and yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Žunar Bojan , Ito Taiga , Mosrin Christine , Sugahara Yoshiyuki , Bénédetti Hélène , Guégan Régis , Vallée Béatrice
Published: December 2022

Background

Engineered living materials (ELMs) combine living cells with non-living scaffolds to obtain life-like characteristics, such as biosensing, growth, and self-repair. Some ELMs can be 3D-printed and are called bioinks, and their scaffolds are mostly hydrogel-based. One such scaffold is polymer Pluronic F127, a liquid at 4 °C but a biocompatible hydrogel at room temperature. In such thermally-reversible hydrogel, the microorganism-hydrogel interactions remain uncharacterized, making truly durable 3D-bioprinted ELMs elusive.

Methods

We demonstrate the methodology to assess cell-scaffold interactions by characterizing intact alive yeast cells in cross-linked F127-based hydrogels, using genetically encoded ratiometric biosensors to measure intracellular ATP and cytosolic pH at a single-cell level through confocal imaging.

Results

When embedded in hydrogel, cells were ATP-rich, in exponential or stationary phase, and assembled into microcolonies, which sometimes merged into larger superstructures. The hydrogels supported (micro)aerobic conditions and induced a nutrient gradient that limited microcolony size. External compounds could diffuse at least 2.7 mm into the hydrogels, although for optimal yeast growth bioprinted structures should be thinner than 0.6 mm. Moreover, the hydrogels could carry whole-cell copper biosensors, shielding them from contaminations and providing them with nutrients.

Conclusions

F127-based hydrogels are promising scaffolds for 3D-bioprinted ELMs, supporting a heterogeneous cell population primarily shaped by nutrient availability.

Graphical Abstract
Microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma: analysis of short-term clinical outcome
Authors: Wang Xu , Li Mingchu , Xiao Xinru , Chen Ge , Tang Jie , Lin Qingtang , Guo Hongchuan , Song Gang , Wu Xiaolong , Bao Yuhai , Liang Jiantao
Published: December 2022

Background

Total removal of the vestibular schwannoma when preserving the function of the facial nerve is difficult. The objective of the current study was to investigate the short-term clinical outcome of vestibular schwannoma removal via retro-sigmoid approach.

Methods

One-hundred consecutive patients diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma were surgically treated between December 2018 and August 2019 in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University. The clinical classification, surgical position, gross total removal rate, the anatomical and functional preservation rates of facial nerve, and the postoperative complications were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

All 100 patients including 34 males and 66 females were operated on via retro-sigmoid approach. According to Koos vestibular schwannoma grading system, 18 cases were grade 2, 34 cases were grade 3, and 48 cases were grade 4. According to Hannover vestibular schwannoma grading system, 5 cases were T2, 6 cases were T3a, 8 cases were T3b, 30 cases were T4a, and 51 cases were T4b. Seventy-three surgeries were performed under lateral position, and 27 cases were operated under semi-sitting position. The gross total removal rate was 90.0%; the anatomic reservation rate of the facial nerve was 96.0%. According to the House-Brackman system, the facial nerve function was grades 1–2 in 78.0% cases, grade 3 in 7.0% cases, and grades 4–5 in 15% cases. For patients with effective hearing before operation, the hearing reservation rate was 19.0%. Two patients (2.0%) developed intracranial hematoma after operation.

Conclusion

Most vestibular schwannoma could be completely removed with good postoperative facial nerve function. If total removal of tumor is difficult, we should give priority to the functional preservation of the nerve function.
Study of changes in cardiac output, stroke volume, and cardiac index with two doses of mannitol infusion during supratentorial craniotomy
Authors: Ray Pawan Kumar , Malviya Deepak , Harjai Mamta , Tripathi Manoj , Singh Deepak Kumar , Mishra Smarika
Published: December 2022

Background

Mannitol is used extensively in supratentorial surgeries to reduce intracranial pressure. The optimum dose of mannitol is still a matter of debate. We have done this prospective, comparative and randomized study to compare the changes in cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), central venous pressure (CVP), brain relaxation, and side effects in two doses of mannitol infusion. We have divided 60 enrolled patients randomly into two groups. We infused 0.7gm kg-1, 20% mannitol in 20 min duration in Group A and 1.4gm kg-1 of 20% mannitol in 20 min in Group B. Flotrac transducer was connected to assess SV, CO, and CI. We recorded and analyzed brain relaxation score, HR, MAP, CVP, SV, CO, and CI at predefined time intervals after mannitol infusion. Chi-square test and unpaired t test were used to analyze categorical and continuous variables between two groups.

Results

We have found statistically significant and better brain relaxation in Group B than Group A. Significant (p<0.05) difference in CVP was found between the groups at 10, 20 min after start of infusion, and 5, 10, and 15 min after termination of infusion. We found significant (p<0.05) difference in SV, CO, and CI between the groups at most of the time periods.

Conclusions

We can conclude that higher dose of mannitol provides better brain relaxation intraoperatively without significant adverse effects. We assessed more changes in hemodynamic and cardiac parameters with higher dose of mannitol that did not cause clinical deterioration.