bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mosunetuzumab in combination with CHOP in previously untreated DLBCL: safety and efficacy results from a phase 2 study
Authors: Olszewski Adam J. , Phillips Tycel J. , Hoffmann Marc S. , Armand Philippe , Kim Tae Min , Yoon Dok Hyun , Mehta Amitkumar , Greil Richard , Westin Jason , Lossos Izidore S. , Munoz Javier L. , Sit Jason , Wei Michael C. , Yang Annie , Chen Vivian , Purev Enkhtsetseg , Yee Donald L. , Jaeger Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Up to 40% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are refractory to or relapse after first-line therapy, highlighting the need for better treatments. Mosunetuzumab is a CD20 × CD3 bispecific antibody that engages and redirects T cells to eliminate malignant B cells. In this phase 2, open-label study (NCT03677141), 40 patients (52.5% with international prognostic index ≥3) with previously untreated DLBCL initiated 6 cycles of IV mosunetuzumab with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy. Mosunetuzumab was administered in cycle 1 as step-up doses to mitigate cytokine release syndrome [CRS], and a dose of 30 mg was given on day 1 of cycles 2-6. Efficacy end points included objective and complete response rates, as determined by the investigator, via positron emission tomography–computed tomography, using Lugano 2014 criteria (87.5% and 85.0%, respectively). At a median follow-up of 32.0 months, the estimated 2-year progression-free survival and event-free survival rates were 65.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.5-81.4) and 60.4% (95% CI, 44.7-76.1), respectively. CRS occurred in 60.0% of patients; all events were grade 1 (45.0%) or grade 2 (15.0%) and occurred primarily in cycle 1. Mosunetuzumab-related grade ≥3 neurologic adverse events (AEs) potentially consistent with immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome occurred in 1 patient (2.5%). Grade 5 AEs were reported in 2 patients. Neutropenia occurred in 70.0% of patients, mostly during cycle 1 and was of short duration. These findings demonstrate promising activity and a manageable safety profile for mosunetuzumab-CHOP and warrant further investigation of mosunetuzumab in first-line combination regimens for DLBCL.
Patients with cluster headache show signs of insomnia and sleep related stress: results from an actigraphy and self-assessed sleep study
Authors: Ran Caroline , Jennysdotter Olofsgård Felicia , Steinberg Anna , Sjöstrand Christina , Waldenlind Elisabet , Dahlgren Anna , Belin Andrea Carmine
Published: August 2023

Background

Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache disorder which is characterized by circadian timing of headache attacks, usually at nighttime, in around two thirds of patients. Patients with CH often report sleep difficulties, though it is unknown whether this is a cause or a consequence of nightly headache attacks.

Objective

In this case-control study we have assessed sleep quality in study participants with CH in cluster bout respectively in remission, compared to a control group of neurologically healthy individuals to investigate the potential connection between sleep and CH.

Methods

Fifty study participants with CH and 42 controls were recruited for sleep assessment. Sleep was recorded using MotionWatch 8 actigraphs (CamNTech) for a period of two weeks. Study participants were instructed to wear the unit during rest and sleep and to fill out a sleep diary daily through the two-weeks period.

Results

Results from actigraphy recordings and sleep diaries suggested that patients with CH spend longer time in bed than controls (CH 8.1 hours vs. Controls 7.7 hours, p=0.03), but do not sleep more than controls (CH 6.7 hours vs. controls 6.5 hours, p=0.3). In addition, CH patients reported increased sleep latency (p=0.003), particularly during, but not restricted to, cluster bouts. Study participants with CH further reported higher levels of stress at bedtime (p=0.01), and they felt less well rested than controls (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that sleep is negatively affected in CH both in cluster bout and in remission, manifesting in symptoms consistent with insomnia such as prolonged sleep latency and increased time in bed.
A critical examination of the protection level for primary producers in the first tier of the aquatic risk assessment for plant protection products
Authors: Sabine Duquesne , Stephan Brendel , Linda Hönemann , Marco Konschak , Magali Solé , Joern Wogram , Silvia Pieper
Published: August 2023

Background

The aim of environmental risk assessment (ERA) for pesticides is to protect ecosystems by ensuring that specific protection goals (SPGs) are met. The ERA follows a prospective tiered approach, starting with the most conservative and simple step in risk assessment (RA) (so-called tier 1) using the lowest available appropriate endpoint derived from ecotoxicological tests. In 2015, for the tier 1 RA of aquatic primary producers, the recommendation was changed from using the lowest of the 50% inhibition (EC50) values based on biomass (area under the curve—EbC50), increase in biomass (yield- EyC50) or growth rate (ErC50) to only using the growth rate inhibition endpoint (ErC50) because it is independent of the test design and thus more robust. This study examines the implications of this such on the level of conservatism provided by the tier 1 RA and evaluates whether it ensures a suitable minimum protection level.

Results

Our analysis shows that replacing the lowest endpoint with the growth rate inhibition endpoint while maintaining the assessment factor (AF) of 10 significantly reduces the conservatism in the tier 1 RA. Comparing protection levels achieved with different endpoints reveals that the current assessment is less protective. To maintain the previous level of protection, and since the protection goals have not changed, we recommend to multiply the default AF of 10 by an extra factor of minimum 2.4 in the tier 1 RA based on ErC50. Independently of the endpoint selected in tier 1 RA, several issues in the general RA of pesticides contribute to uncertainties when assessing the protection levels, e.g., lack of appropriate comparison of the higher tier experimental studies (i.e., best achievable approximation of field situation, so-called surrogate reference tier) with field conditions or the regulatory framework's failure to consider realistic conditions in agricultural landscapes with multiple stressors and pesticide mixtures.

Conclusions

We advise to consider adjusting the risk assessment in order to reach at least the previous protection level for aquatic primary producers. Indeed continuing using an endpoint with a higher value and without adjustment of the assessment factor is likely to jeopardize the need of halting biodiversity loss in surface waters.
Transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound pallidothalamic tractotomy for patients with X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism: a study protocol
Authors: Jamora Roland Dominic G. , Khu Kathleen Joy O. , Sy Marie Charmaine C. , Pascual Juan Silvestre G. , Legaspi Gerardo D. , Aguilar Jose A.
Published: August 2023

Transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a noninvasive method for controlling tremor and has recently been used in patients with X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP). This study aims to determine the improvement in dystonia and parkinsonism in patients with XDP after MRgFUS pallidothalamic tractotomy. This prospective study will be conducted at the Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila. The primary outcome measure is the change in the pre- and post-treatment XDP-Movement Disorder Society of the Philippines Scale scores. In addition, demographic and clinical data will be collected, including the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale, Part III of the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s disease Rating Scale score, XDP clinical and functional stage, the five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores, MRgFUS treatment parameters, and adverse events. Patients will be assessed within 24 hours of treatment, then at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months post-treatment. This protocol was approved by the University of the Philippines Manila Research Ethics Board (UPMREB 2022-0271-01). Data collection began in January 2023. This protocol has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: Trial Registration number: NCT05592028.
Feasibility of return to sports assessment 6 months after patellar instability surgery
Authors: Hysing-Dahl Trine , Magnussen L. H , Faleide A. G. H. , Inderhaug E.
Published: August 2023

Background

The evidence regarding the usefulness of assessment tools to support decisions of return-to-sport after surgery for patellar instability is scarce. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the feasibility of functional tests assessing readiness for return-to-sport six months after patellar stabilizing surgery. However, there is little evidence on what a functional assessment should include to support these decisions following surgery for patellar instability. Therefore the purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of functional tests assessing readiness for return-to-sport six months after patellar stabilizing surgery.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study a prospective cohort of 78 patients were subjected to a range of return-to-sport readiness tests at six months after surgery for patellar instability with an “a la carte” approach. Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ), single-legged hop tests and isokinetic strength tests were performed. In addition, self-reported function was measured with the Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII) and Norwich Patellar Instability score (NPI). Return-to-sport clearance criteria were defined as: ≤4 cm YBT-LQ anterior reach difference between legs, leg-symmetry-index (LSI) ≥ 95% in the YBT-LQ composite score, mean sum score LSI ≥ 85% of all single-leg hop tests and LSI ≥ 90% in isokinetic quadriceps strength.

Results

Sixty-four patients (82%) were able to complete all functional tests, while only eleven (14%) patients were deemed ready for return-to-sport, passing all return-to-sport clearance criteria. Patients with bilateral problems demonstrated worse performance in the contralateral leg, which resulted in higher LSI scores compared to individuals with unilateral instability. A supplementary finding was that the extent of surgery (MPFL-R only versus combined surgery) did not predict and mainly did not affect self-reported function or functional performance at the follow-up.

Conclusion

The functional assessment used in the current study seems feasible to conduct at six months after patellar stabilizing surgery. However, current suggested clearance standards and the use of leg-symmetry-index seems inappropriate for patients with patellar instability. Therefore, further exploration of appropriate tests and return-to-sport clearance criteria is justified.

Trial registration

clinicaltrial.gov, NCT05119088. Registered 12.11.2021 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05119088.
Human brain solute transport quantified by glymphatic MRI-informed biophysics during sleep and sleep deprivation
Authors: Vinje Vegard , Zapf Bastian , Ringstad Geir , Eide Per Kristian , Rognes Marie E. , Mardal Kent-Andre
Published: August 2023

Whether you are reading, running or sleeping, your brain and its fluid environment continuously interacts to distribute nutrients and clear metabolic waste. Yet, the precise mechanisms for solute transport within the human brain have remained hard to quantify using imaging techniques alone. From multi-modal human brain MRI data sets in sleeping and sleep-deprived subjects, we identify and quantify CSF tracer transport parameters using forward and inverse subject-specific computational modelling. Our findings support the notion that extracellular diffusion alone is not sufficient as a brain-wide tracer transport mechanism. Instead, we show that human MRI observations align well with transport by either by an effective diffusion coefficent 3.5$$\times $$
×
that of extracellular diffusion in combination with local clearance rates corresponding to a tracer half-life of up to 5 h, or by extracellular diffusion augmented by advection with brain-wide average flow speeds on the order of 1–9 $$\mu $$
μ
m/min. Reduced advection fully explains reduced tracer clearance after sleep-deprivation, supporting the role of sleep and sleep deprivation on human brain clearance.
Is COVID-19 incriminated in new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus in Lebanese adults?
Authors: Jabbour Rose Mary , Hallit Souheil , Saliby Rita , Baydoun Abed El Karim , Nakhoul Nancy
Published: August 2023

Background

The effects of COVID-19 on the organism are still being investigated, especially after the transformation of this virus from a respiratory disease in its first appearance to a multi-organ disease that can affect nearly all systems and organs including the endocrinological system. The objective of the study was to find an association between COVID-19 infection and new onset type 2 diabetes in Lebanese adults.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study (2019–2022) included 200 subjects, 100 cases with new onset diabetes and 100 controls recruited from endocrinology clinics in rural and suburban located regions of Lebanon. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed.

Results

Older age (aOR = 1.07; 95% CI 1.03–1.12), higher BMI (aOR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.17–1.48), having been infected with COVID-19 (aOR = 2.38; 95% CI 1.001–5.68) and having a family history of diabetes (aOR = 11.80; 95% CI 4.23–32.87) were significantly associated with higher odds of having new onset type 2 diabetes after adjusting for multiple risk factors.

Conclusion

In addition to the traditional risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, a recent COVID-19 infection was associated with the new onset DM in our study. Subsequently screening for diabetes should be strongly recommended for patients post COVID-19 infection.
Sex differences in pre- and post-synaptic glutamate signaling in the nucleus accumbens core
Authors: Knouse Melissa C. , Deutschmann Andre U. , Nenov Miroslav N. , Wimmer Mathieu E. , Briand Lisa A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Glutamate signaling within the nucleus accumbens underlies motivated behavior and is involved in psychiatric disease. Although behavioral sex differences in these processes are well-established, the neural mechanisms driving these differences are largely unexplored. In these studies, we examine potential sex differences in synaptic plasticity and excitatory transmission within the nucleus accumbens core. Further understanding of baseline sex differences in reward circuitry will shed light on potential mechanisms driving behavioral differences in motivated behavior and psychiatric disease.

Methods

Behaviorally naïve adult male and female Long-Evans rats, C57Bl/6J mice, and constitutive PKMζ knockout mice were killed and tissue containing the nucleus accumbens core was collected for ex vivo slice electrophysiology experiments. Electrophysiology recordings examined baseline sex differences in synaptic plasticity and transmission within this region and the potential role of PKMζ in long-term depression.

Results

Within the nucleus accumbens core, both female mice and rats exhibit higher AMPA/NMDA ratios compared to male animals. Further, female mice have a larger readily releasable pool of glutamate and lower release probability compared to male mice. No significant sex differences were detected in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current amplitude or frequency. Finally, the threshold for induction of long-term depression was lower for male animals than females, an effect that appears to be mediated, in part, by PKMζ.

Conclusions

We conclude that there are baseline sex differences in synaptic plasticity and excitatory transmission in the nucleus accumbens core. Our data suggest there are sex differences at multiple levels in this region that should be considered in the development of pharmacotherapies to treat psychiatric illnesses such as depression and substance use disorder.
Cost-benefit analysis for evacuation decision-support: challenges and possible solutions for applications in areas of distributed volcanism
Authors: Wild Alec J. , Bebbington M. S. , Lindsay J. M. , Deligne N. I.
Published: August 2023

During a volcanic crisis, evacuation is the most effective mitigation measure to preserve life. However, the decision to call an evacuation is typically complex and challenging, in part due to uncertainties related to the behaviour of the volcano. Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) can support decision-makers: this approach compares the cost of evacuating versus the expected loss from not evacuating, expressed as a ‘break-even’ probability of fatality. Here we combine CBA with a Bayesian Event Tree for Short-term Volcanic Hazard (BET_VHst) to create an evacuation decision-support tool to identify locations that are cost-beneficial to evacuate in the event of volcanic unrest within a distributed volcanic field. We test this approach with the monogenetic Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF), situated beneath the city of Auckland, New Zealand. We develop a BET_VHst for the AVF, extending a recently revised Bayesian Event Tree for Eruption Forecasting (BET_EF) to consider the eruptive style, phenomena produced, and the impact exceedance probability as a function of distance. The output of the BET_VHst is a probability of volcanic hazard impact at a given location. Furthermore, we propose amending the weight of the monitoring component within the BET_VHst framework to a transitional parameter, addressing limitations identified in a previous study. We examine how three possible transitional monitoring component weights affect the spatial vent likelihood and subsequent BET_VHst outputs, compared to the current default weight. For the CBA, we investigate four thresholds, based on two evacuation durations and two different estimates for the value of life that determine the cost of not evacuating. The combinations of CBA and BET_VHst are tested using a synthetic unrest dataset to define an evacuation area for each day. While suitable evacuation areas were identified, there are further considerations required before such an approach can be applied operationally to support crisis management.
Development and validation of the Character Strengths Test 24 (CST24): a brief measure of 24 character strengths
Authors: Shimai Satoshi , Urata Yu
Published: August 2023

Background

The present study aimed to develop and validate the Character Strengths Test 24 (CST24), a simple scale consisting of 24 character strengths represented by one concept word and one sentence each. Three studies were conducted to examine the validation and utility of the CST24 for future research.

Methods

Three internet-based surveys were conducted in Japan to investigate the psychometric properties of the CST24. Study 1 comprised 846 adults and focused on test development, including the evaluation of well-being and strengths scales, as well as retest reliability. Study 2 involved 1137 high school students and 1101 college undergraduates, aiming to investigate the factor structure of the CST24 and reaffirm its validity by utilizing happiness and meaning in life scales. In Study 3, 524 working adults participated to explore the scale's potential for future research. This study incorporated various psychological scales, such as value orientation, moral foundation, and work-related scales, to assess the utility of the CST24.

Results

In Study 1, the CST24 items exhibited a well-distributed response pattern, demonstrating favorable retest reliability and internal consistency. Significant positive correlations were found between the CST24 items and measures of subjective well-being, meaning in life, positive self-compassion, and knowledge or utilization of strengths. Study 2 confirmed the stability of the factor structure across diverse sample groups, consistent with prior studies utilizing larger-scale measures. Study 3 identified both core and peripheral strengths, highlighting specific strengths that made substantial contributions to well-being, value orientation, moral foundation, sense of mission, and work-related indices through multiple regression analysis.

Conclusion

The findings support the reliability and validity of the CST24 as a concise assessment tool for measuring 24 character strengths. Its potential utility for screening and exploratory research warrants attention in future studies, enhancing our understanding of the role of character strengths in various domains.
Selective neuroimmune modulation by type I interferon drives neuropathology and neurologic dysfunction following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Todd Brittany P. , Luo Zili , Gilkes Noah , Chimenti Michael S. , Peterson Zeru , Mix Madison R. , Harty John T. , Nickl-Jockschat Thomas , Ferguson Polly J. , Bassuk Alexander G. , Newell Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2023

Accumulating evidence suggests that type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is a key contributor to immune cell-mediated neuropathology in neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, we demonstrated a robust upregulation of type I interferon-stimulated genes in microglia and astrocytes following experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI). The specific molecular and cellular mechanisms by which IFN-I signaling impacts the neuroimmune response and neuropathology following TBI remains unknown. Using the lateral fluid percussion injury model (FPI) in adult male mice, we demonstrated that IFN α/β receptor (IFNAR) deficiency resulted in selective and sustained blockade of type I interferon-stimulated genes following TBI as well as decreased microgliosis and monocyte infiltration. Molecular alteration of reactive microglia also occurred with diminished expression of genes needed for MHC class I antigen processing and presentation following TBI. This was associated with decreased accumulation of cytotoxic T cells in the brain. The IFNAR-dependent modulation of the neuroimmune response was accompanied by protection from secondary neuronal death, white matter disruption, and neurobehavioral dysfunction. These data support further efforts to leverage the IFN-I pathway for novel, targeted therapy of TBI.
Heart ventricles of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): new insights from sectional anatomy, 3D computed tomography, and morphometry
Authors: Alsafy Mohamed A.M. , El-Gendy Samir A.A. , Kamal Basma M. , Rutland Catrin S. , Abd-Elhafeez Hanan H. , Soliman Soha , ELKhamary Ahmed N. , Nomir Ahmed G.
Published: August 2023

Background

Dromedary camel heart morphology is a crucial research topic with clinical applications. The study aims to understand the dromedary camel anatomy, morphology, and architecture of the ventricular mass. Results: Sagittal and transverse gross sections were compared to sagittal, transverse, and 3D render volume reconstruction computed tomography (CT) scans. The subepicardial fat, which covered the heart base, the coronary groove (sulcus coronarius), the left longitudinal interventricular groove (sulcus interventricularis paraconalis), and the right longitudinal interventricular groove (sulcus interventricularis subsinuosus), had a relatively low density with a homogeneous appearance in the 3D render volume CT. The pericardium in the color cardiac window was identified better than the black and white window (ghost). Transverse and sagittal CT scans demonstrated the internal structures of the heart, including the right atrioventricular orifice (ostium atrioventriculare dextrum), right atrioventricular orifice (ostium atrioventriculare sinistrum), and aortic orifice (ostium aortae), chordae tendineae, the cusps of the valves (cuspis valvae), and the papillary muscles (musculi papillares). The papillary muscle (musculi papillares) was presented with a more moderate density than the rest of the heart, and the cusps of the valves (cuspis valvae) had a lower density. The ventricular wall (margo ventricularis) exhibited different densities: the outer part was hyperdense, while the inner part was hypodense. The thicknesses of the ventricular mural wall and the interventricular septum (septum atrioventriculare) were highest at the midpoint of the ventricular mass, and the lowest value was present toward the apical part. The coronary groove (sulcus coronarius) circumference measured 51.14 ± 0.72 cm, and the fat in the coronary groove (sulcus coronarius) (56 ± 6.55 cm2) represented 28.7% of the total cross-sectional area. Conclusion: The current study provided more information about ventricular mass measurements by gross and CT analysis on the heart, which provides a valuable guide for future cardiac CT investigations in camels in vivo.
Sample size determination for point-of-care COVID-19 diagnostic tests: a Bayesian approach
Authors: Williamson S. Faye , Williams Cameron J. , Lendrem B. Clare , Wilson Kevin J.
Published: August 2023

Background

In a pandemic setting, it is critical to evaluate and deploy accurate diagnostic tests rapidly. This relies heavily on the sample size chosen to assess the test accuracy (e.g. sensitivity and specificity) during the diagnostic accuracy study. Too small a sample size will lead to imprecise estimates of the accuracy measures, whereas too large a sample size may delay the development process unnecessarily. This study considers use of a Bayesian method to guide sample size determination for diagnostic accuracy studies, with application to COVID-19 rapid viral detection tests. Specifically, we investigate whether utilising existing information (e.g. from preceding laboratory studies) within a Bayesian framework can reduce the required sample size, whilst maintaining test accuracy to the desired precision.

Methods

The method presented is based on the Bayesian concept of assurance which, in this context, represents the unconditional probability that a diagnostic accuracy study yields sensitivity and/or specificity intervals with the desired precision. We conduct a simulation study to evaluate the performance of this approach in a variety of COVID-19 settings, and compare it to commonly used power-based methods. An accompanying interactive web application is available, which can be used by researchers to perform the sample size calculations.

Results

Results show that the Bayesian assurance method can reduce the required sample size for COVID-19 diagnostic accuracy studies, compared to standard methods, by making better use of laboratory data, without loss of performance. Increasing the size of the laboratory study can further reduce the required sample size in the diagnostic accuracy study.

Conclusions

The method considered in this paper is an important advancement for increasing the efficiency of the evidence development pathway. It has highlighted that the trade-off between lab study sample size and diagnostic accuracy study sample size should be carefully considered, since establishing an adequate lab sample size can bring longer-term gains. Although emphasis is on its use in the COVID-19 pandemic setting, where we envisage it will have the most impact, it can be usefully applied in other clinical areas.
French Canadian cross-cultural adaptation of CAPTSure©, an index for the Clinical Assessment of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in children
Authors: Pelland-Marcotte Marie-Claude , Stavrakoukas Angelika , Wong Gina , Santiago Raoul , Avila Laura
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the most common complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The index for the Clinical Assessment of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in children (CAPTSure©) is a clinical tool for the diagnosis and severity rating of PTS in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to translate and adapt CAPTSure© for French-speaking patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to perform linguistic and cultural adaptation of CAPTSure©, using a rigorous translation process followed by cognitive debriefings in twenty French-speaking pediatric patients aged up to 18 years old with a history of upper or lower extremity DVT at least 6 months prior.

Results

Forward and backward translations were used to produce a pre-final French version of CAPTSure©, followed by cognitive debriefings in twenty participants (median age: 11.5 years, 55% male, median CAPTSure© score: 26). The participants felt that the questionnaire was thorough, with an adequate length. Eight out of fourteen (57%) items in the LE questionnaire and 7/12 (58%) of the items in the UE questionnaire were modified following participants’ and a multidisciplinary expert committee’s input, leading to the final French version of CAPTSure©.

Conclusions

CAPTSure© was successfully adapted for French-speaking pediatric patients. This will ease the diagnosis and severity rating of PTS in children in clinical practice and allow international research collaborations for additional non-English-speaking patients.
The impact of COVID-19 infection on heart transplant function
Authors: MacKay Micaela , Tomcho Jeremy C. , Khalife Wissam
Published: August 2023

Background

Heart transplant recipients are a subset of immunocompromised patients at particularly high risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Acute effects of the viral infection have been well-described in the literature but the chronic effects persisting after recovery from infection have not. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of COVID-19 on heart transplant function both during and after recovery from acute infection.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 32 heart transplant recipients at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Echocardiograms of patients with documented COVID-19 infection were analyzed at three time points including pre-infection, peri-infection, and post-infection. Echocardiograms of patients without history of infection were analyzed as control. Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) and presence or absence of valvular insufficiency were collected from echocardiograms to assess systolic and valvular function.

Results

2 out of 10 COVID-19 positive heart transplant recipients had decreases in LVEF below 20% during the peri-infection period, and one of these patients passed away from complications of infection. Despite this, mean LVEF was not significantly different at peri-infection (p = .3, 95% CI − 11.5 to 27.6) or post-infection  (p = .6, 95% CI − 3.6 to 5.8) time points when compared to pre-infection. A statistically significant increase in valvular dysfunction was found among COVID-19 positive patients without documented history of valvular dysfunction on pre-infection echocardiograms (p = .01, 95% CI 19.3% to 96.4%). COVID-19 negative heart transplant recipients did not experience statistically significant changes in LVEF 1, 2, or 3 years after baseline echocardiogram.

Conclusion

COVID-19 may induce myocardial dysfunction resulting in decreased systolic function and valvular dysfunction among heart transplant recipients. Severity of systolic dysfunction may be a useful prognostic indicator among this patient population. More research must be conducted to fully elucidate the effects of COVID-19 infection on heart transplant recipients.
Discrimination between leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 antibody encephalitis and gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor antibody encephalitis based on ResNet18
Authors: Pan Jian , Lv Ruijuan , Wang Qun , Zhao Xiaobin , Liu Jiangang , Ai Lin
Published: August 2023

This study aims to discriminate between leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) antibody encephalitis and gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor antibody encephalitis using a convolutional neural network (CNN) model. A total of 81 patients were recruited for this study. ResNet18, VGG16, and ResNet50 were trained and tested separately using 3828 positron emission tomography image slices that contained the medial temporal lobe (MTL) or basal ganglia (BG). Leave-one-out cross-validation at the patient level was used to evaluate the CNN models. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were generated to evaluate the CNN models. Based on the prediction results at slice level, a decision strategy was employed to evaluate the CNN models’ performance at patient level. The ResNet18 model achieved the best performance at the slice (AUC = 0.86, accuracy = 80.28%) and patient levels (AUC = 0.98, accuracy = 96.30%). Specifically, at the slice level, 73.28% (1445/1972) of image slices with GABAB receptor antibody encephalitis and 87.72% (1628/1856) of image slices with LGI1 antibody encephalitis were accurately detected. At the patient level, 94.12% (16/17) of patients with GABAB receptor antibody encephalitis and 96.88% (62/64) of patients with LGI1 antibody encephalitis were accurately detected. Heatmaps of the image slices extracted using gradient-weighted class activation mapping indicated that the model focused on the MTL and BG for classification. In general, the ResNet18 model is a potential approach for discriminating between LGI1 and GABAB receptor antibody encephalitis. Metabolism in the MTL and BG is important for discriminating between these two encephalitis subtypes.
Ultrasound assisted photocatalytic degradation of isoproturon and triasulfuron herbicides using visible light driven impregnated zinc oxide catalysts
Authors: Khan Kashif , Khitab Fatima , Shah Jasmin , Jan Muhammad Rasul
Published: August 2023

Herbicides in wastewater are considered as a serious issue to environmental pollution. Different impregnated metal zinc oxide (Cu/ZnO and Ni/ZnO) as catalysts were prepared through wet impregnation method for the degradation of herbicides Isoproturon and triasulfuron. The prepared impregnated catalysts were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopyand surface area. The degradation of selected herbicides were investigated using combined effect of photocatalysis and sonication. The experimental parameters such as pH, irradiation time, photocatalyst dose, effect of oxidants, diverse ion effect, herbicide concentration and catalyst reusability have been optimized. The percent removal of isoproturon was found to be 99 and 98% at pH 7 and triasulfuron was 98% at pH 6 using Cu/ZnO and 99% at pH 7 using Ni/ZnO photocatalysts respectively.

Graphical Abstract

Graphical abstract of Ultrasound Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Isoproturon and Triasulfuron Herbicides
Fertilization-induced reactive nitrogen gases and carbon dioxide emissions: insight to the carbon-nitrogen cycles
Authors: Pan Shu-Yuan , He Kung-Hui , Liao Yu-Lun
Published: August 2023

Different agricultural practices can pose significant threats to environmental quality and human health. This study aimed to assess the emissions of reactive nitrogen (NH3, NOx, and N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) induced by fertilization in spinach and cabbage farmlands. Field and pot experiments were conducted to analyze the emission fluxes and intensities of reactive nitrogen gases and CO2. The findings revealed that the total emissions of reactive nitrogen for cabbage and spinach ranged from 21 to 798 kg-N ha−1 and 1.1 to 489 kg-N ha−1, respectively. Generally, organic fertilizers exhibited higher emission intensities of NH3 compared to N2O. While slow-release fertilizers effectively reduced NH3 emissions, they resulted in increased soil N2O emissions. Furthermore, the total emissions of reactive nitrogen from the soil showed a positive correlation with soil CO2 emissions. Particularly, organic farming practices, especially in the case of cabbage, led to increased CO2 emissions from farmlands. Based on the experimental findings, three priority directions were suggested to achieve sustainable soil carbon and nitrogen management in order to minimize emissions from farmlands. This study provides valuable insights for future soil carbon and nitrogen management in subtropical regions.
Enhancing rice resilience to drought by applying biochar–compost mixture in low-fertile sandy soil
Authors: Hazman Mohamed , Fawzy Samer , Hamdy Ahmed , Khaled Aya , Mahmoud Aya , Khalid Eslam , Ibrahim Habiba Mohamed , Gamal Mahmoud , Abo Elyazeed Naira , Saber Nourhan , Ehab Mariam , Kabil Farida
Published: August 2023

Background

Climate change alters modern drought episode patterns by making them longer, more frequent and more severe, in particular in arid and semi-arid agroecosystems. Amending soil properties and enhancing its fertility is a needed sustainable strategy for mitigating drought’s damaging effects on crop production and food security. Here, we planned to investigate the potential benefits of biochar–compost mixture (B×C) as a biochar-based fertilizer (BCF) in enhancing the drought tolerance of rice plants cultivated in low-fertile sandy soil.

Results

Under drought stress, rice plants cultivated in unamended soil (no B×C) exhibited severely wilted, rolled and discolored shoots. Furthermore, the shoot dry biomass reduction ratio was 73.3% compared to 44.2 and 27.6% for plants treated with 5 and 15% B×C, respectively. Root anatomical and architectural traits were significantly less impaired in B×C plants and reflected better performance under drought compared to no B×C plants. During the induced drought episode, soil moisture content was enhanced by 2.5-fold through adding B×C, compared to unamended soil, thereby reducing the negative impact of drought stress. Moreover, the less drought-stressed rice plants (B×C-treated) rapidly recovered after rewatering and displayed the unwinding of previously rolled leaves and reproduced panicles. On the other hand, no B×C plants failed to recover and eventually perished completely. The expression profiles of several drought responsive genes suggest that leaves of more stressed rice plants (no B×C) significantly accumulated more cytosolic free calcium (OsCML3) and apoplastic H2O2 (OsOXO4) which eventually may trigger fast and prolonged stomatal closure (OsSRO1c). In addition, more drought-stressed plants (no B×C) may over-produce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) superoxide anion molecules (OsRbohB), the negative situation that has been further complicated by a possible reduction in the activity of the antioxidative enzyme SOD (OsSOD), and thus more lipid peroxidation (3.5-fold increase MDA) in drought-stressed (no B×C) plant shoots compared to B×C plants.

Conclusion

It is suggested that soil amendment B×C (biochar–compost mixture) could promote drought stress tolerance in rice plants by retaining more soil moisture content, thereby mitigating the negative effects of drought stress, such as the over-production of ROS in leaves, and thus eventually facilitating recovery after rewatering.
Pre-diabetes and diabetic neuropathy are associated with low serum levels of interleukin-9
Authors: Khalaf Noorulhuda F. , Al-rikabi Aaiad H. , Salman Isam N. , Saihood Yahya D. , Nassurat Shahad W. , Jasim Ola H. , Ad’hiah Ali H.
Published: August 2023

Background

Interleukin-9 (IL-9) is a cytokine that has recently been proposed to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk, but the role it plays in the development of pre-diabetes (PD) and diabetic neuropathy (DN) is unknown. Therefore, this study analyzed serum IL-9 levels in individuals with PD (n = 89), T2DM patients without DN (n = 66), T2DM patients with DN (n = 21), and non-diabetic controls (n = 84) using an ELISA kit.

Results

Serum IL-9 levels (median and interquartile range) were significantly lower in the PD (18.9 [12.6–22.1] pg/mL; probability [p] < 0.001) and T2DM (19.4 [16.3–28.0] pg/mL; p = 0.04) groups than in the control group (20.8 [19.4–25.8] pg/mL). Patients with DN also showed lower levels of IL-9 than patients without DN, but the p value was not significant (19.4 [12.5–22.7] vs. 20.6 [17.1–28.1] pg/mL; p = 0.13). IL-9 showed better diagnostic performance in PD and T2DM with DN than in T2DM without DN (area under the curve: 0.699 and 0.702 vs. 0.567, respectively). Moreover, lower levels of IL-9 were significantly associated with PD and DN risks (odds ratio = 0.86 and 0.85, respectively).

Conclusions

Serum IL-9 levels were significantly decreased in individuals with PD and patients with T2DM compared with HC. The decrease in IL-9 levels in T2DM patients was more pronounced in patients with DN than in patients without DN. Therefore, low levels of IL-9 can be considered as a potential biomarker associated with an increased risk of PD and DN.
Evaluation of medication adherence and medication beliefs and their relation with quality of life in osteoporotic patients with and without vertebral fractures: a path analysis
Authors: Erdem Sultanoğlu Tuba , Ataoğlu Safinaz
Published: August 2023

Background

Osteoporosis (OP) is a public health problem that causes morbidity and mortality with various complications, especially fractures, negatively affects quality of life (QoL) and creates an economic burden on society. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among medication adherence, medication beliefs, QoL in Turkish patients with OP.

Results

The Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS) total score was 17 in those with vertebral fractures and 18 in those without vertebral fractures. The total Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (Qualeffo-41) score was 48.7 in those with vertebral fractures and 35.1 in those without vertebral fractures. Visual analog scale (VAS) of pain scores showed a moderate correlation with every domain of the Qualeffo-41 scores (r = 0.401, r = 0.412, r = 0.391, r = 0.402, r = 0.380, r = 0.387 respectively, P = < 0.001). MARS total score, Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), and Qualeffo-41 parameters were compared between patients with osteoporotic fractures and without fractures. In patients with a vertebral fracture, the patients Qualeffo-41 scores were higher with every domain and their QoL was more impaired (p < 0.001); but there were no significant differences between patients with osteoporotic fractures and without fractures in terms of MARS total score and BMQ domains. The pathway analysis results showed that general beliefs about drugs is associated with the physical function and social function of statistically significant and general overuse is associated with the pain (β = 1.781; p < 0.001), and general health (β = 1,832; p = 0.039). However, self-reported medication adherence and specific beliefs is not associated with the pain, physical function, social function, general health, and mental function (p > 0.05) of statistically significant.

Conclusions

Enhancing positive medication beliefs are a promising approach to improve medication adherence, and in turn, improved diseases self management and better QoL, in OP patients.
People’s perspectives on heritage conservation and tourism development: a case study of Varanasi
Authors: Pati Ananya , Husain Mujahid
Published: August 2023

The conservation of heritage and heritage-based tourism are interrelated activities in which the development in one can lead to the growth of the other and vice versa. In recent years, people have become increasingly aware of the importance of heritage and the necessity of its conservation. People’s knowledge and preservation of their roots and emotional attachments to traditions and places are beneficial for heritage conservation activities. Heritage places are also considered a growth point for the tourism industry that supports small- and medium-scale industries as well as numerous cottage industries. However, with the development of tourism and related industries in heritage areas, the local community may face difficulties in performing their day-to-day activities in the area. In many cases, local communities need to relocate and people must leave their residences due to the demand for tourism development. A case study of Varanasi City was conducted to obtain a detailed understanding of the impact of a recent tourism development programme (the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project) and people’s perception of it through a review of newspaper articles. It was found that people had mixed reactions regarding the development programme. The immediate residents of the area who were directly affected by the process in terms of emotional, economic and social loss were opposed to the project, while tourists and other residents of the city were pleased with the development activities. This paper attempts to identify the changes that occurred in the area due to the project and to capture people’s perspectives regarding the corridor project of Varanasi.
Scrotal Paget's Disease Associated With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Overexpressing Metastatic Apocrine Carcinoma With Complete Response to Paclitaxel, Trastuzumab, and Pertuzumab
Authors: Nowicka-Matus Kinga , Salkus Giedrius , Sønderkær Mads , Søkilde Pedersen Inge , Ernst Anja , Kubik Magdalena , Takacs-Szabo Zsuzsanna , Ladekarl Morten
Published: August 2023

Case report and literature review of targeted treatment of HER2-positive cutaneous apocrine carcinoma.
Medina by the Bay
Authors: Kashani Maryam
Published: August 2023

From the Black Power movement and state surveillance to Silicon Valley and gentrification, Medina by the Bay examines how multiracial Muslim communities in the San Francisco Bay Area survive and flourish within and against racial capitalist, carceral, and imperial logics. Weaving expansive histories, peoples, and geographies together in an ethnographic screenplay of cinematic scenes, Maryam Kashani demonstrates how sociopolitical forces and geopolitical agendas shape Muslim ways of knowing and being. Throughout, Kashani argues that contemporary Islam emerges from the specificities of the Bay Area, from its landscapes and infrastructures to its Muslim liberal arts college, mosques, and prison courtyards. Theorizing the Medina by the Bay as a microcosm of socioeconomic, demographic, and political transformations in the twentieth- and twenty-first centuries, Kashani resituates Islam as liberatory and abolitionist theory, theology, and praxis for all those engaged in struggle.