bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Variable Genomic Landscape During Osteosarcoma Progression: Insights From a Longitudinal WGS Analysis
Authors: Meijer Debora M. , Ruano Dina , Briaire‐de Bruijn Inge H. , Wijers‐Koster Pauline M. , van de Sande Michiel A. J. , Gelderblom Hans , Cleton‐Jansen Anne‐Marie , de Miranda Noel F. C. C. , Kuijjer Marieke L. , Bovée Judith V. M. G.
Published: July 2024

Osteosarcoma is a primary bone tumor that exhibits a complex genomic landscape characterized by gross chromosomal abnormalities. Osteosarcoma patients often develop metastatic disease, resulting in limited therapeutic options and poor survival rates. To gain knowledge on the mechanisms underlying osteosarcoma heterogeneity and metastatic process, it is important to obtain a detailed profile of the genomic alterations that accompany osteosarcoma progression. We performed WGS on multiple tissue samples from six patients with osteosarcoma, including the treatment naïve biopsy of the primary tumor, resection of the primary tumor after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, local recurrence, and distant metastases. A comprehensive analysis of single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs), structural variants, copy number alterations (CNAs), and chromothripsis events revealed the genomic heterogeneity during osteosarcoma progression. SNVs and structural variants were found to accumulate over time, contributing to an increased complexity of the genome of osteosarcoma during disease progression. Phylogenetic trees based on SNVs and structural variants reveal distinct evolutionary patterns between patients, including linear, neutral, and branched patterns. The majority of osteosarcomas showed variable copy number profiles or gained whole‐genome doubling in later occurrences. Large proportions of the genome were affected by loss of heterozygosity (LOH), although these regions remain stable during progression. Additionally, chromothripsis is not confined to a single early event, as multiple other chromothripsis events may appear in later occurrences. Together, we provide a detailed analysis of the complex genome of osteosarcomas and show that five of six osteosarcoma genomes are highly dynamic and variable during progression.
Loss of Chromosome Y in Neuroblastoma Is Associated With High‐Risk Disease, 11q‐Deletion, and Telomere Maintenance
Authors: Djos Anna , Svensson Johanna , Gaarder Jennie , Umapathy Ganesh , Nilsson Staffan , Ek Torben , Vogt Hartmut , Georgantzi Kleopatra , Öra Ingrid , Träger Catarina , Kogner Per , Martinsson Tommy , Fransson Susanne
Published: July 2024

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a heterogeneous childhood cancer with a slightly higher incidence in boys than girls, with the reason for this gender disparity unknown. Given the growing evidence for the involvement of loss of the Y chromosome (LoY) in male diseases including cancer, we investigated Y chromosome status in NB. Male NB tumor samples from a Swedish cohort, analyzed using Cytoscan HD SNP‐microarray, were selected. Seventy NB tumors were analyzed for aneuploidy of the Y chromosome, and these data were correlated with other genetic, biological, and clinical parameters. LoY was found in 21% of the male NB tumors and it was almost exclusively found in those with high‐risk genomic profiles. Furthermore, LoY was associated with increased age at diagnosis and enriched in tumors with 11q‐deletion and activated telomere maintenance mechanisms. In contrast, tumors with an MYCN‐amplified genomic profile retained their Y chromosome. The understanding of LoY in cancer is limited, making it difficult to conclude whether LoY is a driving event in NB or function of increased genomic instability. Gene expression analysis of Y chromosome genes in male NB tumors showed low expression of certain genes correlating with worse overall survival. KDM5D, encoding a histone demethylase stands out as an interesting candidate for further studies. LoY has been shown to impact the epigenomic layer of autosomal loci in nonreproductive tissues, and KDM5D has been reported as downregulated and/or associated with poor survival in different malignancies. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms and functional consequences of LoY in NB.
The Kerguelen mantle plume activity in Sylhet Trap mafic rocks of Southern Shillong Plateau,NEIndia: Implications for its role in magmatism of eastern India
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Singh A. Krishnakanta , Bikramaditya R. K. , Singh N. Surdas , Imtisunep S.
Published: July 2024

Mantle plumes related to Large Igneous Provinces have been linked to continental break‐up and validated by the outpouring of mafic‐ultramafic magmas that range from continental flood basalt magmatism to submarine plateau volcanism. This study presents a new set of geochemical and mineralogical data on mafic magmatic rocks from the Sylhet Trap of the Shillong Plateau, northeast India. The investigated mafic rocks (basalt and dolerite) are predominantly sub‐alkaline‐tholeiitic, composed of bytownite+labradorite and diopside+augite, with ophitic to sub‐ophitic and glomeroporphyritic textures, the dark interstitial region of much finer grains consisting of opaque minerals and devitrified glass. The mafic rocks of Sylhet Trap show light rare earth elements enrichment with (La/Yb)Nratio (1.92–2.86) and (La/Sm)Nratio (1.11–1.40), an almost flat pattern of heavy rare earth elements along with mild europium anomalies (Eu/Eu*= 0.94–1.11). Trace element characteristics suggest their affinity towards enriched mid‐oceanic ridge basalt and generated from low degree of partial melting of spinel source with minor involvement of crustal contamination. The similarity in geochemical characteristics of the investigated mafic rocks with the magmatism of Rajmahal Traps, eastern Peninsular India, Abor Volcanics, eastern Himalaya, along with Bunbury Basalt of western Australia and Cona Mafic exposed in southeastern Tibet, suggests their genetic linkage with mantle plume activities. Thus, we argue that the magmatic event of the Sylhet Trap is related to the Kerguelen mantle plume activity that played a significant role in the fragmentation of eastern Gondwana during the Lower Cretaceous period, giving rise to Greater India, Antarctica and northwest Australia.
Costs of diagnosing early Alzheimer's disease in three European memory clinic settings: Results from the precision medicine in Alzheimer's disease project
Authors: Wimo Anders , Kirsebom Bjørn‐Eivind , Timón‐Reina Santiago , Vromen Ellen , Selnes Per , Bon Jaka , Emersic Andreja , Kramberger Milica Gregoric , Speh Andreja , Visser Pieter Jelle , Winblad Bengt , Fladby Tormod
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The implementation of disease‐modifying treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) will require cost‐effective diagnostic processes. As part of The Precision Medicine In AD consortium (PMI‐AD) project, the aim is to analyze the baseline costs of diagnosing early AD at memory clinics in Norway, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.

Methods

The costs of cognitive testing and a clinical examination, apolipoprotein E, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), positron emission tomography and blood‐based biomarkers (BBM), which are used in different combinations in the three countries, were analyzed. Standardized unit costs, adjusted for GDP per capita and based on Swedish conditions were applied. The costs were expressed in euros (€) as of 2019. A diagnostic set comprising clinical examination, cognitive testing, MRI and CSF was defined as the gold standard, with MRI mainly used as an exclusion filter.

Results

Cost data were available for 994 persons in Norway, 169 in Slovenia and 1015 in the Netherlands. The mean diagnostic costs were 1478 (95% confidence interval 1433–1523) € in Norway, 851 (731–970) € in Slovenia and 1184 (1135–1232) € in the Netherlands. Norway had the highest unit costs but also the greatest use of tests. With a uniform diagnostic test set applied, the diagnostic costs were 1264 (1238–1291) €, in Norway, 843 (771–914) € in Slovenia and 1184 (1156–1213) € in the Netherlands. There were no major cost differences between the final set of diagnoses.

Conclusions

The total costs for setting a diagnosis of AD varied somewhat in the three countries, depending on unit costs and use of tests. These costs are relatively low in comparison to the societal costs of AD.
Neural correlates of static and dynamic social decision‐making in real‐time sibling interactions
Authors: Hernandez‐Pena Lucia , Koch Julia , Bilek Edda , Schräder Julia , Meyer‐Lindenberg Andreas , Waller Rebecca , Habel Ute , Sijben Rik , Wagels Lisa
Published: July 2024

In traditional game theory tasks, social decision‐making is centered on the prediction of the intentions (i.e., mentalizing) of strangers or manipulated responses. In contrast, real‐life scenarios often involve familiar individuals in dynamic environments. Further research is needed to explore neural correlates of social decision‐making with changes in the available information and environmental settings. This study collected fMRI hyperscanning data (N = 100, 46 same‐sex pairs were analyzed) to investigate sibling pairs engaging in an iterated Chicken Game task within a competitive context, including two decision‐making phases. In the static phase, participants chose between turning (cooperate) and continuing (defect) in a fixed time window. Participants could estimate the probability of different events based on their priors (previous outcomes and representation of other's intentions) and report their decision plan. The dynamic phase mirrored real‐world interactions in which information is continuously changing (replicated within a virtual environment). Individuals had to simultaneously update their beliefs, monitor the actions of the other, and adjust their decisions. Our findings revealed substantial choice consistency between the two phases and evidence for shared neural correlates in mentalizing‐related brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction (TPJ), and precuneus. Specific neural correlates were associated with each phase; increased activation of areas associated with action planning and outcome evaluation were found in the static compared with the dynamic phase. Using the opposite contrast, dynamic decision‐making showed higher activation in regions related to predicting and monitoring other's actions, including the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. Cooperation (turning), compared with defection (continuing), showed increased activation in mentalizing‐related regions only in the static phase, while defection, relative to cooperation, exhibited higher activation in areas associated with conflict monitoring and risk processing in the dynamic phase. Men were less cooperative and had greater TPJ activation. Sibling competitive relationship did not predict competitive behavior but showed a tendency to predict brain activity during dynamic decision‐making. Only individual brain activation results are included here, and no interbrain analyses are reported. These neural correlates emphasize the significance of considering varying levels of information available and environmental settings when delving into the intricacies of mentalizing during social decision‐making among familiar individuals.
Comparative pharmacology and abuse potential of oral dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine—A literature review
Authors: Kämmerer Wolfgang
Published: July 2024

Objective

To compare the pharmacology and abuse potential of oral dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine (LDX).

Methods

A search of Medline and Embase was conducted to identify relevant articles for this literature review.

Results

Dexamphetamine and LDX, a prodrug of dexamphetamine, are indicated for the treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It has been suggested that LDX may have a reduced potential for oral abuse compared to immediate‐release dexamphetamine. As a prodrug, LDX has the same pharmacodynamic properties as dexamphetamine. A study in healthy adults showed that the pharmacokinetic profile of dexamphetamine following oral administration of LDX is essentially identical to that of an equimolar dose of dexamphetamine administered 1 h later. In addition, dexamphetamine produced subjective drug liking effects comparable to those produced by LDX. LDX showed linear dose proportional pharmacokinetics up to a dose of 250 mg, indicating a lack of overdose protection at supratherapeutic doses. Furthermore, the exposure to dexamphetamine released from LDX may be prolonged by the consumption of alkalizing agents.

Conclusions

The available evidence from pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and abuse liability studies suggests a comparable potential for oral abuse of dexamphetamine and LDX.
Increase in bile acids after sleeve gastrectomy improves metabolism by activating GPBAR1 to increase cAMP in mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Li Guoliang , Xu Xin , Chai Lixin , Guo Qunhao , Wu Wei
Published: July 2024

Background

Bile acids (BAs) concentration can affect metabolic improvement caused by bariatric surgery and BA concentrations increase in patients after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Here, how BAs after SG affect metabolism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was studied.

Methods

Mice were given high‐fat diet (HFD) to induce NAFLD and received SG surgery. Hepatic and fecal BA concentrations in mice were detected by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. BA‐related genes were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. G protein BA receptor 1 (GPBAR1) expression was identified using western blot analysis. NAFLD mice after SG received GPBAR1 inhibitor Triamterene. The weight of mice and mice liver was detected. Mouse liver tissue was observed by hematoxylin–eosin and Oil Red O staining. Triglyceride (TG), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in mouse liver tissue were analyzed by metabolic assay and enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay.

Results

SG boosted increase in hepatic total/conjugated BAs and related genes and GPBAR1 expression, and attenuated increase in fecal total BAs/muricholic acid in HFD‐induced mice and increased fecal taurine‐BAs in HFD‐induced mice. Triamterene (72 mg/kg) reversed the inhibitory role of SG in HFD‐induced increase of body weight, lipid accumulation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and increase of hepatic weight and TG/NEFA content, and counteracted the positive role of SG in HFD‐induced increase of hepatic cAMP concentration in mice.

Conclusions

BAs improve metabolism via activating GPBAR1 to increase cAMP in NAFLD mice after SG.
Persistence of lung structural and functional alterations at one year post‐COVID‐19 is associated with increased serum PD‐L2 levels and altered CD4/CD8 ratio
Authors: Buendia‐Roldan Ivette , Martínez‐Espinosa Karen , Aguirre Maria‐Jose , Aguilar‐Duran Hiram , Palma‐Lopez Alexia , Palacios Yadira , Ruiz Andy , Ramón‐Luing Lucero A. , Ocaña‐Guzmán Ranferi , Pérez‐Rubio Gloria , Falfán‐Valencia Ramcés , Selman Moisés , Chavez‐Galan Leslie
Published: July 2024

Background

Persistent respiratory symptoms and lung abnormalities post‐COVID‐19 are public health problems. This study evaluated biomarkers to stratify high‐risk patients to the development or persistence of post‐COVID‐19 interstitial lung disease.

Methods

One hundred eighteen patients discharged with residual lung abnormalities compatible with interstitial lung disease (COVID‐ILD patients) after a severe COVID‐19 were followed for 1 year (post‐COVID‐ILD patients). Physical examination, pulmonary function tests, and chest high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were performed. Soluble forms (s) of PD‐L1, PD‐L2, TIM‐3, and GAL‐9 were evaluated in serum and cell culture supernatant, as well as T‐cells subsets and the transmembrane expression of PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 on the cell surface.

Results

Eighty percent of the post‐COVID‐ILD patients normalized their lung function at 1‐year follow‐up, 8% presented COVID‐independent ILD, and 12% still showed functional and HRCT alterations. PD‐L2 levels were heterogeneous during acute COVID‐19 (aCOVID); patients who increased (at least 30%) their sPD‐L2 levels at 1 year post‐COVID‐19 and exhibited altered CD4/CD8 ratio showed persistence of chest tomographic and functional alterations. By contrast, patients who decreased sPD‐L2 displayed a complete lung recovery. sPD‐L1, sTIM‐3, and sGAL‐9 increased significantly during aCOVID and decreased in all patients after 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Increased sPD‐L2 and an altered CD4/CD8 ratio after 12 months of aCOVID are associated with the persistence of lung lesions, suggesting that they may contribute to lung damage post‐COVID‐19.
Civil emergencies: role of the vet in delivering veterinary care in a multi‐agency environment
Authors: Green Jim
Published: July 2024

Background: Through 20 years as an animal rescue responder and 15 years of providing training to large animal veterinary professionals, I am satisfied that the thought of being in charge of a civil emergency is, in the main, a daunting idea for a vet and one not relished by many. However, there often remains some confusion about legal responsibility when vets are involved in an incident with other agencies, and where the emergency falls out of a routine context.

Aim of the article: The aim of this article is to explain how emergency services view animal incidents, how national models are used to manage incidents and to outline the developing role of veterinarians within structured emergency response frameworks. This should help prepare veterinarians for a developing role in civil protection and risk mitigation.
Development of a pH‐strip‐based sensor for the detection of ammonia in exhaled breath as a promising method for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infections
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Chang , Wang Chi‐Chih , Chung Hsieh‐Hsunh , Hsieh Ping‐His , Tsai Hwei‐Yan
Published: July 2024

The early detection and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections can help prevent the formation of ulcers and development of gastric cancer in humans. The urea breath test (UBT) is a noninvasive test for diagnosing H. pylori. However, isotopic‐labeled UBT reagents are expensive and require specialized test equipment to detect isotopic CO2. In this study, the development of a user‐friendly, cost‐effective, and alternative method for diagnosing H. pylori infections by detecting NH3 in exhaled breath is reported. A commercial disposable pH strip is modified with sodium carboxymethylcellulose to enhance its performance in gaseous environments. The modified pH strip exhibits compatibility with both acidic (HCl and CH3COOH) and alkaline (NH3) gases. Furthermore, the sensor monitors the production of NH3 resulting from fish spoilage for 72 h, highlighting its real‐time capabilities. The feasibility of employing this simple strip sensor to detect H. pylori infection in patients is investigated through in vitro experiments and preliminary clinical studies. The simple strip sensor is a promising alternative to the C‐13 UBT for detecting H. pylori infection.
Damage regularity and multifractal analysis of sol‐gel reflection coating of KDP crystal under low UV irradiation flux
Authors: You Tenghui , Dai Yanmeng , Yu Jian , Ye Hai‐Xian , Dai Wan‐Jun , Cao Lei‐Feng
Published: July 2024

This study employed multifractal analysis to investigate the changes in surface morphology of SiO2 anti‐reflective coatings prepared on KDP substrates using the sol‐gel method, under various conditions of ultraviolet (UV) irradiance. The coatings were successfully fabricated, and the chemical structure of the SiO2 sol was comprehensively characterized using Solid‐State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SSNMR) technology. Under low UV irradiance (4 J/cm2), repeated experiments revealed a crack‐induced mechanism of surface fatigue damage. Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the study discovered the induction effect of initial crack defects in UV‐damaged coatings and established a damage model. Furthermore, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to acquire images of the coatings' surface morphology at different damage levels, which were analyzed using the multifractal spectrum f(α). This analysis confirmed the multifractal nature of the coatings both before and after damage. This study identified significant effects of UV irradiation on the width of the multifractal spectrum and Δf, indicating that the SiO2 anti‐reflective coatings exhibit multifractal characteristics under various damage states. The coatings displayed a pattern of decreasing and then increasing singularity spectrum width, height distribution unevenness, and surface roughness with increasing damage. This study demonstrates that multifractal analysis is an effective tool for describing the complexity of the surface morphology of sol‐gel‐derived anti‐reflective coatings for the first time and for validating their multifractal properties across different stages of UV damage.

Highlights

Damage dynamic process of KDP crystal sol‐gel coating was described by SEM&AFM;

The crack propagation mechanism of sol‐gel coating under UV radiation is proposed;

The damage evolution of sol‐gel coating was described by multifractal analysis.
Rare case of rectal carcinoid with synchronous primary carcinoid tumors of the lung misdiagnosed as lung metastases
Authors: Teraishi Fuminori , Shoji Rhohei , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: July 2024

A 68‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital for rectal surgery after a pathological diagnosis of rectal carcinoid with venous invasion following endoscopic submucosal dissection of a 5 mm‐sized submucosal tumor in the lower rectum. Chest CT showed nodules in the left upper lobe and right lower lobe, but positron emission tomography and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy showed no hyperaccumulation in the lung nodules. CT‐guided needle biopsy was performed on the nodular lesion in the left upper lobe, which showed focal growth of tumor cells with a high N/C ratio and positive synaptophysin, leading to a diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis of rectal carcinoid. Since the patient was asymptomatic and did not wish to undergo surgery or chemotherapy, she was followed up strictly with sufficient informed consent. Three years have passed since the diagnosis, and there is no tendency for the lung metastasis to increase, and no other new lesions have been observed. The disease had not progressed and remained stable. Therefore, immunohistological analysis of the lung biopsy specimen was performed again, which was positive for TTF‐1 and negative for CDX2. Consequently, the diagnosis was changed to primary lung carcinoid tumors, and the patient remains under follow‐up with no disease progression.
Successful management with urgent haploidentical‐peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for a patient with severe aplastic anaemia who developed disseminated fungal infection following immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Ikenobe Norihito , Fujimori Kentaro , Gocho Yoshihiro , Myojin Shota , Yamada Masaki , Imadome Kenichi , Miyasaka Mikiko , Miyazaki Osamu , Yoneda Akihiro , Matsumoto Shotaro , Nakagawa Satoshi , Deguchi Takao , Iguchi Akihiro , Tomizawa Daisuke , Ogimi Chikara , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Sakaguchi Hirotoshi
Published: July 2024

Urgent haploidentical haematopoietic cell transplantation may be considered in cases of severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) without a human leukocyte antigen‐matched donor and suffering from severe infection. However, deciding on allogeneic transplantation in the setting of active systemic infection is challenging due to poor outcomes. This report presents a case of disseminated Magnusiomyces capitatus infection in a 5‐year‐old male who underwent immunosuppressive therapy for hepatitis‐associated SAA. To address the critical situation, granulocyte transfusion was promptly administered from the patient's mother, followed by unmanipulated haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from the patient's father with posttransplant cyclophosphamide, ultimately resulting in successful rescue.
“…because the social work never ends”: a qualitative study exploring how NGOs responded to emerging needs while upholding responsibility to HIV prevention and treatment during the war in Ukraine
Authors: Lazarus Lisa , McClarty Leigh M , Herpai Nicole , Pavlova Daria , Tarasova Tatiana , Gnatenko Anna , Bondar Tetiana , Lorway Robert , Becker Marissa L ,   the Dynamics Study Team
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Since the onset of the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022, the health system in Ukraine has been placed under tremendous pressure, with damage to critical infrastructure, large losses of human resources, restricted mobility and significant supply chain interruptions. Based on a longstanding partnership between the Ukrainian Institute for Social Research after Oleksandr Yaremenko (UISR after O. Yaremenko) and the Institute for Global Public Health at the University of Manitoba, we explore the impact of the full‐scale war on non‐governmental organizations (NGOs, including charitable organizations) providing services for key population groups in Ukraine.

Methods

We conducted in‐depth qualitative interviews with key representatives from NGOs working with key population groups (i.e., people living with HIV, sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and transgender people) throughout Ukraine. Members of the UISR after O. Yaremenko research team recruited participants from organizations working at national, regional and local levels. The research team members conducted 26 interviews (22 with women and four with men) between 15 May and 7 June 2023. Interviews were conducted virtually in Ukrainian and interpretively analysed to draw out key themes.

Results

Applying Roels et al.’s notion of “first responders”, our findings explore how the full‐scale war personally and organizationally impacted workers at Ukrainian NGOs. Despite the impacts to participants’ physical and mental health, frontline workers continued to support HIV prevention and treatment while also responding to the need for humanitarian aid among their clients and the wider community. Furthermore, despite inadequate pay and compensation for their work, frontline workers assumed additional responsibilities, thereby exceeding their normal workload during the extraordinary conditions of war.

Conclusions

NGOs play a vital role as responders, adapting their services to meet the emergent needs of communities during structural shocks, such as war. There is an urgent need to support NGOs with adequate resources for key population service delivery and to increase support for their important role in humanitarian aid.
A citizen science approach to develop a digital intervention to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV self‐testing among adolescents and young adults: a mixed methods analysis from Kazakhstan
Authors: Davis Alissa , Rosenthal Susan L. , Tucker Joseph D. , Balabekova Olga , Nyblade Laura , Sun Yihang , Gryazev Denis , Lunze Karsten , Landers Sara E. , Tang Weiming , Kuskulov Azamat , Gulyayev Valera , Terlikbayeva Assel , Primbetova Sholpan , Mergenova Gaukhar ,   the JasSpark Study Team
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Kazakhstan has one of the fastest‐growing HIV epidemics in the world, with increasing rates among adolescents and young adults (AYA). Innovative strategies are needed to increase HIV testing uptake and decrease HIV stigma among AYA. Citizen science, defined as the active engagement of the general public in scientific research tasks, promotes and facilitates community engagement throughout the research process. This citizen science study used crowdsourcing to engage AYA in Kazakhstan to develop a digital intervention to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV self‐testing. Our objectives in this paper are to describe the approach used, its feasibility and acceptability, and AYA motivations for and lessons learned collaborating on the study.

Methods

From October 2021 to July 2022, in collaboration with a Community Collaborative Research Board and a Youth Advisory Board, we developed an open call requesting multimedia submissions to reduce HIV testing stigma. Eligible submissions were separated by age group (13−19 or 20−29 years) and judged by a panel composed of AYA (n = 23), healthcare professionals (n = 12), and representatives from the local government and non‐governmental organizations (n = 17). Each entry was reviewed by at least four judges and ranked on a 5‐point scale. The top 20 open call contestants were asked to submit self‐recordings sharing their motivation for and experience participating in the contest and lessons learned. Descriptive statistics were calculated for quantitative data. Qualitative data were coded using open coding.

Results

We received 96 submissions from 77 youth across Kazakhstan. Roughly, three‐quarters (n = 75/96) of entries met judging eligibility criteria. Of the eligible entries, over half (n = 39/75) scored 3.5 or higher on a 5‐point scale (70.0%). The most frequent types of entries were video (n = 36/96, 37.5%), image (n = 28/96, 29.2%) and text (n = 24/96, 25.0%). AYA's primary motivations for collaborating on the study included a desire to improve society and help youth. The main challenges included creating content to address complex information using simple language, finding reliable information online and technological limitations.

Conclusions

Crowdsourcing was feasible and highly acceptable among AYA in Kazakhstan. Citizen science approaches hold great promise for addressing the increasingly complex health and social challenges facing communities today.
Mental health and cognition in relation to adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV in Kazakhstan: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mergenova Gaukhar , Davis Alissa , Gilbert Louisa , El‐Bassel Nabila , Terlikbayeva Assel , Primbetova Sholpan , Nugmanova Zhamilya , Pala Andrea Norcini , Gustafson Deborah , Rosenthal Susan L. , Denebayeva Alfiya Y. , DeHovitz Jack
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is a research gap in how mental health and cognition are associated with antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Kazakhstan.

Methods

We randomly selected and enrolled 230 PLWH from the Almaty City AIDS Center registry (June−November 2019) into a cross‐sectional study. We examined associations between self‐reported ART adherence for the last 1 and 2 weeks; the Adherence Self‐Efficacy Scale (ASES) and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 [PHQ‐9]), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool [GAD‐7]), post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD Checklist [PTSD]); cognitive function (PROMIS v2.0 Adult Cognitive Function 8a short form) and forgetfulness (Forgetfulness Assessment Inventory). We used cut points of ≥5 for at least mild and ≥10 for at least moderate symptom severity for PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 and of ≥44 for PTSD. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used.

Results

Participants’ median age was 40.0 (IQR: 34−47) with 40.9% (n = 94) of females in the sample. Those who missed at least one pill for the last 2 weeks had higher odds of reporting at least mild depression (aOR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.22–9.11, p < 0.05); mild anxiety (aOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.20–8.92, p < 0.05); and PTSD (aOR = 4.04, 95% CI: 1.15–14.21, p < 0.05) symptoms. Participants who missed at least one pill for the last week had higher odds of at least mild depression (aOR = 7.74, 95% CI: 1.31–45.7, p < 0.05), moderate anxiety (aOR = 21.33, 95% CI: 3.24–140.33, p < 0.005) and PTSD (aOR = 13.81, 95% CI: 2.36–80.84, p < 0.005) symptoms. Participants with better cognitive function had lower odds of non‐adherence over the last week (aOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.96, p < 0.005) and higher ASES scores (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13–0.40, p < 0.005). Poor memory was associated with higher odds of non‐adherence over the last week (aOR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.76–12.24, p < 0.005) and lower ASES score (β = −0.31, 95% CI: −0.45 to 0.16, p < 0.005). Those who had at least mild depression (β = −0.21, 95% CI: −0.35 to −0.07, p < 0.005); moderate anxiety (β = −0.21, 95% CI: −0.34 to −0.07, p < 0.005) and PTSD (β = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.33 to −0.05, p < 0.005) symptoms had lower ASES scores.

Conclusions

Depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms, poorer cognition, and forgetfulness were associated with poorer ART adherence and worse adherence self‐efficacy. It is crucial to assess and treat mental illness and provide support for PLWH with worsened cognition to enhance ART adherence.
An implementation evaluation of the Breaking Down human rights barriers to HIV services initiative in Ukraine
Authors: Lohman Diederik , Kononchuk Yevheniia , Iovita Alexandrina , Golichenko Mikhail , Rachinska Valeria , Skala Pavlo , Gvozdetska Olga , Myroniuk Serhii , Amon Joseph J.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Globally, stark inequities exist in access to HIV treatment and prevention. The eastern European and central Asian region is experiencing the sharpest rise in new HIV acquisition and deaths in the world, with low rates of treatment and prevention services, especially for key and vulnerable populations who face a range of human rights‐related barriers to HIV prevention and treatment.

Methods

An implementation learning evaluation approach was used to examine the implementation of the Breaking Down Barriers initiative targeting key and vulnerable populations in Ukraine. Between September 2022 and April 2023, researchers conducted 23 key informant interviews with individuals from the Ukrainian government, implementing organizations and human rights experts. Using a concurrent triangulation design, researchers and key informants, in a process of co‐creation, sought to describe programme accomplishments, challenges and innovations in implementation, between 2021 and 2023, including periods before and after Russia's February 2022 full‐scale invasion.

Results

Eight rights‐based interventions related to HIV were identified in Global Fund programme documents and key informant interviews as making up the core of the Breaking Down Barriers initiative in Ukraine. These included programmes seeking to: eliminate stigma and discrimination; ensure the non‐discriminatory provision of medical care; promote rights‐based law enforcement practices; expand legal literacy (“know your rights”); increase access to justice; improve laws, regulations and policies; reduce gender discrimination, harmful gender norms and violence against women and girls; and mobilize communities for advocacy. These programmes received US$5.9 million in funding. Key informants reported that significant progress had been made addressing human rights barriers and scaling up interventions, both before and after Russia's invasion. Programme implementors adopted innovative approaches, including using paralegals, hotlines and other community‐led interventions, to ensure that key and vulnerable populations, including displaced individuals, were able to access prevention and care.

Conclusions

An implementation learning evaluation approach examining programmes addressing human rights barriers to HIV services, designed as a process of co‐creation between researchers, programme implementors, government officials and human rights experts, can provide a robust assessment of programme outputs, outcomes and evidence of impact, despite a challenging operational environment.
Perceived algorithmic evaluation and app‐workers' service performance: The roles of flow experience and challenges of gig work
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Liu Guangjian , Pei Jialiang , Zhang Shuxia , Liu Jun
Published: July 2024

Algorithmic evaluations are becoming increasingly common among app‐workers. However, there is limited research on how app‐workers' perceptions of these evaluations (perceived algorithmic evaluation, or PAE) affect service performance. Our study addresses this gap in three ways: first, we introduce a new method to measure PAE among app‐workers. Second, building on flow theory, we explore how app‐workers' flow experience mediates the relationship between PAE and service performance. Third, by integrating the conservation of resources theory and flow theory, we examine how viability challenges might reduce the positive impact of PAE on app‐workers' flow experience. Using both interviews and surveys, our research reveals that PAE positively influences app‐workers' flow experience and, in turn, their service performance. Notably, we find that when workers face more viability challenges, the positive effects of PAE on their flow experience and service performance decrease. Our findings highlight the importance of algorithmic evaluation in shaping app‐workers' work experiences and outcomes in the gig economy and have significant theoretical and practical implications.
Speeding up macro‐Raman mapping by reducing the number of sampling points
Authors: Vandenabeele Peter
Published: July 2024

Macro‐Raman mapping is an approach that allows to obtain high‐resolution molecular maps of artefacts, over an area of several square centimetres. The method is based on recording thousands of spectra in a grid. The main drawback of this method is that it is very time consuming. A straightforward approach to reduce the measurement time is achieved by reducing the number of points that are measured. Not all points of the map are equally informative: Pixels that are surrounded by similar points might be less interesting to measure. Therefore, an algorithm is proposed to select where to measure and which points to omit. The missing pixels can be filled in a posteriori, by using a suitable interpolation algorithm. The selection of the omitted pixels can be performed based on information that is available from other analytical techniques. In this case, a selection was made based on the local variances in a colour picture. The approach is evaluated by recording macro‐Raman maps of details of a Neptune watercolour painting on paper. In a first stage, the Raman intensities of the scaled and baseline corrected spectra at specific band positions were colour coded and plotted as Raman maps. The interpolation of the Raman maps yielded satisfying results. The image outline could clearly be identified in the maps, and the differently coloured zones were distinguished. Next to this univariate approach, it was demonstrated that also a multivariate data extraction method (principal component analysis) is compatible with the proposed algorithm to measure 25% less datapoints.
Use of a low transformation temperature effect for the targeted reduction of welding distortion in stainless chromium‐nickel steel for an application in rail vehicle construction
Authors: Gamerdinger M. , Akyel F. , Olschok S. , Kahve C. , Fritsche D. C. , Elliesen U. , Hopmann C. , Reisgen U.
Published: July 2024

Due to their low thermal conductivity and high thermal expansion, austenitic chromium‐nickel steels have an increased tendency to distortion during welding. In industrial sectors such as rail vehicle construction, there is a high demand for geometrical precision that is not met by distorted components. Introducing a low transformation temperature (LTT) effect in the weld seam influences the stress distribution, which effects the formation of welding distortion. The low transformation temperature effect is achieved by in situ alloying using commercially available materials. The demonstrators made of stainless steel (X2CrNiN18‐7/1.4318) were welded with a low‐alloy filler metal G4Si1. The low transformation temperature effect is assessed by energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy and hardness measurements. The effect on distortion was investigated by measuring the demonstrators with a coordinate measuring system and the results were compared with the reference stainless steel demonstrators with stainless filler metal. The alloying process resulted in a reduction of the alloy content to 14.4 m% chromium and 5 m% nickel and a medium‐high hardness of 361 HV 0.2 to 383 HV 0.2. The low transformation temperature effect achieved leads to a significant reduction in welding distortion of up to 78 % compared to the similar reference demonstrators.
A novel sensor placement strategy based on an enhanced damage assessment method in beam‐like structures: Saddle point criteria
Authors: Tufan T.
Published: July 2024

Sensor placement is one of the vital concerns in civil structure monitoring. A sensor placement strategy based on a damage assessment method has been introduced for beam‐like structures. An existing damage detection method adapted to multi‐modes and different types of beam‐like structures. Then, it is numerically verified to be suitable for detecting any damage location in a 100 degrees of freedom mass‐spring system. Depending on the noise in the response and the limited measurements, the results demonstrate the validity of using the multi‐mode damage indicator. However, there are limitations to this method due to mode shape saddle points. Sensor deployment schemes have been proposed to address the restriction. In contrast to the corresponding procedure, this method does not rely on the optimization algorithm. Sensor placement strategies involve the simultaneous use of accelerometers and large‐area electronics.
Decisive reversal of lethal coronavirus disease 2019 in senescent hamster by synchronic antiviral and immunoregulatory intervention
Authors: Liu Xuan , Zhou Ming , Fang Mujing , Xie Ying , Chen Peiwen , Chen Rirong , Wu Kun , Ye Jianghui , Liu Che , Zhu Huachen , Cheng Tong , Yuan Lunzhi , Zhao Hui , Guan Yi , Xia Ningshao
Published: July 2024

The poor prognosis observed in elderly individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) remains a serious clinical burden and the underlying mechanism is unclear, which necessities detailed investigation of disease characteristics and research for efficient countermeasures. To simulate lethal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in senescent human patients, 80‐week‐old male hamsters are intranasally inoculated with different doses of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.5 variant. Exposure to a low dose of the Omicron BA.5 variant results in early activation of the innate immune response, followed by rapid viral clearance and minimal lung damage. However, a high dose of BA.5 results in impaired interferon signaling, cytokine storm, uncontrolled viral replication, and severe lung injury. To decrease viral load and reverse the deterioration of COVID‐19, a new bio‐mimic decoy called CoVR‐MV is used as a preventive or therapeutic agent. Administration of CoVR‐MV as a preventive or therapeutic intervention in the early stages of infection can effectively suppress viral load, regulate the immune response, and rescue animals from death and critical illness. These findings underscore the risk associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.5 exposure in senescent hamsters and highlight the importance of early intervention to prevent disease progression.
Prenatal diagnosis and genetic study of 22q11.2 microduplication in Chinese fetuses: A series of 31 cases and literature review
Authors: Jiang Xiali , Liang Bin , He Shuqiong , Wu Xiaoqing , Zhao Wantong , Xue Huili , Wang Yan , Lin Na , Huang Hailong , Xu Liangpu
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients with 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome exhibit a high degree of phenotypic heterogeneity and incomplete penetrance, making prenatal diagnosis challenging due to phenotypic variability. This report aims to raise awareness among prenatal diagnostic practitioners regarding the variant's complexity, providing a basis for prenatal genetic counseling.

Methods

Family and clinical data of 31 fetuses with 22q11.2 microduplications confirmed by chromosomal microarray between June 2017 and June 2023 were considered.

Results

Primary prenatal ultrasound features of affected fetuses include variable cardiac and cardiovascular anomalies, increased nuchal translucency (≥3 mm), renal abnormalities, and polyhydramnios. More than half of fetuses considered showed no intrauterine manifestations; therefore, prenatal diagnostic indicators were primarily advanced maternal age or high‐risk Down syndrome screening. Most fetuses had microduplications in proximal or central 22q11.2 regions, with only three cases with distal microduplications. Among parents of fetuses considered, 87% (27/31) continued the pregnancy. During follow‐up, 19 cases remained clinically asymptomatic.

Conclusion

Nonspecific 22q11.2 microduplication features in fetuses and its mild postnatal disease presentation highlight the need to cautiously approach prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy decision‐making. Increased clinical efforts should be made regarding providing parents with specialized genetic counseling, long‐term follow‐up, and fetal risk information.
Coagulation profiles and percentiles in neonates with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy undergoing therapeutic hypothermia: A step toward more accurate transfusion thresholds
Authors: De Rose Domenico Umberto , Maddaloni Chiara , Ronci Sara , Bersani Iliana , Martini Ludovica , Caoci Stefano , Savarese Immacolata , Di Pede Alessandra , Campi Francesca , Di Felice Giovina , Berti Pierpaolo , Porzio Ottavia , Luciani Matteo , Dotta Andrea
Published: July 2024

Background

In the literature, there are no studies about the transfusion threshold for neonates with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH). In order to facilitate accurate interpretation of coagulation results in these neonates, we aimed to generate specific reference intervals in this specific population.

Methods

This retrospective study included all HIE neonates admitted from 2014 to 2022 to undergo TH. All infants during TH underwent blood exams, including the coagulation profile. Our primary outcome was to assess the estimates of the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentiles for each parameter on admission (before transfusion). By the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and the best cut‐off point were used to evaluate the ability of the prothrombin time expressed as international normalized ratio (PT‐INR) to predict the risk of any bleeding.

Results

A total of 143 infants were included in this study. On admission, the median fibrinogen value was 205 mg/dL, prothrombin time 18.6 seconds, PT‐INR 1.50, activated partial thromboplastin time 38.3 seconds, thrombin time 18.6 seconds, antithrombin 57.0%. The optimal cut‐off of PT‐INR in predicting the risk of any bleeding was greater than 1.84 (AUC .623, p = .024).

Conclusion

For the first time, we proposed the percentiles of coagulation parameters in our cohort of neonates with HIE. Furthermore, we found that a PT‐INR greater than 1.84 can significantly predict the risk of any bleeding. Further studies are needed to determine if a restrictive versus a liberal transfusion approach can be equally safer for these high‐risk infants.
Current surgical practice for central venous access to deliver chemotherapy and enteral access for nutritional support in pediatric patients with an oncological diagnosis
Authors: van den Bosch Ceder H. , Grant Christa N. , Brown Erin G. , Morrison Zachary D. , Luques Lisandro M. , Christison‐Lagay Emily R. , Baertschiger Reto M.
Published: July 2024

Central venous access through tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) are one of the cornerstones of modern oncologic practice in pediatric patients since CVCs provide a reliable access route for the administration of chemotherapy. Establishing best practices for CVC management in children with cancer is essential to optimize care. This article reviews current best practices, including types of devices, their placement, complications, and long‐term outcomes. Additionally, nutrition status and nutritional support are also very important determinants of outcomes and care in pediatric surgical oncology patients. We review current nutritional assessment, support, access for enteral and parenteral nutrition delivery, and their complications, mainly from a surgical perspective. Overall, access surgery, whether for CVCs, or for enteral access can be challenging, and best practice guidelines supported by current though limited evidence are necessary to minimize complications and optimize outcomes.