bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of free tuition policy on university academic performance in Chile
Authors: Espinoza Oscar , Sandoval Luis , Corradi Bruno , McGinn Noel , Larrondo Yahira , Maldonado Karina
Published: November 2024

In 2016 Chile initiated a policy of free tuition for students from families in the lower half of the income distribution to improve access to and completion of higher education. The empirical effectiveness of the policy has not yet been completely demonstrated. This study analysed the difference in levels of academic performance of students enrolled in 12 Chilean universities with and without free tuition. The study used a regression discontinuity design with a running discrete variable locally randomised. The results show that the academic performance of students receiving free tuition was equivalent to that of students paying the full cost. There was no difference in the course pass rate of those with or without free tuition. Over time the effects of the policy could reduce inequality in the professional labour market. In addition, the study suggests that there may be complementary practices that further improve university student achievement and completion rates.
Western Anthelmintics in Early Twentieth‐Century China Colonial Practices and Knowledge on “Tropical Diseases” of the In/between**
Authors: Merdes Dominik
Published: November 2024

Protestant (medical) missionaries were the main proponents of Western medicine in China after the Opium Wars. Several studies have highlighted how they used spectacular surgery as a means of gaining public trust. As well as surgery, they also administered anthelmintic drugs such as santonin as a tool of persuasion and conversion. Many anthelmintic drugs of the European materia medica had a colonial history. My paper analyses how coloniality materialised in medical practice and anthelmintics in China. For the late nineteenth century, I will examine the colonial practices in which the drug santonin was involved. At the time, santonin was the drug of choice for treating roundworm. In the early twentieth century, medical missionaries became involved in parasitological research on parasitic worms such as hookworm and Fasciolopsis buski. For this period, I will explore how new knowledge about anthelmintics emerged in the scattered knowledge space of China, and how it related to colonialism and imperialism.
Between Living and Non‐living: Materiality of the Placenta in Ming China**
Authors: Chen Hsiu‐fen
Published: November 2024

This study explores materiality and material cultures of human placenta in Ming China (1368–1644), for it perfectly displays Chinese ambiguous attitudes towards the human body parts between living and non‐living. For a long time, the Chinese had widely applied human body parts in medical treatments and ritual healings. Numerous evidences in relation to their collection, production, efficacy and application are widely recorded in medical works, in particular those found in materia medica. In the sixteenth century, the Bencao gangmu (Systemic Materia Medica, 1596) illustrates thirty‐five “human body drugs.” Of those, the placenta was believed effective for curing illnesses, nourishing the body and prolonging life. The questions to be answered include: how is the placenta perceived in medical and religious discourses? What is its “materiality” and “efficacy” when it becomes a drug? What ethical issues and moral concerns are involved with eating the placenta? Last but not least, how was the placenta ritually buried after childbirth in premodern China? In so doing, this essay aims to provide a better understanding of the placenta situated in both material and cosmological worlds. It helps us rethink the multiple relations of human body part to part, part to whole, and body to body.
Encourage self‐learning and collaborative learning through gamification during COVID‐19 pandemic: A case study for teaching biochemistry
Authors: Lee Rebecca K. Y. , Ng Bernard Y. N. , Chen Minghui Daisy
Published: November 2024

During COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a change in the teaching mode from face‐to‐face to online teaching. It was especially challenging for teachers to motivate students to learn through distance learning. This shift in teaching mode also lowered student–student and student‐teacher interactions. In this project, a biochemistry courseware, Metabolism Metro (Adventure Mode), was designed which aimed to motivate students learning metabolic pathways in a fun and interactive way. The Metabolism Metro (Adventure Mode) was based on a role‐play game design and contained quizzes with questions covering the topics of carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and nucleotide metabolism. In order to enhance the courseware usage, and to encourage collaborative learning, the class teacher had organized a prize‐winning competition. Students could join the competition either individually or in groups to complete the game. By including challenging quizzes in the courseware, some students tended to form groups to solve the problems together. They either discussed the problems over the phone, or sat together and answered the questions using one computer. Besides reading the lecture notes, the students also tried to read the textbook, found the answers from the internet, or sought help from the class teacher. Students were attracted to self‐learn metabolic pathways to complete the quizzes.
Preserving Laryngo‐Esophageal Function in Patients With Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treated With Radiotherapy: Predictive Factors and Long‐Term Outcomes
Authors: Nakajima Aya , Yoshimura Michio , Hiraoka Shinya , Nakashima Ryota , Kishimoto Yo , Omori Koichi , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: November 2024

Background

Functional outcomes after hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treatment have a significant effect on patients' quality of life and prognosis. This study aimed to identify the predictive factors associated with laryngo‐esophageal dysfunction in patients with HPC who received definitive radiotherapy.

Methods

Patients with HPC treated with definitive intensity‐modulated radiotherapy between 2007 and 2019 at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Laryngo‐esophageal dysfunction‐free survival (LDFS) events were defined as local recurrence, laryngo‐esophageal dysfunction (defined as tracheostomy or feeding tube dependence), or death from any cause.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 61 months for the 80 patients included in the study. The 5‐year LDFS rate was 47%. A clinical T4 stage and lower pretreatment prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were independently associated with a lower LDFS.

Conclusion

A clinical T4 stage and lower pretreatment PNI were identified as predictors of a lower LDFS after definitive radiotherapy for HPC.
A Phase 1 Study of ABI‐009 (Nab‐sirolimus) in Combination With Temozolomide and Irinotecan in Pediatric Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Solid Tumors, Including CNS Tumors—A Children's Oncology Group Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trial Network Study ADVL1514
Authors: Cramer Stuart L. , Reddy Alyssa Terry , Minard Charles Gene , Voss Stephan , Fox Elizabeth , Liu Xiaowei , Denic Kristina , Reid Joel M. , Weigel Brenda J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Nab‐sirolimus (ABI‐009, nab‐rapamycin; Aadi Bioscience Inc. [Aadi]) is a human albumin‐bound form of sirolimus nanoparticles, a potent mTOR inhibitor. This phase I trial was conducted to define dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT), maximum tolerated or recommended phase II dose (MTD/RP2D), and pharmacokinetics of Nab‐sirolimus in combination with temozolomide and irinotecan.

Methods

Using a rolling 6 design, Nab‐sirolimus was administered intravenously (IV) on days (D) 1 and 8 of cycle (C) 1. In subsequent cycles, Nab‐sirolimus was administered D1 and D8 in combination with temozolomide (125 mg/m2/dose, maximum 250 mg/dose) and irinotecan (90 mg/m2/dose) orally, daily on D1–5. Cycle duration was 21 days. Three dose levels (DL) of Nab‐sirolimus were investigated (DL1: 35 mg/m2/dose, DL‐1: 20 mg/m2/dose, and DL‐2: 15 mg/m2/dose). The observation period for estimating the MTD/RP2D was defined by cycles 1 and 2.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were enrolled, 32 were eligible. Dose determination included 17 evaluable patients, median (range) age 12 (2–20) years and six additional patients were enrolled (four evaluable for toxicity) on a pharmacokinetic cohort. C1 or C2 DLTs were primarily thrombocytopenia including 2/5 patients at DL1, 2/6 patients at DL‐1, and 1/6 patients at DL‐2. One patient (DL1) with Ewing Sarcoma had a partial response and remained on study for 35 cycles. Rapamycin clearance was dose dependent. Irinotecan clearance and its active metabolite SN‐38 exposure were not affected by coadministration with Nab‐sirolimus.

Conclusion

The MTD for Nab‐sirolimus was 15 mg/m2/dose IV on D1 and D8 in combination with temozolomide 125 mg/m2/dose and oral irinotecan 90 mg/m2/dose daily for 5 days during 21D cycles.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02975882
Cannabis Use Among Cancer Patients During Active Treatment: Findings From a Study at an NCI‐Designated Cancer Center
Authors: Baral Amrit , Diggs Bria‐Necole A. , Marrakchi El Fellah Ranya , McCarley Connor , Penedo Frank , Martinez Claudia , Vidot Denise C.
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to describe patterns, sources, and reasons for cannabis use among cancer patients during active treatment (+CDTX) compared to no‐use during active treatment (−CDTX).

Methods

Data are from 385 surveys collected via REDCap during phase I of an ongoing study among adult cancer patients seen at an NCI‐designated comprehensive cancer center within the last 5 years of treatment. A harmonized survey was created with 11 other NCI centers to assess cannabis use patterns, sources, and reasons for use. Sociodemographics and cancer details were also collected via self‐report. Descriptive statistics were calculated and stratified by +/−CDTX. Chi‐squared tests were conducted to compare proportions between groups.

Results

Among the sample [49.5 years (SD 15.9); 53.0% male; and 41.6% Hispanic/Latino], 41.0% + CDTX and 59.0% −CDTX. A majority (71.8%) of +CDTX initiated use before diagnosis versus 44.1% in −CDTX (p < 0.0001); patients diagnosed with stage 4 cancer had a statistically significant higher prevalence of +CDTX (60.0%; p = 0.003); 53.3% in radiation reported +CDTX compared to 42.8% in chemotherapy, and 36.4% in immunotherapy. Dispensaries and local dealers were the top sources of cannabis in both groups. Among +CDTX, 44.3% consumed cannabis at least once a day DTX, dominant cannabinoids used were CBD (35.2%), Delta‐8‐THC (18.3%), and CBD + THC ratio (14.1%); 12.7% were unsure what they consumed. Joints were the most common inhalation method (61.5%), and store‐bought candy was the most common edible (39.2%). Depression/mood, pain, and enjoyment were the top three reasons for +CDTX compared to enjoyment, depression/mood, and nausea/upset stomach in −CDTX (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Patterns, sources, and reasons for cannabis use varied between +CDTX and ‐CDTX. Future studies should examine the impacts of cannabis and specific cannabinoids on cancer treatment, drug interactions, survival outcomes, and quality of life.
An exploration into the prevalence and experience of neurodiversity among staff at a UK high‐secure psychiatric hospital
Authors: Walker Freya , Samya Sri Anna , Murphy David
Published: November 2024

Background

Whilst there is increasing recognition and interest in how staff who have neurodivergence are represented and contribute to industry, to date, there has been very little exploration of neurodivergence among healthcare staff and none with those working in forensic psychiatric services.

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of neurodivergence among staff working in a UK high‐secure psychiatric hospital and explore their experiences.

Methods

All staff were invited to complete a confidential online self‐report questionnaire consisting of both closed and open questions.

Results

A fifth of the staff responded (n = 124), but two did not report their neurodivergent status, so were excluded. Nearly 40% of responders reported having some form of neurodivergence, with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) being the most common, followed by dyslexia, autism and dyspraxia. Over a third (36%) of those reporting neurodivergence said that they had chosen not to disclose this to the organisation and around a quarter (23%) reported not feeling valued or supported by the organisation. Of the staff cohort who responded, most expressed the view that neurodiversity in the workforce is beneficial to patient care, despite the majority being unsure whether neurodivergence is an advantage or a barrier for the individual themselves. Over half of staff completing the survey felt there was not enough awareness of neurodiversity among staff and that more training on the subject would be beneficial.

Conclusion

This survey suggests gaps in our recognition and understanding of neurodivergence among hospital staff. Although the prevalence figure should be treated with caution, given the low response rate, in this first survey of neurodivergence among staff in a secure hospital, our findings suggest substantial numbers of staff with neurodivergence and the likelihood that neither they nor the organisation are optimising this situation. The further steps should include the development and evaluation of strategies exploring ways of improving recognition and relevant support for staff, as well as discovering ways in which neurodivergence in staff might inform and optimise care and treatment for patients.
46‐kg abdominal tumor misdiagnosed as obesity: Unveiling healthcare bias due to obesity stigma
Authors: Calini Giacomo , Rottoli Matteo , D'Errico Antonietta , Poggioli Gilberto
Published: November 2024

Key Clinical Message

Obesity results in higher risk of some cancers while obesity stigma affect patient's quality of care. In this case report, a 46 kg ovary mass was misdiagnosed as severe obesity. Obesity stigma awareness and a sustained effort from healthcare professionals are required to deliver adequate patient care to patients with obesity.

Obesity is a disease associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and some cancers. Obesity stigma affect patients and healthcare professionals leading to mistrust, poor adherence, noncompliance to screening, and misdiagnosis. We reported a case report of a patient sent to our referral center for surgical evaluation of long‐standing severe obesity (BMI 59). Physical examination was significant for abdominal obesity with a hard consistency, but no cushingoid dysmorphism or lipodystrophy. No abdominal pain, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or change in bowel movements were present. Tumor markers were normal except for an elevated Ca 19.9. Imaging showed a large, intraperitoneal abdominal mass with no metastatic disease. The patient underwent surgery to remove a 46‐kg complex ovarian cystic mass (circumference: 160 cm, diameter: 67 cm), full of liquid and with six nodular areas. The mass was entirely extracted with an intact capsule. The cystic mass resulted in a well‐differentiated intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma with microinvasive foci, an endophytic borderline area (sec. WHO 2014), and mucinous‐cystic areas with no atypia. The patient had postoperative bilateral basal pleural effusion resolved with conservative treatment and was discharged at home on postoperative day 12 with an uneventful 90‐day postoperative follow‐up. In the present case report, a 46 kg ovary mass was misdiagnosed as severe obesity, and the patient was referred for bariatric evaluation. Unveiling biases related to obesity stigma is the first step to ensuring better patient care. Obesity stigma awareness and a sustained effort from healthcare professionals are required to deliver adequate patient care to patients with obesity.
Self‐Assembly of Metallo‐Supramolecular Amphiphiles based on Azadipyrromethenes: Consecutive Pathways to Nanodiscs and Nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Hou Baokai , Zhao Mingyao , Pan Hongfei , Liu Mengqi , Chen Zhijian
Published: November 2024

A new class of metallo‐supramolecular amphiphilic dyes 1 a, b was constructed by using two azadipyrromethene units which were respectively modified with two hydrophobic alkyl and two hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) chains. The spectroscopic and morphological studies revealed the consecutive self‐assembly pathways of 1 a in EtOH/H2O mixed solvent. The monomers of 1 a firstly aggregated into the kinetic‐controlled, nanodisc‐shaped Agg. I upon cooling and the latter spontaneously transformed into the thermodynamically more stable Agg. II with a nanosheet morphology. While the non‐fluorescent Agg. I displayed a broad absorption band (λmax=615 nm), the Agg. II displayed a more intensive and narrowed J‐band (λmax=693 nm) and a fluorescence band with a maximum at 760 nm (Φfl=0.1), which could be ascribed to the J‐aggregation induced emission enhancement. The kinetics of Agg. I to Agg. II transformation was further modulated by seed‐initiated supramolecular polymerization with various ratios of Seedagg.II, in which the transformation rate was significantly increased by ca. 2 orders of magnitude compared to the spontaneous process. The supramolecular amphiphile 1 b bearing longer hydrophilic chains formed only one type aggregate, which exhibited spectroscopic and morphological properties that were highly comparable with that of Agg. I.
Flowing Forward: Continuous Synthesis of and with Ionic Liquids
Authors: Stagel Kristof , Bica‐Schröder Katharina
Published: November 2024

Herein, the developments in the field of continuous ionic liquid synthesis and continuous ionic liquid utilization from the last seven years are reviewed. Starting by discussing recent strategies for the preparation of ionic liquids themselves in different flow reactors, the review will further focus on various continuous strategies employing ionic liquids. The application of ionic liquids in continuous processes, particularly as supported catalytic layers, has drawn significant scientific interest in the last decades. These catalyst frameworks provide a versatile tool in many organic transformations, and their application became an attractive strategy in continuous catalytic approaches.
Changes in the ideal body shape associated with adolescent rowing‐ergometry performance following a 6‐week training intervention: New scaling insights using three‐dimensional allometry
Authors: Nevill Alan M. , Walters Grace W. M. , Dring Karah J. , Nevill Benjamin A. , Cooper Simon B. , Morris John G.
Published: November 2024

Scaling, to remove the effects of body size, is an important methodological approach for enabling an equitable comparison of performance differences between individuals who vary in anthropometric characteristics. Many previous studies using scaling in sport have done so based on only one or two anthropometric characteristics, with only one study to date adopting a three‐dimensional approach. To apply a three‐dimensional allometric model to rowing ergometer performance (REP) in adolescents, and to detect whether key ‘scaling’ parameters remain stable when scaling REP both before and after a 6‐week training intervention. Novel three‐dimensional allometric models were used, incorporating body mass, stature and waist circumference (WC) to detect the most appropriate body size dimension(s) and scaling parameters associated with REP before and after a 6‐week training intervention. Using this more flexible and sensitive three‐dimensional allometry demonstrated that, following 6‐weeks of training, there was a change in the ideal body shape associated with REP. Before training, taller, but not heavier, adolescents performed better. After 6‐weeks of training, older participants with a greater body mass but smaller WC performed better. Scaling approaches are important for evaluating performance differences between individuals of differing body size. The findings from the current study (using a novel three‐dimensional allometry approach) emphasise that relatively subtle changes in individuals' behavioural characteristics, such as changes in their training/fitness status, can result in quite dramatic changes in the body dimension characteristics and scaling parameters deemed to be key for performance in activities such as REP.
Newer glucose‐lowering drugs reduce the risk of late‐onset seizure and epilepsy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sindhu Udeept , Sharma Akshay , Zawar Ifrah , Punia Vineet
Published: November 2024

Newer glucose‐lowering drugs (GLDs) protect against cerebrovascular, neurodegenerative, and neuroinflammatory pathologies. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing newer GLDs to placebo that assessed long‐term cardiovascular and renal outcomes to analyze their potential to prevent late‐onset seizures and epilepsy, separately and as a combined outcome. A comprehensive MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases search for DPP‐4 inhibitors, GLP‐1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitor RCTs, which reported adverse effects, including seizures and epilepsy on clinicaltrials.gov, yielded 413 studies. Of them, 27 studies with almost 200 000 patients (mean age 64.9 years, 65.6% males) were included. We calculated relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR) using the Mantel–Haenszel method and Peto's method. Patients taking newer GLDs had a 24% lower risk of late‐onset seizures and epilepsy, combined, (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62–0.95) and 22% lower risk of late‐onset seizures only (RR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.60–1.00), compared to patients on placebo. This seizure and epilepsy prevention benefit was only noted among patients taking GLP‐1 receptor agonists. Stroke incidence was comparable between newer GLDs and placebo group. GLP‐1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide significantly reduce late‐onset seizures and epilepsy, and their anti‐epileptogenic potential in older adults needs further exploration.

Plain Language Summary

Our analysis 27 clinical trials and nearly 200 000 patients evaluated the potential of newer glucose‐lowering drugs (GLDs) to prevent late‐onset seizures and epilepsy in older adults. The study found that newer GLDs, especially GLP‐1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide, reduced the combined risk of seizures and epilepsy by 24% compared to placebo. These findings suggest that newer GLDs may offer prevention against the development of seizures and epilepsy in older adults. However, further research is needed to confirm their anti‐epileptogenic effects.
Olfactory Dysfunction and Limbic Hypoactivation in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Schmidt Markus , Bauer Tobias , Kehl Marcel , Minarik Anna , Walger Lennart , Schultz Johannes , Otte Martin S. , Trautner Peter , Hoppe Christian , Baumgartner Tobias , Specht‐Riemenschneider Louisa , Mormann Florian , Radbruch Alexander , Surges Rainer , Rüber Theodor
Published: November 2024

The epileptogenic network in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) contains structures of the primary and secondary olfactory cortex such as the piriform and entorhinal cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus. Olfactory auras and olfactory dysfunction are relevant symptoms of TLE. This study aims to characterize olfactory function in TLE using olfactory testing and olfactory functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We prospectively enrolled 20 individuals with unilateral TLE (age 45 ± 20 years [mean ± SD], 65% female, 90% right‐handed) and 20 healthy individuals (age 33 ± 15 years [mean ± SD], 35% female, 90% right‐handed). In the TLE group, the presumed seizure onset zone was left‐sided in 75%; in 45% of the individuals with TLE limbic encephalitis was the presumed etiology; and 15% of the individuals with TLE reported olfactory auras. Olfactory function was assessed with a Screening Sniffin’ Sticks Test (Burkhart, Wedel, Germany) during a pre‐assessment. During a pre‐testing, all individuals were asked to rate the intensity, valence, familiarity, and associated memory of five different odors (eugenol, vanillin, phenethyl alcohol, decanoic acid, valeric acid) and a control solution. During the fMRI experiment, all individuals repeatedly smelled eugenol (positively valenced odor), valeric acid (negatively valenced odor), and the control solution and were asked to rate odor intensity on a five‐point Likert scale. We acquired functional EPI sequences and structural images (T1, T2, FLAIR). Compared to healthy individuals, individuals with TLE rated the presented odors as more neutral (two‐sided Mann–Whitney U tests, FDR‐p < 0.05) and less familiar (two‐sided Mann–Whitney U tests, FDR‐p < 0.05). fMRI data analysis revealed a reduced response contrast in secondary olfactory areas (e.g., hippocampus) connected to the limbic system when comparing eugenol and valeric acid in individuals with TLE when compared with healthy individuals. However, no lateralization effect was obtained when calculating a lateralization index by the number of activated voxels in the olfactory system (two‐sided Mann–Whitney U test; U = 176.0; p = 0.525). TLE is characterized by olfactory dysfunction and associated with hypoactivation of secondary olfactory structures connected to the limbic system. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology of TLE. This study was preregistered on OSF Registries (www.osf.io).
Distinct Ventral Hippocampus Network Properties in Dissociated Cultures
Authors: Segal Menahem
Published: November 2024

Extensive research has been focused in the past century on structural, physiological, and molecular attributes of the hippocampus. This interest was created by the unique involvement of the hippocampus in cognitive and affective functions of the brain. Functional analysis revealed that the hippocampus has divergent properties along its axial dimension to the extent that the dorsal sector (dorsal hippocampus, DH) has different connections with the rest of the brain than those of the ventral sector (VH). Still, longitudinal pathways connect the DH with the VH and dampen the functional differences between the sectors. To be able to identify the intrinsic functional difference between the DH and VH, we produced dissociated monolayer cultures from prenatal DH and VH and examined their properties at 10–20 days after plating by imaging the spontaneous activity of the network using Fluo‐2 AM, a calcium indicator. Surprisingly, while DH and VH sectors produced dissociated cultures with similar morphological attributes, VH cultures were more active spontaneously than DH cultures. Furthermore, when stimulated to produce action potentials, VH neurons triggered network bursts in postsynaptic neurons more often than DH cultures. Finally, in both DH and VH cultures, electrical stimulation of single cells produced network bursts in response to a burst of action potentials rather than to single spikes. These experiments indicate that even in dissociated cultures, neurons of the VH are more excitable and sensitive to electrical stimulation than DH; hence, they are more likely to generate network bursts and epileptic seizures, as suggested for in vivo brains.
Ethics in the provision of obstetric and gynecologic health care for non‐binary and transgender individuals
Authors: Antsaklis Aris , Capito Lourdes B. , Pandit Suchitra N. ,   the FIGO Committee on Ethical Aspects of Human Reproduction and Women's Health
Published: November 2024

Transgender and non‐binary individuals often face bias and a lack of awareness, knowledge, and sensitivity from healthcare professionals. This article aims to raise awareness of the concepts of medical ethics among OBGYNs, so they will be better able to approach complex ethical situations in a clear and structured way when providing obstetric and gynecologic health care for transgender and gender‐diverse patients.
Long‐term maternal outcomes 5 years after cesarean section in Sierra Leone: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Logstein Erika , Torp Richard , Ashley Thomas , Kamara Michael M. , Koroma Alimamy P. , Dumbuya Abu Bakarr , Suma Musa S. , Moijue Abdul Rahman , Westendorp Josien , Kujabi Monica L. , Rijken Marcus J. , Wibe Arne , Hagander Lars , Leather Andrew J. M. , Bolkan Håkon A. , van Duinen Alex J.
Published: November 2024

Cesarean section (CS) is a life‐saving procedure when performed for the right indication but carries substantial risks, specifically during subsequent pregnancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate obstetric outcomes for women 5 years after a CS performed by medical doctors and associate clinicians. This was a prospective multi‐center observational study of women who had a CS at any of nine hospitals in Sierra Leone. Women and their offspring were followed up with three home visits for 5 years after surgery. Outcomes of interest included long‐term complications, mode and place of delivery, and maternal and pediatric outcomes of subsequent pregnancies. Of the 1274 women included in the study, 140 (11.0%) were lost to follow‐up. Within 5 years after the index CS, 27.0% of the women became pregnant and 2.5% had a second pregnancy. Women with perinatal death at the index CS had 5.25 higher odds of becoming pregnant within 1 year. Of the 259 women who delivered, 31 (12.0%) had a planned CS and 228 (88.0%) attempted a trial of labor after CS, resulting in either a successful vaginal birth (n = 138; 60.5%) or an emergency CS (n = 90; 39.5%). Peripartum and long‐term complications did not significantly differ between those that were operated on by medical doctors and associate clinicians. Within 5 years after CS, one in four women became pregnant again and more than half had a vaginal delivery. Significant differences in place and mode of birth between wealth quintiles illustrate inequities.
DAG‐Net: Dual‐Branch Attention‐Guided Network for Multi‐Scale Information Fusion in Lung Nodule Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Bojie , Zhu Hongqing , Wang Ziying , Luo Lan , Yu Yang
Published: November 2024

The development of deep learning has played an increasingly crucial role in assisting medical diagnoses. Lung cancer, as a major disease threatening human health, benefits significantly from the use of auxiliary medical systems to assist in segmenting pulmonary nodules. This approach effectively enhances both the accuracy and speed of diagnosis for physicians, thereby reducing the risk of patient mortality. However, pulmonary nodules are characterized by irregular shapes and a wide range of diameter variations. They often reside amidst blood vessels and various tissue structures, posing significant challenges in designing an automated system for lung nodule segmentation. To address this, we have developed a three‐dimensional dual‐branch attention‐guided network (DAG‐Net) for multi‐scale information fusion, aimed at segmenting lung nodules of various types and sizes. First, a dual‐branch encoding structure is employed to provide the network with prior knowledge about nodule texture information, which aids the network in better identifying different types of lung nodules. Next, we designed a structure to extract global information, which enhances the network's ability to localize lung nodules of different sizes by fusing information from multiple resolutions. Following that, we fused multi‐scale information in a parallel structure and used attention mechanisms to guide the network in suppressing the influence of non‐nodule regions. Finally, we employed an attention‐based structure to guide the network in achieving more accurate segmentation by progressively using high‐level semantic information at each layer. Our proposed network achieved a DSC value of 85.6% on the LUNA16 dataset, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of the network.
FoodMicroDB: A microbiome database for composition and time‐series research in food
Authors: Li Yahui , Lyu Hujie , Yang Haifei , Ju Zhicheng , Ma Chuang , Hou Huiyu , Wang Yao , Zhou Yuanping , Gao Yunyun , Yang Junbo , Xu Shanshan , Bai Defeng , Luo Hao , Yousuf Salsabeel , Zhang Tianyuan , Xun Jiani , Zeng Meiyin , Qi Heyuan , Chen Tong , Liu Yong‐Xin
Published: November 2024

Microorganisms are crucial for food fermentation, preservation, and safety, directly impacting human health. The number of studies on the food microbiome has surged recently, along with a substantial increase in data. However, there is a notable lack of databases specialized for this field. To address this gap, we developed Food Microbiome Database (FoodMicroDB), a platform aimed at enhancing the reusability and accessibility of food microbiome data through comprehensive data management and data visualization tools. FoodMicroDB aggregates 6358 amplicon data from 108 meta‐taxonomic projects covering 62 foods, and harbors 4710 taxa of bacteria, archaea, and fungi. The collected data were consistently analyzed and curated, then visualized using versatile utilities, including unique tools for visualizing microbial composition and time‐series microbiome data. It also includes advanced modules for microbial abundance analysis, cross‐host abundance comparison, and cross‐food analysis. FoodMicroDB will be a valuable resource platform for the food microbiome research field. The database is freely accessible at: https://www.bic.ac.cn/FoodMicro/.
Community crime and safety: An investigation of gender differences in the daily stress process
Authors: Robinette Jennifer W. , Piazza Jennifer R. , Stawski Robert S.
Published: November 2024

Few studies have investigated the associations between community crime rates and affective well‐being, and how that relationship may differ according to gender. Using data from the National Study of Daily Experiences and the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the current study examined gender differences between daily affective experiences, crime rates, and perceptions of neighborhood safety. Although feeling unsafe in one's neighborhood was related to worse affective well‐being (i.e., higher negative affect/lower positive affect) and larger affective responses to daily stressors, crime rates were not. Women's negative affect was more strongly tied to daily stressors, whereas men's was more strongly tied to lower perceived neighborhood safety. Findings reveal the importance of understanding factors, such as gender, that impact safety concerns beyond that from crime. They also suggest that increasing visibility within communities might dissuade perpetrators and enhance residents' feelings of safety.
BK Polyomavirus Infection of Bladder Microvascular Endothelial Cells Leads to the Activation of the cGAS‐STING Pathway
Authors: Bruštíková Kateřina , Ryabchenko Boris , Liebl David , Horníková Lenka , Forstová Jitka , Huérfano Sandra
Published: November 2024

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection in humans is usually asymptomatic but ultimately results in viral persistence. In immunocompromised hosts, virus reactivation can lead to nephropathy or hemorrhagic cystitis. The urinary tract serves as a silent reservoir for the virus. Recently, it has been demonstrated that human bladder microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) serve as viral reservoirs, given their unique response to infection, which involves interferon (IFN) production. The aim of the present study was to better understand the life cycle of BKPyV in HBMVECs, uncover the molecular pathway leading to IFN production, and to identify the connection between the viral life cycle and the activation of the IFN response. Here, in the early stage of infection, BKPyV virions were found in internalized monopinocytic vesicles, while later they were detected in late endosomes, lysosomes, tubuloreticular structures, and vacuole‐like vesicles. The production of viral progeny in these cells started at 36 h postinfection. Increased cell membrane permeability and peaks of virion release coincided with the leakage of viral and cellular DNA into the cytosol at approximately 60 h postinfection. Leaked DNA colocalized with and activated cGAS, leading to the activation of STING and the consequent transcription of IFNB and IFN‐related genes; in contrast, the IFN response was attenuated by exposure to the cGAS inhibitor, G140. These findings highlight the importance of the cGAS‐STING pathway in the innate immune response of HBMVECs to BKPyV.
Fourth‐Generation HIV Rapid Tests: Enhanced Sensitivity and Reduced Diagnostic Window for HIV‐1 Primary Infection Screening
Authors: Guiraud Vincent , Naizet Angèle , Khan Habiba , Benhafoun Ghizlane , Hernandez Pierre , Piccin Luigi , Pichon Agnès , Leng Ay Ling , Yousfi Léna , Gautheret‐Dejean Agnès
Published: November 2024

As most HIV rapid tests (HRT) detect only HIV‐1/2 antibodies, their performance during primary HIV infection is poor. Determine HIV Early detect (Abbott) (Determine) is the only HRT with an HIV‐1 p24‐antigen detection, but the impact of this addition in shortening the diagnostic window remains unclear. A total of 183 HIV‐1 primary infection samples were tested using the HRTs Determine and ONE STEP anti‐HIV (1&2) Test (InTec Products) (One‐Step). The pre‐seroconversion subgroup was defined as p24‐antigen positivity without Western blot nor Liaison XL (fouth generation enzyme immunoassay with distinct signal for p24‐antigen and HIV‐1 antibody) HIV‐1 antibodies. Global sensitivity (95% CI) was 95% (91–97) for Determine versus 80% (74%–85%) for One‐Step (difference p = 1.38e−06). Pre‐seroconversion subgroup sensitivity was lower, at 71.9 (54.6%‐84.4%) for Determine and 9.7% (3.3%–24.9%) for One‐Step. Among the 45 samples with an HIV‐1 infection date, no HRT was reactive up to 2 weeks. Between 2 and 3 weeks, Determine sensitivity was 78% (45%–95%) versus 56% (27%–81%) for One‐Step. From 3 weeks to 1 month Determine sensitivity was 90% (62%–98%) and One‐Step 45% (21%–72%). The last negative sample occurred at 3 weeks for Determine versus 70–90 days for One‐Step. HRT with p24‐antigen detection significantly shortens the diagnostic window from approximatively 3 months to 1 month. HRTs should be used with caution in the first month after HIV infection.
Personalized management of hepatic glycogen storage disorders: The role of continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Gupta Ambika , Agarwala Anuja , Kalaivani Mani , Malik Rohan , Sharma Rajni , Kabra Madhulika , Gupta Neerja
Published: November 2024

Objective

Glycogen storage disorders (GSD), inherent disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, feature hypoglycemia as a hallmark. Normoglycemia and glucose monitoring are pivotal in disease management. Conventional glucometer‐based monitoring may overlook hypoglycemic trends. This study assesses glycemic control in Asian Indian GSD children using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and its role in facilitating dietary adjustments.

Methods

A pre–post study enrolled molecularly confirmed GSDI, GSDIII, GSDVI, and GSDIX patients for baseline dietary compliance and CGM‐based glycemic status evaluation. Hypoglycemic patients were stratified into diet‐compliant and diet‐noncompliant groups. Noncompliant patients received dietary reinforcement; compliant individuals underwent dietary adjustments. Repeat CGM (rCGM) was performed 6 weeks to 6 months postadjustments. Clinical and metabolic parameters were re‐evaluated at 6 months.

Results

Of the 20 patients assessed at baseline, 11 were diet compliant. Six among these exhibited hypoglycemia, prompting diet adjustments. Among nine noncompliant patients, eight experienced hypoglycemia and received diet reinforcement. rCGM in 10 patients (five GSDI, three GSDIII, and two GSDIXc) showed a significant reduction in hypoglycemia duration in all. An improvement in height and body mass index was observed in all GSDI and GSDIII patients. Triglyceride levels, raised at baseline in two GSDI and one GSDIII, showed a substantial decline in one GSDI patient. Hepatic transaminase levels decreased in both GSDIXc patients. Plasma lactate levels decreased in all GSDI patients.

Conclusion

CGM is an efficacious adjunct in the personalized management of hepatic GSD patients, in the Asian Indian population. The study also underscores the need for long‐term follow‐up to determine the role of glycemic management in growth, general well‐being, and metabolic control in the GSD subtypes.
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography in Bioanalysis–A Review
Authors: Toribio Laura , Martín María Teresa , Bernal José
Published: November 2024

In the last decade, the instrumentation improvements in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and the hyphenation to mass spectrometry (MS), have increased the SFC acceptance between scientists, becoming today a valuable tool in analytical chemistry. The unique selectivity, short analysis times, low consumption of organic solvents, and the greener mobile phase, have contributed to expanding its applicability which has led to an increase in the number of publications especially in the bioanalysis area. This work reviews the advantages and main applications of SFC in bioanalysis during the last 5 years. Fundamental aspects concerning mobile phase composition, stationary phase, hyphenation to MS as well as matrix effect have been discussed. Finally, the most relevant applications have been summarized.
Unpalatable solutions: Consumer resistance towards Insect‐Based foods is moderated by uncertainty avoidance
Authors: Velasco Vizcaíno Franklin , Pohlmann Attila
Published: November 2024

Traditional livestock meat poses sustainability challenges, while insect proteins offer a low‐impact alternative. Cultural barriers, such as uncertainty avoidance, hinder widespread acceptance of insect‐based foods, despite a growing market. Research on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions towards insect‐based foods yields mixed results, prompting a meta‐analysis to explore cultural influences and contextual factors. This meta‐analysis investigates consumers’ willingness to try insect‐based food products. Analysis of 24 publications (97 studies, with 13,609 observations; participant Mage = 34.6), supports the notion that consumers around the world are not readily willing to adopt insect‐based food products. Moderating this effect, at the country level, high uncertainty avoidance negatively affects consumers’ intentions to try insect‐based products. Two follow‐up studies replicate the findings of the meta‐analysis, incorporating an individual‐level assessment of the moderating effect of uncertainty avoidance, and testing the mediating effect of food neophobia on consumers’ (un)willingness to adopt insect‐based food products. A third study provides evidence as how to buffer the negative reactions of consumers towards insect‐based foods: after sensory evaluation of a cricket‐flour nacho in a laboratory setting, participants were more willing to try it and generally evaluated the product and the experience more favorably, compared to their previously stated expectations. Theoretical contributions and practical implications for marketing strategy and communication, to overcome the negative perceptions related to insect‐based food, along with limitations and future research directions, are discussed.
Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Sham‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Reumers Stacha F.I. , Maas Roderick P.P.W.M. , Schutter Dennis J.L.G. , Teerenstra Steven , Kessels Roy P.C. , de Leeuw Frank‐Erik , van de Warrenburg Bart P.C.
Published: November 2024

Background

The cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS) encompasses cognitive and affective symptoms in patients with cerebellar disorders, for which no proven treatment is available.

Objectives

Our primary objective was to study the effect of cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive performance in CCAS patients. Secondary effects on ataxia severity, mood, and quality of life were explored.

Methods

We performed a randomized, double‐blind, sham‐controlled trial. Thirty‐five patients with CCAS were included and received 10 sessions of 20 minutes sham (n = 17) or real (n = 18) tDCS, with a current of 2 mA. Cognitive performance was assessed using executive function subtests of the computerized Test of Attentional Performance (TAP), with the composite as primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes were ataxia severity, mood, and quality of life. Outcomes were evaluated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post‐intervention.

Results

Cerebellar tDCS was well tolerated and no serious adverse events related to the intervention occurred. No significant tDCS effect was found on cognitive performance. Improvement on the TAP was observed in the sham group 1 month post‐treatment (estimate = −0.248, 95% CI, −0.49 to −0.01), but not clinically relevant. A positive tDCS effect was observed for ataxia severity 1 month post‐treatment (estimate = −0.985, 95% CI, −1.94 to −0.03).

Conclusions

Ten sessions of 20 minutes cerebellar anodal tDCS did not prove efficacious for CCAS‐related cognitive impairment, but a significant positive effect of tDCS was found for ataxia severity, aligning with previous findings indicative of tDCS as a therapeutic neuromodulation tool in cerebellar disorders. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
National Council releases strategic plan to expand mental well‐being access
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2024

Committing to its vision that mental well‐being — including recovery from substance use — is a reality for everyone, everywhere, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (National Council) last week released its strategic plan for that vision along with a mission to create meaningful change over the next five years.
Initiative takes bold step to fuel adoption of effective mental health practices
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: November 2024

An ambitious five‐year initiative funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will intensify the effort to narrow the chasm between what's known about effective mental health practice and what providers are able to implement successfully.
Better suicidality detection among minority, preteens needed
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2024

Observing that hospital emergency departments may be missing signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Black and Hispanic youth, boys and preteens, researchers of a new study published in JAMA Open Network are calling for improved detection of suicidality in this population and the need to address these disparities.
Study finds many eating disorder clients kept treatment gains
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2024

More than 50% of individuals in an eating disorder program entered treatment at or above a normal weight, dispelling myths that people who are underweight will require intervention, according to a new eating disorder treatment outcomes study released by one of the country's leading eating disorder treatment providers.
MDD care in low‐income countries can improve overall health
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2024

For people in low‐income countries who have major depressive disorder, treatment for depression can also help improve their physical health and their household members' well‐being, demonstrating that mental health treatments can be cost effective, according to the findings of a new RAND study, published last week, according to a RAND news release. Researchers examined a program in the sub‐Saharan nation of Malawi that builds off the infrastructure of the country's HIV care system and trains local people in rural communities to help treat those who suffer from depression.