bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 3′‐pre‐tRNA‐derived small RNA tRF‐1‐Ser regulated by 25(OH)D promotes proliferation and stemness by inhibiting the function of MBNL1 in breast cancer
Authors: Wan Xinyu , Shi Wenjie , Ma Lingjun , Wang Lexin , Zheng Ran , He Jinzhi , Wang Ye , Li Xuan , Zha Xiaoming , Wang Jue , Xu Lu
Published: May 2024

Background

We explored the potential novel anticancer mechanisms of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a vitamin D metabolite with antitumour effects in breast cancer. It is stable in serum and is used to assess vitamin D levels in clinical practice. Transfer RNA‐derived small RNAs are small noncoding RNAs that generate various distinct biological functions, but more research is needed on their role in breast cancer.

Methods

Small RNA microarrays were used to explore the novel regulatory mechanism of 25(OH)D. High‐throughput RNA‐sequencing technology was used to detect transcriptome changes after 25(OH)D treatment and tRF‐1‐Ser knockdown. RNA pull‐down and high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry were used to explore the proteins bound to tRF‐1‐Ser. In vitro and in vivo functional experiments were conducted to assess the influence of 25(OH)D and tRF‐1‐Ser on breast cancer. Semi‐quantitative PCR was performed to detect alternative splicing events. Western blot assay and qPCR were used to assess protein and mRNA expression.

Results

The expression of tRF‐1‐Ser is negatively regulated by 25(OH)D. In our breast cancer (BRCA) clinical samples, we found that the expression of tRF‐1‐Ser was higher in cancer tissues than in paired normal tissues, and was significantly associated with tumour invasion. Moreover, tRF‐1‐Ser inhibits the function of MBNL1 by hindering its nuclear translocation. Functional experiments and transcriptome data revealed that the downregulation of tRF‐1‐Ser plays a vital role in the anticancer effect of 25(OH)D.

Conclusions

In brief, our research revealed a novel anticancer mechanism of 25(OH)D, unveiled the vital function of tRF‐1‐Ser in BRCA progression, and suggested that tRF‐1‐Ser could emerge as a new therapeutic target for BRCA.
Individual identification method using samples associated with doping tests: A comparison of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic data
Authors: Akiyama Kentaro , Momobayashi Atsushi , Okano Masato
Published: May 2024

Doping offenses involve the use or attempted use of any prohibited method or substance as well as substituting samples. Consequently, it has been recommended that short tandem repeat (STR) analysis be used to determine if the doping control samples are from the same athlete. However, it has been recognized that it may be difficult to obtain full STR analysis using negligible amounts of DNA samples. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is characterized by its stability and high cellular copy number. Therefore, mtDNA testing in urine is expected to be used to analyze samples that cannot be analyzed using STR analysis. The objective of this study was to compare mtDNA testing with STR analysis by conducting sensitivity, concordance (whole blood, dried blood spot, and urine), and case‐type studies. In sensitivity studies, mtDNA testing exhibited greater sensitivity compared with STR analysis. Concordance studies indicated that all samples were consistent with the mtDNA sequences and STR profiles. Allelic dropout occurred in some urine samples that were examined for STR analysis. Case‐type sample studies demonstrated that mtDNA testing could be used to obtain DNA profiles of all the samples tested, including blood, dried blood spots, urine, blood residues on needles, and blood stains. In conclusion, mtDNA testing is valuable for analyzing highly degraded DNA samples, such as urine samples, compared with STR analysis. Urine testing should be performed for the initial testing procedure, because mtDNA is inherited maternally. In situations where the DNA match is detrimental to the athlete, additional blood STR analysis may be required.
Vascular syndrome predicts the development and course of epilepsy after perinatal stroke
Authors: Vaher Ulvi , Ilves Norman , Ilves Nigul , Laugesaar Rael , Männamaa Mairi , Loorits Dagmar , Kool Pille , Ilves Pilvi
Published: May 2024

Objective

Epilepsy develops in one third of the patients after perinatal stroke. It is still unclear which vascular syndrome of ischemic stroke carries higher risk of epilepsy. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the risk of epilepsy according to the vascular syndrome of perinatal stroke.

Methods

The study included 39 children with perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (13 with anterior or posterior trunk of the distal middle cerebral artery occlusion, 23 with proximal or distal M1 middle cerebral artery occlusion and three with lenticulostriate arteria infarction), and 44 children with presumed perinatal venous infarction. Magnetic resonance imaging obtained at the chronic stage was used to evaluate the vascular syndrome of stroke.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 15.1 years (95% CI: 12.4–16.5 years), epilepsy developed in 19/83 (22.9%) patients. The cumulative probability to be without epilepsy at 15 years was 75.4% (95% CI: 65.8–86.4). The probability of having epilepsy was higher in the group of proximal or distal M1 artery occlusion compared to patients with periventricular venous infarction (HR 7.2, 95% CI: 2.5–26, p = .0007). Patients with periventricular venous infarction had significantly more often status epilepticus or spike–wave activation in sleep ≥85% of it compared to patients with anterior or posterior trunk of the distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (OR = 81; 95% CI: 1.3–5046, p = .029).

Significance

The emphasis of this study is placed on classifying the vascular syndrome of perinatal stroke and on the targeted follow‐up of patients for epilepsy until young adulthood. The risk for having epilepsy after perinatal stroke is the highest in children with proximal or distal M1 middle cerebral artery occlusion. Patients with periventricular venous infarction have a more severe course of epilepsy.
Evaluation of the ultrasound findings of thyroid gland enlargement in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Edzie Emmanuel Kobina Mesi , Dzefi‐Tettey Klenam , Brakohiapa Edmund Kwakye , Nimo Obed , Appiah‐Thompson Peter , Amedi Michael Kofi , Bockarie Ansumana , Quarshie Frank , Onimole Emmanuel , Akorli Emmanuel , Anthony Richard , Edzie Richard Ato , Amankwa Nana Ama , Amartey Aaron , Osei Bernard , Oppong Bright , Asemah Abdul Raman , Gorleku Philip Narteh
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Goiter is a major source of morbidity in the world, especially in the developing world, where dietary iodine deficiency, a known cause of this condition, is endemic. The diagnosis is mostly by ultrasonography (USG) scan, which can give anatomical, pathological, and functional information for the management of goiter. This study aimed to determine the commonest ultrasound findings of goiter in Ghana.

Method

The records of all 213 patients with goiter diagnosed by USG scan over a 5‐year period were retrieved. Data collected were sociodemographics, ultrasound features, thyroid nodules diameter, and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS) scores, which were analyzed using GNU PSPP, version 1.2.0‐3. χ2 and two‐tailed independent samples t‐test were also employed, with p ≤ 0.05.

Results

A total of 213 patients with goiter diagnosed by USG scan were obtained over the study period. The mean age of the participants was 50.01 ± 17.27 years, with an age range of 16−92 years and females constituting the majority (82.16%). The commonest ultrasound features were well‐defined solid nodules. The lesion sites for most patients were the whole thyroid (28.17%), both lobes (24.41%), and the right lobe (20.19%). The mean difference in sizes of cysts and solid nodules among genders was 0.26 (CI: −0.14 to 0.67, p = 0.20) and 0.12 (CI: −0.43 to 0.66, p = 0.67), respectively. The TI‐RADS score featured TI‐RADS 4 (36.62%), TI‐RADS 1 (28.17%), TI‐RADS 3 (25.82%), TI‐RADS 5 (5.16%), and TI‐RADS 2 (4.23%). Solid nodules (49.32%, p = 0.001) and cysts (35.71%, p = 0.003) were more common within 41−60 years and less frequent in those <21 years. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant in this study.

Conclusion

The predominant ultrasound features were well‐defined solid nodules, simple cysts, and solid nodules with cystic changes, mostly located in the entire thyroid gland and least located in the isthmus only. Cysts and solid nodules were mostly seen in the 41−60 years age group.
The effect of duloxetine on stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Lorzadeh Nahid , Jahanshahi Moghadaseh
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

This study aims to evaluate the effect of duloxetine on stress urinary incontinence (SUI) episode frequency (IEF) per week IEF.

Methods

In this clinical trial, 100 women aged 20−80 years with urinary incontinence were assessed based on the standard questionnaire of urinary tract disorders. All the patients received a placebo for 2 weeks. Patients were then randomly divided into two groups of 50 patients each, receiving duloxetine (40 mg twice a day for 12 weeks) and placebo. The two groups were compared in terms of IEF and the mean score of quality of life and side effects.

Results

The two groups of duloxetine and placebo recipients were matched at the beginning of the study in terms of age, BMI, IEF, parity, and type of delivery. IEF significantly decreased in the duloxetine recipient group compared to the placebo group. The mean score of quality of life in the duloxetine recipient group increased significantly. The rate of study abandonment in the duloxetine recipient group was significantly higher than in the placebo group. Vertigo was the most common complication that caused patients to discontinue the use of the drug.

Conclusion

Duloxetine is therapeutically effective for SUI in women. Patients should be provided information regarding potential side effects and their management.
Efficacy of cross‐line anti‐programmed death 1/programmed cell death‐ligand 1 antibody in the treatment of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Cheng Yuan , Guo Cuiyan , Nie Ligong , Zhang Qi , Zhang Meng , Sun Kunyan , Wang Guangfa
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) across multiple treatment lines have not yet been evaluated comprehensively. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether or not continuous cross‐line ICIs therapy is effective in treating non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective investigation into the medical histories of 47 patients diagnosed with advanced NSCLC and treated with ICIs at the Peking University First Hospital between January 2018 and June 2022.

Results

Due to the progression of their disease, 14 patients were given the same ICIs, 5 patients were given different ICIs, and 6 patients discontinued taking ICIs altogether. The objective response rates were 7.140% in the ICIs cross‐line treatment group, 0% in the replacement of ICIs treatment group, and 0% in the discontinuation of ICIs treatment group. The disease control rates were 64.260% in the ICIs cross‐line treatment group, 60% in the replacement of ICIs treatment group, and 0% in the discontinuation of ICIs treatment group. The average overall survival durations of the three groups were 24.020 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.061–30.979), 31.643 (95% CI: 23.513–39.774), and 7.997 (95% CI: 3.746–12.247) months, respectively (p = 0.003). The median second progression‐free survival (PFS2) durations of the three groups were 4.570 (95% CI: 3.276–5.864), 3.530 (95% CI: 0.674–6.386), and 1.570 (95% CI: 0–4.091) months, respectively (p = 0.091).

Conclusions

Cross‐line ICIs cannot improve the prognosis and PFS2 of patients with NSCLC, but compared to discontinuing ICIs, OS may be prolonged. A few patients may benefit from prolonged ICIs therapy.
Efficacy and safety of etrolizumab in treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Motawea Karam R. , Abdelghafar Yomna A. , AbdelQadir Yossef H. , Aboelenein Merna M. , Ibrahim Nancy , Belal Mohamed M. , Elhalag Rowan H. , Khairy Lina T. , Bakkour Agyad , Muwaili Ali H. H. , Abdelmajid Fatima A. A. , Albuni Mhd K. , Battikh Elias , Sawaf Bisher , Ahmed Eman M. S. , Muwaili Dhuha H. H. , Swed Sarya
Published: May 2024

Background

Etrolizumab is a promising drug for treating moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of etrolizumab for induction and maintenance of remission in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Methods

We searched the following databases: PUBMED, Web of Science, OVID, and SCOPUS from inception to January 15. Inclusion criteria were any phase 2 and 3 clinical trials that compared etrolizumab with a placebo in treating moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, excluding case reports, animal studies, phase 1 trials, and conference abstracts due to duplication. We used RevMan software (5.4) for the meta‐analysis.

Results

Five clinical trials were included in our meta‐analysis. The total number of patients included in the study is 1248 patients, 860 patients in the etrolizumab group and 388 patients in the placebo group. In the induction phase, the pooled analyses showed a statistically significant association between etrolizumab and increased clinical remission, and endoscopic remission compared with placebo (risk ratio [RR] = 2.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.69–4.19, p < 0.0001), and (RR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.52–3.65, p = 0.0001), respectively. In the maintenance phase, the pooled analyses showed a statistically significant association between etrolizumab and increased histologic remission and endoscopic remission (RR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.40–2.98, p = 0.0002) and (RR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.29–2.85, p = 0.001), respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in adverse events between etrolizumab and placebo in the induction and maintenance phases.

Conclusion

Our results show that etrolizumab is an effective and safe drug for the induction and maintenance of clinical remission in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis patients, as proved by histologic and endoscopic findings. Future randomized trials are still needed to compare etrolizumab to the other agents and further establish its value for the practice.
Evaluation of dropwise condensation from a vertical condenser tube impregnated with semisolid lubricant
Authors: Abraham Jyothish , Rajkumar Mattacaud Ramachandralal , Venugopal Gangadharan
Published: May 2024

The quest for augmenting dropwise condensation heat transfer performance has been the driving force behind the exploration of innovative techniques and approaches to fulfill the desired objective. Mostly, earlier research on dropwise condensation was devoted to study condensation from horizontal tubes and plates but, rarely, addressed dropwise condensation from vertical tubes. An interesting topic of current research in dropwise condensation is to explore the application of Slippery Liquid Infused Porous Surfaces (SLIPSs) to improve the condensation performance. The aforesaid facts are the motivation behind the topics of interest in the present study. In this study, we explore the applicability of semisolid lubricant‐impregnated porous surfaces in enhancing dropwise condensation performance of a vertical condenser tube. The experiments conducted over a wide range of subcooling (5°C ≤ ΔT ≤ 65°C) in saturated steam environment showed significant improvement in condensation heat transfer coefficient of a vertical condenser tube impregnated with semisolid lubricants when compared to bare vertical condenser tube. The highest enhancement is found to be 280% at a subcooling of 40°C. Furthermore, these surfaces proficiently sustain dropwise condensation over a period of 72 hours without compromising heat transfer performance. The devised fabrication method is simpler, more cost‐effective, and less time‐consuming than earlier techniques used for creating SLIPSs. Additionally, an approach based on numerical optimization by a stochastic global optimization technique, namely, Genetic Algorithm, is proposed to retrieve the coefficients and the exponent in the mathematical expression of overall resistance, that is being used to compute the tube‐side dropwise convection heat transfer coefficient.
Treatment of chronic COVID‐19 with convalescent/postvaccination plasma in patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Janssen Maike , Leo Albrecht , Wolf Cornelia , Stenzinger Miriam , Bartenschlager Marie , Brandt Juliane , Sauer Sandra , Schmitt Michael , Dreger Peter , Schlenk Richard F. , Denkinger Claudia M. , Müller‐Tidow Carsten
Published: May 2024

Immunocompromised patients are at high risk to fail clearance of SARS‐CoV‐2. Prolonged COVID‐19 constitutes a health risk and a management problem as cancer treatments often have to be disrupted. As SARS‐CoV‐2 evolves, new variants of concern have emerged that evade available monoclonal antibodies. Moreover, antiviral therapy promotes SARS‐CoV‐2 escape mutations, particularly in immunocompromised patients. These patients frequently suffer from prolonged infection. No successful treatment has been established for persistent COVID‐19 infection. Here, we report on a series of 21 immunocompromised patients with COVID‐19—most of them hematologic malignancies—treated with plasma obtained from recently convalescent or vaccinated donors or a combination thereof. Repeated dosing of SARS‐CoV‐2‐antibody‐containing plasma could clear SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in 16 out of 21 immunocompromised patients even if COVID‐19‐specific treatments failed to induce sustained viral clearance or to improve clinical course of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Ten patients were major responders defined as an increase delta(d)Ct of > = 5 after the first administration of convalescent and/or vaccinated plasma (C/VP). On average, SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR Ct values increased from a median value of 22.55 (IQR = 19.10–24.25) to a median value of 29.57 (IQR = 27.55–34.63; p = <.0001) in the major response subgroup. Furthermore, when treated a second time with C/VP, even 4 out of 5 of the initial nonresponders showed an increase in Ct‐values from a median value of 23.13 (IQR = 17.75–28.05) to a median value of 32.79 (IQR = 31.75–33.75; p = .013). Our results suggest that C/VP could be a feasible treatment of COVID‐19 infection in patients with hematologic malignancies who did not respond to antiviral treatment.
Adjusting models to better predict obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) in forceps‐assisted vaginal deliveries: A retrospective cross‐sectional trial
Authors: Cochrane Elizabeth , Getradjman Chloe , Doctor Tahera , Roger Sarah , Stratis Catherine , Wang Kelly , Stoffels Guillaume , Cabrera Camila , Tavella Nicola F. , Bianco Angela T. , DeBolt Chelsea A.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Obesity and maternal age are increasing among pregnant patients. The understood effect of body mass index (BMI), advanced maternal age (AMA), and second stage of labor on obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) at delivery is varied. The objective of this study was to assess whether incorporating BMI, second stage of labor length, and AMA into a model for predicting OASIS among forceps‐assisted vaginal deliveries (FAVD) had a higher predictivity value compared to models without these additions.

Method

This was an IRB‐approved retrospective cohort study of singleton gestations who underwent a FAVD between 2017 and 2021. The primary outcome was prediction of OASIS via established models versus models including the addition of new predictive factors.

Results

A total of 979 patients met inclusionary criteria and were included in the final analysis. 20.4% of patients had an OASIS laceration, 11.3% of neonates had NICU admissions, 23.7% had a composite all neonatal outcome, and 8% had a composite subgaleal/cephalohematoma outcome. Comparisons of known factors that predict OASIS (nulliparity, race, episiotomy status) to known factors with additional predictors (BMI, AMA, and length of second stage in labor) were explored. After comparing each model's AUC to one another (a total of 3 comparisons made), there was no statistically significant difference between the models (all P > 0.62).

Conclusion

Including BMI, AMA, and second stage of labor length does not improve the predictivity of OASIS in patients with successful FAVD. These factors should not impact a provider's decision to perform a FAVD when solely considering increased odds of OASIS.
Nowcasting Euro area GDP with news sentiment: A tale of two crises
Authors: Ashwin Julian , Kalamara Eleni , Saiz Lorena
Published: May 2024

This paper shows that newspaper articles contain signals that can materially improve real‐time nowcasts of real GDP growth for the Euro area. Using articles from 15 popular European newspapers, which are machine translated into English, we create sentiment metrics that update daily and assess their value for nowcasting, comparing with competitive and rigorous benchmarks. We find that newspaper text is especially helpful early in the quarter before other indicators are available. We also find that general‐purpose sentiment measures perform better than more economics‐focused ones in response to unanticipated events and nonlinear supervised models can help capture extreme movements in growth but require sufficient training data to be effective.
TLR4/7‐mediated host‐defense responses of gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Chiba Norika , Tada Ryohei , Ohnishi Tomokazu , Matsuguchi Tetsuya
Published: May 2024

Gingival epithelial cells (GECs) are physical and immunological barriers against outward pathogens while coping with a plethora of non‐pathogenic commensal bacteria. GECs express several members of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and control subsequent innate immune responses. TLR4 senses lipopolysaccharide (LPS) while TLR7/8 recognizes single‐strand RNA (ssRNA) playing important roles against viral infection. However, their distinct roles in GECs have not been fully demonstrated. Here, we analyzed biological responses of GECs to  LPS and CL075, a TLR7/8 agonist. GE1, a mouse gingival epithelial cell line, constitutively express TLR4 and TLR7, but not TLR8, like primary skin keratinocytes. Stimulation of GE1 cells with CL075 induced cytokine, chemokine, and antimicrobial peptide  expressions, the pattern of which is rather different from that with LPS: higher mRNA levels of interferon (IFN) β, CXCL10, and β‐defensin (BD) 14 (mouse homolog of human BD3); lower levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), CCL5, CCL11, CCL20, CXCL2, and CX3CL1. As for the intracellular signal transduction of GE1 cells, CL075 rapidly induced significant AKT phosphorylation but failed to activate IKKα/β‐NFκB pathway, whereas LPS induced marked IKKα/β‐NFκB activation without significant AKT phosphorylation. In contrast, both CL075 and LPS induced rapid IKKα/β‐NFκB activation and AKT phosphorylation in a macrophage cell line. Furthermore, specific inhibition of AKT activity abrogated CL075‐induced IFNβ, CXCL10, and BD14 mRNA expression in GE1 cells. Thus, TLR4/7 ligands appear to induce rather different host‐defense responses of GECs through distinct intracellular signaling mechanisms.
Empowering people living with HIV (PLHIV): unveiling care gaps and identifying opportunities for improving care for PLHIV in Singapore and Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Chen Seong , Chidgey Andrew , Lee Kai Lung , Mo Phoenix K. H. , Wong Timothy , Banerjee Sumita , Ho Vanessa , Leow Yangfa , Gowindah Regina , Yew Ying Jie , Fung Ricky , Lau Agnes
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study explored the behaviours of people living with HIV in Singapore and Hong Kong in terms of achieving and maintaining their physical and psychological wellbeing in relation to HIV, to identify the challenges and support needed in HIV care.

Methods

This qualitative study involved 90‐minute interviews among Singapore and Hong Kong people living with HIV aged ≥18 years to explore health‐related quality of life perceptions and gaps in patient empowerment in HIV care during February–May 2022. The COM‐B (C: Capability; O: Opportunity; M: Motivation; B: Behaviour) framework was used during data analysis to identify behaviour facilitators and barriers for people living with HIV to achieve and maintain their wellbeing. Detailed accounts of respondents’ experience of living with and managing HIV, that is what worked well, unmet needs and perceived significance of wellbeing indicators, were analysed qualitatively via a combination of inductive content and deductive frameworks.

Results

A total of 30 and 28 respondents were recruited from Singapore (SG) and Hong Kong (HK), respectively. Most respondents were aged 20−49 years (SG: 83.3%; HK: 64.3%), males (SG: 96.7%; HK: 92.9%), men who have sex with men (SG: 93.3%; HK: 71.4%), had university or higher education (SG: 73.3%; HK: 50.0%) and were fully employed (SG: 73.3%; HK: 57.1%). In both Singapore and Hong Kong, physical health was considered a key focus of overall wellbeing, albeit attention to long‐term health associated with cardiovascular and renal health was less salient. The impact of symptoms, side effects of treatment, mood and sleep were among the top wellbeing indicators of importance. Respondents felt that insufficient information was provided by physicians, citing consultation time and resource constraints impeding further expression of concerns to their physicians during consultation. Respondents prioritized functional wellness and delegated psychosocial health to supportive care professionals, patient groups, families and/or friends.

Conclusions

There is a need in Singapore and Hong Kong to empower people living with HIV to establish better communications with their physicians and be more involved in their treatment journey and equally prioritize their psychosocial wellbeing.
HPV genotyping in clinical samples using long‐read single‐molecule real‐time sequencing
Authors: Pasquier Christophe , Raymond Stéphanie , Carcenac Romain , Demmou Sofia , Ranger Noémie , Nicot Florence , Izopet Jacques
Published: May 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping is widely used, particularly in combination with high‐risk (HR) HPV tests for cervical cancer screening. We developed a genotyping method using sequences of approximately 800 bp in the E6/E7 region obtained by PacBio single molecule real‐time sequencing (SMRT) and evaluated its performance against MY09‐11 L1 sequencing and after the APTIMA HPV genotyping assay. The levels of concordance of PacBio E6/E7 SMRT sequencing with MY09‐11 L1 sequencing and APTIMA HPV genotyping were 100% and 90.8%, respectively. The sensitivity of PacBio E6/EA7 SMRT was slightly greater than that of L1 sequencing and, as expected, lower than that of HR‐HPV tests. In the context of cervical cancer screening, PacBio E6/E7 SMRT is then best used after a positive HPV test. PacBio E6/E7 SMRT genotyping is an attractive alternative for HR and LR‐HPV genotyping of clinical samples. PacBio SMRT sequencing provides unbiased genotyping and can detect multiple HPV infections and haplotypes within a genotype.
Molecular characterization of emerging Echovirus 11 (E11) shed light on the recombinant origin of a variant associated with severe hepatitis in neonates
Authors: Piralla Antonio , Giardina Federica , Ferrari Guglielmo , Gaiarsa Stefano , Romano Greta , Pellegrinelli Laura , Galli Cristina , Seiti Arlinda , Binda Sandro , Pitrolo Antonino Maria Guglielmo , Genoni Angelo , Ferrante Francesca Drago , Novazzi Federica , Mancini Nicasio , Rovida Francesca , Pariani Elena , Baldanti Fausto
Published: May 2024

Echovirus 11 (E11) has gained attention owing to its association with severe neonatal infections. Due to the limited data available, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers public health risk to the general population to be low. The present study investigated the genetic variation and molecular evolution of E11 genomes collected from May to December 2023. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for 16 E11 strains. Phylogenetic analysis on WG showed how all Italian strains belonged to genogroup D5, similarly to other E11 strains recently reported in France and Germany all together aggregated into separate clusters. A cluster‐specific recombination pattern was also identified using phylogenetic analysis of different genome regions. Echovirus 6 was identified as the major recombinant virus in 3Cpro and 3Dpol regions. The molecular clock analysis revealed that the recombination event probably occurred in June 2018 (95% HPD interval: Jan 2016–Jan 2020). Shannon entropy analyses, within P1 region, showed how 11 amino acids exhibited relatively high entropy. Five of them were exposed on the canyon region which is responsible for receptor binding with the neonatal Fc receptor. The present study showed the recombinant origin of a new lineage of E11 associated with severe neonatal infections.
Design and development of the clinical pharmacy key performance indicators dashboard for equity of service provision at regional and rural hospitals in North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Mirkov Sanja , Jones Rhondda , Ison Alexander , Wilesmith Allan , Black Jason
Published: May 2024

Background

Provision of a Medication Action Plan (MAP) on admission and a Discharge Medication Record (DMR) are associated with reduced medication‐related harm.

Aim

To report factors associated with the provision of MAPs and DMRs in rural and regional hospitals in Queensland, Australia.

Method

A literature search, environmental scan and department consultations were conducted to develop Clinical Pharmacy Key Performance Indicators (cpKPIs) and design a cpKPI dashboard. Two of the five KPIs included in the dashboard, relating to medication action plans on admission and medication records on discharge, were reported for all the hospitals and were included in the study. A retrospective, period‐prevalence study was conducted to evaluate the coverage and equity of clinical pharmacy service provision for patients admitted for longer than 24 h. The proportions of patients who received MAPs and DMRs were stratified by age, gender, Indigeneity and hospital type. Statistical analysis used chi‐squared tests and logistic regression in R. This project was exempt due to the local policy requirements that constitute research by the Far North Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: EX/2023/QCH/94383‐1684QA). The justification for this exemption is as follows: the project was determined to be negligible risk research and involved the use of existing collection of data or records that contain only non‐identifiable data about human beings.

Results

In total, 13 818 patients (37.9% of admissions) received a MAP and 11 631 patients (32.7% of discharges) received a DMR. The proportion of MAPs and DMRs was significantly higher in rural hospitals than in regional hospitals (MAP 50.6% vs 34.6%, DMR 33.1% vs 31.3%) and for male patients than female patients (MAP 42.2% vs 33.7%, DMR 36.4% vs 29.2%). When stratified by age, First Nations patients received a higher proportion of MAPs and DMRs in each age group, except for age 85 years and over. The proportion of First Nations patients aged 50 years and over who received MAP was lower compared to that for non‐Indigenous patients aged 65 years and over (56.3% vs 59.8%), whilst the proportion for DMRs was similar (50.4% vs 49.3%).

Conclusion

The study defined the clinical pharmacy key performance indicators for measuring equity of clinical pharmacy service provision in Australia. When adjusted for a difference in life expectancy, the proportion of MAPs for First Nations patients was lower compared to the proportion of MAPs for non‐Indigenous patients. Further improvements are required to achieve equity of service provision for First Nations patients and female patients.
Local procedures for axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis: A systematic review of prospective and controlled clinical trials
Authors: Grove Gabriela L. , Henning Mattias A. S. , Togsverd‐Bo Katrine , DiGiorgio Catherine M. , Avram Mathew M. , Haedersdal Merete
Published: May 2024

Axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis are challenging to treat, and neither topical nor systemic drugs have provided optimal treatment outcomes. In the past decades, treatment with botulinum toxin (BTX) has gained status as the gold standard, but it has its limitations both in regard to duration as well as indication for osmidrosis, specifically. A variety of local interventions have been explored in both the surgical field and within energy‐based devices (EBDs) for alternative in‐office treatments, but a collective overview is lacking. This study sought to investigate and assess the evidence on and effect of current local procedures for axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis. A systematic search for prospective and controlled clinical trials in the databases PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library until 31 December 2023 was executed. Relevant literature was identified independently by two authors according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fifty‐nine studies met the criteria for final inclusion, of which 46 studies were randomized controlled trials and 13 were nonrandomized trials. The included studies were classified by procedure type. Individually, a total of 28 studies investigated BTXs, 11 studies explored EBDs, while six studies reported on surgical interventions. Additionally, 14 studies evaluated alternative procedures or investigated combinations and side‐by‐side comparisons of the different procedure types. The dominant evidence on efficacy and safety was of BTX A. EBDs are increasingly being investigated with microwave thermolysis appearing to be the singular most established and scientifically well‐founded method. In the surgical field, less‐invasive methods are gaining ground. To meet the increasing demand for individualized treatment, additional high‐quality comparative studies are required for the establishment of a future variety of standard treatments.
An assessment of urban park accessibility using multi‐source data in Hefei, China: A social equity perspective
Authors: Yang Zhao , Fang Huanying , Wei Guoyi , Mo Jingyi , Gao Xuehui , Zhang Shuiming
Published: May 2024

Urban parks are vital to enhance human well‐being and encourage sustainable urban development. However, the supply–demand match between the layout of urban parks and various social groups needs to be addressed. Therefore, this study quantitatively evaluates urban park accessibility using house‐level data from the social equity perspective in Hefei, China. A real‐time navigation route measurement based on the Amap application programming interface was taken advantage of to calculate green space travel time costs‐accessibility, and a combination of the Gaussian‐based two‐step floating catchment area method and measurement model to analyze supply–demand accessibility. On the other hand, housing price was used to indicate dwellers' socioeconomic status. The Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, and bivariate correlation were adopted to explore the inequality of green space accessibility among residential communities. The results reveal a spatial inequality of green space between communities in the central portion of the Hefei and those in peri‐urban areas. We further found a spatial mismatch between green space resources and population distribution. At the same time, there is a significant correlation between green space accessibility and housing prices, which means the disadvantaged urban strata with low economic income face a supply shortage, while wealthier communities benefit more from green space accessibility. Hence, based on the evaluation results, the author proposes feasible optimization strategies for constructing urban parks in Hefei and can inform policy decisions regarding future park construction.
An integrated assessment of erosion drivers facilitating gully expansion rates—A near century multi‐temporal analysis from South Africa
Authors: Claassen Debbie , Botha Greg , Linol Bastien
Published: May 2024

Rural areas in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa are severely affected by gully erosion, yet little is known about the rates at which these features are expanding. This study explores the areal extent, physical mechanisms, rates, and drivers of gully expansion with the aim of investigating how erosion rates fluctuate in response to temporal variations of drivers over the last century. Investigations involved the creation of an erosion inventory geo‐database, the identification of area‐specific physical expansion mechanisms, an assessment of static and dynamic drivers, and a multi‐temporal study of 25 gullies in the Mthatha area. Results show gully erosion affects 2.3% of the study area, with gullies exhibiting an average annual areal increase of 2.08%, a sidewall retreat rate of 0.2 m/y, and a headcut retreat of 1.03 m/y over an 82‐year period between 1938 and 2020. A multi‐temporal case study of the Ngwevana Gully showed average annual areal growth rates ranging from 3.9% between 1938 and 1948 to 0.7% between 2017 and 2020. Findings indicate that although gullies consistently expand their areal footprint, they do so at fluctuating rates. An assessment of erosion drivers reveals that temporal promotion or suppression of these erosion rates occurs in response to the complex and dynamic interactions of both natural mechanisms and anthropogenic activities. In Mthatha, the periods of increased rates of erosion are linked to large‐scale flooding events during drier climate cycles, which were further exacerbated by invasive dryland agricultural practices, inappropriate land use, haphazard infrastructure development, and rapid population increases facilitated by past Apartheid settlement laws.
Advantages and caveats of endoscopic to the infratemporal fossa as isolated and combined techniques
Authors: Mongkolkul Kittichai , Salem Eman H. , Alsavaf Mohammad Bilal , Prevedello Daniel M. , Vankoevering Kyle , Kelly Kathleen , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Identify the benefits and caveats of combining minimal access approaches to the infratemporal fossa (ITF), such as the endoscopic transnasal, endoscopic transorbital, endoscopic transoral, and endoscopic sublabial transmaxillary approaches to address extensive lesions not amenable to a single approach. The study provides anatomical metrics including area of exposure and degree of surgical freedom.

Methods

Five human cadaveric specimens (10 sides) were dissected to expose and methodically analyze the anatomical intricacies of the ITF using the following minimal access approaches: endoscopic transnasal transpterygoid (EETA), endoscopic sublabial transmaxillary, endoscopic transorbital via infraorbital foramen, and endoscopic transoral techniques. Area of exposure at the pterygopalatine fossa and surgical freedom at the ITF were obtained for each approach.

Results

The endoscopic sublabial transmaxillary sinus and the combined approach afford a significantly greater exposure than an isolated EETA. The difference in exposure (mean) between the endoscopic sublabial transmaxillary and EETA was 1.62 ± 0.85 cm2 (p < 0.001), and the difference between the combined approach and EETA was 4.25 ± 0.85 cm2 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Combining minimal access endoscopic approaches to the ITF can provide significantly greater exposure than an isolated EETA; thus, providing enhanced access to address lesions with extensive involvement of the ITF, especially those with superolateral and inferolateral extensions. In addition, some approaches may have an adjunctive role to the resection, such as the endoscopic transoral approach offering the potential for early control of the internal maxillary artery and its branches, some of which may be supplying the tumor in the ITF; or the endoscopic transorbital approach yielding a direct line of sight to the superior ITF and middle cranial fossa.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Increased antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from chronic rhinosinusitis patients grown in anaerobic conditions
Authors: Tuli Jannatul Ferdoush , Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Cooksley Clare , Bouras George Spyro , Ogi Kazuhiro , Feizi Sholeh , Nepal Roshan , Psaltis Alkis James , Wormald Peter‐John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the congestion and blockage of the nose can cause anaerobic conditions within the sinus cavities which may promote the expression of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in invading pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a facultative anaerobic bacteria and causes severe recalcitrant CRS. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance of P. aeruginosa isolates of CRS patients in planktonic and biofilm form grown in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Methods

P. aeruginosa clinical isolates of CRS patients (n = 25) were grown in planktonic and biofilm form in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of planktonic forms and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC) were determined. Additionally, metabolic activity by fluorescein diacetate assay, biofilm biomass by crystal violet assay and eDNA concentration were assessed in both conditions.

Results

P. aeruginosa planktonic cells grown in anaerobic condition exhibited increased gentamicin resistance (p < .01), whereas P. aeruginosa biofilms grown in anaerobic condition displayed significantly increased MBEC values for gentamicin (p < .0001) and levofloxacin (p < .001). The metabolic activity of anaerobic biofilms was significantly higher compared with aerobic biofilms (p < .0001). However, the biofilm biomass of isolates grown in aerobic conditions was higher than anaerobic conditions (p < .5).

Conclusion

P. aeruginosa isolates from CRS patients grown in anaerobic conditions showed significantly increased resistance to antibiotics with an increased metabolic activity but decreased biofilm biomass.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Lifetime prevalence, risk, and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders in Qatar's national mental health study
Authors: Khaled Salma Mawfek , Alhussaini Nour W. Z. , Alabdulla Majid , Sampson Nancy A. , Kessler Ronald C. , Woodruff Peter W. , Al‐Thani Sheik Mohammed
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To estimate lifetime prevalence, risk, and treatment for mental disorders and their correlates in Qatar's general population for the first time.

Methods

We conducted a national phone survey of 5,195 Qatari and Arab residents in Qatar (2019–2022) using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Version 3.3 and estimated lifetime mood and anxiety defined diagnoses. Survival‐based discrete time models, lifetime morbid risk, and treatment projections were estimated.

Results

Lifetime prevalence of any disorder was 28.0% and was associated with younger cohorts, females, and migrants, but lower formal education. Treatment contact in the year of disorder onset were 13.5%. The median delay in receiving treatment was 5 years (IQR = 2–13). Lifetime treatment among those with a lifetime disorder were 59.9% for non‐healthcare and 63.5% for healthcare; it was 68.1% for any anxiety and 80.1% for any mood disorder after 50 years of onset. Younger cohorts and later age of onset were significantly predictors of treatment.

Conclusions

Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in Qatar is comparable to other countries. Treatment is significantly delayed and delivered largely in non‐healthcare sectors thus the need for increased literacy of mental illness to reduce stigma and improve earlier help‐seeking in healthcare settings.
Efficient pulse sequence design framework for high‐dimensional MR fingerprinting scans using systematic error index
Authors: Hu Siyuan , Qiu Zhilang , Adams Richard James , Zhao Walter , Boyacioglu Rasim , Calvetti Daniela , McGivney Debra , Ma Dan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

For effective optimization of MR fingerprinting (MRF) pulse sequences, estimating and minimizing errors from actual scan conditions are crucial. Although virtual‐scan simulations offer an approximation to these errors, their computational demands become expensive for high‐dimensional MRF frameworks, where interactions between more than two tissue properties are considered. This complexity makes sequence optimization impractical. We introduce a new mathematical model, the systematic error index (SEI), to address the scalability challenges for high‐dimensional MRF sequence design.

Methods

By eliminating the need to perform dictionary matching, the SEI model approximates quantification errors with low computational costs. The SEI model was validated in comparison with virtual‐scan simulations. The SEI model was further applied to optimize three high‐dimensional MRF sequences that quantify two to four tissue properties. The optimized scans were examined in simulations and healthy subjects.

Results

The proposed SEI model closely approximated the virtual‐scan simulation outcomes while achieving hundred‐ to thousand‐times acceleration in the computational speed. In both simulation and in vivo experiments, the optimized MRF sequences yield higher measurement accuracy with fewer undersampling artifacts at shorter scan times than the heuristically designed sequences.

Conclusion

We developed an efficient method for estimating real‐world errors in MRF scans with high computational efficiency. Our results illustrate that the SEI model could approximate errors both qualitatively and quantitatively. We also proved the practicality of the SEI model of optimizing sequences for high‐dimensional MRF frameworks with manageable computational power. The optimized high‐dimensional MRF scans exhibited enhanced robustness against undersampling and system imperfections with faster scan times.
Isolated central nervous system relapse in two adolescents with primary mediastinal large B‐cell lymphoma after treatment with R‐DA‐EPOCH
Authors: Gullickson Cricket , Kersun Leslie , Reilly Anne , Seif Alix , Chehab Leena
Published: May 2024

The addition of rituximab to standard regimens for primary mediastinal large B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) has significantly improved overall survival. However, the optimal management of isolated central nervous system (CNS) relapse and role of CNS prophylaxis remains undefined. We present cases of two adolescents with PMBCL who developed isolated CNS relapses. While isolated CNS relapse may be managed with high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant with or without CNS radiotherapy, review of these cases and the literature highlight the need for further work to define risk factors for CNS relapse, and identify patients who may benefit from CNS prophylaxis.
Anomalous hydraulic fluid absorption by carbon fiber/PEKK composites: Physical and mechanical aspects
Authors: Lesimple Gwladys , Iliopoulos Ilias , Miquelard‐Garnier Guillaume , Benethuiliere Thibaut , Bizet Stéphane , Fayolle Bruno
Published: May 2024

Carbon fiber (CF)/polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) composites are exposed to Skydrol, a hydraulic fluid made of phosphate esters widely used in the aviation field. The present study investigates Skydrol absorption of CF/PEKK composite layups and the associated PEKK matrix. A significant unexpected increase of Skydrol uptake is observed for cross‐ply composites (0.50%) compared to unidirectional ones (0.06%), independently of ply number. The use of ‘model’ fluids like water and ethanol allows to identify the origin of this anomalous Skydrol absorption in the case of cross‐ply layup. We propose that the latter involves an imbibition process governed by the fluid surface tension and the presence of submicronic cavities. SEM imaging of composite cross‐section after ion beam polishing confirms fiber‐matrix submicronic debonding in the interlaminar region in the cross‐ply composite. SEM–EDX confirms the presence of Skydrol into the submicronic cavities. Despite this anomalous absorption, off‐axis tensile testing as well as ILSS testing show no significant impact of Skydrol on CF/PEKK mechanical properties with less than 10% difference compared to the initial values.

Highlights

Absorption by diffusion of Skydrol in neat PEKK and CF/PEKK composites

Link between fluid surface tension and anomalous Skydrol absorption

Evidence of submicronic cavities in CF/PEKK composites by means of SEM–EDX

Low impact of Skydrol on CF/PEKK mechanical properties