bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropathic-like Pain in Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome
Authors: Spencer Tiahna L , Watts Laura , Soni Anushka , Pinedo-Villanueva Rafael , Heegaard Anne-Marie , Boyce Alison M , Javaid M Kassim 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Context
Pain is a major symptom in adults with fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome (FD/MAS) and response to current treatments, including bisphosphonates and standard analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates) is unpredictable. No studies have explored whether the type of pain is variable in this patient group.

Objective
To determine the frequency of neuropathic-like pain in patients with FD/MAS.

Design
Retrospective, dual registry study.

Setting
Community.

Patients
FD/MAS online registries: the US-based Familial Dysautonomia Foundation (FDF) and the UK-based Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (RUDY) study.

Intervention
Subjects completed questionnaires to evaluate the presence of features of neuropathic-like pain (painDETECT) and the impact on sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the prevalence and associated burden of neuropathic-like pain.

Main Outcome Measures
Incidence of neuropathic, nociceptive, and unclear pain.

Results
Of 249 participants, one third experienced neuropathic-like pain. This group had statistically significantly (P &lt; 0.001) worse mental well-being and sleep in comparison to those with predominately nociceptive pain.

Conclusions
Neuropathic-like pain is common in patients with FD/MAS and associated with worse quality of life. Evaluation of pain in patients with FD/MAS should include assessment of neuropathic-like pain to guide personalized approaches to treatment and inform future research.
Approach to the Patient: Management of Pituitary Hormone Replacement Through Transition
Authors: Cerbone Manuela , Katugampola Harshini , Simpson Helen L , Dattani Mehul T 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Hypopituitarism in childhood is a rare, complex disorder that can present with highly variable phenotypes, which may continue into adult life. Pituitary deficits can evolve over time, with unpredictable patterns resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Hypopituitarism and hypothalamic dysfunction may be associated with challenging comorbidities such as obesity, learning difficulties, behavioral issues, sleep disturbance, and visual impairment. Transition is the purposeful planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions from child-centered to adult-oriented health care systems with a shift from parent- to patient-focused care. To achieve effective transition within a health care setting, the inherent challenges involved in the evolution from a dependent child to an independent adult must be recognized. Transition is a critical time medically for patients with hypopituitarism. Complex issues with respect to puberty, attainment of optimal stature, adherence to treatment, and acceptance of the need for life-sustaining medications need to be addressed. For health care professionals, transition is an opportunity for reassessment of the pituitary deficits and the need for lifelong replacement therapies, often against a background of complex psychological issues. We present 4 illustrative cases of hypopituitarism of differing etiologies with diverse clinical presentations. Diagnostic and management processes from clinical presentation to young adulthood are discussed, with a particular focus on needs and outcomes through transition.
Stress response gene family expansions correlate with invasive potential in teleost fish
Authors: Stanley Taylor R. , Guisbert Karen S. Kim , Perez Sabrina M. , Oneka Morgan , Kernin Isabela , Higgins Nicole R. , Lobo Alexandra , Subasi Munevver M. , Carroll David J. , Turingan Ralph G. , Guisbert Eric 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
The bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus and the closely related redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus have important ecological and recreational value and are widely used for research and aquaculture. While both species have been introduced outside of their native ranges, only the bluegill is considered invasive. Here, we report de novo transcriptome assemblies for these fish as a resource for sunfish biology. Comparative analyses of the transcriptomes revealed an unexpected, bluegill-specific expansion in the HSP70 and HSP90 molecular chaperone gene families. These expansions were not unique to the bluegill as expansions in HSP70s and HSP90s were identified in the genomes of other teleost fish using the NCBI RefSeq database. To determine whether gene family expansions are specific for thermal stress responses, GST and SOD gene families that are associated with oxidative stress responses were also analyzed. Species-specific expansions were also observed for these gene families in distinct fish species. Validating our approach, previously described expansions in the MHC gene family were also identified. Intriguingly, the number of HSP70 paralogs was positively correlated with thermotolerance range for each species, suggesting that these expansions can impact organismal physiology. Furthermore, fish that are considered invasive contained a higher average number of HSP70 paralogs than non-invasive fish. Invasive fish also had higher average numbers of HSP90, MHC and GST paralogs, but not SOD paralogs. Taken together, we propose that expansions in key cellular stress response gene families represent novel genetic signatures that correlate with invasive potential.
Complications with body-size correction in comparative biology: possible solutions and an appeal for new approaches
Authors: Glazier Douglas S. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTThe magnitude of many kinds of biological traits relates strongly to body size. Therefore, a first step in comparative studies frequently involves correcting for effects of body size on the variation of a phenotypic trait, so that the effects of other biological and ecological factors can be clearly distinguished. However, commonly used traditional methods for making these body-size adjustments ignore or do not completely separate the causal interactive effects of body size and other factors on trait variation. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors may affect not only the variation of a trait, but also its covariation with body size, thus making it difficult to remove completely the effect of body size in comparative studies. These complications are illustrated by several examples of how body size interacts with diverse developmental, physiological, behavioral and ecological factors to affect variation in metabolic rate both within and across species. Such causal interactions are revealed by significant effects of these factors on the body-mass scaling slope of metabolic rate. I discuss five possible major kinds of methods for removing body-size effects that attempt to overcome these complications, at least in part, but I hope that my Review will encourage the development of other, hopefully better methods for doing so.
Noise-induced hearing loss correlates with inner ear hair cell decrease in larval zebrafish
Authors: Lara Rafael A. , Breitzler Lukas , Lau Ieng Hou , Gordillo-Martinez Flora , Chen Fangyi , Fonseca Paulo J. , Bass Andrew H. , Vasconcelos Raquel O. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Anthropogenic noise can be hazardous for the auditory system and wellbeing of animals, including humans. However, very limited information is known on how this global environmental pollutant affects auditory function and inner ear sensory receptors in early ontogeny. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a valuable model in hearing research, including investigations of developmental processes of the vertebrate inner ear. We tested the effects of chronic exposure to white noise in larval zebrafish on inner ear saccular sensitivity and morphology at 3 and 5 days post-fertilization (dpf), as well as on auditory-evoked swimming responses using the prepulse inhibition (PPI) paradigm at 5 dpf. Noise-exposed larvae showed a significant increase in microphonic potential thresholds at low frequencies, 100 and 200 Hz, while the PPI revealed a hypersensitization effect and a similar threshold shift at 200 Hz. Auditory sensitivity changes were accompanied by a decrease in saccular hair cell number and epithelium area. In aggregate, the results reveal noise-induced effects on inner ear structure–function in a larval fish paralleled by a decrease in auditory-evoked sensorimotor responses. More broadly, this study highlights the importance of investigating the impact of environmental noise on early development of sensory and behavioural responsiveness to acoustic stimuli.
Machine-learning approach to predict molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma using multiparametric MRI-based tumor radiomics
Authors: Saju Ann Christy , Chatterjee Abhishek , Sahu Arpita , Gupta Tejpal , Krishnatry Rahul , Mokal Smruti , Sahay Ayushi , Epari Sridhar , Prasad Maya , Chinnaswamy Girish , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Goda Jayant S 
Published: March 2022

Objective:
Image-based prediction of molecular subgroups of Medulloblastoma (MB) has the potential to optimize and personalize therapy. The objective of the study is to distinguish between broad molecular subgroups of MB using MR–Texture analysis.

Methods:
Thirty-eight MB patients treated between 2007 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Texture analysis was performed on contrast enhanced T1(T1C) and T2 weighted (T2W) MR images. Manual segmentation was performed on all slices and radiomic features were extracted which included first order, second order (GLCM - Grey level co-occurrence matrix) and shape features. Feature enrichment was done using LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) regression and thereafter Support Vector Machine (SVM) and a 10-fold cross-validation strategy was used for model development. The area under Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the model.

Results:
A total of 174 and 170 images were obtained for analysis from the Axial T1C and T2W image datasets. One hundred and sixty-four MR based texture features were extracted. The best model was arrived at by using a combination of 30 GLCM and six shape features on T1C MR sequence. A 10-fold cross-validation demonstrated an AUC of 0.93, 0.9, 0.93, and 0.93 in predicting WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4 MB subgroups, respectively.

Conclusion:
Radiomic analysis of MR images in MB can predict molecular subgroups with acceptable degree of accuracy. The strategy needs further validation in an external dataset for its potential use in ab initio management paradigms of MBs.

Advances in knowledge:
Medulloblastoma can be classified into four distinct molecular subgroups using radiomic feature classifier from non-invasive Multiparametric Magnetic resonance imaging. This can have future ramifications in the extent of surgical resection of Medulloblastoma which can ultimately result in reduction of morbidity.
Ischemia modified albumin as a useful marker for diagnoses and management of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kumar Winay , Martins Russell Seth , Anjum Nargis , Fatima Syeda Sadia 
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) may aid in the early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this study, we examined the relationship between IMA and DR, and the effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) on IMA levels in patients with DR.
Methods: This Quasi-experimental study was conducted from March-December 2018 at a Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 year) with Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presenting to the Diabetic Clinic were categorized as control (Group-A n=30: DM without DR) or case (Group-B n=59: DM with DR). Patients in Group-B received an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (anti-VEGF). Visual acuity, retinoscopy and serum IMA were recorded at baseline and at a 30-day follow-up for both groups.
Results: A significant drop in IMA levels was seen one month after bevacizumab (IMA baseline: 1590.82±121.22 and follow up: 940.8±91.26; p<0.01) in Group-B subjects. Visual acuity (VA) of patient in Group-B also improved one month after bevacizumab injection in both eyes (p<0.001). Whereas, the IMA levels in Group-A showed an upward rising trend after one month (baseline 448.80±22.4ng/ml and follow up 522.21±33.15 ng/ml; p>0.05) indicating disease progression.
Conclusion: Ischemia modified albumin may be used as an effective and novel screening biomarker for assessing oxidative stress associated with DR, and to quantify response to and prognosis after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for DR.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.4813
How to cite this:Kumar W, Martins RS, Anjum N, Fatima SS. Ischemia modified albumin as a useful marker for diagnoses and management of diabetic retinopathy. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.4813
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Ormianie Mohylowa Podolskiego pod koniec XVIII i w połowie XIX wieku (na podstawie pomiarów statystycznych ludności)
Authors: Potapenko Мaksym 
Published: March 2022

Armenians in Mohylów Podolski (Mohyliv-Podilskyi) at the end of the 18th century and in the middle of the 19th century (on the basis of the statistical measurement of the people)
The author presents the analysis of five statistical sources which document social and demographical character of the Armenian commune in Mohylów Podolski from the end of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th century. These sources include: inventory of the town form 1772 and the so-called revisions, conducted on the order of the Russian authorities in 1795, 1811, 1834 and 1850. As a result, it as possible to determine the names of at least 600 Mohylów Armenians from 70 families. Moreover, the thesis was confirmed that Armenians in this town constituted the distinct and privileged social group, which – as Vartan Grigoryan already believed – was declining, primarily because of the unfavourable economic situation after the incorporation of Podole into Russia.
Refleksje o Ormianach polskich na marginesie pracy „Ormiańska Polska”
Authors: Pudło Kazimierz M. 
Published: March 2022

Reflections about Polish Armenians on the margin of the work “Ormiańska Polska”
The author discusses the work Ormiańska Polska [ Armenian Poland] written by Krzysztof Stopka and Andrzej A. Zięba (Warszawa 2018), and on the margin of its review forms reflections connected with migrations of Armenians to Poland and their social and identity status between the 14th and 20th centuries.
Optimising progression
Authors: Bridges Glenys 
Published: March 2022

Glenys Bridges discusses proactive CPD choices for dental nurses with extended duties Aims To define CPD requirements for dental nurses performing extended duties. To identify the implications of GDC Principle 7.2 on dental nurse development. Objectives To be able to recognise a range of proactive development opportunities for dental nurses. To be able to make informed choices to select CPD programmes that progress confidence and competence. To be able to select CPD opportunities that reflect ongoing learning needs. To be able to use record-keeping, peer review and reflective practice to implement ongoing personal and professional development. GDC development outcome B and D
Characterising spatial patterns of neglected tropical disease transmission using integrated sero-surveillance in Northern Ghana
Authors: Fornace Kimberly M. , Senyonjo Laura , Martin Diana L. , Gwyn Sarah , Schmidt Elena , Agyemang David , Marfo Benjamin , Addy James , Mensah Ernest , Solomon Anthony W. , Bailey Robin , Drakeley Chris J. , Pullan Rachel L. 
Published: March 2022

Background
As prevalence decreases in pre-elimination settings, identifying the spatial distribution of remaining infections to target control measures becomes increasingly challenging. By measuring multiple antibody responses indicative of past exposure to different pathogens, integrated serological surveys enable simultaneous characterisation of residual transmission of multiple pathogens.

Methodology/Principal findings
Here, we combine integrated serological surveys with geostatistical modelling and remote sensing-derived environmental data to estimate the spatial distribution of exposure to multiple diseases in children in Northern Ghana. The study utilised the trachoma surveillance survey platform (cross-sectional two-stage cluster-sampled surveys) to collect information on additional identified diseases at different stages of elimination with minimal additional cost. Geostatistical modelling of serological data allowed identification of areas with high probabilities of recent exposure to diseases of interest, including areas previously unknown to control programmes. We additionally demonstrate how serological surveys can be used to identify areas with exposure to multiple diseases and to prioritise areas with high uncertainty for future surveys. Modelled estimates of cluster-level prevalence were strongly correlated with more operationally feasible metrics of antibody responses.

Conclusions/Significance
This study demonstrates the potential of integrated serological surveillance to characterise spatial distributions of exposure to multiple pathogens in low transmission and elimination settings when the probability of detecting infections is low.
What are we learning about HIV testing in informal settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa? Results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Psaki Stephanie R. , Pulerwitz Julie , Zieman Brady , Hewett Paul C. , Beksinska Mags 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundRecent evidence highlighting high HIV incidence and prevalence in informal settlements suggests that they are environments that foster HIV risk. Given growing urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a critical need to assess the successes and challenges of implementing HIV testing, prevention and treatment interventions in these contexts.MethodsWe randomly selected a household-based sample of 1528 adult men (18–35) and women (18–24) living in 18 randomly selected communities in KZN, South Africa. After the baseline interview, communities were randomized to one of three intervention rollout arms in a stepped wedge design. At approximately 8-month intervals, theAsibonisane Community ResponsesProgram (and in particular the implementation ofStepping Stones, a participatory HIV prevention program focused on strengthening relationships and communication) was rolled at by intervention phase. Using data from this evaluation, we describe levels and trends in HIV testing and treatment during follow-up, and we use fixed effects models to estimate the effects of participation in the program on testing.ResultsStudy respondents reported high levels of economic insecurity and mobility, and men report various HIV risk behaviors including about 50% reporting multiple partnerships. About two-thirds of respondents (73% of women, 63% of men) had been tested for HIV in the last six months. Among those living with HIV, treatment levels were high at baseline, and almost universal by endline in 2019. Program participation led to a 17% increase in the probability of testing for women (p<0.05) but had no effect on testing for men due, in part, to the fact that the program did not reach men who were least likely to be tested, including those who had migrated recently, and those who had never been tested at baseline.ConclusionsNear universal HIV treatment use demonstrates positive trends in access to some HIV services (including treatment as prevention) in these communities. Stepping Stones had positive effects on HIV testing for women, yet barriers to HIV testing remain, especially for men. Redoubled efforts to reach men with testing are vital for improving HIV outcomes for both men and their partners.
Is lack of health insurance a predictor of worsening of heart failure among adult patients attending referral hospitals in Northwestern Tanzania?
Authors: Wajanga Bahati M. K. , Kim Christine Yaeree , Peck Robert N. , Bartlett John , Mabula Deodatus , Juma Adinan , Muiruri Charles 
Published: March 2022

Introduction
Health insurance coverage is critical for persons living with chronic conditions such as heart failure. Lack of health insurance may affect the ability to access regular healthcare appointments, pay for medication refills which can result in frequent hospitalization that is associated with poor clinical outcomes. In scarce resource locations such as sub-Saharan Africa, where uptake of health insurance is still suboptimal, the effect of health insurance on chronic conditions such as heart failure is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess the association of health insurance on the severity of heart failure for patients attending outpatient clinics at tertiary hospitals in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods
As part of a larger cohort study, patients with heart failure were recruited from Bugando Medical Center (BMC) and Sekou Toure Regional Hospital (STRH) in Mwanza City, Tanzania. Heart failure was based on Framingham criteria and the severity was determined by New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to describe the study participants and to assess the association between health insurance status and the severity of heart failure at baseline.

Results
418 patients were enrolled, and majority were female (n = 264, 63%), small scale farmers (n = 278, 66.5%) and were from Mwanza City (n = 299, 71.5%). More than two-thirds of patients did not have health insurance (n = 295, 70.6%) and the majority were in the NYHA I and II classification (n = 267, 64.7%). There was no association between health insurance status and the severity of heart (aOR 0.97; 95% CI 0.84–1.60). Being male, small-scale businessperson and those seen at STRH was associated with higher odds of being in NYHA Class III/IV (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.21–3.17), (aOR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.27–5.34) and (aOR 1.91 95% CI: 1.17–3.13) respectively. Having secondary and college education was associated with lower odds of being in Class III/IV (0.42; 95% CI: 0.18–0.98) and (aOR = 0.23 95% CI: 0.06–0.86) respectively.

Conclusion
In this study, only a third of the patients had health insurance. Health insurance was not associated with the severity of heart failure. Since heart failure is a chronic condition patients who do not have health insurance may incur out of pocket expenses, future research should focus on the effect of out-of-pocket expenditures on clinical outcomes.