bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Preferences for Multiple Myeloma Treatments: A Multinational Qualitative Study
Authors: Janssens Rosanne , Lang Tamika , Vallejo Ana , Galinsky Jayne , Plate Ananda , Morgan Kate , Cabezudo Elena , Silvennoinen Raija , Coriu Daniel , Badelita Sorina , Irimia Ruxandra , Anttonen Minna , Manninen Riikka-Leena , Schoefs Elise , Vandebroek Martina , Vanhellemont Anneleen , Delforge Michel , Stevens Hilde , Simoens Steven , Huys Isabelle
Published: July 2021

Background: Investigational and marketed drugs for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) are associated with a range of characteristics and uncertainties regarding long term side-effects and efficacy. This raises questions about what matters most to patients living with this disease. This study aimed to understand which characteristics MM patients find most important, and hence should be included as attributes and levels in a subsequent quantitative preference survey among MM patients.

Methods: This qualitative study involved: (i) a scoping literature review, (ii) discussions with MM patients (n = 24) in Belgium, Finland, Romania, and Spain using Nominal Group Technique, (iii) a qualitative thematic analysis including multi-stakeholder discussions.

Results: MM patients voiced significant expectations and hopes that treatments would extend their lives and reduce their cancer signs and symptoms. Participants however raised concerns about life-threatening side-effects that could cause permanent organ damage. Bone fractures and debilitating neuropathic effects (such as chronic tingling sensations) were highlighted as major issues reducing patients' independence and mobility. Patients discussed the negative impact of the following symptoms and side-effects on their daily activities: thinking problems, increased susceptibility to infections, reduced energy, pain, emotional problems, and vision problems. MM patients were concerned with uncertainties regarding the durability of positive treatment outcomes, and the cause, severity, and duration of their symptoms and side-effects. Patients feared short-term positive treatment responses complicated by permanent, severe side-effects and symptoms.

Conclusions: This study gained an in-depth understanding of the treatment and disease-related characteristics and types of attribute levels (severity, duration) that are most important to MM patients. Results from this study argue in favor of MM drug development and individual treatment decision-making that focuses not only on extending patients' lives but also on addressing those symptoms and side-effects that significantly impact MM patients' quality of life. This study underscores a need for transparent communication toward MM patients about MM treatment outcomes and uncertainties regarding their long-term efficacy and safety. Finally, this study may help drug developers and decision-makers understand which treatment outcomes and uncertainties are most important to MM patients and therefore should be incorporated in MM drug development, evaluation, and clinical practice.
Scientific Advances in Diabetes: The Impact of the Innovative Medicines Initiative
Authors: Brito Maria de Fátima , Torre Carla , Silva-Lima Beatriz
Published: July 2021

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the World Health Organization's priority diseases under research by the first and second programmes of Innovative Medicines Initiative, with the acronyms IMI1 and IMI2, respectively. Up to October of 2019, 13 projects were funded by IMI for Diabetes & Metabolic disorders, namely SUMMIT, IMIDIA, DIRECT, StemBANCC, EMIF, EBiSC, INNODIA, RHAPSODY, BEAT-DKD, LITMUS, Hypo-RESOLVE, IM2PACT, and CARDIATEAM. In general, a total of €447 249 438 was spent by IMI in the area of Diabetes. In order to prompt a better integration of achievements between the different projects, we perform a literature review and used three data sources, namely the official project's websites, the contact with the project's coordinators and co-coordinator, and the CORDIS database. From the 662 citations identified, 185 were included. The data collected were integrated into the objectives proposed for the four IMI2 program research axes: (1) target and biomarker identification, (2) innovative clinical trials paradigms, (3) innovative medicines, and (4) patient-tailored adherence programmes. The IMI funded projects identified new biomarkers, medical and research tools, determinants of inter-individual variability, relevant pathways, clinical trial designs, clinical endpoints, therapeutic targets and concepts, pharmacologic agents, large-scale production strategies, and patient-centered predictive models for diabetes and its complications. Taking into account the scientific data produced, we provided a joint vision with strategies for integrating personalized medicine into healthcare practice. The major limitations of this article were the large gap of data in the libraries on the official project websites and even the Cordis database was not complete and up to date.
Bacterial and Fungal Gut Community Dynamics Over the First 5 Years of Life in Predominantly Rural Communities in Ghana
Authors: Amenyogbe Nelly , Adu-Gyasi Dennis , Enuameh Yeetey , Asante Kwaku Poku , Konadu Dennis Gyasi , Kaali Seyram , Dosoo David , Panigrahi Pinaki , Kollmann Tobias R. , Mohn William W. , Owusu-Agyei Seth
Published: July 2021

Background

Bacterial and fungal microbiotas are increasingly recognized as important in health and disease starting early in life. However, microbiota composition has not yet been investigated in most rural, low-resource settings, and in such settings, bacterial and fungal microbiotas have not been compared. Thus, we applied 16S and ITS2 amplicon sequencing, respectively, to investigate bacterial and fungal fecal microbiotas in rural Ghanaian children cross-sectionally from birth to 5 years of age. Corresponding maternal fecal and breast milk microbiotas were additionally investigated.

Results

While bacterial communities differed systematically across the age spectrum in composition and diversity, the same was not observed for the fungal microbiota. We also identified a novel and dramatic change in the maternal postpartum microbiota. This change included much higher abundance ofEscherichia coliand much lower abundance ofPrevotellain the first vs. fourth week postpartum. While infants shared more bacterial taxa with their mother’s stool and breast milk than with those of unrelated mothers, there were far fewer shared fungal taxa.

Conclusion

Given the known ability of commensal fungi to influence host health, the distinct pattern of their acquisition likely has important health consequences. Similarly, the dynamics of mothers’ bacterial microbiotas around the time of birth may have important consequences for their children’s health. Both topics require further study.
Natural Fungal Endophytes From Noccaea caerulescens Mediate Neutral to Positive Effects on Plant Biomass, Mineral Nutrition and Zn Phytoextraction
Authors: Yung Loïc , Sirguey Catherine , Azou-Barré Antonin , Blaudez Damien
Published: July 2021

Phytoextraction using hyperaccumulating plants is a method for the remediation of soils contaminated with trace elements (TEs). As a strategy for improvement, the concept of fungal-assisted phytoextraction has emerged in the last decade. However, the role played by fungal endophytes of hyperaccumulating plants in phytoextraction is poorly studied. Here, fungal endophytes isolated from calamine or non-metalliferous populations of the Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens were tested for their growth promotion abilities affecting the host plant. Plants were inoculated with seven different isolates and grown for 2 months in trace element (TE)-contaminated soil. The outcomes of the interactions between N. caerulescens and its native strains ranged from neutral to beneficial. Among the strains, Alternaria thlaspis and Metapochonia rubescens, respectively, isolated from the roots of a non-metallicolous and a calamine population of N. caerulescens, respectively, exhibited the most promising abilities to enhance the Zn phytoextraction potential of N. caerulescens related to a significant increase of the plant biomass. These strains significantly increased the root elemental composition, particularly in the case of K, P, and S, suggesting an improvement of the plant nutrition. Results obtained in this study provide new insights into the relevance of microbial-assisted phytoextraction approaches in the case of hyperaccumulating plants.
Novel Nanoliposomes Alleviate Contrast-Induced Nephropathy by Mediating Apoptosis Response in New Zealand Rabbits
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Xue , Zhang Jing , Song Yanqiu , Liu Ting , Zeng Zhican , Fu Xiaofeng , Fu Han , Zhang Hong , Qin Qin , Fu Naikuan , Guo Zhigang
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to test the preventive effects of nano liposomes against contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in New Zealand rabbits. Sixty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups, with 15 rabbits in each group: control group, contrast group, hydration group and nano liposome group. Serum creatinine (Scr) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) were measured before and after injection of the contrast agent iopromide. Oxidative stress markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and apoptosis markers, such as Bcl2-Associated X (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Rabbits were killed 24 h after injection of the contrast medium and both kidneys were removed. Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assays were performed in kidney tissue. Pathological changes were analyzed under the optical and electron microscope. Compared with the hydration group, the nano liposome group showed improved protection of renal function, with significantly different Scr and BUN levels, incidence of CIN, apoptosis index, RT-PCR and Western blot protein expression patterns. Under the optical and electron microscope, the renal injury in the nano liposome group was less than in the hydration group. However, based on SOD and MDA, there was no significant difference in oxidative stress when compared with the hydration group. Apoptosis is an important mechanism in CIN. Nano liposomes can prevent the occurrence of CIN by decreasing apoptosis, reducing damage to the kidney by the contrast agent.
Assessing Clinical Change in Individuals Exposed to Repetitive Head Impacts: The Repetitive Head Impact Composite Index
Authors: Bernick Charles , Shan Guogen , Bennett Lauren , Alberts Jay , Cummings Jeffrey
Published: July 2021

Background: There is a current lack of any composite measure for the effective tracking and monitoring of clinical change in individuals exposed to repetitive head impacts (RHI). The aim of this study is to create a composite instrument for the purposes of detecting change over time in cognitive and behavioral function in individuals exposed to RHI.

Methods: The data to derive the composite instrument came from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study (PFBHS), a longitudinal study of active and retired professional fighters [boxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters] and healthy controls. Participants in the PFBHS underwent assessment on an annual basis that included computerized cognitive testing and behavioral questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to compare active fighters (n = 117) with controls (n = 22), and retired fighters (n = 26) with controls to identify the predictors that could be used to differentiate the groups over time. In a second step, linear discriminant analysis was performed to derive the linear discriminant coefficients for the three groups by using the predictors from the two separate logistic regression models.

Results: The composite scale is a weighted linear value of 12 standardized scores consisting of both current and yearly change scores in domains including: processing speed, choice reaction time, semantic fluency, letter fluency, and Barrett Impulsiveness Scale. Because the weighting of values differed between active and retired fighters, two versions emerged. The mean and standard deviation ratio (MSDR) showed that the new index had better sensitivity compared to the individual measures, with the ratio of MSDR of the new index to that of the existing measures of at least 1.84.

Conclusion: With the increasing need for tools to follow individuals exposed to RHI and the potential of clinical trials on the horizon for CTE, the RHICI is poised to serve as an initial approach to a composite clinical measure.
Dynamic Functional Connectivity Predicts Treatment Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Dini Hossein , Sendi Mohammad S. E. , Sui Jing , Fu Zening , Espinoza Randall , Narr Katherine L. , Qi Shile , Abbott Christopher C. , van Rooij Sanne J. H. , Riva-Posse Patricio , Bruni Luis Emilio , Mayberg Helen S. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: July 2021

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatments for major depressive disorder. Recently, there has been increasing attention to evaluate the effect of ECT on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). This study aims to compare rs-fMRI of depressive disorder (DEP) patients with healthy participants, investigate whether pre-ECT dynamic functional network connectivity network (dFNC) estimated from patients rs-fMRI is associated with an eventual ECT outcome, and explore the effect of ECT on brain network states.

Method: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected from 119 patients with depression or depressive disorder (DEP) (76 females), and 61 healthy (HC) participants (34 females), with an age mean of 52.25 (N = 180) years old. The pre-ECT and post-ECT Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were 25.59 ± 6.14 and 11.48 ± 9.07, respectively. Twenty-four independent components from default mode (DMN) and cognitive control network (CCN) were extracted, using group-independent component analysis from pre-ECT and post-ECT rs-fMRI. Then, the sliding window approach was used to estimate the pre-and post-ECT dFNC of each subject. Next, k-means clustering was separately applied to pre-ECT dFNC and post-ECT dFNC to assess three distinct states from each participant. We calculated the amount of time each subject spends in each state, which is called “occupancy rate” or OCR. Next, we compared OCR values between HC and DEP participants. We also calculated the partial correlation between pre-ECT OCRs and HDRS change while controlling for age, gender, and site. Finally, we evaluated the effectiveness of ECT by comparing pre- and post-ECT OCR of DEP and HC participants.

Results: The main findings include (1) depressive disorder (DEP) patients had significantly lower OCR values than the HC group in state 2, where connectivity between cognitive control network (CCN) and default mode network (DMN) was relatively higher than other states (corrected p = 0.015), (2) Pre-ECT OCR of state, with more negative connectivity between CCN and DMN components, is linked with the HDRS changes (R = 0.23 corrected p = 0.03). This means that those DEP patients who spent less time in this state showed more HDRS change, and (3) The post-ECT OCR analysis suggested that ECT increased the amount of time DEP patients spent in state 2 (corrected p = 0.03).

Conclusion: Our finding suggests that dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) features, estimated from CCN and DMN, show promise as a predictive biomarker of the ECT outcome of DEP patients. Also, this study identifies a possible underlying mechanism associated with the ECT effect on DEP patients.
Efficacy of Location-Based Features for Survival Prediction of Patients With Glioblastoma Depending on Resection Status
Authors: Soltani Madjid , Bonakdar Armin , Shakourifar Nastaran , Babaei Reza , Raahemifar Kaamran
Published: July 2021

Cancer stands out as one of the fatal diseases people are facing all the time. Each year, a countless number of people die because of the late diagnosis of cancer or wrong treatments. Glioma, one of the most common primary brain tumors, has different aggressiveness and sub-regions, which can affect the risk of disease. Although prediction of overall survival based on multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is challenging, in this study, we assess if and how location-based features of tumors can affect overall survival prediction. This approach is evaluated independently and in combination with radiomic features. The process is carried out on a data set entailing MRI images of patients with glioblastoma. To assess the impact of resection status, the data set is divided into two groups, patients were reported as gross total resection and unknown resection status. Then, different machine learning algorithms were used to evaluate how location features are linked with overall survival. Results from regression models indicate that location-based features have considerable effects on the patients’ overall survival independently. Additionally, classifier models show an improvement in prediction accuracy by the addition of location-based features to radiomic features.
Piwi-Interacting RNAs: A New Class of Regulator in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Qian Lu , Xie Heying , Zhang Libo , Zhao Qian , Lü Jinhui , Yu Zuoren
Published: July 2021

P-element-induced wimpy testis (Piwi)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of germline-enriched small non-coding RNA that associate with Piwi family proteins and mostly induce transposon silencing and epigenetic regulation. Emerging evidence indicated the aberrant expression of Piwil proteins and associated piRNAs in multiple types of human cancer including breast cancer. Although the majority of piRNAs in breast cancer remains unclear of the function mainly due to the variety of regulatory mechanisms, the potential of piRNAs serving as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis or therapeutic targets for cancer treatment has been demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies. Herein we summarized the research progress of oncogenic or tumor suppressing piRNAs and their regulatory mechanisms in regulating human breast cancer, including piR-021285, piR-823, piR-932, piR-36712, piR-016658, piR-016975 and piR-4987. The challenges and perspectives of piRNAs in the field of human cancer were discussed.
Association of the CPT1A p.P479L Metabolic Gene Variant With Childhood Respiratory and Other Infectious Illness in Nunavut
Authors: Collins Sorcha A. , Edmunds Sharon , Akearok Gwen Healey , Thompson J. Robert , Erickson Anders C. , Hildes-Ripstein Elske , Miners Amber , Somerville Martin , Goldfarb David M. , Rockman-Greenberg Cheryl , Arbour Laura
Published: July 2021

Objective: Infectious illness, including lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and infant mortality in Inuit children in Nunavut Canada. The carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) p.P479L variant is common in arctic Indigenous populations of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. CPT1A is a fatty acid oxidation enzyme expressed in the liver, immunocytes and other tissues, and is needed to use fats for energy during fasting. Previous association of the variant with early childhood infectious illness and infant death has been challenged because of sample size and limited adjustment for confounders. We evaluated whether the p.P479L variant is associated with infectious illness in Inuit children of Nunavut, Canada.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective clinical chart review of 2,225 Inuit children (0–5 years) for infectious illness (including otitis media, gastroenteritis, and hospital admission for LRTI), prenatal, perinatal, and socioeconomic indicators, subsequently linking to CPT1A genotype. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for birth characteristics, breastfeeding, maternal smoking, food insecurity, and socioeconomic indicators.

Results: Overall, 27% of children were hospitalized for LRTI, 86% had otitis media and 50% had gastroenteritis. The p.P479L allele frequency was 0.82. In multivariable analysis, p.P479L homozygosity was associated with LRTI admission (aOR:2.88 95%CI:1.46–5.64), otitis media (aOR:1.83, 95%CI:1.05–3.21), and gastroenteritis (aOR:1.74, 95%CI:1.09–2.77), compared to non-carriers.

Conclusion: Children homozygous for the p.P479L variant were more likely to experience infectious illness than non-carriers, including hospitalization for respiratory tract infections. Given the role of CPT1A in immunocytes, our findings indicate that more study is needed to determine if there is a role of the variant in immune response. Continued Inuit involvement is essential when considering next steps.
Two Worlds Colliding: The Interplay Between Natural Compounds and Non-Coding Transcripts in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sabo Alexandru A. , Dudau Maria , Constantin George L. , Pop Tudor C. , Geilfus Christoph-M. , Naccarati Alessio , Dragomir Mihnea P.
Published: July 2021

Cancer is a devastating disease and has recently become the leading cause of death in western countries, representing an immense public health burden. When it comes to cancer treatment, chemotherapy is one of the main pillars, especially for advanced stage tumors. Over the years, natural compounds have emerged as one of the most valuable resources for new chemotherapies. It is estimated that more than half of the currently used chemotherapeutic agents are derived from natural compounds. Usually, natural compounds are discovered empirically and an important limitation of introducing new anti-cancer natural products is lack of knowledge with regard to their mechanism of action. Recent data has proven that several natural compounds may function via modulating the expression and function of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). NcRNAs are a heterogenous class of RNA molecules which are usually not translated into proteins but have an important role in gene expression regulation and are involved in multiple tumorigenic processes, including response/resistance to pharmacotherapy. In this review, we will discuss how natural compounds function via ncRNAs while summarizing the available data regarding their effects on over 15 types of cancer. Moreover, we will critically analyze the current advances and limitations in understanding the way natural compounds exert these health-promoting effects by acting on ncRNAs. Finally, we will propose several hypotheses that may open new avenues and perspectives regarding the interaction between natural compounds and ncRNAs, which could lead to improved natural compound-based therapeutic strategies in cancer.
Research Progress on the Antiviral Activity of Glycyrrhizin and its Derivatives in Liquorice
Authors: Huan Changchao , Xu Yao , Zhang Wei , Guo Tingting , Pan Haochun , Gao Song
Published: July 2021

Liquorice is a traditional medicine. Triterpenoids such as glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid are the main active constituents of liquorice. Studies have revealed that these compounds exert inhibitory effects on several viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The main mechanisms of action of these compounds include inhibition of virus replication, direct inactivation of viruses, inhibition of inflammation mediated by HMGB1/TLR4, inhibition of β-chemokines, reduction in the binding of HMGB1 to DNA to weaken the activity of viruses, and inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation. We herein review the research progress on the antiviral effects of glycyrrhizin and its derivatives. In addition, we emphasise the significance of exploring unknown antiviral mechanisms, structural modifications, and drug combinations in future studies.
Jabuticaba [Plinia trunciflora (O. Berg) Kausel] Protects Liver of Diabetic Rats Against Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress Through the Modulation of SIRT3 Expression
Authors: Calloni Caroline , Martínez Luana Soares , Gil Daniela Franciele , da Silva Douglas Machado , Jahn Matheus Parmegiani , Salvador Mirian
Published: July 2021

Complications generated by hyperglycemia present in diabetes mellitus (DM) have been constantly related to oxidative stress and dysfunction in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), which is present in mitochondria, is responsible for regulating several proteins involved in metabolic homeostasis and oxidative stress. Studies have suggested alterations in the expression of SIRT3 in DM. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of phenolic compounds in jabuticaba (Plinia trunciflora), a berry native to Brazil, on the activity of mitochondrial ETC complexes, SIRT3 protein expression, and oxidative stress parameters in liver of diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin. After type 1 DM induction (streptozotocin 65 mg/kg), diabetic and healthy rats were treated with jabuticaba peel extract (JPE) by gavage (0.5 g/kg of weight) for 30 days. After treatments, those diabetic rats presented impaired activities of complexes I, II, and III of ETC along with an overexpression of SIRT3. In addition, an increase in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities was observed in the diabetic group. The treatment with JPE was able to recover the activity of the mitochondrial complexes and reduce the expression of SIRT3. Furthermore, JPE treatment reduced oxidative damage to lipids and brought the antioxidants enzyme activities to basal levels in diabetic rats. Together, these results demonstrate that JPE can reduce oxidative stress related to DM by restoring mitochondrial complexes activity and regulating SIRT3 expression. Thus, JPE could become an alternative to reduce the development of complications related to DM.
Trust, Mistrust and Distrust: A Gendered Perspective on Meanings and Measurements
Authors: Bunting Hannah , Gaskell Jennifer , Stoker Gerry
Published: July 2021

Recent work has emphasised the need for greater nuance in qualifying both the presence and absence of political trust in different political systems. The concept of trust may thus be more effectively perceived and analysed as a family with trust, mistrust, and distrust as its members. Expanding to a family of trust means that new ways of capturing these attitudes in empirical survey work may be needed and a way of critically driving that exploration is to investigate how gender influences how they are understood. In this paper, we use insights from focus group discussions on a series of newly designed trust, mistrust and distrust questions to identify: 1) how citizens perceive these different concepts and 2) how gendered these perceptions are. We then draw on new survey data gathered through the TrustGov project to test how the focus group findings impact survey responses and thus identify: 3) which survey questions are more likely to effectively measure the three concepts. We show that the differences highlighted in our qualitative work underscore the need to develop a more systematic mixed methods research agenda on both the expanded family of political trust and gender. We emphasise that global comparative work to capture diverse gender effects across different political systems are the necessary next steps for the field.
Encouraging Emotional Conversations in Children With Complex Communication Needs: An Observational Case Study
Authors: Rangel-Rodríguez Gabriela A. , Badia Mar , Blanch Sílvia
Published: July 2021

Children with complex communication needs (CCN) regularly have barriers to express and discuss emotions, and have fewer opportunities to participate in emotional conversations. The study explores and analyzes the changes after a training program focused on offering an interactive home learning environment that encouraged and modeled emotion-related conversations between a parent and a child with CCN within storybook-reading contexts. An observational design (nomothetic/follow-up/multidimensional) was used to explore and analyze the changes in the communicative interaction around emotions between mother-child. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies were used to provide the child access to emotion-related vocabulary. The training program resulted in the mother providing more opportunities to engage her child in emotional conversations, suggesting that when opportunities and resources to talk about emotions were promoted, the child showed more engagement in emotion-related conversations using his AAC system. The mother–child communicative patterns and behavioral relationships observed during the phases are also presented. This case study illustrates the importance of a primary communication partners’ role in facilitating emotional conversations, and the promising efficacy of a training program implemented in a storybook interactive learning environment to promote conversations about emotion-related events while encouraging children with CCN to learn, explore, express, and discuss emotions.
COVID-19 Pandemic Stress-Induced Somatization in Transplant Waiting List Patients
Authors: Wagner-Skacel Jolana , Dalkner Nina , Bengesser Susanne , Ratzenhofer Michaela , Fink Nadja , Kahn Judith , Pilz Rene , Mörkl Sabrina , Lenger Melanie , Fazekas Christian , Matzer Franziska , Butler Mary , Reininghaus Eva Z. , Müller Helmut , Kniepeiss Daniela
Published: July 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in widespread socioeconomic restrictions including quarantine, social distancing and self-isolation. This is the first study investigating the psychological impact of the pandemic on patients waiting for liver or kidney transplantation, a particularly vulnerable group.

Methods: Twenty-seven patients on the transplantation waiting list and 43 healthy controls took part in an online survey including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2), the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUDIT-C), the 12-item Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SQS) and a questionnaire to determine cognitions and beliefs, attitude and fear related to COVID-19.

Results: BSI-18 Somatization was increased in waiting list patients compared to controls. Correlation analyses indicated a relationship between Somatization and the fear of contracting the coronavirus in the patient group; however this association was weak. In patients and controls, other psychologicial symptoms (depression, anxiety) correlated highly with emotional distress due to social distancing. There were no differences between patients and controls in depression scores and sleep disturbances. Alcohol consumption and personality structure were not related to COVID-19 fears.

Conclusion: In times of the first lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients on the transplantation waiting list have high somatization symptoms associated with COVID-19 fears. As vulnerable group, they need psychological counseling to improve mental well-being during times of crisis.
General Perception of Doctor–Patient Relationship From Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Yanan , Chen Shubao , Liao Yanhui , Wu Qiuxia , Ma Yuejiao , Wang Dongfang , Wang Xuyi , Li Manyun , Wang Yunfei , Wang Yingying , Liu Yueheng , Liu Tieqiao , Yang Winson Fu Zun
Published: July 2021

The doctor–patient relationship (DPR) is essential in the process of medical consultations and treatments. Poor DPR may lead to poor medical outcomes, medical violence against doctors, and a negative perception of the healthcare system. Little is known about how DPR is affected during this novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the DPR during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 1,903 participants in China (95% response rate) who were recruited during the pandemic online via convenience and snowball sampling. Several questionnaires were used to evaluate participants' attitudes toward DPR, including the Patient–Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9), Chinese Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale (C-WFPTS), a survey on medical violence against doctors, factors that affect and improve DPR, and general trust in medical services. Results revealed that DPR improved, and doctor–patient trust increased compared to participants' retrospective attitude before the pandemic. In addition, patients' violence against doctors decreased during the pandemic. Better doctor–patient trust and lower violence toward doctors are related to better DPR. Furthermore, we found that the main factors that could improve DPR include communication between doctors and patients, medical technology and services, and medical knowledge for patients. This study helped to better understand DPR in China, which may contribute to future health policies and medical practices in order to improve DPR and doctor–patient trust.
Influence of Conditional Cash Transfers on the Uptake of Maternal and Child Health Services in Nigeria: Insights From a Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Ezenwaka Uchenna , Manzano Ana , Onyedinma Chioma , Ogbozor Pamela , Agbawodikeizu Uju , Etiaba Enyi , Ensor Tim , Onwujekwe Obinna , Ebenso Bassey , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Mirzoev Tolib
Published: July 2021

Background: Increasing access to maternal and child health (MCH) services is crucial to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) among pregnant women and children under-five (CU5). The Nigerian government between 2012 and 2015 implemented an innovative MCH programme to reduce maternal and CU5 mortality by reducing financial barriers of access to essential health services. The study explores how the implementation of a financial incentive through conditional cash transfer (CCT) influenced the uptake of MCH services in the programme.

Methods: The study used a descriptive exploratory approach in Anambra state, southeast Nigeria. Data was collected through qualitative [in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs)] and quantitative (service utilization data pre- and post-programme) methods. Twenty-six IDIs were conducted with respondents who were purposively selected to include frontline health workers (n = 13), National and State policymakers and programme managers (n = 13). A total of sixteen FGDs were conducted with service users and their family members, village health workers, and ward development committee members from four rural communities. We drew majorly upon Skinner's reinforcement theory which focuses on human behavior in our interpretation of the influence of CCT in the uptake of MCH services. Manual content analysis was used in data analysis to pull together core themes running through the entire data set.

Results: The CCTs contributed to increasing facility attendance and utilization of MCH services by reducing the financial barrier to accessing healthcare among pregnant women. However, there were unintended consequences of CCT which included a reduction in birth spacing intervals, and a reduction of trust in the health system when the CCT was suddenly withdrawn by the government.

Conclusion: CCT improved the utilization of MCH, but the sudden withdrawal of the CCT led to the opposite effect because people were discouraged due to lack of trust in government to keep using the MCH services. Understanding the intended and unintended outcomes of CCT will help to build sustainable structures in policy designs to mitigate sudden programme withdrawal and its subsequent effects on target beneficiaries and the health system at large.
Simple Detection Methods for Senescent Cells: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Faragher Richard G. A.
Published: July 2021

Cellular senescence, the irreversible growth arrest of cells from conditional renewal populations combined with a radical shift in their phenotype, is a hallmark of ageing in some mammalian species. In the light of this, interest in the detection of senescent cells in different tissues and different species is increasing. However much of the prior work in this area is heavily slanted towards studies conducted in humans and rodents; and in these species most studies concern primary fibroblasts or cancer cell lines rendered senescent through exposure to a variety of stressors. Complex techniques are now available for the detailed analysis of senescence in these systems. But, rather than focussing on these methods this review instead examines techniques for the simple and reproducible detection of senescent cells. Intended primary for the non-specialist who wishes to quickly detect senescent cells in tissues or species which may lack a significant evidence base on the phenomenon it emphasises the power of the original techniques used to demonstrate the senescence of cells, their interrelationship with other markers and their potential to inform on the senescent state in new species and archival specimens.
Corrective Filter Based on Kinematics of Human Hand for Pose Estimation
Authors: Isaac Joseph H. R. , Manivannan M. , Ravindran Balaraman
Published: July 2021

Depth-based 3D hand trackers are expected to estimate highly accurate poses of the human hand given the image. One of the critical problems in tracking the hand pose is the generation of realistic predictions. This paper proposes a novel “anatomical filter” that accepts a hand pose from a hand tracker and generates the closest possible pose within the real human hand’s anatomical bounds. The filter works by calculating the 26-DoF vector representing the joint angles and correcting those angles based on the real human hand’s biomechanical limitations. The proposed filter can be plugged into any hand tracker to enhance its performance. The filter has been tested on two state-of-the-art 3D hand trackers. The empirical observations show that our proposed filter improves the hand pose’s anatomical correctness and allows a smooth trade-off with pose error. The filter achieves the lowest prediction error when used with state-of-the-art trackers at 10% correction.
Drivers of Dissolved Organic Carbon Mobilization From Forested Headwater Catchments: A Multi Scaled Approach
Authors: Adler Thomas , Underwood Kristen L. , Rizzo Donna M. , Harpold Adrian , Sterle Gary , Li Li , Wen Hang , Stinson Lindsey , Bristol Caitlin , Stewart Bryn , Lini Andrea , Perdrial Nicolas , Perdrial Julia N.
Published: July 2021

Understanding and predicting catchment responses to a regional disturbance is difficult because catchments are spatially heterogeneous systems that exhibit unique moderating characteristics. Changes in precipitation composition in the Northeastern U.S. is one prominent example, where reduction in wet and dry deposition is hypothesized to have caused increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export from many northern hemisphere forested catchments; however, findings from different locations contradict each other. Using shifts in acid deposition as a test case, we illustrate an iterative “process and pattern” approach to investigate the role of catchment characteristics in modulating the steam DOC response. We use a novel dataset that integrates regional and catchment-scale atmospheric deposition data, catchment characteristics and co-located stream Q and stream chemistry data. We use these data to investigate opportunities and limitations of a pattern-to-process approach where we explore regional patterns of reduced acid deposition, catchment characteristics and stream DOC response and specific soil processes at select locations. For pattern investigation, we quantify long-term trends of flow-adjusted DOC concentrations in stream water, along with wet deposition trends in sulfate, for USGS headwater catchments using Seasonal Kendall tests and then compare trend results to catchment attributes. Our investigation of climatic, topographic, and hydrologic catchment attributes vs. directionality of DOC trends suggests soil depth and catchment connectivity as possible modulating factors for DOC concentrations. This informed our process-to-pattern investigation, in which we experimentally simulated increased and decreased acid deposition on soil cores from catchments of contrasting long-term DOC response [Sleepers River Research Watershed (SRRW) for long-term increases in DOC and the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (SSHCZO) for long-term decreases in DOC]. SRRW soils generally released more DOC than SSHCZO soils and losses into recovery solutions were higher. Scanning electron microscope imaging indicates a significant DOC contribution from destabilizing soil aggregates mostly from hydrologically disconnected landscape positions. Results from this work illustrate the value of an iterative process and pattern approach to understand catchment-scale response to regional disturbance and suggest opportunities for further investigations.
Estimation of Evapotranspiration and Water Requirements of Strawberry Plants in Greenhouses Using Environmental Data
Authors: Jo Won Jun , Kim Dong Sub , Sim Ha Seon , Ahn Su Ran , Lee Hye Jin , Moon Yu Hyun , Woo Ui Jeong , Kim Sung Kyeom
Published: July 2021

Farmers routinely determine irrigation requirements from visual observations and cultivation experience, but this can lead to under- or over-irrigation. To establish precise irrigation technology for strawberry cultivation, the average daily evapotranspiration and water requirements were estimated according to the environmental data: air temperature and humidity from the center of the greenhouses and solar radiation from outside greenhouses. Makkink FAO24 equations (temperature and cloudiness) were used to estimate the evapotranspiration and water requirements. The temperature equation showed higher correlation coefficients in solar radiation (R2 = 0.60), evapotranspiration (R2 = 0.76), and water requirements (R2 = 0.69) than other tested equations. The daily irrigation, calculated from the estimated evapotranspiration, was 3.8 tons/10a. It is possible to develop a precision irrigation system from estimated evapotranspiration during the winter cultivation of “Seolhyang” strawberries in South Korea.
Growing Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) Hydroponically in Wood Fiber—A Preliminary Case-Study Report
Authors: Woznicki Tomasz , Møllerhagen Per Jarle , Heltoft Pia , Kusnierek Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

Potato contributes highly to the global food security. It is predicted that the production of this crop will be negatively affected by future climatic changes. Application of hydroponics for table potato production can mitigate crop loss in highly vulnerable regions. A preliminary small-scale case-study was performed to test theoretical perspectives of hydroponic production of table potatoes in wood fiber by comparing different fiber types and fertigation strategies. Potatoes were also grown in the field to obtain a reference control. Hydroponic production of potato in a stand-alone wood fiber resulted in ca. 200% higher yield, when compared to standard soil cultivation. However, the quality of the tubers was slightly reduced (lower dry matter content). Productivity of table potatoes was affected by the growing medium and fertigation strategy. Production of potatoes in wood fiber is possible and, in the future, might complement the conventional production systems, or even become an important alternative in locations where in-field cultivation is not possible. Nevertheless, the effect of wood fiber properties and the applied fertigation strategy on yield potential and tuber quality should be further studied. Optimization of these factors will be a topic of a following full-scale research.
Integrated Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNA and mRNA Expression Profiles in Testes of Calves and Sexually Mature Wandong Bulls (Bos taurus)
Authors: Liu Hongyu , Khan Ibrar Muhammad , Yin Huiqun , Zhou Xinqi , Rizwan Muhammad , Zhuang Jingyi , Zhang Yunhai
Published: July 2021

The mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs axes are playing a vital role in the regulating of post-transcriptional gene expression. Thereby, elucidating the expression pattern of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs underlying testis development is crucial. In this study, mRNA and long non-coding RNAs expression profiles were investigated in 3-month-old calves and 3-year-old mature bulls’ testes by total RNA sequencing. Additionally, during the gene level analysis, 21,250 mRNAs and 20,533 long non-coding RNAs were identified. As a result, 7908 long non-coding RNAs (p-adjust < 0.05) and 5122 mRNAs (p-adjust < 0.05) were significantly differentially expressed between the distinct age groups. In addition, gene ontology and biological pathway analyses revealed that the predicted target genes are enriched in the lysine degradation, cell cycle, propanoate metabolism, adherens junction and cell adhesion molecules pathways. Correspondingly, the RT-qPCR validation results showed a strong consistency with the sequencing data. The source genes for the mRNAs (CCDC83, DMRTC2, HSPA2, IQCG, PACRG, SPO11, EHHADH, SPP1, NSD2 and ACTN4) and the long non-coding RNAs (COX7A2, COX6B2, TRIM37, PRM2, INHBA, ERBB4, SDHA, ATP6VOA2, FGF9 and TCF21) were found to be actively associated with bull sexual maturity and spermatogenesis. This study provided a comprehensive catalog of long non-coding RNAs in the bovine testes and also offered useful resources for understanding the differences in sexual development caused by the changes in the mRNA and long non-coding RNA interaction expressions between the immature and mature stages.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Functions in Dogs with Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock; Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ince Mehmet Ege , Turgut Kursad , Naseri Amir
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to monitor left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in dogs with severe sepsis and septic shock (SS/SS). A prospective longitudinal study using 23 dogs with SS/SS (experimental group) and 20 healthy dogs (control group) were carried out. All the clinical, laboratory and cardiologic examinations for the experimental dogs were performed at admission, 6 and 24 h after the start of treatment and on the day of discharge. LVSD was described as LV ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%. LVDD was determined when the septal mitral annulus early diastolic velocity (LVEm) was <8 cm/s. LVSD and LVDD were present in 3 and 16 dogs with SS/SS, respectively, with both types of dysfunction present in 2 of the dogs. Although all the dogs with LVSD survived, 8 dogs with LVDD did not. The survival period was significantly shorter in dogs with an LVEm < 8 cm/s (1.3 ± 1.4 days). In conclusion, LVDD, rather than LVSD, was a common cardiovascular abnormality in the septic dogs, and this may be a negative prognostic factor. TTE is a useful tool for the identifying and monitoring of myocardial dysfunction in the dogs with SS/SS.