bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is It Students or the System? Infusing a Culturally Sustaining Approach to Tier 2 Groups Within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Authors: Olsen Jacob , Betters-Bubon Jennifer , Edirmanasinghe Natalie
Published: March 2024

School counselors play an instrumental role in advancing equity and access for students through tiered supports and specifically group counseling. In this article, we propose the need to move away from a deficit-based model of groups focused on student skill gaps. First, we outline a culturally sustaining group approach that focuses on students’ experiences, strengths, and assets while providing a space where students can collectively heal and learn from each other. Second, we describe a cyclical process whereby school counselors learn from students and use students’ expertise to inform and improve the school-wide systems, processes, and practices that negatively impact students and contribute to the initial need for students to participate in group interventions. Finally, because groups are increasingly implemented within Tier 2 of a multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) framework, we outline a visual model we have developed to illustrate how culturally sustaining practices can be infused throughout the Tier 2 process.
Is Emotional Commitment Through Inner Imitation Stronger When Emojis are Emphasized Separately Rather Than Inserted in Sentences?
Authors: Jeon Hye-Jin
Published: March 2024

The decoding process of emojis is automatic. Therefore, complexity increases when emojis are combined with language that requires cognitive interpretation, which can negatively affect interactions through emojis. This study aimed to investigate whether the emotional commitment process induced by emojis varied depending on their application to sentences. Building on previous research regarding emotional commitment through emojis, this study used inner imitation, which refers to the act of imitating the expression or behavior of another person or object, as the independent variable. Emotional empathy served as the mediating variable, and emotional commitment was the dependent variable. The study hypothesized that the emotional commitment process would be moderated by the way emojis are applied to sentences. Specifically, it was expected that the way emojis are applied would affect the path directly reaching emotional commitment (inner imitation → emotional commitment) as the receiver is deeply immersed, rather than the mediating path. The results showed that the relationship between inner imitation and emotional commitment was stronger when emojis were presented separately, rather than when they were inserted into the sentence. This is because emphasizing emojis individually enhances the recipient’s immersion without inducing cognitive complexity, reinforcing inner imitation on a subconscious level.
Remote Workers’ Reasons for Changed Levels of Absenteeism, Presenteeism and Working Outside Agreed Hours During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fiorini Luke Anthony
Published: March 2024

Few studies have analyzed the extent of remote workers’ absenteeism, presenteeism and working outside agreed hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even fewer have examined the reasons that led remote workers to change these behaviors during the pandemic. The present study aimed to investigate these. An online survey containing closed- and open-ended questions was distributed to IT and communication remote workers ( N = 459). Closed-ended questions were analyzed quantitatively, while open-ended questions were analyzed qualitatively. Most participants engaged in presenteeism and worked outside of agreed work hours. Absenteeism was less common than presenteeism. Presenteeism was found to be more common among women and younger workers. Absenteeism was more frequent among younger workers, sales and support workers, and workers who did not hold management positions. Working outside agreed hours was more common among older workers and workers in managerial positions, but less common among support, sales, and administrative staff. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, absenteeism decreased, whilst presenteeism and working outside agreed hours increased during the pandemic. Health behaviors, work-related factors, and perceptions of illness influenced absenteeism and presenteeism behavior. For some individuals, health behaviors improved during remote work, reducing the need for absenteeism. Greater accessibility to work, increased workload, and the belief that one could manage work even if ill led to increased presenteeism while working remotely. The eroding of boundaries between home and work, reduced commuting, increased workload, and increased work-related communication were associated with increased working outside agreed hours.
The Impact of Pre-Employment Transition and Individualized Vocational Rehabilitation Services on Employment Outcomes for Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Taylor Joshua P. , Whittenburg Holly N. , Avellone Lauren , Castruita Rios Yazmin , Park Sara , Poppen Marcus , Tansey Tim
Published: March 2024

Despite increased attention by policymakers to improve postsecondary employment outcomes, rates of entry into the competitive workforce for transition-age youth with disabilities continue to lag behind their peers without disabilities. The passing of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 provided increased opportunities for transition-age youth with disabilities to prepare for the world of work through coordinated service delivery between schools and state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, including work-based learning, an established predictor of competitive employment. The current study uses the Rehabilitation Services Administration’s Case Service Report (RSA-911) data between the fiscal years 2017 to 2020. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors associated with successful employment among 15,295 transition-age youth with disabilities who received both Pre-ETS and individualized VR services. Findings indicate discrepancies between the most effective and most frequently provided services. Implications for future policy, practice, and research are discussed.
Global Research Trends on Gait Rehabilitation in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury- A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Phadke Vandana , Sharma Ridhi , Sharma Navita , Mitra Shambhovi
Published: March 2024

Study Design

Bibliometric analysis.

Objective

The study aims to comprehensively assess the literature related to gait rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to identify significant contributors, and to explore the collaborations and emerging themes in the field.

Methods

Original and review articles in English using relevant keywords were searched in the Clarivate Web of Science database. The data from the selected articles were imported into R software. Bibliometric indicators were assessed to determine author contributions, country affiliations, journal sources, and thematic trends.

Results

A total of 1313 relevant articles were identified. The USA, followed by Canada and Switzerland were the most prolific countries contributing to gait rehabilitation research in SCI. The most relevant journals were Spinal Cord, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, Journal of NeuroEngineering, and Journal of Neurotrauma. The highest contributions came from Northwestern University, the University of Miami, and the University of Alberta. The analysis revealed an increase in research interest in gait rehabilitation after 2000, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches and emerging technologies like robotics, exoskeletons, and neuromodulation.

Conclusion

The analysis demonstrates the importance of collaborative and interdisciplinary research in gait rehabilitation. The results indicate a shift in research focus from traditional methods to the integration of technology. The impact of publications from the USA and Europe is a notable finding. The study highlights the growth of articles related to technology-driven approaches and understanding neuroplasticity in gait rehabilitation.
The relationship between HIV-related stigma and quality of life among HIV infected outpatients: A cross-sectional study in Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Van Thi Hai , Pham Hai-Thanh , Nguyen Linh Thi Phuong , Tran Ngoc-Anh , Le-Thi Va Quynh-Trang
Published: March 2024

Background:

The impact of stigma on individuals with HIV remains a significant challenge, causing feelings of worthlessness, shame, and emotional distress. This study aimed to examine the relationship between HIV-related stigma and quality of life (QOL) among HIV-infected outpatients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Vietnam.

Design and methods:

This was a cross-sectional study which conducted at Vinh General Hospital, Nghe An Province, involved 323 HIV-infected outpatients. Participants were surveyed between October 2020 and October 2021. The study collected data through structured interviews, assessing socio-demographic factors, HIV stigma, and QOL.

Results:

The result showed that HIV-infected outpatients experiencing higher stigma showed poorer QOL across various domains. The negative impact of stigma was particularly evident in domains related to physical health, psychological well-being, and spirituality. Participants who were married, had children, consumed alcohol, had comorbidities (particularly hepatitis B/C), and lacked a history of drug use reported varying levels of correlation with QOL domains and stigma.

Conclusions:

By identifying the intricate connections between stigma and QOL, the study provides valuable insights for designing comprehensive interventions that prioritize the well-being of HIV infected outpatients.
Combining Cardiovascular and Pupil Features Using k-Nearest Neighbor Classifiers to Assess Task Demand, Social Context, and Sentence Accuracy During Listening
Authors: Plain Bethany , Pielage Hidde , Kramer Sophia E. , Richter Michael , Saunders Gabrielle H. , Versfeld Niek J. , Zekveld Adriana A. , Bhuiyan Tanveer A.
Published: March 2024

In daily life, both acoustic factors and social context can affect listening effort investment. In laboratory settings, information about listening effort has been deduced from pupil and cardiovascular responses independently. The extent to which these measures can jointly predict listening-related factors is unknown. Here we combined pupil and cardiovascular features to predict acoustic and contextual aspects of speech perception. Data were collected from 29 adults (mean  =  64.6 years, SD  =  9.2) with hearing loss. Participants performed a speech perception task at two individualized signal-to-noise ratios (corresponding to 50% and 80% of sentences correct) and in two social contexts (the presence and absence of two observers). Seven features were extracted per trial: baseline pupil size, peak pupil dilation, mean pupil dilation, interbeat interval, blood volume pulse amplitude, pre-ejection period and pulse arrival time. These features were used to train k-nearest neighbor classifiers to predict task demand, social context and sentence accuracy. The k-fold cross validation on the group-level data revealed above-chance classification accuracies: task demand, 64.4%; social context, 78.3%; and sentence accuracy, 55.1%. However, classification accuracies diminished when the classifiers were trained and tested on data from different participants. Individually trained classifiers (one per participant) performed better than group-level classifiers: 71.7% (SD  =  10.2) for task demand, 88.0% (SD  =  7.5) for social context, and 60.0% (SD  =  13.1) for sentence accuracy. We demonstrated that classifiers trained on group-level physiological data to predict aspects of speech perception generalized poorly to novel participants. Individually calibrated classifiers hold more promise for future applications.
Practical approaches to group-level multi-objective Bayesian optimization in interaction technique design
Authors: Liao Yi-Chi , Mo George B , Dudley John J , Cheng Chun-Lien , Chan Liwei , Kristensson Per Ola , Oulasvirta Antti
Published: March 2024

Designing interaction techniques for end-users often involves exploring vast design spaces while balancing many objectives. Bayesian optimization offers a principled human-in-the-loop method for selecting designs for evaluation to efficiently explore such design spaces. To date, the application of Bayesian optimization in a human-in-the-loop setting has largely been restricted to optimization, or customization, of interaction techniques for individual user needs. In practice, interaction techniques are typically designed for a target population or group of users, with the goal is to produce a design that works well for most users. To accommodate this common use case in interaction technique design, we introduce two practical approaches that facilitate multi-objective Bayesian optimization at the group level. Specifically, our approaches streamline the process of (1) deriving designs suitable for a group of users from data collected in individual user evaluations; and (2) deriving an initialization from group data to improve the efficiency of design optimization for new users. We demonstrate the advantages of these practical approaches in two multi-phase user studies involving the design of non-trivial interaction techniques.
Genomic determinants of response and resistance to inotuzumab ozogamicin in B-cell ALL
Authors: Zhao Yaqi , Short Nicholas J. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Chang Ti-Cheng , Ghate Pankaj S. , Qu Chunxu , Macaron Walid , Jain Nitin , Thakral Beenu , Phillips Aaron H. , Khoury Joseph , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Zhang Wenchao , Fan Yiping , Yang Hui , Garris Rebecca S. , Nasr Lewis F. , Kriwacki Richard W. , Roberts Kathryn G. , Konopleva Marina , Jabbour Elias J. , Mullighan Charles G.
Published: March 2024

Inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO) is an antibody-drug conjugate that delivers calicheamicin to CD22-expressing cells. In a retrospective cohort of InO-treated patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we sought to understand the genomic determinants of the response and resistance to InO. Pre- and post-InO–treated patient samples were analyzed by whole genome, exome, and/or transcriptome sequencing. Acquired CD22 mutations were observed in 11% (3/27) of post-InO-relapsed tumor samples, but not in refractory samples (0/16). There were multiple CD22 mutations per sample and the mechanisms of CD22 escape included epitope loss (protein truncation and destabilization) and epitope alteration. Two CD22 mutant cases were post-InO hyper-mutators resulting from error-prone DNA damage repair (nonhomologous/alternative end-joining repair, or mismatch repair deficiency), suggesting that hypermutation drove escape from CD22-directed therapy. CD22-mutant relapses occurred after InO and subsequent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), suggesting that InO eliminated the predominant clones, leaving subclones with acquired CD22 mutations that conferred resistance to InO and subsequently expanded. Acquired loss-of-function mutations in TP53, ATM, and CDKN2A were observed, consistent with a compromise of the G1/S DNA damage checkpoint as a mechanism for evading InO-induced apoptosis. Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening of cell lines identified DNTT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase) loss as a marker of InO resistance. In conclusion, genetic alterations modulating CD22 expression and DNA damage response influence InO efficacy. Our findings highlight the importance of defining the basis of CD22 escape and eradication of residual disease before HSCT. The identified mechanisms of escape from CD22-targeted therapy extend beyond antigen loss and provide opportunities to improve therapeutic approaches and overcome resistance. These trials were registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT01134575, NCT01371630, and NCT03441061.
Curare and GenExVis: a versatile toolkit for analyzing and visualizing RNA-Seq data
Authors: Blumenkamp Patrick , Pfister Max , Diedrich Sonja , Brinkrolf Karina , Jaenicke Sebastian , Goesmann Alexander
Published: March 2024

Even though high-throughput transcriptome sequencing is routinely performed in many laboratories, computational analysis of such data remains a cumbersome process often executed manually, hence error-prone and lacking reproducibility. For corresponding data processing, we introduce Curare, an easy-to-use yet versatile workflow builder for analyzing high-throughput RNA-Seq data focusing on differential gene expression experiments. Data analysis with Curare is customizable and subdivided into preprocessing, quality control, mapping, and downstream analysis stages, providing multiple options for each step while ensuring the reproducibility of the workflow. For a fast and straightforward exploration and visualization of differential gene expression results, we provide the gene expression visualizer software GenExVis. GenExVis can create various charts and tables from simple gene expression tables and DESeq2 results without the requirement to upload data or install software packages. In combination, Curare and GenExVis provide a comprehensive software environment that supports the entire data analysis process, from the initial handling of raw RNA-Seq data to the final DGE analyses and result visualizations, thereby significantly easing data processing and subsequent interpretation.
Evaluating hepatitis C cascade of care surveillance system in Tuscany, Italy, through a population retrospective data-linkage study, 2015–2021
Authors: Ceccarelli Luca , Moretti Giaele , Mazzilli Sara , Petri Davide , Corazza Ilaria , Rizzo Caterina , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Vainieri Milena , Seghieri Chiara , Tavoschi Lara ,   On behalf of OPT-HepaC consortium
Published: March 2024

This comprehensive retrospective data-linkage study aimed at evaluating the impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing, treatment trends, and access to care in Tuscany over six years following their introduction. Utilizing administrative healthcare records, our work reveals a substantial increase in HCV tests in 2017, attributed to the decision to provide universal access to treatment. However, despite efforts to eradicate chronic HCV through a government-led plan, the target of treating 6,221 patients annually was not met, and services contracted after 2018, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings indicate a higher prevalence of HCV screening among females in the 33–53 age group, influenced by pregnancy-related recommendations, while diagnostic tests and treatment uptake were more common among males. Problematic substance users constituted a significant proportion of those tested and treated, emphasizing their priority in HCV screening. Our paper underscores the need for decentralized HCV models and alternative testing strategies, such as point-of-care assays, especially in populations accessing harm reduction services, communities, and prisons. The study acknowledges limitations in relying solely on administrative records, advocating for improved data access and timely linkages to accurately monitor HCV care cascades and inform regional plans. Despite challenges, the paper demonstrates the value of administrative record linkages in understanding the access to care pathway for hard-to-reach populations. The findings emphasize the importance of the national HCV elimination strategy and the need for enhanced data collection to assess progress accurately, providing insights for future regional and national interventions.
Are social pressure, bullying and low social support associated with depressive symptoms, self-harm and self-directed violence among adolescents? A cross-sectional study using a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Stea Tonje Holte , Bonsaksen Tore , Smith Pierre , Kleppang Annette Løvheim , Steigen Anne Mari , Leonhardt Marja , Lien Lars , Vettore Mario Vianna
Published: March 2024

Background

More in-depth evidence about the complex relationships between different risk factors and mental health among adolescents has been warranted. Thus, the aim of the study was to examine the direct and indirect effects of experiencing social pressure, bullying, and low social support on mental health problems in adolescence.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 among 15 823 Norwegian adolescents, aged 13–19 years. Structural Equation Modelling was used to assess the relationships between socioeconomic status, social pressure, bullying, social support, depressive symptoms, self-harm and suicide thoughts.

Results

Poor family economy and low parental education were associated with high pressure, low parental support and depressive symptoms in males and females. Moreover, poor family economy was associated with bullying perpetration and bullying victimization among males and females, and cyberbullying victimization among females, but not males. Low parental education was associated with bullying victimization among males, but not females. Further, high social pressure was associated with depressive symptoms among males and females, whereas high social pressure was linked to self-harm and suicide thoughts among females, but not males. Bullying victimization and cyberbullying victimization were associated with depressive symptoms, self-harm, and suicide thoughts among males and females. Bullying victimization was associated with depressive symptoms among males, but not females, whereas bullying perpetration was linked to self-harm and suicide thoughts among females, but not males. Low parental support was associated with bullying perpetration, bullying victimization, depressive symptoms, self-harm and suicide thoughts among males and females, whereas low parental support was associated with high social pressure among females, but not males. Low teacher support was associated with high social pressure and depressive symptoms. Low support from friends was associated with bullying victimization, depressive symptoms and suicide thoughts among males and females, whereas low support from friends was linked to self-harm among males, but not females. Finally, results showed that depressive symptoms were associated with self-harm and suicide thoughts among males and females.

Conclusion

Low socioeconomic status, social pressure, bullying and low social support were directly and indirectly associated with depressive symptoms and self-directed violence among Norwegian adolescents.
Temporal network of experience sampling methodology identifies sleep disturbance as a central symptom in generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Peng Jiaxi , Yuan Shuai , Wei Zihan , Liu Chang , Li Kuiliang , Wei Xinyi , Yuan Shangqing , Guo Zhihua , Wu Lin , Feng Tingwei , Zhou Yu , Li Jiayi , Yang Qun , Liu Xufeng , Wu Shengjun , Ren Lei
Published: March 2024

Background

A temporal network of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms could provide valuable understanding of the occurrence and maintenance of GAD. We aim to obtain an exploratory conceptualization of temporal GAD network and identify the central symptom.

Methods

A sample of participants (n = 115) with elevated GAD-7 scores (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Questionnaire [GAD-7] ≥ 10) participated in an online daily diary study in which they reported their GAD symptoms based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (eight symptoms in total) for 50 consecutive days. We used a multilevel VAR model to obtain the temporal network.

Results

In temporal network, a lot of lagged relationships exist among GAD symptoms and these lagged relationships are all positive. All symptoms have autocorrelations and there are also some interesting feedback loops in temporal network. Sleep disturbance has the highest Out-strength centrality.

Conclusions

This study indicates how GAD symptoms interact with each other and strengthen themselves over time, and particularly highlights the relationships between sleep disturbance and other GAD symptoms. Sleep disturbance may play an important role in the dynamic development and maintenance process of GAD. The present study may develop the knowledge of the theoretical model, diagnosis, prevention and intervention of GAD from a temporal symptoms network perspective.
Smile aesthetics in Pakistani population: dentist preferences and perceptions of anterior teeth proportion and harmony
Authors: Jouhar Rizwan , Ahmed Naseer , Ahmed Muhammad Adeel , Faheemuddin Muhammad , Mosaddad Seyed Ali , Heboyan Artak
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate dentist perceptions of attractive smiles in the Pakistani population, considering different dental proportions.

Methods

Maxillary casts and digital images were used to create symmetrical representations of anterior teeth. dentists’ preferences for good and bad teeth proportions, width/height ratios, and various dental proportions (golden, recurring esthetic dental (RED), golden percentage, Preston, and local/observed) were assessed using one sample and paired t-test. The Chi-square test was used to determine the gender disparities and factors affecting smile attractiveness. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results

The RED proportion emerged as the preferred choice for normal-sized teeth, with specialists and general dentists favoring it over the golden proportion. For tall teeth, the golden proportion was predominantly preferred. The golden percentage received limited preference for aesthetic smile construction.

Conclusions

The smiles created using the principles of RED proportion were opted as the most attractive by local dentists. Factors such as tooth arrangement, color, and midline were highlighted as essential considerations in aesthetic smile construction.
Age-related knowledge deficit and attitudes towards oral implants: Survey-based examination of the correlation between patient age and implant therapy awareness
Authors: Nitschke Ina , Krüger Kristina , Jockusch Julia
Published: March 2024

Background

Implantology, as a recognized therapeutic approach, is gaining prominence. The decision-making process and success of implant therapy are closely linked to patient knowledge and expectations. This study aims to explore the association between age and knowledge regarding oral implants.

Methods

Participants were categorized into three age groups (ag): ag 1 (35–44 years), ag 2 (65–74 years), and ag 3 (75 years and older). A total of 400 participants per age group were randomly selected using data from the residents’ registration office of Berlin, Germany. Structured telephone interviews were conducted between 2016 and 2017, employing a 67-item questionnaire covering awareness, information level, cost estimation, attitudes, and experiences with oral implants.

Results

Despite a low overall knowledge level across all age groups, there was no significant correlation between age and knowledge about oral implants. Awareness increased with age. Information sources varied, with friends, acquaintances, and dentists playing key roles. Participants expressed diverse opinions on implants, with durability and stability identified as crucial characteristics. Significant differences in knowledge were observed between age groups regarding awareness, information sources, and perceptions of dentists offering implants.

Conclusions

The study suggests a need for targeted educational programs, emphasizing age-appropriate information sources to enhance health literacy in oral implantology, particularly among older individuals. Educating physicians on oral implant basics is also crucial. Implementing these measures could empower individuals to make informed decisions about oral implant treatment, thereby contributing to improved oral health outcomes.
A feasibility study of a handmade ultrasound-guided phantom for paracentesis
Authors: Huang Chien-Tai , Lin Chih-Hsien , Lin Shao-Yung , Huang Sih‑Shiang , Lien Wan-Ching
Published: March 2024

Background

Simulation-based training is effective for ultrasound (US)-guided procedures. However, commercially developed simulators are costly. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a hand-made phantom for US-guided paracentesis.

Methods

We described the recipe to prepare an agar phantom. We collected the US performance data of 50 novices, including 22 postgraduate-year (PGY) residents and 28 undergraduate-year (UGY) students, who used the phantom for training, as well as 12 emergency residents with prior US-guided experience. We obtained the feedback after using the phantom with the Likert 5-point scale. The data were presented with medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) and analyzed by the Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results

While emergency residents demonstrated superior performance compared to trainees, all trainees exhibited acceptable proficiency (global rating of ≥ 3, 50/50 vs. 12/12, p = 1.000) and comparable needle steadiness [5 (5) vs. 5 (5), p = 0.223]. No significant difference in performance was observed between PGYs [5 (4–5)] and UGYs [5 (4–5), p = 0.825]. No significant differences were observed in terms of image stimulation, puncture texture, needle visualization, drainage simulation, and endurance of the phantom between emergency residents and trainees. However, experienced residents rated puncture texture and draining fluid as “neutral” (3/5 on the Likert scale). The cost of the paracentesis phantom is US$16.00 for at least 30 simulations, reducing it to US$6.00 without a container.

Conclusions

The paracentesis phantom proves to be a practical and cost-effective training tool. It enables novices to acquire paracentesis skills, enhances their US proficiency, and boosts their confidence. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to assess its long-term impact on clinical performance in real patients.

Trial registration

NCT04792203 at the ClinicalTrials.gov.
Robot-assisted surgery and artificial intelligence-based tumour diagnostics: social preferences with a representative cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hölgyesi Áron , Zrubka Zsombor , Gulácsi László , Baji Petra , Haidegger Tamás , Kozlovszky Miklós , Weszl Miklós , Kovács Levente , Péntek Márta
Published: March 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to assess social preferences for two different advanced digital health technologies and investigate the contextual dependency of the preferences.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was performed among the general population of Hungary aged 40 years and over. Participants were asked to imagine that they needed a total hip replacement surgery and to indicate whether they would prefer a traditional or a robot-assisted (RA) hip surgery. To better understand preferences for the chosen method, the willingness to pay (WTP) method was used. The same assessment was conducted for preferences between a radiologist’s and AI-based image analysis in establishing the radiological diagnosis of a suspected tumour. Respondents’ electronic health literacy was assessed with the eHEALS questionnaire. Descriptive methods were used to assess sample characteristics and differences between subgroups. Associations were investigated with correlation analysis and multiple linear regressions.

Results

Altogether, 1400 individuals (53.7% female) with a mean age of 58.3 (SD = 11.1) years filled in the survey. RA hip surgery was chosen by 762 (54.4%) respondents, but only 470 (33.6%) chose AI-based medical image evaluation. Those who opted for the digital technology had significantly higher educational levels and electronic health literacy (eHEALS). The majority of respondents were willing to pay to secure their preferred surgical (surgeon 67.2%, robot-assisted: 68.8%) and image assessment (radiologist: 70.9%; AI: 77.4%) methods, reporting similar average amounts in the first (p = 0.677), and a significantly higher average amount for radiologist vs. AI in the second task (p = 0.001). The regression showed a significant association between WTP and income, and in the hip surgery task, it also revealed an association with the type of intervention chosen.

Conclusions

Individuals with higher education levels seem to accept the advanced digital medical technologies more. However, the greater openness for RA surgery than for AI image assessment highlights that social preferences may depend considerably on the medical situation and the type of advanced digital technology. WTP results suggest rather firm preferences in the great majority of the cases. Determinants of preferences and real-world choices of affected patients should be further investigated in future studies.
Evaluation of heroin-assisted treatment in Norway: protocol for a mixed methods study
Authors: Myklebust Lars Henrik , Eide Desiree , Arnevik Espen A. , Dadras Omid , De Pirro Silvana , Ellefsen Rune , Fadnes Lars T. , Hesse Morten , Kvamme Timo L. , Melis Francesca , Oldervoll Ann , Thylstrup Birgitte , Wusthoff Linda E.C. , Clausen Thomas
Published: March 2024

Background

Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) has a convincing evidence base, although variable retention rates suggest that it may not be beneficial for all. One of the options to include more patients is the introduction of heroin-assisted treatment (HAT), which involves the prescribing of pharmaceutical heroin in a clinical supervised setting. Clinical trials suggest that HAT positively affects illicit drug use, criminal behavior, quality of life, and health. The results are less clear for longer-term outcomes such as mortality, level of function and social integration. This protocol describes a longitudinal evaluation of the introduction of HAT into the OAT services in Norway over a 5-year period. The main aim of the project is to study the individual, organizational and societal effects of implementing HAT in the specialized healthcare services for OUD.

Methods

The project adopts a multidisciplinary approach, where the primary cohort for analysis will consist of approximately 250 patients in Norway, observed during the period of 2022–2026. Cohorts for comparative analysis will include all HAT-patients in Denmark from 2010 to 2022 (N = 500) and all Norwegian patients in conventional OAT (N = 8300). Data comes from individual in-depth and semi-structured interviews, self-report questionnaires, clinical records, and national registries, collected at several time points throughout patients’ courses of treatment. Qualitative analyses will use a flexible inductive thematic approach. Quantitative analyses will employ a wide array of methods including bi-variate parametric and non-parametric tests, and various forms of multivariate modeling.

Discussion

The project’s primary strength lies in its comprehensive and longitudinal approach. It has the potential to reveal new insights on whether pharmaceutical heroin should be an integral part of integrated conventional OAT services to individually tailor treatments for patients with OUD. This could affect considerations about drug treatment even beyond HAT-specific topics, where an expanded understanding of why some do not succeed with conventional OAT will strengthen the knowledge base for drug treatment in general. Results will be disseminated to the scientific community, clinicians, and policy makers.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK), ref.nr.:195733.
RBP7 functions as a tumor suppressor in HR + breast cancer by inhibiting the AKT/SREBP1 pathway and reducing fatty acid
Authors: Yu Yue , Xu Zhihua , Zhou Hao , Xu Ruyan , Xu Jia , Liu Wenjun , Wu Yuxin , Qiu Yue , Zhang Guangbo , Huang Xue , Chen Yan
Published: March 2024

Background

Increasing evidence proves that RBP7 plays a significant role in breast cancer (BC). The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of RBP7.

Methods

Western Blotting and qRT-PCR were performed for evaluating the expression levels. CCK8, colony forming, xenograft mouse model, wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to examine cell ability of proliferation, invasion and migration. Nile red staining and Oil red O staining were used for testing the lipid.

Results

RBP7 was related to overall survival (OS) in patients with HR + BC. RBP7 protein was significantly decreased in HR + BC tissues and cells. RBP7 suppressed HR + BC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and inhibited migration and invasion. RBP7 reduced fatty acid in HR + BC cells by inhibiting the AKT/SREBP1 pathway.

Conclusions

RBP7 may function as a tumor suppressor in HR + BC by inhibiting the AKT/SREBP1 pathway and reducing fatty acid.
DEAD box RNA helicase 5 is a new pro-viral host factor for Sindbis virus infection
Authors: Messmer Mélanie , Pierson Louison , Pasquier Charline , Djordjevic Nikola , Chicher Johana , Hammann Philippe , Pfeffer Sébastien , Girardi Erika
Published: March 2024

Background

RNA helicases are emerging as key factors regulating host-virus interactions. The DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX5, which plays an important role in many aspects of cellular RNA biology, was also found to either promote or inhibit viral replication upon infection with several RNA viruses. Here, our aim is to examine the impact of DDX5 on Sindbis virus (SINV) infection.

Methods

We analysed the interaction between DDX5 and the viral RNA using imaging and RNA-immunoprecipitation approaches. The interactome of DDX5 in mock- and SINV-infected cells was determined by mass spectrometry. We validated the interaction between DDX17 and the viral capsid by co- immunoprecipitation in the presence or absence of an RNase treatment. We determined the subcellular localization of DDX5, its cofactor DDX17 and the viral capsid protein by co-immunofluorescence. Finally, we investigated the impact of DDX5 depletion and overexpression on SINV infection at the viral protein, RNA and infectious particle accumulation level. The contribution of DDX17 was also tested by knockdown experiments.

Results

In this study we demonstrate that DDX5 interacts with the SINV RNA during infection. Furthermore, the proteomic analysis of the DDX5 interactome in mock and SINV-infected HCT116 cells identified new cellular and viral partners and confirmed the interaction between DDX5 and DDX17. Both DDX5 and DDX17 re-localize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm upon SINV infection and interact with the viral capsid protein. We also show that DDX5 depletion negatively impacts the viral replication cycle, while its overexpression has a pro-viral effect. Finally, we observed that DDX17 depletion reduces SINV infection, an effect which is even more pronounced in a DDX5-depleted background, suggesting a synergistic pro-viral effect of the DDX5 and DDX17 proteins on SINV.

Conclusions

These results not only shed light on DDX5 as a novel and important host factor to the SINV life cycle, but also expand our understanding of the roles played by DDX5 and DDX17 as regulators of viral infections.
mmu-miR-374b-5p modulated inflammatory factors via downregulation of C/EBP β/NF-κB signaling in Kupffer cells during Echinococcus multilocularis infection
Authors: Pu Guiting , Li Yanping , Liu Tingli , Li Hong , Wang Liqun , Chen Guoliang , Cao Shanling , Yin Hong , Amuda Tharheer Oluwashola , Guo Xiaola , Luo Xuenong
Published: March 2024

Background

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is an important infectious disease caused by the metacestode larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis, seriously threatening global public health security. Kupffer cells (KCs) play important roles in liver inflammatory response. However, their role in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis has not yet been fully elucidated.

Methods

In this study, qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of miR-374b-5p in KCs. The target gene of miR-374b-5p was identified through luciferase reporter assays and loss of function and gains. Critical genes involved in NFκB signaling pathway were analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot.

Results

This study reported that miR-374b-5p was significantly upregulated in KCs during E. multilocularis infection and further showed that miR-374b-5p was able to bind to the 3'-UTR of the C/EBP β gene and suppressed its expression. The expression levels of NF-κBp65, p-NF-κBp65 and pro-inflammatory factors including iNOS, TNFα and IL6 were attenuated after overexpression of miR-374b-5p while enhanced after suppression of miR-374b-5p. However, the Arg1 expression level was promoted after overexpression of miR-374b-5p while suppressed after downregulation of miR-374b-5p. Additionally, increased protein levels of NF-κBp65 and p-NF-κBp65 were found in the C/EBP β-overexpressed KCs.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that miR-374b-5p probably regulated the expression of inflammatory factors via C/EBP β/NF-κB signaling. This finding is helpful to explore the mechanism of inflammation regulation during E. multilocularis infection.

Graphical Abstract
Atypical Duplex appendix arising from the ascending colon: a case report
Authors: Elsherbini Ahmed Taha , Atta Mohamed A. , Elshahat Sahar , Emara Mohamed H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Duplex or vermiform appendix refers to the presence of an appendix beside the naturally occurring one. Although, duplex appendix emerges from the caecum most of the time, yet it is encountered in other parts of the colon. Inflammation of duplex appendix may represent not only a clinical, but also a surgical dilemma, and this would be confusing further among patients who already had prior appendectomy.

Case presentation

We present a case of 29-years old Egyptian male patient with history of appendectomy one and half year before presenting to the emergency department with recurrent acute abdominal pain that was linked to duplex appendicitis abnormally emerged from the mid-ascending colon. The first episode was treated conservatively considering atypical right colon diverticulitis as a potential differential diagnosis. Seven months later the patient was treated by laparoscopic appendectomy and experienced an uneventful pot-operative course.

Conclusion

Duplex appendicitis, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent acute abdomen even after appendectomy.
Rxn-INSIGHT: fast chemical reaction analysis using bond-electron matrices
Authors: Dobbelaere Maarten R. , Lengyel István , Stevens Christian V. , Van Geem Kevin M.
Published: March 2024

The challenge of devising pathways for organic synthesis remains a central issue in the field of medicinal chemistry. Over the span of six decades, computer-aided synthesis planning has given rise to a plethora of potent tools for formulating synthetic routes. Nevertheless, a significant expert task still looms: determining the appropriate solvent, catalyst, and reagents when provided with a set of reactants to achieve and optimize the desired product for a specific step in the synthesis process. Typically, chemists identify key functional groups and rings that exert crucial influences at the reaction center, classify reactions into categories, and may assign them names. This research introduces Rxn-INSIGHT, an open-source algorithm based on the bond-electron matrix approach, with the purpose of automating this endeavor. Rxn-INSIGHT not only streamlines the process but also facilitates extensive querying of reaction databases, effectively replicating the thought processes of an organic chemist. The core functions of the algorithm encompass the classification and naming of reactions, extraction of functional groups, rings, and scaffolds from the involved chemical entities. The provision of reaction condition recommendations based on the similarity and prevalence of reactions eventually arises as a side application. The performance of our rule-based model has been rigorously assessed against a carefully curated benchmark dataset, exhibiting an accuracy rate exceeding 90% in reaction classification and surpassing 95% in reaction naming. Notably, it has been discerned that a pivotal factor in selecting analogous reactions lies in the analysis of ring structures participating in the reactions. An examination of ring structures within the USPTO chemical reaction database reveals that with just 35 unique rings, a remarkable 75% of all rings found in nearly 1 million products can be encompassed. Furthermore, Rxn-INSIGHT is proficient in suggesting appropriate choices for solvents, catalysts, and reagents in entirely novel reactions, all within the span of a second, utilizing nothing more than an everyday laptop.
Linkages among leaf nutrient concentration, resorption efficiency, litter decomposition and their stoichiometry to canopy nitrogen addition and understory removal in subtropical plantation
Authors: Shah Jawad Ali , Liu Wenfei , Ullah Saif , Duan Honglang , Shen Fangfang , Liao Yingchun , Huang Guomin , Wu Jianping
Published: March 2024

Background

The prevalence of understory removal and anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition has significantly altered the ecological processes of forest ecosystems at both regional and global scales. However, it remains a pressing challenge to understand how N deposition and understory removal affect leaf nutrient dynamics, nutrient resorption, litter decomposition, and their linkages for better managing forest ecosystems under nutrient imbalances induced by N enrichment. To address this research gap, a field manipulation experiment was carried out in a subtropical Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation with four treatments including: control (CK), canopy N addition (CN), understory removal (UR), and canopy N addition plus understory removal (CN × UR). Green and senesced leaf N and phosphorus (P) concentrations, N and P resorption efficiencies, litter decomposition, and their correlations were measured.

Results

The results revealed that the average N concentrations of green early and late leaves in UR were increased by 6.61 and 18.89% compared to CK. UR had the highest whereas CN had the lowest P concentrations in green leaves across the two sampling seasons. Following this, UR, leaf type, season, and their interactions significantly affected leaf N, P, and N:P (P < 0.05). The highest leaf N resorption (32.68%) and P resorption efficiencies (63.96%) were recorded in UR. Litter decomposition was significantly retarded in UR (P < 0.01) relative to CN. The regression analysis demonstrated that leaf nutrient status was significantly interconnected with leaf nutrient resorption efficiencies. In addition, leaf nutrient dynamics were strongly correlated with litter nutrients, indicating that both were coupled.

Conclusion

These findings can deepen our knowledge of biogeochemical cycling and reveal contrasting nutrient-acquisition strategies on N and P limitation in response to UR and CN. Considering the P limitation, it is important to note that P was resorbed more efficiently, illustrating a remarkable nutrient preservation approach for nutrient-limitations. Resorption may be a crucial mechanism for keeping nutrients in these forests, so better understory management practices are required to prevent reliance on external nutrient pools. Overall, this study sheds meaningful insights into the ability of forest adaptation in response to global climatic change.