bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and predictors of adherence to health-protective measures during COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: cross-sectional and longitudinal findings from the HEBECO study
Authors: Kale Dimitra , Herbec Aleksandra , Beard Emma , Gold Natalie , Shahab Lion
Published: December 2022

Background

Adherence to health-protective behaviours (regularly washing hands, wearing masks indoors, maintaining physical distancing, carrying disinfectant) remains paramount for the successful control of COVID-19 at population level. It is therefore important to monitor adherence and to identify factors associated with it. This study assessed: 1) rates of adherence, to key COVID-19 health-protective behaviours and 2) the socio-demographic, health and COVID-19-related factors associated with adherence.

Methods

Data were collected on a sample of UK-based adults during August–September 2020 (n = 1,969; lockdown restrictions were eased in the UK; period 1) and November 2020- January 2021 (n = 1944; second UK lockdown; period 2).

Results

Adherence ranged between 50–95%, with higher adherence during the period of stricter measures. Highest adherence was observed for wearing masks indoors (period 1: 80.2%, 95%CI 78.4%-82.0%, period 2: 92.4%, 95%CI 91.1%-93.6%) and lowest for carrying own disinfectant (period 1: 48.4%, 95%CI 46.2%-50.7%, period 2: 50.7%, 95%CI 48.4%-53.0%). Generalized estimating equation models indicated that key factors of greater odds of adherence included being female, older age, having higher income, residing in England, living with vulnerable individuals and perceived high risk of COVID-19.

Conclusions

Targeted messages to different demographic groups may enhance adherence to health-protective behaviours, which is paramount for the control of airborne respiratory diseases.

Protocol and analysis plan Registration

The analysis plan was pre-registered, and it is available at https://osf.io/6tnc9/.
Construction of a new complete growth reference for urban Chinese children
Authors: Wu Wei , Chen JingNan , Mo MinJia , Si Shuting , Huang Ke , Chen RuiMin , Maimaiti Mireguli , Chen ShaoKe , Gong Chunxiu , Zhu Min , Wang ChunLin , Su Zhe , Liang Yan , Yao Hui , Wei HaiYan , Zheng RongXiu , Du HongWei , Yang Yu , Luo FeiHong , Li Pin , Cui LanWei , Dong GuanPing , Yu YunXian , Fu Junfen
Published: December 2022

Background

Growth chart is a valuable clinical tool to monitor the growth and nutritional status of children. A growth chart widely used in China is based on the merged data sets of national surveys in 2005. We aimed to establish an up-to-date, complete growth curve for urban Chinese children and adolescents with a full range of ages.

Methods

Using data collected in a large-scale, cross-sectional study (Prevalence and Risk factors for Obesity and Diabetes in Youth (PRODY), 2017–2019), we analyzed 201,098 urban children aged 3 to 18 years from 11 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities that are geographically representative of China. All participants underwent physical examinations. Sex-specific percentiles of height-for-age and weight-for-age were constructed by Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) model. We also compared the median values of height-for-age or weight-for-age between our growth chart and the established growth reference using Welch-Satterthwaite T-Test.

Results

Consistent with the established growth reference, we observed that the P50 percentile of height-for-age reached plateaus at the age of 15 years (172 cm) and 14 years (160 cm) for boys and girls, respectively. In addition, boys aged 10 ~ 14 years and girls aged 10 ~ 12 years exhibited the most dramatic weight difference compared to those of other age groups (19.5 kg and 10.3 kg, respectively). However, our growth chart had higher median values of weight-for-age and height-for-age than the established growth reference with mean increases in weight-for-age of 1.36 kg and 1.17 kg for boys and girls, respectively, and in height-for-age of 2.9 cm and 2.6 cm for boys and girls, respectively.

Conclusions

Our updated growth chart can serve as a reliable reference to assess the growth and nutritional status in urban Chinese children throughout the entire childhood.
Mandatory health insurance and health care utilization in Togo
Authors: Djahini-Afawoubo Dossè Mawussi , Aguey Segnon T.
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite the implementation of a mandatory health insurance (MHI) scheme in Togo since 2011, its coverage rate remains low, resulting in a high out-of-pocket payment rate. More than 10 years after its implementation, there are few empirical studies investigating the extent to which Togo’s mandatory health insurance has improved beneficiaries’ access to health care. Examining how MHI and healthcare use in Togo are related is the goal of this study.

Methods

We use data from the Harmonized Survey on Living Conditions of Households (EHCVM), conducted in the member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) in 2018–2019 and covering 6,171 households in Togo. We employ multinomial logistic regression, given that the dependent variable is polytomous.

Results

The results reveal a high rate of non-utilization of healthcare professionals in the case of illness, even among individuals with MHI coverage. Furthermore, the findings show that the MHI increases the likelihood of seeing a specialist physician and other formal health care professionals when sick. The results also reveal that a household’s wealth is positively correlated with the likelihood of seeing formal health care professionals. Urban residents are statistically and significantly more likely than rural residents to see both a specialist physician and a general practitioner. The Grand Lomé region has a statistically and significantly higher likelihood of seeing a specialist physician than the Maritime region.

Conclusion

The results support the government’s plan to implement universal health insurance. The government should take action to raise the standard of treatment provided to insured patients in health care centers. Additionally, the government should consider waiving medical fees for low-income policyholders. When waiving medical costs for low-income policyholders, the Togolese government should focus on the regions with the worst economic conditions. These interventions should be essential to ensure that no one is left behind. The difference between urban and rural communities should be reduced through supply-side policies that focus on rural areas.
The relationships of OSBPL3 expression with KI-67 expression and KRAS mutations in CRC: implications for diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Zhang Min , Meng Lei , Zhang Zhaoxuan , Wu Jing , Chen Xi , Wang Yuejing , He Jie
Published: December 2022

Background

OSBPL3 is overexpressed in a variety of malignancies and is closely associated with tumor growth and metastasis. However, its expression and function in colorectal cancer (CRC) are unclear. We aimed to investigate its prognostic and therapeutic value in this disease by detecting its expression in CRC and its correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients.

Methods

A total of 92 CRC samples were included in this study. According to the 2020 WHO diagnostic criteria, the criteria of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition staging system were used. OSBPL3 and Ki-67 expression in these samples was detected by immunohistochemistry. OSBPL3 mRNA expression was detected by qRT-PCR. KRAS/NRAS mutations were detected by an amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS). Data analysis was performed using the statistical analysis software Prism 8.

Results

OSBPL3 was found to be significantly overexpressed in CRC tumor tissues and was associated with worse progression-free survival and overall survival in patients. Additionally, OSBPL3 expression was negatively correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation. KRAS mutations were detected in approximately 32.6% of patients and were significantly associated with high OSBPL3 expression. In addition, OSBPL3 and Ki-67 expression was significantly correlated.

Conclusions

OSBPL3 is highly expressed in CRC samples and predicts a worse prognosis. OSBPL3 may become a new potential therapeutic target for CRC.
Respiratory strategy at birth initiates distinct lung injury phenotypes in the preterm lamb lung
Authors: Pereira-Fantini Prue M. , Ferguson Kristin , McCall Karen , Oakley Regina , Perkins Elizabeth , Byars Sean , Williamson Nicholas , Nie Shuai , Tingay David G.
Published: December 2022

Background

A lack of clear trial evidence often hampers clinical decision-making during support of the preterm lung at birth. Protein biomarkers have been used to define acute lung injury phenotypes and improve patient selection for specific interventions in adult respiratory distress syndrome. The objective of the study was to use proteomics to provide a deeper biological understanding of acute lung injury phenotypes resulting from different aeration strategies at birth in the preterm lung.

Methods

Changes in protein abundance against an unventilated group (n = 7) were identified via mass spectrometry in a biobank of gravity dependent and non-dependent lung tissue from preterm lambs managed with either a Sustained Inflation (SI, n = 20), Dynamic PEEP (DynPEEP, n = 19) or static PEEP (StatPEEP, n = 11). Ventilation strategy-specific pathways and functions were identified (PANTHER and WebGestalt Tool) and phenotypes defined using integrated analysis of proteome, physiological and clinical datasets (MixOmics package).

Results

2372 proteins were identified. More altered proteins were identified in the non-dependent lung, and in SI group than StatPEEP and DynPEEP. Different inflammation, immune system, apoptosis and cytokine pathway enrichment were identified for each strategy and lung region. Specific integration maps of clinical and physiological outcomes to specific proteins could be generated for each strategy.

Conclusions

Proteomics mapped the molecular events initiating acute lung injury and identified detailed strategy-specific phenotypes. This study demonstrates the potential to characterise preterm lung injury by the direct aetiology and response to lung injury; the first step towards true precision medicine in neonatology.
Monophosphoryl lipid A ameliorates radiation-induced lung injury by promoting the polarization of macrophages to the M1 phenotype
Authors: Guo Xingdong , Du Lehui , Ma Na , Zhang Pei , Wang Yuan , Han Yanan , Huang Xiang , Zhang Qian , Tan Xin , Lei Xiao , Qu Baolin
Published: December 2022

Background

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) often occurs during clinical chest radiotherapy and acute irradiation from accidental nuclear leakage. This study explored the role of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) in RILI.

Materials and Methods

The entire thoracic cavity of C57BL/6N mice was irradiated at 20 Gy with or without pre-intragastric administration of MPLA. HE staining, Masson trichrome staining, and TUNEL assay were used to assess lung tissue injury after treatment. The effect of irradiation on the proliferation of MLE-12 cells was analyzed using the Clonogenic assay. The effect of MPLA on the apoptosis of MLE-12 cells was analyzed using flow cytometry. Expression of γ-H2AX and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in MLE-12 cells was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot, respectively.

Results

MPLA attenuated early pneumonitis and late pulmonary fibrosis after thoracic irradiation and reversed radiation-induced EMT in C57 mice. MPLA further promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of irradiated MLE-12 cells in vitro. Mechanistically, the radioprotective effect of MPLA was mediated by exosomes secreted by stimulated macrophages. Macrophage-derived exosomes modulated DNA damage in MLE-12 cells after irradiation. MPLA promoted the polarization of RAW 264.7 cells to the M1 phenotype. The exosomes secreted by M1 macrophages suppressed EMT in MLE-12 cells after irradiation.

Conclusion

MPLA is a novel treatment strategy for RILI. Exosomes derived from macrophages are key to the radioprotective role of MPLA in RILI.
Hemolytic anemia caused by kinked graft 6 months after aortic dissection repair
Authors: Tamura Kazuki , Tatsuishi Wataru , Konishi Yasunobu , Konno Naoki , Kato Yusuke , Abe Tomonobu
Published: December 2022

Background

Clinically insignificant hemolytic anemia is occasionally a complication of prosthetic valve replacement. However, hemolysis related to kinked grafts is a very rare complication after central repair for acute aortic dissection.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old man had undergone replacement of the ascending aorta and a root repair for type A aortic dissection 6 months previously. Laboratory data showed mild hemolysis 5 months later, and he began to complain of fatigue on exertion. The serum hemoglobin level reduced to 8.6 g/dL, and lactate dehydrogenase levels increased to 3071 IU/L with gross change in urine color, indicating hemoglobinuria. We diagnosed mechanical hemolytic anemia caused by a kinked graft and planned a repeat operation. The kinked graft was resected and graft-graft anastomosis was performed. Postoperatively, the clinical course was uneventful, and the hemolytic anemia completely resolved.

Conclusion

We herein report a case of hemolytic anemia caused by kinking of the graft 6 months after acute aortic dissection repair. The diagnosis was swiftly made, and the patient was successfully managed with redo surgery.
Chinese integrated guideline on the management of gastric precancerous conditions and lesions
Authors: Wang Ping , Li Peng , Chen Yingxuan , Li Li , Lu Yuanyuan , Zhou Weixun , Bian Liqun , Zhang Beihua , Yin Xiaolan , Li Junxiang , Chen Jie , Zhang Shutian , Shi Yongquan , Tang Xudong
Published: December 2022

The standardized diagnosis and management of gastric precancerous conditions and lesions are important to prevent gastric cancer. This guideline, created by 5 traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine associations, based on the current morbidity and diagnosis and treatment of gastric precancerous conditions and lesions, provides specific key points and strategies for diagnosis and treatment in the following five aspects: definition and epidemiology, diagnosis and stage, surveillance, treatment and efficacy evaluation. It is hoped that these aspects, assessed by integrating Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine and involving multidisciplinary participation, will play a guiding role in clinical diagnosis and treatment and achieve effective secondary prevention of gastric cancer.
Long-term safety and clinical outcomes of olipudase alfa enzyme replacement therapy in pediatric patients with acid sphingomyelinase deficiency: two-year results
Authors: Diaz George A. , Giugliani Roberto , Guffon Nathalie , Jones Simon A. , Mengel Eugen , Scarpa Maurizio , Witters Peter , Yarramaneni Abhimanyu , Li Jing , Armstrong Nicole M. , Kim Yong , Ortemann-Renon Catherine , Kumar Monica
Published: December 2022

Background

Olipudase alfa is a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for non-central-nervous-system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD). We report 2-year cumulative safety and efficacy data after olipudase alfa treatment in 20 children (four adolescents [12–17 year], nine children [6–11 year], and seven infants/early child [1–5 year]) with baseline splenomegaly and growth deficits who completed the 1-year ASCEND-Peds clinical trial (NCT02292654) and who continue to receive olipudase alfa in a long-term study (NCT02004704). Efficacy endpoints include spleen and liver volumes, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) lung imaging, lipid profiles, liver function tests, and height Z-scores.

Results

All 20 former ASCEND-Peds patients completed at least 2 years of olipudase alfa treatment. No patient discontinued and no new safety issue arose during the second year of treatment; 99% of adverse events were mild or moderate. During year 2, one patient had two treatment-related serious events of hypersensitivity that resolved. Mean reductions from baseline in spleen and liver volumes were 61% and 49%, respectively (p < 0.0001) and mean percent-predicted-DLCO increased by 46.6% (p < 0.0001) in nine patients who performed the test at baseline. Lipid profiles and elevated liver transaminase levels that improved or normalized by 1 year remained stable. Mean height Z-scores improved in all age groups (mean change from baseline 1.17, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Olipudase alfa was generally well-tolerated during 2 years of treatment. Improvements in clinically relevant disease endpoints observed during the first year of treatment were maintained or augmented in the second year.

Trial registration NCT02004704 registered 26 Nov 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT02004704.
ASCOT ADAPT study of COVID-19 therapeutics in hospitalised patients: an international multicentre adaptive platform trial
Authors: Denholm Justin T. , Venkatesh Balasubramanian , Davis Joshua , Bowen Asha C. , Hammond Naomi E. , Jha Vivekanand , McPhee Grace , McQuilten Zoe , O’Sullivan Matthew V. N. , Paterson David , Price David , Rees Megan , Roberts Jason , Jones Mark , Totterdell James , Snelling Thomas , Trask Nanette , Morpeth Susan , Tong Steven YC ,   on behalf of the ASCOT ADAPT investigators
Published: December 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a significant risk of hospitalisation, death, and prolonged impact on quality of life. Evaluation of new treatment options and optimising therapeutic management of people hospitalised with SARS-CoV-2 infection remains essential, but rapid changes in pandemic conditions and potential therapies have limited the utility of traditional approaches to randomised controlled trials.

Methods

ASCOT ADAPT is an international, investigator-initiated, adaptive platform, randomised controlled trial of therapeutics for non-critically ill patients hospitalised with COVID-19. The study design is open label and pragmatic. Potential participants are hospitalised adults with PCR confirmed, symptomatic, SARS-CoV-2 infection, within 14 days of symptom onset. Domains include antiviral, antibody and anticoagulant interventions, with a composite primary outcome of 28-day mortality or progression to intensive-care level respiratory or haemodynamic support. Initial interventions include intravenous nafamostat and variable dose anticoagulation. A range of secondary endpoints, and substudies for specific domains and interventions are outlined.

Discussion

This paper presents the trial protocol and management structure, including international governance, remote site monitoring and biobanking activities and provides commentary on ethical and pragmatic considerations in establishing the ASCOT ADAPT trial under pandemic conditions.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000445976) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04483960).
Does Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) modify the antennal phenotype of Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811) (Hemiptera: Triatominae)?
Authors: May-Concha Irving J. , Escalante-Talavera Maryrose J. , Dujardin Jean-Pierre , Waleckx Etienne
Published: December 2022

Background

Triatoma dimidiata is a vector of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. Phenotypic plasticity allows an organism to adjust its phenotype in response to stimuli or environmental conditions. Understanding the effect of T. cruzi on the phenotypic plasticity of its vectors, known as triatomines, has attracted great interest because of the implications of the parasite–triatomine interactions in the eco-epidemiology and transmission of the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. We investigated if the infection of the vector with T. cruzi may be associated with a change in the antennal phenotype of sylvatic, domestic, and laboratory-reared populations of T. dimidiata.

Methods

The abundance of each type of sensillum (bristles, basiconic, thick- and thin-walled trichoid) on the antennae of T.cruzi-infected and non-infected T.dimidiata reared in the laboratory or collected in sylvatic and domestic ecotopes were measured under light microscopy and compared using Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric tests and permutational multivariate analysis of variance.

Results

We found significant differences between sensilla patterns of infected and non-infected insects within sylvatic and domestic populations. Conversely, we found no significant differences between sensilla patterns of infected and non-infected insects within the laboratory-reared population. Besides, for sylvatic and domestic populations, sexual dimorphism tended to be increased in infected insects.

Conclusion

The differences observed in infected insects could be linked to higher efficiency in the perception of odor molecules related to the search for distant mates and hosts and the flight dispersal in search of new habitats. In addition, these insects could have a positive effect on population dynamics and the transmission of T.cruzi.

Graphical Abstract
Molecular detection of Ehrlichia spp. in ticks parasitizing wild lagomorphs from Spain: characterization of a novel Ehrlichia species
Authors: Remesar Susana , Castro-Scholten Sabrina , Morrondo Patrocinio , Díaz Pablo , Jiménez-Martín Débora , Rouco Carlos , Camacho-Sillero Leonor , Cano-Terriza David , García-Bocanegra Ignacio
Published: December 2022

Background

Several species belonging to the genus Ehrlichia are considered pathogenic for animals and humans. Although wildlife are known to play an important role in the epidemiology of these bacteria, information on the role of wild lagomorphs in their sylvatic cycle is limited. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the occurrence of Ehrlichia spp. in ticks collected from wild lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems.

Methods

A total of 1122 pooled ticks (254 pools) collected from 506 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and 29 Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) were analysed using a nested PCR assay targeting the partial groEL gene. Ehrlichia spp.-positive samples were further subjected to a second PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA.

Results

Three (1.2%) tick pools comprising Rhipicephalus pusillus collected from nine wild rabbits were positive for Ehrlichia spp. All the Ehrlichia DNA sequences were identical, and use of sequence and phylogenetic analyses allowed us to identify a novel Ehrlichia species.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that a novel Ehrlichia species, named herein as ‘Candidatus Ehrlichia andalusi’, which may be of concern for animal and public health, is circulating in R. pusillus in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Further studies are warranted to assess the epidemiology, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of this Ehrlichia species.

Graphical Abstract
Multiple lumbar punctures aiming to relieve headache results in iatrogenic spinal hematoma: a case report
Authors: Lyons Hannah S. , Ramalingam Satheesh , Mitchell James L. , Yiangou Andreas , Thaller Mark , Sinclair Alexandra J. , Mollan Susan P.
Published: December 2022

Background

Multiple lumbar punctures have historically been a strategy to relieve headaches associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension despite limited clinical evidence of long-term efficacy. Lumbar puncture is typically a straightforward procedure with minimal complications reported, however, serious complications can occur. Lumbar-puncture-related spinal hematomas are rare but can lead to irreversible paralysis.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 28-year-old Caucasian woman who was treated with multiple lumbar punctures to manage headache, thought to be attributed to idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The patient developed a lumbosacral epidural hematoma following a lumbar puncture, which led to incomplete cauda equina syndrome. Multiple lumbar punctures had been the long-term management for the patient’s chronic headaches associated with her diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. She had no risks of an underlying coagulopathy. Following a lumbar puncture, she re-presented with lower back pain and bilateral paresthesia. Over the subsequent 48 hours, this progressed to urinary incontinence and saddle paresthesia. Imaging revealed an epidural hematoma, which was conservatively managed. She continued to report saddle paresthesia and urinary incontinence 7 months following the lumbar puncture. Between 1974 to 2022, our literature search found 41 case reports detailing lumbar-puncture-related spinal hematomas. It is an established but rare complication of lumbar puncture and there are limited studies looking at the incidence of its occurrence. Whilst coagulopathy has been found to be a risk factor, it is unclear if the gauge of the needle is relevant. Case evidence suggests there may be no significant difference in outcomes between surgical and conservative management of spinal hematomas. This case highlights that lumbar punctures can be invasive, with potentially serious complications. A lumbar puncture should therefore only be performed when clinically justified.

Conclusions

This case highlights a rare complication of lumbar puncture and emphasizes the importance of a risk–benefit discussion for each procedure. Spinal hematoma following lumbar puncture is a rare complication but with potentially devastating consequences. Within the setting of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, the evidence base for the long-term benefit of headache relief by repeat lumbar puncture is low.
Speech improvement in noisy reverberant environments using virtual microphones along with proposed array geometry
Authors: Sadeghi Mohammad Ebrahim , Sheikhzadeh Hamid , Emadi Mohammad Javad
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes a novel approach for improving the speech of a single speaker in noisy reverberant environments. The proposed approach is based on using a beamformer with a large number of virtual microphones with the suggested arrangement on an open sphere. Our method takes into account virtual microphone signal synthesizing using the non-parametric sound field reproduction in the spherical harmonics domain and the popular weighted prediction error method. We obtain entirely accurate beam steering towards a known source location with more directivity. The suggested approach is proven to perform effectively not just in boosting the directivity factor but also in terms of improving speech quality as measured by subjective metrics like the PESQ. In comparison to current research in the area of speech enhancement by beamformer, our experiments reveal more noise and reverberation suppression as well as improved quality in the enhanced speech samples due to the usage of virtual beam rotation in the fixed beamformer. Text for this section.
A MLE-based blind signal separation method for time–frequency overlapped signal using neural network
Authors: Pang Lihui , Tang Yilong , Tan Qingyi , Liu Yulang , Yang Bin
Published: December 2022

The blind signal separation (BSS) algorithm obtains each original/source signal from the observed signal collected by the receiving antenna or sensor. Objective/loss/cost function and optimization method are two key parts of BSS algorithm. Modifying the objective function and optimization from the perspective of neural network (NN) is a novel concept in BSS domain.$$L_2$$L2regularization is adopted as a term of maximum likelihood estimation (MLE)-based objective function like in Liu et al. (Sensors 21(3):973, 2021); however, we modified the probability density function (PDF) term of the objective function and used the kernel density estimation method for time–frequency overlapped digital communication signal. Multiple optimizers are studied in this paper, and we figure out the right optimizer for our application scenario. A varies of comparison experiments—whose separation results will be provided in forms of correlation coefficient and performance index—are carried out, which indicate our method can converge quickly and achieve satisfactory separation results with performance index (PI) lower than 0.02 when signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) no less than 10dB. Additionally, it demonstrates performance of our method is better than that of typical separation—FastICA, especially for the lower SNR environment, and it shows that our method is not sensitive to the frequency overlap level (FOL) of the source signal, even FOL as high as$$100\%$$100%; it still can get high-precision separation results with$$\textrm{PI}<0.02$$PI<0.02.
Exploring the question of financial incentives for training amongst non-adopters of MOUD in rural primary care
Authors: Haggerty Treah , Turiano Nicholas A. , Turner Tyra , Dekeseredy Patricia , Sedney Cara L.
Published: December 2022

Background

Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) includes administering medications such as buprenorphine or methadone, often with mental health services. MOUD has been shown to significantly improve outcomes and success of recovery from opioid use disorder. In WV, only 18% of providers including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners are waivered, and 44% of non-waivered providers were not interested in free training even if compensated. This exploratory research seeks to understand intervention-related stigma in community-based primary care providers in rural West Virginia, determine whether financial incentives for training may be linked to levels of stigma, and what level of financial incentives would be required for non-adopters of MOUD services provision to obtain training.

Method

Survey questions were included in the West Virginia Practice-Based Research Network (WVPBRN) annual Collective Outreach & Research Engagement (CORE) Survey and delivered electronically to each practice site in WV. General demographic, staff attitudes and views on compensation for immersion training for delivering MOUD therapy in primary care offices were returned. Statistical analysis included logistic and multinomial logistic regression and an independent samples t-test.

Results

Data were collected from 102 participants. Perceived stigma did significantly predict having a waiver with every 1-unit increase in stigma being associated with a 65% decreased odds of possessing a waiver for buprenorphine/MOUD (OR = 0.35; 95% CI  0.16–0.78, p = 0.01). Further, t-test analyses suggested there was a statistically significant mean difference in perceived stigma (t(100) = 2.78, p = 0.006) with those possessing a waiver (M = 1.56; SD = 0.51) having a significantly lower perceived stigma than those without a waiver (M = 1.92; SD = 0.57). There was no statistically significant association of stigma on whether someone with a waiver actually prescribed MOUD or not (OR = 0.28; 95% CI  0.04–2.27, p = 0.234).

Conclusion

This survey of rural primary care providers demonstrates that stigmatizing beliefs related to MOUD impact the desired financial incentive to complete a one-day immersion, and that currently unwaivered providers endorse more stigmatizing beliefs about MOUD when compared to currently waivered providers. Furthermore, providers who endorse stigmatizing beliefs with respect to MOUD require higher levels of compensation to consider such training.
On the switching dynamics of epitaxial ferroelectric CeO2–HfO2 thin film capacitors
Authors: Cüppers Felix , Hirai Koji , Funakubo Hiroshi
Published: December 2022

Epitaxial layers of ferroelectric orthorhombic HfO2 are frequently investigated as model systems for industrially more relevant polycrystalline films. The recent success in stabilizing the orthorhombic phase in the solid-solution cerium oxide – hafnium oxide system allows detailed investigations of external influences during fabrication. This report analyzes the ferroelectric properties of two thin film capacitors, which were post-deposition annealed in N2 and O2 atmospheres to achieve the orthorhombic phase after room temperature deposition. The samples, which exhibit very similar constituent phase, appear identical in conventional polarization-field hysteresis measurements. However, a significant switching speed difference is observed in pristine devices. Continued field cycling reduces the difference. Deeper analysis of switching transients based on the Nucleation Limited Switching model suggests that the O2 heat treatment atmosphere results in an altered oxygen vacancy profile, which is reverted during ferroelectric cycling.
Monitoring of serum magnesium levels during long-term use of proton pump inhibitors in elderly japanese patients: is it really necessary or not?
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiko , Yoneda Kanaha , Higo Takashi , Kusumoto Masaaki
Published: December 2022

Background

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been found to significantly lower serum magnesium levels in patients in the USA and Europe. The package inserts of PPIs in these countries clearly state that healthcare professionals should consider monitoring magnesium levels prior to initiation of PPI treatment and periodically thereafter. However, the package inserts of PPIs in Japan do not clearly mention the monitoring of magnesium levels. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between long-term use of PPIs and the lower serum magnesium concentrations in elderly Japanese patients.

Methods

Using a retrospective observational approach, a total of 264 Japanese outpatients were included in the study. Patients over the age of 75 years were considered elderly. Serum magnesium levels of the patients were measured in units of 0.1 mg/dL between January 2016 and June 2022 at the Higo Internal Medicine Clinic and Ai Pharmacy in Kyoto, Japan.

Results

Four of the 264 eligible patients were diagnosed with hypomagnesemia. Three were PPI non-users, and one was a PPI user. Serum magnesium concentrations were significantly lower in PPI users (n = 47) than in non-users (n = 85; 2.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.3 mg/dL, p < 0.05) in the 132 elderly patients. Comorbidity included diabetes mellitus in both PPI users (23.4%) and non-users (57.6%) and hyperlipidemia in both PPI users (61.7%) and non-users (41.2%).

Conclusion

PPIs are commonly used oral drugs for elderly patients. There was an association between the long-term use of PPIs and lower serum magnesium concentrations in elderly patients. Although the difference in the decrease in serum magnesium concentrations was within the normal range of serum magnesium levels, health care professionals should consider monitoring serum magnesium levels periodically in elderly patients receiving long-term PPIs.
Characteristics, treatment outcomes and experiences of COVID-19 patients under home-based care in Kapelebyong district in Uganda: a mixed-methods study
Authors: James Eudu , Wanume Benon , Musaba Milton W. , Nantale Ritah , Mutaki Vivian , Nambozo Brendah , Okia David , Soita David , Napyo Agnes , Matovu Joseph K. B. , Namulondo Racheal , Lubaale Jovani , Okello Francis , Mulebeke Ronald , Kakuru Abel , Amejje Nancy , Emojong David , Okolimong Charles , Ouma Simple , Okware Sam , Olupot-Olupot Peter , Mukunya David
Published: December 2022

Background

A rapid increase in community transmission of COVID-19 across the country overwhelmed Uganda’s health care system. In response, the Ministry of Health adopted the home-based care strategy for COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate disease. We determined the characteristics, treatment outcomes and experiences of COVID-19 patients under home-based care during the second wave in Kapelebyong district, in eastern Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study. We first collected quantitative data using an interviewer-administered questionnaire to determine characteristics and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients under home-based care. Cured at home was coded as 1 (considered a good outcome) while being admitted to a health facility and/or dying were coded as 0 (considered poor outcomes). Thereafter, we conducted 11 in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of COVID-19 patients under home-based care. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with poor treatment outcomes using Stata v.15.0. Thematic content analysis was used to explore lived experiences of COVID-19 patients under home-based care using NVivo 12.0.0

Results

A total of 303 study participants were included. The mean age ± standard deviation of participants was 32.2 years ± 19.9. Majority of the participants [96.0% (289/303)] cured at home, 3.3% (10/303) were admitted to a health facility and 0.7% (2/303) died. Patients above 60 years of age had 17.4 times the odds of having poor treatment outcomes compared to those below 60 years of age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 17.4; 95% CI: 2.2–137.6). Patients who spent more than one month under home-based care had 15.3 times the odds of having poor treatment outcomes compared to those that spent less than one month (AOR: 15.3; 95% CI: 1.6–145.7). From the qualitative interviews, participants identified stigma, fear, anxiety, rejection, not being followed up by health workers and economic loss as negative experiences encountered during home-based care. Positive lived experiences included closeness to friends and family, more freedom, and easy access to food.

Conclusion

Home-based care of COVID-19 was operational in eastern Uganda. Older age (> 60 years) and prolonged illness (> 1 months) were associated with poor treatment outcomes. Social support was an impetus for home-based care.
Does the process of developing products for knowledge mobilisation from healthcare research influence their uptake? A comparative case study
Authors: Sharp Charlotte A. , Boaden Ruth J. , Dixon William G. , Sanders Caroline
Published: December 2022

Background

Getting knowledge from healthcare research into practice (knowledge mobilisation) remains a global challenge. One way in which researchers may attempt to do this is to develop products (such as toolkits, actionable tools, dashboards, guidance, audit tools, protocols and clinical decision aids) in addition to journal papers. Despite their increasing ubiquity, the development of such products remains under-explored in the academic literature. This study aimed to further this understanding by exploring the development of products from healthcare research and how the process of their development might influence their potential application.

Methods

This study compared the data generated from a prospective, longitudinal, comparative case study of four research projects which aimed to develop products from healthcare research. Qualitative methods included thematic analysis of data generated from semi-structured interviews (38), meeting observations (83 h) and project documents (300+). Cases were studied for an average of 11.5 months (range 8–19 months).

Results

Case comparison resulted in the identification of three main themes with the potential to affect the use of products in practice. First, aspects of the product, including the perceived need for the specific product being identified, the clarity of product aim and clarity and range of end-users. Second, aspects of development, whereby different types of stakeholder engagement appear to influence potential product application, which either needs to be ‘meaningful’, or delivered through the implicit understanding of users’ needs by the developing team. The third, overarching theme, relates to the academic context in which products are developed, highlighting how the academic context perpetuates the development of products, which may not always be useful in practice.

Conclusions

This study showed that aspects of products from healthcare research (need/aim/end-user) and aspects of their development (stakeholder engagement/implicit understanding of end-users) influence their potential application. It explored the motivation for product development and identifies the influence of the current academic context on product development. It shows that there is a tension between ideal ‘systems approaches’ to knowledge mobilisation and ‘linear approaches’, which appear to be more pervasive in practice currently. The development of fewer, high-quality products which fulfil the needs of specified end-users might act to counter the current cynicism felt by many stakeholders in regard to products from healthcare research.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Stroke Due to Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion, a Safety and Efficacy Analysis
Authors: Abbas Rawad , Chen Ching-Jen , Atallah Elias , El Naamani Kareem , Amllay Abdelaziz , Sioutas Georgios , Gooch M. Reid , Herial Nabeel A. , Jabbour Pascal , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND:

Acute basilar artery occlusion accounts for 1% of all ischemic strokes but often leads to devastating neurological injury and mortality. Many institutions still opt for best medical therapy for these patients; however, there is increasing evidence that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for these patients leads to better outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the safety and efficacy of MT for patients presenting with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO).

METHODS:

This study was a retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained database for patients with acute BAO treated with MT from January 2014 through March 2022.

RESULTS:

Our study included a total of 74 patients. The mean age was 62.7 years, and 55.4% were male. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (73%). The mean door to puncture time was 75 minutes, and the mean procedure time was 54 minutes. 86.5% of patients had a good modified treatment in cerebral ischemia score (≥2b). There were 4 patients who had procedural complications and 3 who had symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. At 90 days, 62.5% of patients had a modified Rankin Scale, 0 to 3. The mortality rate was 32.4% and 2% during hospital admission and 90 days, respectively. On univariate analysis, adjunctive angioplasty/stenting and higher presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were associated with modified Rankin Scale 4 to 6 at 90 days (P-value, .03 and <.001, respectively). Shorter procedure time was associated with modified treatment in cerebral ischemia score ≥ 2b (P-value, .0015).

CONCLUSION:

Our findings showed that MT is safe and effective for patients presenting with acute BAO and is in conjunction with previous literature. The results from upcoming trials should hopefully establish MT as gold standard for these patients.
Acquisition of the spindle assembly checkpoint and its modulation by cell fate and cell size in a chordate embryo
Authors: Roca Marianne , Besnardeau Lydia , Christians Elisabeth , McDougall Alex , Chenevert Janet , Castagnetti Stefania
Published: December 2022

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is a surveillance system that preserves genome integrity by delaying anaphase onset until all chromosomes are correctly attached to spindle microtubules. Recruitment of SAC proteins to unattached kinetochores generates an inhibitory signal that prolongs mitotic duration. Chordate embryos are atypical in that spindle defects do not delay mitotic progression during early development, implying that either the SAC is inactive or the cell-cycle target machinery is unresponsive. Here, we show that in embryos of the chordate Phallusia mammillata, the SAC delays mitotic progression from the 8th cleavage divisions. Unattached kinetochores are not recognized by the SAC machinery until the 7th cell cycle, when the SAC is acquired. After acquisition, SAC strength, which manifests as the degree of mitotic lengthening induced by spindle perturbations, is specific to different cell types and is modulated by cell size, showing similarity to SAC control in early Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. We conclude that SAC acquisition is a process that is likely specific to chordate embryos, while modulation of SAC efficiency in SAC proficient stages depends on cell fate and cell size, which is similar to non-chordate embryos.
An interview with Valerie Wilson
Authors: Eve Alex
Published: December 2022

Valerie Wilson is Professor of Early Embryo Development and a group leader at the Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Val's lab works on the development of the vertebrate head-to-tail axis, focusing on the differentiation potential of axial progenitors. In 2022, she was awarded the British Society for Developmental Biology's (BSDB) Waddington Medal, which recognises outstanding individuals who have made major contributions to UK developmental biology. After her award lecture, we spoke to Val about her career and heard her thoughts on the past, present and future of the field.
Internship. Undergraduate practice
Authors: Solovitsky A.
Published: December 2022

Учебное пособие разработано для производственной практики преддипломной практике, в соответствии с требованиями федерального государственного образовательного стандарта высшего образования по направлению подготовки 05.03.01 Геология профиль «Геология полезных ископаемых». В пособии изложено формирование основных разделов преддипломной практики, включая подготовительный, научно-исследовательский и отчетный этапы. Предназначено студентам очной форм обучения по направлению подготовки 05.04.01 Геология профиль «Геология полезных ископаемых»
Topical treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Skwira Sylwia , Gras-Ozimek Aleksander , Kozińska Iga , Kozińska Anna , Pałka Piotr
Published: December 2022

Psoriasis is an autoimmune systemic disease that affects approximately 2-3% of the population. Its symptoms, although focused mainly on the skin, can also have a negative impact on other spheres of the patient's life, including their mental state, because this illness still works with some misunderstanding on the part of society. This chronic, severe inflammatory disease affects mainly skin, but other manifestations, such as joint manifestations, may occur in about 30% of patients.   One of the aims of this work is to present the topic of psoriasis, and in particular its topical treatment. It discusses the most commonly used topical preparations for the treatment of psoriasis. Currently thanks to the dynamic development in the fields of medicine, pharmacology and chemistry, schemes and specimens for the effective treatment of psoriasis have been developed. They allow to treat the main, persistent and most affecting the patient’s health symptoms, at the same time improving their quality of life. These specimens are divided into local and systemic ones. They can be used in monotherapy or in combination, depending on the severity of the disease. Topical agents have a symptomatic effect, limited to the maximum remission of skin lesions. These agents not only support the healing process, but also improve the condition of the patient’s skin, which undoubtly has a positive impact on the patient’s daily life.