bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perpetration-Focused Prevention: The Perceptions of Victim-Survivors
Authors: McKibbin Gemma , Gallois Esther , Humphreys Cathy
Published: September 2023

Policymakers are increasingly calling on victim-survivors of child sexual abuse to consult on prevention initiatives, including perpetration-focused prevention efforts like Stop it Now! However, very little is known about the perspectives of victim-survivors on perpetration-focused prevention and whether they support such initiatives. This study was informed by the research question: How do victim-survivors of child sexual abuse perceive perpetration-focused prevention, including the Stop it Now! program? Sixteen Australian victim-survivors participated in an individual, one-hour interview and the data were analysed according to thematic analysis. Four themes emerged through the data analysis: Core of repulsion; Doubt and dismissal; Conditions for congruence; and Arriving at acceptability. These themes are represented as a spiral from the first theme at the centre to the last at the outer edge, reflecting a process of rationalisation. Their initial reaction was a sense of revulsion to perpetration-focused prevention, but their final position was one of conditional support.
Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in refugees and asylum seekers resettled in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dowllah Istiaque Mahmud , Melville Craig
Published: September 2023

Refugees and asylum seekers are more prone to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population. This systematic review aims to determine which psychosocial interventions effectively treat PTSD among refugees and asylum seekers in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Relevant papers were retrieved from the bibliographic databases. PTSD symptoms post-intervention was the primary outcome. Ten studies were selected with 1981 participants. In meta-analyses of Randomised control trials (RCTs), psychosocial interventions for PTSD (SMD −0.60, 95% CI −0.96 to −0.23; I2 = 91%; 95% CI 75–100; nine studies, 1789 participants) were shown to be clinically effective. Also, in case of depression (SMD −0.59, 95% CI −0.95 to −0.22; I2 = 84%; 95% CI 50–90; seven studies, 1248 participants). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) had the greatest effect size among psychosocial therapies for this demographic. However, the number of studies is small, and their methodological rigour is limited, thus future study should concentrate on performing more rigorous trials.
A comparative analysis of language choices in written peer feedback provided by high- and low-proficiency Japanese EFL students
Authors: Kim Sugene
Published: September 2023

This study reports on part of a larger research project that investigates the role of students’ first language in learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in the context of Japanese higher education. Despite the prevalent use of peer review in EFL writing classes, students’ use of different languages and the effects of English proficiencies on collaborative interaction as mediated in written peer feedback remain underresearched. To add to the rather sparse literature, this study comparatively analysed peer feedback provided by high- and low-proficiency Japanese EFL students and conducted stimulated recall interviews to determine the factors affecting their language choices. The text analysis presented a stark contrast in students’ language choices stemming mainly from a difference in the type of feedback provided by each group: ‘corrective feedback’ versus ‘complimentary overall comment’. The stimulated recall interview accounts suggested that this polarization is attributable mostly to the proficiency gap between peer dyads and the affective need to contribute to the peer-review process. Inconsistent with the reports of previous studies that peer review benefits all students involved, the advanced-level participants voiced serious doubts about its effectiveness.
The next jailor: An empirical study of danger to the public immigration detentions in Canada (summer 2021)
Authors: Wallace Simon
Published: September 2023

This article investigates who counts as dangerous for immigration control purposes and how states spot and monitor purportedly dangerous people for immigration enforcement measures. By examining Canadian immigration detention law and practice during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study finds that nearly all danger-based immigration detentions targeted long-term Canadian residents who had typically lost permanent legal status following a criminal conviction. The article argues that a core function of immigration enforcement processes is the removal of supposedly undesirable persons from society and that danger-based detentions are used primarily for post-admission migration control. Furthermore, the study reveals that the surveillance and policing of dangerous individuals largely relies on external police agencies, with immigration officials rarely initiating or managing their own investigations. The findings from this research contribute to the growing body of literature on the overlap between criminal law and immigration law and shows that—in the context of danger-based immigration detention—immigration authorities do not initiate their own investigations, but depend almost exclusively on the work of criminal police forces.
Leveraging an ‘economy of kindness’ through non-monetary value exchange to improve community well-being
Authors: Saunders Stephen Graham , Truong V Dao
Published: September 2023

Our research study investigates how expressions and acts of kindness are leveraged through non-monetary value exchange practices to improve individual and community well-being when money was scarce. A qualitative netnographic study was conducted to examine the non-monetary value exchange practices amongst members of the Barter for Better Fiji platform. Data were collected through online observation and participation, conversational interviews, and archival and netnographic methods. The interpretation of the data revealed that Barter for Better Fiji members leveraged an ‘economy of kindness’ through three non-monetary value exchange practices (i.e. bartering, near-money exchange and donating) to improve individual and community well-being. The marketing theory and practice implications of leveraging expressions and acts of kindness through value exchange practices are discussed.
An Invitation to Gaze: Palpating the Navel in Qualitative Research
Authors: Hendricks Justin , Koro Mirka
Published: September 2023

This article approaches the practice of navel-gazing as a productive and experimental process, within the process of qualitative inquiry. We fold in various discourses, ideas, conversations, and experiments, encouraging the reader to explore, or gaze at, this article as they would a navel. We avoid stating a utilitarian purpose as the point is to navel-gaze. In this way, we would note to the reader that this article functions as a navel itself: it is a thing that we have, no longer need, and yet it is always there collecting lint, hiding, showing itself off, or distracting us with its folds.
Investigation on application and running characteristics of permanent magnet synchronous motor used in lifting system of deep well drilling rig
Authors: Wang Yuchao , Liu Jiarong , Liu Wenwu , Li Chao , Guo Kun
Published: September 2023

Most geological drilling rigs using asynchronous motor with gear box as the drive device of drawworks have problems of instability at low speed, complex mechanism, and lots maintenance work. This paper proposes an application of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) used in drawworks. Firstly, running characteristics of PMSM in steady state are analyzed and calculated theoretically, and mathematical models of motor’s power, torque, and power loss are given. Secondly, vector control principle of PMSM is analyzed and introduced, and maximum torque/current control method is finally decided as the basis for the design of control system. Thirdly, running parameters of PMSM in three stages (lowering drill string, constant speed/pressure drilling, and lifting drill string) of each test point were measured, and the curves of key parameters of PMSM are given. Finally, it is concluded that drawworks with PMSMs can not only improve control performance, reduce power consumption, and save energy, but also omit the gearbox, which makes structure of lifting system more compact and reduce lots maintenance work. The research work of this paper lays a foundation for the popularization and application of PMSM in the industry of deep well drilling rig.
Comparison of Glycemic Control Between In-Person and Virtual Diabetes Consults in Hospitalized Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Luzuriaga Maria Gracia , Lieberman Monica , MA Ruixuan , Casula Sabina , Lagari-Libhaber Violet , Messinger Shari , Li Hua , Miranda Bresta , Baidal David A. , Mizrachi Ernesto Bernal , Iacobellis Gianluca , Garg Rajesh , Vendrame Francesco
Published: September 2023

Background:

There is limited evidence that the diabetes in-person consult in hospitalized patients can be replaced by a virtual consult. During COVID-19 pandemic, the diabetes in-person consult service at the University of Miami and Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System transitioned to a virtual model. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of telemedicine on glycemic control after this transition.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed glucose metrics from in-person consults (In-person) during January 16 to March 14, 2020 and virtual consults during March 15 to May 14, 2020. Data from virtual consults were analyzed by separating patients infected with COVID-19, who were seen only virtually (Virtual-COVID-19-Pos), and patients who were not infected (Virtual-COVID-19-Neg), or by combining the two groups (Virtual-All).

Results:

Patient-day–weighted blood glucose was not significantly different between In-person, Virtual-All, and Virtual-COVID-19-Neg, but Virtual-COVID-19-Pos had significantly higher mean ± SD blood glucose (mg/dL) compared with others (206.7 ± 49.6 In-person, 214.6 ± 56.2 Virtual-All, 206.5 ± 57.2 Virtual-COVID-19-Neg, 229.7 ± 51.6 Virtual-COVID-19-Pos; P = .015). A significantly less percentage of patients in this group also achieved a mean ± SD glucose target of 140 to 180 mg/dL (23.8 ± 22.5 In-person, 21.5 ± 20.5 Virtual-All, 25.3 ± 20.8 Virtual-COVID-19-Neg, and 14.4±18.1 Virtual-COVID-19-Pos, P = .024), but there was no significant difference between In-person, Virtual-All, and Virtual-COVID-19-Neg. The occurrence of hypoglycemia was not significantly different among groups.

Conclusions:

In-person and virtual consults delivered by a diabetes team at an academic institution were not associated with significant differences in glycemic control. These real-world data suggest that telemedicine could be used for in-patient diabetes management, although additional studies are needed to better assess clinical outcomes and safety.
Brief mindful yoga intervention fails to prevent depression-related outcomes after a dysphoric affect induction
Authors: Vollbehr Nina K. , Hoenders H. J. Rogier , Bartels-Velthuis Agna A. , de Jong Peter J. , Ostafin Brian D.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This study was designed to test whether a brief mindful yoga intervention can prevent depression-related responses to dysphoric events.

Methods

One-hundred-75 undergraduate participants were assigned to one of four conditions in a single-session study. Three conditions received a dysphoric affect induction. Before the induction, participants completed a 20-minute intervention consisting of (a) mindful yoga, (b) stretching, or (c) relaxation control. The fourth condition consisted of a neutral affect induction to examine the validity of the dysphoric affect induction. We hypothesized that compared to relaxation control and stretching, mindful yoga participants would show less: (H1) state depressed affect; (H2) rumination; and (H3) attentional bias toward depression-related words.

Results

Validity checks indicated that the dysphoric affect induction led to greater state depressed affect and rumination, but not attentional bias. Compared to relaxation control, mindful yoga did not show less state depression, rumination, or attentional bias. The stretching group showed less depression and rumination.

Conclusions

The results do not provide support for mindful yoga in preventing depression-related reactivity. It may be that when given in a brief, one-time dose, stretching is the better choice for preventing negative outcomes from a subsequent dysphoric experience.
The Association Between Depression and Substance Use Among Primary Care Patients With Comorbid Medical and Behavioral Health Conditions
Authors: McGovern Mark P. , Dunn Julia , Bonnell Levi N. , Leibowitz George , Waddell Elizabeth , Rose Gail , Littenberg Benjamin
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

The scope of primary care increasingly encompasses patient behavioral health problems, manifest typically through depression screening and treatment. Although substance use is highly comorbid with depression, it is not commonly identified and addressed in the primary care context. This study aimed to examine the association between the likelihood of substance use disorder and increased depression severity, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, among a sample of 2409 patients from 41 geographically dispersed and diverse primary care clinics across the US.

Methods:

This is secondary analysis of data obtained from a multi-site parent study of integrated behavioral health in primary care, among patients with both chronic medical and behavioral health conditions. Patient reported outcome surveys were gathered from patients at 3 time points. The primary care practices were blind to which of their patients completed surveys. Included were standardized measures of depression severity (Patient Health Questionnaire—9) [PHQ-9] and substance use disorder likelihood (Global Appraisal of Individual Needs—Short Screener [GSS]).

Results:

Four percent of the study population screened positive for substance use disorder. PHQ-9 scores indicated depression among 43% of all patients. There was a significant association between the likelihood of substance use disorder and depression initially, at a 9-month follow-up, and over time. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, income, and other patient and contextual characteristics.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that substance use disorder is associated with depression severity cross-sectionally and over time. Primary care clinics and health systems might consider implementing substance use screening in addition to the more common screening strategies for depression. Especially for patients with severe depression or those who do not respond to frontline depression treatments, the undermining presence of a substance use disorder should be explored.
Revisiting Durkheim: Social Integration and Suicide Clusters in U.S. Counties, 2006–2019
Authors: Brantez Jessica , Houle Jason N.
Published: September 2023

Research dating back to Durkheim’s Suicide has linked high suicide rates to low social integration. Less research has examined community vulnerability to suicide clusters—characterized by an unusually high number of suicides in a time and place. In this study, we draw from recent qualitative research to hypothesize that social integration is positively associated with the emergence of suicide clusters, in contrast to the classic Durkheimian hypothesis. To test this hypothesis, we examine the association between three measures of social integration (divorce, Catholic adherence, and residential stability) and a novel measure of suicide clusters in 469 U.S. counties from 2006 to 2019 using data from the American Community Survey (ACS), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Religious Congregations and Membership Study (RCMS). We find that while social integration is negatively associated with suicide rates, social integration is positively associated with the emergence of suicide clusters. These findings shed light on the dual nature of social integration as both potentially protective and harmful for suicide.
Developing a TOD assessment model based on node–place–ecology for suburban areas of metropolitan cities: A case in Odawara
Authors: Yang Weiyao , Yan Wanglin , Chen Lihua , Wei Haichen , Gan Shuang
Published: September 2023

Transit-oriented development (TOD) has a close relationship with ecology since its inception and aims to create livable and sustainable environments. However, few studies have examined the key point of ecology in the construction of TOD assessment models. This paper takes Odawara as an example, a city located on the outskirts of the Tokyo metropolitan area. Based on the node–place model, a new dimension of ecology is introduced to expand the two-dimensional model into a three-dimensional model, primarily applied to 18 stations in Odawara. Using this model, the study explores the impact of TOD on the development process of Odawara and proposes historical policy and data-based current condition discussions. The results indicate that the model-based analysis reveals a discrepancy between the current condition of the 18 stations in Odawara and the official positioning of these stations by city managers. Additionally, there is a negative correlation between the node–place value and ecology value of the station areas. We believe that this approach not only directly connects TOD with ecological considerations but also develops a new quantitative assessment model for TOD, particularly in the context of abundant ecological resources in suburban areas of metropolitan areas, arriving at a more refined level of research than before. At the same time, the model continues to maintain good scalability, providing new perspectives for the metabolism of developing areas worldwide.
Sonographic Assessment of a Ruptured Testicle From a Gunshot Wound: A Case Study
Authors: Anderson Shannon , Bro Amy , Harris Malinda , Bensyl Kimberly
Published: September 2023

High-resolution sonography is a valuable imaging technique to evaluate scrotal trauma. Scrotal injuries can be caused by both blunt and penetrating forces, causing harm to the testicles and other scrotal contents. This case study follows the diagnosis of a gunshot victim’s testicular injury and how the use of sonography plays a major role in both the diagnosis and surveillance of testicular rupture. The initial sonogram identified mild enlargement and an irregularity of the right testicle. Hemorrhage surrounding the right testicle, soft tissue emphysema, scrotal wall edema, and some echogenic debris and/or a foreign body in the scrotum were also identified. Testicular rupture is a rare but serious injury and prompt medical attention is necessary in such cases to reduce long-term complications, including, but not limited to, infection, disability, and loss of the testicle.
Moving toward disease modification in polycythemia vera
Authors: Bewersdorf Jan Philipp , How Joan , Masarova Lucia , Bose Prithviraj , Pemmaraju Naveen , Mascarenhas John , Rampal Raajit K.
Published: September 2023

Polycythemia vera (PV) belongs to the BCR-ABL1–negative myeloproliferative neoplasms and is characterized by activating mutations in JAK2 and clinically presents with erythrocytosis, variable degrees of systemic and vasomotor symptoms, and an increased risk of both thromboembolic events and progression to myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Treatment selection is based on a patient’s age and a history of thrombosis in patients with low-risk PV treated with therapeutic phlebotomy and aspirin alone, whereas cytoreductive therapy with either hydroxyurea or interferon alfa (IFN-α) is added for high-risk disease. However, other disease features such as significant disease-related symptoms and splenomegaly, concurrent thrombocytosis and leukocytosis, or intolerance of phlebotomy can constitute an indication for cytoreductive therapy in patients with otherwise low-risk disease. Additionally, recent studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy (ie, reduction in phlebotomy requirements and molecular responses) of ropegylated IFN-α2b support its use for patients with low-risk PV. Additionally, emerging data suggest that early treatment is associated with higher rates of molecular responses, which might eventually enable time-limited therapy. Nonetheless, longer follow-up is needed to assess whether molecular responses associate with clinically meaningful outcome measures such as thrombosis and progression to myelofibrosis or AML. In this article, we provide an overview of the current and evolving treatment landscape of PV and outline our vision for a patient-centered, phlebotomy-free, treatment approach using time-limited, disease-modifying treatment modalities early in the disease course, which could ultimately affect the natural history of the disease.
Grinding Characteristics of MoS2-Coated Brazed CBN Grinding Wheels in Dry Grinding of Titanium Alloy
Authors: Zhao Junshuai , Zhao Biao , Ding Wenfeng , Wu Bangfu , Han Ming , Xu Jiuhua , Liu Guoliang
Published: September 2023

As an important green manufacturing process, dry grinding has problems such as high grinding temperature and insufficient cooling capacity. Aiming at the problems of sticking and burns in dry grinding of titanium alloys, grinding performance evaluation of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) solid lubricant coated brazed cubic boron carbide (CBN) grinding wheel (MoS2-coated CBN wheel) in dry grinding titanium alloys was carried out. The lubrication mechanism of MoS2 in the grinding process is analyzed, and the MoS2-coated CBN wheel is prepared. The results show that the MoS2 solid lubricant can form a lubricating film on the ground surface and reduce the friction coefficient and grinding force. Within the experimental parameters, normal grinding force decreased by 42.5%, and tangential grinding force decreased by 28.1%. MoS2 lubricant can effectively improve the heat dissipation effect of titanium alloy grinding arc area. Compared with common CBN grinding wheel, MoS2-coated CBN wheel has lower grinding temperature. When the grinding depth reaches 20 μm, the grinding temperature decreased by 30.5%. The wear of CBN grains of grinding wheel were analyzed by mathematical statistical method. MoS2 lubricating coating can essentially decrease the wear of grains, reduce the adhesion of titanium alloy chip, prolong the service life of grinding wheel, and help to enhance the surface quality of workpiece. This research provides high-quality and efficient technical support for titanium alloy grinding.
A Novel Dual-Reporter System Reveals Distinct Characteristics of Exosome-Mediated Protein Secretion in Human Cells
Authors: Olson Christopher , Zhang Pengyang , Ku Joy , Flojo Renceh , Boyes Darin , Lu Biao
Published: September 2023

Background

Exosomes, a special subtype of extracellular vesicles derived from human cells, serve as vital mediators of intercellular communication by transporting diverse bioactive cargos, including proteins and enzymes. However, the underlying mechanisms governing exosome secretion and regulation remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed a dual-reporter system consisting of bioluminescent Gaussia luciferase and fluorescent proteins to investigate the dynamics and regulation of exosome secretion in cultured human cells.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the engineered dual-reporters effectively monitored both exosome-mediated and ER-Golgi-mediated secretory pathways in a specific and quantitative manner. Notably, we observed distinct characteristics of exosome-mediated protein secretion, including significantly lower capacity and different dynamics compared to the ER-Golgi pathway. This phenomenon was observed in human kidney 293T cells and liver HepG2 cells, emphasizing the conserved nature of exosome-mediated secretion across cell types. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of brefeldin A (BFA), an inhibitor of ER-to-Golgi membrane trafficking, on protein secretion. Interestingly, BFA inhibited protein secretion via the ER-Golgi pathway while stimulating exosome-mediated protein secretion under same experimental conditions.

Conclusions

Collectively, our study highlights the utility of the dual-reporter system for real-time monitoring and quantitative analysis of protein secretion through conventional ER-Golgi and unconventional exosome pathways. Moreover, our findings unveil distinct features of exosome-mediated protein secretion, shedding light on its differential capacity, dynamics, and regulatory mechanisms compared to ER-Golgi-mediated proteins in human cells.
Reply: Correspondence on NanoVar’s performance outlined by Jiang T. et al. in ‘Long-read sequencing settings for efficient structural variation detection based on comprehensive evaluation’
Authors: Jiang Tao , Liu Shiqi , Guo Hongzhe
Published: September 2023

We published a paper in BMC Bioinformatics comprehensively evaluating the performance of structural variation (SV) calling with long-read SV detection methods based on simulated error-prone long-read data under various sequencing settings. Recently, C.Y.T. et al. wrote a correspondence claiming that the performance of NanoVar was underestimated in our benchmarking and listed some errors in our previous manuscripts. To clarify these matters, we reproduced our previous benchmarking results and carried out a series of parallel experiments on both the newly generated simulated datasets and the ones provided by C.Y.T. et al. The robust benchmark results indicate that NanoVar has unstable performance on simulated data produced from different versions of VISOR, while other tools do not exhibit this phenomenon. Furthermore, the errors proposed by C.Y.T. et al. were due to them using another version of VISOR and Sniffles, which caused many changes in usage and results compared to the versions applied in our previous work. We hope that this commentary proves the validity of our previous publication, clarifies and eliminates the misunderstanding about the commands and results in our benchmarking. Furthermore, we welcome more experts and scholars in the scientific community to pay attention to our research and help us better optimize these valuable works.
Correspondence on NanoVar’s performance outlined by Jiang T. et al. in “Long-read sequencing settings for efficient structural variation detection based on comprehensive evaluation”
Authors: Tham Cheng Yong , Benoukraf Touati
Published: September 2023

A recent paper by Jiang et al. in BMC Bioinformatics presented guidelines on long-read sequencing settings for structural variation (SV) calling, and benchmarked the performance of various SV calling tools, including NanoVar. In their simulation-based benchmarking, NanoVar was shown to perform poorly compared to other tools, mostly due to low SV recall rates. To investigate the causes for NanoVar's poor performance, we regenerated the simulation datasets (3× to 20×) as specified by Jiang et al. and performed benchmarking for NanoVar and Sniffles. Our results did not reflect the findings described by Jiang et al. In our analysis, NanoVar displayed more than three times the F1 scores and recall rates as reported in Jiang et al. across all sequencing coverages, indicating a previous underestimation of its performance. We also observed that NanoVar outperformed Sniffles in calling SVs with genotype concordance by more than 0.13 in F1 scores, which is contrary to the trend reported by Jiang et al. Besides, we identified multiple detrimental errors encountered during the analysis which were not addressed by Jiang et al. We hope that this commentary clarifies NanoVar's validity as a long-read SV caller and provides assurance to its users and the scientific community.
Changes in the lodging resistance of winter wheat from 1950s to the 2020s in Henan Province of China
Authors: Wang Yang , Pan Yonghui , Zhao Fulin , Meng Xiangping , Li Qun , Huang Yudfang , Ye Youliang
Published: September 2023

Background

Lodging is a major factor contributing to yield loss and constraining the mechanical harvesting of wheat crops. Genetic improvement through breeding effectively reduced the lodging and improved the grain yield, however, the physiological mechanisms involved in providing resistance to lodging are different in the breeding stage and are not clearly understood. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in the lodging resistance (LR) of the wheat varieties released during the different decades and to explore the effect of the application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on the plasticity of LR.

Results

A field study was conducted during the cultivation seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021, in soil supplemented with three N levels: N0 (0 kg ha–1), N180 (200 kg ha–1), and N360 (360 kg ha–1) using eight varieties of wheat released for commercial cultivation from 1950 to date. The results obtained showed that genetic improvement had significantly enhanced the LR and grain yield in wheat. In the first breeding stage (from 1950 to 1980s) the lodging resistant index increased by 15.0%, which was primarily attributed to a reduced plant height and increased contents of cellulose, Si, and Zn. In the second breeding stage (the 1990s–2020s) it increased by 172.8%, which was mainly attributed to an increase in the stem diameter, wall thickness, and the contents of K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Cu. The application of N fertilizer improved the grain yield but reduced the LR in wheat. This was mainly due to an increase in plant height resulting in an elevation of the plant center of gravity, a decrease in the contents of cellulose, and a reduction in the area of large-sized vascular bundles in the stems, even if N supplementation increased the concentrations of K, Ca, and Si.

Conclusion

Although breeding strategies improved the stem strength, the trade-off between the grain yield and LR was more significantly influenced by the addition of N. Overcoming this peculiar situation will serve as a breakthrough in improving the seed yield in wheat crops in the future.
Chronic constrictive pericarditis: a rare cardiac involvement in primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Duarte Fabiana , Oliveira Luís , Fontes Tomás , Ramos Sância , Dourado Raquel , Martins Dinis
Published: September 2023

Background

Constrictive pericarditis represents a chronic condition and systemic inflammatory diseases are a known, yet uncommon, cause. Pericardial involvement is seldom reported in primary Sjögren’s syndrome, usually occurring in association with pericardial effusion or pericarditis.

We report a case of constrictive pericarditis with an insidious course and unusual evolution associated with primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Due to the challenging nature of the diagnosis, clinical suspicion and multimodality imaging are essential for early identification and prompt initiation of treatment. Long-term outcomes remain uncertain.

To the best of our knowledge, no other cases linking this autoimmune disease to constrictive pericarditis have been reported.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 48-year-old male patient with moderate alcohol habits and a history of two prior hospitalizations. On the first, the patient was diagnosed with primary Sjögren’s syndrome after presenting with pleural effusion and ascites, and empirical corticosteroid regiment was initiated. On the second, two-years later, he was readmitted with complaints of dyspnea and abdominal distension. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a localized pericardial thickening and a thin pericardial effusion, both of which were attributed to his rheumatic disease. A liver biopsy showed hepatic peliosis, which was considered to be a consequence of glucocorticoid therapy. Diuretic therapy was adjusted to symptom-relief, and a tapering corticosteroid regimen was adopted.

Four years after the initial diagnosis, the patient was admitted again with recurrent dyspnea, orthopnea and ascites. At this time, constrictive pericarditis was diagnosed and a partial pericardiectomy was performed.

Although not completely asymptomatic, the patient reported clinical improvement since the surgery, but still with a need for baseline diuretic therapy.

Conclusion

Albeit uncommon, connective tissue disorders, such as primary Sjögren’s syndrome, should be considered as a potential cause of constrictive pericarditis, especially in young patients with no other classical risk factors for constriction.

In this case, after excluding possible infectious, neoplastic and autoimmune conditions, a primary Sjögren´s syndrome in association with constrictive pericarditis was assumed. This case presents an interesting and challenging clinical scenario, highlighting the importance of clinical awareness and the use of multimodal cardiac imaging for early recognition and treatment.
The effect of intradialytic exercise on calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tabibi Mohammad Ali , Wilund Kenneth R. , Salimian Nasrin , Nikbakht Saghar , Soleymany Mahsa , Roshanaeian Zahra , Nazemi Farzad , Ahmadi Saghar
Published: September 2023

Background

Patients with kidney failure experience derangements of circulating markers of mineral metabolism and dysregulation of skeletal and cardiovascular physiology which results in high mortality rate in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intradialytic exercise on regulation of these abnormalities in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial conducted in an HD center in Iran, adult patients receiving chronic HD were randomized to intradialytic exercise (60 min) in the second hour of thrice weekly dialysis for 6 months (intervention) or no intradialytic exercise (control). The primary outcomes were serum calcium, serum phosphorous and parathyroid hormone levels. Secondary outcomes were serum alkaline phosphatase and calcium-phosphorous product.

Results

The study included 44 participants randomized to intervention (n = 22) or control (n = 22). During the 6-month intervention period, significant between-group changes were observed in all primary and secondary outcomes between the intervention and control groups. Statistical analyses reveal a significant increase in serum calcium (P < 0.05) as well as a significant decrease in serum phosphorous, parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase and calcium-phosphorous product (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Intradialytic exercise performed for at least 60 min during thrice weekly dialysis sessions improves bone mineral metabolism in adult patients receiving HD. Further studies should focus on observing and comparing the effect of different types of exercise on bone mineral disorders and all-cause mortality in HD patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04916743, Registered on 08/06/2021. Registered trial name: The Effect of Intradialytic Exercise on Calcium, Phosphorous and Parathyroid Hormone: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Genomic profile of Chinese patients with endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Li Jin , Li Xiaoqi , Quan Chenlian , Li Xiaoqiu , Wan Chong , Wu Xiaohua
Published: September 2023

Backgrounds

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic malignancy in China. However, the genetic profile of Chinese EC patients has not been well established yet.

Methods

In current study, 158 Chinese EC patients were subjected to next-generation sequencing assay (74 took testing of EC-related 20-genes panel, and 84 took the expanded panel). Of the 158 patients, 91 patients were performed germline mutation testing using the expanded panel. Moreover, the public datasets from TCGA and MSKCC were utilized to compare the genomic differences between Chinese and Western EC patients. The proteomic and transcriptomic from CPTAC and TCGA were derived and performed unsupervised clustering to identify molecular subtypes.

Results

Among the 158 patients analyzed, a significant majority (85.4%) exihibited at least one somatic alteration, with the most prevalent alterations occurring in PTEN, PIK3CA, TP53, and ARID1A. These genomic alterations were mainly enriched in the PI3K, cell cycle, RAS/RAF/MAPK, Epigenetic modifiers/Chromatin remodelers, and DNA damage repair (DDR) signaling pathways. Additionally, we identified ten individuals (11.0%) with pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline alterations in seven genes, with the DDR pathway being predominantly involved. Compared to Western EC patients, Chinese EC patients displayed different prevalence in AKT1, MET, PMS2, PIK3R1, and CTCF. Notably, 69.6% of Chinese EC patients were identified with actionable alterations. In addition, we discovered novel molecular subtypes in ARID1A wild-type patients, characterized by an inferior prognosis, higher TP53 but fewer PTEN and PIK3CA alterations. Additionally, this subtype exhibited a significantly higher abundance of macrophages and activated dendritic cells.

Conclusion

Our study has contributed valuable insights into the unique germline and somatic genomic profiles of Chinese EC patients, enhancing our understanding of their biological characteristics and potential therapeutic avenues. Furthermore, we have highlighted the presence of molecular heterogeneity in ARID1A-wild type EC patients, shedding light on the complexity of this subgroup.
Highlighting the idea of exerkines in the management of cancer patients with cachexia: novel insights and a critical review
Authors: Ahmadi Hekmatikar Amirhossein , Nelson André , Petersen Aaron
Published: September 2023

Background

Exerkines are all peptides, metabolites, and nucleic acids released into the bloodstream during and after physical exercise. Exerkines liberated from skeletal muscle (myokines), the heart (cardiokines), liver (hepatokines), white adipose tissue (adipokines), brown adipose tissue (batokines), and neurons (neurokines) may benefit health and wellbeing. Cancer-related cachexia is a highly prevalent disorder characterized by weight loss with specific skeletal muscle and adipose tissue loss. Many studies have sought to provide exercise strategies for managing cachexia, focusing on musculoskeletal tissue changes. Therefore, understanding the responses of musculoskeletal and other tissue exerkines to acute and chronic exercise may provide novel insight and recommendations for physical training to counteract cancer-related cachexia.

Methods

For the purpose of conducting this study review, we made efforts to gather relevant studies and thoroughly discuss them to create a comprehensive overview. To achieve this, we conducted searches using appropriate keywords in various databases. Studies that were deemed irrelevant to the current research, not available in English, or lacking full-text access were excluded. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the limited amount of research conducted in this specific field.

Results

In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the findings, we prioritized human studies in order to obtain results that closely align with the scope of the present study. However, in instances where human studies were limited or additional analysis was required to draw more robust conclusions, we also incorporated animal studies. Finally, 295 studies, discussed in this review.

Conclusion

Our understanding of the underlying physiological mechanisms related to the significance of investigating exerkines in cancer cachexia is currently quite basic. Nonetheless, this demonstrated that resistance and aerobic exercise can contribute to the reduction and control of the disease in individuals with cancer cachexia, as well as in survivors, by inducing changes in exerkines.
Intersection of policy and Immunization Information Systems (IIS)
Authors: Heersema Lara A. , Cunniff Luke , Eiden Amanda L. , Sharma Isha , Mishra Jaya , Bhatti Alexandra
Published: September 2023

Background

Immunization information systems (IIS) are confidential, population-based computerized databases that record vaccination doses administered to persons residing within a given geopolitical area. We sought to highlight the evolution of IIS policy over the last two decades, as IIS play a pivotal role in achieving equitable and high vaccine uptake.

Methods

Legal epidemiological research methods were used to assess relevant IIS statutes and administrative codes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Philadelphia, and New York City. Where relevant, laws were cross-checked or supplemented with state and local health department resources. Comparisons to previous legal studies enabled evaluation of trends in IIS laws over time.

Results

The compilation of current laws provides an updated overview of the diverse interstate and intrastate policies within the US that govern the capabilities and implementation of IIS. The findings of this study show the progress that has been made in the past decade in improving policies that enable IIS to be utilized across the life-course. Conversely, gaps in IIS data collection, limited interoperability with local and national health information systems, and inconsistent access to view or utilize IIS records due to existing policies, continue to limit the full potential of IIS.

Conclusions

In the United States (US), IIS are implemented and managed at the state and local level, creating variability in IIS policies and implementation. Findings from this study serve as a comprehensive benchmark of current IIS laws that may aid policy stakeholders who are exploring amendments to jurisdictional IIS laws.
Mental resources, mental health and sociodemography: a cluster analysis based on a representative population survey in a large German city
Authors: Khachatryan Kristine , Otten Daniëlle , Beutel Manfred E. , Speerforck Sven , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Ulke Christine , Brähler Elmar
Published: September 2023

Background

Mental resources such as optimism and social support are important to face different stressors. The aim of this study is to identify groups in the population that are similar in terms of their mental resources.

Methods

For this purpose, a randomly selected general population community sample was used, representative for the city of Leipzig, Germany. In a two-stage process, three clusters were identified using hierarchical cluster analysis and the K-means method and then tested with a multinomial logistic regression analysis for differences in sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Three clusters were identified which vary in their extent of social support and optimism. In distinguishing between those with higher and lower (medium or poor) mental resources, male gender, unemployment, being born abroad and low household income are risk factors for having fewer mental resources. Internal migrants from West Germany and persons with children at home have a higher chance of being in the type with good mental resources. The groups with medium and lower mental resources differ significantly only by variables living with a partner and employment.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that good mental resources are associated with good mental health. Special mental health care programs, focusing in particular on the needs of vulnerable groups with poor mental resources within a society, should be implemented.
Contact patterns of older adults with and without frailty in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Backer Jantien A. , van de Kassteele Jan , El Fakiri Fatima , Hens Niel , Wallinga Jacco
Published: September 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures were imposed to protect the population from exposure, especially older adults and people with frailty, who have the highest risk for severe outcomes. These restrictions greatly reduced contacts in the general population, but little was known about behaviour changes among older adults and people with frailty themselves. Our aim was to quantify how COVID-19 measures affected the contact behaviour of older adults and how this differed between older adults with and without frailty.

Methods

In 2021, a contact survey was carried out among people aged 70 years and older in the Netherlands. A random sample of persons per age group (70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85–89, and 90 +) and gender was invited to participate, either during a period with stringent (April 2021) or moderate (October 2021) measures. Participants provided general information on themselves, including their frailty, and they reported characteristics of all persons with whom they had face-to-face contact on a given day over the course of a full week.

Results

In total, 720 community-dwelling older adults were included (overall response rate of 15%), who reported 16,505 contacts. During the survey period with moderate measures, participants without frailty had significantly more contacts outside their household than participants with frailty. Especially for females, frailty was a more informative predictor of the number of contacts than age. During the survey period with stringent measures, participants with and without frailty had significantly lower numbers of contacts compared to the survey period with moderate measures. The reduction of the number of contacts was largest for the eldest participants without frailty. As they interact mostly with adults of a similar high age who are likely frail, this reduction of the number of contacts indirectly protects older adults with frailty from SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

Conclusions

The results of this study reveal that social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic differentially affected the contact patterns of older adults with and without frailty. The reduction of contacts may have led to the direct protection of older adults in general but also to the indirect protection of older adults with frailty.
Hyperoxia but not high tidal volume contributes to ventilator-induced lung injury in healthy mice
Authors: Xu Yong , Li Yu , Zhai Da , Yan Chen , Liang Jingyan , Ichinomiya Taiga , Hara Tetsuya , Inadomi Chiaki , Li Tao-Sheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Mechanical ventilation is a supportive therapy used to maintain respiratory function in several clinical and surgical cases but is always accompanied by lung injury risk due to improper treatment. We investigated how tidal volume and oxygen delivery would contribute independently or synergistically to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).

Methods

Under general anesthesia and tracheal intubation, healthy female C57BL/6 N mice (9 weeks old) were randomly ventilated for 2 h by standard (7 ml/kg) or high (14 ml/kg) tidal volume at positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 2 cmH2O, with room air, 50% O2 (moderate hyperoxia), or 100% O2 (severe hyperoxia); respectively. Mice were sacrificed 4 h after mechanical ventilation, and lung tissues were collected for experimental assessments on lung injury.

Results

Compared with the healthy control, severe hyperoxia ventilation by either standard or high tidal volume resulted in significantly higher wet-to-dry lung weight ratio and higher levels of IL-1β and 8-OHdG in the lungs. However, moderate hyperoxia ventilation, even by high tidal volume did not significantly increase the levels of IL-1β and 8-OHdG in the lungs. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of RhoA, ROCK1, MLC2, and p-MLC2 was not significantly induced in the ventilated lungs, even by high tidal volume at 2 cmH2O PEEP.

Conclusion

Severe hyperoxia ventilation causes inflammatory response and oxidative damage in mechanically ventilated lungs, while high tidal volume ventilation at a reasonable PEEP possibly does not cause VILI.