bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plantar Plating for Medial Naviculocuneiform Arthrodesis in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity
Authors: Wininger Austin E. , Klavas Derek M. , Gardner Stephanie S. , Ahuero Jason S. , Harris Joshua D. , Varner Kevin E.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Medial column procedures are commonly used to treat progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) reconstruction. The aim of this research is to present the clinical results of plantar plating for medial naviculocuneiform (NC) arthrodesis when NC joint pathology contributes to medial arch collapse. The authors hypothesized that lag screws with a plantar neutralization plate would result in a satisfactory NC joint fusion rate.

Methods:

A single-surgeon, retrospective case series was performed on patients with flexible PCFD who underwent NC arthrodesis using lag screws and a contoured neutralization plate applied plantarly across the medial NC joint as part of PCFD reconstruction. Thirteen patients (11 females, 2 males; mean age 53.1 [34-62] years) between 2016 and 2019 were identified for inclusion. Mean follow-up was 25.2 ± 12.7 months. Preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior talo–first metatarsal angle, lateral talo–first metatarsal angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and calcaneal pitch were measured. Union was evaluated radiologically. AOFAS midfoot scores were recorded at final follow-up.

Results:

All parameters demonstrated a significant improvement. Fusion was confirmed in 11 of 13 patients (85%) at a mean 5.7 ± 2.1 months. One patient required a revision of their NC fusion because of symptomatic nonunion. There were no cases of symptomatic plantar hardware.

Conclusion:

The results of this small cohort series suggest that lag screw with plantar plate NC arthrodesis yielded generally improved short-term radiographic and clinical outcomes in PCFD patients with medial arch collapse through the NC joint. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Teenage beginners’ perceptions of learning Chinese characters: A case study
Authors: Yang Juan
Published: March 2022

This study investigates teenage beginners’ perceptions of learning Chinese characters and their perceived effective strategies for learning in a British secondary school. A qualitative methodology with semi-structured interviews is adopted in the case study. Sixteen beginners learning Chinese as a second language from 12 to 16 years old participated in the study. Results indicate that students are generally keen to learn and memorize characters. The challenge that students face is the large number of characters to be memorized in terms of pronunciation, orthographic forms, and meanings. Learners also express their dilemma of following the correct stroke order when practicing writing. Moreover, reviewing flashcards, writing practice, making use of radicals and orthographic clues, as well as interactive activities, are reported as effective ways of learning by students. It indicates that both memory and cognitive strategies were useful for character learning from learners’ perspectives. The key factor affecting students’ commitment to learning comes from their pleasant learning and instructional experience. Implications are drawn from the results regarding learning and teaching Chinese characters with young learners in secondary schools.
Researches on Chinese character teaching in the field of International Chinese  Language Education in the past 15 years
Authors: Liu Chengfeng , Song Hanlin
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to study the research papers on Chinese character teaching in the field of International Chinese Language Education in the Chinese journals in the past 15 years. A comprehensive survey of 205 journal articles and theses is conducted from the perspectives of types of researches, types of learners, and research topics. Based on this the research trends and the existing problems in this field are analyzed, and corresponding suggestions are given.
Therapeutic Effect of Multi-Channel Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (M-tDCS) on Recovery of Cognitive Domains, Motor Functions of Paretic Hand and Gait in Subacute Stroke Survivors-A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: Divya Midha , Narkeesh Arumugam
Published: March 2022

Background:

There has been rapid drift of rehabilitation professionals toward the clinical use of technology aided electrical interventions. Brain is a cortical hub of functionally related neural connections. Motor learning entails strong interaction with the cognitive domains. So better outcomes may be expected by optimally targeting functionally correlated areas simultaneously through tDCS.

Aim:

To determine the therapeutic effect of Multi Channel tDCS in combination with Functional electrical stimulation, SaeboFlex and conventional rehabilitation on recovery of Cognitive Domains, Motor Functions of Paretic Hand, and Gait in individuals with subacute Stroke.

Methods:

This is prospective, randomized, double blind controlled clinical trial. Subacute Stroke Survivors with the age Group (40-75 years) will constitute the Population of the study. Participants will be randomly allocated to experimental or control group. Participants of Experimental group will receive Multi channel tDCS, Functional electrical stimulation, Saebo Flex Training and conventional rehabilitation. Participants of the group B will receive FES, training with SaeboFlex, conventional physiotherapy intervention similar to as given to the participants of group A and sham multi channel tDCS.

Outcome Measures:

The primary outcome measures of the study will be Fugl Meyer assessment, Electroencephalogram and secondary outcome measures of the study will be Grip strength, Pinch strength, Nine hole peg test( NHPT), Wisconsin gait scale, Montreal cognitive assessment, Electroencephaloraphy to observe the cortical changes and tDCS adverse effect questionnaire and stroke specific quality of Life scale.

Statistical Analysis:

The primary analysis of the study will be done at the end of 4 weeks. Statistical analysis of data will be done using SPSS Version 22 with the help of a statistician.

Conclusion:

An insight into the therapeutic interventions augmenting, cognitive and motor domains simultaneously may yield better outcomes in the field of stroke rehabilitation thereby improving quality of life of stroke survivors
Macrophage NOX2 NADPH oxidase maintains alveolar homeostasis in mice
Authors: Bhattacharya Sourav , Idol Rachel A. , Yang Wei , Rojas Márquez Jorge David , Li Yanan , Huang Guangming , Beatty Wandy L. , Atkinson Jeffrey J. , Brumell John H. , Bagaitkar Juhi , Magee Jeffrey A. , Dinauer Mary C.
Published: March 2022

The leukocyte NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) plays a key role in pathogen killing and immunoregulation. Genetic defects in NOX2 result in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), associated with microbial infections and inflammatory disorders, often involving the lung. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the predominant immune cell in the airways at steady state, and limiting their activation is important, given the constant exposure to inhaled materials, yet the importance of NOX2 in this process is not well understood. In this study, we showed a previously undescribed role for NOX2 in maintaining lung homeostasis by suppressing AM activation, in CGD mice or mice with selective loss of NOX2 preferentially in macrophages. AMs lacking NOX2 had increased cytokine responses to Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) and TLR4 stimulation ex vivo. Moreover, between 4 and 12 week of age, mice with global NOX2 deletion developed an activated CD11bhigh subset of AMs with epigenetic and transcriptional profiles reflecting immune activation compared with WT AMs. The presence of CD11bhigh AMs in CGD mice correlated with an increased number of alveolar neutrophils and proinflammatory cytokines at steady state and increased lung inflammation after insults. Moreover, deletion of NOX2 preferentially in macrophages was sufficient for mice to develop an activated CD11bhigh AM subset and accompanying proinflammatory sequelae. In addition, we showed that the altered resident macrophage transcriptional profile in the absence of NOX2 is tissue specific, as those changes were not seen in resident peritoneal macrophages. Thus, these data demonstrate that the absence of NOX2 in alveolar macrophages leads to their proinflammatory remodeling and dysregulates alveolar homeostasis.
Noninvasive follow-up strategy after pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ruigrok Dieuwertje , Handoko M. Louis , Meijboom Lilian J. , Nossent Esther J. , Boonstra Anco , Braams Natalia J. , van Wezenbeek Jessie , Tepaske Robert , Tuinman Pieter Roel , Heunks Leo M.A. , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , de Man Frances S. , Symersky Petr , Bogaard Harm-Jan
Published: March 2022

Background

The success of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is usually evaluated by performing a right heart catheterisation (RHC). Here, we investigate whether residual pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be sufficiently excluded without the need for a RHC, by making use of early post-operative haemodynamics, or N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) 6 months after PEA.

Methods

In an observational analysis, residual PH after PEA measured by RHC was related to haemodynamic data from the post-operative intensive care unit time and data from a 6-month follow-up assessment including NT-proBNP, TTE and CPET. After dichotomisation and univariate analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV) and likelihood ratios were calculated.

Results

Thirty-six out of 92 included patients had residual PH 6 months after PEA (39%). Correlation between early post-operative and 6-month follow-up mean pulmonary artery pressure was moderate (Spearman rho 0.465, p<0.001). Early haemodynamics did not predict late success. NT-proBNP >300 ng·L−1had insufficient NPV (0.71) to exclude residual PH. Probability for PH on TTE had a moderate NPV (0.74) for residual PH. Peak oxygen consumption (V′O2) <80% predicted had the highest sensitivity (0.85) and NPV (0.84) for residual PH.

Conclusions

CPET 6 months after PEA, and to a lesser extent TTE, can be used to exclude residual CTEPH, thereby safely reducing the number of patients needing to undergo re-RHC after PEA.
Facile Green Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles by Upcycling Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) Pericarp Extract
Authors: Ahn Eun-Young , Shin Sang-Woo , Kim Kyeongsoon , Park Youmie
Published: March 2022

In the present report, green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) was performed by upcycling mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) pericarp extract (methanol and ethyl acetate extracts). Field emission scanning electron microscopy images revealed an aggregated structure with a highly porous network of TiO2 NPs. TiO2 NPs synthesized with ethyl acetate extract (EtOAc-TiO2 NPs) exhibited more monodispersity and possessed smoother surfaces than the control TiO2 NPs (Con-TiO2 NPs) and TiO2 NPs synthesized with methanol extract (MeOH-TiO2 NPs). High-resolution X-ray diffraction patterns clearly confirmed that TiO2 NPs had a crystalline nature. A mixture of anatase and rutile was observed in Con-TiO2 NPs and MeOH-TiO2 NPs, while EtOAc-TiO2 NPs had only anatase with the smallest size (12.50 ± 1.81 nm). Ethyl acetate extract contained the highest amount of α-mangostin; thus, the surface of TiO2 NPs was functionalized with ethyl acetate extract. The functionalized TiO2 NPs synthesized with ethyl acetate extract (EtOAc-TiO2-αm) showed the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. In vitro cell viability on mouse fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) indicated that the newly synthesized TiO2 NPs did not show any significant cytotoxicity. Therefore, the TiO2 NPs in the present report have the potential to be used in cosmetic applications such as sunscreens.
LPMX: a pure rootless composable container system
Authors: Yang Xu , Kasahara Masahiro
Published: March 2022

Background

Delivering tools for genome analysis to users is often difficult given the complex dependencies and conflicts of such tools. Container virtualization systems (such as Singularity) isolate environments, thereby helping developers package tools. However, these systems lack mutual composability, i.e., an easy way to integrate multiple tools in different containers and/or on the host. Another issue is that one may be unable to use a single container system of the same version at all the sites being used, thus discouraging the use of container systems.

Results

We developed LPMX, an open-source pure rootless composable container system that provides composability; i.e., the system allows users to easily integrate tools from different containers or even from the host. LPMX accelerates science by letting researchers compose existing containers and containerize tools/pipelines that are difficult to package/containerize using Conda or Singularity, thereby saving researchers’ precious time. The technique used in LPMX allows LPMX to run purely in userspace without root privileges even during installation, thus ensuring that we can use LPMX at any Linux clusters with major distributions. The lowest overhead for launching containers with LPMX gives us courage to isolate tools as much as possible into small containers, thereby minimizing the chance of conflicts. The support for the layered file system keeps the total size of container images for a single genomic pipeline modest, as opposed to Singularity, which uses mostly a flat single-layer image.

Conclusions

LPMX is pure rootless container engine with mutual composability, thus saving researchers’ time, and accelerating science.
Development of a versatile resource for post-genomic research through consolidating and characterizing 1500 diverse wild and cultivated soybean genomes
Authors: Zhang Hengyou , Jiang He , Hu Zhenbin , Song Qijian , An Yong-qiang Charles
Published: March 2022

Background

With advances in next-generation sequencing technologies, an unprecedented amount of soybean accessions has been sequenced by many individual studies and made available as raw sequencing reads for post-genomic research.

Results

To develop a consolidated and user-friendly genomic resource for post-genomic research, we consolidated the raw resequencing data of 1465 soybean genomes available in the public and 91 highly diverse wild soybean genomes newly sequenced. These altogether provided a collection of 1556 sequenced genomes of 1501 diverse accessions (1.5 K). The collection comprises of wild, landraces and elite cultivars of soybean that were grown in East Asia or major soybean cultivating areas around the world. Our extensive sequence analysis discovered 32 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (32mSNPs) and revealed a SNP density of 30 SNPs/kb and 12 non-synonymous SNPs/gene reflecting a high structural and functional genomic diversity of the new collection. Each SNP was annotated with 30 categories of structural and/or functional information. We further identified paired accessions between the 1.5 K and 20,087 (20 K) accessions in US collection as genomic “equivalent” accessions sharing the highest genomic identity for minimizing the barriers in soybean germplasm exchange between countries. We also exemplified the utility of 32mSNPs in enhancing post-genomics research through in-silico genotyping, high-resolution GWAS, discovering and/or characterizing genes and alleles/mutations, identifying germplasms containing beneficial alleles that are potentially experiencing artificial selection.

Conclusion

The comprehensive analysis of publicly available large-scale genome sequencing data of diverse cultivated accessions and the newly in-house sequenced wild accessions greatly increased the soybean genome-wide variation resolution. This could facilitate a variety of genetic and molecular-level analyses in soybean. The 32mSNPs and 1.5 K accessions with their comprehensive annotation have been made available at the SoyBase and Ag Data Commons. The dataset could further serve as a versatile and expandable core resource for exploring the exponentially increasing genome sequencing data for a variety of post-genomic research.
Dynamics of nuclear matrix attachment regions during 5th instar posterior silk gland development in Bombyx mori
Authors: Chunduri Alekhya Rani , Rajan Resma , Lima Anugata , Ramamoorthy Senthilkumar , Mamillapalli Anitha
Published: March 2022

Background

Chromatin architecture is critical for gene expression during development. Matrix attachment regions (MARs) control and regulate chromatin dynamics. The position of MARs in the genome determines the expression of genes in the organism. In this study, we set out to elucidate how MARs temporally regulate the expression of the fibroin heavy chain (FIBH) gene during development. We addressed this by identifying MARs and studying their distribution and differentiation, in the posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori during 5th instar development.

Results

Of the MARs identified on three different days, 7.15% MARs were common to all 3 days, whereas, 1.41, 19.27 and 52.47% MARs were unique to day 1, day 5, and day 7, respectively highlighting the dynamic nature of the matrix associated DNA. The average chromatin loop length based on the chromosome wise distribution of MARs and the distances between these MAR regions decreased from day 1 (253.91 kb) to day 5 (73.54 kb) to day 7 (39.19 kb). Further significant changes in the MARs in the vicinity of the FIBH gene were found during different days of 5th instar development which implied their role in the regulation and expression of the FIBH gene.

Conclusions

The presence of MARs in the flanking regions of genes found to exhibit differential expression during 5th instar development indicates their possible role in the regulation of their expression. This reiterates the importance of MARs in the genomic functioning as regulators of the molecular mechanisms in the nucleus. This is the first study that takes into account the tissue specific genome-wide MAR association and the potential role of these MARs in developmentally regulated gene expression. The current study lays a foundation to understand the genome wide regulation of chromatin during development.
Self-management support in flemish primary care practice: the development of a preliminary conceptual model using a qualitative approach
Authors: Timmermans Lotte , Boeykens Dagje , Sirimsi Mustafa Muhammed , Decat Peter , Foulon Veerle , Van Hecke Ann , Vermandere Mieke , Schoenmakers Birgitte ,   on behalf of the Primary Care Academy, Remmen Roy , Verté Emily , Sirimsi Muhammed Mustafa , Van Bogaert Peter , De Loof Hans , Van den Broeck Kris , Anthierens Sibyl , Huybrechts Ine , Raeymaeckers Peter , Buffel Veerle , Devroey Dirk , Aertgeerts Bert , Schoenmakers Birgitte , Timmermans Lotte , Foulon Veerle , Declerq Anja , Van de Velde Dominique , Boeckxstaens Pauline , De Sutter An , De Vriendt Patricia , Lahousse Lies , Pype Peter , Boeykens Dagje , Van Hecke Ann , Decat Peter , Roose Rudi , Martin Sandra , Rutten Erica , Pless Sam , Tuinstra Anouk , Gauwe Vanessa , Reynaert Didier , Van Landschoot Leen , Hartmann Maja Lopez , Claeys Tony , Vandenhoudt Hilde , De Vliegher Kristel , Op de Beeck Susanne
Published: March 2022

Background

Coping with a chronic disease can be really challenging. Self-management represents a promising strategy to improve daily life experiences. The role of primary healthcare professionals cannot be underestimated in supporting self-management. Due to a shortage of theory, implementation of self-management support is hindered in primary care practice. The aim of this study is to create a conceptual model for self-management support by analysing patients’ care experiences towards self-management support.

Methods

An explorative-descriptive qualitative study was conducted in Flanders, Belgium. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 16 patients and their informal caregiver (dyads) using a purposive sampling strategy and processed by an inductive content analysis, according to Graneheim and Lundman.

Results

Interviews revealed in-depth insights into patients’ care experiences. A conceptual model was developed for primary care practice, including five fundamental tasks for healthcare professionals - Supporting, Involving, Listening, Coordinating and Questioning (SILCQ) – contributing to the support of self-management of chronic patients.

Conclusions

This qualitative paper emphasises the use of the SILCQ-model to develop optimal roadmaps and hands-on toolkits for healthcare professionals to support self-management. The model needs to be further explored by all stakeholders to support the development of self-management interventions in primary care practice.
Implementing an intervention to reduce use of antibiotics for suspected urinary tract infection in nursing homes – a qualitative study of barriers and enablers based on Normalization Process Theory
Authors: Kousgaard Marius Brostrøm , Olesen Julie Aamand , Arnold Sif Helene
Published: March 2022

Background

Overuse of antibiotics in the elderly population is contributing to the global health problem of antibiotic resistance. Hence, it is important to improve prescribing practices in care facilities for elderly residents. In nursing homes, urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common reason for antibiotic prescription but inappropriate prescriptions are frequent. In order to reduce the use of antibiotics for suspected urinary tract infection in this context, a complex intervention based on education as well as tools for reflection and communication had been developed and trialed in a group of nursing homes. The presents study explored the barriers and enablers in implementing this complex intervention.

Methods

After the intervention trial period, a qualitative interview study was performed in six of the nursing homes that had received the intervention. The study included 12 informants: One senior manager, four nurses, six healthcare assistants, and one healthcare helper. Normalization Process Theory was used to structure the interviews as well as the analysis.

Results

The intervention was well received among the informants in terms of its purpose and content. The initial educational session had altered the informants’ perceptions of UTI and of the need for adopting a different approach to suspected UTIs. Also, the study participants generally experienced that the intervention had positively impacted their practice. The most important barrier was that some of the interventions’ clinical content was difficult to understand for the staff. This contributed to some problems with engaging all relevant staff in the intervention and with using the observation tool correctly in practice. Here, nurses played a key role in the implementation process by regularly explaining and discussing the intervention with other staff.

Conclusion

The results suggest that it is possible to implement more evidence-based practices concerning antibiotics use in nursing homes by employing a combination of educational activities and supportive tools directed at nursing home staff.
Essential elements of and challenges to rapid ART implementation: a qualitative study of three programs in the United States
Authors: Koester Kimberly A. , Moran Lissa , LeTourneau Noelle , VanderZanden Lyndon , Coffey Susa , Crouch Pierre-Cedric , Broussard Janessa , Schneider John , Christopoulos Katerina A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on the day of an HIV diagnosis or as soon as possible after diagnosis, known as rapid ART (henceforth “RAPID”), is considered to be a safe and effective intervention to quickly reduce viral load and potentially improve engagement in care over time. However, implementation of RAPID programming is not yet widespread. To facilitate broader dissemination of RAPID, we sought to understand health care worker experiences with RAPID implementation and to identify essential programmatic elements.

Methods

We conducted 27 key informant interviews with medical providers and staff involved in RAPID service delivery in three distinct clinical settings: an HIV clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Center and a sexual health and wellness clinic. Interviews were structured around domains associated with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed.

Findings

We identified seven (7) essential elements across settings associated with successful RAPID program implementation. These high-impact elements represent essential components without which a RAPID program could not function. There was no one requisite formation. Instead, we observed a constellation of essential elements that could be operationalized in various formations and by various people in various roles. The essential elements included: (1) presence of an implementation champion; (2) comfort and competence prescribing RAPID ART; (3) expedited access to ART medications; (4) expertise in benefits, linkage, and care navigation; (5) RAPID team member flexibility and organizations’ adaptive capacity; (6) patient-centered approach; and (7) strong communication methods and culture.

Conclusions

The RAPID model can be applied to a diverse range of clinical contexts. The operational structure of RAPID programs is shaped by the clinical setting in which they function, and therefore the essential elements identified may not apply equally to all programs. Based on the seven essential elements described above we recommend future implementers identify where these elements currently exist within a practice; leverage them when possible; strengthen them when necessary or develop them if they do not yet exist; and look to these elements when challenges arise for potential solutions.
High heterogeneity of fecal carriage extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli isolated from iranian community and clinical settings
Authors: Aghamohammad Shadi , Nikbin Vajihe Sadat , Badmasti Farzad , Shahcheraghi Fereshteh
Published: March 2022

Background

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteria (ESBL-PE) in carriers have become a global health problem. Using molecular typing techniques, including PFGE, could be useful to determine the source of bacterial dissemination. The current study aimed to investigate the intestinal carriage of ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC) and clonal relatedness among ESBL-EC isolated from hospitalized and outpatient fecal carriers in Iran.

Methods

A total of 120 rectal swabs were collected; 50.8% (61/120) from intensive care unit (ICU) inpatients and 49.2% (59/120) from outpatients. MacConkey agar enriched with cefotaxime was used to screen the ESBL-EC. PCR assays were performed to detect ESBL and carbapenemase genes. Pulse-fields gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed to assess clonal relatedness.

Results

Totally, 60.0% (72/120) were carrier for ESBL-EC. The rates of resistance against ceftazidime and cefepime were 90.2% (65/72) and 93.0% (67/72), respectively. The rates of blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaNDM-1, blaOXA-48 and blaIMP was 90.2% (65/72), 50.0% (36/72), 5.5% (4/72), 4.1% (3/72), 4.1% (3/72) and 1.3% (1/72), respectively. Based on a cut-off 80%, 69 ESBL-EC isolates could be categorized in 10 mini-cluster and 47 isolates were considered as singletons.

Discussion

High heterogeneity among isolates from ESBL-EC suggests that this bacterium probably has a different source of dissemination. Screening of carriers in hospitals and communities could help the infection control program in public health.
Early pregnancy anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: preliminary findings from the UCSF ASPIRE study
Authors: Morris Jerrine R. , Jaswa Eleni , Kaing Amy , Hariton Eduardo , Andrusier Miriam , Aliaga Katie , Davis Maya , Cedars Marcelle I. , Huddleston Heather G.
Published: March 2022

Background

Antenatal anxiety has been linked to adverse obstetric outcomes, including miscarriage and preterm birth. However, most studies investigating anxiety during pregnancy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have focused on symptoms during the second and third trimester. This study aims to describe the prevalence of anxiety symptoms early in pregnancy and identify predictors of early pregnancy anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We assessed baseline moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms after enrollment in the UCSF ASPIRE (Assessing the Safety of Pregnancy in the Coronavirus Pandemic) Prospective Cohort from May 2020 through February 2021. Pregnant persons < 10 weeks’ gestation completed questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric/medical history, and pandemic-related experiences. Univariate and multivariate hierarchical logistic regression analyses determined predictors of moderate or severe anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire score ≥ 10). All analyses performed with Statistical Analysis Software (SAS®) version 9.4.

Results

A total of 4,303 persons completed the questionnaire. The mean age of this nationwide sample was 33 years of age and 25.7% of participants received care through a fertility clinic. Over twelve percent of pregnant persons reported moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms. In univariate analysis, less than a college education (p < 0.0001), a pre-existing history of anxiety (p < 0.0001), and a history of prior miscarriage (p = 0.0143) were strong predictors of moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms. Conversely, having received care at a fertility center was protective (26.6% vs. 25.7%, p = 0.0009). COVID-19 related stressors including job loss, reduced work hours during the pandemic, inability to pay rent, very or extreme worry about COVID-19, and perceived stress were strongly predictive of anxiety in pregnancy (p < 0.0001). In the hierarchical logistic regression model, pre-existing history of anxiety remained associated with anxiety during pregnancy, while the significance of the effect of education was attenuated.

Conclusion(s)

Pre-existing history of anxiety and socioeconomic factors likely exacerbated the impact of pandemic-related stressors on early pregnancy anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite on-going limitations for in-person prenatal care administration, continued emotional health support should remain an important focus for providers, particularly when caring for less privileged pregnant persons or those with a pre-existing history of anxiety.
COVID-19 and substance use disorders: a review of international guidelines for frontline healthcare workers of addiction services
Authors: Ostinelli Edoardo G. , Smith Katharine , Zangani Caroline , Ostacher Michael J. , Lingford-Hughes Anne R. , Hong James S. W. , Macdonald Orla , Cipriani Andrea
Published: March 2022

Background

People with substance use disorders may be at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 infection and developing medical complications. Several institutional and governmental health agencies across the world developed ad hoc guidance for substance use disorder services and care of individuals misusing substances. We aimed to synthesise the best available recommendations on management and care of people with or at risk of substance use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic from existing guidelines published in UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Methods

We systematically searched existing guidelines and websites from 28 international institutions and governmental bodies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (May 4th 2021). We summarized the extracted data as answers to specific clinical questions.

Results

We organised the available recommendations from 19 sources in three sections. First, we focused on general advice and recommendations for people who misuse alcohol or drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the design of contingency plans, safeguarding issues for children and families of service users and advice to the public, patients, and carers. Then, we summarised specific guidelines for people who use illicit drugs and related services, such as opioid substitution treatment and needle and syringe programmes. Finally, we provided a synthesis on specific recommendations for services supporting people who misuse alcohol and key topics in the field, such as management of alcohol detoxification and safe transition between supervised and unsupervised consumption.

Conclusions

Available guidance reflected different approaches, ranging from being extremely cautious in providing recommendations other than generic statements to proposing adaptation of previously available guidelines to confront the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the early phase, guidance focused on reduction of infection transmission and service delivery. Guidance did not provide advice on infection prevention via vaccination programmes and service access strategies tailored to individuals with substance use disorders.
The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale: its psychometric properties and invariance among women with eating disorders
Authors: Ali Amira Mohammed , Hendawy Amin Omar , Abd Elhay Eman Sameh , Ali Esraa Mohammed , Alkhamees Abdulmajeed A. , Kunugi Hiroshi , Hassan Nagia I.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Facebook addiction is increasing, giving rise to limited real-life social networks, loneliness, poor work and academic performance, psychopathology, and low well-being. Facebook entails numerous factors that increase the risk for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors (e.g., use time and Facebook activities such as social grooming and photo sharing). This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) among patients with eating disorders (EDs) given lack of validation of Facebook addiction measures in this population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 123 inpatient and outpatient women with EDs (Mean age = 27.3, SD = 10.6, range = 14–59 years) used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), multigroup CFA, structural equation modeling (SEM), Spearman’s rho Spearman’s analysis, McDonald's Omega (ω), Cronbach’s alpha (α), and item-total correlations to examine the structure, invariance, criterion validity, reliability, and discriminant validity of the BFAS.

Results

Correlating the residuals of items 2, 3, and 5 resulted in an excellent fit of a one-factor structure of the BFAS (χ2(7) = 8.515, p = .289, CFI = .998, TLI = .996, RMSEA = .042, SRMR = .0099). The BFAS was invariant at the configural, metric, and scalar levels across groups of EDs, age, education, and marital status. High values of ω and α (.96) as well as item-total correlations (.851–.929) indicated excellent reliability and high discrimination index of the BFAS.  Criterion validity is noted by strong positive correlation with the Six-item Internet Addiction Test (S-IAT, r = .88) and SEM using the S-IAT to predict the BFAS (χ2(49) = 103.701, p = .001, CFI = .975, TLI = .966, RMSEA = .096, SRMR = .0317)..

Conclusion

The BFAS is a reliable unidimensional measure. Its high discrimination index and invariance across different groups make it useful for detecting Facebook addiction among patients with ED.
Paravertebral abscess and bloodstream infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei after acupuncture: a case report
Authors: Xiao Lingyan , Zhou Tong , Chen Jun , Hu Yanqing , Zheng Yishan
Published: March 2022

Background

Various pathogenic bacterial infections caused by acupuncture have raised widespread concern, but paravertebral abscesses and bloodstream infections of Burkholderia pseudomallei (B.pseudomallei) after acupuncture have not been reported.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old man was admitted to hospital with recurrent back pain and fever for 1 month, along with the finding of undiagnosed diabetes. He was considered to have tuberculosis because of unrelieved high fever and pulmonary nodules. Bilateral blood culture suggested B.pseudomallei infection, MRI of the lumbar spine suggested paravertebral abscess, and the final diagnosis was paravertebral abscess and bloodstream infection after acupuncture combined with migrating lung infection. He was discharged after abscess debridement and intensive anti-infective therapy, but no further oral antibiotics were administered because of his poor adherence. More than 5 months later, he was readmitted with the urine culture findings of B.pseudomallei. No other abscess formation was observed and he received oral antibiotics for more than 3 months without recurrence.

Conclusions

Acupuncture may lead to B.pseudomallei infection in high-risk groups, and inadequate treatment can lead to recurrent infections.
The changing clinical landscape in acupuncture for women’s health: a cross-sectional online survey in New Zealand and Australia
Authors: Graca Sandro , Betts Debra , Roberts Kate , Smith Caroline A. , Armour Mike
Published: March 2022

Background

Acupuncture is a popular treatment for women’s health. Several trials and meta-analysis have been published in recent years on key women’s health conditions but it is unclear if this has led to any changes in clinical practice or referrals from other health professionals. The aim of this survey was to explore if, how, and why, aspects of acupuncture practice have changed since our survey in 2013.

Method

An online cross-sectional survey of registered acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners in Australia and New Zealand. Questions covered the practitioner demographics and training, women’s health conditions commonly treated, modalities used, sources of information and continuing education (CE) (e.g. webinars), changes in clinical practice, and referral networks.

Results

One hundred and seventy registered practitioners responded to this survey, with 93% reporting treating women’s health in the last 12 months. The majority of respondents were from Australia (60%), held a bachelors level qualification (60%), and used a traditional Chinese medicine framework (86%). Most practitioners incorporated other modalities in addition to acupuncture. Most practitioners’ referral networks were predominantly based on word of mouth for menstrual, fertility and pregnancy related conditions, with referrals from medical practitioners being much less common. More than half (57%) reported having changed their women’s health practice in the past 12 months; just over a quarter of those who changed treatment (27%) reported it was due to research findings. The most commonly used sources of information/CE used to inform treatment were webinars and conferences, while peer-reviewed journal articles were the least commonly used source.

Conclusion

Acupuncture practitioners in Australia and New Zealand commonly treat women’s health conditions, but this is usually the result of women seeking them out, rather than being referred from a medical practitioner. The majority of practitioners did report changing their women’s health practice, but peer reviewed academic articles alone are not an ideal medium to convey this information since practitioners favour knowledge obtained from webinars and conferences. Academics and other clinician researchers should consider alternative means of disseminating knowledge beyond traditional academic publications and conferences, special interest groups may assist in this and also help improve research literacy.
Nurses’ job stress and its impact on quality of life and caring behaviors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Babapour Ali-Reza , Gahassab-Mozaffari Nasrin , Fathnezhad-Kazemi Azita
Published: March 2022

Background

Nursing is considered a hard job and their work stresses can have negative effects on health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between job stress with quality of life and care behaviors in nurses.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey design study was performed with the participation of 115 nurses working in two hospitals. The nurses were selected via the availability sampling method and data were collected by demographic characteristics, nurses ‘job stress, quality of life (SF12), and Caring Dimension Inventory questionnaires.

Results

The mean (SD) total scores of job stress, quality of life and caring behavior were 2.77 (0.54), 56.64 (18.05) and 38.23 (9.39), respectively. There was a statistically significant and negative relationship between total job stress scores with quality of life (r = -0.44, P < 0.001, Medium effect) and caring behaviors (r=-0.26, P < 0.001, Small effect). Univariate linear regression showed that job stress alone could predict 27.9% of the changes in the total quality of life score (β =-0.534, SE = 0.051, R2adj = 0.279, P < 0.001) and 4.9% of the changes in the total score of caring behaviors (β =-0.098, SE = 0.037, R2adj = 0.049 P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Job stress has a negative effect on the quality of life related to nurses’ health. It can also overshadow the performance of care and reduce such behaviors in nurses, which may be one of the factors affecting the outcome of patients.
Peer support for people with chronic conditions: a systematic review of reviews
Authors: Thompson Dean M. , Booth Lesley , Moore David , Mathers Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Background

People with chronic conditions experience functional impairment, lower quality of life, and greater economic hardship and poverty. Social isolation and loneliness are common for people with chronic conditions, with multiple co-occurring chronic conditions predicting an increased risk of loneliness. Peer support is a socially driven intervention involving people with lived experience of a condition helping others to manage the same condition, potentially offering a sense of connectedness and purpose, and experiential knowledge to manage disease. However, it is unclear what outcomes are important to patients across the spectrum of chronic conditions, what works and for whom. The aims of this review were to (1) collate peer support intervention components, (2) collate the outcome domains used to evaluate peer support, (3) synthesise evidence of effectiveness, and (4) identify the mechanisms of effect, for people with chronic conditions.

Methods

A systematic review of reviews was conducted. Reviews were included if they reported on formal peer support between adults or children with one or more chronic condition. Data were analysed using narrative synthesis.

Results

The search identified 6222 unique publications. Thirty-one publications were eligible for inclusion. Components of peer support were organised into nine categories: social support, psychological support, practical support, empowerment, condition monitoring and treatment adherence, informational support, behavioural change, encouragement and motivation, and physical training. Fifty-five outcome domains were identified. Quality of life, and self-efficacy were the most measured outcome domains identified. Most reviews reported positive but non-significant effects.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of peer support is unclear and there are inconsistencies in how peers are defined, a lack of clarity in research design and intervention reporting, and widely variable outcome measurement. This review presents a range of components of peer support interventions that may be of interest to clinicians developing new support programmes. However, it is unclear precisely what components to use and with whom. Therefore, implementation of support in different clinical settings may benefit from participatory action research so that services may reflect local need.
Pharmacokinetics studies of eugenol in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) after immersion bath
Authors: Tang Yunyu , Zhang Haixin , Yang Guangxin , Fang Changling , Kong Cong , Tian Liangliang , Huang Xuanyun
Published: March 2022

Background

Eugenol is the most commonly used plant anesthetic to relieve the stressors during various aquaculture procedures. This study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetics of eugenol in Pacific white shrimp by immersion baths in a simulated transportation.

Results

The pharmacokinetics of eugenol were firstly investigated in Pacific white shrimp by immersion baths of 300 mg L− 1 eugenol over 5 min (Treatment 1), 10 mg L− 1 eugenol during 24 h (Treatment 2) and a sequential immersion administration (Treatment 3). Concentrations of eugenol in hemolymph, hepatopancreas, and muscle were determined using Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). After immersion bath of Treatment 1, the elimination half-life (t1/2z) values are 1.3 h and 11 h for hepatopancreas and muscles, indicating the rapid absorption and elimination of eugenol in shrimp. Under the Treatment 2 administration, the eugenol peak concentration is 6527.9 μg/kg in muscle, followed by 402.8 μg/kg in hepatopancreas, with the lowest concentration of 37.9 μg/L in hemolymph. Area under the curve (AUC0-∞) values lie in the order of muscle > hepatopancreas > hemolymph, suggesting that eugenol tends to accumulate in muscle by the immersion administration. Moreover, the average residence time (MRT0-∞) values of 38.6, 23.0 and 115.3 h for hemolymph, hepatopancreas and muscle are achieved, which may indicate that hepatopancreas is the main organ for elimination of eugenol. After combining the conditions in a sequential bath immersion of eugenol (Treatment 3), the maximum concentration (Cmax) values of eugenol are higher than those achieved in Treatment 2, indicating that accumulation of eugenol happened in haemolymph, hepatopancreas and muscle. In addition, the corresponding t1/2z values are 4.7, 14.9 and 47.6 h, respectively, suggesting the faster elimination from the tissues following sequential administration. After the immersion bath, eugenol concentrations in muscle of Pacific white shrimp are lower than 2.5 mg/kg at 2 h, 48 h and 24.5 h in Treatment 1 ~ 3.

Conclusions

A withdrawal period of 2 h, 48 h and 24.5 h following a 300 mg L− 1 of eugenol over a 5-min, 10 mg L− 1 eugenol concentration during a 24-h and combined conditions in a sequential immersion bath were suggested.
Imaging findings and outcomes after traumatic cerebellar injury: a canine case report
Authors: YAMASHITA Masamichi , MURAHATA Yusuke , YOKOE Inoru , OKAMOTO Yoshiharu , IMAGAWA Tomohiro
Published: March 2022

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a structural injury or physiological disruption of the brain induced by an external force. The cerebellum facilitates movement coordination and provides a sense of equilibrium; damage to this structure can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including ataxia or dystaxia, ocular motor dysfunction, and disequilibrium. TBIs localised to the cerebellum are rare in dogs, and the prognosis following this type of injury remains unclear.

Case presentation

A 10-year-old female Chihuahua/Dachshund-cross dog weighing 2.8 kg presented after a fall of approximately 1 m the preceding night. The dog exhibited paresis of all limbs and was recumbent with constant extensor rigidity with opisthotonos. The bilateral thoracic limb and right pelvic limb spinal reflexes were exaggerated, while the left pelvic limb spinal reflexes were normal. The menace response was decreased, and vertical nystagmus was observed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyperintense lesion on T2weighted (W) images, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Mannitol and prednisolone were administered, and the dog recovered. The bilateral pelvic limb postural reactions improved by Day 16. On Day 22, MRI revealed a decrease in the hyperintense area of the T2W images, and this lesion appeared isointense on DWI.

Conclusions

In this case report, a dog with localised injury to the cerebellum that comprised a post-tentorial lesion recovered with a favourable outcome. Moreover, similar to reports in humans, DWI can help diagnose and evaluate TBI in dogs.