bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Azacitidine and donor lymphocytes infusions in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from alternative donors
Authors: Liberatore Carmine , Stanghellini Maria Teresa Lupo , Lorentino Francesca , Vago Luca , Carrabba Matteo Giovanni , Greco Raffaella , Marktel Sarah , Assanelli Andrea , Farina Francesca , Corti Consuelo , Bernardi Massimo , Peccatori Jacopo , Sockel Katja , Middeke Jan Moritz , Schetelig Johannes , Bergmann Anika , Rautenberg Christina , Ciceri Fabio , Bornhäuser Martin , Schroeder Thomas , Stölzel Friedrich
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Azacitidine (AZA) either single-agent or with donor lymphocytes infusions (DLI) has been used as a salvage treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) relapsing after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To date, the majority of data come from patients relapsed after HSCT from full-matched donors.

Methods:

We report a multicenter, collaborative, retrospective analysis of 71 patients with hematologic ( n = 40, 56%) and molecular relapse ( n = 31, 44%) of myeloid neoplasms after HSCT from alternative donors (mismatched unrelated, n = 39, 55%; haploidentical, n = 29, 41%) consecutively treated at three European centers with AZA ± DLI.

Results:

Median time from HSCT to relapse was 9 months. Additional DLI were given to 33 patients (46%). After a median of four cycles, overall response rate (ORR) was 49% and complete response (CR) rate was 38%. CR lasted for a median of 17 months (range 5–89 months). Median follow-up in the entire cohort was 11 months (range 1–115 months). Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) at 1 year were 26% and 53%, respectively. Treatment of molecular relapse granted higher CR rate (65% versus 15%; p  = 0.0001), 1-year EFS (43% versus 13%; p = 0.006), and 1-year OS (79% versus 34%; p < 0.001) compared to hematologic relapses. Addition of DLI resulted in significantly higher responses and longer 1-year EFS and OS (Mantel–Byar test, p = 0.004 and p  = 0.002, respectively). When applied to our cohort, the APSS-R score confirmed its ability to stratify patients into distinct prognostic groups with significantly different response rates ( p  = 0.0005) and survival ( p < 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated, with the incidence of late acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease of 27% and 18%, respectively.

Conclusion:

AZA ± DLI proved feasible and effective in AML and MDS relapsing after HSCT from alternative donors. Despite modest efficacy among hematologic relapses, pre-emptive treatment with AZA ± DLI fared better in molecular relapse. Additional DLI contributed to improving efficacy and ensuring longer survival.
Solid support or secret dissent? A list experiment on preference falsification during the Russian war against Ukraine
Authors: Chapkovski Philipp , Schaub Max
Published: June 2022

Do individuals reveal their true preferences when asked for their support for an ongoing war? This research note presents the results of a list experiment implemented in the midst of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our experiment allows us to estimate the extent of preference falsification with regard to support for the war by comparing the experimental results with a direct question. Our data comes from an online sample of 3000 Russians. Results show high levels of support for the war and significant levels of preference falsification: when asked directly, 71% of respondents support the war, while this share drops to 61% when using the list experiment. Preference falsification is particularly pronounced among individuals using TV as a main source of news. Our results imply that war leaders can pursue peace without fearing a large popular backlash, but also show that high levels of support for war can be sustained even once the brutality of the war has become clear.
OASIS 2: Mobility differences with specific prosthetic feet across procedure codes
Authors: Miller Taavy A , Campbell James H. , England Dwiesha L. , Stevens Phillip M. , Wurdeman Shane R.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Recently, many prosthetic devices were subjected to reimbursement coding review. Several prosthetic feet that were historically coded with the shock-attenuating function were recoded. The purpose of this analysis was to compare patient-reported functional mobility across a range of prosthetic feet using real-world clinical outcomes data.

Methods

A retrospective, observational review. A univariate generalized linear model was used to assess mobility across foot categories and between different prosthetic feet coded as L5987 or L5981.

Results

The final sample analyzed comprised of 526 individuals and four mutually exclusive categories of feet examined across a total of 10 different prosthetic foot types. The comparison of prosthetic foot categories were significantly different from the control category (i.e. historically L5981).

Conclusions

The current data suggest the development of some prosthetic foot designs using advanced materials and geometric designs can provide comparable functional benefits as those with distinct shock absorbing mechanical features. Emphasizing functional performance over visible features may be a pathway towards higher performance for the end user.
“A Manifestation of Their City as a God”: Gritty Memes, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, and Online Representations of Home
Authors: Harrison Virginia S. , Boatwright Brandon , Bober Joseph
Published: June 2022

During the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty starred in political election-related memes as Philadelphia voters became central to the election outcome. With Gritty’s ability to transcend sport as a symbol of the political left during the election, our study was framed with theoretical discussions of mascot anthropomorphism and the concept of “home” in sport fandom. Using systematic discourse analysis, this paper analyzes purposefully selected Gritty memes to understand the interplay of sport mascots, meme co-creation, and the meaning of home in online spaces. Memes were evaluated for form and function. Evidence was found for meme intertextuality and polyvocality as well as four personas of Gritty (Aggressor, Humorist, Leftist, and Hometown Hero) that propelled the mascot to becoming a historic symbol of Philadelphia’s role in determining the election outcome. Contributions of the study include expanding the concept of home to include instances of fan co-creation and online spaces and further understanding mascot anthropomorphism in a unique socio-political context.
Effect of High-Riding Vertebral Artery on the Accuracy and Safety of C2 Pedicle Screw Placement in Basilar Invagination and Related Risk Factors
Authors: Zhou Lu-Ping , Zhang Ren-Jie , Zhang Hua-Qing , Jiang Zhen-Fei , Shang Jin , Shen Cai-Liang
Published: June 2022

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

To investigate the effect of HRVA on the intrapedicular accuracy of C2PS placement through the freehand method in patients with BI and analyse the possible risk factors for C2PS malpositioning.

Method

A total of 91 consecutive patients with BI who received 174 unilateral C2PS placements through the freehand method were retrospectively included. The unilateral pedicles were assigned to the HRVA and non-HRVA groups. The primary outcome was the intrapedicular accuracy of C2PS placement in accordance with the Gertzbein–Robbins scale. Moreover, the risk factors that possibly affected intrapedicular accuracy were assessed.

Results

The rate of intrapedicular accuracy in C2PS placement in patients with BI was 23.6%. Results showed that the non-HRVA group had remarkably higher rates of optimal and clinically acceptable C2PS placement than the HRVA group. Nevertheless, the HRVA group exhibited similar results for grade B classification as the non-HRVA group. Moreover, in the HRVA and non-HRVA groups, the most common direction of screw deviations was the lateral direction. Furthermore, the multivariate analyses showed that the obliquity of the lateral atlantoaxial joint in the sagittal plane ≥15°, and that in the coronal plane ≥ 20°, isthmus height < 4.3 mm, and distance from the skin to the spinous process ≥ 2.8 cm independently contributed to a high rate of screw malpositioning in BI patients.

Conclusion

The presence of HRVA in BI patients contributed to the high rate of malpositioning in C2PS placement via the freehand method. However, the rates of intrapedicular accuracy in patients with BI with and without HRVA were considerably low.
Should I Speak Up? How Supervisory Communication, Team Culture, and Team Relationships Determine Employees’ Voice Behavior
Authors: Yue Cen April , Thelen Patrick , Verghese Aniisu K.
Published: June 2022

The extent to which employees convey or withhold useful information has important implications for organizational effectiveness. Nevertheless, employee voice is under-researched in the public relations literature. Grounded in social exchange theory and internal communication literature, the current study addressed this research gap by arguing that leaders’ communication style plays a pivotal role in employee voice behavior. Drawing data from the U.S. ( N = 441) and India ( N = 354), this study tests a normative model linking leaders’ motivating language, team culture, employee-team relationships, and employees’ voice behavior. Notably, in both samples, motivating language was positively related to a healthy team culture, which in turn, is positively associated with employees’ relationship quality with their working unit, and ultimately, employees’ voice. The Indian sample showed similar patterns as the U.S. sample, except that there was no direct relationship between leader motivating language and employee voice for the Indian sample.
Modeling clusters from the ground up: A web data approach
Authors: Stich Christoph , Tranos Emmanouil , Nathan Max
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a new methodological framework to identify economic clusters over space and time. We employ a unique open source dataset of geolocated and archived business webpages and interrogate them using Natural Language Processing to build bottom-up classifications of economic activities. We validate our method on an iconic UK tech cluster – Shoreditch, East London. We benchmark our results against existing case studies and administrative data, replicating the main features of the cluster and providing fresh insights. As well as overcoming limitations in conventional industrial classification, our method addresses some of the spatial and temporal limitations of the clustering literature.
Physical geography and traffic delays: Evidence from a major coastal city
Authors: Saiz Albert , Wang Luyao
Published: June 2022

Traffic congestion is a major environmental and social problem whose causes include urban sprawl, imbalanced home-job distributions, increased car ownership, and lack of public transportation. We focus on a relatively understudied factor: the existence of geographic barriers. We study traffic times and flows in the Boston metropolitan area, a major coastal city with substantial shape non-convexities. We show that natural barriers not only cause additional delays to the trips affected directly, but also worsen downtown congestion for everyone. Additionally, commuter flows between places separated by barriers decrease, generating additional traffic elsewhere. We also find that places next to geographic obstacles suffer from higher risks of congestion, due to their lower traffic-diffusion ability. Policymakers may consider specific solutions for congestion arising from constraining physical geographies.
European Respiratory Society statement for defining respiratory exacerbations in children and adolescents with bronchiectasis for clinical trials
Authors: Chang Anne B. , Zacharasiewicz Angela , Goyal Vikas , Boyd Jeanette , Alexopoulou Efthymia , Aliberti Stefano , Bell Leanne , Bush Andrew , Claydon Alison , Constant Carolina , Fortescue Rebecca , Hill Adam T. , Karadag Bulent , Powell Zena , Wilson Christine , Grimwood Keith , Kantar Ahmad ,   other members of Child-BEAR-Net, Chalmers James , Collaro Andrew , Douros Kostas , Griese Matthias , Grigg Jonathan , Hector Andreas , Mazulov Oleksandr , Midulla Fabio , Möller Alexander , Proesmans Marijke , Yerkovich Stephanie
Published: June 2022

Bronchiectasis is being diagnosed increasingly in children and adolescents. Recurrent respiratory exacerbations are common in children and adolescents with this chronic pulmonary disorder. Respiratory exacerbations are associated with an impaired quality of life, poorer long-term clinical outcomes, and substantial costs to the family and health systems. The 2021 European Respiratory Society (ERS) clinical practice guideline for the management of children and adolescents with bronchiectasis provided a definition of acute respiratory exacerbations for clinical use but to date there is no comparable universal definition for clinical research. Given the importance of exacerbations in the field, this ERS Task Force sought to obtain robust definitions of respiratory exacerbations for clinical research. The panel was a multidisciplinary team of specialists in paediatric and adult respiratory medicine, infectious disease, physiotherapy, primary care, nursing, radiology, methodology, patient advocacy, and parents of children and adolescents with bronchiectasis. We used a standardised process that included a systematic literature review, parent survey, and a Delphi approach involving 299 physicians (54 countries) caring for children and adolescents with bronchiectasis. Consensus was obtained for all four statements drafted by the panel as the disagreement rate was very low (range 3.6–7.2%). The panel unanimously endorsed the four consensus definitions for 1a) non-severe exacerbation and 1b) severe exacerbation as an outcome measure, 2) non-severe exacerbation for studies initiating treatment, and 3) resolution of a non-severe exacerbation for clinical trials involving children and adolescents with bronchiectasis. This ERS Task Force proposes using these internationally derived, consensus-based definitions of respiratory exacerbations for future clinical paediatric bronchiectasis research.
Mechanical properties of hybrid joints in timber structures
Authors: Imakawa Kosuke , Ochiai Yo , Aoki Kenji , Hori Naruhito , Takemura Akio , Yamaguchi Tetsuo
Published: June 2022

Mechanical joints with screws or bolts are widely employed in timber structures and are known to provide high toughness. However, they result in low stiffness, which is a representative limitation of wood structural joints. In this study, we investigated the mechanical properties of hybrid joints comprising mechanical and adhesive joints, to prevent the decrease in stiffness while maintaining high toughness. Wood and steel plates were joined with screws and adhesives, and their stiffness, bearing capacity, and fracture energy were evaluated by lap-shear tests. We inferred that the stiffness and bearing capacity of the hybrid joints change with the type of adhesive used, while the fracture energy primarily depends on the diameter of the screws. Interestingly, when the adhesive strength was too large, a decrease in the fracture energy was observed because the precursory rupture of the adhesive joint triggered the wood failure in the fastened regions and lead to the early pull-out of the screws. To suppress such decrease and early pull-out, an adhesive fillet, i.e., the coating of the adhesive onto a larger area than that of the steel plate, was investigated. Accordingly, we successfully improved the toughness. Our results suggest the importance of optimal designs for the hybrid joint in timber structures.
Study on in-plane shear failure mode of cross-laminated timber panel
Authors: Zhou Yuhao , Shen Zhaoyu , Li Haitao , Lu Yao , Wang Zheng
Published: June 2022

To explore in-plane shear failure mode of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel, this paper carried out relevant research work from the perspective of stress analysis and combined with the crack morphology of the specimen after planar shear. In this study, the load–displacement curve of the hemlock [Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière] CLT specimen was obtained by a three-point bending test or an improved planar shear test, the crack morphology of the CLT vertical layer and the azimuth angle of the crack surface were observed and recorded synchronously. The shear strength values of CLT specimens under the two tests were obtained by corresponding calculation. Then the stress analysis of the CLT vertical layer was combined with the azimuth angle of the crack surface to discuss the failure mode of the CLT vertical layer in planar shear. The results showed that the planar shear strength measured by the three-point bending test and the improved planar shear test was in good agreement, and the results measured by the improved planar shear test were more dispersed than those measured by the three-point bending test; Considering the approximation that the in-plane shear of the CLT vertical layer could be treated as pure shear, the three-point bending test was better than the improved planar shear test; For the vertical layer of 63.3% CLT specimens, the azimuth of the crack surface was near the azimuth of the first principal plane obtained by stress analysis; There were two failure modes in the CLT vertical layer in-plane shear: tension failure and shear failure.
Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography assessment of retinal and choroidal changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a case-control study
Authors: Abrishami Mojtaba , Daneshvar Ramin , Emamverdian Zahra , Saeedian Neda , Tohidinezhad Fariba , Eslami Saeid , Ansari-Astaneh Mohammad-Reza
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the retinal and choroidal changes in the macular region of patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) using structural spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) analysis.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational case-control study included patients recovered from COVID-19. The COVID-19 in all participants was confirmed using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. The participants had mild to moderate degree of disease without a history of hospitalization, steroid usage, or blood saturation below 92%. Macular SD-OCT was performed at least two weeks and up to one month after recovery from systemic COVID-19. Quantitative and qualitative changes detected by macular SD-OCT imaging were evaluated in COVID-19 recovered patients and compared with the results of age-matched normal controls.

Results

Participants in this study included 30 cases (60 eyes) and 60 healthy controls (120 eyes). In total, 17 (28.3%) eyes in patient group showed at least one abnormal finding indicated by macular SD-OCT imaging included hyperreflective lesions in different retinal layers. In addition, dilated choroidal vessels and retinal pigment epitheliopathy were evident in 41 (68.3.6%) and 4 (6.6%) eyes in patient group, respectively, and their OCT findings resembled those with pachychoroid spectrum. No statistically significant differences were observed in retinal layers or retinal volume between the two groups. The mean ± SD subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was determined at 380.3 ± 12.40 μm, which was significantly thicker than that in control group (310.7 ± 57.5 μm) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Regarding retinal thickness, no significant change was observed in different retina layers of patients with COVID-19; however, there were striking qualitative changes, such as hyperreflective lesions in different retinal layers. The evaluation of choroidal structure and thickness demonstrated remarkable abnormal pachyvessels and significant thickening of the SFCT but the clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
G4Boost: a machine learning-based tool for quadruplex identification and stability prediction
Authors: Cagirici H. Busra , Budak Hikmet , Sen Taner Z.
Published: June 2022

Background

G-quadruplexes (G4s), formed within guanine-rich nucleic acids, are secondary structures involved in important biological processes. Although every G4 motif has the potential to form a stable G4 structure, not every G4 motif would, and accurate energy-based methods are needed to assess their structural stability. Here, we present a decision tree-based prediction tool, G4Boost, to identify G4 motifs and predict their secondary structure folding probability and thermodynamic stability based on their sequences, nucleotide compositions, and estimated structural topologies.

Results

G4Boost predicted the quadruplex folding state with an accuracy greater then 93% and an F1-score of 0.96, and the folding energy with an RMSE of 4.28 and R2 of 0.95 only by the means of sequence intrinsic feature. G4Boost was successfully applied and validated to predict the stability of experimentally-determined G4 structures, including for plants and humans.

Conclusion

G4Boost outperformed the three machine-learning based prediction tools, DeepG4, Quadron, and G4RNA Screener, in terms of both accuracy and F1-score, and can be highly useful for G4 prediction to understand gene regulation across species including plants and humans.
Normalization of gene expression data revisited: the three viewpoints of the transcriptome in human skeletal muscle undergoing load-induced hypertrophy and why they matter
Authors: Khan Yusuf , Hammarström Daniel , Ellefsen Stian , Ahmad Rafi
Published: June 2022

Background

The biological relevance and accuracy of gene expression data depend on the adequacy of data normalization. This is both due to its role in resolving and accounting for technical variation and errors, and its defining role in shaping the viewpoint of biological interpretations. Still, the choice of the normalization method is often not explicitly motivated although this choice may be particularly decisive for conclusions in studies involving pronounced cellular plasticity. In this study, we highlight the consequences of using three fundamentally different modes of normalization for interpreting RNA-seq data from human skeletal muscle undergoing exercise-training-induced growth. Briefly, 25 participants conducted 12 weeks of high-load resistance training. Muscle biopsy specimens were sampled from m. vastus lateralis before, after two weeks of training (week 2) and after the intervention (week 12), and were subsequently analyzed using RNA-seq. Transcript counts were modeled as (1) per-library-size, (2) per-total-RNA, and (3) per-sample-size (per-mg-tissue).

Result

Initially, the three modes of transcript modeling led to the identification of three unique sets of stable genes, which displayed differential expression profiles. Specifically, genes showing stable expression across samples in the per-library-size dataset displayed training-associated increases in per-total-RNA and per-sample-size datasets. These gene sets were then used for normalization of the entire dataset, providing transcript abundance estimates corresponding to each of the three biological viewpoints (i.e., per-library-size, per-total-RNA, and per-sample-size). The different normalization modes led to different conclusions, measured as training-associated changes in transcript expression. Briefly, for 27% and 20% of the transcripts, training was associated with changes in expression in per-total-RNA and per-sample-size scenarios, but not in the per-library-size scenario. At week 2, this led to opposite conclusions for 4% of the transcripts between per-library-size and per-sample-size datasets (↑ vs. ↓, respectively).

Conclusion

Scientists should be explicit with their choice of normalization strategies and should interpret the results of gene expression analyses with caution. This is particularly important for data sets involving a limited number of genes or involving growing or differentiating cellular models, where the risk of biased conclusions is pronounced.
Drosophila melanogaster hosts coevolving with Pseudomonas entomophila pathogen show sex-specific patterns of local adaptation
Authors: Ahlawat Neetika , Geeta Arun Manas , Maggu Komal , Jigisha  , Singh Aparajita , Prasad Nagaraj Guru
Published: June 2022

Background

In spatially structured populations, local adaptation improves organisms’ fitness in their native environment. Hosts and pathogens can rapidly adapt to their local antagonist. Since males and females can differ in their immunocompetence, the patterns of local adaptation can be different between the sexes. However, there is little information about sex differences in local adaptation in host–pathogen systems.

Results

In the current study, we experimentally coevolved four different replicate populations of Drosophila melanogaster (host) and Pseudomonas entomophila (pathogen) along with appropriate controls. We used the four host–pathogen coevolution populations to investigate the occurrence of local adaptation separately in males and females of the coevolving hosts. We also assessed local adaptation in pathogens. We set up a reciprocal infection experiment where we infected each of the four coevolving hosts with their local pathogen or non-local pathogens from the other three replicate populations. We found that overall, male and female hosts had better survivorship when infected with local pathogens, indicating that they were locally adapted. Interestingly, males were more susceptible to non-local pathogens compared to females. In addition, we found no fecundity cost in females infected with either local or non-local pathogens. We found no evidence of local adaptation among the pathogens.

Conclusion

Our study showed sex-specific adaptation in the coevolving hosts where female hosts had a broader response against allopatric coevolving pathogens with no cost in fecundity. Thus, our results might suggest a novel mechanism that can maintain variation in susceptibility in spatially structured populations.
Isolation, discrimination, and molecular detection of Listeria species from slaughtered cattle in Namwala District, Zambia
Authors: Mpundu Prudence , Muma John Bwalya , Mukumbuta Nawa , Mukubesa Andrew Nalishuwa , Muleya Walter , Kapila Penjaninge , Hang’ombe Bernard Mudenda , Munyeme Musso
Published: June 2022

Background

The food industry is increasingly becoming more scrutinized, given the frequency and intensity with which zoonotic diseases are being reported. Pathogen tracking has become more applicable with regards food safety. It is in this regard that the present study was formulated to track Listeria species. in freshly slaughtered cattle carcasses by utilizing standard and molecular biological techniques.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was conducted from March to December 2020 with 200 samples being equally collected in the rainy and dry seasons. A total of 180 and 20 swabs were aseptically collected from carcasses and the environment respectively. Samples were first subjected to pre-enrichment in half-strength Fraser broth followed by enrichment in full strength Fraser broth and subsequent plating on Listeria agar. Listeria growth characteristics were identified up to species level based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Further, molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. Quantitative proportionate survey data were analyzed using Stata Version 15 software to estimate crude prevalence taking into account complex design at abattoir level. Factors associated with contamination were characterized using logistic regression. Sequences were analyzed using, Genetyyx version 12 and phylogenetic Mega.

Results

Of the 200 samples, 19 were positive for Listeria species identified as L.innocua 14/19 (73.7%) and L. monocytogenes 5/19 (26.3%). All isolates were from freshly slaughtered carcasses, and none from environment. Siginificant differences in contamination levels were observed based on season: rainy season yielded 14 (73.6%) whilst the dry season 5 (26.3%). The L. monocytogenes strains showed a high degree of homogeneity on phylogenetic analysis and clustered based on abattoir. Seasonality was identified as a major determinant influencing contamination based on the final logistic regression model.

Conclusion

This study found evidence of L. monocytogenes contamination on traditionally raised beef carcasses across various abattoirs surveyed. The failure to find Listeria contamination on the abattoir environment may to a greater extent intimate cattle carccases as primary sources of contamination. However, a more comprerehnsive study incorporating different geographical regions is needed to conclusively ascertain these present findings.
The association of hyponatremia and clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cordova Sanchez Andres , Bhuta Kunal , Shmorgon Gary , Angeloni Nicholas , Murphy Ryan , Chaudhuri Debanik
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte abnormality that has been associated with poor outcomes in several conditions including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, those studies were performed in the era before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), focused mostly on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and sodium levels up to 72 h of admission. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between hyponatremia and clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with a diagnosis of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and STEMI presenting at our institution from March 2021 to September 2021. Our independent variables were sodium levels on the day of admission and up to 7 days later. Dependent variables were in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, length of hospital stay, intensive care admission, new heart failure diagnosis, and ejection fraction.

Results

50.2% of patients had hyponatremia up to 7 days of admission. Intensive care admission was higher in patients with hyponatremia up to7 days (69.7% vs 54.3%, P 0.019, OR 1.9), they had worse 30-day mortality (12.7% vs to 2.2%, P 0.004, OR 6.5), in hospital mortality (9.9% vs 1.1%, P 0.006, OR 9.9), and new heart failure diagnosis (31.5% vs 17.9%, P < 0.043, OR 2.1). Hyponatremia on admission was associated with in-hopital mortality (16.3% vs 3.8%, P 0.004, OR 4.9), 30-day mortality (18.4% vs 5.9%, P 0.017, OR 3.5).

Conclusions

This study suggests that hyponatremia on admission and at any point during the first seven days of hospitalization are associated with in-hospital and 30-day mortality.
MicroRNA expression profiles in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with myosin-binding protein C3 (MYBPC3) gene mutations
Authors: Lin Li-rong , Hu Xue-qun , Lu Li-hong , Dai Jia-zhen , Lin Ning-ning , Wang Re-hua , Xie Zhang-xin , Chen Xue-mei
Published: June 2022

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHCM) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by mutations in genes encoding cardiac sarcomere proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of FHCM. In the present study, we aimed to determine the miRNA profile in FHCM patients with myosin-binding protein C3 (MYBPC3) gene mutations. We recruited three FHCM patients and age- and sex-matched controls. The three probands all had hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with severe myocardial hypertrophy, and two of the three had a history of sudden cardiac death, representing a “malignant” phenotype. We then compared the miRNA expression profiles of three FHCM patients carrying MYBPC3 gene mutations with those of the normal control group using miRNA sequencing technology. Differentially expressed miRNAs were verified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Target genes and signaling pathways of the identified differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics analysis. A total of 33 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in the peripheral blood of the three probands, of which 28 were upregulated, including miR-208b-3p, and 5 were downregulated. Real-time PCR confirmed the upregulated expression of miR-208b-3p in FHCM patients (P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-208b-3p was mainly enriched in 79 target genes including UBE2V2, MED13, YBX1, CNKSR2, GATA4, andSOX5/6, et al. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of target genes showed that miR-208b was mainly involved in the processes of negative regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, and regulation of transcription, DNA templated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the target genes regulated by miR-208b-3p were mainly involved in the Wnt signaling pathway. These findings suggest that FHCM patients with MYBPC3 gene mutations have a specific miRNA expression profile, and that miR-208b-3p is significantly upregulated in cardiac hypertrophy. Our results also indicate that miRNA-208b-3p activates the Wnt signaling pathway through its target gene to promote cardiac hypertrophy.
Giant splenic cyst complicated by infection due to Salmonella enterica serovar Livingstone in a previously healthy adolescent male: a case report
Authors: Qu Junyan , Zong Zhiyong
Published: June 2022

Background

Splenic cyst complicated by non-typhoidSalmonellainfection is rare in healthy individuals in the era of antibiotics.Salmonella entericasubsp.entericaserovar Livingstone causing infection of giant splenic cyst has not been previously reported.

Case presentation

We report a case of giant splenic cyst (maximum diameter, 21 cm) complicated withSalmonellaLivingstone infection, which resulted in splenic abscess, in a 16-year-old previously healthy adolescent male. The splenic abscess was successfully treated with ultrasonography-guided percutaneous drainage and antimicrobial therapy.

Conclusion

Infection of splenic cyst may be caused byS.Livingstone in immunocompetent individuals. This case may help clinicians to raise awareness towards splenic abscess and highlights the importance of drainage and antimicrobial agents to avoid splenectomy.
Issues with reporting and interpretation of Khan et al. 2021
Authors: DeVito Nicholas J. , Drysdale Henry
Published: June 2022

A recent publication in BMC Infectious Diseases concerning the use of convalescent plasma for the treatment of COVID-19 had a number of major issues. This correspondence details specific instances of unclear reporting as well as major omissions when discussing the context of the trial. These render the study's findings and conclusions misleading.
Burden of schizophrenia among Japanese patients: a cross-sectional National Health and Wellness Survey
Authors: Baba Kenji , Guo Wenjia , Chen Yirong , Nosaka Tadashi , Kato Tadafumi
Published: June 2022

Background

Schizophrenia places a great humanistic and financial burden to patients, families, and societies, and the burden is substantially impacted by comorbid conditions. This study aimed to estimate the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia and to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, and indirect cost among schizophrenia patients with and without comorbidities (depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, and anxiety problems).

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of existing data collected in 2019 from the Japan National Health and Wellness Survey. The schizophrenia patients were categorized based on their Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score, self-reported experience of sleep disturbances, and anxiety problems. The lifetime prevalence was estimated using the total number of diagnosed schizophrenia patients as the numerator and the total number of respondents as the denominator. The HRQoL was evaluated through the Short Form 12-Item (version 2) Health Survey and EuroQoL 5-dimensions scale. Work productivity and annual indirect costs were evaluated through the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment instrument and monthly wage rates. Multivariate analyses included the comparison of outcomes using generalized linear models.

Results

The study was conducted with 178 schizophrenia patients with an average age of 42.7 years old and an estimated lifetime prevalence of 0.59% (95% CI: 0.51%, 0.68%). Patients who experienced sleep disturbances, more severe depressive symptoms, and anxiety problems had lower HRQoL, higher levels of absenteeism, presenteeism, total work productivity and activity impairment, and almost twice more indirect costs, compared to those without these conditions.

Conclusion

Comorbid conditions among patients with schizophrenia impact significantly on their quality of life, work productivity as well as indirect costs.
Effective factors in people’s preventive behaviors during covid-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-synthesis
Authors: Fattahi Hamed , Seproo Faeze Ghasemi , Fattahi Arash
Published: June 2022

Background

The overwhelming outbreak of covid-19 has forced governments all over the world to consider different measures to face this challenging situation. A vitally important element to the declining transmission of viruses is changing behaviors based on reliable information. This study was designed and implemented to identify factors affecting the preventive behaviors during the covid-19 pandemic.

Methods

This thematic synthesis was carried out in order to create a set of central themes that summarize all of the issues raised in the articles reviewed in this study. We used PRISMA 2020 guidelines to direct this systematic review and meta synthesis. The process of analyzing data includes three different stages: 1) creating codes; 2) production of descriptive themes; 3) and finally, the creation of analytical themes. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used to evaluate the articles' quality.

Results

Five central themes emerged from 8 included articles, (1) Social factors (subthemes: environmental context, political leadership, multimedia), (2) Cultural factors (subthemes: national culture, religious culture, the family beliefs, work culture, foreign culture), (3) Economic factors (subthemes: economic situation of the individual, the government supports, infrastructures), (4) Personal factors (subthemes: people experiences, cognitive ability, physical factors, different motivational level, sense of responsibility, risk management, and self-management skills), and (5) Knowledge and Education factors (subthemes: access to information, skill training). Furthermore, SRQR items that were weakly reported were “researcher characteristics and reflexivity”, “Sampling strategy”, “Data collection methods”, “Data analysis”, and “techniques to enhance trustworthiness.

Conclusion

Health policymakers and other public health officials in various countries can use the factors listed to develop appropriate, evidence-based policies. They should investigate behavioral characteristics in their community based on their abilities, and then design and implement appropriate executive actions.
Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes among Iranian population: results of four national cross-sectional STEPwise approach to surveillance surveys
Authors: Khodakarami Rahmkhoda , Abdi Zhaleh , Ahmadnezhad Elham , Sheidaei Ali , Asadi-Lari Mohsen
Published: June 2022

Background

Diabetes as a leading cause of death imposes a heavy burden on health systems worldwide. This study investigated the trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes among Iranian population aged 25 to 65 years over 12 years (2004-2016).

Methods

Secondary data analysis was performed using data from a national population-based survey, STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in four rounds (2004, 2007, 2011, 2016). The sample sizes were 89,404, 29,991, 12,103 and 30,541 individuals, respectively across the country in both rural and urban areas. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model with odds ratio at a significance level of less than 5% with no adjustment for age and sex. Logistic regression was used to identify socio-demographic factors associated with the levels of awareness, treatment and control of diabetes mellitus.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes in four rounds was 8.4, 9, 11.1 and 13.2%, respectively. Among people with diabetes, 53.5, 65.6, 70.5 and 82.2% were aware of their condition and 35.9, 42, 46 and 39.6% were treated for this condition, respectively. In four rounds of study, 14.5, 20.8, 20.4 and 18.5% of all diabetic patients had adequate glycemic control, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, there was a significant relationship between female gender, age over 40, living in the urban area, being in the third wealth quintile and having health insurance with diabetes prevalence. Female participants were more likely to be aware of the disease. Older participants were more likely to receive treatment and had adequate glycemic control.

Conclusion

The prevalence of diabetes in Iran has been increasing and despite the great awareness of the disease, receiving treatment and effective control of the disease are suboptimal. While several national policies to improve diabetes screening and care have been passed in recent years, it seems large gaps remain in disease detection and treatment. It is suggested that more attention be paid to the treatment and control of diabetes by NCDs national policies to prevent the growing burden associated with the disease.
Assessment of quality of life and its determinants in type-2 diabetes patients using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument in Bangladesh
Authors: Amin Mohammod Feroz , Bhowmik Bishwajit , Rouf Rozana , Khan Monami Islam , Tasnim Syeda Anika , Afsana Faria , Sharmin Rushda , Hossain Kazi Nazmul , Khan Md. Abdullah Saeed , Amin Samiha Mashiat , Khan Md Shek Sady , Pathan Md Faruque , Hasan Mohammad Jahid
Published: June 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising at a rapid rate worldwide. As a chronic, incurable metabolic disease, diabetes affects a person’s life in all ways. Studies thus far have focused on the impact of diabetes on the physical and mental health of persons affected by the quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to explore the whole range of QoL deficits using the World Health Organization Quality of Life brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) in type-2 diabetic patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out among individuals aged at or above 15 years with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Patients with prior mental health illness and unwillingness to give consent were excluded. A pretested structured questionnaire including the 26-item WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews. Appropriate ethical measures were ensured. All statistical analyses were carried out using the statistical software STATA (Version 16.1). Graphs were created using R (Version 4.0.0).

Results

A total of 500 T2 DM patients with a mean age of 55.8 ± 13.2 years (± SD) and a female proportion of 50.8% were included. Overall, 22.2% of participants rated their QoL as poor, and 25% were dissatisfied with their health (as assessed by questions 1 and 2 of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire). More than half (54% and 51.2%, respectively) had an average evaluation of their QoL and health. The QoL scores were below average, with mean scores (± SD) for the physical health, psychological, social relationship, and environmental domains of 37.2 ± 20.5, 44.2 ± 21.0, 39.6 ± 23.2, and 41.6 ± 19.5, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the patient’s level of education and monthly family income were significant positive modifiers and that complications (nephropathy, retinopathy, and peripheral artery disease) were significant negative determinants of the QoL score in different domains.

Conclusion

This study found the overall quality of life among T2DM patients below average. Health authorities and clinicians should take these findings into account and incorporate necessary measures to ameliorate negative modifiers of the quality of life of sufferers.
Salivary expression of lncRNA DQ786243 and IL-17 in oral lichen planus: case–control study
Authors: Abdeldayem Engy , Rashed Laila , Ali Shereen
Published: June 2022

Background

A growing number of studies has investigated IL-17 in OLP. However, its exact role and interactions are not fully determined. In addition, the literature investigating its salivary expression is limited. The scarcity in the literature studying lncRNAs was noticed, particularly with regards to correlating them with cytokines in OLP. In the current study, the salivary expression of lncRNA DQ786243 and IL-17 was assessed among different forms of OLP.

Methods

The study included 52 participants in four equal groups: reticular OLP, erythematous OLP, ulcerative OLP, and control group. All eligible OLP patients underwent conventional oral examination, along with basic charting of their demographic data, pain intensity using a visual analogue scale, and clinical evaluation using the Thongprasom et al. scale. The salivary expression of lncRNA DQ786243 and IL-17 was evaluated for all participants using qRT-PCR. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were used. Data were analyzed for statistical significance.

Results

No statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the mean age and gender distribution of the studied groups. A statistically significant difference was detected when comparing pain and clinical scores in the three OLP forms. The highest expression of both salivary biomarkers was noticed in ulcerative OLP, followed by erythematous OLP and reticular OLP, then the controls, with a significant difference between the studied groups. Upon comparing the salivary expression of DQ786243 in ulcerative and erythematous OLP, no significant difference was detected. No significant difference was detected when comparing salivary expression of IL-17 in erythematous OLP to the other OLP forms.

Conclusions

The salivary expression of lncRNA DQ786243 and IL-17 was upregulated in OLP compared to healthy individuals. Besides, their expression increased when the severity of OLP was at its highest level in ulcerative OLP. There was a positive correlation between DQ786243 and IL-17.

Trial registration The protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04503824). The date of registration is 07/08/2020.