bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filling Defect of Ipsilateral Transverse Sinus in Acute Large Artery Occlusion
Authors: Chen Yi , Zhang Sheng , Yan Shenqiang , Zhang Meixia , Zhang Ruiting , Shi Feina , Liebeskind David S. , Parsons Mark , Lou Min
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Cerebral venous systems play a key role in regulating stroke outcomes. We aimed to elucidate the effect of the transverse sinus (TS) filling patterns on edema expansion and neurological outcomes in patients with acute large artery occlusion (LAO).

Materials and Methods

We recruited consecutive patients with acute M1 middle cerebral artery and/or internal carotid artery occlusion who underwent pretreatment computed tomographic perfusion (CTP). On the reconstructed 4-dimensional computed tomographic angiography derived from CTP, the filling defect of the ipsilateral transverse sinus (FDITS) was defined as the length of contrast filling defect occupying at least half of the ipsilateral TS. An unfavorable outcome was defined as having a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3–6 at 3 months.

Results

A total of 318 patients were enrolled in the final analysis and 70 (22.0%) patients had baseline FDITS. The presence of FDITS was associated with the baseline NIHSS (odds ratio [OR] 1.119; 95% CI, 1.051–1.192; p < 0.001) and poor arterial collaterals (OR 3.665; 95% CI 1.730–7.766; p = 0.001). In addition, FDITS was associated with 24-h brain edema expansion (OR 7.188; 95% CI, 3.095–16.696; p < 0.001) and 3-month unfavorable outcome (OR 8.143; 95% CI 2.547–26.041; p < 0.001) independent of arterial collateral status. In the subgroup analysis of patients with FDITS who received reperfusion therapy, no significant difference was found in the rate of edema expansion and unfavorable outcome between non-reperfusion and reperfusion subgroups (both p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Filling defect of the ipsilateral transverse sinus was associated with edema expansion and an unfavorable outcome irrespective of the baseline arterial collateral status in patients with acute LAO, indicating that FDITS may be an important stroke-related prognostic imaging marker.
Gastric Electrical Stimulation: Role and Clinical Impact on Chronic Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Soliman Heithem , Gourcerol Guillaume
Published: May 2022

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is currently used as an alternative treatment for medically refractory gastroparesis. GES has been initially developed to accelerate gastric motility, in order to relieve the symptoms of the patients. Subsequent studies, unfortunately, failed to demonstrate the acceleration of gastric emptying using high-frequency stimulation – low energy stimulation although the technique has shown a clinical impact with a reduction of nausea and vomiting for patients with gastroparesis. The present review details the clinical efficacy of GES in gastroparesis as well as its putative mechanisms of action.
The Role of PD-L1 Expression in Prediction and Stratification of Recurrent or Refractory Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Gao Li-Min , Zhang Yue-Hua , Shi Xiaoliang , Liu Yang , Wang Junwei , Zhang Wen-Yan , Liu Wei-Ping
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

The clinical outcome of relapsed and refractory (RR) extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is poor. It is necessary to identify RR patients in ENKTL and find novel therapeutic targets to improve the prognosis of patients with RR ENKTL.

Methods

A total of 189 ENKTL patients with effective clinical characteristics were enrolled. Paraffin specimens were collected for PD-L1 expression identification. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis was performed for survival analysis. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for identifying the mutational characterization of RR and effective treatment (ET) patients.

Results

Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that negative PD-L1 expression (HR = 1.132, 95% CI = 0.739-1.734, P = 0.036) was an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with ENKTL. The overall survival (OS) of PD-L1 positive patients was significantly higher than that of PD-L1 negative patients (P = 0.009). Then, we added PD-L1 expression as a risk factor to the model of Prognostic Index of Natural Killer Lymphoma (PINK), and named as PINK+PD-L1. The PINK+PD-L1 model can significantly distinguish RR patients, ET patients, and the whole cohort. Moreover, our data showed that PD-L1 expression was lower than 25% in most RR patients, suggesting that RR subtypes may be associated with low expression of PD-L1 (P = 0.019). According to the whole exome sequencing (WES), we found that the mutation frequencies of JAK-STAT (P = 0.001), PI3K-AKT (P = 0.02) and NF-kappa B (P < 0.001) pathways in RR patients were significantly higher than those in ET patients.

Conclusion

Patients tend to show RR when PD-L1 expression is lower than 25%. The model of PINK+PD-L1 can stratify the risk of different groups and predict OS in ENKTL patients. The mutational profile of ENKTL patients with RR is different from that of patients with ET.
PD-1/PD-L1 Correlates With the Efficacy of the Treatment of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Zhang Hanqun , Tan Shisheng , Fang Chunju , Zhang Qi , Cao Xue , Liu Yuncong
Published: May 2022

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with high mortality rates. The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/(PD-1 ligand) PD-L1 has been reported to be an effective indicator in cancer development. In this study, we aim to explore the role of PD-1/PD-L1 in the evaluation of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) efficacy and prognosis in CC patients.

Methods

We included 55 CC patients in this study. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were employed to detect the expression of PD-1, Treg cells, CD8, and CD68 in tumor tissues, and the contents of PD-1+ CD8+ T cells, PD-1+ CD4+ T cells, and PD-1+ Treg cells in the peripheral blood. The relationships of these indexes with CCRT efficacy were measured by Spearman correlation analysis, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier estimator, and the diagnostic values of these indexes in CC were assessed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The clinical effectivity rate of CCRT was 89.10%. The positive expressions of PD-L1, Treg cells, PD-1+ CD8+ T cells, PD-1+ CD4+ T cells, and PD-1+ Treg cells were reduced after CCRT, while the CD8 and CD68 increased. All 7 indexes had diagnostic values in evaluating CCRT efficacy and were considered the influencing factors of OS, DFS, and the prognosis of CC patients.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that PD-1/PD-L1 may be a potential indicator for the efficacy evaluation of CCRT and the prognosis of CC. This study may offer potential targets for CC treatment.
Reducing Metabolic Dysregulation in Obese Latina and/or Hispanic Breast Cancer Survivors Using Physical Activity (ROSA) Trial: A Study Protocol
Authors: Gonzalo-Encabo Paola , Wilson Rebekah L. , Kang Dong-Woo , Norris Mary K. , Uno Hajime , Christopher Cami N. , Chow Christina , Sami Nathalie , Fox Frank S. , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Dieli-Conwright Christina M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Latina and Hispanic breast cancer survivors (LHBCS) are at increased risk for long-term complications and poorer metabolic health, including metabolic dysregulation (MetD) before and following breast cancer diagnosis. MetD can increase risk of cancer recurrence, death, and comorbid conditions by increasing inflammation and cancer cell proliferation. While exercise improves physical fitness and metabolic outcomes in breast cancer survivors, there is a lack of studies including underrepresented and disadvantaged minority groups such as LHBCS.

Methods

Our 12-month randomized (exercise or attention control) controlled trial (the ROSA trial) aims to utilize a progressive combined aerobic and resistance exercise program to improve MetD, insulin resistance, and visceral adiposity among obese LHBCS. We aim to recruit 160 women with Stage I-III breast cancer who are sedentary, centrally obese, and have completed treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) prior to enrollment. Participants randomized to the exercise group receive 16-weeks of virtually supervised aerobic and resistance training, followed by 16-weeks of unsupervised home-based aerobic and resistance exercise, and 16-weeks of follow-up. The attention control group receive a 12-month home-based stretching program. Primary and secondary outcomes are measured every 4-weeks during study visits.

Discussion

The ROSA trial is the first exercise oncology trial targeting high-risk sedentary, obese LHBCS to improve MetD-related outcomes. Results of this trial will help illuminate how exercise impacts health-related outcomes, survivorship, and recurrence, and inform future exercise oncology guidelines to reduce health disparities among minority cancer survivors.
Surgical Management of Falcotentorial Junction Tumors: A Case Series Report
Authors: Liu Peixi , Wang Xiaowen , Liu Yingjun , Cai Jiajun , Yang Zixiao , Quan Kai , Zhu Wei , Song Jianping
Published: May 2022

Objective

The surgical strategy for falcotentorial junction tumors remains complex. Different approaches are selected according to the location and growth pattern of the tumor and the operator’s experience. This report reviews our single-institution experience in the surgical management of falcotentorial junction tumors.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data, surgical strategy, and follow-up outcomes of 49 patients treated from 2007 to 2020.

Result

All 49 patients (12 male, 37 female, mean age: 56.3 ± 11.3 years) underwent safe tumor resection. The most common complaints were headache (43%), dizziness (39%), and unstable gait (16%). Thirty percent of the tumors showed calcification, and the computed tomography scans revealed hydrocephalus in 36% of the patients. On magnetic resonance imaging, 43% of the tumors were unilateral. According to the Asari classification, the tumors were divided into inferior (16%), superior (29%), anterior (22%), and posterior (33%) types. The occipital interhemispheric approach (88%) and supracerebellar–infratentorial approach (10%) were primarily used to reach the tumors. The pathology examination results revealed that 85.7% of the tumors were meningioma and 14.3% were hemangiopericytoma. Of the 49 patients, 15 achieved a Simpson grade I resection, and 29 achieved a Simpson grade II resection. The follow-up rate was 77.6% (38/45); 94.7% of patients (36/38) achieved a favorable outcome, and 9 experienced tumor recurrences.

Conclusion

Surgical approach selection depends on the growth characteristics of the tumor and the degree of venous or sinus involvement. The occipital interhemispheric approach is the most commonly used and safest approach for falcotentorial junction tumors with multiple brain pressure control assistance techniques.
No Improvement of Survival for Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Patients After HLA-Matched Versus -Mismatched Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Compared to Standard-of-Care Therapy
Authors: Schober Sebastian Johannes , Hallmen Erika , Reßle Florian , Gassmann Hendrik , Prexler Carolin , Wawer Angela , von Luettichau Irene , Ladenstein Ruth , Kazanowska Bernarda , Ljungman Gustaf , Niggli Felix , Lohi Olli , Hauer Julia , Gruhn Bernd , Klingebiel Thomas , Bader Peter , Burdach Stefan , Lang Peter , Sparber-Sauer Monika , Koscielniak Ewa , Thiel Uwe
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients with stage IV alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMA) have a 5-year-survival rate not exceeding 30%. Here, we assess the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for these patients in comparison to standard-of-care regimens. We also compare the use of HLA-mismatched vs. HLA-matched grafts after reduced vs. myeloablative conditioning regimens, respectively.

Patients and Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we compare event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity of HLA-mismatched vs. -matched transplanted patients in uni- and multivariate analyses (total: n = 50, HLA-matched: n = 15, HLA-mismatched: n = 35). Here, the factors age at diagnosis, age at allo-HSCT, sex, Oberlin score, disease status at allo-HSCT, and HLA graft type are assessed. For 29 primarily transplanted patients, three matched non-transplanted patients per one transplanted patient were identified from the CWS registry. Outcomes were respectively compared for OS and EFS. Matching criteria included sex, age at diagnosis, favorable/unfavorable primary tumor site, and metastatic sites.

Results

Median EFS and OS did not differ significantly between HLA-mismatched and -matched patients. In the mismatched group, incidence of acute GvHD was 0.87 (grade III–IV: 0.14) vs. 0.80 in HLA-matched patients (grade III–IV: 0.20). Transplant-related mortality (TRM) of all patients was 0.20 and did not differ significantly between HLA-mismatched and -matched groups. A proportion of 0.58 relapsed or progressed and died of disease (HLA-mismatched: 0.66, HLA-matched: 0.53) whereas 0.18 were alive in complete remission (CR) at data collection. Multivariate and competing risk analyses confirmed CR and very good partial response (VGPR) status prior to allo-HSCT as the only decisive predictor for OS (p < 0.001). Matched-pair survival analyses of primarily transplanted patients vs. matched non-transplanted patients also identified disease status prior to allo-HSCT (CR, VGPR) as the only significant predictor for EFS. Here, OS was not affected, however.

Conclusion

In this retrospective analysis, only a subgroup of patients with good response at allo-HSCT survived. There was no survival benefit of allo-transplanted patients compared to matched controls, suggesting the absence of a clinically relevant graft-versus-RMA effect in the current setting. The results of this analysis do not support further implementation of allo-HSCT in RMA stage IV patients.
Investigating Effect of Coherent Emission Length on Pion Interferometry in High-Energy Collisions Using a Multiphase Transport Model
Authors: Wang Shi-Yao , Zhang Wei-Ning
Published: May 2022

We study the two-pion Hanbury Brown–Twiss correlation functions for a partially coherent source constructed with the emission points and momenta of the identical pions generated by a multiphase transport model. A coherent emission length is introduced, the effects of which on the two-pion interferometry results in central Au-Au collisions at sNN=200 GeV, central Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76 TeV, and p-p collisions at s=13 TeV are investigated. It is found that the effect of coherent emission length reduces the two-pion correlation functions in the nucleus–nucleus collisions, leading to an average decrease of chaoticity parameter by approximately 15% in the high transverse momentum range. However, the influence of coherent emission length on the two-pion correlation functions in the p-p collisions is small, while the effect of coherent emission length on the chaoticity parameter is almost independent of the transverse momentum of pion pair in the p-p collisions.
A Chaotic System With Infinite Attractors Based on Memristor
Authors: Wen Junjie , Wang Jinpeng
Published: May 2022

In this article, a memristor chaotic system is constructed by introducing a cosine function flux control memristor. By analyzing the balance of the system, it is found that there are coexisting attractors, and because of the periodicity of cosine function, the chaotic system has infinite coexisting attractors. The complexity analysis of Spectral Entropy (SE) and C0 is used in this paper to intuitively show the complex dynamic characteristics of the system. In addition, the introduction of paranoid propulsion also provides more possibilities for the system in engineering applications. Finally, the digital signal processing (DSP) experiment verifies the correctness of theoretical analysis and numerical analysis.
Development of Functional Fitness Prediction Equation in Korean Older Adults: The National Fitness Award 2015–2019
Authors: Kim Sung-Woo , Park Hun-Young , Jung Hoeryong , Lim Kiwon
Published: May 2022

The main advantage of measuring functional fitness (FF) in older adults is that individual tests can estimate and track the rate of decline with age. This study aimed to develop a multiple linear regression model for predicting FF variables using easy-to-measure independent variables (e.g., sex, age, body mass index, and percent body fat) in Korean older adults. National Fitness Award datasets from the Republic of Korea were used in this analysis. The participants were aged ≥65 years and included 61,465 older men and 117,395 older women. The FF variables included the hand grip strength, lower body strength (30-s chair stand), lower body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach), coordination (figure of 8 walk), agility/dynamic balance (timed up-and-go), and aerobic endurance (2-min step test). An estimation multiple linear regression model was developed using a stepwise technique. In the regression model, the coefficient of determination in the hand grip strength test (adjusted R2 = 0.773, p < 0.001) was significantly high. However, the coefficient of determination in the 30-s chair stand (adjusted R2 = 0.296, p < 0.001), chair sit-and-reach (adjusted R2 = 0.435, p < 0.001), figure of 8 walk (adjusted R2 = 0.390, p < 0.001), timed up-and-go (adjusted R2 = 0.384, p < 0.001), and 2-min step tests (adjusted R2 = 0.196, p < 0.001) was significantly low to moderate. Our findings suggest that easy-to-measure independent variables can predict the hand grip strength in older adults. In future studies, explanatory power will be further improved if multiple linear regression analysis, including the physical activity level and nutritional status of older adults, is performed to predict the FF variables.
Narrow lpa1 Metaxylems Enhance Drought Tolerance and Optimize Water Use for Grain Filling in Dwarf Rice
Authors: Priatama Ryza A. , Heo Jung , Kim Sung Hoon , Rajendran Sujeevan , Yoon Seoa , Jeong Dong-Hoon , Choo Young-Kug , Bae Jong Hyang , Kim Chul Min , Lee Yeon Hee , Demura Taku , Lee Young Koung , Choi Eun-Young , Han Chang-deok , Park Soon Ju
Published: May 2022

Rice cultivation needs extensive amounts of water. Moreover, increased frequency of droughts and water scarcity has become a global concern for rice cultivation. Hence, optimization of water use is crucial for sustainable agriculture. Here, we characterized Loose Plant Architecture 1 (LPA1) in vasculature development, water transport, drought resistance, and grain yield. We performed genetic combination of lpa1 with semi-dwarf mutant to offer the optimum rice architecture for more efficient water use. LPA1 expressed in pre-vascular cells of leaf primordia regulates genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism and cell enlargement. Thus, it plays a role in metaxylem enlargement of the aerial organs. Narrow metaxylem of lpa1 exhibit leaves curling on sunny day and convey drought tolerance but reduce grain yield in mature plants. However, the genetic combination of lpa1 with semi-dwarf mutant (dep1-ko or d2) offer optimal water supply and drought resistance without impacting grain-filling rates. Our results show that water use, and transports can be genetically controlled by optimizing metaxylem vessel size and plant height, which may be utilized for enhancing drought tolerance and offers the potential solution to face the more frequent harsh climate condition in the future.
Environmental Cues Contribute to Dynamic Plasma Membrane Organization of Nanodomains Containing Flotillin-1 and Hypersensitive Induced Reaction-1 Proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Xu Changwen , Abbas Sammar , Qian Hongping , Yu Meng , Zhang Xi , Li Xiaojuan , Cui Yaning , Lin Jinxing
Published: May 2022

Plasma membranes are heterogeneous and contain multiple functional nanodomains. Although several signaling proteins have been shown to function by moving into or out of nanodomains, little is known regarding the effects of environmental cues on nanodomain organization. In this study, we investigated the heterogeneity and organization of distinct nanodomains, including those containing Arabidopsis thaliana flotillin-1 (AtFlot1) and hypersensitive induced reaction-1 proteins (AtHIR1), in response to biotic and abiotic stress. Variable-angle total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy coupled with single-particle tracking (SPT) revealed that AtFlot1 and AtHIR1 exhibit different lateral dynamics and inhabit different types of nanodomains. Furthermore, via SPT and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we observed lower density and intensity of AtFlot1 fluorescence in the plasma membrane after biotic stress. In contrast, the density and intensity of signal indicating AtHIR1 markedly increased in response to biotic stress. In response to abiotic stress, the density and intensity of both AtFlot1 and AtHIR1 signals decreased significantly. Importantly, SPT coupled with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching revealed that biotic and abiotic stress can regulate the dynamics of AtFlot1; however, only the abiotic stress can regulate AtHIR1 dynamics. Taken together, these findings suggest that a plethora of highly distinct nanodomains coexist in the plasma membrane (PM) and that different nanodomains may perform distinct functions in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. These phenomena may be explained by the spatial clustering of plasma membrane proteins with their associated signaling components within dedicated PM nanodomains.
Nitrogen and Biochar Addition Affected Plant Traits and Nitrous Oxide Emission From Cinnamomum camphora
Authors: Zhu Congfei , Luo Handong , Luo Laicong , Wang Kunying , Liao Yi , Zhang Shun , Huang Shenshen , Guo Xiaomin , Zhang Ling
Published: May 2022

Atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) increase contributes substantially to global climate change due to its large global warming potential. Soil N2O emissions have been widely studied, but plants have so far been ignored, even though they are known as an important source of N2O. The specific objectives of this study are to (1) reveal the effects of nitrogen and biochar addition on plant functional traits and N2O emission of Cinnamomum camphora seedlings; (2) find out the possible leaf traits affecting plant N2O emissions. The effects of nitrogen and biochar on plant functional traits and N2O emissions from plants using C. camphora seedlings were investigated. Plant N2O emissions, growth, each organ biomass, each organ nutrient allocation, gas exchange parameters, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of C. camphora seedlings were measured. Further investigation of the relationships between plant N2O emission and leaf traits was performed by simple linear regression analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and structural equation model (SEM). It was found that nitrogen addition profoundly increased cumulative plant N2O emissions (+109.25%), which contributed substantially to the atmosphere’s N2O budget in forest ecosystems. Plant N2O emissions had a strong correlation to leaf traits (leaf TN, Pn, Gs, Ci, Tr, WUEL, α, ETRmax, Ik, Fv/Fm, Y(II), and SPAD). Structural equation modelling revealed that leaf TN, leaf TP, Pn, Ci, Tr, WUEL, α, ETRmax, and Ik were key traits regulating the effects of plants on N2O emissions. These results provide a direction for understanding the mechanism of N2O emission from plants and provide a theoretical basis for formulating corresponding emission reduction schemes.
The Influence of College Entrepreneurship Education System on the Cultivation of Applied Innovative Talents
Authors: Zhao Xiaoqi , Wang Xiaorong
Published: May 2022

With China’s socioeconomic development, especially in the educational sector, foreign advanced education experience might not be omnipotent for the innovation and entrepreneurship education (IEE) in Chinese colleges. In response to such a difficult context, firstly, this study was conducted to analyze the applied innovative talent cultivation status quo in Chinese colleges under innovation and entrepreneurship. Then, the authors dug into the current situation and the development of IEE-related courses in College S through Questionnaire Survey (QS) and unveiled the efficacy of entrepreneurship environment and conditions, IEE courses, teaching methods, and policy system on the college applied innovative talents cultivation. Finally, the experiment discovered that three problems are prominent when training applied innovative talents in College S: unreasonable talent training process, imperfect education system, and emphasizing theory over practice. The main reason is that the IEE courses are not systematically set up, and teachers are in severely short supply. According to the research outcomes, the corresponding countermeasures and suggestions were proposed for applied innovative talents cultivation in College S. It is concluded that the cultivation of applied innovative talents under innovation and entrepreneurship should be reformed from four aspects: educational concept, educational model, educational policy, and social support, laying a foundation for improving the quality of IEE in Chinese colleges and universities and strengthening the cultivation of applied innovative talents.
Mental Health Among Medical Students During COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jia Qingwen , Qu Yi , Sun Huiyuan , Huo Huisheng , Yin Hongxia , You Dianping
Published: May 2022

Background

The mental health of medical students is an issue worthy of attention, especially during COVID-19. Many studies have shown that depression and anxiety are the main problems faced by medical students. To assess the pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical students worldwide, we conducted this meta-analysis.

Methods

According to PRISMA, we used a computerized strategy to search studies in EMBASE, PubMed, PsycArticles, Web of Science, and China Biology Medicine disc. The pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety was calculated by a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analysis. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also carried out in this meta-analysis.

Results

Of 1316 studies, 41 studies were selected based on 36608 medical students. The pooled depression prevalence was 37.9% (95% CI: 30.7–45.4%), and pooled anxiety prevalence was 33.7% (95% CI: 26.8–41.1%). The prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical students varied by gender, country, and continent.

Conclusion

The data reported that the prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical students during COVID-19 was relatively higher than those of the general population and the healthcare workers. The impact of COVID-19 on medical students and how to protect the mental health of medical students are needed to determine through further research.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021274015], identifier [CRD42021274015].
Fear and Challenges of Nursing Students Being in Hospital for Clinical Posting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Survey
Authors: Rana Nimarta , Kalal Nipin , Sharma Suresh K.
Published: May 2022

Background

The world is facing unprecedented challenges in the face of a global pandemic (COVID-19). The institutions resumed nursing students’ clinical experiences as an earlier part of their curriculum, which was transitioned to a virtually delivered format due to global disaster. Therefore, working through this pandemic in hospital posting is challenging and fearful for nursing students. The aim of this study was to measure the fear of COVID-19 and the challenges faced by nursing students when posted in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A web-based exploratory survey was conducted on 185 participants from March 2021 to April 2021. Participants were selected through a web-based survey (Google form) by non-probability purposive sampling technique. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale and self-structured questionnaires with the Likert-type scale were used to measure the fear of COVID-19 and the challenges faced by nursing students when posted in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis of data with IBM SPSS version 27.

Results

A significant number (61.1%) of participants had moderate fear of COVID-19 infection, one-third of them (28.1%) had mild fear, and very few participants (10.8%) had an extreme fear of COVID-19 infection. The majority of participants (64.9%) faced moderate challenges, 27% faced high challenges, and very few study participants (8.1%) did not face any challenges when posted in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fear due to COVID-19 is not associated with demographic variables, but the challenges faced due to COVID-19 are significantly associated with demographic variables, such as the age, batch, and duration of clinical posting (p-value = 0.01).

Conclusion

Study data indicated that respondents reported fear of COVID-19 infection and also experienced a variety of challenges in hospital posting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Appropriately Tuning Stochastic-Psychometric Properties of the Balloon Analog Risk Task
Authors: Di Plinio Simone , Pettorruso Mauro , Ebisch Sjoerd J. H.
Published: May 2022

The Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) allows to experimentally assess individuals’ risk-taking profiles in an ecologically sound setting. Many psychological and neuroscientific studies implemented the BART for its simplicity and intuitive nature. However, some issues in the design of the BART are systematically unconsidered in experimental paradigms, which may bias the estimation of individual risk-taking profiles. Since there are no methodological guidelines for implementing the BART, many variables (e.g., the maximum explosion probabilities, the rationale underlying stochastic events) vary inconstantly across experiments, possibly producing contrasting results. Moreover, the standard version of the BART is affected by the interaction of an individual-dependent, unavoidable source of stochasticity with a trial-dependent, more ambiguous source of stochasticity (i.e., the probability of the balloon to explode). This paper shows the most appropriate experimental choices for having the lowest error in the approximation of risk-taking profiles. Performance tests of a series of simulated data suggest that a more controlled, eventually non-stochastic version of the BART, better approximates original risk-taking profiles. Selecting optimal BART parameters is particularly important in neuroscience experiments to optimize the number of trials in a time window appropriate for acquiring neuroimaging data. We also provide helpful suggestions to researchers in many fields to allow the implementation of optimized risk-taking experiments using the BART.
Attitudes Toward HPV Vaccination in Sweden: A Survey Study
Authors: Wemrell Maria , Gunnarsson Lena
Published: May 2022

Background

While HPV vaccination uptake in Sweden is quite high, at around 80%, vaccine hesitancy remains an issue in countries throughout Europe. The latter can be related to a contemporary context of increased contestation of expert knowledge and of a large share of information on health-related issues including vaccination today being sought via the internet. Still, there is a paucity of recent research on attitudes toward the HPV vaccine in a larger sample of the population in Sweden. This survey study assesses such attitudes and any correlations between vaccine hesitancy and sociodemographic characteristics, trust in healthcare and other societal institutions, and evaluation of the reliability of different sources of information.

Methods

The validated survey questionnaire was distributed to adult women in Sweden (n = 2,000), via a nationally representative web panel. The response rate was 37%. Aside from descriptive statistics, associations between vaccine hesitancy and sociodemographic and other variables were computed using logistic regressions and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

Our results show a positive attitude toward HPV vaccination overall. Still, some degree of HPV vaccine hesitancy was indicated by 33.8% of the respondents, and more pronounced hesitancy by 7.6%. Regarding vaccination in general, a very positive attitude was indicated by 55%. HPV vaccine hesitancy was associated with low education and low income and strongly associated with a lack of confidence in healthcare and other societal institutions. It was also correlated with a self-assessed lack of access to, and ability to assess the origin, quality and reliability of, information about the HPV vaccine.

Conclusion

Efforts to provide transparent information about HPV vaccination should be combined with healthcare providers being open to discuss vaccine concerns with patients and avoiding practices that do not promote trust.
The Association of Body Mass Index With Mortality Among Pulmonary Hypertension Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies
Authors: Jiang Chaoxin , Fang Xiongde , Fu Wenjin
Published: May 2022

Objective

To run a systematic review and meta-analysis of related studies on body mass index (BMI) and the risk of death among pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, as well as, to shed light on the shape and strength of the dose-response association.

Methods

Studies published up to Jun 2021 in scientific databases such as Scopus, and PubMed as well as Google Scholar were searched. Cohort studies that reported risk estimates for at least two categories of BMI or per certain increase in BMI in relation to mortality in PH patients were included. Summary relative risks were determined with random effects models. Non-linear relationship was discovered with dose-response analysis.

Results

All in all, 15 cohort studies were selected. The number of participants was 127,215 out of which 73,999 were reported dead. The summary RR for mortality per a 5-unit increment in BMI was 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.77–0.89; I2 = 75.6%, n = 9) among PH patients. There was a non-linear dose-response relation between BMI and mortality in PH patients (Pnon−linearity < 0.001), with the lowest risk being at BMI 32–38 kg/m2.

Conclusion

Higher BMI is related to decreased risk of mortality among PH patients and the lowest point of the curve was seen at BMI 32–38.
Use of Implementation Mapping With Community-Based Participatory Research: Development of Implementation Strategies of a New Goal Setting and Goal Management Intervention System
Authors: Kang Eunyoung , Foster Erin R.
Published: May 2022

Aims

This study aims to identify implementation determinants, mechanisms of action, implementation strategies, and implementation outcome evaluation plans for a new theory-based rehabilitation goal setting and goal management intervention system, called MyGoals, using Implementation Mapping with community-based participatory research principles.

Methods

We completed Implementation Mapping tasks 1 to 4 as a planning team consisting of MyGoals target implementers (occupational therapists (OTs), MyGoals intervention target clients (adults with chronic conditions), and the research team. We are currently conducting mapping task 5. These processes were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, social cognitive theory, the taxonomy of behavior change methods, and Proctor's implementation research framework.

Results

We identified intervention-level determinants (MyGoals' evidence strength & quality, relative advantages) and OT-level determinants (knowledge, awareness, skills, self-efficacy, outcome expectancy). We selected the MyGoals implementation outcome (OTs will deliver MyGoals completely and competently), outcome variables (acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity), and process outcomes. We also determined three performance objectives (e.g., OTs will deliver all MyGoals intervention components) and 15 change objectives (e.g., OTs will demonstrate skills for delivering all MyGoals intervention components). Based on the identified outcomes, objectives, and determinants, we specified the mechanisms of change (e.g., active learning). To address these determinants and achieve the implementation outcomes, we produced two tailored MyGoals implementation strategies: MyGoals Clinician Education and MyGoals Clinician Audit & Feedback. We developed evaluation plans to explore and evaluate how these two MyGoals implementation strategies perform using a mixed-methods study of OT-client dyads.

Conclusion

We produced tailored implementation strategies for a rehabilitation goal setting and goal management intervention by using Implementation Mapping with community-based participatory research principles. The MyGoals implementation strategies may help OTs implement high-quality goal setting and goal management practice and thus contribute to bridging current research-practice gaps. Our findings can provide insight on how to apply implementation science in rehabilitation to improve the development and translation of evidence-based interventions to enhance health in adults with chronic conditions.
Diurnal Cortisol in Left-Behind Adolescents: Relations to Negative Family Expressiveness and Internalizing Problems
Authors: Li Man , Lan Qili , Qiu Lirong , Yuan Yidan , He Fengjiao , Zhang Chen , Zhang Linlin
Published: May 2022

Despite the accumulating evidence for increased risks for behavioral problems in left-behind adolescents in China, little research has explored their HPA axis functioning, which is hypothesized to play a central role in the association between early adversity and health. In the present study, we designed a longitudinal study to examine HPA axis function in left-behind adolescents and its mediating role in the association between family emotional expressiveness and internalizing problems. Participants were 81 adolescents (44 female; 37 male) aged 11–16 years. Salivary cortisol samples were collected six times a day for two consecutive days on regular school days. Negative family expressiveness (NFE) and internalizing problems were measured using self-report questionnaires. The results showed that NFE was negatively associated with diurnal cortisol, and diurnal cortisol was negatively associated with internalizing problems. Further analysis showed that diurnal cortisol secretion measured by AUC (area under the curve) mediated the association between NFE and internalizing problems. Our findings extended the existing literature about left-behind children via a psychoneuroendocrinological perspective, documenting the negative consequences of the family environment for youth health and development.
Increased Resilience of Peas Toward Root Rot Pathogens Can Be Predicted by the Nematode Metabolic Footprint
Authors: Schmidt Jan H. , Theisgen Leonard V. , Finckh Maria R. , Šišić Adnan
Published: May 2022

Legumes are important drivers of soil fertility, however, their frequent use in rotations fosters long-lived soil-borne pathogens that can seriously compromise legume root health and nitrogen fixation. To overcome this, the current study aims at improving the general soil suppressiveness toward pests and diseases by agroecosystem management that can be predicted by nematode-based bioindicators. Two long-term organically managed agroecosystems comparing plow and shallow non-inversion tillage were analyzed for free-living nematode communities. Soils out of these agroecosystems were evaluated further in a greenhouse assay for their ability to suppress pea root rot caused by Didymella pinodella, Fusarium avenaceum, and F. redolens. There was a general trend for higher levels of pea root rot disease severity following inoculations with single pathogens, however, this effect was heterogeneous among experiments and tillage systems. This was mainly due to an already very high resident population of D. pinodella in soil and the presence of seed-borne F. oxysporum determined by their high incidence in pea roots irrespective of the soil and inoculated pathogens. Additional inoculation with D. pinodella, for example, resulted in only 8.5% biomass reduction compared to the non-inoculated control, in both tillage systems. Similar biomass losses were recorded in non-inversion tilled soils inoculated with F. redolens. When analyzed across inoculation treatments, the pea root rot disease severity was only slightly reduced in non-inversion tilled soils when compared to the plough systems (11% in Exp 1 and, 9% in Exp 2), however in both experiments non-inversion tillage resulted in greater pea biomass (33 and 19% in Exp1 and 2, respectively). Furthermore, the metabolic, enrichment, and bacterivore carbon footprints of nematodes were 88, 81, and 97% higher, respectively, in the non-inversion tilled soils compared to the plough. The metabolic carbon footprint of nematodes correlated negatively with pea root rot disease severity (rho = −0.71, p = 0.047). Hence, non-inversion tillage was effective in controlling pea root rot. The use of nematode metabolic footprints for predicting soil health should be extended for various agroecosystems aiming for its general use in evaluating effects of agroecosystem management through researchers and potentially farm management advisors.
An Ethics Toolkit to Support Animal-Centered Research and Design
Authors: Ruge Luisa , Mancini Clara
Published: May 2022

Designers and researchers who work with animals need to employ an array of ethical competencies to guarantee the welfare of animals taking part in animal-centered research. The emerging field of Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI), which deals with the design of animal-centered interactive systems, considers ethics a fundamental concern when working with animals, and ACI researchers have proposed ethics frameworks in response to these concerns. Ethical approaches proposed within the field tend to be normative but, on their own, norms may not be sufficient to support designers who will inevitably face unexpected and ethically charged situations as the research progresses. During a research project, focused on the design of dog-friendly controls for Mobility Assistance Dogs (MADs), these limitations came to the fore. Drawing from situated ethics approaches, developed to support researchers' ethical engagement with vulnerable populations such as children and differently abled adults, this paper presents an ethics toolkit that aims to support animal-centered research and design by enabling researchers to make ethically sound situated decisions as their work progresses. The toolkit comprises three templates, each of which asks a series of questions aiming to articulate the ethical baselines of individual team members and of their research project, and to inform the development of a series of ethical guiding statements to better prepare designers to make ethical situated decisions. The application of the toolkit during the research with MADs helped the field researcher to clearly and systematically articulate the project's ethos and understand the ethical stance that guided the research team's interactions with the dogs, their trainers, and their human partners throughout the project. It also fostered a practice of active reflection within the team, which helped them to maintain their commitment to the project's ethos in the face of unexpected ethical challenges. We propose that, beyond supporting ACI research, the toolkit could support the ethical engagement of researchers and practitioners who work for and with animals in many other settings.
An Overview of Neoplasia in Captive Wild Felids in Southern Italy Zoos
Authors: d'Aquino Ilaria , Piegari Giuseppe , Casciaro Silvia Mariagiovanna , Prisco Francesco , Rosato Guido , Silvestre Pasquale , Degli Uberti Barbara , Capasso Michele , Laricchiuta Piero , Paciello Orlando , Russo Valeria
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of neoplasms in captive wild felids in Southern Italy zoos over a 13-year period (2008–2021) and to investigate macroscopic and histologic tumor findings in these animals. A total of 24 cases were necropsied, 9 males and 15 females, with age ranging from 6 to 19 years, including 12 tigers (Panthera tigris), 7 leopards (Panthera pardus), 4 lions (Panthera leo), and 1 black jaguar (Panthera onca). Diagnosis of neoplasm was made in 14/24 cases (58.3%). Tumors diagnosed were two cholangiocarcinomas, two hemangiosarcomas of the liver, two uterine leiomyomas, a renal adenocarcinoma, an adrenal gland adenoma, a thyroid carcinoma, an oral squamous cell carcinoma, an osteoma, a meningioma, a mesothelioma, an esophageal leiomyosarcoma, a muscoloskeletal leiomyosarcoma and a thyroid adenoma. The malignant and benign tumors were 62.5 and 37.5%, respectively. Among malignant tumors, no metastasis was observed in 50% of cases; in 10% of cases metastasis involved only regional lymph nodes; and distant metastases were found in 40% of cases. Based on our findings, the liver was the most frequent primary tumor site (25%). The high rates of malignant and widely metastatic neoplasms suggest the importance of active monitoring and management of neoplasia in these threatened and endangered species.
Association Between Cytomegalovirus Serostatus, Antiviral Therapy, and Allograft Survival in Pediatric Heart Transplantation
Authors: Rabbani Naveed , Kronmal Richard A. , Wagner Thor , Kemna Mariska , Albers Erin L. , Hong Borah , Friedland-Little Joshua , Spencer Kathryn , Law Yuk M.
Published: May 2022

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important complication of heart transplantation and has been associated with graft loss in adults. The data in pediatric transplantation, however, is limited and conflicting. We conducted a large-scale cohort study to better characterize the relationship between CMV serostatus, CMV antiviral use, and graft survival in pediatric heart transplantation.

Methods: 4,968 pediatric recipients of solitary heart transplants from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients were stratified into three groups based on donor or recipient seropositivity and antiviral use: CMV seronegative (CMV-) transplants, CMV seropositive (CMV+) transplants without antiviral therapy, and CMV+ transplants with antiviral therapy. The primary endpoint was retransplantation or death.

Results: CMV+ transplants without antiviral therapy experienced worse graft survival than CMV+ transplants with antiviral therapy (10-year: 57 vs 65%). CMV+ transplants with antiviral therapy experienced similar survival as CMV- transplants. Compared to CMV seronegativity, CMV seropositivity without antiviral therapy had a hazard ratio of 1.21 (1.07–1.37 95% CI, p-value = .003). Amongst CMV+ transplants, antiviral therapy had a hazard ratio of .82 (0.74–.92 95% CI, p-value < .001). During the first year after transplantation, these hazard ratios were 1.32 (1.06–1.64 95% CI, p-value .014) and .59 (.48–.73 95% CI, p-value < .001), respectively.

Conclusions: CMV seropositivity is associated with an increased risk of graft loss in pediatric heart transplant recipients, which occurs early after transplantation and may be mitigated by antiviral therapy.