bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies: an observational cohort study based on propensity score matching
Authors: Ye Ying , Wen Li , Liu Xiyao , Wang Lan , Liu Yamin , Saffery Richard , Kilby Mark D. , Tong Chao , Qi Hongbo , Baker Philip
Published: November 2021

Background

Since the effectiveness of low-dose aspirin (LDA) in twin pregnancies is uncertain, we aimed to preliminarily assess whether LDA is beneficial in preventing preeclampsia in twin pregnancies.

Methods

This study is an observational study in two hospitals in China. Among 932 women, 277 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were routinely treated with aspirin (100 mg daily) from 12 to 16 weeks to 35 weeks of gestational age, while 655 in Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children were not taking aspirin during pregnancy. We followed each subject and the individual details were recorded.

Results

LDA significantly reduced the risk of preeclampsia (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.24–0.95) and preterm birth 34 weeks (RR 0.50; 95% CI 0.29–0.86) and showed possible benefits to lower the rate of SGA babies (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.55–1.00). Moreover, the risk of postpartum hemorrhage was not increased by LDA (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.35–2.26).

Conclusions

Treatment with low-dose aspirin in twin pregnancies could offer some protection against adverse pregnancy outcomes in the absence of significantly increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR); ChiCTR-OOC-16008203, Retrospectively registered date: April 1st, 2016;
The association of aspirin use with overall survival of patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Chuang Min-Chun , Yang Yao-Hsu , Hsieh Meng-Jer , Lin Yu-Ching , Yang Tsung-Ming , Chen Pau-Chung , Hung Ming-Szu
Published: November 2021

Background

Studies have indicated that individuals taking aspirin have a reduced risk of cancers and have also established chemo-preventive benefit of aspirin in colorectal cancer. However, research on the association between aspirin use and the survival in patients with lung cancer has revealed inconsistent results. In this study, we investigated the effect of aspirin use on the survival of inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

We identified a cohort of 38,842 patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 2000 and 2012 using the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database and used propensity score matching to reduce possible confounding factors. In total, 9864 patients (4932 matched pairs) were included in the matched cohort. Aspirin exposure was analyzed to identify a possible association with mortality in patients with inoperable NSCLC. Time-dependent Cox regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) that corresponded with aspirin exposure.

Results

A total of 4979 patients used aspirin at the time of diagnosis of NSCLC. The median overall survival (OS) of the aspirin users was 1.73 (interquartile range, 0.94–3.53) years compared with the 1.30 (interquartile range, 0.69–2.62) years of the non-aspirin users. The Cox proportional hazard model with the time-dependent covariate revealed that aspirin use was associated with a significantly longer OS (HR: 0.83, 95.0% CI: 0.80–0.86). After controlling the sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, income, and level of urbanization) and lung cancer treatments by propensity score matching, the aspirin users still had a significantly longer OS than the non-aspirin users (HR: 0.79, 95.0% CI: 0.75–0.83).

Conclusion

Aspirin use is associated with a longer OS in patients with inoperable NSCLC, suggesting that aspirin has a potential anticancer effect. These results warrant further randomized clinical trials to evaluate the actual role of aspirin in the treatment of NSCLC patients.
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems modulate the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer for enhanced therapy
Authors: Jia Ming , Zhang Dan , Zhang Chunxiang , Li Chunhong
Published: November 2021

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors with a low survival rate, partly because the tumor microenvironment (TME), which consists of extracellular matrix (ECM), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, and vascular systems, prevents effective drug delivery and chemoradiotherapy. Thus, modulating the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer is considered a promising therapeutic approach. Since nanoparticles are one of the most effective cancer treatment strategies, several nano-delivery platforms have been developed to regulate the TME and enhance treatment. Here, we summarize the latest advances in nano-delivery systems that alter the TME in pancreatic cancer by depleting ECM, inhibiting CAFs, reversing immunosuppression, promoting angiogenesis, or improving the hypoxic environment. We also discuss promising new targets for such systems. This review is expected to improve our understanding of how to modulate the pancreatic cancer microenvironment and guide the development of new therapies.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of US policy on contraceptive access: a policy analysis
Authors: Swan Laura E. T.
Published: November 2021

Background

Contraceptive access is influenced by policy decisions, which can expand and constrict the contraceptive options available. This study explored the impact of recent US federal policy on contraceptive access.

Methods

Federal policy changes impacting contraceptive access over the past decade were identified in grey literature. These policy changes were organized into a timeline and analyzed according to Levesque et al.'s (2013) five dimensions of healthcare access (approachability, acceptability, availability/accommodation, affordability, and appropriateness), noting the most salient healthcare dimension impacted by the policy change and analyzing whether, according to this framework, the policy created a theoretical increase or decrease in contraceptive access.

Results

Of those policy changes coded as increasing (n = 42) and decreasing (n = 28) contraceptive access, most were related to the affordability (increasing n = 13; decreasing n = 12), physical availability (increasing n = 10; decreasing n = 7), and appropriateness (increasing n = 12; decreasing n = 4) of contraceptive care. Policy changes largely followed partisan divides, with contraceptive access increasing in years with a Democratic president and decreasing when a Republican president was in office. Many policy changes were related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Title X of the Public Health Services Act. The implementation of the ACA and subsequent updates to it have increased the affordability of contraception, whereas changes to Title X have decreased the availability and appropriateness of contraceptive care.

Conclusions

This study highlights recent policy changes impacting contraceptive access, organizing them according to the five dimensions of healthcare access. It outlines specific policy barriers to contraceptive access and provides suggestions for policy and practice action that will improve contraceptive access and reproductive autonomy. Opportunities to ensure contraceptive access for all Americans include promoting comprehensive sex education, extending the Community Health Center Fund, increasing contraceptive care options for people with employers who are exempted from the ACA contraceptive mandate, addressing discrimination and building trust in contraceptive care, and amplifying outreach efforts to combat misinformation and confusion created by continuous changes to key family planning policies. Continued research on the role of policy in determining reproductive autonomy is warranted, and practice and policy action is needed to improve contraceptive access.
Tumor cell invasion in blood vessels assessed by immunohistochemistry is related to decreased survival in patients with bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy
Authors: Carlsen Birgitte , Klingen Tor Audun , Andreassen Bettina Kulle , Haug Erik Skaaheim
Published: November 2021

Background

Lymphovascular invasion (VI) is an established prognostic marker for many cancers including bladder cancer. There is a paucity of data regarding whether the prognostic significance of lymphatic invasion (LVI) differs from blood vessel invasion (BVI). The aim was to examine LVI and BVI separately using immunohistochemistry (IHC), and investigate their associations with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. A secondary aim was to compare the use of IHC with assessing VI on standard HAS (hematoxylin-azophloxine-saffron) sections without IHC.

Methods

A retrospective, population –based series of 292 invasive bladder cancers treated with radical cystectomy (RC) with curative intent at Vestfold Hospital Trust, Norway were reviewed. Traditional histopathological markers and VI based on HAS sections were recorded. Dual staining using D2–40/CD31 antibodies was performed on one selected tumor block for each case.

Results

The frequency of LVI and BVI was 32 and 28%, respectively. BVI was associated with features such as higher pathological stages, positive regional lymph nodes, bladder neck involvement and metastatic disease whereas LVI showed weaker or no associations. Both BVI and LVI independently predicted regional lymph node metastases, LVI being the slightly stronger factor. BVI, not LVI predicted higher pathological stages. BVI showed reduced recurrence free (RFS) and disease specific (DSS) survival in uni-and multivariable analyses, whereas LVI did not. On HAS sections, VI was found in 31% of the cases. By IHC, 51% were positive, corresponding to a 64% increased sensitivity in detecting VI. VI assessed without IHC was significantly associated with RFS and DSS in univariable but not multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that BVI is strongly associated with more aggressive tumor features. BVI was an independent prognostic factor in contrast to LVI. Furthermore, IHC increases VI sensitivity compared to HAS.
Contents of lobetyolin, syringin, and atractylolide III in Codonopsis pilosula are related to dynamic changes of endophytes under drought stress
Authors: Liang Yichuan , Wei Guangfei , Ning Kang , Zhang Guozhuang , Liu Youping , Dong Linlin , Chen Shilin
Published: November 2021

Background

Codonopsis pilosula, an important medicinal plant, can accumulate certain metabolites under moderate drought stress. Endophytes are involved in the metabolite accumulations within medicinal plants. It is still unknown that the endophytes of C. pilosula are associated with the accumulations of metabolites. This study aims to investigate the promoting effect of endophytes on the accumulations of active substances in C. pilosula under drought stress.

Methods

High–performance liquid chromatography and high–throughput sequencing technology were performed to investigate changes in the contents of secondary metabolite and endophyte abundances of C. pilosula under drought stress, respectively. Spearman’s correlation analysis was further conducted to identify the endophytic biomarkers related to accumulations of pharmacodynamic compounds. Culture-dependent experiments were performed to confirm the functions of endophytes in metabolite accumulations.

Results

The distribution of pharmacological components and diversity and composition of endophytes showed tissue specificity within C. pilosula. The contents of lobetyolin, syringin, and atractylolide III in C. pilosula under drought stress were increased by 8.47%‒86.47%, 28.78%‒230.98%, and 32.17%‒177.86%, respectively, in comparison with those in untreated groups. The Chao 1 and Shannon indices in different parts of drought–stressed C. pilosula increased compared with those in untreated parts. The composition of endophytic communities in drought treatment parts of C. pilosula was different from that in control parts. A total of 226 microbial taxa were identified as potential biomarkers, of which the abundances of 42 taxa were significantly and positively correlated to the pharmacodynamic contents. Culture-dependent experiments confirmed that the contents of lobetyolin and atractylolide III were increased by the application of Epicoccum thailandicum, Filobasidium magnum, and Paraphoma rhaphiolepidis at the rates of 11.12%‒46.02%, and that the content of syringin was increased by Pseudomonas nitroreducens at the rates of 118.61%‒119.36%.

Conclusions

Certain endophytes participated in the accumulations of bioactive metabolites, which provided a scientific evidence for the development and application of microorganisms to improve the quality of traditional Chinese medicine.
Assessment of catatonia and inter-rater reliability of three instruments: a descriptive study
Authors: Zingela Zukiswa , Stroud Louise , Cronje Johan , Fink Max , van Wyk Stephan
Published: November 2021

Background

Clinical assessment of catatonia includes the use of diagnostic systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), or screening tools such as the Bush Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument (BFCSI)/Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) and the Braunig Catatonia Rating Scale. In this study, we describe the inter-rater reliability (IRR), utilizing the BFCSI, BFCRS, and DSM-5 to screen for catatonia.

Methods

Data from 10 participants recruited as part of a larger prevalence study (of 135 participants) were used to determine the IRR by five assessors after they were trained in the application of the 14-item BFCSI, 23-item BFCRS, and DSM-5 to assess catatonia in new admissions. Krippendorff’s α was used to compute the IRR, and Spearman’s correlation was used to determine the concordance between screening tools. The study site was a 35-bed acute mental health unit in Dora Nginza Hospital, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Participants were mostly involuntary admissions under the Mental Health Care Act of 2002 and between the ages of 13 and 65 years.

Results

Of the 135 participants, 16 (11.9%) had catatonia. The majority (92 [68.1%]) were between 16 and 35 years old, with 126 (93.3%) of them being Black and 89 (66.4%) being male. The BFCRS (complete 23-item scale) had the greatest level of inter-rater agreement with α = 0.798, while the DSM-5 had the lowest level of inter-rater agreement with α = 0.565. The highest correlation coefficients were observed between the BFCRS and the BFCSI.

Conclusion

The prevalence rate of catatonia was 11.9%, with the BFCSI and BFCRS showing the highest pick-up rate and a high IRR with high correlation coefficients, while the DSM-5 had deficiencies in screening for catatonia with low IRR and the lowest correlation with the other two tools.
Clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study among child and adolescent psychiatrists across the world
Authors: Sibeoni Jordan , Manolios Emilie , Costa-Drolon Emmanuel , Meunier Jean-Pierre , Verneuil Laurence , Revah-Levy Anne
Published: November 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has directly impacted the field of child and adolescent psychiatry, affecting all aspects of the lives of children and their families and increasing their risk of distress and mental health issues, especially among children with preexisting psychiatric disorders. Child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) across the world have had to adapt their practice, due to lockdown and social distancing measures. This study aimed to explore how CAPs experienced their clinical practice in these singular conditions.

Methods

This exploratory international qualitative study used the Inductive Process to analyse the Structure of lived Experience (IPSE) approach, which is a five-stage inductive process used to explore the lived experience of participants in depth and to analyze their structure of lived experience. This study took place from March through July 2020 through individual in-depth video interviews. The sample size was determined according to the principles oftheoretical sufficiency.

Results

39 CAPs from 26 countries participated (age range 32–70 years; 23 women). Data analysis produced a structure of lived experience comprising three central axes of experience: (1) lost in space, lost in time, describing CAPs’ experience of disorganization of their clinical practice in the dimensions of lived time and lived space, (2) the body—of CAPs and patients—underlining their disconcerting experience of both sensory aspects and the non-embodied encounter during clinical practice, and (3) unpleasant emotions, with angst and loneliness the two main feelings coloring their clinical practice experience.

Conclusions

This analysis of the structure of lived experience of CAPs went beyond the sole context of the pandemic and revealed key aspects of what usually organizes CAP clinical practice. It identified two blind spots or conceptual voids within the child and adolescent psychiatry field: first, the intrinsic therapeutic function of a CAP clinical practice and, second, the important diagnostic and therapeutic function of the embodied encounter during CAP consultations. Beyond the context of COVID-19, further research should investigate these aspects to better define what a CAP does in practice and to increase both attractiveness and recruitment in this specialty.
Undescended ovary without abnormal development of uterus and urinary system: a report of four cases
Authors: Wei Weixia , Luo Wenji , Hu Qicai , Zeng Liping , Wu Ruifang
Published: November 2021

Background

Congenital anatomic abnormalities of fallopian tubes and ovaries are rarely reported. Herein, we describe four cases of undescended ovary during laparoscopic surgery with abnormal anatomy of fallopian tube, yet without abnormal uterine development and urinary system abnormalities, which are analyzed by their clinical features and effects on reproductive function.

Case presentation

For the patients with undescended ovary, the location of unilateral or bilateral upper poles of the ovaries were usually much higher than that of the bifurcation of the common iliac vessel, and the fallopian tubes at the same side opened in the para-colonic sulcus. Among these four patients, two patients had primary infertility, one patient had tubal pregnancy rupture and bleeding, and one patient had uterine leiomyoma. The development of uterus was normal in all cases, and there was no abnormal development of urinary system. During the infertility examination, the fact that fallopian tubes lifted up in hysterosalpingography (HSG) might be regarded as an indicator of possible undescended ovary. The pelvic ultrasonography examination was of limited use in diagnosing undescended ovary.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of undescended ovary. When there is periodic post-sacral spinal pain, MRI or HSG can be used for diagnosis of undescended ovary.
Impacts of different intensities of exercise on inflammation and hypoxia markers in low altitude
Authors: Baygutalp Fatih , Buzdağlı Yusuf , Ozan Murat , Koz Mitat , Kılıç Baygutalp Nurcan , Atasever Gökhan
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aims to determine and compare the effects of exercise modalities with different intensities on the secretion of key inflammation and hypoxia markers in amateur athletes.

Methods

Twenty-three athletes with a mean age of 20.1 years, living at low altitude (1850 m) participated in this study. The participants' maximal oxygen consumption values (VO2max) were determined with an incremental cycle exercise test as 54.15 ± 6.14 mL kg min−1. Athletes performed four protocols: at rest, 50% VO2max, 75% VO2max and 100% VO2max (until exhaustion) with one-week intervals. 50% VO2max, 75% VO2max sessions were performed continuously for 30 min on a bicycle ergometer and 100% VO2max session was performed by cycling until exhaustion. Blood samples were obtained at rest and immediately after each exercise session. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels were measured.

Results

There were significant differences in serum TNF-α levels in 75% VO2max and 100% VO2max sessions (489.03 ± 368.37 and 472.70 ± 365.21 ng/L, respectively) compared to rest conditions (331.65 ± 293.52 ng/L). Serum CRP levels of 50% VO2max and 75% VO2max sessions (1.19 ± 0.50; 1.07 ± 0.52 mg/L) were significantly higher than the rest condition (0.74 ± 0.35 mg/L). There were significant differences in serum IL-10 levels of rest condition and 50% VO2max; 50% VO2max, and 100% VO2max sessions (328.09 ± 128.87; 446.36 ± 142.84; 347.44 ± 135.69; 324.88 ± 168.06 pg/mL). Serum HIF-1α levels were significantly higher in 75% VO2 max session compared to rest (1.26 ± 0.16; 1.08 ± 0.19 ng/mL) (P < 0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

Both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathway is induced on different exercise intensities. Exercise protocols performed until exhaustion may lead to activation of inflammatory pathways and hypoxia-induced damage.
Afatinib for the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer harboring an epidermal growth factor receptor exon 18 E709_T710delinsD mutation: a case report
Authors: Van Acker Lander , Stevens Dieter , Vermaelen Karim , Surmont Veerle
Published: November 2021

Background

The discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor oncogenic driver mutations has changed the therapeutic landscape of advanced non-small cell lung cancer in the past decade. Since the introduction of next-generation sequencing, uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor mutations are more frequently discovered. Because seldom evaluated in clinical trials, their clinical significance and response on tyrosine kinase inhibitors are less well known.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old Caucasian woman with no smoking history presented with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Liver biopsy revealed an adenocarcinoma with a programmed death ligand-1 tumor proportion score of 30% and no common oncogenic driver mutations. A combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy was started as first-line treatment. However, treatment was ceased after 18 weeks because of immune-related renal failure and disease progression. In the meantime, the next-generation sequencing results of the liver biopsy had revealed an exon 18 E709_T710delinsD mutation. Therefore, afatinib was administered, which was moderately tolerated with grade 2 paronychia and acneiform skin eruption. After 6 months, a partial response with ongoing decrease of the liver metastasis was retained.

Conclusion

Because of the lack of clinical trials, tumor heterogeneity, and a tyrosine kinase inhibitor affinity related to the different mutation types, it is difficult to predict the clinical outcome of tyrosine kinase inhibitor in uncommon mutations. Therefore, a therapeutic trial with tyrosine kinase inhibitor has to be considered, but the expected clinical response is lower than for common mutations.
Six1 promotes skeletal muscle thyroid hormone response through regulation of the MCT10 transporter
Authors: Girgis John , Yang Dabo , Chakroun Imane , Liu Yubing , Blais Alexandre
Published: November 2021

Background

The Six1 transcription factor is implicated in controlling the development of several tissue types, notably skeletal muscle. Six1 also contributes to muscle metabolism and its activity is associated with the fast-twitch, glycolytic phenotype. Six1 regulates the expression of certain genes of the fast muscle program by directly stimulating their transcription or indirectly acting through a long non-coding RNA. We hypothesized that additional mechanisms of action of Six1 might be at play.

Methods

A combined analysis of gene expression profiling and genome-wide location analysis data was performed. Results were validated using in vivo RNA interference loss-of-function assays followed by measurement of gene expression by RT-PCR and transcriptional reporter assays.

Results

The Slc16a10 gene, encoding the thyroid hormone transmembrane transporter MCT10, was identified as a gene with a transcriptional enhancer directly bound by Six1 and requiring Six1 activity for full expression in adult mouse tibialis anterior, a predominantly fast-twitch muscle. Of the various thyroid hormone transporters, MCT10 mRNA was found to be the most abundant in skeletal muscle, and to have a stronger expression in fast-twitch compared to slow-twitch muscle groups. Loss-of-function of MCT10 in the tibialis anterior recapitulated the effect of Six1 on the expression of fast-twitch muscle genes and led to lower activity of a thyroid hormone receptor-dependent reporter gene.

Conclusions

These results shed light on the molecular mechanisms controlling the tissue expression profile of MCT10 and identify modulation of the thyroid hormone signaling pathway as an additional mechanism by which Six1 influences skeletal muscle metabolism.
Comparison of [18F] NaF PET/CT dynamic analysis methods and a static analysis method including derivation of a semi-population input function for site-specific measurements of bone formation in a population with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder
Authors: Vrist M. H. , Bech J. N. , Lauridsen T. G. , Fynbo C. A. , Theil J.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare dynamic and static whole-body (WB) [18F]NaF PET/CT scan methods used for analysis of bone plasma clearance in patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD).

Methods

Seventeen patients with CKD-MBD underwent a 60-min dynamic scan followed by a 30-min static WB scan. Tracer kinetics in four thoracic vertebrae were analysed using nonlinear regression and Patlak analysis using image-derived arterial input functions. The static WB scan was analysed using a simplified Patlak method requiring only a single data point in combination with a fixed y-intercept value (V0), both obtained using a semi-population function. The semi-population function was constructed by combining a previously derived population input function in combination with data from venous blood samples. Static WB scan analysis data, obtained from the semi-population input functions, was compared with paired data obtained using dynamic input functions.

Results

Bone plasma clearance (Ki) from Patlak analyses correlated well with nonlinear regression analysis, but Ki results using Patlak analysis were lower than Ki results using nonlinear regression analysis. However, no significant difference was found between Ki obtained by static WB scans and Ki obtained by dynamic scans using nonlinear regression analysis (p = 0.29).

Conclusion

Bone plasma clearance measured from static WB scans correlates with clearance data measured by dynamic analysis. Static [18F]NaF PET/CT scans can be applied in future studies to measure Ki in patients with CKD-MBD, but the results should not be compared uncritically with results obtained by dynamic scan analysis.
Adult stroke survivor’s reintegration to normal living: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ogunlana Michael Opeoluwa , Govender Pragashnie , Oyewole Olufemi Oyeleye , Nwosu Ifeoma Blessing
Published: November 2021

Background

To the best of our knowledge, a scoping review of the published literature investigating the determinants of adult stroke survivors’ reintegration to normal living has not been conducted. This scoping review aims to critically review the evidence investigating reintegration to normal living following a stroke. The following questions on reintegration to normal living after stroke will pivot this review: (i) what factors are associated with returning to normal living of stroke survivors? (ii) what are the overall determinants of reintegration to normal living of stroke survivors? To fully understand these questions, we also ask, how is reintegration to normal living assessed throughout stroke literature?

Methods

A scoping review will be conducted based on the methodology presented by Arksey and O’Malley and extended by Levac and colleagues. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was adopted to develop the protocol. This study will include studies involving participants ≥ 18 years old, who are stroke survivors reintegrating to normal living in the community. With no time limitations, English language publications and all study designs reporting on reintegration to normal living of stroke survivors’ will be sourced. The abstract and full-text screening will be conducted by two independent reviewers, including data charting. Thematic analysis will be used to align relevant themes and will be presented in a narrative.

Discussion

We anticipate that the scoping review will highlight the available resources and evidence on factors that determine reintegration to normal living of stroke survivors. This may contribute to informed empirical evidence for rehabilitation professionals to enhance the functional recovery of stroke survivors. It may also reveal other areas for research into reintegration to normal living for stroke survivors.

Scoping review registration

The protocol has been registered prospectively on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/36tuz/).
Feasibility-based fixed point networks
Authors: Heaton Howard , Wu Fung Samy , Gibali Aviv , Yin Wotao
Published: November 2021

Inverse problems consist of recovering a signal from a collection of noisy measurements. These problems can often be cast as feasibility problems; however, additional regularization is typically necessary to ensure accurate and stable recovery with respect to data perturbations. Hand-chosen analytic regularization can yield desirable theoretical guarantees, but such approaches have limited effectiveness recovering signals due to their inability to leverage large amounts of available data. To this end, this work fuses data-driven regularization and convex feasibility in a theoretically sound manner. This is accomplished using feasibility-based fixed point networks (F-FPNs). Each F-FPN defines a collection of nonexpansive operators, each of which is the composition of a projection-based operator and a data-driven regularization operator. Fixed point iteration is used to compute fixed points of these operators, and weights of the operators are tuned so that the fixed points closely represent available data. Numerical examples demonstrate performance increases by F-FPNs when compared to standard TV-based recovery methods for CT reconstruction and a comparable neural network based on algorithm unrolling. Codes are available on Github: github.com/howardheaton/feasibility_fixed_point_networks.
Complementary feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia: Secondary data analysis of Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey 2019
Authors: Shagaro Sewunet Sako , Mulugeta Be’emnet Tekabe , Kale Temesgen Dileba
Published: November 2021

Background

Optimal nutrition in early child’s life plays a vital role in improving mental and motor development, reduces the possibility of contracting various infectious diseases and related deaths, decreases the risk of obesity, and fosters better overall development. However, 45% of deaths in children under five years of age that occur globally is attributed to nutrition-related factors and the majority of these deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries. Therefore, this study aims to assess complementary feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia.

Method

The study used the Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey 2019 data. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique was used to select 1465 mothers of children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia. Two-level multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model analysis was computed, and variables withp-value of less than 5% and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval in the final model were reported as statistically significant factors with appropriate complementary feeding practice.

Result

The overall prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practice among mothers of children aged 6–23 months was 9.76%. In our study, mothers who attended primary[AOR = 2.72; 95%CI: 1.47–5.01], secondary[AOR = 2.64; 95%CI: 1.18–5.92] and higher school[AOR = 5.39; 95%CI: 2.29–12.64], being from medium income household[AOR = 2.89; 95%CI: 1.41–5.92], attended 1–3 times ANC visits in index pregnancy[AOR = 0.41; 95%CI: 0.18–0.89], mothers who have 12–17 months[AOR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.16–3.33] and 18–23 months old children[AOR = 2.61; 95%CI: 1.49–4.54], currently breastfeeding mothers[AOR = 3.69; 95%CI: 1.73–7.91], mothers from pastoralist contextual regions[AOR = 0.29; 95%CI: 0.09–0.91], and mothers who have resided in rural areas[AOR = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.25–0.97] were factors significantly associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice.

Conclusion

This study showed low prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practice. Therefore, the concerned health authorities need to strengthen the existing approaches designed for provision of nutrition education particularly targeting mothers who are unschooled, who have 6–11 months old children, live in pastoralist regions and reside in rural parts of the country, and create strategies that improve maternal job opportunities.
Individual and community-level factors associated with modern contraceptive use among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of 2016 Ethiopia demographic and health survey
Authors: Hailegebreal Samuel , Seboka Binyam Tariku , Ahmed Mohammedjud Hassen , Teferi Gizaw Hailiye , Regasa Zegaye , Tekabe Beemnet , Sako Sewunet , Gilano Girma
Published: November 2021

Background

The importance of contraception use is immense for young girls of age 15–24 years. In literatures, there were significant attempts made to study factors associated with adolescent and young women contraception use in Africa. Despite the resulting interventions followed those studies, the contraception uses among youth population in Africa remained below average. Thus, this study is aimed to assess individual and community-level factors associated with contraceptive use in Ethiopian context to support further interventions.

Methods

Our analysis was based on the secondary data from Ethiopia Demography and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15–24 years were the target population. Means, standard deviations, and proportions were used to describe the study population. To control for the variations due to the differences between clusters, a series of multilevel logistic regression modeling steps were followed and determinants of contraceptive use were outplayed. All variables with bivariate p-value < 0.25 were included in the models and p-value < 0.05 was used to declare associations.

Results

The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among AGYW in Ethiopia was 34.89% [95% CI, 0.32, 0.36]. Married adolescents were 2.01 times [AOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.39,3.16], having work was 1.36 times [AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.06,1.71], living in urban areas was 1.61 times [AOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.16,2.45], being in middle wealth status was 1.9 times [AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.32,2.65], being in rich wealth quintile was 1.99 time [AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.35,2.68], and having TV exposure was 1.61 times [AOR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.17,2.20] more likely associated with modern contraceptive uses.

Conclusion

The use of modern contraception among AGYW in the country remained appealing and factors like region, residence, marital status, wealth index, religion, working status, parity, husband desire children, ever aborted AGYW, and the television exposures were attributed for the poor improvements. Therefore, the enhancements that consult those factors remained remarkable in improving contraception use, while further increasing in educational engagement, access to health services, and economic empowerment of the AGYW might be the good advantages for the improvements.
Feasibility of a randomized hypertension screening initiative in the perioperative setting
Authors: Diaz Sofia I. , Yan Luying , Dai Feng , Zhou Bin , Burg Matthew M. , Schonberger Robert B.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study sought to assess feasibility of a randomized trial of blood pressure intervention (home blood pressure monitoring vs. counseling) in the preoperative clinic and the baseline rates of primary care follow-up after such interventions.

Methods

A prospective randomized feasibility study was performed at Yale New Haven Hospital Preadmission Testing Clinic. A sample of 100 adults, with elevated blood pressure, were recruited during their preadmission visit, and randomized 1:1 to receive brief BP counseling and an educational brochure versus additionally receiving a home BP monitor (HBPM) with a mailed report of their home readings. At 60-day post-surgery telephone follow-up, investigators asked whether participants had primary-care follow-up; had new/adjusted hypertension treatment; and felt satisfied with the study.

Results

There were 51 patients in the counseling group and 49 in the HBPM group. Of 46 patients in the HBPM group who returned their monitors, 36 (78%) were hypertensive at home. At 60 days post-surgery, 31 (61%) patients in the counseling group and 30 (61%) in the HBPM group were reached by telephone with the remaining followed by EHR. Thirty-six (71%) patients in the counseling group and 36 (73%) in the HBPM group had seen their primary care provider. Seventeen of 36 (47%) in the counseling group and 18 of 31 (58%) in the HBPM group received new or adjusted hypertension medications. Sixty-one participants answered questions regarding their satisfaction with the study with 52 (85%) reporting that they felt moderately to very satisfied.

Conclusions

This feasibility study suggests that interventional blood pressure trials in the preoperative clinic are feasible, but telephone follow-up leads to significant gaps in outcome ascertainment.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03634813. Registered 16 of August 2018.
RyR1-related myopathy mutations in ATP and calcium binding sites impair channel regulation
Authors: Yuan Qi , Dridi Haikel , Clarke Oliver B. , Reiken Steven , Melville Zephan , Wronska Anetta , Kushnir Alexander , Zalk Ran , Sittenfeld Leah , Marks Andrew R.
Published: November 2021

The type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) is an intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release channel on the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum that is required for skeletal muscle contraction. RyR1 channel activity is modulated by ligands, including the activators Ca2+ and ATP. Patients with inherited mutations in RyR1 may exhibit muscle weakness as part of a heterogeneous, complex disorder known as RYR1-related myopathy (RYR1-RM) or more recently termed RYR1-related disorders (RYR1-RD). Guided by high-resolution structures of skeletal muscle RyR1, obtained using cryogenic electron microscopy, we introduced mutations into putative Ca2+ and ATP binding sites and studied the function of the resulting mutant channels. These mutations confirmed the functional significance of the Ca2+ and ATP binding sites identified by structural studies based on the effects on channel regulation. Under normal conditions, Ca2+ activates RyR1 at low concentrations (µM) and inhibits it at high concentrations (mM). Mutations in the Ca2+-binding site impaired both activating and inhibitory regulation of the channel, suggesting a single site for both high and low affinity Ca2+-dependent regulation of RyR1 function. Mutation of residues that interact with the adenine ring of ATP abrogated ATP binding to the channel, whereas mutating residues that interact with the triphosphate tail only affected the degree of activation. In addition, patients with mutations at the Ca2+ or ATP binding sites suffer from muscle weakness, therefore impaired RyR1 channel regulation by either Ca2+ or ATP may contribute to the pathophysiology of RYR1-RM in some patients.
Impact of primary dentition malocclusion on the oral health-related quality of life in preschoolers
Authors: de Vasconcelos Fernanda Marques Torres , Vitali Filipe Colombo , Ximenes Marcos , Dias Loraine Fernandes , da Silva Carla Pereira , Borgatto Adriano Ferrati , Bolan Michele , Cardoso Mariane
Published: November 2021

Background

Malocclusion is a condition frequently seen in primary dentition due to the interaction of environmental, genetic and behavioural factors. The occurrence of some types of malocclusions can have an impact on oral health-related quality of life in children. Hence, the present study aimed to verify the impact of primary dentition malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life in preschool children.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Florianopolis, Brazil, with a representative sample of 1050 preschoolers aged between 2 and 5 years, randomly selected. Parents answered the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale and also to a questionnaire on socio-economic indicators. Data obtained from the questionnaire were obtained by item response theory based on model of gradual response. The malocclusion assessed was: anterior open bite, increased overjet and posterior crossbite. Poisson regression model was employed for multivariate analysis (P < 0.05).

Results

Malocclusion was observed in 36.7% of the children. Of these, 11.4% were anterior open bite, 67.2% were increased overjet, and 21.4% were posterior crossbite. Malocclusion's impact on oral health-related quality of life was 28.6%. In children aged 4–5 years, the prevalence of malocclusion’s impact on quality of life was 49.5% higher than in children aged 2–3 years. Statistical analysis showed that preschool children with malocclusion showed no significant impact on quality of life.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicate that the occurrence of primary dentition malocclusion has no impact on the quality of life of children aged 2–5 years.
Appendix-preserving elective herniorrhaphy for de Garengeot hernia: two case reports
Authors: Imataki Hiromitsu , Miyake Hideo , Nagai Hidemasa , Yoshioka Yuichiro , Shibata Koji , Kambara Yuichi , Yuasa Norihiro
Published: November 2021

Background

Emergency appendectomy is often performed for de Garengeot hernia. However, in some cases, there may be a chance to perform an appendix-preserving elective surgery.

Case description

A 76-year-old woman presented to our hospital with complaints of a right inguinal swelling, which we diagnosed as a de Garengeot hernia using computed tomography (CT). B-mode ultrasonography (US) of the mass showed an appendix 4–6 mm in diameter with a clear wall structure; color Doppler US showed pulsatile blood flow signal in the appendiceal wall. Twenty-eight days later, herniorrhaphy with transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) was performed without appendectomy. Another 70-year-old woman presented to our hospital with complaints of a painful bulge in the right inguinal region. The diagnosis of de Garengeot hernia was made using CT. B-mode US showed an appendix 5 mm in diameter with a clear wall structure. Color Doppler US showed a pulsatile blood signal in the appendiceal wall. Seven days later, herniorrhaphy with TAPP was performed without appendectomy.

Conclusion

De Garengeot hernia is often associated with appendicitis; however, an appendix-preserving elective herniorrhaphy can be performed if US and intraoperative findings do not suggest appendicitis or circulatory compromise in the appendix.
Use of hydrocolloid dressing in infants requiring open chest management after cardiac surgery
Authors: Yokoyama Shinya , Tonomura Rei , Fukuba Ryohei , Mitani Kazuhiro , Uemura Hideki
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Sternal splintage is known as an effective maneuver to stabilize hemodynamics during the immediate postoperative period, particularly in very sick infants. On the other hand, its wound management is not always straightforward. We employed dressing using a product made of a hydrocolloid material in such circumstances. This report describes our experience in utilizing the dressing in term of its potential advantages.

Materials and methods

Six infants needed open chest management following complicated procedures for congenital heart disease. A polytetrafluoroethylene patch was fixed to augment the skin defect at the time of sternal splintage, and a hydrocolloid dressing was applied to entirely cover the wound including the suture line.

Result

All patients survived their difficult circumstances. None of them suffered wound complications such as infection or healing problem during sternal splintage or subsequent to eventual chest closure. The dressing product was easy to handle with no adverse events associated with its material.

Conclusions

It is reconfirmed that a dressing made of hydrocolloid material was of practical use for sealing the wound in infants requiring open chest management after cardiac surgery.
Evaluation of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in Identifying Active Females Who are Prone to Injury. A Systematic Review
Authors: Asgari Mojtaba , Alizadeh Shahab , Sendt Anna , Jaitner Thomas
Published: November 2021

Background

The validity of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in identifying active females who are predisposed to injury has not been specifically reviewed. This study aims to synthesize the literature on the ability of the FMS to identify at-risk active females.

Methods

Six online databases, including PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar, were searched for the period of April 2006 to September 2021. Out of the 61 potential references, 17 were reviewed in detail with respect to the inclusion criteria; ten were ultimately included. The risk of bias, applicability and level of the studies were then identified using the QUADAS-2 and a checklist for assessing methodological quality. The following data were obtained from the included studies: year of publication, title, study type, participants’ demographic, sample size, FMS cutoff point, injury definition, statistical analyses used, FMS results and study level.

Results

Generally, the quality of eight studies was poor to moderate due to both small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. Except for a study on military members, all studies were carried out on team sports players. The overall bias of the studies was low, but there was an unclear amount of bias for participant selection. Two studies reported no predictive validity for the FMS, while three defended its predictive validity; the rest partially supported the FMS as a valid diagnostic tool. The reliability of the recommended cutoff point was confirmed, though cutoffs higher than 14 were significantly associated with the predictive ability of the FMS.

Conclusion

Although the FMS is reliable for clinical practice, and the current literature shows promise regarding the predictive ability of the FMS among active females, concerns remain regarding its validity in identifying at-risk females. Given the lack of clarity in the literature on the use of the FMS in females, further well-organized studies with larger sample sizes and longer monitoring periods are highly recommended. The sensitivity and specificity of the recommended cutoff of ≤ 14 has considerably decreased , and higher cutoff values should be applied to increase the FMS predictive ability.

Level of evidence The level of evidence was determined to be 2b.