bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching cards as low-cost and brief materials for teaching basic life support to 6–10-year-old primary school children – a quasi-experimental combination design study
Authors: Kovács Anita , Bánfai-Csonka Henrietta , Betlehem József , Ferkai Luca Anna , Deutsch Krisztina , Musch János , Bánfai Bálint
Published: November 2022

Aim

Teaching Basic Life Support (BLS) in schools is a key initiative to improve the survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Low-cost training materials can reach a wider population. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of using teaching cards with the traditional instructor-led and combined methods on BLS skills and attitude and to evaluate the long-term effects after two months.

Methods

A quasi-experimental combination design study. Two hundred sixty-three schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 years were assigned to three groups with different methods to teach BLS: teaching card group (n = 100), traditional instructor-led teaching group (n = 91), combined teaching group (n = 72). BLS skills and attitude were measured and compared before the training (T0), after the training (T1), and two months later (T2).

Results

BLS skills improved in every group at T1 compared to T0 (p < 0.001) and remained higher at T2 than at T0 in almost all cases (p < 0.001). Skill performance was similar in most of the skills between the three groups at T1. The best skill scores acquired were calling the ambulance and the correct hand position by chest compression. Positioning the head during check the breathing was more effective in the traditional group (48.4%) and combined group (61.1%) than in the teaching card group (19.0%) (p < 0.001) at T1. However, some skills improved significantly in the teaching card group at T2: check breathing for 10 s (p = 0.016); positioning the head by check breathing (p < 0.001); and positioning the head by ventilation (p = 0.011). Attitude did not change significantly in any of the groups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the level of attitude was inferior in the teaching card group compared with the traditional (p = 0.005), and the combined groups (p = 0.049).

Conclusion

Using low-cost materials for teaching BLS for young schoolchildren can improve their skills, however, could not improve attitudes. Teaching cards were not inferior compared to traditional and combined methods in some skills but inferior in others. Therefore, hands-on training opportunity is still important. Teaching cards are useful for long-term learning. To learn correctly the whole sequence of BLS is difficult for 6 to 10 years-old children, however, they are able to learn more BLS-related skills separately.
Investigating public awareness, prevailing attitudes and perceptions towards domestic violence and abuse in the United Kingdom: a qualitative study
Authors: Sivarajasingam Vasumathy , Webber Iman , Riboli-Sasco Eva , Alaa Aos , El-Osta Austen
Published: November 2022

Background

Reported cases of Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) have increased since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns. Understanding the general public’s view about DVA is vital, as it would help develop targeted interventions and effective public policies to tackle this rising problem in society. Our qualitative study investigated the public awareness, attitudes and perceptions towards DVA, and explored mechanisms to tackle DVA in the community setting in the UK.

Methods

The research team conducted personal interviews with 29 community dwelling adults who responded to study invitations and adverts on social media. We used a topic guide to ensure consistency across the interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically to detect emergent themes concerning DVA.

Results

All respondents were aware of the concept of abuse. Thirty-eight percent declared either having experienced DVA directly or that they knew someone close to being abused. More than half of the respondents were not aware of existing DVA supportive services in the UK. Overarching themes generated from the contextual analysis included contributing factors for DVA, challenges and barriers facing victims and proposals for future interventions.

Conclusions

Community dwelling adults have a good understanding of the impacts of DVA, but many fail to recognise specific instances or events in their daily lives contributing to DVA. Raising public awareness, particularly in children through the school curriculum, highlighting existing support services and introducing the routine use of short screening tools for DVA in health and social care settings can increase awareness, early identification and signposting to effective interventions. Sustained, multi-level community facing interventions are recommended to reduce stigma and fear associated with DVA.
Nonconforming gender expression and insufficient sleep among adolescents during COVID-19 school closure and after school reopening
Authors: Lian Qiguo , Lou Chaohua , Zhong Xiangyang , Zhang Jiashuai , Tu Xiaowen , Fang Yuhang , Yu Chunyan , Zuo Xiayun
Published: November 2022

Background

Gender nonconformity (GNC) (i.e., gender expression that differs from gender role expectations for feminine or masculine appearance and behavior) is an under-researched area of adolescent sleep health. The COVID-19 lockdown offers an opportunity to understand how the effect of GNC on adolescent health outcomes changes between school closure and reopening.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China, in 2020. The sample size for analysis was 3,265. The age-specific insufficient sleep was estimated according to National Sleep Foundation's sleep duration recommendations. The self-perceived and self-rated GNC were measured by the two items “On the same scale that goes from 100% as a girl to 100% as a boy, where do you think others see you?” and “On a scale that goes from feeling 100% like a girl to feeling 100% like a boy, where do you see yourself?”, and birth sex. In addition, we calculated sex-stratified adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of insufficient sleep for students with high and moderate GNC compared to students with low GNC. Finally, we measured the AORs with self-perceived and self-rated GNC during COVID-19 school closure and reopening.

Results

Among 3,265 students in grade 6–12 in the analytic sample, 1,567(48.0%) were assigned female at birth (AFAB), 3,188 (97.6%) Han, and 1,921(58.8%) in grade 6–9. Among AFAB students, high self-perceived GNC was significantly associated with insufficient sleep (AOR,1.65; 95%CI,1.30–2.09) during school closure. Insufficient sleep was associated with high self-rated GNC (AOR,1.73; 95%CI,1.23–2.44) and moderate self-rated GNC (AOR,1.69; 95%CI,1.29–2.22) during school closure. After school reopening, neither self-perceived nor self-rated GNC was associated with insufficient sleep among AFAB students. Among assigned male at birth (AMAB) students, none of the two kinds of GNC was associated with insufficient sleep in the two periods during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

This study suggests GNC is only associated with insufficient sleep among AFAB students during school closure. Furthermore, the association is nonsignificant among AMAB students. These findings indicate that GNC-related stigma within the family could be a risk factor for insufficient sleep among AFAB adolescents.
Adaptation and study protocol of the evidence-based Make Better Choices (MBC2) multiple diet and activity change intervention for a rural Appalachian population
Authors: Schoenberg Nancy E. , Sherman Deanna , Pfammatter Angela Fidler , Roberts Michelle K. , Chih Ming-Yuan , Vos Sarah C. , Spring Bonnie
Published: November 2022

Background

Rural Appalachian residents experience among the highest prevalence of chronic disease, premature mortality, and decreased life expectancy in the nation. Addressing these growing inequities while avoiding duplicating existing programming necessitates the development of appropriate adaptations of evidence-based lifestyle interventions. Yet few published articles explicate how to accomplish such contextual and cultural adaptation.

Methods

In this paper, we describe the process of adapting the Make Better Choices 2 (MBC2) mHealth diet and activity randomized trial and the revised protocol for intervention implementation in rural Appalachia. Deploying the NIH’s Cultural Framework on Health and Aaron’s Adaptation framework, the iterative adaptation process included convening focus groups (N = 4, 38 participants), conducting key informant interviews (N = 16), verifying findings with our Community Advisory Board (N = 9), and deploying usability surveys (N = 8), wireframing (N = 8), and pilot testing (N = 9. This intense process resulted in a comprehensive revision of recruitment, retention, assessment, and intervention components. For the main trial, 350 participants will be randomized to receive either the multicomponent MBC2 diet and activity intervention or an active control condition (stress and sleep management). The main outcome is a composite score of four behavioral outcomes: two outcomes related to diet (increased fruits and vegetables and decreased saturated fat intake) and two related to activity (increased moderate vigorous physical activity [MVPA] and decreased time spent on sedentary activities). Secondary outcomes include change in biomarkers, including blood pressure, lipids, A1C, waist circumference, and BMI.

Discussion

Adaptation and implementation of evidence-based interventions is necessary to ensure efficacious contextually and culturally appropriate health services and programs, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. This article describes the development process of an adapted, community-embedded health intervention and the final protocol created to improve health behavior and, ultimately, advance health equity.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04309461. The trial was registered on 6/3/2020.
Autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue associated with arthroscopy in moderate–severe knee osteoarthritis: outcome at two year follow-up
Authors: Giorgini Andrea , Selleri Filippo , Zambianchi Francesco , Cataldo Giacomo , Francioni Elena , Catani Fabio
Published: November 2022

Background

Adipose tissue has recently gained growing interest in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single injection of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue (aMFAT) associated with arthroscopy (cartilage debridement/meniscal regularization or selective meniscectomy/micro-drilling) for symptomatic knee OA.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center study included 49 patients (50 knees) affected by knee OA (radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence III-IV) treated with a single injection of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue and knee arthroscopy. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were the primary outcome measures and were collected at one and 2 years post-operatively. Patients were divided into clusters based on age, complexity of arthroscopic procedures and chondral lesion grade.

Results

Four patients underwent knee replacement (8%). No major adverse events were reported. Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for KOOS and IKDC was reached by 84 and 74% of all cases at 1 year and by 80 and 76% at 2 years, respectively. High grade chondral lesions negatively affected the outcome at 2 years follow-up (p < 0.05 for IKDC, KOOS overall and 3 out of 5 subscales).

Conclusion

The injection of micro-fragmented adipose tissue associated with arthroscopy demonstrated to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of knee OA, with a substantial improvement in IKDC and KOOS scores and without major complications.
3D planning and patient specific instrumentation for intraarticular corrective osteotomy of trapeziometacarpal-, metacarpal and finger joints
Authors: Kabelitz Method , Furrer Pascal Raffael , Hodel Sandro , Canonica Sandro , Schweizer Andreas
Published: November 2022

Background

Intra-articular malunions of the finger can lead to deformity and loss of function and can be treated with intra-articular corrective osteotomies. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiographic joint congruency, feasibility and functional outcome of three-dimensional (3D) printed patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) for corrective osteotomies at the trapeziometacarpal and finger joints.

Methods

Computer-tomography (CT) scans were acquired preoperatively for standard 3D planning, which was followed by calculation of cutting planes and the design of individualized bone surface contact drilling, sawing and reposition guides. Follow-up CT scans and clinical examinations (range of motion, grip strength) were performed. Postoperative complications were documented and patient-reported outcome measurements were assessed (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ)).

Results

Ten patients (mean age 28.4 ± 12.8,range 13.8–51.3) years) were included with a mean follow-up of 21 ± 18 (3–59) months including seven osteotomies at the trapeziometacarpal or metacarpophalangeal joints and three at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP). All radiographic follow-up examinations showed the planned correction with good joint congruency and regular osseous consolidation. At the latest follow-up, the range of motion (ROM) increased and the average grip strength recovered to the level of the contralateral side. No postoperative complication was detected. The mean SANE score improved from 44 ± 23 (0–70) to 82 ± 12 (60–90) after a mean of 72 ± 20 (44–114) months. The mean postoperative brief MHQ was 92 ± 8 (71–98).

Conclusion

The use of 3D PSI in treating intra-articular malunions at the trapeziometacarpal and finger joints restored articular congruency accurately. ROM and grip strength improved postoperatively comparable to the healthy contralateral side and patient-reported outcome measures improved after medium-term follow-up.
Interplay of pandemic and seasonal parameters in dental emergency service
Authors: Hell Charlott Luise , Deschner James , Cores Ziskoven Pablo , Mildenberger Philipp , Weusmann Jens
Published: November 2022

Background

To evaluate the relationship between pandemic events and dental emergency service frequentation. Utilization patterns in the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed and considered in regard of seasonal parameters.

Methods

All outpatients seeking treatment in a university hospital’s dental emergency service were analyzed in the years 2019, 2019 and 2020 according to demographic data and emergencies were subdivided into “absolute” and “relative”. The years 2018 and 2019 were used to compare COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 phases. Defined waves of the pandemic were compared with equivalent prior-year periods.

Results

Our study includes 11,219 dental emergency patients over a period of three years with a slight surplus of male patients. Comparing the pre-COVID-19 years and 2020 as a year of pandemic, the total count of cases decreased by more than 25%. The share of absolute emergencies in 2020 was higher than in the years before (p < 0.0001). The under-utilization during the waves was more pronounced during the first wave compared to the second waves.

Conclusions

Additionally to the clear decrease by more than 25% in 2020, we found an inverse dependency of 7-day-incidence of COVID-19 and number of visits. This effect was more distinct for relative emergencies, while the number of patients with absolute emergencies remains rather constant. Probably, there is an acclimatization effect regarding the waves. Patients older than 60 years who suffered from relative emergencies showed an under-utilzation during 2020. During a pandemic such as COVID-19, the effect of under-utilization is more pronounced among elderly patients. However, a pandemic acclimatization effect seems to occur. This can be taken into account in the administration of this kind of circumstances in the future.
Requirements and challenges of hospital dashboards: a systematic literature review
Authors: Rabiei Reza , Almasi Sohrab
Published: November 2022

Background

Today, the use of data in administrative and clinical processes is quite challenging due to the large volume of data, data collection from various sources, and lack of data structure. As a data management tool, dashboards play an important role in timely visual display of critical information on key performances.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to identify functional and non-functional requirements, as well as challenges of using dashboards in hospitals.

Methods

In this systematic review, four databases, including the Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus, were searched to find relevant articles from 2000 until May 30, 2020. The final search was conducted on May 30, 2020. Data collection was performed using a data extraction form and reviewing the content of relevant studies on the potentials and challenges of dashboard implementation.

Results

Fifty-four out of 1254 retrieved articles were selected for this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The functional requirements for dashboards included reporting, reminders, customization, tracking, alert creation, and assessment of performance indicators. On the other hand, the non-functional requirements included the dashboard speed, security, ease of use, installation on different devices (e.g., PCs and laptops), integration with other systems, web-based design, inclusion of a data warehouse, being up-to-data, and use of data visualization elements based on the user’s needs. Moreover, the identified challenges were categorized into four groups: data sources, dashboard content, dashboard design, implementation, and integration in other systems at the hospital level.

Conclusion

Dashboards, by providing information in an appropriate manner, can lead to the proper use of information by users. In order for a dashboard to be effective in clinical and managerial processes, particular attention must be paid to its capabilities, and the challenges of its implementation need to be addressed.
Compliance with hand hygiene practices among nursing staff in secondary healthcare hospitals in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Anazi Sarah , Al-Dhefeery Nora , Al-Hjaili Rawan , Al-Duwaihees Awsaf , Al-Mutairi Ahad , Al-Saeedi Reem , Al-Dhaen Retaj , Al-Rabiah Sara , Sharaf-Alddin Reem
Published: November 2022

Background

Hand hygiene (HH) among healthcare workers, especially nurses, is the main preventive measure to control healthcare associated infections but compliance with hand hygiene (CwHH) remains low in various settings including Kuwait. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of, attitudes towards, and CwHH among nursing staff in secondary care hospitals in Kuwait.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on nursing staff in all six secondary care hospitals in Kuwait. Data on knowledge of, attitudes towards, and self-reported CwHH were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on WHO’s questionnaire, while the data on actual compliance were objectively collected through direct observation of nurses during routine care by two independent observers using WHO’s observation form.

Results

Of 829 nurses approached, 765 (92.2%) responded and participated. Of all participants, 524 (68.5%) were able to list “My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene” fully and appropriately. However, several misconceptions (e.g. air circulation in hospital is the main route of infection) about HH were found among the nurses. CwHH was (25.0%) by direct observation while self-reported compliance was (69.5%) each varied significantly (p < 0.001) between different hospitals. Female nurses compared to male nurses and non-Arab compared to Arab nationalities were more likely to report CwHH in multivariable analysis. Several items on knowledge of and attitudes towards HH were also associated with self-reported CwHH.

Conclusion

Observed CwHH among nursing staff in secondary care hospitals in Kuwait was low, which highlights the need to make more efforts to improve HH practices. Interventions that have been used elsewhere and found to be effective may be tested in Kuwait. Despite the good overall knowledge on HH among nurses, there are several misconceptions that need to be corrected.
Preparing for pandemics: a systematic review of pandemic influenza clinical management guidelines
Authors: Rigby Ishmeala , Michelen Melina , Cheng Vincent , Dagens Andrew , Dahmash Dania , Lipworth Samuel , Harriss Eli , Cai Erhui , Balan Valeria , Oti Alexandra , Joseph Reena , Groves Helen , Hart Peter , Jacob Shevin , Blumberg Lucille , Horby Peter W. , Sigfrid Louise
Published: November 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of evidence-based clinical decision-making. Clinical management guidelines (CMGs) may help reduce morbidity and mortality by improving the quality of clinical decisions. This systematic review aims to evaluate the availability, inclusivity, and quality of pandemic influenza CMGs, to identify gaps that can be addressed to strengthen pandemic preparedness in this area.

Methods

Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, TRIP (Turning Research Into Practice), and Guideline Central were searched systematically from January 2008 to 23rd June 2022, complemented by a grey literature search till 16th June 2022. Pandemic influenza CMGs including supportive care or empirical treatment recommendations were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies and assessed their quality using AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation). The findings are presented narratively.

Results

Forty-eight CMGs were included. They were produced in high- (42%, 20/48), upper-middle- (40%, 19/48), and lower-middle (8%, 4/48) income countries, or by international organisations (10%, 5/48). Most CMGs (81%, 39/48) were over 5 years old. Guidelines included treatment recommendations for children (75%, 36/48), pregnant women (54%, 26/48), people with immunosuppression (33%, 16/48), and older adults (29%, 14/48). Many CMGs were of low quality (median overall score: 3 out of 7 (range 1–7). All recommended oseltamivir; recommendations for other neuraminidase inhibitors and supportive care were limited and at times contradictory. Only 56% (27/48) and 27% (13/48) addressed oxygen and fluid therapy, respectively.

Conclusions

Our data highlights the limited availability of up-to-date pandemic influenza CMGs globally. Of those identified, many were limited in scope and quality and several lacked recommendations for specific at-risk populations. Recommendations on supportive care, the mainstay of treatment, were limited and heterogeneous. The most recent guideline highlighted that the evidence-base to support antiviral treatment recommendations is still limited. There is an urgent need for trials into treatment and supportive care strategies including for different risk populations. New evidence should be incorporated into globally accessible guidelines, to benefit patient outcomes. A ‘living guideline’ framework is recommended and further research into guideline implementation in different resourced settings, particularly low- and middle-income countries.
Collection of peripheral blood mononucleated cells for chronic graft-versus-host disease immunology research: safety and effectiveness of leukapheresis in 132 patients
Authors: Mina Alain , Curtis Lauren , West Kamille , Yau Yu Ying , Cowen Edward W. , Hakim Frances , Pavletic Steven Z.
Published: November 2022

Background

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of late morbidity and non-relapse mortality in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Its biology, however, remains poorly understood, making the studies of its biology and immunomodulatory therapies a difficult task. Such research is often hampered by lymphopenia which is common in these patients and precludes studies of critical cellular subsets across the spectrum of severity of disease. This study explores the potential of leukapheresis to safely acquire and efficiently store immune cells for immunology research in chronic GVHD.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study in which 132 consecutively accrued patients undergo optional research leukapheresis and a one-week comprehensive outpatient evaluation. Baseline clinical and laboratory data and efficiency of the procedure were reported.

Results

Ninety-four of 132 patients (71%) achieved the goal collection of 2 × 10^9 PBMNCs with a mean volume processed of 4.6 L. Only mild decreases in hemoglobin, platelet, lymphocyte and monocytes were observed. All adverse events were mild (grade 1) and had resolved by the time of discharge from the apheresis unit.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates feasibility, safety, and efficiency of research leukapheresis in a frail patient population. Results presented promote leukapheresis as a standard research practice option in studies of chronic GVHD in humans which may expedite advances in our understanding of this complex multisystem disease.
Evolution and function of developmentally dynamic pseudogenes in mammals
Authors: Qian Sheng Hu , Chen Lu , Xiong Yu-Li , Chen Zhen-Xia
Published: November 2022

Background

Pseudogenes are excellent markers for genome evolution, which are emerging as crucial regulators of development and disease, especially cancer. However, systematic functional characterization and evolution of pseudogenes remain largely unexplored.

Results

To systematically characterize pseudogenes, we date the origin of human and mouse pseudogenes across vertebrates and observe a burst of pseudogene gain in these two lineages. Based on a hybrid sequencing dataset combining full-length PacBio sequencing, sample-matched Illumina sequencing, and public time-course transcriptome data, we observe that abundant mammalian pseudogenes could be transcribed, which contribute to the establishment of organ identity. Our analyses reveal that developmentally dynamic pseudogenes are evolutionarily conserved and show an increasing weight during development. Besides, they are involved in complex transcriptional and post-transcriptional modulation, exhibiting the signatures of functional enrichment. Coding potential evaluation suggests that 19% of human pseudogenes could be translated, thus serving as a new way for protein innovation. Moreover, pseudogenes carry disease-associated SNPs and conduce to cancer transcriptome perturbation.

Conclusions

Our discovery reveals an unexpectedly high abundance of mammalian pseudogenes that can be transcribed and translated, and these pseudogenes represent a novel regulatory layer. Our study also prioritizes developmentally dynamic pseudogenes with signatures of functional enrichment and provides a hybrid sequencing dataset for further unraveling their biological mechanisms in organ development and carcinogenesis in the future.
Application of maple on computing strong fuzzy chromatic polynomial of fuzzy graphs
Authors: Ashebo Mamo Abebe , Rathour Laxmi , Repalle V. N. SrinivasaRao
Published: November 2022

Objective

In the field of graph theory, maple is a technical computation form that is used for solving problems. In this article, we apply maple to find the strong fuzzy chromatic polynomial of fuzzy graphs and related. Moreover, we apply maple to obtain strong fuzzy chromatic numbers of fuzzy graphs using their strong fuzzy chromatic polynomials.

Results

The strong fuzzy chromatic polynomials for fuzzy graphs, strong fuzzy graphs and complete fuzzy graphs are determined using maple. Furthermore, the strong fuzzy chromatic numbers for the fuzzy graphs are obtained.
Sex differences in the medial prefrontal cortical glutamate system
Authors: Knouse Melissa C. , McGrath Anna G. , Deutschmann Andre U. , Rich Matthew T. , Zallar Lia J. , Rajadhyaksha Anjali M. , Briand Lisa A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex underlies a variety of psychiatric illnesses, including substance use disorder, depression, and anxiety. Despite the established sex differences in prevalence and presentation of these illnesses, the neural mechanisms driving these differences are largely unexplored. Here, we investigate potential sex differences in glutamatergic transmission within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The goal of these experiments was to determine if there are baseline sex differences in transmission within this region that may underlie sex differences in diseases that involve dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex.

Methods

Adult male and female C57Bl/6J mice were used for all experiments. Mice were killed and bilateral tissue samples were taken from the medial prefrontal cortex for western blotting. Both synaptosomal and total GluA1 and GluA2 levels were measured. In a second set of experiments, mice were killed and ex vivo slice electrophysiology was performed on prepared tissue from the medial prefrontal cortex. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and rectification indices were measured.

Results

Females exhibit higher levels of synaptosomal GluA1 and GluA2 in the mPFC compared to males. Despite similar trends, no statistically significant differences are seen in total levels of GluA1 and GluA2. Females also exhibit both a higher amplitude and higher frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and greater inward rectification in the mPFC compared to males.

Conclusions

Overall, we conclude that there are sex differences in glutamatergic transmission in the mPFC. Our data suggest that females have higher levels of glutamatergic transmission in this region. This provides evidence that the development of sex-specific pharmacotherapies for various psychiatric diseases is important to create more effective treatments.
RAGE displays sex-specific differences in obesity-induced adipose tissue insulin resistance
Authors: Du Zuoqin , Wu Jiaqi , Feng Ziqian , Ma Xiaoyu , Zhang Tao , Shu Xin , Xu Jin , Wang Liqun , Luo Mao , Wu Jianbo
Published: November 2022

Background

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays an important role in obesity-associated insulin sensitivity. We have also previously reported that RAGE deficiency improved insulin resistance in obesity-induced adipose tissue. The current study was aimed to elucidate the sex-specific mechanism of RAGE deficiency in adipose tissue metabolic regulation and systemic glucose homeostasis.

Methods

RAGE-deficient (RAGE−/−) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and subjected to glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (sAT) was collected, and macrophage polarization was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Immunoblotting was performed to evaluate the insulin signaling in adipose tissues.

Results

Under HFD feeding conditions, body weight and adipocyte size of female RAGE deficient (RAGE−/−) were markedly lower than that of male mice. Female RAGE−/− mice showed significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance compared to male RAGE−/− mice, accompanied with increased M2 macrophages polarization. Expressions of genes involved in anti-oxidant and browning were up-regulated in adipose tissues of female RAGE−/− mice. Moreover, insulin-induced AKT phosphorylation was significantly elevated in adipose tissue in female RAGE−/− mice compared to male RAGE−/− mice.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that RAGE-mediated adipose tissue insulin resistance is sex-specific, which is associated with different expression of genes involved in anti-oxidant and browning and insulin-induced AKT phosphorylation.
Naturally-meaningful and efficient descriptors: machine learning of material properties based on robust one-shot ab initio descriptors
Authors: Tawfik Sherif Abdulkader , Russo Salvy P.
Published: November 2022

Establishing a data-driven pipeline for the discovery of novel materials requires the engineering of material features that can be feasibly calculated and can be applied to predict a material’s target properties. Here we propose a new class of descriptors for describing crystal structures, which we term Robust One-Shot Ab initio (ROSA) descriptors. ROSA is computationally cheap and is shown to accurately predict a range of material properties. These simple and intuitive class of descriptors are generated from the energetics of a material at a low level of theory using an incomplete ab initio calculation. We demonstrate how the incorporation of ROSA descriptors in ML-based property prediction leads to accurate predictions over a wide range of crystals, amorphized crystals, metal–organic frameworks and molecules. We believe that the low computational cost and ease of use of these descriptors will significantly improve ML-based predictions.
Drug characteristics derived from kinetic modeling: combined 11C-UCB-J human PET imaging with levetiracetam and brivaracetam occupancy of SV2A
Authors: Naganawa Mika , Gallezot Jean-Dominique , Finnema Sjoerd J. , Maguire Ralph Paul , Mercier Joël , Nabulsi Nabeel B. , Kervyn Sophie , Henry Shannan , Nicolas Jean-Marie , Huang Yiyun , Chen Ming-Kai , Hannestad Jonas , Klitgaard Henrik , Stockis Armel , Carson Richard E.
Published: November 2022

Background

Antiepileptic drugs, levetiracetam (LEV) and brivaracetam (BRV), bind to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). In their anti-seizure activity, speed of brain entry may be an important factor. BRV showed faster entry into the human and non-human primate brain, based on more rapid displacement of SV2A tracer11C-UCB-J. To extract additional information from previous human studies, we developed a nonlinear model that accounted for drug entry into the brain and binding to SV2A using brain11C-UCB-J positron emission tomography (PET) data and the time-varying plasma drug concentration, to assess the kinetic parameterK1(brain entry rate) of the drugs.

Method

Displacement (LEV or BRV p.i. 60 min post-tracer injection) and post-dose scans were conducted in five healthy subjects. Blood samples were collected for measurement of drug concentration and the tracer arterial input function. Fitting of nonlinear differential equations was applied simultaneously to time-activity curves (TACs) from displacement and post-dose scans to estimate 5 parameters:K1(drug),K1(11C-UCB-J, displacement),K1(11C-UCB-J, post-dose), free fraction of11C-UCB-J in brain (fND(11C-UCB-J)), and distribution volume of11C-UCB-J (VT(UCB-J)). Other parameters (KD(drug),KD(11C-UCB-J),fP(drug),fP(11C-UCB-J, displacement),fP(11C-UCB-J, post-dose),fND(drug),koff(drug),koff(11C-UCB-J)) were fixed to literature or measured values.

Results

The proposed model described well the TACs in all subjects; however, estimates of drugK1were unstable in comparison with11C-UCB-JK1estimation. To provide a conservative estimate of the relative speed of brain entry for BRV vs. LEV, we determined a lower bound on the ratio BRVK1/LEVK1, by finding the lowest BRVK1or highest LEVK1that were statistically consistent with the data. Specifically, we used theFtest to compare the residual sum of squares with fixed BRVK1to that with floating BRVK1to obtain the lowest possible BRVK1; the same analysis was performed to find the highest LEVK1. The lower bound of the ratio BRVK1/LEVK1was ~ 7.

Conclusions

Under appropriate conditions, this advanced nonlinear model can directly estimate entry rates of drugs into tissue by analysis of PET TACs. Using a conservative statistical cutoff, BRV enters the brain at least sevenfold faster than LEV.
An increase in Semaphorin 3A biases the axonal direction and induces an aberrant dendritic arborization in an in vitro model of human neural progenitor differentiation
Authors: Ferretti Gabriella , Romano Alessia , Sirabella Rossana , Serafini Sara , Maier Thorsten Jürgen , Matrone Carmela
Published: November 2022

Background

Semaphorins (Sema) belong to a large family of repellent guidance cues instrumental in guiding axons during development. In particular, Class 3 Sema (Sema 3) is among the best characterized Sema family members and the only produced as secreted proteins in mammals, thereby exerting both autocrine and paracrine functions. Intriguingly, an increasing number of studies supports the crucial role of the Sema 3A in hippocampal and cortical neurodevelopment. This means that alterations in Sema 3A signaling might compromise hippocampal and cortical circuits and predispose to disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Consistently, increased Sema 3A levels have been detected in brain of patients with schizophrenia and many polymorphisms in Sema 3A or in the Sema 3A receptors, Neuropilins (Npn 1 and 2) and Plexin As (Plxn As), have been associated to autism.

Results

Here we present data indicating that when overexpressed, Sema 3A causes human neural progenitors (NP) axonal retraction and an aberrant dendritic arborization. Similarly, Sema 3A, when overexpressed in human microglia, triggers proinflammatory processes that are highly detrimental to themselves as well as NP. Indeed, NP incubated in microglia overexpressing Sema 3A media retract axons within an hour and then start suffering and finally die. Sema 3A mediated retraction appears to be related to its binding to Npn 1 and Plxn A2 receptors, thus activating the downstream Fyn tyrosine kinase pathway that promotes the threonine-serine kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 5, CDK5, phosphorylation at the Tyr15 residue and the CDK5 processing to generate the active fragment p35.

Conclusions

All together this study identifies Sema 3A as a critical regulator of human NP differentiation. This may imply that an insult due to Sema 3A overexpression during the early phases of neuronal development might compromise neuronal organization and connectivity and make neurons perhaps more vulnerable to other insults across their lifespan.
Semi-supervised underwater acoustic source localization based on residual convolutional autoencoder
Authors: Jin Pian , Wang Biao , Li Lebo , Chao Peng , Xie Fangtong
Published: November 2022

Passive localization of underwater targets was a thorny problem in underwater acoustics. For traditional model-driven passive localization methods, the main challenges are the inevitable environmental mismatch and the presence of interference and noise everywhere. In recent years, data-driven machine learning approaches have opened up new possibilities for passive localization of underwater acoustics. However, the acquisition and processing of underwater acoustics data are more restricted than other scenarios, and the lack of data is one of the most enormous difficulties in the application of machine learning to underwater acoustics. To take full advantage of the relatively easy accessed unlabeled data, this paper proposes a framework for underwater acoustic source localization based on a two-step semi-supervised learning classification model. The first step is trained in unsupervised mode with the whole available dataset (labeled and unlabeled dataset), and it consists of a convolutional autoencoder (CAE) for feature extraction and self-attention (RA) mechanism for picking more useful features by applying constraints on the CAE. The second step is trained in supervised mode with the labeled dataset, and it consists of a multilayer perceptron connected to an encoder from the first step and is used to perform the source location task. The proposed framework is validated on uniform vertical line array data of SWellEx-96 event S5. Compared with the supervised model and the model without the RA, the proposed framework maintains good localization performance with the reduced labeled dataset, and the proposed framework is more robust when the training dataset and the test dataset of the second step are distributed differently, which is called “data mismatch.”
Ventricular arrhythmia burden in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator and remote patient monitoring during different time intervals of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hauck Christian , Schober Andreas , Schober Alexander , Fredersdorf Sabine , Hubauer Ute , Maier Lars , Keyser Andreas , Huttelmaier Moritz , Fischer Thomas , Jungbauer Carsten , Ücer Ekrem
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The current study investigated whether the changes in patient care in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the reduction of in-person visits, would result in a deterioration of the arrhythmic and clinical condition of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and remote patient monitoring.

Methods

Data were obtained from a local ICD registry. 140 patients who received ICD implantation at our department and had remote patient monitoring were included. The number of patients with ventricular arrhythmias, appropriate ICD therapy, the number of visits to our outpatient clinic and hospitalization due to acute coronary syndrome, stroke or heart failure were compared during three time intervals of the COVID-19 pandemic (first (LD1) and second (LD2) national lockdown in Germany and the time after the first lockdown (postLD1)) and a time interval 1 year before the pandemic began (preCOV). Each time interval was 49 days long.

Results

Patients had significantly fewer visits to our outpatient clinic during LD1 (n = 13), postLD1 (n = 22) and LD2 (n = 23) compared to the time interval before the pandemic (n = 43, each p ≤ 0.05). The number of patients with sustained ventricular arrhythmias, appropriate ICD therapy and clinical events showed no significant difference during the time intervals of the COVID-19 pandemic and the time interval 1 year prior.

Conclusions

The lockdown measures necessary to reduce the risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic, led to a reduction of in-person patient visits, but did not result in a deterioration of the arrhythmic and clinical condition of ICD patients with remote patient monitoring.
Enhancing community integration after incarceration: findings from a prospective study of an intensive peer support intervention for veterans with an historical comparison group
Authors: Hyde Justeen , Byrne Thomas , Petrakis Beth Ann , Yakovchenko Vera , Kim Bo , Fincke Graeme , Bolton Rendelle , Visher Christy , Blue-Howells Jessica , Drainoni Mari-Lynn , McInnes D. Keith
Published: November 2022

Background

The transition to the community after incarceration presents challenges for returning citizens, including the immediate need to secure housing, employment, and income. Additionally, health care is essential for this population due to high rates of chronic physical health and mental health problems and substance use disorders. There is growing recognition of the need for interventions that support returning citizens as they navigate community reintegration while simultaneously tending to physical and behavioral health needs. We developed and pilot tested a peer support intervention designed to provide social, emotional, and logistic support and promote linkage and engagement in healthcare for returning citizens. We tested the intervention with US military veterans in Massachusetts who were being released from prison and jail. Outcomes related to linkage to and engagement in healthcare were evaluated using an historical comparison group. Engagement in peer support, housing status, and reincarceration rates were monitored for the intervention group.

Results

There were 43 veterans in the intervention group, and 36 in the historical comparison group. For linkage to primary care within 90 days of release, there were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and comparison groups (58% versus 67%). Intervention participants were significantly more likely to receive substance use treatment than the comparison group (86% versus 19%, p < .0001) and the mean monthly substance use visits was greater in the intervention group (0.96 versus 0.34, p < .007). Engagement in mental health services was greater for the intervention group than the comparison group (93% versus 64%, p < .003). There were no significant differences between groups for emergency department use and hospitalization. At the end of the study period, the majority of intervention participants who had been released for over a year were living in permanent housing (84%). Recidivism among the was low, with 7% re-arrested during the study period.

Conclusions

Augmenting reentry support through intensive peer support appears to have substantial benefits for veterans in terms of engaging them in health care and contributing to their longer-term stability, including housing and recidivism. Flexible reentry support such as this intervention may be well suited to meet the widely varying needs of returning citizens.
Investigation of job satisfaction amongst voluntary, counseling and testing centers and health centers in Iran
Authors: Heydari Mohammadreza , Faghih Marjan , Karimzadeh Yasaman , Joulaei Hassan , Qhiasi Fariba , Dadmanesh Negin , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Hosseini Farzane , Yeilaghi Soloman , Miri Mohammad Reza , Pirmadah Farzane , Amini Wali , Meshkati Marjan , Kazerooni Parvin Afsar , Moghadam Nasim Nasiri , Heydari Zahra , Mehraeen Morteza
Published: November 2022

Background

Job satisfaction is the persons’ feeling about their job and if personnel have not good feel to his work, can destroy all plans, intentionally or unintentionally. The present research aims to investigate and compare job satisfaction in the employees and therapists of Voluntary, Counseling and Testing Centers versus Health centers in 9 provinces of Iran.

Methods

All employees of Voluntary, Counseling and Testing Centers were included from Fars, Bushehr, Tehran, Isfahan, South Khorasan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Kerman, and Yazd provinces as case group and 103 staffs of similar Health centers selected with the same ratio as the staffs of Voluntary, Counseling and Testing Centers as control samples and answered to Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ).

Results

50.5% of Health centers employees and 54% of Voluntary, Counseling and Testing Centers employees had high job satisfaction. The highest satisfaction levels were reported in Fars and Kurdistan provinces and the lowest satisfaction levels were reported in Kermanshah and Bushehr.

Conclusion

According to the findings, in the Iranian treatment centers, the employees’ satisfaction were at the same level regardless of their position and workplace. Also, the eastern and western regions of the country reported higher satisfaction score than the southern and central regions.