bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black Heritage in the National Register: The Williams Avenue YWCA in Portland, Oregon
Authors: Redaelli Eleonora , Arroyo John , Carson Alexandra May
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the nomination of the Williams Avenue YWCA in Portland, Oregon, in the National Register of Historic Places as a crucial event in recognizing and preserving Black heritage within American national history. Our analytical framework combines Black geography and multilevel governance theory (MLG) to examine documents used for the nomination process. We unpack the historic significance of the Williams, illustrating its multifaceted role in Portland's African American community and emphasizing the role of various private and public actors in the nomination process. This analysis reveals that cities play a crucial role in protecting local history and highlights the importance of nurturing connections between cities and other levels of government. Moreover, it illustrates how the documents used for the nomination process are a tool for racial equity and it shows how historic preservation contributes to a more inclusive understanding of cities by celebrating their local, diverse, and pluralistic pasts.
‘It’s like tumbleweeds everywhere’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the lived experience of being diagnosed with and living with narcolepsy
Authors: Kilmartin Bella , Day William
Published: January 2024

There is a lack of awareness of how sleep health and sleep disorders are experienced. Previous research has found that living with narcolepsy has a debilitating impact on several areas of an individual’s life alongside significant diagnostic delays. This study uses a phenomenological, qualitative methodology to explore experiences of being diagnosed with and living with narcolepsy. Six women with type 1 narcolepsy participated in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Capturing the whole illness experience of narcolepsy, our analysis illuminated three superordinate themes; ‘minimising, dismissing and downplaying symptoms’, ‘navigating the winding journey to diagnosis’ and ‘a different way of living’. Through our analysis, we are able to demonstrate the affective impact lack of awareness of sleep and sleep disorders has; resulting in significant diagnostic delays and a lack of support post-diagnosis. Findings demonstrate a need for greater awareness and increased support.
Psychosocial intervention in palliative care: What do psychologists need to know
Authors: Feldstain Andrea
Published: January 2024

Emotional and existential suffering is prevalent in advanced diseases and psychologists have valuable skills to support people in this time of life. Yet, psychologists are rarely integrated in palliative care and relevant training is sparse. Being integrated in other areas of health, it is likely that we will be supporting these patients, whether integrated in a specialized team or not. This article is meant to serve psychologists, already skilled in the art and science of psychosocial intervention, who may find themselves supporting patients with advanced disease. Relevant history of palliative care is provided to elucidate palliative philosophy and approach. Evidence-based existential interventions will be reviewed. Integration of psychological models and both palliative theory and practice is provided to support palliative-appropriate case conceptualizations. Finally, case examples are provided throughout to help readers reconcile their existing practice in this domain of care.
‘Y Compartimos. . .’: the collective creation of performed fiction in practice
Authors: Kocsis Joanna
Published: January 2024

This essay combines text and images in the style of a graphic novel to animate the lively and dynamic processes of a qualitative research approach that I call the collective creation of performed fiction. This is a form of projective storytelling in which participants draw on their own experiences to create and perform composite stories. Using fiction helps them avoid revealing sensitive details of their personal lives. The examples shared here are drawn from a long-term engagement with a group of youth in Old Havana, Cuba, where historic geopolitical tensions and emergent economic crises are interrupting the imagined futures of the young. This brief contribution documents key differences between three creative mediums used in this work (street theatre, film and animation), and addresses their varied capacities to mitigate the risks of self-disclosure.
Learning to Share the World: Reckoning With the Logistics of Whiteness in Public Galleries and Museums
Authors: Rousell David , Hussey-Smith Kelly
Published: January 2024

This article explores moments of pedagogical disruption as children from an urban school encountered an exhibition titled “We Change the World” at the National Gallery of Victoria. In conversation with radical traditions of anti-colonial scholarship, we elaborate children’s disruptions of the gallery as a space of didactic transfer and common ownership of cultural artifacts and knowledges. We then analyze artworks created by children in the wake of their experiences at the gallery, offering alternative propositions for learning to share the world in ways that break with dominant conceptions of museum education, national collections, and the commons.
The Clansman, the Lynchings, and Enduring Racial Violence in Performance
Authors: Ollington David
Published: January 2024

Performance can incite conflict. An artist may depict a demagogue as a martyr, ridicule a group of people, or justify violence. Viewers and audience members variantly interpret these creative expressions. In the early 20th Century, an enormously popular play, The Clansman, toured the United States, opened on Broadway in the spring of 1906, and instigated violence. The play by white supremacist Thomas Dixon (1864-1946) portrayed a dystopian and racist view of American Reconstruction in which the Ku Klux Klan heroically saves the day. In March of 1906, the original company of actors performed The Clansman in Springfield, Missouri. Six weeks later, three black men were lynched in Springfield’s town square, a blight in the city’s history. The lynchings disturbingly resembled violence depicted in Dixon’s play. On a national level, journalists connected the murders to the preceding performance of The Clansman. People can react to Theatre with vehement disagreement, evidenced by The Clansman and more than a century later by the arguments and outcry over Jason Aldean’s 2023 music video “Try That in a Small Town.”
Mobile Food Ordering Apps, Restaurant Performance, and Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Xu Yue , Liu Xiaoou , Mao Zhenxing (Eddie) , Zhou Jianhua
Published: January 2024

Mobile food ordering apps (MFOAs) have become increasingly prevalent in the food service industry. This study investigated the links between intensity of MFOA use, restaurant performance, and customer satisfaction in dine-in restaurants using real transaction data and crowdsourced reviews. Our distinctive datasets stem from a renowned chain of restaurants in China as well as from Da Zhong Dian Ping (referred to as the Chinese equivalent of Yelp), spanning the years 2018 to 2021. Using a high-dimensional fixed effects model, we found that the intensive use of MFOA is positively correlated with an increase in restaurant dine-in revenue through higher table turnovers. However, MFOA is negatively correlated with dine-in restaurant consumer satisfaction, which was associated with lack of adequate, favorable, and high-quality comments. We also conducted several heterogeneity analyses to investigate how selected restaurant characteristics may moderate these effects. Thus, our study provides valuable theoretical insights and practical implications for academia and food service practitioners.
Sex-dependence of synaptic depression induced by activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat hippocampus
Authors: Ralph Liam T. , Georgiou John , Collingridge Graham L. , Tidball Patrick
Published: January 2024

The modulation of synaptic efficacy by group I metabotropic glutamate receptors is dysregulated in several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders impacting cognitive function. The progression and severity of these and other disorders are affected by biological sex, and differences in metabotropic glutamate receptor signalling have been implicated in this effect. In this study, we have examined whether there are any sex-dependent differences in a form of long-term depression of synaptic responses that is triggered by application of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG). We studied DHPG-induced long-term depression at the Schaffer collateral-commissural pathway in area CA1 of hippocampal slices prepared from three separate age groups of Sprague Dawley rats. In both juvenile (2-week-old) and young adult (3-month-old) rats, there were no differences between sexes in the magnitude of long-term depression. However, in older adult (>1-year-old) rats, DHPG-induced long-term depression was greater in males. In contrast, there were no differences between sexes with respect to basal synaptic transmission or paired-pulse facilitation in any age group. The specific enhancement of metabotropic glutamate receptor–dependent long-term depression in older adult males, but not females, reinforces the importance of considering sex as a factor in the study and treatment of brain disorders.
Insights into the multi-chromosomal mitochondrial genome structure of the xero-halophytic plant Haloxylon Ammodendron (C.A.Mey.) Bunge ex Fenzl
Authors: Yang Lulu , Liu Jia , Guo Wenjun , Zheng Zehan , Xu Yafei , Xia Houjun , Xiao Tian
Published: January 2024

Background

Haloxylon ammodendron holds significance as an ecological plant, showcasing remarkable adaptability to desert conditions, halophytic environments, and sand fixation. With its potential for carbon sequestration, it emerges as a promising candidate for environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable C4 plant model, offering insights into the genetic foundations of extreme drought tolerance. Despite the availability of plastid and nuclear genomes, the absence of a mitochondrial genome (mitogenome or mtDNA) hinders a comprehensive understanding of its its mtDNA structure, organization, and phylogenetic implications.

Results

In the present study, the mitochondrial genome of H. ammodendron was assembled and annotated, resulting in a multi-chromosomal configuration with two circular chromosomes. The mtDNA measured 210,149 bp in length and contained 31 protein-coding genes, 18 tRNA and three rRNA. Our analysis identified a total of 66 simple sequence repeats along with 27 tandem repeats, 312 forward repeats, and 303 palindromic repeats were found. Notably, 17 sequence fragments displayed homology between the mtDNA and chloroplast genome (cpDNA), spanning 5233 bp, accounting for 2.49% of the total mitogenome size. Additionally, we predicted 337 RNA editing sites, all of the C-to-U conversion type. Phylogenetic inference confidently placed H. ammodendron in the Amaranthacea family and its close relative, Suaeda glacum.

Conclusions

H. ammodendron mtDNA showed a multi-chromosomal structure with two fully circularized molecules. This newly characterized mtDNA represents a valuable resource for gaining insights into the basis of mtDNA structure variation within Caryophyllales and the evolution of land plants, contributing to their identification, and classification.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) CmHRE2-like negatively regulates the resistance of chrysanthemum to the aphid (Macrosiphoniella sanborni)
Authors: Wang You , Zhang Wanwan , Hong Chaojun , Zhai Lisheng , Wang Xinhui , Zhou Lijie , Song Aiping , Jiang Jiafu , Wang Likai , Chen Fadi , Chen Sumei
Published: January 2024

Background

The growth and ornamental value of chrysanthemums are frequently hindered by aphid attacks. The ethylene-responsive factor (ERF) gene family is pivotal in responding to biotic stress, including insect stress. However, to date, little is known regarding the involvement of ERF transcription factors (TFs) in the response of chrysanthemum to aphids.

Results

In the present study, CmHRE2-like from chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium), a transcription activator that localizes mainly to the nucleus, was cloned. Expression is induced by aphid infestation. Overexpression of CmHRE2-like in chrysanthemum mediated its susceptibility to aphids, whereas CmHRE2-like-SRDX dominant repressor transgenic plants enhanced the resistance of chrysanthemum to aphids, suggesting that CmHRE2-like contributes to the susceptibility of chrysanthemum to aphids. The flavonoids in CmHRE2-like-overexpression plants were decreased by 29% and 28% in two different lines, whereas they were increased by 42% and 29% in CmHRE2-like-SRDX dominant repressor transgenic plants. The expression of Chrysanthemum-chalcone-synthase gene(CmCHS), chalcone isomerase gene (CmCHI), and flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase gene(CmF3’H) was downregulated in CmHRE2-like overexpression plants and upregulated in CmHRE2-like-SRDX dominant repressor transgenic plants, suggesting that CmHRE2-like regulates the resistance of chrysanthemum to aphids partially through the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis.

Conclusion

CmHRE2-like was a key gene regulating the vulnerability of chrysanthemum to aphids. This study offers fresh perspectives on the molecular mechanisms of chrysanthemum-aphid interactions and may bear practical significance for developing new strategies to manage aphid infestation in chrysanthemums.
The relationship between dysphagia and frailty among Chinese hospitalized older patients: a serial mediation model through self-perceived oral health and self-reported nutritional status
Authors: Yu Jianjiao , Zhu Huolan , Zhang Yulian , Wang Dan , Guo Hua , Liu Xiaomei , Lai Jin , Zhang Huiying , Xu Huanhuan , Bai Bingyue
Published: January 2024

Background

Frailty contributes to adverse outcomes in older adults and places a heavy burden on healthcare resources. Dysphagia is associated with frailty, but the mechanisms by which dysphagia affects frailty in older adults are unclear. This study aimed to investigate a serial mediating effect of self-perceived oral health and self-reported nutritional status in the relationship between dysphagia and frailty among hospitalized older patients in China.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1200 patients aged ≥ 65 years in the Department of Geriatrics, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital. A structured face-to-face interview was used to survey the following questionnaires: General Information Questionnaire, Tilburg Frailty Indicators (TFI), Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), 30mL Water Swallow Test (WST), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and Short-Form Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF). A total of 980 participants with complete data were included in the analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 28.0 software. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis of study variables. The results of the multivariate linear regression analysis for frailty were used as covariates in the mediation analysis, and the structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze the mediating effects among the study variables.

Results

Dysphagia, self-perceived oral health, self-reported nutritional status, and frailty were significantly correlated (P<0.001). Dysphagia was found to directly affect frailty (β = 0.161, 95%CI = 0.089 to 0.235) and through three significant mediation pathways: (1) the path through self-perceived oral health (β = 0.169, 95%CI = 0.120 to 0.221), accounting for 36.98% of the total effect; (2) the path through self-reported nutritional status (β = 0.050, 95%CI = 0.023 to 0.082), accounting for 10.94% of the total effect; (3) the path through self-perceived oral health and self-reported nutritional status (β = 0.077, 95%CI = 0.058 to 0.102), accounting for 16.85% of the total effect. The total mediation effect was 64.77%.

Conclusions

This study indicated that dysphagia was significantly associated with frailty. Self-perceived oral health and self-reported nutritional status were serial mediators of this relationship. Improving the oral health and nutritional status of hospitalized older patients may prevent or delay the frailty caused by dysphagia.
Testing, diagnosis, and treatment following the implementation of a program to provide dried blood spot testing for HIV and hepatitis C infections: the NSW DBS Pilot
Authors: Carrington Nigel , Conway Anna , Grebely Jason , Starr Mitchell , Catlett Beth , Stevens Annabelle , Prain Bianca , McGrath Colette , Causer Louise , Guy Rebecca , Holden Joanne , Keen Phillip , Kingsland Melanie , Lu Heng , Power Cherie , Read Phillip , Murray Carolyn , McNulty Anna , Cunningham Philip ,   on behalf of the NSW DBS Pilot Study Group
Published: January 2024

Background

Dried blood spot (DBS) testing provides an alternative to phlebotomy and addresses barriers to accessing healthcare experienced by some key populations. Large-scale evaluations of DBS testing programs are needed to understand their feasibility. This study evaluated the implementation of a state-wide DBS HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing pilot.

Methods

The New South Wales (NSW) DBS Pilot is an interventional cohort study of people testing for HIV antibody and/or HCV RNA from DBS samples in NSW, Australia. Participants at risk of HIV/HCV participated in testing via: 1) self-registration online with a DBS collection kit delivered and returned by conventional postal service; or 2) assisted DBS sample collection at 36 community health sites (including drug treatment and harm-minimisation services) and prisons. Participants received results by text (HIV antibody/ HCV RNA not detected) or a healthcare provider (HIV antibody/ HCV RNA detected). The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate reach, effectiveness, adoption, and implementation.

Results

Reach: Between November 2016 and December 2020, 7,392 individuals were tested for HIV and/or HCV (21% self-registration, 34% assisted in community, and 45% assisted in prison). Effectiveness: Of 6,922 people tested for HIV (19% men who have sex with men, 13% living outside major cities, 21% born outside Australia), 51% (3,521/6,922) had no HIV test in the past two years, 0.1% (10/6,922) were newly diagnosed with HIV, and 80% (8/10) initiated HIV treatment within six months. Of 5,960 people tested for HCV (24% women, 35% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, 55% recently injected drugs), 15% had detectable HCV RNA (878/5,960), and 45% (393/878) initiated treatment within six months. Adoption: By the end of 2020, DBS via assisted registration was available at 36 community sites and 21 prisons. Implementation: 90% of DBS cards arriving at the laboratory had the three full spots required for testing; the proportion was higher in assisted (94%) compared to online (76%) registration.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility of DBS testing for HIV and HCV in key populations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and demonstrated the utility of DBS in the prison setting.
Bivalent mRNA vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 among older adults in Japan: a test-negative study from the VENUS study
Authors: Tamada Yudai , Takeuchi Kenji , Kusama Taro , Maeda Megumi , Murata Fumiko , Osaka Ken , Fukuda Haruhisa
Published: January 2024

Background

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines have been implemented worldwide since the booster vaccination campaigns of autumn of 2022, but little is known about their effectiveness. Thus, this study holistically evaluated the effectiveness of bivalent vaccines against infection in older adults in Japan.

Methods

We adopted the test-negative design using COVID-19 test data of individuals, aged ≥ 65 years, residing in three municipalities in Japan, who underwent tests in medical institutions between October 1 and December 30, 2022. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the odds of testing positive according to vaccination status. Vaccine effectiveness was defined as (1 − odds ratio) × 100%.

Results

A total of 3,908 positive and 16,090 negative results were included in the analyses. Receiving a bivalent dose in addition to ≥ 2 monovalent doses was 33.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.8, 44.3%) more effective than receiving no vaccination, and 18.2% (95% CI: 9.4, 26.0%) more effective than receiving ≥ 2 monovalent doses but not receiving a bivalent vaccination. In addition, the effectiveness peaked at 14–20 days after administration and then gradually declined over time. Furthermore, a bivalent booster dose provided 18.6% (95% CI: 9.9, 26.5%) additional protection among those vaccinated with ≥ 2 monovalent doses, in the absence of a previous infection history. However, we did not find sufficient evidence of effectiveness of bivalent vaccines among previously infected older adults.

Conclusions

Bivalent vaccines are effective against COVID-19 infections among older adults without a history of infection.
Breast milk concentrations of acetaminophen and diclofenac - unexpectedly high mammary transfer of the general-purpose drug acetaminophen
Authors: Tamaki Ryo , Noshiro Kiwamu , Furugen Ayako , Nishimura Ayako , Asano Hiroshi , Watari Hidemichi , Kobayashi Masaki , Umazume Takeshi
Published: January 2024

Background

Breastfeeding is considered to be the most effective way of ensuring the health and survival of newborns. However, mammary transfer of drugs administered to mothers to breastfeeding infants remains a pressing concern. Acetaminophen and diclofenac sodium are widely prescribed analgesics for postpartum pain relief, but there have been few recent reports on the mammary transfer of these drugs, despite advances in analytic techniques.

Methods

We conducted a study on 20 postpartum mothers from August 2019–March 2020. Blood and milk samples from participants were analyzed using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry within 24 hours after oral administration of acetaminophen and diclofenac sodium. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was calculated from the concentration curve obtained by a naive pooled-data approach.

Results

For acetaminophen, AUC was 36,053 ng/mL.h and 37,768 ng/mL.h in plasma and breast milk, respectively, with a milk-to-plasma drug concentration ratio of 1.048. For diclofenac, the AUC was 0.227 ng/mL.h and 0.021 ng/mL.h, in plasma and breast milk, respectively, with a milk-to-plasma drug concentration ratio of 0.093.

Conclusions

While diclofenac sodium showed low mammary transfer, acetaminophen showed a relatively high milk-to-plasma drug concentration ratio. Given recent studies suggesting potential connections between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and risks to developmental prognosis in children, we believe that adequate information regarding the fact that acetaminophen is easily transferred to breast milk should be provided to mothers.
The role of adenocarcinoma subtypes and immunohistochemistry in predicting lymph node metastasis in early invasive lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xue Mengchao , Liu Junjie , Li Zhenyi , Lu Ming , Zhang Huiying , Liu Wen , Tian Hui
Published: January 2024

Background

Identifying lymph node metastasis areas during surgery for early invasive lung adenocarcinoma remains challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram mathematical model before the end of surgery for predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with early invasive lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

In this study, we included patients with invasive lung adenocarcinoma measuring ≤ 2 cm who underwent pulmonary resection with definite pathology at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2020 to January 2022. Preoperative biomarker results, clinical features, and computed tomography characteristics were collected. The enrolled patients were randomized into a training cohort and a validation cohort in a 7:3 ratio. The training cohort was used to construct the predictive model, while the validation cohort was used to test the model independently. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors. The prediction model and nomogram were established based on the independent risk factors. Recipient operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the discrimination ability of the model. Calibration capability was assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and calibration curves. The clinical utility of the nomogram was assessed using decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The overall incidence of lymph node metastasis was 13.23% (61/461). Six indicators were finally determined to be independently associated with lymph node metastasis. These six indicators were: age (P < 0.001), serum amyloid (SA) (P = 0.008); carcinoma antigen 125 (CA125) (P = 0. 042); mucus composition (P = 0.003); novel aspartic proteinase of the pepsin family A (Napsin A) (P = 0.007); and cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6) (P = 0.042). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.843 (95% CI: 0.779–0.908) in the training cohort and 0.838 (95% CI: 0.748–0.927) in the validation cohort. the P-value of the Hosmer–Lemeshow test was 0.0613 in the training cohort and 0.8628 in the validation cohort. the bias of the training cohort corrected C-index was 0.8444 and the bias-corrected C-index for the validation cohort was 0.8375. demonstrating that the prediction model has good discriminative power and good calibration.

Conclusions

The column line graphs created showed excellent discrimination and calibration to predict lymph node status in patients with ≤ 2 cm invasive lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, the predictive model has predictive potential before the end of surgery and can inform clinical decision making.
The macrophage-associated prognostic gene ANXA5 promotes immunotherapy resistance in gastric cancer through angiogenesis
Authors: Hong Zhijun , Wen Peizhen , Wang Kang , Wei Xujin , Xie Wen , Rao Shihao , Chen Xin , Hou Jingjing , Zhuo Huiqin
Published: January 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a predominant form of malignant tumor globally, necessitating innovative non-surgical therapeutic approaches. This investigation aimed to delineate the expression landscape of macrophage-associated genes in GC and to evaluate their prognostic significance and influence on immunotherapeutic responsiveness. Utilizing the CellMarker2.0 database, we identified 69 immune cell markers with prognostic relevance in GC, including 12 macrophage-specific genes. A Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) isolated 3,181 genes correlated with these macrophage markers. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-STAD) dataset was employed as the training set, while data from the GSE62254 served as the validation cohort. 13 genes were shortlisted through LASSO-Cox regression to formulate a prognostic model. Multivariable Cox regression substantiated that the calculated risk score serves as an imperative independent predictor of overall survival (OS). Distinct macrophage infiltration profiles, pathway associations, treatment susceptibilities, and drug sensitivities were observed between high- and low-risk groups. The preliminary validation of ANXA5 in predicting the survival rates of GC patients at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, as well as its expression levels were higher and role in promoting tumor angiogenesis in GC through immunohistochemistry and angiogenesis experiments. In summary, macrophage-related genes were potentially a novel crosstalk mechanism between macrophages and endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment, and the interplay between inflammation and angiogenesis might have also offered new therapeutic targets, providing a new avenue for personalized treatment interventions.
Short term effect of intravenous treprostinil in term and preterm infants with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kim Yoo-Jin , Shin Seung Han , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Han-Suk
Published: January 2024

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening condition in newborns. We aimed to assess the clinical and echocardiographic responses of term and preterm infants to treprostinil.

Methods

This retrospective study included newborns diagnosed with PH and treated with treprostinil as additional therapy after inhaled nitric oxide administration in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary center. Term and preterm infants were compared in terms of echocardiographic findings and clinical findings 4 weeks after treprostinil treatment.

Results

During the study period, 11 term and 18 preterm infants were diagnosed with PH and received treprostinil. There were no differences in the echocardiographic findings of interventricular septal deviation, direction of shunt, and ratio of estimated pulmonary artery pressure over systolic blood pressure. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia was the most common condition occurring upon PH diagnosis among term infants, while severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia was the most common in preterm infants. Improvements in echocardiographic findings were more pronounced in term infants than in preterm infants (100% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.012). The inhaled nitric oxide dose was gradually tapered for term infants and was lower than that for preterm infants at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after treprostinil.

Conclusion

Intravenous treprostinil could be an adjuvant therapy option for term and preterm infants with PH, especially for those who cannot receive oral medication. The efficacy and safety of treprostinil in this population with PH should be investigated further.
Why more successful? An analysis of participants’ self-monitoring data in an online weight loss intervention
Authors: Tang Hai-Bo , Jalil Nurul Iman Binti Abdul , Tan Chee-Seng , He Ling , Zhang Shu-Juan
Published: January 2024

Background

Self-monitoring is crucial for behavioral weight loss. However, few studies have examined the role of self-monitoring using mixed methods, which may hinder our understanding of its impact.

Methods

This study examined self-monitoring data from 61 Chinese adults who participated in a 5-week online group intervention for weight loss. Participants reported their baseline Body Mass Index (BMI), weight loss motivation, and engaged in both daily quantitative self-monitoring (e.g., caloric intake, mood, sedentary behavior, etc.) and qualitative self-monitoring (e.g., daily log that summarizes the progress of weight loss). The timeliness of participants’ daily self-monitoring data filling was assessed using a scoring rule. One-way repeated measurement ANOVA was employed to analyze the dynamics of each self-monitoring indicator. Correlation and regression analyses were used to reveal the relationship between baseline data, self-monitoring indicators, and weight change. Content analysis was utilized to analyze participants’ qualitative self-monitoring data. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their weight loss outcomes, and a chi-square test was used to compare the frequency distribution between these groups.

Results

After the intervention, participants achieved an average weight loss of 2.52 kg (SD = 1.36) and 3.99% (SD = 1.96%) of their initial weight. Daily caloric intake, weight loss satisfaction, frequency of daily log, and the speed of weight loss showed a downward trend, but daily sedentary time gradually increased. Moreover, regression analysis showed that baseline BMI, weight loss motivation, and timeliness of daily filling predicted final weight loss. Qualitative self-monitoring data analysis revealed four categories and nineteen subcategories. A significant difference in the frequency of qualitative data was observed, with the excellent group reporting a greater number of daily logs than expected in all categories and most subcategories, and the moderate and poor groups reporting less than expected in all categories and most subcategories.

Conclusion

The self-monitoring data in short-term online group intervention exhibited fluctuations. Participants with higher baseline BMI, higher levels of weight loss motivation, and timely self-monitoring achieved more weight loss. Participants who achieved greater weight loss reported a higher quantity of qualitative self-monitoring data. Practitioners should focus on enhancing dieters’ weight loss motivation and promote adherence to self-monitoring practices.
Outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic extended pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate Cancer
Authors: Sigg Silvan , Lehner Fabienne , Keller Etienne Xavier , Saba Karim , Moch Holger , Sulser Tullio , Eberli Daniel , Mortezavi Ashkan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) in men undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a widely used procedure. However, little is known about anatomical site-specific yields and subsequent metastatic patterns in these patients.

Patients and methods

Data on a consecutive series of 1107 patients undergoing RARP at our centre between 2004 and 2018 were analysed. In men undergoing LN dissection, the internal, external and obturator nodes were removed and sent in separately. We performed an analysis of LN yields in total and for each anatomical zone, patterns of LN metastases and complications. Oncological outcome in pN+ disease was assessed including postoperative PSA persistence and survival.

Results

A total of 823 ePLNDs were performed in the investigated cohort resulting in 98 men being diagnosed as pN+ (8.9%). The median (IQR) LN yield was 19 (14–25), 10 (7–13) on the right and 9 (6–12) on the left side (P < 0.001). A median of six (4–8) LNs were retrieved from the external, three (1–6) from the internal iliac artery, and eight (6–12) from the obturator fossa. More men had metastatic LNs on the right side compared to the left (41 vs. 19). Symptomatic lymphoceles occurred exclusively in the ePLND group (2.3% vs. 0%, p = 0.04). Postoperatively, 47 (47.9%) of men with pN+ reached a PSA of < 0.1μg/ml. There was no association between a certain pN+ region and postoperative PSA persistence or BCRFS. The estimated cancer specific survival rate at 5 years was 98.5% for pN+ disease.

Conclusion

Robot-assisted laparoscopic ePLND with a high LN yield and low complication rate is feasible. However, we observed an imbalance in more removed and positive LNs on the right side compared to the left. A high rate of postoperative PSA persistence and early recurrence in pN+ patients might indicate a possibly limited therapeutical value of the procedure in already spread disease. Yet, these men demonstrated an excellent survival.
A multicenter cross-sectional survey of the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of nurses regarding dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Yu Chen , Chunmei Luo , Caiping Song
Published: January 2024

Background

The incidence of dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery is high, which directly affects the quality of life of patients after surgery. The knowledge, attitude, and behavior of nurses can affect the identification and management of patients after anterior cervical spine surgery. Therefore, we need a survey to understand the current status of nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Objective

To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of orthopaedic nurses towards patients with dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery and provide recommendations for management and intervention.

Method

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and June 2023, which among 894 orthopaedic nurses from 36 tertiary hospitals in Chongqing using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included general information and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to the management of dysphagia after anterior cervical surgery.

Results

The orthopaedic nurses’ mean score for dysphagia-related knowledge was 16.1 ± 3.640 (out of a total score of 30). The orthopaedic nurses’ mean score for dysphagia-related attitude was 32.5 ± 4.623 (out of a total score of 40). The orthopaedic nurses’ mean score for dysphagia-related behaviour was 43.6 ± 11.513 (out of a total score of 60). The results of statistical analysis showed that the dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery -related knowledge scores differed significantly among the nurses according to, education level, and training (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour scores of neurological nurses and swallowing disorders after anterior cervical surgery (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Targeted knowledge and skills training should be carried out to improve the rules and regulations for dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery. Multidisciplinary team cooperation is needed, and dietary service processes and management standards should be improved to improve the management ability of orthopaedic nurses for dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery.
Association of IL-10–592 C > A /-1082 A > G and the TNFα -308 G > A with susceptibility to COVID-19 and clinical outcomes
Authors: Eldesouki Raghda E. , Kishk Rania M. , Abd El-Fadeal Noha M. , Mahran Rama I , Kamel Noha , Riad Eman , Nemr Nader , Kishk Safaa M. , Mohammed Eman Abdel-Moemen
Published: January 2024

Background

Variation in host immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 is regulated by multiple genes involved in innate viral response and cytokine storm emergence like IL-10 and TNFa gene polymorphisms. We hypothesize that IL-10; -592 C > A and − 1082 A > G and TNFa-308 G > A are associated with the risk of SARS-COV2 infections and clinical outcome.

Methods

Genotyping, laboratory and radiological investigations were done to 110 COVID-19 patients and 110 healthy subjects, in Ismailia, Egypt.

Results

A significant association between the − 592 A allele, A containing genotypes under all models (p < 0.0001), and TNFa A allele with risk to infection was observed but not with the G allele of the − 1082. The − 592 /-1082 CG and the − 592 /-1082/ -308 CGG haplotypes showed higher odds in COVID-19 patients. Severe lung affection was negatively associated with − 592, while positive association was observed with − 1082. Higher D-dimer levels were strongly associated with the − 1082 GG genotype. Survival outcomes were strongly associated with the GA genotype of TNFa. -308 as well as AGG and AAA haplotypes.

Conclusion

IL-10 and TNFa polymorphisms should be considered for clinical and epidemiological evaluation of COVID-19 patients.
Exploring women’s interpretations of survey questions on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: cognitive interviews in Iganga Mayuge, Uganda
Authors: Kwesiga Doris , Malqvist Mats , Orach Christopher Garimoi , Eriksson Leif , Blencowe Hannah , Waiswa Peter
Published: January 2024

Background

In 2021, Uganda’s neonatal mortality rate was approximately 19 deaths per 1000 live births, with an estimated stillbirth rate of 15.1 per 1000 total births. Data are critical for indicating areas where deaths occur and why, hence driving improvements. Many countries rely on surveys like Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), which face challenges with respondents’ misinterpretation of questions. However, little is documented about this in Uganda. Cognitive interviews aim to improve questionnaires and assess participants’ comprehension of items. Through cognitive interviews we explored women’s interpretations of questions on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

In November 2021, we conducted cognitive interviews with 20 women in Iganga Mayuge health and demographic surveillance system site in eastern Uganda. We adapted the reproductive section of the DHS VIII women’s questionnaire, purposively selected questions and used concurrent verbal probing. Participants had secondary school education and were English speaking. Cognition was measured through comparing instructions in the DHS interviewers’ manual to participants’ responses and researcher’s knowledge. A qualitative descriptive approach to analysis was undertaken.

Results

We report findings under the cognitive aspect of comprehension. Some questions were correctly understood, especially those with less technical terms or without multiple sections. Most participants struggled with questions asking whether the woman has her living biological children residing with her or not. Indeed, some thought it referred to how many living children they had. There were comprehension difficulties with long questions like 210 that asks about miscarriages, newborn deaths, and stillbirths together. Participants had varying meanings for miscarriages, while many misinterpreted stillbirth, not linking it to gestational age. Furthermore, even amongst educated women some survey questions were misunderstood.

Conclusions

Population surveys may misclassify, over or under report events around pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Interviewers should begin with a standard definition of key terms and ensure respondents understand these. Questions can be simplified through breaking up long sentences, while interviewer training should be modified to ensure they thoroughly understand key terms. We recommend cognitive interviews while developing survey tools, beyond basic pre-testing. Improving respondents’ comprehension and thus response accuracy will increase reporting and data quality.
Operating room organization and surgical performance: a systematic review
Authors: Pasquer Arnaud , Ducarroz Simon , Lifante Jean Christophe , Skinner Sarah , Poncet Gilles , Duclos Antoine
Published: January 2024

Background

Organizational factors may influence surgical outcomes, regardless of extensively studied factors such as patient preoperative risk and surgical complexity. This study was designed to explore how operating room organization determines surgical performance and to identify gaps in the literature that necessitate further investigation.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines to identify original studies in Pubmed and Scopus from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2019. Studies evaluating the association between five determinants (team composition, stability, teamwork, work scheduling, disturbing elements) and three outcomes (operative time, patient safety, costs) were included. Methodology was assessed based on criteria such as multicentric investigation, accurate population description, and study design.

Results

Out of 2625 studies, 76 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 34 (44.7%) investigated surgical team composition, 15 (19.7%) team stability, 11 (14.5%) teamwork, 9 (11.8%) scheduling, and 7 (9.2%) examined the occurrence of disturbing elements in the operating room. The participation of surgical residents appeared to impact patient outcomes. Employing specialized and stable teams in dedicated operating rooms showed improvements in outcomes. Optimization of teamwork reduced operative time, while poor teamwork increased morbidity and costs. Disturbances and communication failures in the operating room negatively affected operative time and surgical safety.

Conclusion

While limited, existing scientific evidence suggests that operating room staffing and environment significantly influences patient outcomes. Prioritizing further research on these organizational drivers is key to enhancing surgical performance.
EGR1 suppresses HCC growth and aerobic glycolysis by transcriptionally downregulating PFKL
Authors: Pan Mingang , Luo Muyu , Liu Lele , Chen Yunmeng , Cheng Ziyi , Wang Kai , Huang Luyi , Tang Ni , Qiu Jianguo , Huang Ailong , Xia Jie
Published: January 2024

Background

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a matter of great global public health importance; however, its current therapeutic effectiveness is deemed inadequate, and the range of therapeutic targets is limited. The aim of this study was to identify early growth response 1 (EGR1) as a transcription factor target in HCC and to explore its role and assess the potential of gene therapy utilizing EGR1 for the management of HCC.

Methods

In this study, both in vitro and in vivo assays were employed to examine the impact of EGR1 on the growth of HCC. The mouse HCC model and human organoid assay were utilized to assess the potential of EGR1 as a gene therapy for HCC. Additionally, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of gene expression and the suppression of HCC growth by EGR1 was investigated.

Results

The results of our investigation revealed a notable decrease in the expression of EGR1 in HCC. The decrease in EGR1 expression promoted the multiplication of HCC cells and the growth of xenografted tumors. On the other hand, the excessive expression of EGR1 hindered the proliferation of HCC cells and repressed the development of xenografted tumors. Furthermore, the efficacy of EGR1 gene therapy was validated using in vivo mouse HCC models and in vitro human hepatoma organoid models, thereby providing additional substantiation for the anti-cancer role of EGR1 in HCC. The mechanistic analysis demonstrated that EGR1 interacted with the promoter region of phosphofructokinase-1, liver type (PFKL), leading to the repression of PFKL gene expression and consequent inhibition of PFKL-mediated aerobic glycolysis. Moreover, the sensitivity of HCC cells and xenografted tumors to sorafenib was found to be increased by EGR1.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that EGR1 possesses therapeutic potential as a tumor suppressor gene in HCC, and that EGR1 gene therapy may offer benefits for HCC patients.