bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Influence of Political Affiliation and Orientation on Political Tolerance
Authors: Garneau Christopher R. H. , Schwadel Philip
Published: October 2022

Political identities are strongly associated with political tolerance. Specifically, previous research shows that American liberals report higher levels of tolerance toward marginalized groups than conservatives. Political orientation, however, varies more among Democrats than Republicans, which might mean that Democrats are relatively diverse in their levels of political tolerance. In this article, the authors ask how the association between political orientation and political tolerance varies across political parties. Using General Social Survey data, the authors find that tolerance is highest among liberals, followed by moderates and conservatives. Regression models with interactions between party and orientation demonstrate that political orientation is consequential for tolerance levels among independents, and especially Democrats, but is far less so for Republicans. Additional analyses demonstrate how the party-contingent association between political orientation and tolerance varies by the outgroup in question. This research demonstrates the complexity of political dimensions when considering support for the rights of marginalized outgroups.
Long term outcomes of bevacizumab-associated kidney adverse effects
Authors: Srinivasan Vinay , Kfoury Bader , Ahmad Sarah , Cohen Jordana , Geara Abdallah S
Published: October 2022

Bevacizumab is an anti-angiogenic monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and has multiple indications with known renal adverse effects, notably proteinuria, and acute kidney injury (AKI). There is insufficient knowledge about the long-term outcomes of its renal adverse effects. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical course of all patients who received bevacizumab and developed therapy associated AKI, chronic kidney disease (CKD), or proteinuria. Among the 1,506 patients who received bevacizumab, the renal events attributed to bevacizumab were: 125 episodes of AKI (8.3%), 110 new-onset proteinuria events (7.3%), and new onset CKD in 112 patients (7.4%). All patients with bevacizumab-associated AKI recovered without requiring renal replacement therapy and in most patients (59%), the renal function returned to baseline. In conclusion, bevacizumab associated renal adverse effects were a common occurrence but with minimal long term adverse outcomes considering that this population is significantly impacted by their cancer prognosis. These results are helpful during counseling regarding risks and benefits of therapy discontinuation in patients who develop bevacizumab-associated adverse effects.
IGH/BCL2 Status Better Predicts Clinico-Pathological Behavior in Primary Splenic Follicular Lymphoma than Histological Grade and Other Molecular Markers
Authors: Verghese Cherian , Li Weihong , Gvazava Nanuli , Alimpertis Emmanouil , Kahlon Navkirat , Sun Hongliu , Booth Robert
Published: October 2022

Splenic lymphoma may be primary or secondary. Primary splenic lymphoma’s are rare and usually of follicular cell origin representing <1% of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma’s. Most are secondary with 35% representing Marginal Cell sub-type with the rest being Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma’s. Unlike the uniformly aggressive clinical course of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma’s, biological behavior of Primary Splenic CD10-Positive Small B-Cell Lymphoma/Follicular Lymphoma remains less well defined. We present here a solitary splenic mass confirmed as Primary Splenic CD10-Positive Small B-Cell Lymphoma/Follicular Lymphoma after a diagnostic splenectomy. Biopsy revealed monomorphic small lymphoid cells with low grade mitotic activity. Flow cytometry showed a lambda restricted population of B-Cells displaying dim CD19 and CD10. The cells were negative for CD5, CD11c, and CD103. FISH was negative for IGH/BCL2 fusion unlike nodal Follicular Lymphoma’s which are usually positive for this translocation. Evidence from this case and a review of literature support the finding that Primary Splenic CD10-Positive Small B-Cell Lymphoma/Follicular Lymphoma is less likely to have the classic IGH-BCL2 fusion and the associated chromosomal 14;18 translocation. This profile is associated with less aggressive clinical behavior even when histopathology represents a high-grade pattern. In such cases splenectomy alone is adequate for localized disease when negative for IGH/BCL2 fusion regardless of histological grade.
Optimal Design and Experimental Verification of Low Radiation Noise of Gearbox
Authors: Liu Lan , Kang Kun , Xi Yingjie , Hu Zhengxi , Gong Jingyi , Liu Geng
Published: October 2022

Reducing the radiated noise of a gearbox is a difficult problem in aviation, navigation, machinery, and other fields. Structural improvement is the main means of noise reduction for a gearbox, and it is realized primarily through contribution analysis and structure optimization. However, these approaches have certain limitations. In this study, a low-noise design method for a gearbox that combines the two approaches is proposed, and experimental verification is performed. First, a finite element/boundary element model is established using a single-stage herringbone gearbox. Considering the vibration excitation of the gear system, the radiation noise of a single-stage gearbox is predicted based on the modal acoustic transfer vector (MATV) method. Subsequently, the maximum field point of the radiated noise is determined, and the acoustic transfer vector (ATV) analysis and modal acoustic contribution (MAC) analysis are conducted to determine the region that contributes significantly to the radiated noise of the field point. The optimization region is selected through the panel acoustic contribution (PAC) analysis. Next, to reduce the normal speed in the optimization region, topology optimization is performed. According to the topology optimization results, four different noise reduction structures are added to the gearbox, and the low-noise optimization models are established respectively. Finally, by measuring the radiated noise of the gearbox before and after optimization under a given working condition, the validity of the radiated noise prediction method and the low-noise optimization design method are verified by comparing the simulation and experimental data. A comparison of the four optimization models proves that the noise reduction effect can be achieved only by adding a noise reduction structure to the center of the density nephogram.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 identifies immuno-hot tumors suggesting angiotensin-(1–7) as a sensitizer for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Mei Jie , Cai Yun , Xu Rui , Yu Xinqian , Han Xu , Weng Miaomiao , Chen Lingyan , Ma Tao , Gao Tianshu , Gao Fei , Xia Tiansong , Zhu Yichao , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2022

Background

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is known as a tumor suppressor and lowly expressed in most cancers. The expression pattern and role of ACE2 in breast cancer (BC) have not been deeply elucidated.

Methods

A systematic pan-cancer analysis was conducted to assess the expression pattern and immunological role of ACE2 based on RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The correlation of ACE2 expression and immunological characteristics in the BC tumor microenvironment (TME) was evaluated. The role of ACE2 in predicting the response to therapeutic options was estimated. Moreover, the pharmacodynamic effect of angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-1–7), the product of ACE2, on chemotherapy and immunotherapy was evaluated on the BALB/c mouse BC model. In addition, the plasma samples from BC patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were collected and subjected to the correlation analysis of the expression level of Ang-1–7 and the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

ACE2 was lowly expressed in BC tissues compared with that in adjacent tissues. Interestingly, ACE2 was shown the highest correlation with immunomodulators, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), cancer immunity cycles, immune checkpoints, and tumor mutation burden (TMB) in BC. In addition, a high level of ACE2 indicated a low response to endocrine therapy and a high response to chemotherapy, anti-ERBB therapy, antiangiogenic therapy and immunotherapy. In the mouse model, Ang-1–7 sensitized mouse BC to the chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, which revealed its significant anti-tumor effect. Moreover, a high plasma level of Ang-1–7 was associated with a better response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

ACE2 identifies immuno-hot tumors in BC, and its enzymatic product Ang-1–7 sensitizes BC to the chemotherapy and immunotherapy by remodeling the TME.
Shift in diagnostic classification of migraine after initiation of preventive treatment with eptinezumab: post hoc analysis of the PROMISE studies
Authors: Pozo-Rosich Patricia , Dodick David W. , Ettrup Anders , Hirman Joe , Cady Roger
Published: October 2022

Background

Monthly headache frequency directly correlates with personal/societal burden and impacts severity and preventive treatment decisions. This post hoc analysis identified shifts from higher to lower frequency headache categories over 6 months in patients with migraine participating in the PROMISE clinical trials receiving two eptinezumab doses.

Methods

Headache frequency at baseline and over study months 1–6 was categorized into 4 groups: chronic migraine (CM; ≥ 15 monthly headache days [MHDs]), high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM; 10–14 MHDs), low-frequency episodic migraine (LFEM; 4–9 MHDs), and ≤ 3 MHDs. Outcomes included the percentage of patients within each MHD category, the percentage of patients improving by ≥ 1 MHD category, and the number of months with reduction of ≥ 1 MHD category. Data from patients who received approved eptinezumab doses (100 mg or 300 mg) or placebo were included.

Results

Mean headache frequency at baseline in PROMISE-1 was 10 MHDs; most patients were classified as having HFEM (48.6%) or LFEM (43.9%). At Month 1, 62/221 (28.1%), 75/222 (33.8%), and 45/222 (20.3%) patients who received eptinezumab 100 mg, 300 mg, and placebo had ≤ 3 MHDs, with 97/221 (43.9%), 108/222 (48.6%), and 84/222 (37.8%), respectively, falling below the diagnostic EM threshold at Month 6. More than one-third (79/221 [35.7%], 83/222 [37.4%], and 68/222 [30.6%] of patients in the eptinezumab 100 mg, 300 mg, and placebo groups, respectively), had 6 months of reduction of ≥ 1 frequency category. At baseline in PROMISE-2, mean headache frequency was 20.5 MHDs. All patients (100%) in the eptinezumab 100 mg and placebo groups had CM, as did 99.4% of patients receiving eptinezumab 300 mg. At Month 1, 209/356 (58.7%), 216/350 (61.7%), and 167/366 (45.6%) patients treated with eptinezumab 100 mg, 300 mg, and placebo had ≤ 14 MHDs, with 240/356 (67.4%), 249/350 (71.1%), and 221/366 (60.4%), respectively, falling below CM threshold at Month 6. Additionally, 153/356 (43.0%), 169/350 (48.3%), and 116/366 (31.7%) patients in the eptinezumab 100 mg, 300 mg, and placebo groups, respectively, had 6 months of reduction of ≥ 1 frequency category.

Conclusion

In the PROMISE studies, episodic and chronic migraine patients treated with eptinezumab were more likely to reduce their headache frequency versus placebo, which directly and in a sustained way improved their diagnostic category classification.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02559895, NCT02974153.
Development and validation of an infant facial skin assessment tool: a prospective observational study
Authors: Matsubara Manami , Haruna Megumi , Yonezawa Kaori , Yokoyama Moeri , Tahara-Sasagawa Emi , Hikita Naoko , Nakamura Yoshie , Mizuno Yoko , Sanada Hiromi , Tamai Nao , Abe Masatoshi , Kashiwabara Kosuke
Published: October 2022

Background

Severe infant eczema on the face should be treated early because it may lead to allergic diseases in the future. However, caregivers find it difficult to assess. A visual tool for caregivers is needed to easily determine infants’ facial skin condition severity based on the tool’s scores. We developed an infant facial skin assessment tool (IFSAT) and evaluated its reliability and validity.

Methods

The IFSAT draft was developed based on results of a previous literature review and qualitative sketch. Panels including medical professionals and a caregiver checked the draft’s content and face validity, and the IFSAT was finalized. To test the IFSAT’s reliability and validity, caregivers and one-month-old infants were recruited. Two scoring methods were additionally created based on the relation between the items and cure period. The relationships between scores and cure period, and the ability to predict whether the infant needed medical treatment were examined by each scoring method. For the predictive validity, scores for infants requiring medical treatment and those for infants who did not were also compared. For the intra-examiner reliability analysis, two pediatricians rated the scores separately twice using photographs. Inter-rater reliabilities were analyzed among pediatricians, nurses, and caregivers.

Results

Altogether, 113 infant-caregiver pairs participated in the testing phase. Of the two scoring methods created (versions 1 and 2), pediatricians’ and caregivers’ scores using versions 1 and 2 were related to the cure period. These scores predict whether the infant needed medical treatment. We then selected version 2 based on the medical professionals’ opinions. The scores of caregivers of infants requiring medical treatment were higher than those of caregivers of infants not requiring treatment (p < 0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of intra-examiner reliability was 0.87. The ICC of inter-rater reliabilities between pediatricians’ and caregivers’ scores and between nurses’ and caregivers’ scores were 0.66, and 0.66, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed IFSAT may be used to assess whether infants need medical treatment and whether to extend the cure period. The tool’s reliability and validity were confirmed.
Using i-PARIHS to assess implementation of the Surgical Safety Checklist: an international qualitative study
Authors: Elam Meagan E. , Louis Christopher J. , Brindle Mary E. , Woodson Jonathan , Greece Jacey A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Strategies selected to implement the WHO’s Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) are key factors in its ability to improve patient safety. Underutilization of implementation frameworks for informing implementation processes hinders our understanding of the checklists’ varying effectiveness in different contexts. This study explored the extent to which SSC implementation practices could be assessed through the i-PARIHS framework and examined how it could support development of targeted recommendations to improve SSC implementation in high-income settings.

Methods

This qualitative study utilized interviews with surgical team members and health administrators from five high-income countries to understand the key elements necessary for successful implementation of the SSC. Using thematic analysis, we identified within and across-case themes that were mapped to the i-PARIHS framework constructs. Gaps in current implementation strategies were identified, and the utility of i-PARIHS to guide future efforts was assessed.

Results

Fifty-one multi-disciplinary clinicians and health administrators completed interviews. We identified themes that impacted SSC implementation in each of the four i-PARIHS constructs and several that spanned multiple constructs. Within innovation, a disconnect between the clinical outcomes-focused evidence in the literature and interviewees’ patient-safety focus on observable results reduced the SSC’s perceived relevance. Within recipients, existing surgical team hierarchies impacted checklist engagement, but this could be addressed through a shared leadership model. Within context, organizational priorities resulting in time pressures on surgical teams were at odds with SSC patient safety goals and reduced fidelity. At a health system level, employing surgical team members through the state or health region resulted in significant challenges in enforcing checklist use in private vs public hospitals. Within its facilitation construct, i-PARIHS includes limited definitions of facilitation processes. We identified using multiple interdisciplinary champions; establishing checklist performance feedback mechanisms; and modifying checklist processes, such as implementing a full-team huddle, as facilitators of successful SSC implementation.

Conclusion

The i-PARIHS framework enabled a comprehensive assessment of current implementation strategies, identifying key gaps and allowed for recommending targeted improvements. i-PARIHS could serve as a guide for planning future SSC implementation efforts, however, further clarification of facilitation processes would improve the framework’s utility.

Trial registration

No health care intervention was performed.
Adherence to evidence-based practice across healthcare professionals in Germany: results from a cross-sectional, nationwide survey
Authors: Ehrenbrusthoff Katja , Braun Tobias , Bahns Carolin , Happe Lisa , Kopkow Christian
Published: October 2022

Background

Adherence to evidence-based practice (EBP) is considered a key competence to improve healthcare quality. In this study, we aimed to describe the EBP adherence of healthcare professionals working in Germany and to explore barriers and facilitators regarding the implementation of EBP in clinical practice.

Methods

A nationwide online survey was performed among healthcare professionals in Germany from January to April 2018 using the German version of the Evidence-based Practice Inventory (EBPI) questionnaire for a comprehensive assessment of adherence to EBP. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the association between demographic and professional determinants and each EBPI dimension.

Results

We analysed data of 889 participants, including 318 physical therapists, 154 occupational therapists, 137 midwifes and 280 participants of six other healthcare professions. Approximately 70% of the participants generally demonstrated a positive attitude towards EBP and believed that EBP was useful in clinical practice. Broadly, 80% of the respondents evaluated themselves as being able to enact EBP behaviour in clinical practice. In contrast, less than 70% preferred to use quantitative information instead of their intuition to inform their habitual clinical behaviour. Still, 20 to 30% reported that EBP did not sufficiently account for their clinical experience and differences between patients.

The strongest facilitators to EBP adherence across at least three dimensions of the EBPI were the availability of ≥ 60 min for scientific literature at work (OR: 9.67; 95% CI: 5.86; 16.30), followed by a master or higher academic degree (OR: 9.09, 95% CI: 5.86; 14.28) and the involvement in ≥ 1 scientific publication (OR: 7.06, 95% CI: 5.10; 9.85).

Conclusions

This study showed that healthcare professionals in Germany in general had a positive attitude towards EBP although they currently do not consider EBP principles in its entirety. The most important determinant positively influencing a healthcare professional’s decision to perform EBP was the time available for scientific literature at work. German healthcare professionals experience similar barriers towards the implementation of EBP in clinical practice compared to other international healthcare settings. These barriers should be targeted by future research.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00013792). Registered 19 January 2018.
Postnatal clubs for integrated postnatal care in Johannesburg, South Africa: a qualitative assessment of implementation
Authors: Makina-Zimalirana Ndinda , Dunlop Jackie , Jiyane Anele , Bartels Sophia Marie , Struthers Helen , McIntyre James , Rees Kate
Published: October 2022

Background

South Africa has reported challenges in retaining women in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs postnatally. Due to the success of PMTCT in the antenatal period, proportionally more infant transmissions now occur after delivery. The Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) Postnatal Club (PNC) model allows for integrated postnatal care and support. Anova Health Institute implemented the model in primary health facilities in Johannesburg as part of a planned national scale-up. We aimed to assess the implementation of these PNCs.

Methods

We used the RE-AIM (Reach, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework to assess implementation success and explore factors influencing implementation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 PNC staff, both clinicians and lay counsellors, using convenience sampling, from 12 facilities in Johannesburg. Data were analysed thematically using the RE-AIM framework.

Results

PNC were perceived to have many benefits for postnatal clients and their infants: providers reported reduced waiting times, reduced number of clinic visits and that PNC provided clients with a space to form cohesive group dynamics thereby contributing to retention and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. However, it was found that lacking resources (e.g., space, medical equipment, staff) negatively impacted reach, implementation and sustainability. At times the PNC model was altered to accommodate the availability of resources (e.g., counselling mothers individually). Additionally, providers expressed concerns about lack of stakeholder adoption and emphasized the importance of involving facility leadership for successful integration of the model into routine primary healthcare.

Conclusion

Our study found incomplete implementation of PNC in most of the participating facilities attributed to lack of resources and stakeholder buy-in. This underscores the need for increased support at management level to ensure sustainability. Effective collaboration between all stakeholders would allow better use of existing resources. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether all components of the model need to be implemented fully to ensure optimal outcomes, and to identify implementation strategies to facilitate scale-up.
Chest dual-energy CT to assess the effects of steroids on lung function in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Perchiazzi Gaetano , Larina Aleksandra , Hansen Tomas , Frithiof Robert , Hultström Michael , Lipcsey Miklos , Pellegrini Mariangela
Published: October 2022

Background

Steroids have been shown to reduce inflammation, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and lung edema. Based on evidence from clinical trials, steroids are widely used in severe COVID-19. However, the effects of steroids on pulmonary gas volume and blood volume in this group of patients are unexplored.

Objective

Profiting by dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), we investigated the relationship between the use of steroids in COVID-19 and distribution of blood volume as an index of impaired HPV. We also investigated whether the use of steroids influences lung weight, as index of lung edema, and how it affects gas distribution.

Methods

Severe COVID-19 patients included in a single-center prospective observational study at the intensive care unit at Uppsala University Hospital who had undergone DECT were enrolled in the current study. Patients’ cohort was divided into two groups depending on the administration of steroids. From each patient’s DECT, 20 gas volume maps and the corresponding 20 blood volume maps, evenly distributed along the cranial–caudal axis, were analyzed. As a proxy for HPV, pulmonary blood volume distribution was analyzed in both the whole lung and the hypoinflated areas. Total lung weight, index of lung edema, was estimated.

Results

Sixty patients were analyzed, whereof 43 received steroids. Patients not exposed to steroids showed a more extensive non-perfused area (19% vs 13%, p < 0.01) and less homogeneous pulmonary blood volume of hypoinflated areas (kurtosis: 1.91 vs 2.69, p < 0.01), suggesting a preserved HPV compared to patients treated with steroids. Moreover, patients exposed to steroids showed a significantly lower lung weight (953 gr vs 1140 gr, p = 0.01). A reduction in alveolar–arterial difference of oxygen followed the treatment with steroids (322 ± 106 mmHg at admission vs 267 ± 99 mmHg at DECT, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The use of steroids might cause impaired HPV and might reduce lung edema in severe COVID-19. This is consistent with previous findings in other diseases. Moreover, a reduced lung weight, as index of decreased lung edema, and a more homogeneous distribution of gas within the lung were shown in patients treated with steroids.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials ID: NCT04316884, Registered March 13, 2020.
ReadZS detects cell type-specific and developmentally regulated RNA processing programs in single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Meyer Elisabeth , Chaung Kaitlin , Dehghannasiri Roozbeh , Salzman Julia
Published: October 2022

RNA processing, including splicing and alternative polyadenylation, is crucial to gene function and regulation, but methods to detect RNA processing from single-cell RNA sequencing data are limited by reliance on pre-existing annotations, peak calling heuristics, and collapsing measurements by cell type. We introduce ReadZS, an annotation-free statistical approach to identify regulated RNA processing in single cells. ReadZS discovers cell type-specific RNA processing in human lung and conserved, developmentally regulated RNA processing in mammalian spermatogenesis—including global 3′ UTR shortening in human spermatogenesis. ReadZS also discovers global 3′ UTR lengthening in Arabidopsis development, highlighting the usefulness of this method in under-annotated transcriptomes.
Assessment of Helicobacter pylori positive infected patients according to Clarithromycin resistant 23S rRNA, rpl22 associated mutations and cyp2c19*1, *2, *3 genes pattern in the Early stage of Gastritis
Authors: Maghami Atena Abedi , Mobarez Ashraf Mohabati , Yadegar Abbas , Nikkhah Maryam , Sadeghi Amir , Esmaeili Saber
Published: October 2022

Objective

Clarithromycin resistant Helicobacter pylori (CAM-R) is the main cause of standard triple therapy eradicating failure. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) directly pose bacteriocidic activity and prepare the optimum condition for Clarithromycin’s best function. In counter with Poor metabolizer subjects, Homozygote Extensive Metabolizers have well characterized by treatment failure. Eventually, determination of CAM-R profile and estimation of PPIs metabolization rate support clinicians in better prescription. So, we explored Helicobacter pylori’mutations in 23S rRNA and rpl22 resistant genes, and cyp2c19 *1, *2, *3 allele variations, and PPIs metabolization patterns in patients, consequently the results reported to the physician.

Results

Sixteen out of 96 patients considered to be CAM-R Helicobacter pylori. A2143C (1/16), rpl22 insertion (16/16), and GTG deletion (2/16) recorded in CAM-R strains. P450 2C19 human genotyping demonstrated that the highest proportion of the H. pylori- positive strains infected patients 43/61(70.49%) categorized in Homozygote extensive metabolizer class. The rest (12/61)19.67% classified as Poor metabolizers, and 6/61(9.83%) distinct from Heterozygote extensive metabolizer group. Proportion of poor metabolizers and Heterozygote extensive metabolizer phenotypes between CAM-R strains mentioned to be 10/16(62.5%), and 6/16(37.5%). Cross points between the most frequently distributed allele in CAM-R strains indicated 81.25% for *2, and w2 for 18.75%.
Development and validation of a tool for the assessment of benefit from treatment of allergic rhinitis in children and adolescents (PBI-AR-K)
Authors: Janke Toni Maria , Eisner Elisabeth , Augustin Matthias , Blome Christine
Published: October 2022

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is frequent in children and adolescents and can severely affect their lives. This article describes the development and validation of a questionnaire to assess treatment needs and benefits in children and adolescents, the PBI-AR-K, in a sample of patients receiving grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy.

Patients and methods

The PBI-AR-K was developed based on an open survey including children and adolescents and expert consensus between methodologists, patients, and physicians. The PBI-AR-K assesses patient needs before the treatment and perceived benefit during or at the end of a treatment. A weighted benefit score can be calculated ranging from 0 to 4 (4 = highest possible benefit). The validation was conducted in children (5–12 years) and adolescents (13–17 years) receiving sublingual immunotherapy. Subscales were developed based on factor analysis. Psychometric properties of items and scales were assessed with descriptive statistics, internal consistency, and convergent validity.

Results

The final PBI-AR-K consists of 19 items. For validation, data from 345 patients (mean age 11.1; 60.9% male; n = 223 children; n = 122 adolescents) was analysed. Factor analyses resulted in four subscales for children and three subscales for adolescents. The items with the highest importance ratings were about choice of leisure activities (mean value in children: 3.5) and about being free of AR symptoms (adolescents: 3.3). The weighted PBI-AR-K scores reflected considerable patient-reported benefit (2.08–2.82) in both children and adolescents. Internal consistency of all scales was good or acceptable. In the children’s sample, the global scale and three of four subscales were quite consistently correlated with convergent variables, while the subscale ‘treatment burden’ was significantly correlated only with change in average impairments due to rhinitis symptoms. The adolescents’ sample showed more inconsistent results with only change in rhinitis severity being significantly associate with all subscales.

Conclusion

The newly developed PBI-AR-K is a reliable and valid questionnaire for use in children; for the use in adolescents, it should be further elaborated.
Beyond the three-chamber test: toward a multimodal and objective assessment of social behavior in rodents
Authors: Jabarin Renad , Netser Shai , Wagner Shlomo
Published: October 2022

Main

In recent years, substantial advances in social neuroscience have been realized, including the generation of numerous rodent models of autism spectrum disorder. Still, it can be argued that those methods currently being used to analyze animal social behavior create a bottleneck that significantly slows down progress in this field. Indeed, the bulk of research still relies on a small number of simple behavioral paradigms, the results of which are assessed without considering behavioral dynamics. Moreover, only few variables are examined in each paradigm, thus overlooking a significant portion of the complexity that characterizes social interaction between two conspecifics, subsequently hindering our understanding of the neural mechanisms governing different aspects of social behavior. We further demonstrate these constraints by discussing the most commonly used paradigm for assessing rodent social behavior, the three-chamber test. We also point to the fact that although emotions greatly influence human social behavior, we lack reliable means for assessing the emotional state of animals during social tasks. As such, we also discuss current evidence supporting the existence of pro-social emotions and emotional cognition in animal models. We further suggest that adequate social behavior analysis requires a novel multimodal approach that employs automated and simultaneous measurements of multiple behavioral and physiological variables at high temporal resolution in socially interacting animals. We accordingly describe several computerized systems and computational tools for acquiring and analyzing such measurements. Finally, we address several behavioral and physiological variables that can be used to assess socio-emotional states in animal models and thus elucidate intricacies of social behavior so as to attain deeper insight into the brain mechanisms that mediate such behaviors.

Conclusions

In summary, we suggest that combining automated multimodal measurements with machine-learning algorithms will help define socio-emotional states and determine their dynamics during various types of social tasks, thus enabling a more thorough understanding of the complexity of social behavior.
Cerebral monitoring in a pig model of cardiac arrest with 48 h of intensive care
Authors: Vammen Lauge , Johannsen Cecilie Munch , Magnussen Andreas , Povlsen Amalie , Petersen Søren Riis , Azizi Arezo , Pedersen Michael , Korshøj Anders Rosendal , Ringgaard Steffen , Løfgren Bo , Andersen Lars W. , Granfeldt Asger
Published: October 2022

Background

Neurological injury is the primary cause of death after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. There is a lack of studies investigating cerebral injury beyond the immediate post-resuscitation phase in a controlled cardiac arrest experimental setting.

Methods

The aim of this study was to investigate temporal changes in measures of cerebral injury and metabolism in a cardiac arrest pig model with clinically relevant post-cardiac arrest intensive care. A cardiac arrest group (n = 11) underwent 7 min of no-flow and was compared with a sham group (n = 6). Pigs underwent intensive care with 24 h of hypothermia at 33 °C. Blood markers of cerebral injury, cerebral microdialysis, and intracranial pressure (ICP) were measured. After 48 h, pigs underwent a cerebral MRI scan. Data are presented as median [25th; 75th percentiles].

Results

Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 7/11 pigs. Time to ROSC was 4.4 min [4.2; 10.9]. Both NSE and NfL increased over time (p < 0.001), and were higher in the cardiac arrest group at 48 h (NSE 4.2 µg/L [2.4; 6.1] vs 0.9 [0.7; 0.9], p < 0.001; NfL 63 ng/L [35; 232] vs 29 [21; 34], p = 0.02). There was no difference in ICP at 48 h (17 mmHg [14; 24] vs 18 [13; 20], p = 0.44). The cerebral lactate/pyruvate ratio had secondary surges in 3/7 cardiac arrest pigs after successful resuscitation. Apparent diffusion coefficient was lower in the cardiac arrest group in white matter cortex (689 × 10–6 mm2/s [524; 765] vs 800 [799; 815], p = 0.04) and hippocampus (854 [834; 910] vs 1049 [964; 1180], p = 0.03). N-Acetylaspartate was lower on MR spectroscopy in the cardiac arrest group (− 17.2 log [− 17.4; − 17.0] vs − 16.9 [− 16.9; − 16.9], p = 0.03).

Conclusions

We have developed a clinically relevant cardiac arrest pig model that displays cerebral injury as marked by NSE and NfL elevations, signs of cerebral oedema, and reduced neuron viability. Overall, the burden of elevated ICP was low in the cardiac arrest group. A subset of pigs undergoing cardiac arrest had persisting metabolic disturbances after successful resuscitation.
Estimated incidence of respiratory hospitalizations attributable to RSV infections across age and socioeconomic groups
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Warren Joshua L. , Shapiro Eugene D. , Pitzer Virginia E. , Weinberger Daniel M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Surveillance for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) likely captures just a fraction of the burden of disease. Understanding the burden of hospitalizations and disparities between populations can help to inform upcoming RSV vaccine programs and to improve surveillance.

Methods

We obtained monthly age-, ZIP code- and cause-specific hospitalizations in New York, New Jersey, and Washington from the US State Inpatient Databases (2005–2014). We estimated the incidence of respiratory hospitalizations attributable to RSV by age and by socioeconomic status using regression models. We compared the estimated incidence and the recorded incidence (based on ICD9-CM) of RSV hospitalizations to estimate the under-recorded ratio in different subpopulations.

Results

The estimated annual incidence of respiratory hospitalizations due to RSV was highest among infants < 1 year of age with low socioeconomic status (2800, 95% CrI [2600, 2900] per 100,000 person-years). We also estimated a considerable incidence in older adults (≥ 65 years of age), ranging from 130 to 960 per 100,000 person-years across different socioeconomic strata. The incidence of hospitalization recorded as being due to RSV represented a significant undercount, particularly in adults. Less than 5% of the estimated RSV hospitalizations were captured for those ≥ 65 years of age.

Conclusions

RSV causes a considerable burden of hospitalization in young children and in older adults in the US, with variation by socioeconomic group. Recorded diagnoses substantially underestimate the incidence of hospitalization due to RSV in older adults.
Assessing swidden land use in Myanmar by decision tree-based detection method using landsat imagery
Authors: Chan Nyein , Swe Khin Nilar , Kyaw Khin Thu Wint , Ko Ko La Minn , Win Kyaw , Aung Nway Nway , Oo Thet , Maung Maung Zwe , Thein Zar Zar Win
Published: October 2022

Swidden agriculture is a common land use found in the mountainous regions, especially in Southeast Asia. In Myanmar, the swidden agriculture has been practicing as an important livelihood strategy of millions of people, mainly by the ethnic groups. However, the extent of swidden agriculture in Myanmar is still in question. Therefore, we attempted to detect swidden patches and estimate the swidden extent in Myanmar using free available Landsat images on Google Earth Engine in combination with a decision tree-based plot detection method. We applied the commonly used indices such as dNBR, RdNBR, and dNDVI, statistically tested their threshold values to select the most appropriate combination of the indices and thresholds for the detection of swidden, and assessed the accuracy of each set of index and thresholds using ground truth data and visual interpretation of sample points outside the test site. The results showed that dNBR together with RdNBR, slope and elevation demonstrated higher accuracy (84.25%) compared to an all-index combination (dNBR, RdNBR, dNDVI, slope, and elevation). Using the best-fit pair, we estimated the extent of swidden at national level. The resulting map showed that the total extent of swidden in Myanmar was about 0.1 million ha in 2016, which is much smaller than other previously reported figures. Also, swidden patches were mostly observed in Shan State, followed by Chin State. In this way, this study primarily estimated the total extent of swidden area in Myanmar at national level and proved that the use of a decision tree-based detection method with appropriate vegetation indices and thresholds is highly applicable to the estimation of swidden extent on a regional basis. Also, as Myanmar is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia in area with a great majority of the population living in rural areas, and many in the mountains, its land resources are of great relevance to the people’s livelihoods and thereby the nation’s progress. Therefore, this study will contribute to sustainable land management planning on both regional and national scale.
Ethnic inequalities in involuntary admission under the Mental Health Act: an exploration of mediation effects of clinical care prior to the first admission
Authors: Freitas Daniela Fonseca , Walker Susan , Nyikavaranda Patrick , Downs Johnny , Patel Rashmi , Khondoker Mizanur , Bhui Kamaldeep , Hayes Richard D.
Published: October 2022

Background

Studies show ethnic inequalities in rates of involuntary admission and types of clinical care (such as psychological therapies). However, few studies have investigated if there is a relationship between clinical care practices and ethnic inequalities in involuntary admission.

Aims

This study investigated the impact of ethnicity and clinical care on involuntary admission and the potential mediation effects of prior clinical care.

Method

In this retrospective cohort study, we used data from the electronic records of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and identified patients with a first hospital admission between January 2008 and May 2021. Logistic regression and mediation analyses were used to investigate the association between ethnicity and involuntary admission, and whether clinical care, in the 12 months preceding admission, mediates the association.

Results

Compared with White British people, higher odds of involuntary admission were observed among 10 of 14 minority ethnic groups; with more than twice the odds observed among people of Asian Chinese, of Asian Bangladeshi and of any Black background. There were some ethnic differences in clinical care prior to admission, but these had a minimal impact on the inequalities in involuntary admission. More out-patient appointments and home treatment were associated with higher odds of involuntary admission, whereas psychological therapies and having a care plan were associated with reduced odds of involuntary admission.

Conclusions

Ethnic inequalities in involuntary admission persist after accounting for potential mediating effects of several types and frequencies of clinical care. Promoting access to psychological therapies and ensuring that care plans are in place may reduce involuntary admissions.
Prescriptions of psychopharmacologic drugs in Austria in 2019 and 2020 – Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Winkler Dietmar , Reichardt Berthold , Rothenberg Max , Rujescu Dan , Pjrek Edda
Published: October 2022

Background

Measures to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have an impact on the mental health of the general population. Drug prescription rates can be used as a surrogate marker to estimate help seeking and health parameters of a population. The aim of this study was to compare psychopharmacologic drug prescriptions in Austria from the start of the pandemic in 2020 over time and with the previous year and to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.

Methods

Data from the three largest public health insurances in Austria, covering over 98% of the general population, were analyzed. A total of 1,365,294 patients with a prescription of a psychopharmacologic drug in the months March to December in 2019 and 2020 were selected.

Results

There was no significant change in prescribed defined daily doses (DDDs) during the lockdowns. However, there was a stockpiling effect before and at the beginning of lockdown 1. The number of new patients initiating psychopharmacologic treatment was significantly reduced during lockdown 1 but not during lockdown 2.

Conclusions

The first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 functioned as a barrier for new psychiatric patients seeking help, whereas the patients with ongoing treatments did not have significant problems. These results have to be taken into account for future planning, but follow-up studies are needed, as our results could be indicative of a change in the effect of the protective measures on the utilization of the healthcare system over time.
The miR156 juvenility factor and PLETHORA 2 form a regulatory network and influence timing of meristem growth and lateral root emergence
Authors: Laskowski Marta J. , Tiley Helene C. , Fang Yiling , Epstein Anabel , Fu Yuyang , Ramos Roberto , Drummond Thomas J. , Heidstra Renze , Bhakhri Priyanka , Baskin Tobias I. , Leyser Ottoline
Published: October 2022

Plants develop throughout their lives: seeds become seedlings that mature and form fruits and seeds. Although the underlying mechanisms that drive these developmental phase transitions have been well elucidated for shoots, the extent to which they affect the root is less clear. However, root anatomy does change as some plants mature; meristems enlarge and radial thickening occurs. Here, in Arabidopsis thaliana, we show that overexpressing miR156A, a gene that promotes the juvenile phase, increased the density of the root system, even in grafted plants in which only the rootstock had the overexpression genotype. In the root, overexpression of miR156A resulted in lower levels of PLETHORA 2, a protein that affects formation of the meristem and elongation zone. Crossing in an extra copy of PLETHORA 2 partially rescued the effects of miR156A overexpression on traits affecting root architecture, including meristem length and the rate of lateral root emergence. Consistent with this, PLETHORA 2 also inhibited the root-tip expression of another miR156 gene, miR156C. We conclude that the system driving phase change in the shoot affects developmental progression in the root, and that PLETHORA 2 participates in this network.
Da transformação digital ao superapp Magalu: impactos contábeis dos investimentos em startups
Authors: Dias André Lamblet , Rodrigues Adriano , Santos Felipe Ferreira Simões dos
Published: October 2022

O caso discute o modelo de negócio da Magazine Luiza S.A., que, além de oferecer as tradicionais lojas físicas, se tornou uma referência no e-commerce. A mudança foi sustentada principalmente por investimentos em startups para aprimorar seu SuperApp. Um hipotética reunião do conselho de Administração lida com o seguinte questionamento: quais são os possíveis impactos contábeis desses investimentos no patrimônio e nos resultados da Magalu?
Patterns of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile tannin cells and leaf characteristics according to environmental conditions
Authors: BOUMAZA SALIMA , SENGOUGA AMINA , GASMI DJIHAD , MISRAOUI ALI , PERGENT GERARD , SEMROUD RACHID
Published: October 2022

There is little research on the distribution and evolution of tannin cells, specialized in the sequestration of phenolic compounds, in the leaves of P. oceanica, depending on the developmental stage and environmental conditions. This work aims to evaluate the density of tannin cells along the vertical axis of leaves (basal, middle, and apical regions) at four sites corresponding to an anthropogenic gradient estimated from the ecological status of P. oceanica meadows: Moderate (El Djamila), Good (Bou Ismaïl) and very good (Kouali and Aïn Tagouraït). Leaf thickness and width were measured in each region to express the density of tannin cells per mm². Data analysis shows that the density of tannin cells decreases with increasing leaf age and that the highest densities are recorded in the apical regions, especially when the leaf apex is entire. The density of leaf tannin cells is significantly correlated (R = -0.977, p = 0.022) with the Ecological Quality Ratio (EQR) corresponding to the ecological status of P. oceanica meadows and reflecting the impact of environmental pressures. This sensitivity to environmental conditions opens interesting prospects for using tannin cell density as a descriptor (environmental biomarker) in coastal monitoring programs based on P. oceanica meadows.