bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Process-Based Well-Being With the Support of a Close Person
Authors: Ryynänen Sanna Pauliina
Published: February 2023

The area of patient well-being, from medical care to everyday life, can be seen as a mutual, value-driven co-creative whole. However, the principle of customer-centricity has not sufficiently taken into account the patient's need for a close person's support in the care and home environments, especially in Nordic healthcare systems. The patient's well-being in healthcare can be viewed as a process-like service experience, including perceptions of their own well-being and a need for support in confronting the deterioration in their health. Therefore, well-being in the care process is not based solely on treatment results. Patient care proceeds as a service process in which mutual value is formed through the exchange of information and mutual understanding between a patient (ie, consent provider) within their social context (ie, support provider) and a service provider (ie, healthcare professional) in achieving care results. In a professional and organization-oriented care culture, the support of a close person can be seen as an expansion of the value network of patient care, which, in addition to providing individual and organizational human resource benefits, improves the service process.
“I don’t know how we would have coped without it.” Understanding the Importance of a Virtual Hospital Visiting Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dainty Katie N , Seaton M Bianca , Molloy Sean , Robinson Stephanie , Haberman Shana
Published: February 2023

As the COVID-19 pandemic reached Canada in full strength, the concept of allowing visiting to patients became an impossibility in most healthcare organizations. In March 2020, hospitals across Canada made the decision to close to visitors. This was a complicated decision which left admitted patients with very little option for connecting with family and friends other than through the telephone. In response, North York General Hospital launched a virtual family visiting (VFV) program across all inpatient units. Here we report the findings of a qualitative study of the program informed by an interpretive descriptive approach. Interviews were conducted with families who participated in the VFV program at North York General Hospital in Toronto, Canada during the first wave of the COVID pandemic. A total of 24 family members were interviewed. As anticipated, the family members were all extremely pleased with the opportunity to connect virtually and very satisfied with the VFV program. What was less anticipated was the anxiety and distress that families experienced in being separated from their loved ones. Our data analysis revealed 4 key themes which we have labeled (a) the unforeseen consequences of separation trauma, (b) increased vulnerability of patients and family, (c) a lifeline of human connection, and (d) the role of the facilitator as a connector. This work contributes significantly to a system-level understanding of the impact of imposed separation, increased vulnerability, and the importance of providing an alternative way for families to be present with their loved ones in these unprecedented times.
Does the Musk Twitter Takeover Matter? Political Influencers, Their Arguments, and the Quality of Information They Share
Authors: Rohlinger Deana A. , Rose Kyle , Warren Sarah , Shulman Stuart
Published: February 2023

In October 2022, Elon Musk took over Twitter. Although conservatives cheered the takeover, progressives decried it as dangerous for democracy. Despite scholarly interest in Twitter, little is known about the impact of “old” Twitter’s policies on the information environment, making it difficult to speculate about Musk’s effects. The authors begin to address this gap through an analysis of 245,020 tweets collected before and after Twitter suspended eight accounts calling for state audits of the 2020 presidential election results. In this analysis of message amplifiers, or accounts receiving 200 or more retweets, and message drivers, or top-ranked accounts, no evidence is found that the Twitter ban improved the ideas or the quality of information shared about the election, nor did it dramatically change who posted about the audit. The authors conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings for future research on Twitter under Musk’s control.
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence for Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gupta Puneet , Kingston Kiera A. , O’Malley Martin , Williams Riley J. , Ramkumar Prem N.
Published: February 2023

Background:

There has been a rapid increase in research applying artificial intelligence (AI) to various subspecialties of orthopaedic surgery, including foot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this systematic review is to (1) characterize the topics and objectives of studies using AI in foot and ankle surgery, (2) evaluate the performance of their models, and (3) evaluate their validity (internal or external validation).

Methods:

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases in December 2022. All studies that used AI or its subsets machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) in the setting of foot and ankle surgery relevant to orthopaedic surgeons were included. Studies were evaluated for their demographics, subject area, outcomes of interest, model(s) tested, model(s)’ performance, and validity (internal or external).

Results:

A total of 31 studies met inclusion criteria: 14 studies investigated AI for image interpretation, 13 studies investigated AI for clinical predictions, and 4 studies were grouped as “other.” Studies commonly explored AI for ankle fractures, calcaneus fractures, hallux valgus, Achilles tendon pathologies, plantar fasciitis, and sports injuries. For studies reporting the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), AUCs ranged from 0.64 (poor) to 0.99 (excellent). Two studies (6.45%) reported external validation.

Conclusion:

Applications of AI in the field of foot and ankle surgery are expanding, particularly for image interpretation and clinical predictions. Current model performances range from poor to excellent, and most studies lack external validation, demonstrating a need for further research prior to deploying AI-based clinical applications.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Phonetic interchange and interchangeable characters in a Tangut vocabulary
Authors: Sun Yingxin
Published: February 2023

The famous phenomenon of ‘phonetic interchange’ in Chinese philology also occurred in Tangut scriptures. In various manuscripts and xylographs, the author or transcriber may have borrowed a phonetically related character to substitute for the original. The borrowings are not only absolute homonyms, but also show some slight distinctions in their initials or finals. In a recently discovered Tangut philological work, there is a vocabulary of over 2000 interchangeable characters enumerated in homonymic groups, which presents phonetic distinctions between Tangut oral speech and the orthodox rhyme dictionaries, and contributes to the identification of knotty characters encountered in deciphering the Tangut Buddhist texts.
Concordance of multiple informant assessment of school-based social skills intervention and association with child outcomes: Results from a randomized trial
Authors: Tagavi Daina M. , Ahlers Kaitlyn , Bravo Alice , McVey Alana J. , Locke Jill
Published: February 2023

Background

Fidelity, or the degree to which an intervention is implemented as designed, is essential for effective implementation. There has been a growing emphasis on assessing fidelity of evidence-based practices for autistic children in schools. Fidelity measurement should be multidimensional and focus on core intervention components and assess their link with program outcomes. This study evaluated the relation between intervention fidelity ratings from multiple sources, tested the relation between fidelity ratings and child outcomes, and determined the relations between core intervention components and child outcomes in a study of an evidence-based psychosocial intervention designed to promote inclusion of autistic children at school, Remaking Recess.

Method

This study extends from a larger randomized controlled trial examining the effect of implementation support on Remaking Recess fidelity and child outcomes. Schools were randomized to receive the intervention or the intervention plus implementation support. Observers, intervention coaches, and school personnel completed fidelity measures to rate completion and quality of intervention delivery. A measure of peer engagement served as the child outcome. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine concordance between raters. Two sets of hierarchical linear models were conducted using fidelity indices as predictors of peer engagement.

Results

Coach- and self-rated completion and quality scores, observer- and self-rated quality scores, and observer- and coach-rated quality fidelity scores were significantly correlated. Higher observer-rated completion and quality fidelity scores were predictors of higher peer engagement scores. No single intervention component emerged as a significant predictor of peer engagement.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of using a multidimensional approach for measuring fidelity, testing the link between fidelity and child outcomes, and examining how core intervention components may be associated with child outcomes. Future research should clarify how to improve multi-informant reports to provide “good enough” ratings of fidelity that provide meaningful information about outcomes in community settings.
Pediatric Chemotherapy Infusions in Outpatient Examination Rooms: A Novel Patient Care Approach
Authors: Omdahl Tami K. , Stenzel Janelle L. , Pike Marsha L. , Conlon Patricia M. , Barry Tracy A. , Brown Tanya M. , Cambern Kari L. , Davis Kadi M. , Fjerstad Kelly A. , Graner Kevin K. , Kuhn Alexis K. , Larson Alison P. , Orandi Amir B. , Smith Emily L. , Soefje Scott A. , Janssen Alan M.
Published: February 2023

Background: Many health care organizations offer pediatric infusions in outpatient infusion centers or, as in our organization, in a hospital-based outpatient Pediatric Infusion Therapy Center (PITC). When restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic decreased our PITC appointment capacity by 40%, other patient and family satisfaction issues were exacerbated. We implemented a new approach to pediatric infusions with the aim of improving patient and family satisfaction and reducing the amount of time in an appointment itinerary without negatively affecting patient safety. Methods: Our team used a phased approach to pilot the administration of short chemotherapy infusions in the same outpatient clinic examination rooms where consultation and routine office visits were conducted. Patients saw their specialist for an examination and, if clinically indicated, their infusion was administered in the same room. Appointment itineraries were then completed. The team tracked efficiency, satisfaction, and safety metrics related to the new process. Results: All efficiency metrics improved. No harm came to the 49 unique patients who received a total of 184 infusions. Patient appointment itineraries were shortened by an average of 1.03 hr. Satisfaction survey responses indicated a clear preference (93%) for the new process. Discussion: The novel approach of offering short infusions in outpatient clinic examination rooms provides an opportunity to ease capacity constraints and further increase patient and family satisfaction. This method may be especially helpful for health care organizations when external influences (e.g., lack of physical space, challenging patient volumes, and pandemics) necessitate a change.
Governing cities through regions: Evolution of regional plans for the Yangtze River Delta mega city-region
Authors: Chen Wen , Yuan Feng , Sun Wei , Li Yi
Published: February 2023

The growth of regional plans in China since the new millennium has raised debates regarding the recentralization of the state in response to the crisis of urban entrepreneurialism. The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region is a case in point for exploration. As the first regional plan of its kind, orchestrated over the YRD, two additional plans have been formulated for this region in the subsequent years. By analyzing the recurrent regional plan experiments in the YRD, this study identified two dominant features that characterized the current regional plan trend in China. The first is the special attention paid to the positioning of the regional territory in the national and international context. The second is the importance attached to the national policy delivery in multilevel government systems. This case study illustrates that the rise of regional plans made by the state does not indicate a departure from entrepreneurial governance. Instead, it represents a “nationalized” YRD entrepreneurial strategy, whereby the national aspirations are regionalized around the YRD. In addition, it manifests recurrent experiments for a governance fix by the state to regulate municipal developments via regional plans without fundamental structural reforms. Through regional plans, the state manages to govern the cities with strategic significance.
Dependency Theory: An Evaluation of the Period-Based Changes in the Utilization of Maternal Health Care and Neonatal Mortality in Tanzania Between 1991 and 2016
Authors: Langa Neema
Published: February 2023

While efforts have been made to increase maternal health care (MHC) utilization and decrease neonatal mortality in Tanzania, much remains to be known about the effect of dependency (particularly on reproductive policy changes) on the use of MHC and neonatal health over time among varying socioeconomic groups. This study applied dependency theory to cross-sectional secondary data (collected by the Tanzania Demographic Health Surveys between 1991 and 2016) to investigate period-based changes in MHC and neonatal mortalities in Tanzania. Results from the data analysis found that while neonatal mortalities were decreasing in Tanzania (from 1991 to 2016), the odds of neonatal mortality were still greater in 2016. Also, a decline in the recommended skilled delivery assistance and 4 + antenatal care visits occurred in the data period. A significant increase in socioeconomic inequality around MHC use and neonatal mortality occurred during the study period as well. Policy recommendations to reduce these inequalities and move toward meeting Sustainability Development Goals for maternal and neonatal health in Tanzania are discussed.
An engineered miRNA PS-OMe miR130 inhibits acute lung injury by targeting eCIRP in sepsis
Authors: Borjas Timothy , Jacob Asha , Kobritz Molly , Ma Gaifeng , Tan Chuyi , Patel Vihas , Coppa Gene F. , Aziz Monowar , Wang Ping
Published: February 2023

Background

Sepsis is caused by the dysregulated immune response due to an initial infection and results in significant morbidity and mortality in humans. Extracellular cold inducible RNA binding protein (eCIRP) is a novel mediator identified in sepsis. We have previously discovered that microRNA 130b-3p inhibits eCIRP mediated inflammation. As RNA mimics are very unstable in vivo, we hypothesize that an engineered miRNA 130b-3p mimic named PS-OMe miR130, improves stability of the miRNA by protection from nuclease activity. We further hypothesize that PS-OMe miR130 reduces not only eCIRP-mediated inflammation and but also acute lung injury in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis.

Methods

Single stranded PS-OMe miR130 was synthesized and the binding affinity to eCIRP was evaluated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and computational modeling. Macrophages were treated with PS-OMe miR130 with and without eCIRP and cell supernatant analyzed for cytokines. In vitro stability and the in vivo half-life of PS-OMe miR130 were also assessed. The effect of PS-Ome miR130 on eCIRP’s binding to TLR4 was evaluated by SPR analysis and modeling. Finally, the effect of PS-OMe miR130 on inflammation and injury was assessed in a murine model of sepsis.

Results

We demonstrate via SPR and computational modeling that PS-OMe miR130 has a strong binding affinity to eCIRP. This engineered miRNA decreases eCIRP induced TNF-α and IL-6 proteins, and it is highly stable in vitro and has a long in vivo half-life. We further demonstrate that PS-OMe miR130 blocks eCIRP binding to its receptor TLR4. Finally, we show that PS-OMe miR130 inhibits inflammation and lung injury, and improves survival in murine sepsis.

Conclusion

PS-OMe miR130 can be developed as a novel therapeutic by inhibiting eCIRP-mediated inflammation and acute lung injury in sepsis.
Product Specification Analysis for Modular Product Design Using Big Sales Data
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Bingbing , Peng Qingjin , Gu Peihua
Published: February 2023

Big data on product sales are an emerging resource for supporting modular product design to meet diversified customers’ requirements of product specification combinations. To better facilitate decision-making of modular product design, correlations among specifications and components originated from customers’ conscious and subconscious preferences can be investigated by using big data on product sales. This study proposes a framework and the associated methods for supporting modular product design decisions based on correlation analysis of product specifications and components using big sales data. The correlations of the product specifications are determined by analyzing the collected product sales data. By building the relations between the product components and specifications, a matrix for measuring the correlation among product components is formed for component clustering. Six rules for supporting the decision making of modular product design are proposed based on the frequency analysis of the specification values per component cluster. A case study of electric vehicles illustrates the application of the proposed method.
Interfacial passivation of CsPbI3 quantum dots improves the performance of hole-transport-layer-free perovskite photodetectors
Authors: Zhou Houpu , Chen Mengwei , Liu Chenguang , Zhang Rui , Li Jing , Liao Sainan , Lu Haifei , Yang Yingping
Published: February 2023

Photodetectors (PDs) suffer from dark current due to defects in the perovskite photosensitive layer. Contact between the photosensitive layer and carbon electrodes could result in recombination of carriers at the interface. In this work, CsPbI3 quantum dots (QDs) were added between the photosensitive layer and the carbon electrode as the interfacial layer to passivate the surface defects of perovskite layer and improve the energy level matching at the interface. The effect of QDs concentrations on the passivation of the perovskite layer was investigated. It was found that the photoluminescence intensity of perovskite films was the strongest and the decay lifetime was the longest when the QDs concentration was 3 mg/mL. Owing to QDs passivation, the dark current of perovskite PD decreased by 94% from $$2.04\; \times \;10^{ - 9}$$

2.04

×

10

-
9

to $$1.17\; \times \;10^{ - 10}$$

1.17

×

10

-
10

A. The responsivity (R) at 605 nm improved by 27% from 0.29 to 0.37 A/W at 0 V bias voltage. The specific detectivity (D*) increased by 420% from $$8.9\; \times \;10^{11}$$

8.9

×

10
11

to $$4.7\; \times \;10^{12}$$

4.7

×

10
12

Jones.
Anxiety prevalence and its association with physical activity in patients with non-communicable diseases during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Yanyun , Hou Tianzhichao , Cheng Minna , Miao Ya , Yeerjang Yeerzati , Sheng Chang-sheng , Xue Kun , Wu Cui , Zhang Sheng , Yan Qinghua , Pei Jianfeng , Yang Qinping , Tian Jingyan , Xu Wanghong , Shi Yan
Published: February 2023

Background

Quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have created great psychological stress among vulnerable populations. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and explore the association between physical activities (PA) and anxiety risk in people with non-communicable diseases during the period of COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey from February 25 to April 20, 2020, the period of COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai. Up to 8000 patients with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension were selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling. PA level was measured based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire using Metabolic Equivalent for Task scores, while symptoms of anxiety were assessed by the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of type and level of PA with the risk of anxiety.

Results

Of a total 4877 eligible patients, 2602 (53.4%) reported with anxiety, and 2463 (50.5%), 123 (2.5%) and 16 (0.3%) reported with mild, moderate, and severe anxiety. The prevalence of anxiety was higher in the females, the elders, non-smokers, non-drinkers, and patients with diabetes, and the associations of anxiety with sex, age, smoking, drinking and diagnosis of diabetes were significant. A significant negative association was observed for housework activities (OR 0.53, 95%CI: [0.45, 0.63], p < 0.001) and trip activities (OR 0.55, 95%CI: [0.48, 0.63], p < 0.001) with anxiety, but no significant was found for exercise activities (OR 1.06, 95%CI: [0.94, 1.20], p = 0.321). Compared with patients with a low PA level, those with a moderate (OR 0.53, 95%CI: [0.44, 0.64], p < 0.001) or a high PA level (OR 0.51, 95%CI: [0.43, 0.51], p < 0.001) had a lower prevalence of anxiety.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of anxiety in patients with hypertension, diabetes, or both during the COVID-19 lockdown. The negative associations of housework and trip activities with anxiety highlight the potential benefit of PA among patients with non-communicable diseases.
Usefulness of K-line in predicting prognosis of laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Ikeda Terumasa , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Akagi Masao
Published: February 2023

Background

K-line is widely recognized as a useful index for evaluating cervical alignment and the size of the cervical ossification at the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the K-line could be a useful clinical tool for predicting the prognosis of laminoplasty (LP) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods

Adult CSM patients scheduled for cervical LP were recruited for this study. C2-7 angle, local kyphosis angle, and K-line was evaluated by T2-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical findings were evaluated by the JOA score and the recovery rate. Clinical and radiological findings were evaluated preoperation and final follow-up. Patients were grouped into K-line ( +) and K-line (-). Patients with Kline (-) were further divided into two sub-groups: disc type (anterior cord compression due to disc protrusion with kyphosis) and osseous type (due to osseous structure such as osteophyte).

Results

Sixty-eight patients were included in the analysis. The recovery rate of K-line (-) group (n = 11,19.4%) was significantly worse than that of K-line ( +) group (n = 57, 50.6%, p<0.05). Among 11 K-line (-) patients, 7 were disc type and 4 were osseous type. Over the period of follow-up, the disc type K-line (-) patients changed to K-line ( +) and showed significantly better recovery rate (27.6%) compared to the osseous type K-line (-) group (5.0%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present of this study indicate that K-line may have a predictive value for clinical outcome in patients undergoing LP for CSM. K-line (-) of osseous type was worse than k-line (-) of disc type.
Autophagy as a potential mechanism underlying the biological effect of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on periodontitis: a narrative review
Authors: Chen Xiaoting , Arias Zulema , Omori Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Tadashi , Shinoda-Ito Yuki , Takashiba Shogo
Published: February 2023

The major active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), is known for its wide bioactivity in periodontal tissues. Although the exact mechanisms underlying its protective action against periodontitis remain unclear, recent studies have shown that 1,25D3 regulates autophagy. Autophagy is vital for intracellular pathogen invasion control, inflammation regulation, and bone metabolic balance in periodontal tissue homeostasis, and its regulation could be an interesting pathway for future periodontal studies. Since vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem, its role as a potential regulator of autophagy provides new insights into periodontal diseases. Based on this premise, this narrative literature review aimed to investigate the possible connection between 1,25D3 and autophagy in periodontitis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed using the following keywords (e.g., vitamin D, autophagy, periodontitis, pathogens, epithelial cells, immunity, inflammation, and bone loss). In this review, the latest studies on the protective action of 1,25D3 against periodontitis and the regulation of autophagy by 1,25D3 are summarized, and the potential role of 1,25D3-activated autophagy in the pathogenesis of periodontitis is analyzed. 1,25D3 can exert a protective effect against periodontitis through different signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, and at least part of this regulatory effect is achieved through the activation of the autophagic response. This review will help clarify the relationship between 1,25D3 and autophagy in the homeostasis of periodontal tissues and provide perspectives for researchers to optimize prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
Evolution and long‑term respiratory sequelae after severe COVID-19 pneumonia: nitric oxide diffusion measurement value
Authors: Núñez-Fernández Marta , Ramos-Hernández Cristina , García-Río Francisco , Pérez-González Alexandre , Tilve-Gómez Amara , Rodríguez-Fernández Paula , Nodar-Germiñas Andrés , Fernández-García Alberto , Ruano-Raviña Alberto , Fernández-Villar Alberto
Published: February 2023

Introduction

There are no published studies assessing the evolution of combined determination of the lung diffusing capacity for both nitric oxide and carbon monoxide (DLNO and DLCO) 12 months after the discharge of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

Prospective cohort study which included patients who were assessed both 3 and 12 months after an episode of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Their clinical status, health condition, lung function testings (LFTs) results (spirometry, DLNO-DLCO analysis, and six-minute walk test), and chest X-ray/computed tomography scan images were compared.

Results

194 patients, age 62 years (P25–75, 51.5–71), 59% men, completed the study. 17% required admission to the intensive care unit. An improvement in the patients’ exercise tolerance, the extent of the areas of ground-glass opacity, and the LFTs between 3 and 12 months following their hospital discharge were found, but without a decrease in their degree of dyspnea or their self-perceived health condition. DLNO was the most significantly altered parameter at 12 months (19.3%). The improvement in DLNO-DLCO mainly occurred at the expense of the recovery of alveolar units and their vascular component, with the membrane factor only improving in patients with more severe infections.

Conclusions

The combined measurement of DLNO-DLCO is the most sensitive LFT for the detection of the long-term sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia and it explain better their pathophysiology.
Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors as adjuvant treatment for patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer harboring EGFR mutation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Authors: Zhao Ning , Wu Zhuo-peng , Yang Jie , Feng Wei-neng , Yang Sheng-li , Luo Ying , Ye Jun , Wang Fei , Zhang Xiao-wen , Xiao Ye , Wu Ling-ling , Gu Wei-quan
Published: February 2023

Background

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is still under investigation as adjuvant treatment for early-stage disease. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant EGFR-TKI versus non-EGFR-TKI treatment in patients with completely resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutation.

Methods

Two investigators independently extracted data from databases. A meta-analysis was performed following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022316481). The primary outcome was disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with EGFR mutation, measured as the hazard ratio (HR). Other outcomes (of subgroup analyses) included overall survival (OS) and DFS.

Results

After the systematic screening, eight studies with a total of 3098 patients with stage IB–IIIA NSCLC were included. The results show that in patients with EGFR mutation, the DFS in the adjuvant EGFR-TKI group was significantly superior to that in the control group, with a HR of 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30–0.74; P = 0.001). In subgroup analyses of DFS, the benefit was observed in the EGFR-TKI group versus the chemotherapy group (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30–0.84; P = 0.009), the EGFR-TKI combined with chemotherapy group versus the chemotherapy group (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.85; P = 0.02), and in stage IIA–IIIA NSCLC (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27–0.74; P = 0.002). However, the benefit of DFS did not translate into improved OS in the whole population (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.54–1.14; P = 0.20).

Conclusion

EGFR-TKIs prolonged DFS but not OS in patients with completely resected stage II–IIIA NSCLC harboring EGFR mutation. Longer follow-ups and new clinical trials that can result in changes in clinical practice are needed.
Treatment of pacemaker-induced superior vena cava syndrome by direct oral anticoagulant
Authors: Huang Weijun , Chen Yingwen , Liu Ziwei , Huang Yuli , Hu Yunzhao
Published: February 2023

Background

The use of cardiac implantable electronic devices has grown substantially over the past two decades, lead-related vascular issues are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome due to pacemaker leads is an uncommon complication. Anticoagulation remains the mainstay of therapy to restore some degree of patency and relieve swelling. However, there are limited clinical trials on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Case presentation

We report a case of an 80-year-old man who developed SVC syndrome after transvenous pacemaker implantation with symptoms of obstruction that were significantly relieved after four months of DOACs. His symptoms had completely resolved nine months later.

Conclusions

DOACs are effective in the treatment of SVC syndrome after pacemaker implantation, representing an important new approach. It is a very good choice for patients who do not want to undergo interventional therapy.
Identifying the needs of older people living with HIV (≥ 50 years old) from multiple centres over the world: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Grosso Tomás Martín , Hernández-Sánchez Diana , Dragovic Gordana , Vasylyev Marta , Saumoy María , Blanco José Ramón , García Diego , Koval Tetiana , Loste Cora , Westerhof Tendayi , Clotet Bonaventura , Sued Omar , Cahn Pedro , Negredo Eugènia
Published: February 2023

Background

Older People Living with HIV (OPWH) combine both aging and HIV-infection features, resulting in ageism, stigma, social isolation, and low quality of life. This context brings up new challenges for healthcare professionals, who now must aid patients with a significant comorbidity burden and polypharmacy treatments. OPWH opinion on their health management is hardly ever considered as a variable to study, though it would help to understand their needs on dissimilar settings.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional, comparative study including patients living with HIV aged ≥50 years old from multiple centers worldwide and gave them a survey addressing their perception on overall health issues, psychological problems, social activities, geriatric conditions, and opinions on healthcare. Data was analyzed through Chisquared tests sorting by geographical regions, age groups, or both.

Results

We organized 680 participants data by location (Center and South America [CSA], Western Europe [WE], Africa, Eastern Europe and Israel [EEI]) and by age groups (50- 55, 56-65, 66-75, >75). In EEI, HIV serostatus socializing and reaching undetectable viral load were the main problems. CSA participants are the least satisfied regarding their healthcare, and a great part of them are not retired. Africans show the best health perception, have financial problems, and fancy their HIV doctors. WE is the most developed region studied and their participants report the best scores. Moreover, older age groups tend to live alone, have a lower perception of psychological problems, and reduced social life.

Conclusions

Patients’ opinions outline region- and age-specific unmet needs. In EEI, socializing HIV and reaching undetectable viral load were the main concerns. CSA low satisfaction outcomes might reflect high expectations or profound inequities in the region. African participants results mirror a system where general health is hard to achieve, but HIV clinics are much more appealing to them. WE is the most satisfied region about their healthcare. In this context, age-specific information, education and counseling programs (i.e. Patient Reported Outcomes, Patient Centered Care, multidisciplinary teams) are needed to promote physical and mental health among older adults living with HIV/AIDS. This is crucial for improving health-related quality of life and patient’s satisfaction.
Multi-dimensional mismatch and barriers for promoting PrEP among men who have sex with men in China: a cross sectional survey from the Demand-side
Authors: Guan Yuan , Qi Tangkai , Liao Qibin , Zhang Renfang , Chen Jun , Liu Li , Shen Yinzhong , Zhu Han , Tang Qi , Lu Hongzhou
Published: February 2023

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) is a key population for preventing HIV in China, yet pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is not widely accepted in this population. The objective of this manuscript was to assessed the barriers in the acknowledgement and uptake focusing the demand side.

Methods

An online questionnaire survey was conducted from December 2018 to January 2019. All participants were required to scan two-dimensional code which was the online crowdsourcing survey platform to complete the electronic questionnaire anonymously.

Results

Among 1915 MSM from thirty-four cities of China, 512 (26.7%) versus 1617 (84.4%) had an objective or subjective need of PrEP, respectively. One hundred and six (5.5%) reported affordability and only 23 (1.2%) had ever taken it. Age, living alone and occupation were associated with the objective needs. Age, income, sexual behavior were associated with actual usage. The participants who they had objective need to use PrEP are the population which we should focus on.

Conclusion

A wide disconnect exists among the objective need, willingness, affordability and uptake of PrEP. Cost was the most prevalent barrier, accounting for 78.22% of individuals who needed and wished for PrEP but finally failed to receive it. The findings might facilitate optimizing future allocation of resources to better promote PrEP in Chinese MSM.
Lower-risk substance use guidelines accessible by youth
Authors: Moebes Zakkaery R. , Card Kiffer G. , Koenig Brett , Benoit Cecilia
Published: February 2023

Background

Lower-risk substance use guidelines (LRSUGs) are an evidence-based harm reduction strategy used to provide information to people who use drugs so they can reduce harms associated with substance use.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify LRSUGs accessible to youth and to characterize the recommendations within these guidelines. The overall goal is to identify gaps in current LRSUGs and to inform researchers and policymakers of the kinds of health information youth can access.

Methods

We conducted a digital assessment using the Google search engine to identify LRSUGs that could be identified by youth when searching for official sources of information related to commonly used substances, including cannabis, caffeine, alcohol, hallucinogens, prescription opioids, nicotine, and/or prescription stimulants. LRSUGs were coded and data were extracted from them to identify gaps.

Results

One hundred thirty LRSUGs were identified; most focused on alcohol (n = 40, 31%), cannabis (n = 30, 23%), and caffeine (n = 21, 16%). LRSUGs provided recommendations about dosing (n = 108, 83%), frequency of use (n = 72, 55%), and when to use (n = 86, 66%). Most LRSUGs were published by health (n = 51, 39%) and third-sector organizations (n = 41, 32%), followed by provincial/state (n = 18, 14%), government (n = 14, 11%), municipal (n = 4, 3%), and academic (n = 2, 2%) sources. Only 16% (n = 21) of LRSUGs were youth-specific and one-quarter (n = 32, 25%) of LRSUGs provided gender-specific recommendations. Most guidelines featured information on short (n = 76, 58%) and long-term (n = 69, 53%) negative effectives and positive effects of substances (n = 56, 43%). Less than half (n = 50, 38%) of LRSUGs cited evidence in support of the information they provided.

Conclusions

We identified several areas in the current LRSUGs for youth that need to be addressed. Among the gaps are a lack of LRSUGs developed specifically for youth, a lack of youth engagement in developing harm reduction strategies centered around them, and a lack of evidence-based LRSUGs. Youth-oriented, evidence-based LRSUGs are needed to better support youth who use substances and help them manage the negative effects of substance use.
All galls are divided into three or more parts: recursive enumeration of labeled histories for galled trees
Authors: Mathur Shaili , Rosenberg Noah A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

In mathematical phylogenetics, a labeled rooted binary tree topology can possess any of a number of labeled histories, each of which represents a possible temporal ordering of its coalescences. Labeled histories appear frequently in calculations that describe the combinatorics of phylogenetic trees. Here, we generalize the concept of labeled histories from rooted phylogenetic trees to rooted phylogenetic networks, specifically for the class of rooted phylogenetic networks known as rootedgalled trees.

Results

Extending a recursive algorithm for enumerating the labeled histories of a labeled tree topology, we present a method to enumerate the labeled histories associated with a labeled rooted galled tree. The method relies on a recursive decomposition by which each gall in a galled tree possesses three or more descendant subtrees. We exhaustively provide the numbers of labeled histories for all small galled trees, finding that each gall reduces the number of labeled histories relative to a specified galled tree that does not contain it.

Conclusion

The results expand the set of structures for which labeled histories can be enumerated, extending a well-known calculation for phylogenetic trees to a class of phylogenetic networks.
A metabonomic study to explore potential markers of asymptomatic hyperuricemia and acute gouty arthritis
Authors: Wang Wei , Kou Jun , Zhang Mingmei , Wang Tao , Li Wei , Wang Yamen , Xie Qingyun , Wei Meng
Published: February 2023

Background

Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is a metabolic disease with acute arthritis as its main manifestation. However, the pathogenesis of asymptomatic hyperuricemia (HUA) to AGA is still unclear, and metabolic markers are needed to early predict and diagnose. In this study, gas chromatography (GC)/liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry (MS) was used to reveal the changes of serum metabolites from healthy people to HUA and then to AGA, and to find the pathophysiological mechanism and biological markers.

Methods

Fifty samples were included in AGA, HUA, and healthy control group, respectively. The metabolites in serum samples were detected by GC/LC–MS. According to the statistics of pairwise grouping, the statistically significant differential metabolites were obtained by the combination of multidimensional analysis and one-dimensional analysis. Search the selected metabolites in KEGG database, determine the involved metabolic pathways, and draw the metabolic pathway map in combination with relevant literature.

Results

Using metabonomics technology, 23 different serum metabolic markers related to AGA and HUA were found, mainly related to uric acid metabolism and inflammatory response caused by HUA/AGA. Three of them are completely different from the previous gout studies, nine metabolites with different trends from conventional inflammation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we analyzed 150 serum samples from AGA, HUA, and healthy control group by GC/LC–MS to explore the changes of these differential metabolites and metabolic pathways, suggesting that the disease progression may involve the changes of biomarkers, which may provide a basis for disease risk prediction and early diagnosis.
Assessing the capabilities of 2D fluorescence monitoring in microtiter plates with data-driven modeling for secondary substrate limitation experiments of Hansenula polymorpha
Authors: Berg Christoph , Herbst Laura , Gremm Lisa , Ihling Nina , Paquet-Durand Olivier , Hitzmann Bernd , Büchs Jochen
Published: February 2023

Background

Non-invasive online fluorescence monitoring in high-throughput microbioreactors is a well-established method to accelerate early-stage bioprocess development. Recently, single-wavelength fluorescence monitoring in microtiter plates was extended to measurements of highly resolved 2D fluorescence spectra, by introducing charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors. Although introductory experiments demonstrated a high potential of the new monitoring technology, an assessment of the capabilities and limits for practical applications is yet to be provided.

Results

In this study, three experimental sets introducing secondary substrate limitations of magnesium, potassium, and phosphate to cultivations of a GFP-expressing H. polymorpha strain were conducted. This increased the complexity of the spectral dynamics, which were determined by 2D fluorescence measurements. The metabolic responses upon growth limiting conditions were assessed by monitoring of the oxygen transfer rate and extensive offline sampling. Using only the spectral data, subsequently, partial least-square (PLS) regression models for the key parameters of glycerol, cell dry weight, and pH value were generated. For model calibration, spectral data of only two cultivation conditions were combined with sparse offline sampling data. Applying the models to spectral data of six cultures not used for calibration, resulted in an average relative root-mean-square error (RMSE) of prediction between 6.8 and 6.0%. Thus, while demanding only sparse offline data, the models allowed the estimation of biomass accumulation and glycerol consumption, even in the presence of more or less pronounced secondary substrate limitation.

Conclusion

For the secondary substrate limitation experiments of this study, the generation of data-driven models allowed a considerable reduction in sampling efforts while also providing process information for unsampled cultures. Therefore, the practical experiments of this study strongly affirm the previously claimed advantages of 2D fluorescence spectroscopy in microtiter plates.
Disruption of protein geranylgeranylation in the cerebellum causes cerebellar hypoplasia and ataxia via blocking granule cell progenitor proliferation
Authors: Cheng Qi , Wu Jing , Xia Yingqian , Cheng Qing , Zhao Yinjuan , Zhu Peixiang , Zhang Wangling , Zhang Shihu , Zhang Lei , Yuan Yushan , Li Chaojun , Chen Guiquan , Xue Bin
Published: February 2023

The prenylation of proteins is involved in a variety of biological functions. However, it remains unknown whether it plays an important role in the morphogenesis of the cerebellum. To address this question, we generated a mouse model, in which the geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (Ggps1) gene is inactivated in neural progenitor cells in the developing cerebellum. We report that conditional knockout (cKO) of Ggps1 leads to severe ataxia and deficient locomotion. To identify the underlying mechanisms, we completed a series of cellular and molecular experiments. First, our morphological analysis revealed significantly decreased population of granule cell progenitors (GCPs) and impaired proliferation of GCPs in the developing cerebellum of Ggps1 cKO mice. Second, our molecular analysis showed increased expression of p21, an important cell cycle regulator in Ggps1 cKO mice. Together, this study highlights a critical role of Ggpps-dependent protein prenylation in the proliferation of cerebellar GCPs during cerebellar development.
BIGKnock: fine-mapping gene-based associations via knockoff analysis of biobank-scale data
Authors: Ma Shiyang , Wang Chen , Khan Atlas , Liu Linxi , Dalgleish James , Kiryluk Krzysztof , He Zihuai , Ionita-Laza Iuliana
Published: February 2023

We propose BIGKnock (BIobank-scale Gene-based association test via Knockoffs), a computationally efficient gene-based testing approach for biobank-scale data, that leverages long-range chromatin interaction data, and performs conditional genome-wide testing via knockoffs. BIGKnock can prioritize causal genes over proxy associations at a locus. We apply BIGKnock to the UK Biobank data with 405,296 participants for multiple binary and quantitative traits, and show that relative to conventional gene-based tests, BIGKnock produces smaller sets of significant genes that contain the causal gene(s) with high probability. We further illustrate its ability to pinpoint potential causal genes at$$\sim 80\%$$∼80%of the associated loci.
Mechanisms and clinical application potential of mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles in periodontal regeneration
Authors: Chen Liangrui , Zhu Shasha , Guo Shujuan , Tian Weidong
Published: February 2023

Periodontitis is a high prevalence oral disease which damages both the hard and soft tissue of the periodontium, resulting in tooth mobility and even loss. Existing clinical treatment methods cannot fully achieve periodontal tissue regeneration; thus, due to the unique characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), they have become the focus of attention and may be the most promising new therapy for periodontitis. Accumulating evidence supports the view that the role of MSCs in regenerative medicine is mainly achieved by the paracrine pathway rather than direct proliferation and differentiation at the injured site. Various cells release lipid-enclosed particles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are rich in bioactive substances. In periodontitis, EVs play a pivotal role in regulating the biological functions of both periodontal tissue cells and immune cells, as well as the local microenvironment, thereby promoting periodontal injury repair and tissue regeneration. As a cell-free therapy, MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have some preponderance on stability, immune rejection, ethical supervision, and other problems; therefore, they may have a broad clinical application prospect. Herein, we gave a brief introduction to MSC-EVs and focused on their mechanisms and clinical application in periodontal regeneration.