bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic determinants for the place of last care: results from the acute palliative care unit of a large comprehensive cancer center in a high-income country in Europe
Authors: Christ Sebastian M. , Hünerwadel Ellen , Hut Bigna , Ahmadsei Maiwand , Matthes Oliver , Seiler Annina , Schettle Markus , Blum David , Hertler Caroline
Published: August 2023

Background and introduction

The place of last care carries importance for patients at the end of life. It is influenced by the realities of the social welfare and healthcare systems, cultural aspects, and symptom burden. This study aims to investigate the place of care trajectories of patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit.

Materials and methods

The medical records of all patients hospitalized on our acute palliative care unit in 2019 were assessed. Demographic, socio-economic and disease characteristics were recorded. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to identify determinants for place of last care.

Results

A total of 377 patients were included in this study. Median age was 71 (IQR, 59–81) years. Of these patients, 56% (n = 210) were male. The majority of patients was Swiss (80%; n = 300); about 60% (n = 226) reported a Christian confession; and 77% had completed high school or tertiary education. Most patients (80%, n = 300) had a cancer diagnosis. The acute palliative care unit was the place of last care for 54% of patients. Gender, nationality, religion, health insurance, and highest level of completed education were no predictors for place of last care, yet previous outpatient palliative care involvement decreased the odds of dying in a hospital (OR, 0.301; 95% CI, 0.180–0.505; p-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

More than half of patients admitted for end-of-life care died on the acute palliative care unit. While socio-economic factors did not determine place of last care, previous involvement of outpatient palliative care is a lever to facilitate dying at home.
Exploring the impact of online and offline teaching methods on the cognitive abilities of medical students: a comparative study
Authors: Xu Yangting , Wang Lu , Li Peidi , Xu Hong , Liu Ziqi , Ji Ming , Luo Ziqiang
Published: August 2023

Background

Online education has become increasingly popular, but research on the effectiveness of different teaching models in developing cognitive skills is limited. This study investigated the relationship between different teaching models (online and offline) and the development of cognitive skills in clinical medicine students.

Methods

Survey data were collected from 2018 entry students who participated in online teaching and 2019 entry students in offline teaching at Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University. National Quality Open Courses (NQROC) were provided to both groups of students. The study examined the total score of physiology final exam, score of each type of question, and NQROC learning engagement in different score segments under the two teaching models. Non-parametric statistical methods were utilized to analyze the total score of physiology final exam, score of each type of question, and the NQROC learning engagement. Spearman’s rank correlation was utilized to analyze the relationship between the score of physiology final exam and the students’ NQROC learning engagement.

Results

The study found no statistically significant difference in the total score, short-answer questions (SAQs) score, and case study questions (CSQs) score between online and offline teaching models. However, the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) score was higher in the online teaching model (Z=-4.249, P < 0.001), suggesting that online teaching may be an effective way to improve lower-order cognitive skills among students. In contrast, low-achieving students had higher total scores (Z=-3.223, P = 0.001) and scores in both MCQs (Z=-6.263, P < 0.001) and CSQs (Z=-6.877, P < 0.001) in the online teaching model. High-achieving students in the online teaching model had higher total scores (Z=-3.001, P = 0.003) and MCQs scores (Z=-5.706, P < 0.001) but lower scores in CSQs (Z=-2.775, P = 0.006). Furthermore, students’ NQROC learning engagement was greater in the online teaching model.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggested that online teaching was not statistically significantly different from offline in cognitive domains and was more desirable than offline in strengthening lower-order cognitive skills. However, it was important to note that offline teaching may be more effective in reinforcing higher-order cognitive skills among high-achieving students. In conclusion, this study provided important insights into the effectiveness of different teaching models in developing cognitive skills among medical students and highlighted the potential benefits of online teaching in enhancing students’ lower-order cognitive skills.
The impact of same-day antiretroviral therapy initiation on retention in care and clinical outcomes at four eThekwini clinics, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Govere Sabina M. , Kalinda Chester , Chimbari Moses J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Same-day initiation (SDI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases ART uptake, however retention in care after ART initiation remains a challenge. Public health behaviours, such as retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) pose major challenges to reducing new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission and improving health outcomes among HIV patients.

Methods

We evaluated 6-month retention in care, and clinical outcomes of an ART cohort comprising of SDI and delayed ART initiators. We conducted a 6 months’ observational prospective cohort study of 403 patients who had been initiated on ART. A structured questionnaire was used to abstract data from patient record review which comprised the medical charts, laboratory databases, and Three Interlinked Electronic Registers.Net (TIER.Net). Treatment adherence was ascertained by patient visit constancy for the clinic scheduled visit dates. Retention in care was determined by status at 6 months after ART initiation.

Results

Among the 403 participants enrolled in the study and followed up, 286 (70.97%) and 267 (66.25%) complied with scheduled clinics visits at 3 months and 6 months, respectively. One hundred and thirteen (28.04%) had been loss to follow-up. 17/403 (4.22%) had died and had been out of care after 6 months. 6 (1.49%) had been transferred to other health facilities and 113 (28.04%) had been loss to follow-up. Among those that had been lost to follow-up, 30 (33.63%) deferred SDI while 75 (66.37%) initiated ART under SDI. One hundred and eighty-nine (70.79%) participants who had remained in care were SDI patients while 78 (29.21%) were SDI deferred patients. In the bivariate analysis; gender (OR: 1.672; 95% CI: 1.002–2.791), number of sexual partners (OR: 2.092; 95% CI: 1.07–4.061), age (OR: 0.941; 95% CI: 0.734–2.791), ART start date (OR: 0.078; 95% CI: 0.042–0.141), partner HIV status (OR: 0.621; 95% CI: 0.387–0.995) and the number of hospitalizations after HIV diagnosis (OR: 0.173; 95% CI: 0.092–0.326). were significantly associated with viral load detection. Furthermore, SDI patients who defaulted treatment were 2.4 (95% CI: 1.165–4.928) times more likely to have increased viral load than those who had been returned in care.

Conclusion

Viral suppression under SDI proved higher but with poor retention in care. However, the results also emphasise a vital need, to not only streamline processes to increase immediate ART uptake further, but also to ensure retention in care.
Design and psychometric properties of a tool to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers for infodemic management (KAPIM-Tool)
Authors: Dehghani Arezoo , Zarei Fatemeh
Published: August 2023

Background

Infodemics, defined as the rapid spread of misinformation during an epidemic or pandemic, can have serious public health consequences. Healthcare workers(HCWs) play a critical role in managing infodemics, but their knowledge, attitudes, and practices(KAP) related to infodemic management are not well understood. This study aimed to design and validate a tool to assess healthcare workers’ KAP related to infodemic management.

Methods

The knowledge, attitude, and practice of HCWs for the infodemic management assessment tool were designed through exploratory factor analysis. At first, primary items were extracted through two separate studies (face-to-face interviews with 17 participants and a systematic review). Then Face validity, Content validity, and Construct validity were done with the 15 participants of healthcare workers who had sufficient knowledge and experience. The content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) was checked for each item. The construct validity of the tool was also calculated through exploratory factor analysis with the participation of 250 healthcare workers (6.25 participants per item). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to evaluate the reliability of the findings using IBM SPSS Statistics V21.0.

Results

The primary KAPIM (Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice) of healthcare workers in (the Infodemics Management) tool has 53 items, in content, face, and construct validity 13 items were removed. Factor analysis revealed three factors: knowledge (24 items), attitudes (8 items), and practice (8 items). The overall reliability of the tool was reported as adequate with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.905. The ICC of the entire tool was calculated as 0.827.

Conclusion

The KAPIM tool is a valid and reliable tool for assessing healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to infodemic management with 40 items. The tool can inform targeted interventions to improve healthcare workers’ preparedness and response to infodemics.
A stromal lineage maintains crypt structure and villus homeostasis in the intestinal stem cell niche
Authors: Xiang Jinnan , Guo Jigang , Zhang Shaoyang , Wu Hongguang , Chen Ye-Guang , Wang Junping , Li Baojie , Liu Huijuan
Published: August 2023

Background

The nutrient-absorbing villi of small intestines are renewed and repaired by intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which reside in a well-organized crypt structure. Genetic studies have shown that Wnt molecules secreted by telocytes, Gli1+ stromal cells, and epithelial cells are required for ISC proliferation and villus homeostasis. Intestinal stromal cells are heterogeneous and single-cell profiling has divided them into telocytes/subepithelial myofibroblasts, myocytes, pericytes, trophocytes, and Pdgfralow stromal cells. Yet, the niche function of these stromal populations remains incompletely understood.

Results

We show here that a Twist2 stromal lineage, which constitutes the Pdgfralow stromal cell and trophocyte subpopulations, maintains the crypt structure to provide an inflammation-restricting niche for regenerating ISCs. Ablating Twist2 lineage cells or deletion of one Wntless allele in these cells disturbs the crypt structure and impairs villus homeostasis. Upon radiation, Wntless haplo-deficiency caused decreased production of anti-microbial peptides and increased inflammation, leading to defective ISC proliferation and crypt regeneration, which were partially rescued by eradication of commensal bacteria. In addition, we show that Wnts secreted by Acta2+ subpopulations also play a role in crypt regeneration but not homeostasis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that ISCs may require different niches for villus homeostasis and regeneration and that the Twist2 lineage cells may help to maintain a microbe-restricted environment to allow ISC-mediated crypt regeneration.
Identification of a novel bile marker clusterin and a public online prediction platform based on deep learning for cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Gao Long , Lin Yanyan , Yue Ping , Li Shuyan , Zhang Yong , Mi Ningning , Bai Mingzhen , Fu Wenkang , Xia Zhili , Jiang Ningzu , Cao Jie , Yang Man , Ma Yanni , Zhang Fanxiang , Zhang Chao , Leung Joseph W. , He Shun , Yuan Jinqiu , Meng Wenbo , Li Xun
Published: August 2023

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor, and its diagnosis is still a challenge. This study aimed to identify a novel bile marker for CCA diagnosis based on proteomics and establish a diagnostic model with deep learning.

Methods

A total of 644 subjects (236 CCA and 408 non-CCA) from two independent centers were divided into discovery, cross-validation, and external validation sets for the study. Candidate bile markers were identified by three proteomics data and validated on 635 clinical humoral specimens and 121 tissue specimens. A diagnostic multi-analyte model containing bile and serum biomarkers was established in cross-validation set by deep learning and validated in an independent external cohort.

Results

The results of proteomics analysis and clinical specimen verification showed that bile clusterin (CLU) was significantly higher in CCA body fluids. Based on 376 subjects in the cross-validation set, ROC analysis indicated that bile CLU had a satisfactory diagnostic power (AUC: 0.852, sensitivity: 73.6%, specificity: 90.1%). Building on bile CLU and 63 serum markers, deep learning established a diagnostic model incorporating seven factors (CLU, CA19-9, IBIL, GGT, LDL-C, TG, and TBA), which showed a high diagnostic utility (AUC: 0.947, sensitivity: 90.3%, specificity: 84.9%). External validation in an independent cohort (n = 259) resulted in a similar accuracy for the detection of CCA. Finally, for the convenience of operation, a user-friendly prediction platform was built online for CCA.

Conclusions

This is the largest and most comprehensive study combining bile and serum biomarkers to differentiate CCA. This diagnostic model may potentially be used to detect CCA.
Advances in the genetic characterization of the malaria vector, Anopheles funestus, and implications for improved surveillance and control
Authors: Odero Joel O. , Nambunga Ismail H. , Wangrawa Dimitri W. , Badolo Athanase , Weetman David , Koekemoer Lizette L. , Ferguson Heather M. , Okumu Fredros O. , Baldini Francesco
Published: August 2023

Anopheles mosquitoes present a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa; notably, as vectors of malaria that kill over half a million people annually. In parts of the east and southern Africa region, one species in the Funestus group, Anopheles funestus, has established itself as an exceptionally dominant vector in some areas, it is responsible for more than 90% of all malaria transmission events. However, compared to other malaria vectors, the species is far less studied, partly due to difficulties in laboratory colonization and the unresolved aspects of its taxonomy and systematics. Control of An. funestus is also increasingly difficult because it has developed widespread resistance to public health insecticides. Fortunately, recent advances in molecular techniques are enabling greater insights into species identity, gene flow patterns, population structure, and the spread of resistance in mosquitoes. These advances and their potential applications are reviewed with a focus on four research themes relevant to the biology and control of An. funestus in Africa, namely: (i) the taxonomic characterization of different vector species within the Funestus group and their role in malaria transmission; (ii) insecticide resistance profile; (iii) population genetic diversity and gene flow, and (iv) applications of genetic technologies for surveillance and control. The research gaps and opportunities identified in this review will provide a basis for improving the surveillance and control of An. funestus and malaria transmission in Africa.
Self-exclusion and breaching of self-exclusion from gambling: a repeated survey study on the development of a nationwide self-exclusion service
Authors: Håkansson A. , Komzia N.
Published: August 2023

Background

Voluntary self-exclusion from gambling is a common harm reduction tool in individuals with a gambling disorder. Previous data have demonstrated that many gamblers breach their own self-exclusion, typically through other online services outside the jurisdiction in which they are self-excluded. The present study aimed to carry out a new follow-up measure—similar to previous studies in the same setting—of self-exclusion and its breaching in Sweden, in order to allow for the follow-up assessment of a nationwide, multi-operator self-exclusion system introduced in Sweden in 2019.

Methods

A web survey to the web panel of a market survey company addressed 1505 past-year gamblers, who responded to a number of questions about gambling habits, including screening for gambling problems using the Problem Gambling Severity Index and self-exclusion-related items corresponding to previous studies.

Results

Nine percent of past-year gamblers had self-excluded using the Spelpaus service. In logistic regression, self-exclusion was significantly associated with gambling problems, past-year online casino gambling, and absence of online poker gambling. Among self-excluders, 49 percent had ever gambled despite being self-excluded. Among those breaching their self-exclusion, the most common gambling types during self-exclusion were online casino (82 percent), sports betting (47 percent) and lotteries (43 percent).

Discussion

Self-exclusion remains a popular harm reduction tool against problem gambling, more common than in previous studies, mostly in individuals with recent gambling problems and in online casino gamblers. However, breaching self-exclusion is somewhat more common than in previous research. Online casino represents the most common means of self-exclusion breaching. Policy-making in the area needs to further address the risk of breaching one’s self-exclusion and may further address the risk of overseas gambling.
Nephrology workforce in China: describing current status and evaluating the optimal capacity based on real-world data
Authors: Wu Jingyi , Li Qing , Bao Chenlu , Yang Chao , Li Pengfei , Zhang Luxia
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aims to characterize the current status of the nephrology workforce in China and evaluate its optimal capacity based on real-world patient mobility data.

Methods

Data on nephrologists in China were collected from two prominent online healthcare platforms using web crawlers and natural language processing techniques. Hospitalization records of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from January 2014 to December 2018 were extracted from a national administrative database in China. City-level paths of patient mobility were identified. Effects of nephrology workforce on patient mobility were analyzed using multivariate Poisson regression models.

Results

Altogether 9.13 nephrologists per million population (pmp) were in practice, with substantial city-level variations ranging from 0.16 to 88.79. The ratio of nephrologists to the estimated CKD population was 84.57 pmp. Among 6 415 559 hospitalizations of patients with CKD, 21.3% were cross-city hospitalizations and 7441 city-level paths of patient mobility with more than five hospitalizations were identified. After making adjustment for healthcare capacity, healthcare insurance, economic status, and travel characteristics, the Poisson regression models revealed that the number of nephrologists in both the source city (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.99, per 1 pmp increase) and destination city (IRR 1.07, per 1 pmp increase) were independently associated with patient mobility. An IRR plateau was observed when the number of nephrologists exceeded 12 pmp in the source city, while a rapidly increasing IRR was observed beyond 20 pmp in the destination city.

Conclusions

The nephrology workforce in China exhibits significant geographic variations. Based on local healthcare needs, an optimal range of 12–20 nephrologists pmp is suggested.
Rapid in-solution preparation of somatic and meiotic plant cell nuclei for high-quality 3D immunoFISH and immunoFISH-GISH
Authors: Makai Diána , Mihók Edit , Polgári Dávid , Cseh András , Lenykó-Thegze Andrea , Sepsi Adél , Sági László
Published: August 2023

Background

Though multicolour labelling methods allow the routine detection of a wide range of fluorescent (immuno)probe types in molecular cytogenetics, combined applications for the simultaneous in situ detection of proteins and nucleic acids are still sporadic in plant cell biology. A major bottleneck has been the availability of high-quality plant nuclei with a balance between preservation of 3D ultrastructure and maintaining immunoreactivity.

The aim of this study was to develop a quick and reliable procedure to prepare plant nuclei suitable for various combinations of immunolabelling and fluorescence in situ hybridisation methods (immunoFISH-GISH).

Results

The mechanical removal of the cell wall and cytoplasm, instead of enzymatic degradation, resulted in a gentle, yet effective, cell permeabilisation. Rather than manually releasing the nuclei from the fixed tissues, the procedure involves in-solution cell handling throughout the fixation and the preparation steps as ended with pipetting the pure nuclei suspension onto microscope slides. The optimisation of several critical steps is described in detail. Finally, the procedure is shown to be compatible with immunolabelling, FISH and GISH as well as their simultaneous combinations.

Conclusion

A simple plant cell nuclei preparation procedure was developed for combined immunolabelling-in situ hybridisation methods. The main and critical elements of the procedure are: a short period of fixation, incorporation of detergents to facilitate the fixation of tissues and the penetration of probes, tissue grinding to eliminate unwanted cell components, and an optimal buffer to handle nuclei. The procedure is time efficient and is easily transferable without prior expertise.
Autotaxin inhibitor IOA-289 reduces gastrointestinal cancer progression in preclinical models
Authors: Centonze Matteo , Di Conza Giusy , Lahn Michael , Fabregat Isabel , Dituri Francesco , Gigante Isabella , Serino Grazia , Scialpi Rosanna , Carrieri Livianna , Negro Roberto , Pizzuto Elena , Giannelli Gianluigi
Published: August 2023

Background

Autotaxin (ATX) is a secreted enzyme that converts lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA stimulates cell proliferation and migration and promotes wound repair following tissue damage. ATX levels are directly correlated with stage and grade in several human cancers. Several small molecule ATX inhibitors have been developed in recent years. IOA-289 is a potent ATX inhibitor, developed to treat cancers containing fibrosis. In this study, we tested IOA-289 treatment on different gastrointestinal tract tumor cell lines, in order to evaluate its effects on viability and motility.

Methods

To determine the effects on cell viability and proliferation of treatment with increasing concentrations of IOA-289, we used the crystal violet assay, a clonogenic assay in matrigel, and we evaluated the inhibitor’s effect on formation of 3D spheroids in an in vitro model. The effect of IOA-289 on cell cycle phases was analysed with a redox dye reagent. Cell migration capacity was evaluated by wound healing assay and transwell migration assay. To evaluate the pro-apoptotic effect of the inhibitor, cells were stained with Annexin V and immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis were performed. An antibody array was also used, to discriminate, in various samples, the differential expression of 43 proteins involved in the apoptosis pathway.

Results

We found that IOA-289 is able to inhibit both growth and migration of gastrointestinal tract tumor cell lines, both in 2D (crystal violet assay) and 3D in vitro models (spheroid formation and clonogenic assay in matrigel). This effect is dose-dependent, and the drug is most effective when administered in FBS-free culture medium. The inhibitory effect on cell growth is due to a pro-apoptotic effect of IOA-289. Staining with FITC-conjugated Annexin V showed that IOA-289 induced a dose-dependent increase in fluorescence following incubation for 24 h, and apoptotic cells were also distinguished in flow cytometry using Annexin/PI staining. The antibody array shows that treatment with IOA-289 causes the increased expression of several pro-apoptotic proteins in all tested cell lines.

Conclusions

These results indicate that IOA-289 may be an effective drug for the treatment of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly those characterized by a high degree of fibrosis.
Early efficacy of postoperative rehabilitation training for lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Zhu Yuwei , Xia Shuang , Yang Weihang , Shi Fengchao , Ji Hongjian
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the early clinical efficacy of rehabilitation training after unilateral biportal endoscopy for lumbar disc herniation and to analyze the prognostic factors.

Methods

A total of 100 patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent unilateral biportal endoscopy at The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The control group was given a standard home-based exercise program, while the intervention group was given a substituted rehabilitation training opposed to a standard home-based exercise program. The early postoperative pain relief and quality of life values were compared between the two groups, and the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients were analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences in sex, age, smoking, drinking, BMI, course of disease, type of disc herniation, preoperative VAS, ODI or SF-36 between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative VAS and ODI scores at 3 months between the two groups (P > 0.05), yet there were significant differences in postoperative VAS and ODI at 12 months (P < 0.05). The SF-36 score of the intervention group was lower than that of the control group at 12 months, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The excellent rate of the Macnab standard modification used in the intervention group was 88.00% at 12 months, and that in the control group was 62.00%. The difference between the two groups was considered to indicate a statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results of logistic multivariate regression model analysis showed that rehabilitation training (95% CI: 1.360–12.122, P = 0.012), the type of intervertebral disc (95% CI: 0.010–0.676, P = 0.020), and age (95% CI: 1.056–8.244, P = 0.039) were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients.

Conclusion

Postoperative rehabilitation training can effectively relieve pain and improve quality of life; thus, it is highly recommended in the clinic. Postoperative rehabilitation training, intervertebral disc type and age are independent risk factors for the postoperative prognosis of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.
Comparative in vivo biodistribution of cells labelled with [89Zr]Zr-(oxinate)4 or [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NCS using PET
Authors: Friberger Ida , Nilsson Joachim N. , Lu Li , Siikanen Jonathan , Ardenfors Oscar , Milton Stefan , Samén Erik , Goos Jeroen A. C. M. , Carlsten Mattias , Holmin Staffan , Tran Thuy A.
Published: August 2023

Background

In vivo monitoring of cell biodistribution using positron emission tomography (PET) provides a quantitative non-invasive method to further optimize cell therapies and related new developments in the field. Our group has earlier optimized and evaluated the in vitro properties of two radiotracers,[89Zr]Zr-(oxinate)4 and [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NCS, for the radiolabelling of different cell types. Here, we performed a microPET study to assess the in vivo biodistribution of cells in rats using these two radiotracers. Human decidual stromal cells (hDSC) and rat macrophages (rMac) were radiolabelled with [89Zr]Zr-(oxinate)4 or [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NCS. Rats were intravenously injected with radiolabelled cells, and the in vivo biodistribution was monitored with microPET/CT imaging for up to day 7. Organ uptake was evaluated and presented as a percentage of injected activity per gram tissue (%IA/g) and total absorbed organ doses (mSv/MBq).

Results

The biodistribution in vivo showed an immediate uptake in the lungs. Thereafter, [89Zr]Zr-(oxinate)4 labelled cells migrated to the liver, while the signal from [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NCS labelled cells lingered in the lungs. The differences in the in vivo behaviour for the same cell type appeared related to the radiotracer labelling. After 24 h, [89Zr]Zr-(oxinate)4 labelled cells had over 70% higher liver uptake for both hDSC and rMac compared to [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NCS labelled cells, whereas [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NCS labelled cells showed over 60% higher uptake in the lungs compared to [89Zr]Zr-(oxinate)4 labelled cells. This difference in both lung and liver uptake continued until day 7. Dosimetry calculations showed a higher effective dose (mSv/MBq) for [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NCS compared to [89Zr]Zr-(oxinate)4, for both cell types. Although the bone uptake was higher for [89Zr]Zr-(oxinate)4 labelled cells, the prolonged uptake in the lungs contributed to a significant crossfire to bone marrow resulting in a higher bone dose.

Conclusion

The [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NCS labelled cells suggest a prolonged accumulation in the lungs, while [89Zr]Zr-(oxinate)4 suggests quicker clearance of the lungs followed by accumulation in the liver. Accumulation of radiolabelled cells in the liver corresponds to other cell-tracking methods. Further studies are required to determine the actual location of the [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NCS labelled cell.
The application of long-read sequencing in clinical settings
Authors: Oehler Josephine B. , Wright Helen , Stark Zornitza , Mallett Andrew J. , Schmitz Ulf
Published: August 2023

Long-read DNA sequencing technologies have been rapidly evolving in recent years, and their ability to assess large and complex regions of the genome makes them ideal for clinical applications in molecular diagnosis and therapy selection, thereby providing a valuable tool for precision medicine. In the third-generation sequencing duopoly, Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Pacific Biosciences work towards increasing the accuracy, throughput, and portability of long-read sequencing methods while trying to keep costs low. These trades have made long-read sequencing an attractive tool for use in research and clinical settings. This article provides an overview of current clinical applications and limitations of long-read sequencing and explores its potential for point-of-care testing and health care in remote settings.
The association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming among Chinese college students: the serial mediation of consideration of future consequences and state self-control capacity
Authors: Shen Junxian , Zheng Jiansong , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2023

Background

To explore the relationship between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming among Chinese college students and to examine the serial mediation of consideration of future consequences and state self-control capacity on the association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming, based on Identity-Based Motivation Theory.

Methods

The Problematic Mobile Video Gaming Scale, Future Self-continuity Scale, Consideration of Future Consequences Scale, and Short Version of State Self-control Capacity Scale were administered to a sample comprising 800 college students (338 males accounting for 42.3%). Multivariate analysis and latent variables analysis were utilized to explore the separate mediating role consideration of future consequences and state self-control capacity played in the association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming, and their serial mediation also was investigated. The Bootstrap method was employed to test the significance of these mediation effects.

Results

The negative association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming was moderately found. Students with increased consideration of future consequences from higher levels of future self-continuity have decreased their problematic mobile video gaming. Future self-continuity significantly positively predicted state self-control capacity, which in turn significantly negatively predicted problematic mobile video gaming. The serial mediation was also found.

Conclusion

The findings revealed why differences in identification with the current and future selves become influencing factors in problematic mobile video gaming. This study observed the mediating role that consideration of future consequences and state self-control capacity play in the association between future self-continuity and problematic mobile video gaming.
The Functional Significance of a Novel Conceptualization of Intrusion Symptoms of PTSD
Authors: Spiller T. R. , Gross G. , Duek O. , Pietrzak R. H. , Harpaz-Rotem I.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Intrusion symptoms are a core defining feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was recently proposed that intrusions may be comprised of two distinct underlying processes: internally-cued intrusions (e.g., memories), and externally-cued intrusions (e.g., reactions to one’s environment). Preliminary empirical evidence demonstrated superior fit of an 8-factor model of PTSD, separating intrusion symptoms into an in internally-cued and externally-cued symptom cluster over other factor models of PTSD. However, whether these two clusters are related differently with functional outcomes was not investigated previously.

Objectives

This is the first study to examine the functional correlates of the internally-cued and externally-cued intrusion symptom clusters in PTSD to assess whether separating intrusion symptoms into these two clusters is of clinical and scientific relevance.

Methods

Participants included 7460 veterans discharged from 40 VA PTSD residential treatment programs (RRTPs) across the United States in fiscal years 2018 through 2020. Demographic data was collected using a self-report form during the admission process. Symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional and physical functioning were assessed with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7, and the corresponding subscales of the Short Form 12-item Health Survey, respectively. Latent network modeling was used to test the fit of the 8-factor model of PTSD. Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the associations between the factors of PTSD and the functional outcomes. All associations were adjusted for demographic characteristics, and standardized.

Results

The 8-factor model, with separate intrusion factors, showed good model fit (CFI 0.965, RMSEA 0.045, χ2 2453.022, and P <.001). Internally-cued intrusions were negatively associated with physical functioning and positively with emotional functioning. No relationship with depression or anxiety was found. In contrast, externally-cued intrusions were negatively associated with emotional functioning and positively associated with anxiety, but not related to physical functioning and depression.

Conclusions

This study provides initial support for the functional utility of distinguishing between internally- and externally-cued intrusions in veterans with PTSD. Consequently, researchers focusing on the biological underpinnings of intrusion symptoms (e.g., in imaging or genetic studies) should account for differences in the origin of the cue triggering intrusions. Our findings are of potential clinical relevance as they might help patients adapt their coping strategies for intrusions depending on whether they originate internally (e.g., thoughts) or externally (e.g., loud noises).

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of autism spectrum disorder: a general public survey in Greece
Authors: Kouznetsov R. , Jelastopulu E.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

According to the World Health Organisation (March 2022), it is estimated that one in 100 children worldwide has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with ASD very often face stigma, discrimination, and violations of their human rights. The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge and the attitudes of the general population regarding autism spectrum disorder as well as to raise awareness and promote appropriate behaviors towards people with ASD.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and the behaviors of the general population towards people with autism spectrum disorder in Greece. As far as is known, this is the first study carried out in Greece on this research topic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted online via social media and completed by 642 participants with various characteristics. The questionnaires were anonymous, their completion was voluntary and included the “Societal Attitudes Towards Autism” (SATA) scale. Linguistic validation and cultural adaptation of the SATA scale into the Greek language was based on the World Health Organization specifications. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Results

A total of 642 people participated in the survey, 81.2% women and 18.8% men. The majority had a very good knowledge of autism (mean score 9.1 out of 13). However, women achieved significantly higher scores than men (p = 0.003). Respondents showed moderate to positive attitudes towards people with ASD (mean score 57.9 out of 80). The knowledge score is associated with the level of education, the place of residence, the existence of a person with autism in their friend or family environment, their income and occupation. The highest scores were observed in psychiatrists, following by teachers and other mental health professionals. Notably, 220 people believed autism to be caused by vaccination.

Conclusions

Educational and public health interventions should be organized in the general population in Greece to discard childhood vaccination as a causative factor of autistic spectrum disorder. There is significant need to educate the public in acquiring knowledge about autistic spectrum disorder.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Development of an Implicit Association Test to Assess Healthy and Adaptive Self-Esteem for Lower-Grade Elementary School Students
Authors: Yamasaki K. , Yokoshima T. , Noguchi D. , Uchida K.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In recent years, new concepts have been proposed to discriminate between healthy (adaptive) and unhealthy (nonadaptive) self-esteem. Among them, Yamasaki et al. (2017) proposed the concepts of “autonomous” and “heteronomous” self-esteem. As they underscored that autonomous self-esteem needs to be nonconsciously assessed, several nonconscious assessment methods have been developed using implicit association tests (IATs). However, any IAT has not been developed for younger children, even though it is necessary to measure autonomous self-esteem in early childhood because it is largely formed in early developmental stages.

Objectives

The aim was to develop an IAT to measure autonomous and heteronomous self-esteem for 1st-grade elementary school children. In order to standardize it, the validity and reliability were examined.

Methods

Participants were 1st-grade children in a public elementary school in Japan. The final sample included 55 children (35 boys and 20 girls). Their two home-room teachers participated to evaluate the children. The IAT was administered twice, around four weeks apart. The original paper-and-pencil version of the IAT was developed based on the IAT by Yokoshima et al. (2021). In this test, the implicit association between two kinds of stimuli, category (e.g., “myself”) and attribute (face pictograms expressing high and low self-esteem), is measured in terms of accuracy and speed. The evaluation by teachers was conducted using 7-point Likert scales (“not true at all” to “very true”). The evaluation items were “this child proactively does what he or she wants to do alone or with friends for autonomous self-esteem and “this child is competitive and concerned with the consequences of other children” for heteronomous self-esteem.

Results

The test-retest reliability was calculated using correlational analyses of the two measurements. The correlation was significantly positive, r = .70, p < .01. To examine the validity, the children were divided into high and low groups based on the cut-off scores (over 1 SD above the mean and under 1 SD below the mean). Statistical analyses showed that the evaluated scores were significantly higher in Group High than in Group Low regarding the characteristic of autonomous self-esteem, t (19) = 3.87, p < .01, d = 1.62, and that they were significantly higher in Group High than in Group Low for the characteristic of heteronomous self-esteem, t (19) = 3.14, p < .01, d = 1.32.

Conclusions

This study showed that the newly developed IAT for lower-grade children includes high reliability and validity. Hereafter, this test can be utilized at schools to assess autonomous and heteronomous self-esteem. As schools are interested in enhancing healthy and adaptive self-esteem, this tool will be an effective assessment method to ascertain how autonomous self-esteem is cultivated.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Food addiction behaviour and family relationship : about 360 cases
Authors: Chiha K. , Khemakhem K. , Chaabane M. , Ben Touhemi D. , Boudabous J. , Kammoun W. , HadjKacem I. , Ayadi H. , Moalla Y.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

For several years, strong theoretical and clinical links have been established between intra-family relationships and eating disorders.

Objectives

To study intra-family relationships in adolescent with food addictive behaviour.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted among a sample of adolescents randomly collected in 6 schools in the region of Sfax-Tunisia, during the month of February 2022. The food addiction symptomatology was assessed by the “Dimensional Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0 For Children” (dYFAS-C 2.0) and the family attitude was studied by the “Brief Family Relationship Scale” (BFRS) which evaluates three dimensions: cohesion, expressiveness and conflict, each having a separate score. Both scales are validated in Arabic.

Results

The study involved 360 high school students, with a mean age of 16.62 +/- 0.822 years. The sex ratio was 1.09.

The total score for food addiction symptomatology in our sample ranged from 0 to 56 with an average of 16.37 +/- 12.380.

Of the three dimensions of the quality of intra-family relationships studied, conflict had the highest mean score: 25.29+/-9.027.

A high food dependence score was significantly related to these three dimensions of the intrafamily relationship: lack of conflict (p=0.044), cohesion (p=0.011) and expressiveness (p=0.005) presence.

Conclusions

The present study shows that the symptomatology of food addiction is influenced by the quality of the intra-family relationship.

Enhanced perception of the family environment and involvement of the family in possible care can help to prevent the onset of eating disorders and to plan an appropriate intervention.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
A long trip toward REMSs (Residenze per l’esecuzione delle misure di sicurezza): critical issues and perspectives in admitting patients to the Italian forensic psychiatric system
Authors: Listanti G. , Vaia A. , Baldassarri Hoger Von Hogersthal L. , Romano C. , Gioia D. , Bustini M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

REMSs (Residenze per l’Esecuzione delle Misure di Sicurezza, which roughly translates into Facilities for the execution of security measures) are psychiatric residential facilities introduced in Italy following the discontinuation of Forensic Psychiatric Hospitals, a process started between 2012 and 2014 and concluded in 2017. REMSs are forensic psychiatric communities, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation, managed exclusively by the italian NHS. They host psychiatric patients, who have committed crimes, but are not sended into the ordinary jail circuits because judged as mentally impaired and socially dangerous, with the aim that of stabilizing and treating psychiatric symptoms and that of their gradual social re-insertment. After the closure of psychiatric hospitals in 1978, the overcoming of forensic psychiatric hospitals is the big new thing happening in Italy when it comes to mental health. The introduction of REMSs has spotlighted how much is needed a care program used as a prevention tool, putting the mentally impaired with a social danger profile back into their dignity as human beings. Notwithstanding, after 10 years from its greenlight, some remarkable issues about REMSs system are at hand, starting from long waiting lists, which triggers the double risk of illegal jail detention of the mentally impaired; or leaving free without containment socially dangerous subjects.

Objectives

Purpose of the present study is to offer an overview of the italian REMSs system, focusing on its critical issues such as waiting lists to be admitted and treading prospects for improvement.

Methods

Our work involves a research review on litterature on REMSs, forensic psychiatric services and admitting procedures.

Results

There are 33 REMSs in Italy. As of 31st December 2021, 573 in-patients are hosted in REMSs. The most frequent diagnosis is schizophrenia (33%), followed by personality disorders (32%) and substance abuse (21.4%). 80% of the crimes committed involve violence towards human beings. As of 25th March 2022, the REMSs waiting lists include 605 individuals, 42 of whom were already imprisoned and 561 released. The average waiting time for admittance is about 10 months. Positioning on the waiting list follows the exclusive chronological criterion (date of sentence) and is not related to any clinical risk criteria whatsoever. It is estimated that one third of waiting patients remain without adequate care.

Conclusions

Rethinking the admittance criteria to REMSs is crucial. The use of alternative safety measures, the improvement of community mental health services and a real integration between both legal and heatlh systems in terms of management of the offending psychiatric patient are among ways suggested to avoid breaking the dream of deinstitutionalisation.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Legalization of Cannabis – what’s the impact on mental health?
Authors: Torres S. , Rocha T. , Leal J. , Moura J. , Lopes A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

With the increasing push to legalize cannabis in Western nations, there is a need to gauge the potential impact of this policy change on vulnerable populations, such as those with mental illness, including schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders.

Objectives

Understand the effects of cannabis in people with mental illness and the impact of policies legalizing cannabis in societies.

Methods

Literature review performed on PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the keywords “cannabis”, “mental health”, “psychiatry”.

Results

Cannabis use is a modifiable risk factor for the development and exacerbation of mental illness. The strongest evidence of risk is for the development of a psychotic disorder, associated with early and consistent use in youth and young adults. Cannabis-related mental health adverse events precipitating Emergency Department (ED) or Emergency Medical Services presentations can include anxiety, suicidal thoughts, psychotic or attenuated psychotic symptoms, and can account for 25–30% of cannabis-related ED visits. Up to 50% of patients with cannabis-related psychotic symptoms presenting to the ED requiring hospitalization will go on to develop schizophrenia. With the legalization of cannabis in various jurisdiction and the subsequent emerging focus of research in this area, our understanding of who (e.g., age groups and risk factors) are presenting with cannabis-related adverse mental health events in an emergency situation is starting to become clearer.

Conclusions

There’s a need to provide a reconciliation of the addiction vulnerability and allostatic hypotheses to explain addiction comorbidity in mentally ill cannabis users, as well as to further aid in developing a rational framework for assessment and treatment of problematic cannabis use in these patients.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared