bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of Benson relaxation application (‘Bens app’) on reducing fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Cahyono Hendra Dwi , Irawaty Dewi , Adam Muhamad
Published: August 2022

Background: Fatigue is the most common symptom in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Benson’s relaxation technique is considered effective to reduce fatigue, but its effect in combination with smartphone technology is limited.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze and determine the effect of the Benson relaxation application (Bens app) on fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest comparison group was used. Fifty-six patients were included using consecutive sampling technique, of which 28 were assigned to the experimental group (received Benson relaxation technique using Bens app) and comparison group (obtained Benson relaxation technique using booklet). The Benson relaxation was done two times per day for seven days, and the Brief Fatigue Inventory questionnaire was used to measure the patients’ fatigue levels. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests.
Results: The experimental group (p = 0.001) and the comparison group (p = 0.015) showed a significant reduction in fatigue after receiving the Benson relaxation for seven days. However, there was a statistically significant difference in fatigue between the experiment and comparison groups after the intervention (t55 = 2.481, p = 0.016).
Conclusion: Benson relaxation could reduce fatigue in patients with breast cancer using the Bens app and booklet. However, the Bens app is considered more effective than a booklet. Therefore, the Bens app can be viewed as an alternative to help patients perform Benson relaxation and integrated into the nurse palliative care program for patients with cancer.
A comprehensive discharge planning program on fatigue and functional status of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization: A randomized clinical controlled trial
Authors: Yenjai Nawiya , Asdornwised Usavadee , Wongkongkam Kessiri , Pinjaroen Nutcha
Published: August 2022

Background: Post transarterial chemoembolization (post-TACE) causes side effects that impact patients, which leads to fatigue symptoms and reduced functional status. However, unrelieved fatigue and reduced functional status may cause patients to withdraw from treatment and negatively affect their lives. Unfortunately, the patients post-TACE only receive routine medical care at the hospital but no follow-up and continuity of care back home. Therefore, comprehensive discharge planning for these problems is necessary.
Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of the comprehensive discharge planning program on fatigue and functional status of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization.
Methods: A randomized clinical controlled trial was used. Fifty-two patients who met the study criteria were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 26) receiving the comprehensive discharge planning plus routine care and a control group (n = 26) receiving routine care only. The discharge planning program was developed based on the Transitional Care Model. A demographic and health data questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Enforced Social Dependency Scale (ESDS) were used for data collection. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis.
Results: The mean scores for fatigue at 30 days after treatment between the experimental and control groups were significantly different (p = 0.003). The mean scores for the fatigue symptoms in the experimental and control groups were 1.27 ± 0.58 and 1.77 ± 0.85, respectively. The functional status from Day 7 to Day 14 after transarterial chemoembolization was different (p = 0.020). In addition, the mean scores for functional status between the experimental and control groups were significantly different (p = 0.020). On Day 14, after transarterial chemoembolization, the experimental group had an increased score in functional status from Day 7 over the scores for those in the control group.
Conclusion: The comprehensive discharge planning program effectively reduces fatigue symptoms and enhances the functional status in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization. Therefore, the comprehensive discharge planning program can be used by nurses and multidisciplinary teams in order to achieve the effectiveness of nursing care for patients.
Sexual abstinence as a reproductive health-promoting behavior for women: A perspective
Authors: Wannarit La-Ongdao
Published: August 2022

This article is intended to provide an appropriate context for adopting sexual abstinence from a health-promoting behavioral perspective that can be applied to women of reproductive age worldwide to improve reproductive health, maintain well-being, and prevent health problems in women. The topics related to women’s health status, sexual abstinence definitions, benefits, and application, as well as sexual autonomy and efficacy, including family collaboration, are discussed. This article will provide health care providers, especially nurses and midwives, with new ideas for integrating sexual abstinence into nursing and midwifery practice.
A Case Study on the Use of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in Essay Literature Education
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Choi Seonhui , Nho Eunjoo
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to educate many readers on essay literature that has been read and positively recognized in recent years. This purpose is to make learners understand the genre characteristics of essay literature, enjoy it as literature, and recognize its value. Problem-Based Learning was used to help learners actively understand the genre of essay literature. As a result of the PBL application of essay literature education, learners were able to smoothly enter problem-solving learning by recognizing the meaning and value of essay writing while parodying essay works. In the problem-solving process for each team that followed, the genre characteristics of essay literature were clearly understood, the utility of essay literature was acquired, and the learner's sense of achievement in self-directed learning was also revealed in the self-evaluation.
A Study on the Influence of Student Peer Correction on Writing Classes: Focused on Correction for the Self-introduction Letter
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Song Sunryoung
Published: August 2022

Peer correction between students is a useful teaching method for students who cannot accept the affixation of professors or who do not submit assignments at all due to their strong arguments. This is because it is possible for students who have not submitted their assignments to receive assignments from other students, read and correct them according to the writing evaluation criteria table. Therefore peer correction in the class provides students who have significantly poor writing skills with the opportunity to participate in the class and can be helped with their writing through the experience of reading and evaluating other students’ assignments. Student peer correction of self-introduction statements conducted by the author during the second semester of 2019 and the second semester of 2020 consisted of learner-centered writing class, so that the learner’s class participation and concentration were also improved. Therefore, Student peer correction in university writing education has had a very positive effect.
The Factors Affecting Childbirth and Childbirth Abandonment of Married Women
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Bae Gwangil
Published: August 2022

The low-fertility problem is expected to cause social problems in many areas, such as an increase in the burden of support costs, a shortage of the labor force, and conflicts between generations. Thus, this study was conducted to find policy measures to solve the fertility problem and provide basic data for researches related to childbirth. The study used the data from the 5th (2014) survey to 7th (2018) of the Survey of Women & Families to examine the factors affecting childbirth, childbirth abandonment, and childbirth undecided in married women aged 20 to 49 with childbirth plans, and for that, analysed the actual childbirth behavior during the 4 years. As a result, the analysis results show that there should be the support for counseling or related programs to improve marital relationships, expansion for social support to release the burden of childcare, and resolution of negative fertility environment problems. In addition, there should be the policy supports to make the environment in order to practice the childbirth plan they selected rather than just childbirth encouragement.
Penerapan Pijat Oksitosin Untuk Mengatasi Menyusui Tidak Efektif Pada Ibu Postpartum
Authors: Sukmawati Puput , Prasetyorini Heny
Published: August 2022

Salah satu masalah yang sering dialami ibu post partum yaitu ASI tidak lancar, Hal ini dipengaruhi oleh keadaan emosional ibu yang berdampak langsung pada reflek oksitosin. Studi kasus ini bertujuan untuk menyusun resume asuhan keperawatan dalam penerapan pijat oksitosin dalam meningkatkan produksi ASI ibu post partum. Rancangan studi kasus ini adalah deskriptif dengan metode studi kasus melalui pendekatan asuhan keperawatan. Subjek studi kasus merupakan 2 ibu post partum primipara, hari pertama kelahiran, dengan ketidakadekuatan suplai ASI. Hasil studi kasus setelah 3 hari penerapan pijat oksitosin menunjukan bahwa ada peningkatan produksi ASI pada kedua responden
A truncated peptide Spgillcin177–189 derived from mud crab Scylla paramamosain exerting multiple antibacterial activities
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Hong Xiao , Chen Fangyi , Wang Ke-Jian
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may be the most promising substitute for antibiotics due to their effective bactericidal activity and multiple antimicrobial modes against pathogenic bacteria. In this study, a new functional gene named Spgillcin was identified in Scylla paramamosain, which encoded 216 amino acids of mature peptide. In vivo, Spgillcin was dominantly expressed in the gills of male and female crabs, offering the highest expression level among all tested organs or tissues. The expression pattern of Spgillcin was significantly altered when challenged by Staphylococcus aureus, indicating a positive immune response. In vitro, a functional truncated peptide Spgillcin177–189 derived from the amino acid sequence of Spgillcin was synthesized and showed a broad-spectrum and potent antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains, including the clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, with a range of minimum inhibitory concentrations from 1.5 to 48 μM. Spgillcin177–189 also showed rapid bactericidal kinetics for S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but did not display any cytotoxicity to mammalian cells and maintained its antimicrobial activity in different conditions. Mechanistic studies indicated that Spgillcin177–189 was mainly involved in the disruption of cell membrane integrity where the membrane components lipoteichoic acid and lipopolysaccharide could significantly inhibit the antimicrobial activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Spgillcin177–189 could change the membrane permeability and cause the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. No resistance was generated to Spgillcin177–189 when the clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus and MDR P. aeruginosa were treated with Spgillcin177–189 and then subjected to a long term of continuous culturing for 50 days. In addition, Spgillcin177–189 exerted a strong anti-biofilm activity by inhibiting biofilm formation and was also effective at killing extracellular S. aureus in the cultural supernatant of RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, Spgillcin177–189 has strong potential as a substitute for antibiotics in future aquaculture and medical applications.
Understanding global changes of the mouse brain proteome after vaginal infection with HSV-2 using a label-free shotgun approach
Authors: Cheng Jishuai , Wang Qingzhen , Hu Yiwen , Mou Tangwei , Wang Jianbin , Wang Lichun , Zhang Ying , Wang Tinghua , Li Qihan
Published: August 2022

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common human pathogen that establishes lifelong latency in neurons of the nervous system. The number of severe central nervous system infections caused by the virus has increased recently. However, the pathogenesis of HSV-2 infection in the nervous system is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrated global proteomic changes in the brain tissue in BALB/c mice vaginally infected with HSV-2. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD034186. A total of 249 differentially expressed proteins were identified in infected brain tissue. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of these proteins indicated that they were mainly involved in the regulation of synapse formation and synaptic excitability. In addition, genes affecting autophagy, the development of other neurodegenerative diseases, and signaling pathways relevant to other neurologic diseases were identified. Additional experiments, comparing the brain tissue of asymptomatic and symptomatic mice showed a differential expression of proteins involved in synapse formation and synaptic transmission. Others were involved in autophagy, addiction, and signaling pathways of other neurologic diseases. These results suggest that changes in synaptic structure and function, as well as autophagy, may be related to the development of neurologic abnormalities that follow HSV-2 infection. We also identified a protein GluN2A encoded by Grin2a was continuously expressed at high levels after infection. We propose that GluN2A may be a key molecule in the pathogenesis of HSV-2-induced neurologic diseases.
Evaluation of the biofilm life cycle between Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis
Authors: Atiencia-Carrera María Belén , Cabezas-Mera Fausto Sebastián , Vizuete Karla , Debut Alexis , Tejera Eduardo , Machado António
Published: August 2022

Candida tropicalis is an emergent pathogen with a high rate of mortality associated with its biofilm formation. Biofilm formation has important repercussions on the public health system. However, little is still known about its biofilm life cycle. The present study analyzed the biofilm life cycle of Candida albicans and C. tropicalis during various timepoints (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) through biomass assays, colony-forming unit (CFU) counting, and epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopies. Our results showed a significant difference between C. albicans and C. tropicalis biofilms in each biomass and viability assay. All-time samples in the biomass and viability assays confirmed statistical differences between the Candida species through pairwise Wilcoxon tests (p < 0.05). C. albicans demonstrated a lower biomass growth but reached nearly the same level of C. tropicalis biomass at 96 h, while the CFU counting assays exhibited a superior number of viable cells within the C. tropicalis biofilm. Statistical differences were also found between C. albicans and C. tropicalis biofilms from 48- and 72-h microscopies, demonstrating C. tropicalis with a higher number of total cells within biofilms and C. albicans cells with a superior cell area and higher matrix production. Therefore, the present study proved the higher biofilm production of C. tropicalis.
Fit to dwell in many places – The growing diversity of intracellular Salmonella niches
Authors: Luk Chak Hon , Enninga Jost , Valenzuela Camila
Published: August 2022

Salmonella enterica is capable of invading different host cell types including epithelial cells and M cells during local infection, and immune cells and fibroblasts during the subsequent systemic spread. The intracellular lifestyles of Salmonella inside different cell types are remarkable for their distinct residential niches, and their varying replication rates. To study this, researchers have employed different cell models, such as various epithelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts. In epithelial cells, S. Typhimurium dwells within modified endolysosomes or gains access to the host cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, the pathogen is exposed to the host autophagy machinery or poised for rapid multiplication, whereas it grows at a slower rate or remains dormant within the endomembrane-bound compartments. The swift bimodal lifestyle is not observed in fibroblasts and immune cells, and it emerges that these cells handle intracellular S. Typhimurium through different clearance machineries. Moreover, in these cell types S. Typhimurium grows withing modified phagosomes of distinct functional composition by adopting targeted molecular countermeasures. The preference for one or the other intracellular niche and the diverse cell type-specific Salmonella lifestyles are determined by the complex interactions between a myriad of bacterial effectors and host factors. It is important to understand how this communication is differentially regulated dependent on the host cell type and on the distinct intracellular growth rate. To support the efforts in deciphering Salmonella invasion across the different infection models, we provide a systematic comparison of the findings yielded from cell culture models. We also outline the future directions towards a better understanding of these differential Salmonella intracellular lifestyles.
Integration of virtual platforms for enhanced conference experience: Data-based evidence from the Society of Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies 2021 conference
Authors: Cornell Jessica , Taj Ariana , Sivinski John , Yin Margaret , Bhatia Parth , Oula Desai , Fatschel Sophia , Franklin Patricia , Noel Jason , Colloca Luana , Seneviratne Chamindi
Published: August 2022

Background

The Society of Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies (SIPS) was one of many organizations that hosted a virtual scientific conference in response to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Retaining essential benefits of an in-person conference experience was a primary objective for the SIPS conference planning committee and guided the selection of a virtual platform on which to host the 2021 meeting. This article reports on the methods used to design and analyze an engaging, virtual scientific conference, along with the findings and implications for future meetings.

Methods

Participant use of and interaction with different features of the conference platform were recorded and exported for analysis. Additionally, all SIPS conference attendees were invited to complete a brief, online post-conference survey that inquired about their perceptions of the SIPS conference specifically as well as their opinions of virtual and hybrid conferences in general. Using these data, we assessed (1) attendance patterns, (2) level of engagement, and (3) attendee satisfaction.

Results

The platform recorded 438 unique, active conference attendees who used either a mobile app, web browser, or both to participate during the 3-day program. Seventy-four percent (N = 324) of active users attended all 3 days with 30 and 26 new attendees on Days 2 and 3, respectively. The connections feature offered on the platform was the most utilized function within the online forum. Attendance in the parallel workshop sessions remained constant across the 3 days, with an average of 44.6% (SD = 6.77) of people moving between workshops within a single session. The two poster sessions had an average of 47.6 (SD = 17.97) and 27.8 (SD = 10.24) unique views per poster, respectively. Eleven percent (N = 48) of attendees completed the post-conference survey. Thirty-six percent of these responders stated they were only able to attend because the conference was offered virtually. Further, the quality of the conference had an average satisfaction rating of 68.08 out of 100 (SD = 22.94).

Conclusion

Results of data analyses suggest the virtual platform allowed for those who were unable to attend to join virtually, produced moderate engagement throughout the conference, and that the majority of attendees were satisfied with the quality of the fully-virtual conference. Therefore, incorporating virtual aspects in future in-person conferences could enhance conference experience and participation.
How to motivate with speech. Findings from acoustic phonetics and pragmatics
Authors: Voße Jana , Niebuhr Oliver , Wagner Petra
Published: August 2022

In the present work, we describe and discuss two studies in the field of motivating-speech research. The studies investigate voice-quality features (study 1) and pragmatic aspects (study 2) in German motivating speech, thereby adding to the current state-of-the-art in understanding motivating speech and language1. We find indications that a low amount of breathiness, a more periodic signal and a balanced distribution of specific pragmatic elements contribute to a motivating impact in German.
Anthropometric parameters of obesity can be alternative biomarkers for the potential cardiac dysfunction in obese children
Authors: Sun Jing , Wang Li , Lin Yingjiong , Liu Yunfeng , Liu Fei , Liu Xumei , Dong Wenyan , Cai Wenqian , Chen Huimin , Xiao Minhua , Luo Hongfeng , Liu Xihong , Duan Jinzhu
Published: August 2022

Childhood obesity, as one of the potential risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, is closely associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease at a younger age and has become a public health concern worldwide. However, its potential effects on the cardiovascular system have still remained elusive. In this study, we systematically evaluated the cardiovascular characteristics of 79 obese children and 161 normal weight children in Guangzhou (China) using the potential biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. Compared with normal weight children, obese children not only exhibited significantly higher levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LHD), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (s-Flt-1), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and uric acid (UA) (p = 0.0062, 0.0012, 0.0013, 0.0225, and <0.0001, respectively) but also significantly higher diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.0074) and the heart rate (p = 0.0049) were found in obese children. Of 79 obese children, cardiac functions of 40 cases were further assessed by color Doppler echocardiography. The results showed that there were significant differences between the obesity group and the healthy weight group in terms of interventricular septal wall thickness at end-diastolic (IVSd), the left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastolic (LVPWD), and aortic annulus (AO) (p < 0.0001, 0.0003, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Besides, the left and/or right ventricular functions were declined in 52.4% of obese children. Correlation analysis revealed that the anthropometric parameters of obesity were not only significantly correlated with a blood lipid profile but also exhibited a more significant correlation with most of the parameters of cardiac dysfunction than a blood lipid profile. Therefore, our study indicated that obese children in Guangzhou suffered from functional damages related to cardiovascular events, which were characterized by cardiac dysfunction, and the anthropometric parameters of obesity could be economically alternative biomarkers for monitoring of cardiac dysfunction in obese children.
Bioinformatics approach to identify the influences of SARS-COV2 infections on atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Jiuchang , Zhang Liming
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been a global pandemic since early 2020. Understanding the relationship between various systemic disease and COVID-19 through disease ontology (DO) analysis, an approach based on disease similarity studies, has found that COVID-19 is most strongly associated with atherosclerosis. The study provides new insights for the common pathogenesis of COVID-19 and atherosclerosis by looking for common transcriptional features. Two datasets (GSE152418 and GSE100927) were downloaded from GEO database to search for common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and shared pathways. A total of 34 DEGs were identified. Among them, ten hub genes with high degrees of connectivity were picked out, namely C1QA, C1QB, C1QC, CD163, SIGLEC1, APOE, MS4A4A, VSIG4, CCR1 and STAB1. This study suggests the critical role played by Complement and coagulation cascades in COVID-19 and atherosclerosis. Our findings underscore the importance of C1q in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and atherosclerosis. Activation of the complement system can lead to endothelial dysfunction. The DEGs identified in this study provide new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Case report: Traumatic carotid artery dissection after 7D High-Intensity Macro- and Micro-Focused Ultrasound treatment for skin laxity of the neck
Authors: Du Fenghe , Shao Jiang , Lai Zhichao , Li Kang , Wang Chaonan , Liu Bao
Published: August 2022

Background

Trauma is a relatively uncommon etiology of carotid artery dissection. Trauma is both penetrative and trivial, which can lead to carotid artery dissection. In the current study, we present an unusual case in which carotid artery dissection was potentially triggered by the damaging thermal effect of 7D High-Intensity Macro- and Micro-Focused Ultrasound (7D HIFU), which has been proposed as a safe and effective non-surgical modality for skin rejuvenation.

Case summary

A 41-year-old woman developed headache and clinical manifestations of cerebral infarction after 7D HIFU, aimed at removing neckline. Head and neck magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomography angiogram (CTA) revealed severe stenosis and dissection of the left internal carotid artery. Neither the patient's history nor the physical examination showed any special indicators. After resection of the left carotid artery dissection, autologous great saphenous vein interposition grafting, and simple mastoidectomy, the patient underwent head and neck MRA, which revealed recanalization of the left internal carotid artery.

Conclusion

Although mild or moderate complications of 7D HIFU, such as erythema, edema, transient dysesthesia, and motor nerve paresis, have been previously reported, a few previous literature studies documented severe complications of the cosmetic procedure. However, many recent studies pointed out the possibility of 7D HIFU damaging adjacent non-target tissues due to inadequate focal depth of HIFU treatment. Our case is the first to indicate that 7D HIFU could cause carotid artery dissection. We propose that better visualization systems and more rigorous operator training are needed to reduce the risk of the potential off-target damaging effect of 7D HIFU by reporting the case in which the damaging heat effect of 7D HIFU precipitated the carotid artery dissection HIFU.
Cardiovascular health control in the family health strategy
Authors: Tavares Gilberto Andrade , Ribeiro Joathan Borges , Almeida-Santos Marcos Antonio , Sousa Antônio Carlos Sobral , Barreto-Filho José Augusto Soares
Published: August 2022

Introduction

In Brazil, the Unified Health System (SUS) controls and oversees public health care, and the Family Health Strategy (FHS) is its primary access, with 60% of the population registered in it. The surveillance of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the responsibility of the FHS. In 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed the evaluation of seven metrics (smoking, Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose) with an aim to monitoring cardiovascular health (CVH). However, the results of the FHS regarding the CVH of the Brazilian population are unascertained.

Objective

Evaluate the control of CVH among adult patients treated by the FHS in the city of Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the seven metrics recommended by the AHA to evaluate CVH among patients treated by the FHS. The city of Aracaju has a population of 571,149 inhabitants, with 394,267 > 20 years of age; therefore, it was admitted that in a simple random sample, sampling error of 5% with 95% CI, 329 individuals would be needed.

Results

Among 400 patients, only 32.5% had controlled CVH. In a univariate analysis, the adjusted multivariate analysis found that being female (aOR: 2.07 IC: 1.20 to 3.60 p: 0.006) under 45 years old (aOR: 1.61 IC: 1.15 to 2.28 p: 0.006) and with the habit of following health advice from family members and neighbors (aOR: 1.28 IC: 1.15 to 2.28 p: 0.040) were associated with control of CVH. On the other hand, those ones who had a greater number of children (aOR: 0.91 IC: 0.84 to 0.95 p: 0.020) were associated with less control of CVH.

Conclusions

The study showed that only 32.5% of patients have controlled CVH. Being a woman, young and following health advice from family members and neighbors have a positive influence in controlling CVH. More children reduced controlling these metrics.
Case report: A rare complication after the implantation of a cardiac implantable electronic device: Contralateral pneumothorax with pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum
Authors: Lo Shao-Wei , Chen Ju-Yi
Published: August 2022

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) including pacemakers (PM), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), and cardiac resynchronized therapy (CRT) have become the mainstay of therapy for many cardiac conditions, consequently drawing attention to the risks and benefits of these procedures. Although CIED implantation is usually a safe procedure, pneumothorax remains an important complication and may contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and hospital costs. On the other hand, pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum are rare but potentially fatal complications. Accordingly, a high degree of awareness about these complications is important. Pneumothorax almost always occurs on the ipsilateral side of implantation. The development of contralateral pneumothorax is uncommon and may be undetected on an initial chest radiograph. Contralateral pneumothorax with concurrent pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum is much rarer. We describe a rare case of concurrent right-sided pneumothorax with pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum after left-sided pacemaker implantation and highlight the risk factors, management, and possible ways to prevent the complications.
The accuracy of four formulas for LDL-C calculation at the fasting and postprandial states
Authors: Xu Jin , Du Xiao , Zhang Shilan , Xiang Qunyan , Zhu Liyuan , Liu Ling
Published: August 2022

Background

Elevated level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is concerned as one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in both the fasting and postprandial states. This study aimed to compare the measured LDL-C with LDL-C calculated by the Friedewald, Martin–Hopkins, Vujovic, and Sampson formulas, and establish which formula could provide the most reliable LDL-C results for Chinese subjects, especially at the postprandial state.

Methods

Twenty-six subjects were enrolled in this study. The blood samples were collected from all the subjects before and after taking a daily breakfast. The calculated LDL-C results were compared with LDL-C measured by the vertical auto profile method, at both the fasting and postprandial states. The percentage difference between calculated and measured LDL-C (total error) and the number of results exceeding the total error goal of 12% were established.

Results

The calculated LDL-CF levels showed no significant difference from LDL-CVAP levels at the fasting state. The calculated LDL-CS were significantly higher than LDL-CVAP at the fasting state (P < 0.05), while the calculated LDL-Cs were very close to LDL-CVAP levels after a daily meal. At the fasting state, the median total error of calculated LDL-CF was 0 (quartile: −3.8 to 6.0), followed by LDL-CS, LDL-CMH, and LDL-CV. At the postprandial states, the median total errors of LDL-CS were the smallest, 1.0 (−7.5, 8.5) and −0.3 (−10.1, 10.9) at 2 and 4 h, respectively. The calculated LDL-CF levels showed the highest correlation to LDL-CVAP and accuracy in evaluating fasting LDL-C levels, while the Sampson formula showed the highest accuracy at the postprandial state.

Conclusion

The Friedewald formula was recommended to calculate fasting LDL-C, while the Sampson formula seemed to be a better choice to calculate postprandial LDL-C levels in Chinese subjects.
Machine learning approach identified clusters for patients with low cardiac output syndrome and outcomes after cardiac surgery
Authors: Zhao Xu , Gu Bowen , Li Qiuying , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Weiwei , Li Yagang , Guan Yanping , Huang Min , Lei Liming , Zhong Guoping
Published: August 2022

Background

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is the most serious physiological abnormality with high mortality for patients after cardiac surgery. This study aimed to explore the multidimensional data of clinical features and outcomes to provide individualized care for patients with LCOS.

Methods

The electronic medical information of the intensive care units (ICUs) was extracted from a tertiary hospital in South China. We included patients who were diagnosed with LCOS in the ICU database. We used the consensus clustering approach based on patient characteristics, laboratory data, and vital signs to identify LCOS subgroups. The consensus clustering method involves subsampling from a set of items, such as microarrays, and determines to cluster of specified cluster counts (k). The primary clinical outcome was in-hospital mortality and was compared between the clusters.

Results

A total of 1,205 patients were included and divided into three clusters. Cluster 1 (n = 443) was defined as the low-risk group [in-hospital mortality =10.1%, odds ratio (OR) = 1]. Cluster 2 (n = 396) was defined as the medium-risk group [in-hospital mortality =25.0%, OR = 2.96 (95% CI = 1.97–4.46)]. Cluster 3 (n = 366) was defined as the high-risk group [in-hospital mortality =39.2%, OR = 5.75 (95% CI = 3.9–8.5)].

Conclusion

Patients with LCOS after cardiac surgery could be divided into three clusters and had different outcomes.
Ablation of cardiomyocyte-derived BDNF during development causes myocardial degeneration and heart failure in the adult mouse heart
Authors: Li Lilin , Guo Hongyan , Lai Binglin , Liang Chunbao , Chen Hongyi , Chen Yilin , Guo Weimin , Yuan Ziqiang , Huang Ruijin , Zeng Zhaohua , Liang Liying , Zhao Hui , Zheng Xin , Li Yanmei , Pu Qin , Qi Xufeng , Cai Dongqing
Published: August 2022

Objective

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB-T1 were recently found to be expressed in cardiomyocytes. However, the functional role of cardiomyocyte-derived BDNF in heart pathophysiology is not yet fully known. Recent studies revealed that BDNF-TrkB pathway plays a critical role to maintain integrity of cardiac structure and function, cardiac pathology and regeneration of myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, the BDNF-TrkB pathway may be a novel target for myocardial pathophysiology in the adult heart.

Approach and results

In the present study, we established a cardiomyocyte-derived BDNF conditional knockout mouse in which BDNF expression in developing cardiomyocytes is ablated under the control of the Myosin heavy chain 6 (MYH6) promoter. The results of the present study show that ablation of cardiomyocyte-derived BDNF during development does not impair survival, growth or reproduction; however, in the young adult heart, it causes cardiomyocyte death, degeneration of the myocardium, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, left atrial appendage thrombosis, decreased cardiac function, increased cardiac inflammation and ROS activity, and metabolic disorders, leading to heart failure (HF) in the adult heart and eventually resulting in a decrease in the one-year survival rate. In addition, ablation of cardiomyocyte-derived BDNF during the developmental stage leads to exacerbation of cardiac dysfunction and poor regeneration after MI in adult hearts.

Conclusion

Cardiomyocyte-derived BDNF is irreplaceable for maintaining the integrity of cardiac structure and function in the adult heart and regeneration after MI. Therefore, the BDNF-TrkB pathway will be a novel target for myocardial pathophysiology in the adult heart.
The association between ACTB methylation in peripheral blood and coronary heart disease in a case-control study
Authors: Jin Jialie , Zhu Chao , Wang Jinxin , Zhao Xiaojing , Yang Rongxi
Published: August 2022

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) brings a heavy burden to society worldwide. Novel and minimally invasive biomarkers for the risk evaluation of CHD are urgently needed. Previous study has revealed that blood-based hypomethylation of β-actin (ACTB) was associated with increased risk of stroke, but not reported in CHD yet.

Objectives

We aimed to explore the association between blood-based ACTB methylation and the risk of CHD in a case-control study in the Chinese population.

Methods

The methylation level of ACTB was quantitatively determined by mass spectrometry in 281 CHD patients and 272 controls. The association between ACTB methylation and CHD risk was estimated by logistic regression analyses adjusted for possible confounding effects.

Results

We found a significant association between hypermethylation of ACTB in peripheral blood and increased risk of CHD (odds ratios (ORs) per +10% methylation: 1.19–1.45, p < 0.013 for nine out of thirteen CpG sites), especially in male subjects and heart failure (HF) patients (ORs per +10% methylation: 1.20–1.43, 1.38–1.46; p < 0.030, 1.52 × 10−4, respectively). Hypermethylation of ACTB_CpG_2.3, ACTB_CpG_7.8, and ACTB_CpG_9.10 was observed in the CHD patients with minor to medium cardiac function impairment (NYHA I&II CHD cases) (ORs per +10% methylation: 1.38–1.44; p < 0.001). The combination of ACTB_CpG_2.3, ACTB_CpG_7.8, and ACTB_CpG_9.10 methylation levels could efficiently discriminate CHD cases, male CHD patients, HF and NYHA I&II CHD patients from controls (area under curve (AUC) = 0.75, 0.74, 0.73, and 0.77, respectively).

Conclusions

Our study reveals a strong association between blood-based ACTB hypermethylation and CHD risk. The combination of ACTB methylation and conventional risk factors might provide a novel strategy to improve risk assessment of CHD.
Safety and effectiveness of post percutaneous coronary intervention physiological assessment: Retrospective data from the post-revascularization optimization and physiological evaluation of intermediate lesions using fractional flow reserve registry
Authors: Leone Antonio Maria , Migliaro Stefano , Zimbardo Giuseppe , Cialdella Pio , Basile Eloisa , Galante Domenico , Di Giusto Federico , Anastasia Gianluca , Vicere Andrea , Petrolati Edoardo , Di Stefano Antonio , Campaniello Giorgia , D’Amario Domenico , Vergallo Rocco , Montone Rocco Antonio , Buffon Antonino , Romagnoli Enrico , Aurigemma Cristina , Burzotta Francesco , Trani Carlo , Crea Filippo
Published: August 2022

Background

While the importance of invasive physiological assessment (IPA) to choose coronary lesions to be treated is ascertained, its role after PCI is less established. We evaluated feasibility and efficacy of Physiology-guided PCI in the everyday practice in a retrospective registry performed in a single high-volume and “physiology-believer” center.

Materials and methods

The PROPHET-FFR study (NCT05056662) patients undergoing an IPA in 2015–2020 were retrospectively enrolled in three groups: Control group comprising patients for whom PCI was deferred based on a IPA; Angiography-Guided PCI group comprising patients undergoing PCI based on an IPA but without a post-PCI IPA; Physiology-guided PCI group comprising patients undergoing PCI based on an IPA and an IPA after PCI, followed by a physiology-guided optimization, if indicated. Optimal result was defined by an FFR value ≥ 0.90.

Results

A total of 1,322 patients with 1,591 lesions were available for the analysis. 893 patients (67.5%) in Control Group, 249 patients (18.8%) in Angiography-guided PCI Group and 180 patients (13.6%) in Physiology-guided PCI group. In 89 patients a suboptimal functional result was achieved that was optimized in 22 cases leading to a “Final FFR” value of 0.90 ± 0.04 in Angiography-Guided PCI group. Procedural time, costs, and rate of complications were similar. At follow up the rate of MACEs for the Physiology-guided PCI group was similar to the Control Group (7.2% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.765) and significantly lower than the Angiography-guided PCI Group (14.9%, p < 0.001), mainly driven by a reduction in TVRs.

Conclusion

“Physiology-guided PCI” is a feasible strategy with a favorable impact on mid-term prognosis. Prospective studies using a standardized IPA are warrant to confirm these data.
Past efforts in determining suitable normalization methods for multi-criteria decision-making: A short survey
Authors: Krishnan Anath Rau
Published: August 2022

The use of a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique mostly begins with normalizing the incommensurable data values in the decision matrix. Numerous normalization methods are available in the literature and applying different normalization methods to an MCDM technique is proven to deliver varying results. As such, selecting suitable normalization methods for an MCDM technique has emerged as an intriguing research topic, especially with the advent of big data. Several efforts have been made to compare the suitability of various normalization methods, but regrettably, no paper provides an updated review of these crucial efforts. This study, therefore, aimed to trace articles reporting such efforts and review them based on the following three perspectives: (1) the normalization methods considered, (2) the MCDM methods considered, and (3) the comparison metrics used to determine the suitable normalization methods. The relevant articles were extracted with the aid of Google Scholar using the keywords of “normalization” and “MCDM,” and Tableau software was used to analyze further the data gathered through the articles. A total of five limitations were uncovered based on the current state of literature, and potential future works to address those limitations were offered. This paper is the first to compile and review the previous investigations that compared and determined the ideal normalization methods for an MCDM technique.
Home schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom: The experience of families of children with neurodevelopmental conditions
Authors: Kouroupa Athanasia , Allard Amanda , Gray Kylie M. , Hastings Richard P. , Heyne David , Melvin Glenn A. , Tonge Bruce J. , Totsika Vasiliki
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 outbreak, and associated school restrictions affected the learning experience of students worldwide. The current study focused on the learning experiences of United Kingdom children with neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and/or intellectual disability. Specifically, the aim was to examine families’ experience with school support for home schooling, families’ resources, and level of satisfaction with schools among families whose children engaged with home schooling, hybrid learning, and school-based learning during the pandemic. An online survey took place in 2021, approximately 1 year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited mostly through social media with support via several charities across the United Kingdom. Participants were 809 parents/carers of children with autism and/or intellectual disability aged 5 – 15 years. Of these, 59% were learning from home daily during home schooling, 19% spent some days in school (hybrid learning), and 22% were going to school daily during school restrictions. Parents/carers reported on the support received from schools, the resources accessed, and the resources needed but not accessed to facilitate learning. They also reported on their level of satisfaction with school support and school management of COVID-19 risks. Results indicated that learning during the COVID-19 pandemic was mostly via school-provided worksheets, in the home and hybrid learning group. Families had access to the internet/data and a laptop, computer, or tablet to facilitate learning. However, in both learning groups (i.e., home and hybrid learning) they needed but did not have access to special equipment, special software, and a printer. Importantly, 11% of families in home and hybrid learning groups reported not having access to a desk/table. Satisfaction with school support was low in the home and hybrid learning groups. Satisfaction with COVID-19 management was higher for families of children attending school daily (i.e., the school-based learning group). Future education policy decisions during public health crises should take into consideration the needs of children with neurodevelopmental conditions including autism and/or intellectual disability.
Predictive factors of clinical success after adrenalectomy in primary aldosteronism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Manosroi Worapaka , Atthakomol Pichitchai , Phinyo Phichayut , Inthaphan Piti
Published: August 2022

Background

Unilateral adrenalectomy is the mainstay treatment for unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA). This meta-analysis aimed to systematically analyse predictors of clinical success after unilateral adrenalectomy in PA.

Methods

A search was performed using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science from their inception to February 2022. Observational studies in adult PA patients which reported predictors of clinical success after unilateral adrenalectomy were included. A random-effects model was employed to pool the fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

Thirty-two studies involving 5,601 patients were included. Females had a higher clinical success rate (OR 2.81; 95% CI 2.06–3.83). Older patients, patients with a longer duration of hypertension and those taking a higher number of antihypertensive medications had lower clinical success rates (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94–0.99, OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.88–0.96 and OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.29–0.67, respectively). Compared to non-clinical success cases, patients with clinical success had a lower body mass index (SMD -0.49 kg/m2; 95% CI -0.58,-0.39), lower systolic (SMD -0.37 mmHg; 95% CI -0.56,-0.18) and diastolic blood pressure (SMD -0.19 mmHg; 95% CI -0.33,-0.06), lower serum potassium (SMD -0.16 mEq/L; 95% CI -0.28,-0.04), higher eGFR (SMD 0.51 mL/min/1.73m2; 95% CI 0.16,0.87), a lower incidence of dyslipidemia (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.15–0.58) and a lower incidence of diabetes mellitus (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.22–0.59).

Conclusions

Multiple predictors of clinical success after unilateral adrenalectomy in PA were identified which can help improve the quality of care for PA patients.

Systematic Review Registration: INPLASY, identifier 202240129.
The gene regulatory role of non-coding RNAs in non-obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Zhou Guanqing , Zhang Mimi , Zhang Jingzhi , Feng Yaofeng , Xie Zhishen , Liu Siyi , Zhu Detu , Luo Yumei
Published: August 2022

Non-coding RNAs are classified as small non-coding RNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, which are involved in a variety of biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and pathological conditions of various diseases. Many studies have shown that non-coding RNAs are related to spermatogenesis, maturation, apoptosis, function, etc. In addition, the expression of non-coding RNAs in testicular tissue and semen of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia was different. However, the role of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia has not been fully elucidated, and the role of non-coding RNAs in non-obstructive azoospermia is rarely reviewed. Here we summarize the research progress of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia.