bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping and adaptation strategies among young persons living with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers: textual and photovoice analyses
Authors: Owusu Bernard Afriyie , Ofori-Boateng Prince , Doku David Teye
Published: September 2023

Background

Management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is complex and demanding. It requires patients and their caregivers, particularly those in low-resource settings to adopt productive coping strategies to achieve ideal glycaemic control. Coping and adaptation strategies have far-reaching implications on their behavioural and health outcomes. Yet, it is uncertain how young people living with T1D and their caregivers in low-resource settings cope and adapt to the challenges of T1D management. This study analysed textual and photo evidence on the coping and adaptation strategies employed by young persons living with T1D (warriors) and their caregivers in Ghana.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected from 28 warriors, 12 caregivers, 6 healthcare providers and other stakeholders in southern Ghana using semi-structured interview guides. Participants were identified at T1D support group centres, hospitals, and their places of residence, and recruited into the study using maximum variation and snowball sampling approaches. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews, photovoice, telephone interviews and videoconferencing and were thematically analysed using QSR NVivo 11.

Results

Four superordinate themes which are productive coping, non-productive coping, keeping T1D a secret, and coping with costs of care were identified. Productive coping entailed condition acceptance, planning ahead, seeking social support, borrowing insulin, and overcoming the barriers of insulin storage. On the other hand, avoidance, disengagement, and re-use of syringes were the common non-productive coping approaches. Due to stigma and discrimination, the warriors shrouded their condition in secrecy. As a response to the financial burden of T1D care, caregivers/patients borrowed money, took loans, and sold household items.

Conclusion

Young persons living with T1D and their caregivers adopted coping strategies which both promoted and compromised their T1D management. There was an occasional co-existence of diverse coping strategies (productive and non-productive), and these reflects the personal and contextual stressors they faced. The results call for the need to eliminate barriers of T1D management and equip patients and their caregivers with ongoing T1D coping competencies.
New clinical application of indocyanine green in fluorescence-guided laparoscopic lymph-node biopsy in case of lymphoma. Preliminary results on a case series
Authors: Casaccia Marco , Ibatici Adalberto , Ballerini Filippo , Barabino Nicolò Maria , Santoliquido Matteo , De Cian Franco
Published: September 2023

Background

Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery is widely used for intraoperative visualization of lymphatic structures. To date, there are no reports indicating this dye being used in lymph node biopsies for suspected or relapsed lymphoma.

Methods

Between October 2021 and June 2022, 12 patients underwent a fluorescence-guided laparoscopic lymph node biopsy (FGLLB) using ICG. The following was retrospectively evaluated: the dosage of ICG, the injection site, the number of patients where fluorescence was obtained after ICG administration, and additionally, the parameters indicating the outcome of the surgical procedure.

Results

The median duration of the surgery was 90 min. A laparotomy conversion was required in one case due to bleeding. Fluorescence was obtained in 10/12 (83.3%) patients by means of subcutaneous/perilesional injection in six of the patients, and intravenously in the other four. Hospitalization had a mean duration of three days. There were no major postoperative complications. FGLLB was used in seven patients to follow lymphoproliferative disease progression, and in five patients to establish a diagnosis. In all cases, FGLLB provided the information necessary for the correct diagnosis.

Conclusions

Fluorescence with ICG offers a simple and safe method for detecting pathological lymph nodes. FGLLB in suspected intra-abdominal lymphoma can largely benefit from this new opportunity which has not yet been tested to date. Further studies with large case series are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Home-based care for people living with dementia at the end of life: the perspective of experts
Authors: Pinkert Christiane , Holle Bernhard
Published: September 2023

Background

In the last phase of their lives, people living with dementia often indicate restlessness, anxiety or pain. Further, their care is considered inadequate, as they are, for example, sometimes overtreated for curative care or undertreated for pain management. These patients also face multiple barriers in accessing palliative care. This qualitative study explores the perception of experts about how people living with dementia in Germany are cared for at home toward the end of their lives.

Methods

A total of 12 experts involved in outpatient/palliative care were recruited to constitute a purposive, heterogeneous sample. Interviews, which were structured using an interview guide, were conducted with physicians, nurses, representatives of health insurance funds, welfare associations, municipal counselling centres, scientists and coordinators of outpatient palliative care and voluntary work; the interviews were transcribed and analysed via thematic content analysis, based on Kuckartz’s method.

Results

The analysis of the results led to the establishment of four main categories that focused on formal care arrangements, the roles of relatives in care arrangements, the specifics of dementia, and restrictions on access to palliative care.

Conclusions

Suitable end-of-life care for people living with dementia and support for their relatives require resources and the conceptualisation of specific care arrangements to help minimise potential barriers that prevent access to palliative care.
'A human face and voice': transgender patient-educator and medical student perspectives on gender-diversity teaching
Authors: Ruprecht Ky , Dunlop William , Wah Estee , Phillips Christine , Martin Sarah
Published: September 2023

Background

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people face many obstacles in accessing health care, including discrimination, institutional bias, and clinician knowledge deficits. We developed a clinical skills and education module on gender-affirming care for pre-clinical medical students, in collaboration with a TGD-led civil society organisation. The module consisted of an educational session followed by preceptor-facilitated small group tutorials, led by TGD patient-educators (n = 22) who used their lived experience to explore medical history-taking and broader issues related to TGD healthcare with students (n = 199). This study aimed to explore the views of students and TGD patient-educators on the structure, delivery and impact of the module.

Methods

Analysis of responses of TGD patient-educators and students to the module (2020 and 2021), in post-intervention surveys using open-ended questions for TGD patient-educators (18 responses from 22 educators) and free text comments as part of a quantitative survey for medical students (89 responses).

Results

Responses from students and patient-educators to the session were highly positive. Students and patient-educators emphasised that the teaching session succeeded through elevating the centrality of shared experience and creating a safe space for learning and teaching. Safety was experienced by patient-educators through the recognition of their own expertise in a medical environment, while students reported a non-judgemental teaching space which allowed them to explore and redress recognised limitations in knowledge and skill. Patient-educators described their motivation to teach as being driven by a sense of responsibility to their community. Preceptor attitudes may function as a barrier to the effectiveness of this teaching, and further attention should be paid to supporting the education of clinical facilitators in TGD health.

Conclusion

The experiences of TGD patient-educators and medical students in this study suggest that this model of teaching could serve as a transferable template for TGD health and the inclusion of other historically marginalised groups in medical education.
Blood virome of patients with traumatic sepsis
Authors: Mao Qingqing , Liu Ying , Zhang Ju , Li Wang , Zhang Wen , Zhou Chenglin
Published: September 2023

Sepsis is one of the possible outcomes of severe trauma, and it poses a dire threat to human life, particularly in immunocompromised people. The most prevalent pathogens are bacteria and fungi, but viruses should not be overlooked. For viral metagenomic analysis, we collected blood samples from eight patients with post-traumatic sepsis before and seven days after treatment. The results demonstrated that Anellovirus predominated the viral community, followed by Siphoviridae and Myoviridae, and that the variations in viral community and viral load before and after treatment were not statistically significant. This study allows us to investigate methods for establishing NGS-based viral diagnostic instruments for detecting viral infections in the blood of sepsis patients so that antiviral therapy can be administered quickly.
Treatment of pelvic giant cell tumor by wide resection with patient-specific bone-cutting guide and reconstruction with 3D-printed personalized implant
Authors: Li Zhuangzhuang , Lu Minxun , Min Li , Luo Yi , Tu Chongqi
Published: September 2023

Background

This study reports our experience in the treatment of aggressive pelvic GCT through wide resection assisted with patient-specific bone-cutting guides (PSBCGs) and subsequent reconstruction with 3D-printed personalized implants (3DPIs), aiming to present the operative technique of this method and evaluate its clinical efficacy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed seven patients who underwent wide resection of pelvic GCT followed by reconstruction with 3DPIs from August 2019 to February 2021. There were two males and five females, with a mean age of 43 years. PSBCGs and 3DPIs were prepared using 3D-printing technology. The operational outcomes, local recurrence, radiological results, and any associated complications of this technique were assessed. And the functional outcomes were assessed according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) 93 functional score.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 35.3 months (range 28–45 months). There was no intraoperative complication. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all patients. Postoperative pelvic radiographs showed that 3DPIs matched the shape and size of the bone defect. The anterior–posterior, inlet, and outlet pelvic radiograph demonstrated precise reconstruction consistent with the surgical planning. In addition, tomosynthesis‐Shimadzu metal artifact reduction technology (T-SMART) showed good osseointegration at an average of three months after surgery (range 2–4 months). There was no local recurrence or tumor metastasis. The average MSTS score was 24.4 (range 23–27) at the last follow-up. Delayed wound healing was observed in one patient, and the wounds healed after debridement. Prosthesis-related complications were not detected during the follow-up, such as aseptic loosening or structure failure.

Conclusions

The treatment of aggressive pelvic GCTs through wide resection assisted with PSBCGs and subsequent reconstruction with 3DPIs is a feasible method, which provides good clinical results and reasonable functional outcomes.
Light regulation of secondary metabolism in fungi
Authors: Yu Wenbin , Pei Rongqiang , Zhang Yufei , Tu Yayi , He Bin
Published: August 2023

Fungi have evolved unique metabolic regulation mechanisms for adapting to the changing environments. One of the key features of fungal adaptation is the production of secondary metabolites (SMs), which are essential for survival and beneficial to the organism. Many of these SMs are produced in response to the environmental cues, such as light. In all fungal species studied, the Velvet complex transcription factor VeA is a central player of the light regulatory network. In addition to growth and development, the intensity and wavelength of light affects the formation of a broad range of secondary metabolites. Recent studies, mainly on species of the genus Aspergillus, revealed that the dimer of VeA-VelB and LaeA does not only regulate gene expression in response to light, but can also be involved in regulating production of SMs. Furthermore, the complexes have a wide regulatory effect on different types of secondary metabolites. In this review, we discussed the role of light in the regulation of fungal secondary metabolism. In addition, we reviewed the photoreceptors, transcription factors, and signaling pathways that are involved in light-dependent regulation of secondary metabolism. The effects of transcription factors on the production of secondary metabolites, as well as the potential applications of light regulation for the production of pharmaceuticals and other products were discussed. Finally, we provided an overview of the current research in this field and suggested potential areas for future research.
Retinoic acid and proteotoxic stress induce AML cell death overcoming stromal cell protection
Authors: Liccardo Francesca , Śniegocka Martyna , Tito Claudia , Iaiza Alessia , Ottone Tiziana , Divona Mariadomenica , Travaglini Serena , Mattei Maurizio , Cicconi Rosella , Miglietta Selenia , Familiari Giuseppe , Nottola Stefania Annarita , Petrozza Vincenzo , Tamagnone Luca , Voso Maria Teresa , Masciarelli Silvia , Fazi Francesco
Published: August 2023

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients bearing the ITD mutation in the tyrosine kinase receptor FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) present a poor prognosis and a high risk of relapse. FLT3-ITD is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and generates intrinsic proteotoxic stress. We devised a strategy based on proteotoxic stress, generated by the combination of low doses of the differentiating agent retinoic acid (R), the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (B), and the oxidative stress inducer arsenic trioxide (A).

Methods

We treated FLT3-ITD+ AML cells with low doses of the aforementioned drugs, used alone or in combinations and we investigated the induction of ER and oxidative stress. We then performed the same experiments in an in vitro co-culture system of FLT3-ITD+ AML cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) to assess the protective role of the niche on AML blasts. Eventually, we tested the combination of drugs in an orthotopic murine model of human AML.

Results

The combination RBA exerts strong cytotoxic activity on FLT3-ITD+ AML cell lines and primary blasts isolated from patients, due to ER homeostasis imbalance and generation of oxidative stress. AML cells become completely resistant to the combination RBA when treated in co-culture with BMSCs. Nonetheless, we could overcome such protective effects by using high doses of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as an adjuvant. Importantly, the combination RBA plus ascorbic acid significantly prolongs the life span of a murine model of human FLT3-ITD+ AML without toxic effects. Furthermore, we show for the first time that the cross-talk between AML and BMSCs upon treatment involves disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and the actin cap, increased thickness of the nuclei, and relocalization of the transcriptional co-regulator YAP in the cytosol of the BMSCs.

Conclusions

Our findings strengthen our previous work indicating induction of proteotoxic stress as a possible strategy in FLT3-ITD+ AML therapy and open to the possibility of identifying new therapeutic targets in the crosstalk between AML and BMSCs, involving mechanotransduction and YAP signaling.
Polymorphisms in FSHR modulating susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Singh Sukhjashanpreet , Kaur Anupam
Published: September 2023

Background

Two polymorphisms, rs6165 and rs6166 located in the intracellular domain of FSHR has been reported to affect folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis and oocyte maturation. Several studies have highlighted the role of FSHR polymorphisms in PCOS but the findings are conflicting. A meta-analysis was carried out to decipher the emerging perspectives.

Methodology

A comprehensive literature search was made using PubMed, PCOSkb, and Google Scholar. New Ottawa Scale has been utilized to evaluate the quality of each article. To evaluate the strength of association under different genetic models of rs6165 and rs6166 polymorphisms, odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated.

Results

A total of 20 articles were selected for the present study. In pooled analysis and after the stratification by ethnicity, polymorphism rs6165 remains unrelated to the onset of PCOS. Besides, rs6166 exhibits significant protection in the Indian population under recessive, additive, and allele models (OR = 0.7, CI: 0.54–0.9, p = 0.006, OR = 0.65, CI: 0.48–0.89, p = 0.006, OR = 0.82, CI: 0.7–0.95, p = 0.01, respectively) and low to moderate risk in the Caucasian population under allele model (OR = 1.17, CI: 1.04–1.32, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that GG genotype of rs6166 provides protection against PCOS, in a population-specific manner.
Mediastinal liposarcoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ataya Jamal , Nahle Ali Alakbar , Hamdar Hussein , Sikaria Amjad , Souleiman Younes
Published: August 2023

Background

Mediastinal Liposarcoma (ML) is an exceedingly rare neoplasm, accounting for less than 1% of all liposarcomas. Surgical resection is the most effective therapeutic modality, while adjuvant radiation therapy may be recommended for unresectable tumors.

Case presentation

This case report presents a rare case of a 52-year-old Syrian male patient with well-differentiated mediastinal liposarcoma (ML) who presented with exertional dyspnea, cough, and weight loss. Imaging studies revealed a large tumor causing extrinsic compression on the right lung, as well as compression of the heart and great vessels. CT-guided biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of well-differentiated liposarcoma, and the patient underwent surgical resection. The patient had a rapid postoperative recovery and was discharged on the fourth day post-operation, displaying an excellent postoperative status. The patient was followed up for 3 months postoperatively with no recurrence.

Conclusion

This report highlights the significance of incorporating ML into the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses, particularly in individuals presenting with exertional dyspnea and weight loss. Furthermore, this report provides a comprehensive review of previously reported cases of ML in the medical literature.
Automatic classification of experimental models in biomedical literature to support searching for alternative methods to animal experiments
Authors: Neves Mariana , Klippert Antonina , Knöspel Fanny , Rudeck Juliane , Stolz Ailine , Ban Zsofia , Becker Markus , Diederich Kai , Grune Barbara , Kahnau Pia , Ohnesorge Nils , Pucher Johannes , Schönfelder Gilbert , Bert Bettina , Butzke Daniel
Published: September 2023

Current animal protection laws require replacement of animal experiments with alternative methods, whenever such methods are suitable to reach the intended scientific objective. However, searching for alternative methods in the scientific literature is a time-consuming task that requires careful screening of an enormously large number of experimental biomedical publications. The identification of potentially relevant methods, e.g. organ or cell culture models, or computer simulations, can be supported with text mining tools specifically built for this purpose. Such tools are trained (or fine tuned) on relevant data sets labeled by human experts. We developed the GoldHamster corpus, composed of 1,600 PubMed (Medline) articles (titles and abstracts), in which we manually identified the used experimental model according to a set of eight labels, namely: “in vivo”, “organs”, “primary cells”, “immortal cell lines”, “invertebrates”, “humans”, “in silico” and “other” (models). We recruited 13 annotators with expertise in the biomedical domain and assigned each article to two individuals. Four additional rounds of annotation aimed at improving the quality of the annotations with disagreements in the first round. Furthermore, we conducted various machine learning experiments based on supervised learning to evaluate the corpus for our classification task. We obtained more than 7,000 document-level annotations for the above labels. After the first round of annotation, the inter-annotator agreement (kappa coefficient) varied among labels, and ranged from 0.42 (for “others”) to 0.82 (for “invertebrates”), with an overall score of 0.62. All disagreements were resolved in the subsequent rounds of annotation. The best-performing machine learning experiment used the PubMedBERT pre-trained model with fine-tuning to our corpus, which gained an overall f-score of 0.83. We obtained a corpus with high agreement for all labels, and our evaluation demonstrated that our corpus is suitable for training reliable predictive models for automatic classification of biomedical literature according to the used experimental models. Our SMAFIRA - “Smart feature-based interactive” - search tool (https://smafira.bf3r.de) will employ this classifier for supporting the retrieval of alternative methods to animal experiments. The corpus is available for download (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7152295), as well as the source code (https://github.com/mariananeves/goldhamster) and the model (https://huggingface.co/SMAFIRA/goldhamster).
Crisis management for Patient Safety Officers: lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Kagan Ilya , Arad Dana , Aharoni Riki , Tal Yossi , Niv Yaron
Published: September 2023

Background

There is no consensus for the role definition for Patient Safety Officers (PSOs) in healthcare during pandemics or other crises as opposed to their routine activities. This study aimed to examine the contribution of personality traits and systemic factors on the performance of PSOs during the pandemic, and to compare these variables during the first and third waves of the Covid-19 pandemic in Israel.

Methods

This cross-sectional study invited 117 PSOs to complete a questionnaire addressing their role during the Covid-19 pandemic. The questionnaire included items concerning: Personal and socio-demographic characteristics; Uncertainty; Personal initiative; Burnout; Professional functioning; Patient Safety and Risk Management policies and practices; Organizational functioning; and Personal Involvement in risk management activities. Qualitative data was collected by two open-ended questions.

Results

A total of 78 PSOs (67%) completed the questionnaire. The results revealed that many PSOs reduced their involvement in risk management processes or even left their position temporarily in order to return to their primary specialization as clinicians. Only 51.3% and 57.7% reported practicing risk management in the first and third waves, respectively. The three main factors that kept PSOs functioning were managerial support, mobilization of their team, and the belief in the importance of their position.

Conclusions

A crisis generates uncertainty, a plethora of frequent and urgent tasks, and the need to adapt policy to changing circumstances and to the increased risks. The risk manager must be a member of the crisis management team and participate in every important discussion in order to represent essential staff and patient safety issues and ensure that these are fully addressed already in the early stages of planning.
Reporting quality of randomized controlled trials in prehabilitation: a scoping review
Authors: Engel Dominique , Testa Giuseppe Dario , McIsaac Daniel I. , Carli Francesco , Santa Mina Daniel , Baldini Gabriele , Scheede-Bergdahl Celena , Chevalier Stéphanie , Edgar Linda , Beilstein Christian M. , Huber Markus , Fiore Julio F. , Gillis Chelsia
Published: August 2023

Background

Inadequate study reporting precludes interpretation of findings, pooling of results in meta-analyses, and delays knowledge translation. While prehabilitation interventions aim to enhance candidacy for surgery, to our knowledge, a review of the quality of reporting in prehabilitation has yet to be conducted. Our objective was to determine the extent to which randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of prehabilitation are reported according to methodological and intervention reporting checklists.

Methods

Eligibility criteria: RCTs of unimodal or multimodal prehabilitation interventions. Sources of evidence: search was conducted in March 2022 using MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Charting methods: identified studies were compared to CONSORT, CERT & Modified CERT, TIDieR, PRESENT, and CONSORT-SPI. An agreement ratio (AR) was defined to evaluate if applicable guideline items were correctly reported. Data were analyzed as frequency (n, %) and mean with standard deviation (SD).

Results

We identified 935 unique articles and included 70 trials published from 1994 to 2022. Most prehabilitation programs comprised exercise-only interventions (n = 40, 57%) and were applied before oncologic surgery (n = 32, 46%). The overall mean AR was 57% (SD: 20.9%). The specific mean ARs were as follows: CONSORT: 71% (SD: 16.3%); TIDieR: 62% (SD:17.7%); CERT: 54% (SD: 16.6%); Modified-CERT: 40% (SD:17.8%); PRESENT: 78% (SD: 8.9); and CONSORT-SPI: 47% (SD: 22.1).

Conclusion

Altogether, existing prehabilitation trials report approximately half of the checklist items recommended by methodological and intervention reporting guidelines. Reporting practices may improve with the development of a reporting checklist specific to prehabilitation interventions.
Combined effect of microbially derived cecal SCFA and host genetics on feed efficiency in broiler chickens
Authors: He Zhengxiao , Liu Ranran , Wang Mengjie , Wang Qiao , Zheng Jumei , Ding Jiqiang , Wen Jie , Fahey Alan G. , Zhao Guiping
Published: September 2023

Background

Improving feed efficiency is the most important goal for modern animal production. The regulatory mechanisms of controlling feed efficiency traits are extremely complex and include the functions related to host genetics and gut microbiota. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as significant metabolites of microbiota, could be used to refine the combined effect of host genetics and gut microbiota. However, the association of SCFAs with the gut microbiota and host genetics for regulating feed efficiency is far from understood.

Results

In this study, 464 broilers were housed for RFI measuring and examining the host genome sequence. And 300 broilers were examined for cecal microbial data and SCFA concentration. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) showed that four out of seven SCFAs had significant associations with genome variants. One locus (chr4: 29414391–29417189), located near or inside the genes MAML3, SETD7, and MGST2, was significantly associated with propionate and had a modest effect on feed efficiency traits and the microbiota. The genetic effect of the top SNP explained 8.43% variance of propionate. Individuals with genotype AA had significantly different propionate concentrations (0.074 vs. 0.131 μg/mg), feed efficiency (FCR: 1.658 vs. 1.685), and relative abundance of 14 taxa compared to those with the GG genotype. Christensenellaceae and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group were associated with feed efficiency, propionate concentration, the top SNP genotypes, and lipid metabolism. Individuals with a higher cecal abundance of these taxa showed better feed efficiency and lower concentrations of caecal SCFAs.

Conclusion

Our study provides strong evidence of the pathway that host genome variants affect the cecal SCFA by influencing caecal microbiota and then regulating feed efficiency. The cecal taxa Christensenellaceae and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group were identified as representative taxa contributing to the combined effect of host genetics and SCFAs on chicken feed efficiency. These findings provided strong evidence of the combined effect of host genetics and gut microbial SCFAs in regulating feed efficiency traits.
Interventions promoting mental health dimensions in infertile women: a systematic review
Authors: Koochaksaraei Fatemeh Yahyavi , Simbar Masoumeh , khoshnoodifar Mehrnoosh , Faramarzi Mahbobeh , Nasiri Malihe
Published: August 2023

Background

Scientific developments have brought hope to infertile couples; however, the results are not always favorable. This makes women suffer psychological pressure. Therefore, previous studies have investigated the effectiveness of many psychological interventions but no research identified the most common psychological interventions. In this regard, the present review aimed to investigate different psychological interventions that promote mental health in infertile to identify the most frequent (common) ones.

Methods

In the present study, the search was carried out using appropriate keywords Infertility, psychological interventions, mental health, stress, anxiety, depression and women in the Google Scholar، Magiran، SID، Pubmed، Scopus، Science Direct، ProQuest، Web of Science databases and One of the leading websites in health- WHO with Persian and English languages and two operators of “AND” and “OR” between 2000 and 2021.

Results

First, 7319 articles were searched, 6948 articles of which were removed due to irrelevant subjects, and 31 articles were removed due to duplication. 340 abstracts were examined and the results of 60 articles were extracted. Two approaches (examining the type and content of intervention) were used to extract findings. The first approach indicated high diversity in psychological interventions, leading to the categorization of the interventions into 4 categories of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mind-body interventions (MBI), stress management skills, and others. CBT and MBI and stress management skills were found as the most frequent promoting interventions for mental health in infertile women. The second approach indicated the differences in protocols (number of sessions and time of interventions).

Conclusion

Despite differences in protocol of interventions under study, the results of all articles revealed the effectiveness of interventions in improving infertile women’s mental health; therefore, it is suggested to apply the most common psychological interventions based on scientific evidence (CBT, MBI, and stress management skills) along with infertility treatment methods. The results will help the specialists, policy-makers, and planners to select and implement the most appropriate psychological interventions for infertile women.
Ability of the respiratory ECMO survival prediction (RESP) score to predict survival for patients with COVID-19 ARDS and non-COVID-19 ARDS: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Pratt Elias H. , Morrison Samantha , Green Cynthia L. , Rackley Craig R.
Published: September 2023

The respiratory ECMO survival prediction (RESP) score is used to predict survival for patients managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but its performance in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is unclear. We evaluated the ability of the RESP score to predict survival for patients with both non-COVID 19 ARDS and COVID-19 ARDS managed with ECMO at our institution. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) analysis found the RESP score reasonably predicted survival in patients with non-COVID-19 ARDS (AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.68–0.83), but not patients with COVID-19 ARDS (AUC 0.54, 95% CI 0.41–0.66).
Fracture healing in a polytrauma rat model is influenced by mtDNA:cGAS complex mediated pro‐inflammation
Authors: Muire Preeti J. , Lofgren Alicia L. , Shiels Stefanie M. , Wenke Joseph C.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) activated cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase—stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS‐STING) signaling pathway is a key player in mediating immune responses in autoimmune disorders and cancer. However, its role in severe trauma associated fracture healing is unknown. This study investigated if the cGAS‐STING signaling pathway contributes to delayed bone healing in polytrauma (PT) fractures.

Methods

For preliminary analyses, therapeutic dosage of RU.521 (cGAS inhibitor) (n = 2) was determined in C57BL/6 J mice by mass spectrometry, and IFNβ expression levels in serum and bronchioalveolar fluid (BALF) at 6 and 24 h (h) in RU.521/vehicle + mtDNA injected mice (n = 3/treatment and time point) was measured by ELISA. In the main study, plasma mtDNA was quantified by qPCR in a clinically relevant delayed fracture healing PT rat model with burn injury, blunt trauma, and a femoral fracture at 3 h post‐trauma (hpt). Next, PT rats received either RU.521 (12 mg/kg in povidone; n = 8) or vehicle (povidone only; n = 5) immediately after injury and were followed up for 5 weeks post‐trauma to assess bone regeneration by radiography and histology.

Results

IFNβ levels were significantly decreased only at 24 h in BALF of RU.521 treated mice. At 3hpt mtDNA was significantly elevated in PT rats compared to rats without injury. When treated with RU.521, PT rats showed improvement in bone healing compared to vehicle control PT rats.

Conclusions

These data reveal that the cGAS‐STING signaling pathway influences trauma‐induced delayed bone healing. However, further evaluation of this pathway at the cellular and molecular levels to augment PT associated detrimental effects is needed.
Axial length acquisition success rates and agreement of four optical biometers and one ultrasound biometer in eyes with dense cataracts
Authors: Tañá-Rivero Pedro , Aguilar-Córcoles Salvador , Tañá-Sanz Pedro , Tañá-Sanz Santiago , Montés-Micó Robert
Published: September 2023

Background

To evaluate the axial length acquisition success rates and agreement between various biometric parameters obtained with different biometers in dense cataracts.

Methods

Fifty-one eyes were measured using Anterion®, Argos® and IOLMaster® 700 swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometers, a Pentacam® AXL partial coherence interferometry (PCI) biometer, and an OcuScan® RxP ultrasound biometer. We measured keratometry (K1, flattest keratometry and K2, steepest keratometry), white-to-white (WTW), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT) and axial length. Cataracts were classified according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III grading system, the dysfunctional lens index (DLI) and Pentacam® nucleus staging (PNS) metrics. Percentage of acquisition success rate and a Bland–Altman analysis for the agreement between biometers were calculated.

Results

The mean LOCS III score was 3.63 ± 0.92, the mean DLI was 2.95 ± 1.30 and the mean PNS was 2.36 ± 1.20. The acquisition success rates for the Anterion®, Argos®, IOLMaster® 700, Pentacam® AXL and OcuScan® RxP biometers were 94.12%, 100%, 98.04%, 60.78% and 100%, respectively. There were significant differences in the success rates between biometers (P = 0.014). There were statistically significant differences between biometers for all parameters evaluated (P < 0.05). The range of the limit of agreement (LoA) for all comparisons of K1 and K2 were > 1.00 D. The LoA for WTW ranged from 0.095 to 1.050 mm. The LoA for ACD and LT ranged from 0.307 to 0.114 mm and from 0.378 to 0.108 mm, respectively. The LoA for axial length ranged from 0.129 to 2.378 mm.

Conclusions

Among optical biometers, those based on SS-OCT technology are more successful at measuring axial length in eyes with dense cataracts.

Trial Registration: The study was registered with the National Institutes of Health (clinical trial identifier NCT05239715, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the breast: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kawakita Yasutaka , Anan Keisei , Kurata Kanako , Koga Kenichiro , Saimura Michiyo , Tamiya Sadafumi , Nishihara Kazuyoshi , Mitsuyama Shoshu , Nakano Toru
Published: September 2023

Background

Few reports of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the breast have been published worldwide. Furthermore, primary anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive IMT of the breast is extremely rare. To date, only six patients with ALK-positive IMT have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old woman underwent a medical examination, and a left breast mass was detected. She did not feel a mass in her chest. Mammography showed a focal asymmetric density at the lower outer portion of the left breast. Breast ultrasonography showed a 1.2-cm hypoechoic lesion with relatively clear boundaries and poor blood flow. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed a solitary heterogeneous mass in the left breast. Pathologic examination revealed a fibrosing lesion with proliferation of fibroblastic cells arranged in a storiform pattern and admixed inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the tumor cells were positive for ALK. Under the preoperative diagnosis of IMT, we performed partial mastectomy with adequate margins. The postoperative diagnosis was pathologically confirmed as IMT. Immunohistochemical staining also showed overexpression of ALK-1 in the tumor. The patient had a good clinical course for 24 months postoperatively, without recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusions

IMT of the breast shows nonspecific imaging findings, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. Nevertheless, IMT has the characteristics of low-grade neoplasms with recurrence, invasion, and metastatic potential. Our report emphasizes the importance of determining a treatment plan as soon as possible based on an accurate diagnosis to improve the prognosis of this disease.
Language ideology, development of English proficiency, and performance in professional communication: voices of STEM + business graduates of English medium university
Authors: Karim Abdul , Islam Md. Shaiful , Hamid M. Obaidul , Rahman Mohammad Mosiur , Amin Evita Umama
Published: September 2023

The current study aims at unpacking the language ideologies of the STEM + Business graduates in relation to English medium instruction (EMI) and how they perceive the contribution of EMI towards English proficiency development. It also intended to unfold the extent to which EMI education may have contributed to their employability and fulfillment of workplace communication needs. Inspired by inadequate evidence on the effect of EMI on English Language Proficiency (ELP) and employability, the researchers engaged with the participants who could draw on their EMI experiences in developing ELP, attaining employability, and fulfilling workplace communication needs in English. Theoretical aspects of language ideologies, ELP, and employability set the conceptual ground of the study. Adopting the interpretive phenomenological approach and harnessing semi-structured interview questions, the study collected data from eight participants. The study found that the language ideologies of the graduates were shaped by the perceived role and importance of English to serve academic and economic purposes through the availability of curriculum corresponding to global standards, access to knowledge, English-oriented atmosphere and ELP development, and EMI policy adoption and implementation in higher education institutions was seen as a panacea to avail the facilities described above. The participants also confirmed that EMI education benefitted their ELP, enabling them to obtain jobs and perform workplace communication in English.
Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in dialysis patients: a systematic review
Authors: Kim In Soo , Kim Sungmin , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kim Jwa-Kyung
Published: September 2023

In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis, hypertension is common but often inadequately controlled. The prevalence of hypertension varies widely among studies because of differences in the definition of hypertension and the methods of used to measure blood pressure (BP), i.e., peri-dialysis or ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Recently, ABPM has become the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension in dialysis patients. Home BP monitoring can also be a good alternative to ABPM, emphasizing BP measurement outside the hemodialysis (HD) unit. One thing for sure is pre- and post-dialysis BP measurements should not be used alone to diagnose and manage hypertension in dialysis patients. The exact target of BP and the relationship between BP and all-cause mortality or cause-specific mortality are unclear in this population. Many observational studies with HD cohorts have almost universally reported a U-shaped or even an L-shaped association between BP and all-cause mortality, but most of these data are based on the BP measured in HD units. Some data with ABPM have shown a linear association between BP and mortality even in HD patients, similar to the general population. Supporting this, the results of meta-analysis have shown a clear benefit of BP reduction in HD patients. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the optimal target BP in the dialysis population, and for now, an individualized approach is appropriate, with particular emphasis on avoiding excessively low BP. Maintaining euvolemia is of paramount importance for BP control in dialysis patients. Patient heterogeneity and the lack of comparative evidence preclude the recommendation of one class of medication over another for all patients. Recently, however, β-blockers could be considered as a first-line therapy in dialysis patients, as they can reduce sympathetic overactivity and left ventricular hypertrophy, which contribute to the high incidence of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Several studies with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have also reported promising results in reducing mortality in dialysis patients. However, safety issues such as hyperkalemia or hypotension should be further evaluated before their use.
Geriatric assessment for older people with cancer: policy recommendations
Authors: Seghers P. A. L. , Alibhai Shabbir M. H. , Battisti Nicolò Matteo Luca , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Extermann Martine , O’Donovan Anita , Pilleron Sophie , Mislang Anna Rachelle , Musolino Najia , Cheung Kwok-Leung , Staines Anthony , Girvalaki Charis , Soubeyran Pierre , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , Rostoft Siri , Hamaker Marije E. , Trépel Dominic , O’Hanlon Shane
Published: September 2023

Most cancers occur in older people and the burden in this age group is increasing. Over the past two decades the evidence on how best to treat this population has increased rapidly. However, implementation of new best practices has been slow and needs involvement of policymakers. This perspective paper explains why older people with cancer have different needs than the wider population. An overview is given of the recommended approach for older people with cancer and its benefits on clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness. In older patients, the geriatric assessment (GA) is the gold standard to measure level of fitness and to determine treatment tolerability. The GA, with multiple domains of physical health, functional status, psychological health and socio-environmental factors, prevents initiation of inappropriate oncologic treatment and recommends geriatric interventions to optimize the patient’s general health and thus resilience for receiving treatments. Multiple studies have proven its benefits such as reduced toxicity, better quality of life, better patient-centred communication and lower healthcare use. Although GA might require investment of time and resources, this is relatively small compared to the improved outcomes, possible cost-savings and compared to the large cost of oncologic treatments as a whole.
Thoracic spinal anaesthesia for paediatric upper extremity surgery in limited-resource hospital: a case report
Authors: Prima Agus , Hamdi Tasrif , Sitepu John Frans , Ghozali Imam , Lubis Asmin
Published: September 2023

Background

Thoracic spinal anaesthesia for upper extremity surgery is rarely performed and exceptional procedure. We report a case in which thoracic spinal anaesthesia (T3–T4 intervertebral space) was performed successfully in a paediatric patient with distal radius fracture ORIF surgery.

Case presentation

A 15 years old man with distal radius fracture ORIF was scheduled to undergo remove of implant. His parents did not want to have general anaesthesia because complication of postoperative pulmonary complications, patient has allergy and asthmatic potential. We proposed thoracic spinal anaesthesia with small dose bupivacaine 0.5% hyperbaric (5 mg).

Conclusions

Thoracic spinal anaesthesia with small dose bupivacaine 0.5% hyperbaric at the cervical level (C4) may offer an alternative option when general anaesthesia or conventional regional techniques are contraindicated or equipment unavailable to perform peripheral nerve block.
Characterization of physicochemical, antioxidants and sensory properties of cookies enriched with shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) fruit pulp as a functional ingredient
Authors: Chikpah Solomon Kofi , Korese Joseph Kudadam , Osman Salamatu
Published: September 2023

The shea fruit pulp (SFP), a by-product generated during the processing of shea fruit, is a vital source of phytochemicals for the development of functional foods. This study determined the effect of partial substitution of wheat flour with SFP (0–25%) on the physicochemical, total carotenoids (TC), total phenolics content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and sensory properties of cookies. The bromatological analysis showed that crude fiber, fat, and total ash contents of the SFP-enriched cookies increased by 155.3-565.8%, 1.7–6.8%, and 22.2-111.3%, respectively while moisture, crude protein, and available carbohydrate contents decreased by 10.0-44.9%, 3.1–17.5%, and 1.0-2.9%, respectively with increasing addition of SFP in the cookies. The SFP-enriched cookies had significantly higher TC (183.25-627.49 µg/100 g) and TPC (79.06–185.20 mg GAE/100 g) and AA (28.20-61.58%, inhibition) than the 100% wheat flour cookies, control (2.90 ± 0.14 µg/100 g for TC, 53.81 ± 5.70 mg GAE/100 g for TPC, and 15.79 ± 1.03% for AA). The incorporation of SFP in cookies decreases the thickness and whiteness index by 3.9–24.0% and 4.5–26.9%, respectively, but increases the spread ratio by 5.5–37.9% and the browning index by 10.3–87.4% as compared with the control cookies. Based on the sensory evaluation results, the 25% SFP-enriched cookie had the highest scores for taste, aroma, and texture whiles the 15% SFP-enriched cookie had the best rating for color and overall acceptability. It is conclusive that SFP could be utilized for the industrial production of cookies to enhance the nutritional, antioxidant, and sensory properties of the baked product. Nonetheless, enzymatic browning of the shea fruit pulp is a major limitation, and therefore, rapid processing of fruits and cold storage of the SFP is required to prevent the browning reactions of the SFP.

Graphical Abstract