bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexural and impact behavior of textile reinforced concrete panel
Authors: Islam Md. Jahidul , Ahmed Tasnia , Imam Sheikh Muhammad Fahad Bin , Ifaz Muhammad , Islam Hamidul
Published: May 2022

Steel is susceptible to corrosion and requires a significant concrete cover, which increases self-weight and cost. Therefore, an alternative to traditional reinforcements is needed. Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) is a favorable composite using textile material as reinforcement with a fine-grained concrete matrix. This study represents a comparison between different TRCs having different textile reinforcements subjected to flexural bending and impact loading. Four types of textiles—glass (GT), a square oriented galvanized iron (SGIT), diagonal pattern galvanized iron (DGIT), and carbon (CT) are used. All four types of textiles are used to prepare 400 x 50 x12 mm textile reinforced mortar (TRM) and tested for tensile strength properties. This study tests TRC panel and plate samples by three-point bending and drop-weight impact methods. The uniaxial tensile strength test of the textiles shows that CTs can take around 2.3 times higher tensile load than SGITs. However, their tensile load capacity is almost similar in the case of TRM, where SGIT textile shows about 30% higher extension. The flexural bending test of the TRC panels shows that the load-carrying ability increases nearly two times with the increase of 25 mm in thickness even when the number of reinforcement layers remains the same. With the increase in thickness, SGIT textile shows better performance. Drop-weight impact test of the TRC plates shows that the impact energy absorption in CT textile plates is up to two times higher than SGIT plates for various thicknesses. This study summarizes that CT shows overall better performance than SGIT.
Identifying factors associated with neonatal resuscitation skills among nurses and midwives in Tanzania, sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mbinda Mathias Anthony , Moshi Fabiola Vincent
Published: May 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with nurses’ and midwives’ skills in performing neonatal resuscitation.

Method:

Health facility-based analytical cross-sectional study design was employed from January 2021 to April 2021 among 340 nurses and midwives selected by multistage random sampling technique. An observation checklist was used to collect data. Data were coded and entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with nurse/midwives’ skills in neonatal resuscitation.

Results:

Among 340 nurses and midwives, 141 (41%) had adequate skills in neonatal resuscitation. After adjusting for confounders, factors associated with adequate skills were; age of the midwives (20–34 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.082, p < 0.008) and 35–49 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.087, p < 0.010)); work experience (worked 4–6 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.905, p < 0.003) and > 10 years and above (adjusted odds ratio = 12.825, p < 0.000)); district hospitals (adjusted odds ratio = 1.544, p = 0.032); distance from place of residence (6–10 km (adjusted odds ratio = 0.090, p < 0.001) and > 16 km (adjusted odds ratio = 0.049, p < 0.001)); number of midwives per shift, ⩾ 4 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.396, p = 0.012) and number of deliveries per day (6–10 (adjusted odds ratio = 1.385, p < 0.031), 11–20 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.693, p < 0.016) and > 20 delivery per day (adjusted odds ratio = 6.007, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Less than half of the observed nurses and midwives had adequate skills in neonatal resuscitation. Nurses and midwives who were younger, less experienced (<4 years of work experience), and work in small, lower volume settings with fewer colleagues and limited births (dispensaries, fewer than four nurses and midwives per shift, less than six deliveries per day) were less likely to have adequate skills in neonatal resuscitation. Knowledge gained from this study may provide future research related to a cost-effective strategy to empower nurses and midwives in neonatal resuscitation.
Graft versus host disease after liver transplantation following radiotherapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Zijun , Han Chuangye , Wang Xiangkun , He Yongfei , Liang Tianyi , Mo Shutian , Li Xuan , Zhu Guangzhi , Su Hao , Ye Xinping , Lv Zili , Shang Liming , Wen Zhang , Peng Minhao , Peng Tao
Published: May 2022

Graft versus host disease after solid organ transplantation is very rare. This article reports a case of graft versus host disease after liver transplantation following targeted therapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient developed a symptomatic skin rash and pancytopenia 13 days after surgery, which was confirmed as graft versus host disease after liver transplantation by histopathology and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Early diagnosis of graft versus host disease after solid organ transplantation is difficult and often delayed due to nonspecific manifestations that overlap with other diseases. Currently, the treatment of graft versus host disease after liver transplantation occurs by either strengthening the immune suppression or weakening the immune suppression; however, there is no unified standard treatment strategy. We found that in addition to age, gender, and human leukocyte antigen type, preoperative radiotherapy is a likely risk factor for graft versus host disease after liver transplantation.
The Uneven Stress of Social Change: Disruptions, Disparities, and Mental Health
Authors: Moen Phyllis
Published: May 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic underscores, disparities in stress exposure, vulnerability, and protective resources are often magnified in times of rapid change. I argue that Leonard Pearlin’s integration of life course and stress process frameworks constitutes a useful model for advancing a research agenda on the stressors and corollary mental health impacts of the social disruptions and dislocations defining life in the early twenty-first century. Social changes interrupt life paths and produce potentially stressful circumstances at particular time points in biographies already defined, shaped, and constrained at the intersections of race, class, nativity, age, and gender. Critical for both science and policy development is a mental health research agenda on the nature and consequences of the uneven stresses of social changes as they play out at different life course stages in disparate ways depending on people’s intersecting social locations.
The Impact of Gender Differences on Lifelong Learning Tendencies in Turkey: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Öz Eda
Published: May 2022

Examining gender differences in learning is of critical importance in terms of revealing any potential inequalities. Although gender differences in lifelong learning tendencies are often examined in individual studies in the literature, the relevant findings are found to be inconsistent. In this study, a meta-analysis was carried out to consolidate exact inferences by evaluating the subject from a broad perspective, as well as from recent quantitative studies on lifelong learning tendencies that were published between 2012 and 2021, in the context of Turkey. They were particularly investigated in terms of gender differences. A total of 51 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and it was found that gender differences in lifelong learning tendencies were significant, positively correlated, and in favor of females ( g = +0.27, 95% CI [0.18, 0.36]). When the potential moderators that could contribute to the heterogeneity of the findings were considered, gender differences were much more prevalent among teachers for the sample group, and across referenced literature works. In addition, as a result of the meta-regression analysis performed according to the random effects model, it was seen that the year of publication have a significant effect in terms of gender differences.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detected in Vitreous Samples Obtained at Autopsy
Authors: Tieger Marisa , Das Adhikari Upasana , Mukai Shizuo , Farcasnu Mara , Stone James R. , Eliott Dean , Kim Leo A. , Kwon Douglas S. , Rossin Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

This work aims to examine the vitreous of autopsy patients with COVID-19 for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

Methods:

Four deceased patients with COVID-19 had an autopsy at Massachusetts General Hospital. Two control specimens were obtained from patients undergoing retinal detachment repair with negative preoperative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Vitreous specimens were obtained from autopsy patients with COVID-19 after povidone was placed on the ocular surface to decrease the risk of contamination of the vitreous specimen. SARS-CoV-2 RNA for gene N (nucleocapsid) was tested using reverse transcription–PCR.

Results:

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the vitreous of 2 of 4 autopsy patients who died from complications of COVID-19.

Conclusions:

SARS-CoV-2 RNA can penetrate into the vitreous of systemically infected patients, which might present risks to operating room personnel during ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Mean platelet volume is useful for predicting weaning failure: a retrospective, observational study
Authors: Zheng Yingying , Luo Zujin , Cao Zhixin
Published: May 2022

Background

To evaluate the usefulness of mean platelet volume (MPV), a marker of inflammation and stress, for predicting weaning failure in patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) compared to traditional inflammation markers.

Methods

The retrospective observational study including patients who received IMV and underwent spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) was conducted in ICU at Beijing Chao-Yang hospital in China from January, 2013 to December, 2019. According to the weaning outcome, MPV, leukocyte count and C-reaction protein(CRP) were compared between weaning failure and weaning success group. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves and multivariate logistical regression analysis were constructed to analyze the value of these inflammatory markers for predicting weaning failure.

Results

A total of 261 patients were enrolled in the study and 54 patients (20.7%) experienced weaning failure (45 SBT failure and 9 extubation failure after successful SBT). MPV was a better predictor for weaning failure (AUC 0.777;95%CI, 0.722–0.826) than leukocyte count (AUC 0.6;95%CI,0.538–0.66) and CRP (0.627;95%CI,0.565–0.685). The cutoff value of MPV for predicting weaning failure was 11.3 fl with sensitivity 55.56%, specificity 87.92%, and diagnostic accuracy 81.22%. According to multivariate logistic regression analyses, MPV > 11.3 fl was an independent risk factor for predicting weaning failure.

Conclusions

MPV could be a more valuable marker for predicting weaning failure. and the patients with MPV > 11.3 fl should be attentively evaluated before weaning since they are at high risk of weaning failure, and it would be auspicable for those patients to undergo a noninvasive ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy after extubation or even an early tracheostomy.
Sensitivity and specificity of OraQuick® HIV self-test compared to a 4th generation laboratory reference standard algorithm in urban and rural Zambia
Authors: Neuman Melissa , Mwinga Alwyn , Kapaku Kezia , Sigande Lucheka , Gotsche Caroline , Taegtmeyer Miriam , Dacombe Russell , Maluzi Kwitaka , Kosloff Barry , Johnson Cheryl , Hatzold Karin , Corbett Elizabeth L. , Ayles Helen
Published: May 2022

Background

HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to increase coverage of HIV testing, but concerns exist about intended users’ ability to correctly perform and interpret tests, especially in poor communities with low literacy rates. We assessed the clinical performance of the 2016 prototype OraQuick® HIV Self-Test in rural and urban communities in Zambia to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the test compared to the national HIV rapid diagnostic test (RDT) algorithm and a laboratory reference standard using 4th generation enzyme immunoassays and HIV RNA detection.

Methods

Participants were recruited from randomly selected rural and urban households and one urban health facility between May 2016 and June 2017. Participants received a brief demonstration of the self-test, and then self-tested without further assistance. The research team re-read the self-test, repeated the self-test, drew blood for the laboratory reference, and conducted RDTs following the national HIV testing algorithm (Determine™ HIV1/2 (Alere) confirmed using Unigold™ HIV1/2 (Trinity Biotech)). Selected participants (N = 85) were videotaped whilst conducting the testing to observe common errors.

Results

Initial piloting showed that written instructions alone were inadequate, and a demonstration of self-test use was required. Of 2,566 self-test users, 2,557 (99.6%) were able to interpret their result. Of participants who were videoed 75/84 (89.3%) completed all steps of the procedure correctly.

Agreement between the user-read result and the researcher-read result was 99.1%. Compared to the RDT algorithm, user-conducted HIVST was 94.1% sensitive (95%CI: 90.2–96.7) and 99.7% specific (95%CI: 99.3–99.9). Compared to the laboratory reference, both user-conducted HIVST (sensitivity 87.5%, 95%CI: 82.70–91.3; specificity 99.7%, 95%CI: 99.4–99.9) and the national RDT algorithm (sensitivity 93.4%, 95%CI: 89.7–96.1%; specificity 100% (95%CI: 99.8–100%) had considerably lower sensitivity.

Conclusions

Self-testers in Zambia who used OraQuick® HIV Self-Test achieved reasonable clinical performance compared to the national RDT algorithm. However, sensitivity of the self-test was reduced compared to a laboratory reference standard, as was the national RDT algorithm. In-person demonstration, along with the written manufacturer instructions, was needed to obtain accurate results. Programmes introducing self-care diagnostics should pilot and optimise support materials to ensure they are appropriately adapted to context.
Identification of an endoplasmic reticulum stress-related signature associated with clinical prognosis and immune therapy in glioma
Authors: Li Lianxin , Yang Zhihao , Zheng Yinfei , Chen Zhigang , Yue Xiaoyu , Bian Erbao , Zhao Bing
Published: May 2022

Background

Glioma is the most common brain tumor in adults and is characterized by a short survival time and high resistance to chemotherapy. It is imperative to determine the prognosis and therapy-related targets for glioma. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), as an adaptive protective mechanism, indicates the unfolded protein response (UPR) to determine cell survival and affects chemotherapy sensitivity, which is related to the prognosis of glioma.

Methods

Our research used the TCGA database as the training group and the CGGA database as the testing group. Lasso regression and Cox analysis were performed to construct an ERS signature-based risk score model in glioma. Three methods (time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis and multivariate and univariate Cox regression analysis) were applied to assess the independent prognostic effect of texture parameters. Consensus clustering was used to classify the two clusters. In addition, functional and immune analyses were performed to assess the malignant process and immune microenvironment. Immunotherapy and anticancer drug response prediction were adopted to evaluate immune checkpoint and chemotherapy sensitivity.

Results

The results revealed that the 7-gene signature strongly predicts glioma prognosis. The two clusters have markedly distinct molecular and prognostic features. The validation group result revealed that the signature has exceptional repeatability and certainty. Functional analysis showed that the ERS-related gene signature was closely associated with the malignant process and prognosis of tumors. Immune analysis indicated that the ERS-related gene signature is strongly related to immune infiltration. Immunotherapy and anticancer drug response prediction indicated that the ERS-related gene signature is positively correlated with immune checkpoint and chemotherapy sensitivity.

Conclusions

Collectively, the ERS-related risk model can provide a novel signature to predict glioma prognosis and treatment.
Cancer incidence and mortality and risk factors in member countries of the " Belt and Road " initiative
Authors: Wang Baohua , He Fengdie , Hu Yanan , Wang Qiutong , Wang Dan , Sha Yuting , Wu Jing
Published: May 2022

Background

At present, “Belt and Road” (“B&R”) member states (accounting for about 61.78% of the world’s population) face different types of cancer threats to varying degrees. We analyzed the incidence and mortality and risk factors of cancer in the member countries of the “B&R” to explore the basis of health and medical cooperation between countries and provide a foundation for formulating cancer prevention and control policies for building a healthy "B&R."

Methods

Data were derived from the Global Cancer Observatory and Cancer Country Profiles in 2020. Incidence and mortality were age-standardized rates (ASRs). Population attributable fractions (PAFs) was applied to measure risk factors of cancers in the “B&R” countries. The mortality­to­incidence ratio (MIR) was calculated by dividing the mortality rate by the incidence rate.

Results

A total of 26 cancers were included in the study. Lung, breast, colorectal, stomach, liver, prostate, cervical, esophageal, thyroid, and uterine cancers were the most common and highest in age-standardized mortality in the “B&R” countries. For men, Hungary had the highest cancer age-standardized incidence and mortality (ASR, 289.3 per 100,000 and ASR, 235.7 per 100,000, respectively), followed by Latvia (ASR, 288.6 per 100,000 and ASR, 196.5 per 100,000, respectively). In females, the highest incidence rates were estimated in Greece (ASR, 238.7 per 100,000), and the highest mortality rate was Brunei (ASR, 192.3 per 100,000). All countries were in the middle or high HDI range, with about half (46.88%) of countries achieving high HDI, mostly in Central and Eastern Europe (13 countries) and West Asia (10 countries). The United Arab Emirates had the highest MIR in male and female (1.59 vs 2.19). Tobacco products, infectious factors, and ultraviolet rays were the three main cancer risk factors in the “B&R” countries.

Conclusion

The overall burden of cancer in the countries along the “B&R” remains substantial, while the corresponding cancer prevention and control policies need to be improved. Strengthening health cooperation among member countries will contribute to a joint response to the risks and challenges posed by cancer.
Text mining for identifying the nature of online questions about non-suicidal self-injury
Authors: Kim Myo-Sung , Yu Jungok
Published: May 2022

Objective

The internet provides convenient access to information about non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) owing to its accessibility and anonymity. This study aimed to explore the distribution of topics regarding NSSI posted on the internet and yearly trends in the derived topics using text mining.

Methods

We searched for the keyword “non-suicidal self-injury” (Ja-Hae in Korean) in the Naver Q&A using the statistical package R. We analyzed 7893 NSSI-related questions posted between 2009 and 2018. Text mining was performed using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) on the dataset to determine associations between phrases and thus identify common themes in posts about NSSI.

Results

In the LDA, we selected the following 10 most common topics: anger, family troubles, collecting information on NSSI, stress, concerns regarding NSSI scarring, ways to help a non-suicidal self-injurious friend, depression, medical advice, ways to perform or stop NSSI, and prejudices and thoughts regarding non-suicidal self-injurious people.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable information on the nature of NSSI questions posted online. In future research, developing websites that provide NSSI information and support or guidance on effectively communicating with NSSI is necessary.
Gender differences in the association between oral health literacy and oral health-related quality of life in older adults
Authors: Lee Chia-Jung , Ho Mu-Hsing , Joo Jee Young , Montayre Jed , Lin Yen-Kuang , Chang Chia-Chi , Liu Megan F.
Published: May 2022

Background

Poor oral health affects quality of life; oral health literacy studies are increasing as it plays an essential role in promoting oral health. However, little is known regarding the gender differences in oral health literacy and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older adults. This study aimed to explore the gender differences in oral health literacy and OHRQoL among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling was undertaken to recruit participants at two community service centres. Data were collected using a structured survey consisted of the demographic characteristics, instrumental activities of daily living, nutrition assessment, oral health literacy and OHRQoL. The logistic regression was used to examine the gender differences in the relationship between oral health literacy and OHRQoL.

Results

A total of 202 participants completed the survey. Of which 56.4% (n = 114) were female. Logistic regression analyses showed that after controlling for age, instrumental activities of daily living, nutrition, education level, and average monthly income, better oral health literacy was associated with better oral health quality of life (p = 0.006) in men.

Conclusions

The relationship between oral health literacy and OHRQoL was only significant for men. No significant relationship between women’s oral health literacy and their OHRQoL. However, good OHRQoL is an integral part of overall health, but it is affected by differences in oral health and the accessibility of healthcare services. We suggest that gender-specific oral health literacy education should be offered through community health-education programs.
Looking back: Identifying supportive care and unmet needs of parents of children receiving specialist paediatric palliative care from the bereavement perspective
Authors: Bronsema Annika , Theißen Tabea , Oechsle Karin , Wikert Julia , Escherich Gabriele , Rutkowski Stefan , Bokemeyer Carsten , Ullrich Anneke
Published: May 2022

Background

This study examined care needs and utilisation of psychosocial support services among parents of children who had received specialist paediatric palliative care, as well as the relationship between need fulfilment and grief. Possible differences between parents of children who died of cancer versus a non-cancer disease were explored.

Methods

This exploratory study, conducted in two specialist paediatric palliative care facilities, included parents who had lost a child within a period of 0.5 to 8 years before this investigation. From the bereavement perspective, parents reported their needs during paediatric palliative care using the Family Inventory of Needs – Peadiatric II (FIN-PED II). Utilisation of psychosocial support services during paediatric palliative care and after the child’s death, as well as potential barriers to accessing services were assessed. Grief symptoms were measured using the Inventory of Complicated Grief - German Version (ICG-D).

Results

Overall, 56 of 157 approached parents participated in the study. Mean time interval after the child’s death was 3.2 years. Of the 17 FIN-PED II needs, 13 needs were reported to be very/extremely important to more than 75% of the parents each. Highest ranked needs related to asking questions at any time (100%), sincere care for the child (100%), and information about changes in the child’s condition (98%). The highest ranked unmet needs related to hope (61%), interactions with siblings (41–42%), and trust in the health care system (39%). Comparisons showed no significant differences between parents whose child died of cancer (n = 18) versus a non-cancer disease (n = 38). During paediatric palliative care, 61% of the parents had accessed at least one psychosocial support service and 84% had done so after the child’s death. The most prominent barriers for accessing services were sufficient informal support (38%), no subjective need (23%), and lack of time (20%). Overall, 52% of the parents showed noticeable symptoms for complicated grief (ICG-D > 25). A higher level of grief symptoms significantly correlated with a lower fulfilment of the need to say goodbye to the child (p = .042) with a medium correlational effect.

Conclusions

Our findings may help to guide health care professionals in their assessment of parental needs and provision of support to parents during paediatric palliative care.
Understanding the relationship between illness perceptions of breast cancer and perceived risk in a sample of U.A.E. female university students: the role of comparative risk
Authors: Figueiras Maria J. , Neto David Dias , Marôco João
Published: May 2022

Background

In the Middle East region, the incidence of breast cancer (BC) has substantially increased in the last years. Despite a considerable body of research about BC in Arab countries, how illness perceptions of healthy women about BC may influence risk perception is unknown.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 298 young Emirati women. The measures included demographic information, illness perceptions, and risk perception. Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed to assess illness perceptions about BC, perceived individual risk and comparative risk. A structural equation modelling (S.E.M.) was built to investigate the relationship between illness perceptions and perceived individual risk.

Results

Participants reported negative illness perceptions about BC The individual risk perception and the compared risk perception for BC were low. Participants with a family history of BC reported more negative illness and higher risk perceptions. The relationship between illness perceptions and perceived individual risk was significant and mediated by compared risk. The S.E.M. explained 55.9% of the variance in predicting perceived individual risk for BC.

Conclusion

Women's views of BC are important factors in risk perception and may provide culturally sensitive clues to promote early screening for BC in Arab countries. This may be important for policymakers to design intervention strategies to lower health risks, considering the different ways in which women perceive their risks for BC.
Analyzing factors associated with time to age at first marriage among women in Ethiopia: log logistic-gamma shared frailty model
Authors: Gobena Molalign Gualu , Alemu Yihenew Mitiku
Published: May 2022

Objective

The main objective of this study is to fit Log logistic-Gamma shared frailty model for the determinant of time to age at first marriage among women in Ethiopia.

Methods

The data set in this study were obtained from Demography and Health survey conducted in Ethiopia in 2016. In this study, we used Log logistic-Gamma shared frailty model to account for the loss of independence that arises from the clustering of women in region of Ethiopia. A total of 12,066 women aged 15–49 in Ethiopia were included in this study.

Results

Of all 12,066 women aged 15–49, 9466 (78.45%) were married and the median & mean age at first marriage for women living in Ethiopia were 17.2 years and 17.5 years respectively, while the minimum and maximum age at first marriage observed were 8 years and 49 years respectively.

Conclusion

The most significant contributing factors to delaying time to age at first marriage of women aged 15–49 in Ethiopia were increased education level of women, increased education level of the head, increased income, residing in urban and being followers of religion other than orthodox, catholic, protestant & Muslim. The heterogeneity of age at first marriage for women aged 15–49 among regions in Ethiopia was observed. The government of Ethiopia and the concerned bodies should revise the women's health policy and practice to reduce early marriage and give attention to women; illiterate, live in rural areas, and have illiterate and poor heads.
The genetic technologies questionnaire: lay judgments about genetic technologies align with ethical theory, are coherent, and predict behaviour
Authors: Küchenhoff Svenja , Doerflinger Johannes , Heinzelmann Nora
Published: May 2022

Background

Policy regulations of ethically controversial genetic technologies should, on the one hand, be based on ethical principles. On the other hand, they should be socially acceptable to ensure implementation. In addition, they should align with ethical theory. Yet to date we lack a reliable and valid scale to measure the relevant ethical judgements in laypeople. We target this lacuna.

Methods

We developed a scale based on ethical principles to elicit lay judgments: the Genetic Technologies Questionnaire (GTQ). In two pilot studies and a pre-registered main study, we validated the scale in a representative sample of the US population.

Results

The final version of the scale contains 20 items but remains highly reliable even when reduced to five. It also predicts behaviour; for example, ethical judgments as measured by the GTQ predicted hypothetical donations and grocery shopping. In addition, the GTQ may be of interest to policymakers and ethicists because it reveals coherent and ethically justified judgments in laypeople. For instance, the GTQ indicates that ethical judgments are sensitive to possible benefits and harms (in line with utilitarian ethics), but also to ethical principles such as the value of consent-autonomy.

Conclusions

The GTQ can be recommended for research in both experimental psychology and applied ethics, as well as a tool for ethically and empirically informed policymaking.
How does the onset of physical disability or dementia in older adults affect economic wellbeing and co-payments for health care? the impact of gender
Authors: Hu Yanan , Carr Prudence R. , Liew Danny , Broder Jonathan , Callander Emily J. , McNeil John J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Existing studies have illustrated how the onset of physical disability or dementia negatively impacts economic wellbeing and increases out of pocket costs. However, little is known about this relationship in older individuals. Consequently, this study aimed to identify how the onset of physical disability or dementia in older adults affects economic wellbeing and out of pocket costs, and to explore the impact of gender in the context of Australia.

Methods

The data was collected from a large, randomized clinical study, ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE). Two generalized linear models (with and without interaction effects) of total out of pocket costs for those who did and did not develop physical disability or dementia were generated, with adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics at baseline.

Results

We included 8,568 older Australian individuals with a mean age of 74.8 years and 53.2% being females. After adjustment for the baseline sociodemographic characteristics, the onset of physical disability did statistically significantly raise out of pocket costs (cost ratio = 1.25) and costs among females were 13.1% higher than males.

Conclusions

This study highlights that classifying different types of health conditions to identify the drivers of out of pocket costs and to explore the gender differences in a long-term follow-up is of importance to examine the financial impact on the older population. These negative financial impacts and gender disparities of physical disability and dementia must be considered by policymakers.
Spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the lineage progression of fine oligodendrocyte subtypes
Authors: Hilscher Markus M. , Langseth Christoffer Mattsson , Kukanja Petra , Yokota Chika , Nilsson Mats , Castelo-Branco Gonçalo
Published: May 2022

Background

Oligodendrocytes are glial cells that support and insulate axons in the central nervous system through the production of myelin. Oligodendrocytes arise throughout embryonic and early postnatal development from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), and recent work demonstrated that they are a transcriptional heterogeneous cell population, but the regional and functional implications of this heterogeneity are less clear. Here, we apply in situ sequencing (ISS) to simultaneously probe the expression of 124 marker genes of distinct oligodendrocyte populations, providing comprehensive maps of the corpus callosum, cingulate, motor, and somatosensory cortex in the brain, as well as gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) regions in the spinal cord, at postnatal (P10), juvenile (P20), and young adult (P60) stages. We systematically compare the abundances of these populations and investigate the neighboring preference of distinct oligodendrocyte populations.

Results

We observed that oligodendrocyte lineage progression is more advanced in the juvenile spinal cord compared to the brain, corroborating with previous studies. We found myelination still ongoing in the adult corpus callosum while it was more advanced in the cortex. Interestingly, we also observed a lateral-to-medial gradient of oligodendrocyte lineage progression in the juvenile cortex, which could be linked to arealization, as well as a deep-to-superficial gradient with mature oligodendrocytes preferentially accumulating in the deeper layers of the cortex. The ISS experiments also exposed differences in abundances and population dynamics over time between GM and WM regions in the brain and spinal cord, indicating regional differences within GM and WM, and we found that neighboring preferences of some oligodendroglia populations are altered from the juvenile to the adult CNS.

Conclusions

Overall, our ISS experiments reveal spatial heterogeneity of oligodendrocyte lineage progression in the brain and spinal cord and uncover differences in the timing of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination, which could be relevant to further investigate functional heterogeneity of oligodendroglia, especially in the context of injury or disease.
Pharmacokinetics, adverse effects and effects on thermal nociception following administration of three doses of codeine to horses
Authors: Knych Heather K. , Stucker Kristen , Gretler Sophie R. , Kass Philip H. , McKemie Daniel S.
Published: May 2022

Background

In humans, codeine is a commonly prescribed analgesic that produces its therapeutic effect largely through metabolism to morphine. In some species, analgesic effects of morphine have also been attributed to the morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) metabolite. Although an effective analgesic, administration of morphine to horses produces dose-dependent neuroexcitation at therapeutic doses. Oral administration of codeine at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg has been shown to generate morphine and M6G concentrations comparable to that observed following administration of clinically effective doses of morphine, without the concomitant adverse effects observed with morphine administration. Based on these results, it was hypothesized that codeine administration would provide effective analgesia with decreased adverse excitatory effects compared to morphine. Seven horses received a single oral dose of saline or 0.3, 0.6 or 1.2 mg/kg codeine or 0.2 mg/kg morphine IV (positive control) in a randomized balanced 5-way cross-over design. Blood samples were collected up to 72 hours post administration, codeine, codeine 6-glucuronide, norcodeine morphine, morphine 3-glucuronide and M6G concentrations determined by liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry and pharmacokinetic analysis performed. Pre- and post-drug related behavior, locomotor activity, heart rate and gastrointestinal borborygmi were recorded. Response to noxious stimuli was evaluated by determining thermal threshold latency.

Results

Morphine concentrations were highest in the morphine dose group at all times post administration, however, M6G concentrations were significantly higher in all the codeine dose groups compared to the morphine group starting at 1 hour post drug administration and up to 72-hours in the 1.2 mg/kg group. With the exception of one horse that exhibited signs of colic following administration of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg, codeine administration was well tolerated. Morphine administration, led to signs of agitation, tremors and excitation. There was not a significant effect on thermal nociception in any of the dose groups studied.

Conclusions

The current study describes the metabolic profile and pharmacokinetics of codeine in horses and provides information that can be utilized in the design of future studies to understand the anti-nociceptive and analgesic effects of opioids in this species with the goal of promoting judicious and safe use of this important class of drugs.
Perianesthetic mortality in English Bulldogs: a retrospective analysis in 2010 – 2017
Authors: Oda Ayako , Wang Wen Hui , Hampton Amanda K. , Robertson James B. , Posner Lysa P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Many veterinarians consider English Bulldogs to have a greater perianesthetic mortality risk. The aims of this study were to 1) determine total and anesthesia-related, perianesthetic mortality (PAM) rates in English Bulldogs (EB), 2) identify potential risk factors associated with mortality in EB, and 3) determine the difference in the perianesthetic mortality rates between EB, other-brachycephalic breeds (OB), and non-brachycephalic breeds (NB).

Records from EB that were anesthetized between 2010 and 2017, were investigated. OB and NB were enrolled to match with each EB based on a procedure and age from the study period. Data collected in EB included: age, ASA status, weight, procedure types, anesthetic and analgesic management, anesthetic duration, anesthetic recovery location, and cause of death. Age and cause of death were determined from OB and NB. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare PAM rate and age in EB, OB, and NB. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare EB survivor and EB non-survivor. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors and odds ratio (OR) associated with PAM in EB.

Result

Two hundred twenty nine EB, 218 OB, and 229 NB were identified. The total and anesthesia-related PAM rates in EB were 6.6 and 3.9%, respectively. EB had a greater total PAM rate compared with OB (p = 0.007). ASA status was different between survivors and non-survivors in EB (p < 0.01). Risk factors identified regardless of the cause of death were premedication with full μ opioids (OR = 0.333, p = 0.114), continuous infusion of ketamine post-operatively (OR = 13.775, p = 0.013), and acepromazine administration post-operatively (OR = 7.274, p = 0.004). The most common cause of death in EB was postoperative respiratory dysfunction (87.5%).

Conclusion

Total and anesthesia-related mortality in EB is considerable. Most deaths in EB occurred during the postoperative period secondary to respiratory complications.
Nectin-4-targeted immunoSPECT/CT imaging and photothermal therapy of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Shao Fuqiang , Pan Zhidi , Long Yu , Zhu Ziyang , Wang Kun , Ji Hao , Zhu Ke , Song Wenyu , Song Yangmeihui , Song Xiangming , Gai Yongkang , Liu Qingyao , Qin Chunxia , Jiang Dawei , Zhu Jianwei , Lan Xiaoli
Published: May 2022

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is more prone to distant metastasis and visceral recurrence in comparison to other breast cancer subtypes, and is related to dismal prognosis. Nevertheless, TNBC has an undesirable response to targeted therapies. Therefore, to tackle the huge challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC, Nectin-4 was selected as a theranostic target because it was recently found to be highly expressed in TNBC. We developed anti-Nectin-4 monoclonal antibody (mAbNectin-4)-based theranostic pair, 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbNectin-4 and mAbNectin-4-ICG. 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbNectin-4 was applied to conduct immuno-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for TNBC diagnosis and classification, and mAbNectin-4-ICG to mediate photothermal therapy (PTT) for relieving TNBC tumor growth.

Methods

Nectin-4 expression levels of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-468: TNBC cells; and MCF-7, non-TNBC cells) were proved by western blot, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence imagning. Cell uptake assays, SPECT imaging, and biodistribution were performed to evaluate Nectin-4 targeting of 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbNectin-4. A photothermal agent (PTA) mAbNectin-4-ICG was generated and characterized. In vitro photothermal therapy (PTT) mediated by mAbNectin-4-ICG was conducted under an 808 nm laser. Fluorescence (FL) imaging was performed for mAbNectin-4-ICG mapping in vivo. In vivo PTT treatment effects on TNBC tumors and corresponding systematic toxicity were evaluated.

Results

Nectin-4 is overexpressed in MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells, which could specifically uptake 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbNectin-4 with high targeting in vitro. The corresponding immunoSPECT imaging demonstrated exceptional performance in TNBC diagnosis and molecular classification. mAbNectin-4-ICG exhibited favourable biocompatibility, photothermal effects, and Nectin-4 targeting. FL imaging mapped biodistribution of mAbNectin-4-ICG with excellent tumor-targeting and retention in vivo. Moreover, mAbNectin-4-ICG-mediated PTT provided advanced TNBC tumor destruction efficiency with low systematic toxicity.

Conclusion

mAbNectin-4-based radioimmunoimaging provides visualization tools for the stratification and diagnosis for TNBC, and the corresponding mAbNectin-4-mediated PTT shows a powerful anti-tumor effect. Our findings demonstrate that this Nectin-4 targeting strategy offers a simple theranostic platform for TNBC.
An in situ inferior vena cava ligation-stenosis model to study thrombin generation rates with flow
Authors: Yin Wei , Dimatteo Andrew , Kumpfbeck Andrew , Leung Stephen , Fandaros Marina , Musmacker Bryan , Rubenstein David A. , Frame Mary D.
Published: May 2022

Background

Blood flow-induced shear stress affects platelet participation in coagulation and thrombin generation. We aimed to develop an in vivo model to characterize thrombin generation rates under flow.

Methods

An in situ inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation-stenosis model was established using C57BL/6 mice. Wild type C57BL/6 mice were fed normal chow diet for two weeks before experiments. On the day of experiments, mice were anesthetized, followed by an incision through the abdominal skin to expose the IVC, which was then ligated (followed by reperfusion through a stenosis for up to 2 h). IVC blood flow rate was monitored using a Transonic ultrasound flow meter. In sham animals, the IVC was exposed following the same procedure, but no ligation was applied. Thrombin generation following IVC ligation was estimated by measuring mouse plasma prothrombin fragment 1–2 concentration. Mouse plasma factor Va concentration was measured using phospholipids and a modified prothrombinase assay. Blood vessel histomorphology, vascular wall ICAM-1, von Willebrand Factor, tissue factor, and PECAM-1 expression were measured using immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results

IVC blood flow rate increased immediately following ligation and stenosis formation. Sizable clots formed in mouse IVC following ligation and stenosis formation. Both plasma factor Va and prothrombin fragment 1–2 concentration reduced significantly following IVC ligation/stenosis, while no changes were observed with ICAM-1, von Willebrand Factor, tissue factor and PECAM-1 expression.

Conclusion

Clot formation was successful. However, the prothrombin-thrombin conversion rate constant in vivo cannot be determined as local thrombin and FVa concentration (at the injury site) cannot be accurately measured. Modification to the animal model is needed to further the investigation.
HIV HGM biobank as a research platform for paediatric infectious diseases and COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Irene Consuegra , Elba Mauleón , Jiménez José Luis , Mellado María José , Muñoz-Fernández María Ángeles
Published: May 2022

Aim

The initial cases of COVID-19 appeared in December 2019 and Spain was one of the most affected countries during the first wave (March to June). Since then, HIV HGM BioBank has been restructured as an established Paediatrics and Adults HIV_COVID-19 BioBank that aims at the long-term storage of samples obtained from not only HIV-1, but also from COVID-19 patients and HIV-1_COVID-19 coinfected patients.

Methods

HIV HGM BioBank holds high quality biological samples from newborns, children, adolescents and adults with their associated clinical data. Research groups trying to establish large networks focused on research on specific clinical problems in epidemiology, biology, routes of transmission and therapies, are potential users of the clinical samples and of associated data of HIV-1_COVID-19 HGM BioBank.

Results

The HIV HGM BioBank is an academic and ethical enterprise complying with all the legal regulatory rules to provide service to the society. HIV_COVID-19 HGM BioBank has been repurposed to offer an important resource for global research of COVID-19 in newborns, children, adolescents, adults and elders to study the biological effect of the pandemic.

Conclusion

Herein, we present a description of how HIV HGM BioBank has rapidly become an indispensable structure in modern biomedical research, including COVID-19 research.
Patient perspectives on depot buprenorphine treatment for opioid addiction – a qualitative interview study
Authors: Johnson Björn , Flensburg Olivia Liahaugen , Capusan Andrea Johansson
Published: May 2022

Background

Recently developed buprenorphine depot injections have the potential to reduce risk for diversion and misuse, and to increase adherence with fewer visits for supervised intake. However, it is unclear how patients perceive this new form of medication. The purpose of this study was to explore patients’ experiences of depot injections and their reasons for continuing, discontinuing, or declining depot injection treatment.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 32 people, 14 of whom had ongoing depot injection treatment, 11 who had discontinued depot-injections and switched to other medication and seven who had declined treatment with depot formulations. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analysed using NVivo, based on this overall stratification into three participant groups.

Results

The main categories relate to the effects and side effects of the depot formulation, social and practical factors, psychological benefits and disadvantages, and interactions with treatment staff. Social and practical factors were of importance for choosing depot formulations, such as increased freedom and their making it easier to combine treatment with work and family life, as well as psychological advantages including “feeling normal”. Initial withdrawal symptoms that resolved themselves after a number of injections were reported by most participants. Reliable information and patient-staff relationships characterized by trust helped patients to cope with these initial problems. Those who discontinued treatment often did so near the beginning of the treatment, reporting withdrawal symptoms and insufficient effects as the main reasons. Coercion and insufficient information contributed to a negative pharmaceutical atmosphere at one of the clinics, which may have adversely influenced perceptions of depot formulations and decreased willingness to accept and continue treatment.

Conclusions

Buprenorphine depot injections may have social, practical, and psychological benefits compared to other formulations. However, depot injections are not perceived as an attractive option by all patients. Trust, consistent and adequate information, and awareness of the implications of the pharmaceutical atmosphere should be considered when introducing new medications.