bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceropegia gilboaensis (Apocynaceae), a new species from the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: HEIDUK ANNEMARIE , CROUCH NEIL R. , STYLES DAVID G.A.
Published: April 2023

A new species of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae), C. gilboaensis, is described from the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where it occurs along exposed rock sheets in Midlands Mistbelt Grassland. This new tuberous species, which lacks the tubular trap-flowers typical of Ceropegia s.str., is assigned to section Chamaesiphon. Ceropegia gilboaensis is vegetatively and floristically most similar to C. ngomensis (formerly Brachystelma ngomense); both species have prostrate stems and foul-smelling, cylindrical-campanulate, striated and dark-coloured flowers characteristic of a sapromyiophilous pollination strategy.
Optical Properties of Cu-Doped Perovskite Nanoplatelets
Authors: Wang Jintao , Ye Chuanxiang , Wu Xiaowei , Zheng Zhijian
Published: April 2023

All inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have been widely concerned for their unique optical properties. However, due to the rotation and inclining of the [PbX6]4− octahedron caused by Cs ions, such kind of materials usually have poor stability, which
will hinder their commercialization. It is well known that using smaller divalent cations to replace Pb2+ can effectively improve the stability and luminescence properties of CsPbX3 NCs. In this work, Cu-doped CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets (NPs) are prepared, i.e.,
CsPb0.95Cu0.05Br3 NPs, and their temperature dependent emission properties have been investigated. The experimental results show that Cu-doping method can weaken the thermal expansion effect and electron-phonon interaction strength of perovskite NPs. Although
the exciton binding energy of CsPb0.95Cu0.05Br3 NPs is smaller than that of CsPbBr3 NPs, it is still much larger than that of CsPbBr3 cubic NCs. Our experimental results will be of significance for the development of optoelectronic devices
based on transition metal doped perovskite NPs.
Characterization and Conductivity Studies of Graphene Oxide with Different Degrees of Oxidizing Agent
Authors: Shaari Helyati Abu Hassan , Ramli Muhammad Mahyiddin , Shahriman A. B. , Harun A. , Reshak Ali H. , Mohtar Mohd Nazim , Sulaiman Nurliyana Hazirah
Published: April 2023

Different degrees of potassium permanganate (KMNO4) was used in the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO). In characterization analysis, the appearance of IR band attributes to O–H, C=C, C–OH and, C–O–C can be observed at around 3500 cm−1,
1650 cm−1, 1400 cm−1 and, 1200 cm−1 respectively. The UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed, GO with more KMNO4 shows increment in absorption and wavenumber due to more concentration of GO and stacked layers of GO. Nevertheless, a high level
of KMNO4 results in a low density of GO. Analysis from Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer (SPA) revealed, a low oxygenated functional group from low-level KMNO4 produces less band gap open and thus, yielding high conductivity.
Social Class, Sex, and the Ability to Recognize Emotions: The Main Effect is in the Interaction
Authors: Brener Susan A. , Frankenhuis Willem E. , Young Ethan S. , Ellis Bruce J.
Published: April 2023

Previous research has demonstrated an inverse relation between subjective social class (SSC) and performance on emotion recognition tasks. Study 1 ( N = 418) involved a preregistered replication of this effect using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task and the Cambridge Mindreading Face-Voice Battery. The inverse relation replicated; however, exploratory analyses revealed a significant interaction between sex and SSC in predicting emotion recognition, indicating that the effect was driven by males. In Study 2 ( N = 745), we preregistered and tested the interaction on a separate archival dataset. The interaction replicated; the association between SSC and emotion recognition again occurred only in males. Exploratory analyses (Study 3; N = 381) examined the generalizability of the interaction to incidental face memory. Our results underscore the need to reevaluate previous research establishing the main effects of social class and sex on emotion recognition abilities, as these effects apparently moderate each other.
A novel optimized design of an energy harvester using magnetoelectric transducers
Authors: Bakhtiary Yekta Hesam , Fakhari Vahid
Published: April 2023

Energy harvesting mechanisms are becoming a trend in scientific projects which are related to small devices and wireless sensors. Among different energy harvesters, those which use vibration to harvest energy, have attracted attention recently. Magnetoelectric (ME) transducers are one of the newest mechanisms which can convert vibration energy to electrical energy. Frequency bandwidth and maximum output power are the two main features of energy harvesters, and almost based on these features, harvesters are designed. In this paper, a novel optimized design for ME harvester is proposed. First, the nonlinear finite element model of the proposed novel harvester is presented and validated. Then, the detailed design of the harvester is presented, and an optimization process based on a genetic algorithm is performed to improve the performance of the harvester. Finally, frequency bandwidth and output power of the optimized harvester are investigated, and also, the effect of variation in load resistance on its performance is studied. According to the obtained results, the proposed harvester will achieve a continuous frequency bandwidth of 14 Hz and maximum output power of 3.7 mW under the excitation amplitude of 0.1 mm.
Long-term follow-up of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis from the CLARITY/CLARITY Extension cohort of CLASSIC-MS: An ambispective study
Authors: Giovannoni Gavin , Boyko Alexey , Correale Jorge , Edan Gilles , Freedman Mark S , Montalban Xavier , Rammohan Kottil , Stefoski Dusan , Yamout Bassem , Leist Thomas , Aydemir Aida , Borsi Laszlo , Verdun di Cantogno Elisabetta
Published: April 2023

Background:

CLASSIC-MS evaluated the long-term efficacy of cladribine tablets in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Objective:

Report long-term mobility and disability beyond treatment courses received in CLARITY/CLARITY Extension.

Methods:

This analysis represents CLASSIC-MS patients who participated in CLARITY with/without participation in CLARITY Extension, and received ⩾1 course of cladribine tablets or placebo ( N = 435). Primary objective includes evaluation of long-term mobility (no wheelchair use in the 3 months prior to first visit in CLASSIC-MS and not bedridden at any time since last parent study dose (LPSD), i.e. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score <7). Secondary objective includes long-term disability status (no use of an ambulatory device (EDSS < 6) at any time since LPSD).

Results:

At CLASSIC-MS baseline, mean ± standard deviation EDSS score was 3.9 ± 2.1 and the median time since LPSD was 10.9 (range = 9.3–14.9) years. Cladribine tablets–exposed population: 90.6% ( N = 394), including 160 patients who received a cumulative dose of 3.5 mg/kg over 2 years. Patients not using a wheelchair and not bedridden: exposed, 90.0%; unexposed, 77.8%. Patients with no use of an ambulatory device: exposed, 81.2%; unexposed, 75.6%.

Conclusion:

With a median 10.9 years’ follow-up after CLARITY/CLARITY Extension, findings suggest the sustained long-term mobility and disability benefits of cladribine tablets.
Molecular landscape and emerging therapeutic strategies in breast cancer brain metastasis
Authors: Xiong Siyi , Tan Xuanni , Wu Xiujuan , Wan Andi , Zhang Guozhi , Wang Cheng , Liang Yan , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Advanced BC with brain metastasis (BM) is a major cause of mortality with no specific or effective treatment. Therefore, better knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies and improving clinical outcomes. In this review, we focused on the latest advances and discuss the contribution of the molecular subtype of BC, the brain microenvironment, exosomes, miRNAs/lncRNAs, and genetic background in BCBM. The blood–brain barrier and blood–tumor barrier create challenges to brain drug delivery, and we specifically review novel approaches to bypass these barriers. Furthermore, we discuss the potential application of immunotherapies and genetic editing techniques based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology in treating BCBM. Emerging techniques and research findings continuously shape our views of BCBM and contribute to improvements in precision therapies and clinical outcomes.
Evaluating the Performance of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Finishes on Upholstery Fabrics
Authors: LaPier Jonas , Blum Arlene , Brown Brandon R. , F. Kwiatkowski Carol , Phillips Betsy , Ray Hannah , Sun Gang
Published: April 2023

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are widely used to provide a hydrophobic and oleophobic barrier in some fabric finishing. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of harmful chemicals that persist in the environment and our bodies. For indoor upholstery, these finishes are used to prevent staining. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance finishes on commercial indoor fabrics for liquid repellency and stain performance. Three fabrics, each with an unfinished control, a dip finish, and a foam finish, were tested with coffee and oil-based salad dressing stains, two dwell times, two stain application procedures, and three abrasion conditions. Oil stain severity was affected by fabric type, finish, dwell time, and application procedure, but not abrasion. For water-based coffee stains, only fabric type had an effect. Droplet contact angle tests were also performed, revealing water and oil repellency is quickly lost with abrasion. Of the six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance-finished fabrics tested, five showed small improvements in stain performance over unfinished fabrics; however, the performance differences between fabric types were much larger than the benefits from finishes. For oil stains, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance finishes help in ideal conditions when the finish is unabraded, stains are set gently on the fabric, and stains are cleaned quickly. Our results suggest that the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on indoor furniture can be considerably reduced through intentional material selection to achieve better stain performance in lieu of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance finishes.
Recruiting and Retaining Hispanic and Latino/a/x Music Educators: A Literature Review
Authors: Alcala Ruben James
Published: April 2023

Hispanic and Latino/a/x students encounter substantial barriers and challenges at all educational levels when attempting to find necessary resources in secondary ensembles, graduate from high school, attend college, obtain teacher licensure, and enter the music education profession. Despite data showing growth of the Hispanic and Latino/a/x population in U.S. schools, music educators cannot assume that these numbers will equate to more diversity in the field of music education. Considering the overwhelming number of obstacles Hispanic and Latino/a/x peoples face when trying to enter the field of music education, more supports are needed to (a) recruit a more diverse educator population and (b) retain highly qualified educators.
ERS/ESICM/ESCMID/ALAT guidelines for the management of severe community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Torres Antoni , Nagavci Blin , Aliberti Stefano , Antonelli Massimo , Bassetti Matteo , Bos Lieuwe , Chalmers James D. , Derde Lennie , de Waele Jan , Garnacho-Montero Jose , Kollef Marin , Luna Carlos , Menendez Rosario , Niederman Michael , Ponomarev Dmitry , Restrepo Marcos , Rigau David , Schultz Marcus J. , Weiss Emmanuel , Welte Tobias , Wunderink Richard
Published: April 2023

Background

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and while European and non-European guidelines are available for community-acquired pneumonia, there are no specific guidelines for sCAP.

Materials and methodology

The European Respiratory Society (ERS), European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and Latin American Thoracic Association (ALAT) launched a task force to develop the first international guidelines for sCAP. The panel comprised a total of 18 European and four non-European experts, as well as two methodologists. Eight clinical questions for sCAP diagnosis and treatment were chosen to be addressed. Systematic literature searches were performed in several databases. Meta-analyses were performed for evidence synthesis, whenever possible. The quality of evidence was assessed with GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Evidence to Decision frameworks were used to decide on the direction and strength of recommendations.

Results

Recommendations issued were related to diagnosis, antibiotics, organ support, biomarkers and co-adjuvant therapy. After considering the confidence in effect estimates, the importance of outcomes studied, desirable and undesirable consequences of treatment, cost, feasibility, acceptability of the intervention and implications to health equity, recommendations were made for or against specific treatment interventions.

Conclusions

In these international guidelines, ERS, ESICM, ESCMID and ALAT provide evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for diagnosis, empirical treatment and antibiotic therapy for sCAP, following the GRADE approach. Furthermore, current knowledge gaps have been highlighted and recommendations for future research have been made.
Possibilities to reduce drift by 75 percent in biocidal applications of insecticides with cannon sprayers
Authors: Langkamp-Wedde Tina , Rautmann Dirk , von Hörsten Dieter , Niemann Jan-Uwe , Wegener Jens Karl
Published: April 2023

Background

Insecticides are applied on a large scale in the environment to control the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) for the protection of human health. Drift of the insecticides to non-target areas is a risk for the surrounding biodiversity. Since the habitats of the caterpillars are usually restricted to the treetops, the sprayers used to apply biocidal products must be able to transport the droplets over longer distances. Therefore, cannon sprayers are often used. In this study, spray drift in an oak avenue from a cannon sprayer with hydraulic atomisation was measured with two different nozzles. The aim of this study is to compare spray drift when using a cannon sprayer with different drift-reducing nozzles with cannon sprayers with pneumatic atomisation to find options to reduce drift to non-target areas.

Results

The results show that compared to the basic drift values for biocidal products using a cannon sprayer with pneumatic atomisation, a cannon sprayer with ID-120-05 POM nozzles achieves a drift reduction of 75% and a classification in this reduction class. No drift reduction could be determined with a cannon sprayer with AirMix 110-05 nozzles.

Conclusions

Better knowledge of drift of biocidal products is of utmost urgency in order to be able to compare and classify the currently used technologies. When using a cannon sprayer, this study shows that specific drift values are recommended based on the type of atomisation, as droplet size is an important factor in reducing drift. By choosing the technology with the highest drift reduction, the drift of biocidal products into the environment can be minimised by 75%, thus ensuring a much better protection of the environment.
Alternative signal pathways underly fertilization and egg activation in a fish with contrasting modes of spawning
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Yeke , He Jun , Smith Carl , Xue Ge , Zhao Yan , Peng Yanghui , Zhang Jia , Liu Jiarui , Chen Jun , Xie Ping
Published: April 2023

Background

The processes of fertilization and egg activation are vital for early embryogenesis. However, while the mechanisms associated with key events during these processes differ among species and modes of spawning, the signal pathways underlying these processes are opaque for many fishes, including economically important species.

Results

We investigated phenotypic traits, ultrastructure and protein expression levels in the eggs of the topmouth culter (Culter alburnus), a protected and economically important freshwater fish that exhibits two spawning modes, producing semi-buoyant eggs and adhesive eggs. Unfertilized eggs of C. alburnus were examined, as well as eggs at fertilization and 30 min post fertilization. Our results showed that in semi-buoyant eggs, energy metabolism was activated at fertilization, followed by elevated protein expression of cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interactions that resulted in rapid egg swelling; a recognized adaptation for lotic habitats. In contrast, in adhesive eggs fertilization initiated the process of sperm-egg fusion and blocking of polyspermy, followed by enhanced protein expression of lipid metabolism and the formation of egg envelope adhesion and hardening, which are adaptive in lentic habitats.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that alternative signal pathways differ between modes of spawning and timing during the key processes of fertilization and egg activation, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in adaptive early embryonic development in teleost fishes.
Whole genome sequencing of a novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from Assam soil
Authors: Rabha Mihir , Das Debajit , Konwar Trishna , Acharjee Sumita , Sarmah Bidyut Kumar
Published: April 2023

Background

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive ubiquitous saprophytic bacterium that produces proteins (Crystal protein, Vegetative insecticidal protein, and Secreted insecticidal protein) toxic to insects during its growth cycle. In the present study, the whole genome of a locally isolated B. thuringiensis strain BA04 was sequenced to explore the genetic makeup and to identify the genes responsible to produce insecticidal proteins including the virulence factors. The strain was isolated from the soil sample of the Kaziranga National Park, Assam, North-Eastern part of India (Latitude: 26°34′39.11''N and Longitude: 93°10′16.04''E).

Results

The whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the BA04 strain revealed that it has a circular genome of size 6,113,005 bp with four numbers of plasmids. A total of 6,111 genes including two novel crystal protein-encoding genes (MH753362.1 and MH753363.1) were identified. The BLASTn analysis of MH753362.1 showed 84% similarities (maximum identity) with Cry1Ia (KJ710646.1) gene, whereas MH753363.1 exhibited 66% identity with Insecticidal Crystal Protein (ICP)-6 gene (KM053257.1). At the protein level, MH753362.1 and MH753363.1 shared 79% identity with Cry1Ia (AIW52613.1) and 40% identity with Insecticidal Crystal Protein (ICP)-6 (AJW76687.1) respectively. Three-dimensional structures of these two novel protein sequences revealed that MH753362.1 have 48% structural similarity with Cry8ea1 protein, whereas MH753363.1 showed only 20% structural similarity with Cry4Aa protein.

Apart from these insecticidal genes, the strain was also found to contain virulence and virulence-associated factors including the antibiotic resistance genes and Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) sequences.

Conclusion

This is the first report on the whole genome sequence of Bt strain BA04 isolated from Assam, a North-Eastern state of India. The WGS of strain BA04 unveils the presence of two novel types of insecticidal crystal protein-encoding genes which can be used for the development of insect-resistant transgenic crops. Additionally, the strain could be used for the formulations of effective biopesticides. The WGS provides the fastest and cheapest platform for a better understanding of the genetic makeup of a strain and helps to explore the role of virulence genes in pathogenicity against the insect host.
Red blood cell distribution width/platelet ratio on admission as a predictor for in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective analysis from MIMIC-IV Database
Authors: Yao Hongxia , Lian Liyou , Zheng Rujie , Chen Chen
Published: April 2023

Background

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to platelet ratio (RPR) is a novel inflammatory indicator. It integrates the risk prediction of RDW and platelet, which is associated with adverse outcomes. However, the predictive power of RPR in mortality for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains uncertain. Thus, we aimed to explore the association between RPR and 180-day in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI.

Methods

Data on patients with AMI were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Patients were divided into two groups according to the optimal RPR cut-off value. The survival curve between high and low RPR groups was plotted via the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the association between RPR on admission and 180-day in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 1266 patients were enrolled, of which 83 (6.8%) died within 180 days during the hospitalization. Compared with the survivor group, the non-survivor group had higher RPR on admission (0.11 ± 0.07 vs. 0.08 ± 0.06, P < 0.001). The KM curve indicated that the survival probability of low RPR group was higher than that of high RPR group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that higher RPR on admission was an independent and effective predictor of 180-day mortality in patients with AMI (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.677, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.159–6.188, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

Higher RPR was associated with higher in-hospital 180-day mortality in patients with AMI.
Multifetal gestations after traumatic brain injury: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland
Authors: Vaajala Matias , Liukkonen Rasmus , Kuitunen Ilari , Ponkilainen Ville , Kekki Maiju , Mattila Ville M.
Published: April 2023

Background

There is a paucity of information regarding the association between traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and subsequent multifetal gestations. Since TBIs are known to negatively affect the neuroendocrine system, we hypothesized that the functions of the whole reproductive system might be disturbed as a result. The aim of this study is to determine the association between previous TBIs and the risk of multifetal gestations using nationwide registers.

Methods

In this retrospective register-based cohort study, data from the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) were combined with data from the Care Register for Health Care. All fertile-aged women (15–49 years) who had sustained a TBI before pregnancy were included in the patient group. Women with prior fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, and lower extremity were included in the control group. A logistic regression model was used to assess the risk for multifetal gestation after TBI. Odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the groups were compared. The model was adjusted by maternal age and maternal BMI during pregnancy and previous births. The risk for multifetal gestations were evaluated during different periods following the injury (0–3 years, 3–6 years, 6–9 years, and 9 + years).

Results

A total of 14 153 pregnancies occurred after the mother had sustained a TBI, and 23 216 pregnancies occurred after the mother had sustained fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, or lower extremity. Of these, 201 (1.4%) women had multifetal gestations after TBI and 331 (1.4%) women had multifetal gestations after fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, or lower extremity. Interestingly, the total odds of multifetal gestations were not higher after TBI when compared to fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, and lower extremity (aOR 1.04, CI 0.86–1.24). The odds were highest at 6–9 years (aOR 1.54, 1.03–2.29) and lowest at 0–3 years (aOR 0.84, CI 0.59–1.18).

Conclusion

The risk for multifetal gestations after TBIs was not higher than after the other traumas included in this study. Our results provide good baseline information on the effects of TBIs on the risk for multifetal gestations, but further research is required on this topic.
Plasma hPG80 (Circulating Progastrin) as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker for early-stage breast cancer in a breast cancer cohort
Authors: Prieur Alexandre , Harper Andrew , Khan Momtafin , Vire Bérengère , Joubert Dominique , Payen Léa , Kopciuk Karen
Published: April 2023

Background

Recurrence and metastases are still frequent outcomes after initial tumour control in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Although therapies are selected based on tumour characteristics measured at baseline, prognostic biomarkers can identify those at risk of poor outcomes. Circulating progastrin or hPG80 was found to be associated with survival outcomes in renal and hepatocellular carcinomas and was a plausible prognostic biomarker for breast cancer.

Methods

Women with incident breast cancers from Calgary, Alberta, Canada enrolled in the Breast to Bone (B2B) study between 2010 to 2016 and provided blood samples prior to any treatment initiation. Plasma from these baseline samples were analysed for circulating progastrin or hPG80. Participant characteristics as well as tumour ones were evaluated for their association with hPG80 and survival outcomes (time to recurrence, recurrence – free survival, breast cancer specific survival and overall survival) in Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

The 464 participants with measurable hPG80 in this study had an average age of 57.03 years (standard deviation of 11.17 years) and were predominantly diagnosed with Stage I (52.2%) and Stage II (40.1%) disease. A total of 50 recurrences and 50 deaths were recorded as of June 2022. In Cox PH regression models adjusted for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cancer stage and age at diagnosis, log hPG80 (pmol/L) significantly increased the risks for recurrence (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.330, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = (0.995 – 1.777, p = 0.054)), recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.399, 95% CI = (1.106 – 1.770), p = 0.005) and overall survival (HR = 1.385, 95% CI = (1.046 – 1.834), = 0.023) but not for breast cancer specific survival (HR = 1.015, 95% CI = (0.684 – 1.505), p = 0.942).

Conclusions

hPG80 levels measured at diagnosis were significantly associated with the risk of recurrence or death from any cause in women with breast cancer. Since the recurrence rates of breast cancer are still relatively high amongst women diagnosed at an early stage, identifying women at high risk of recurrence at their time of diagnosis is important. hPG80 is a promising new prognostic biomarker that could improve the identification of women at higher risk of poor outcomes.
Interaction between rheumatoid arthritis and mediterranean diet on the risk of cardiovascular disease for the middle aged and elderly from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Zhan Yuwei , Yang Zhou , Liu Ying , Zhan Feng , Lin Shudian
Published: April 2023

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) occurrence were associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Mediterranean diet (MD), but few studies have been conducted to explore the combined effect. This study was to outline the relationship of coexistence of RA and MD on the risk of CVD based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.

Methods

The data of this cross-sectional study was from the NHANES 2005–2010. The definition of CVD and RA was based on the self-reported questions, respectively; and the alternate MD Index assessed all participants’ adherence to the MD. Weighted multivariate logistic regression was adopted to explore the relationship of RA, MD on the risk of CVD, and coexistence effect of RA and MD. The additive interaction was evaluated by the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP) and the synergy index (SI). The multiplicative interaction was evaluated by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of product-term.

Results

A total of 3,352 participants from NHANES database who were divided into CVD group (n = 385) and non-CVD group (n = 2,967). The result indicated that RA (Model 1: OR = 3.98, 95%CI: 2.76–5.73; Model 2: OR = 2.65, 95%CI: 1.69–4.16) and low adherence to the MD (Model 1: OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.13–2.93; Model 2: OR = 1.67, 95%CI:1.01–2.77) was associated with an increased risk of CVD, respectively. Additionally, we observed the additive (RERI = 4.76, 95% CI: 0.52-9.00; AP = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.54–0.95; SI = 8.21, 95% CI: 1.48–45.51) and multiplicative (OR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.44–9.15) interaction of RA and low adherence to the MD on the risk of CVD.

Conclusion

RA and MD were associated with CVD occurrence, respectively, and there may be an interaction between RA and MD for the development of CVD.
Telemedicine for the management of diabetic patients in a high-complexity Latin American hospital
Authors: Casas Luz Angela , Alarcón Juliana , Urbano Alejandra , Peña-Zárate Evelyn E. , Sangiovanni Saveria , Libreros-Peña Laura , Escobar María Fernanda
Published: April 2023

Background

Noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM) have gained attention worldwide. Latin America experienced a rise in rates of DM. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a telemedicine program was implemented in a quaternary care academic complex in Latin America to continue the follow-up of patients with diabetes.

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe the clinical experience of DM patient management through telemedicine and the HbA1c behavior of patients followed-up through this modality.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes who were treated via telemedicine from March to December 2020. A Wilcoxon statistical test was used to compare the changes in glycosylated hemoglobin between the first teleconsultation and after 6 months of telemedicine follow-up.

Results

A total of 663 patients were included, 17.65% (117) of whom had type 1 diabetes and 82.35% (546) of whom had type 2 diabetes. Patients with both types of diabetes, presented with stable HbA1c values regardless of the length of follow-up.

Conclusion

The use of telemedicine can be a helpful tool for both patients and health care providers to support the continuity of care to maintain acceptable control levels within glycemic control goals.
Patient perspectives on data sharing regarding implementing and using artificial intelligence in general practice – a qualitative study
Authors: Mikkelsen Josefine Graabaek , Sørensen Natasha Lee , Merrild Camilla Hoffmann , Jensen Martin Bach , Thomsen Janus Laust
Published: April 2023

Background

Due to more elderly and patients with complex illnesses, there is an increasing pressure on the healthcare system. General practice especially feels this pressure as being the first point of contact for the patients. Developments in digitalization have undergone fast progress and data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) has shown great potential for use in general practice. To develop AI as a support tool for general practitioners (GPs), access to patients’ health data is needed, but patients have concerns regarding data sharing. Furthermore, studies show that trust is important regarding the patient-GP relationship, data sharing, and AI. The aim of this paper is to uncover patient perspectives on trust regarding the patient-GP relationship, data sharing and AI in general practice.

Method

This study investigated 10 patients’ perspectives through qualitative interviews and written vignettes were chosen to elicit the patients (interviewees) perspectives on topics that they were not familiar with prior to the interviews. The study specifically investigated perspectives on 1) The patient-GP relationship, 2) data sharing regarding developing AI for general practice, and 3) implementation and use of AI in general practice using thematic analysis. The study took place in the North Denmark Region and the interviewees included had to be registered in general practice and be above 18 years in age. We included four men between 25 to 74 years in age and six women between 27 to 46 years in age.

Results

The interviewees expressed a high level of trust towards their GP and were willing to share their health data with their GP. The interviewees believed that AI could be a great help to GPs if used as a support tool in general practice. However, it was important for the interviewees that the GP would still be the primary decision maker.

Conclusion

Patients may be willing to share health data to help implement and use AI in general practice. If AI is implemented in a way that preserves the patient-GP relationship and used as a support tool for the GP, our results indicate that patients may be positive towards the use of AI in general practice.
Intrinsic signalling factors associated with cancer cell-cell fusion
Authors: Dittmar Thomas , Hass Ralf
Published: April 2023

Cellular fusion e.g. between cancer cells and normal cells represents a stepwise process that is tightly regulated. During a pre-hybrid preparation program somatic cells and/or cancer cells are promoted to a pro-fusogenic state as a prerequisite to prepare a fusion process. A pro-fusogenic state requires significant changes including restructure of the cytoskeleton, e.g., by the formation of F-actin. Moreover, distinct plasma membrane lipids such as phosphatidylserine play an important role during cell fusion. In addition, the expression of distinct fusogenic factors such as syncytins and corresponding receptors are of fundamental importance to enable cellular mergers. Subsequent hybrid formation and fusion are followed by a post-hybrid selection process. Fusion among normal cells is important and often required during organismal development. Cancer cells fusion appears more rarely and is associated with the generation of new cancer hybrid cell populations. These cancer hybrid cells contribute to an elevated tumour plasticity by altered metastatic behaviour, changes in therapeutic and apoptotic responses, and even in the formation of cancer stem/ initiating cells. While many parts within this multi-step cascade are still poorly understood, this review article predominantly focusses on the intracellular necessities for fusion among cancer cells or with other cell populations of the tumour microenvironment.
Definition, harms, and prevention of redundant systematic reviews
Authors: Puljak Livia , Lund Hans
Published: April 2023

Background

Along with other types of research, it has been stated that the extent of redundancy in systematic reviews has reached epidemic proportions. However, it was also emphasized that not all duplication is bad, that replication in research is essential, and that it can help discover unfortunate behaviors of scientists. Thus, the question is how to define a redundant systematic review, the harmful consequences of such reviews, and what we could do to prevent the unnecessary amount of this redundancy.

Main body

There is no consensus definition of a redundant systematic review. Also, it needs to be defined what amount of overlap between systematic reviews is acceptable and not considered a redundancy. One needs to be aware that it is possible that the authors did not intend to create a redundant systematic review. A new review on an existing topic, which is not an update, is likely justified only when it can be shown that the previous review was inadequate, for example, due to suboptimal methodology. Redundant meta-analyses could have scientific, ethical, and economic questions for researchers and publishers, and thus, they should be avoided, if possible. Potential solutions for preventing redundant reviews include the following: (1) mandatory prospective registration of systematic reviews; (2) editors and peer reviewers rejecting duplicate/redundant and inadequate reviews; (3) modifying the reporting checklists for systematic reviews; (4) developing methods for evidence-based research (EBR) monitoring; (5) defining systematic reviews; (6) defining the conclusiveness of systematic reviews; (7) exploring interventions for the adoption of methodological advances; (8) killing off zombie reviews (i.e., abandoned registered reviews); (9) better prevention of duplicate reviews at the point of registration; (10) developing living systematic reviews; and (11) education of researchers.

Conclusions

Disproportionate redundancy of the same or very similar systematic reviews can lead to scientific, ethical, economic, and societal harms. While it is not realistic to expect that the creation of redundant systematic reviews can be completely prevented, some preventive measures could be tested and implemented to try to reduce the problem. Further methodological research and development in this field will be welcome.
A cloud-oriented siamese network object tracking algorithm with attention network and adaptive loss function
Authors: Sun Jinping , Li Dan
Published: April 2023

Aiming at solving the problems of low success rate and weak robustness of object tracking algorithms based on siamese network in complex scenes with occlusion, deformation, and rotation, a siamese network object tracking algorithm with attention network and adaptive loss function (SiamANAL) is proposed. Firstly, the multi-layer feature fusion module for template branch (MFFMT) and the multi-layer feature fusion module for search branch (MFFMS) are designed. The modified convolutional neural networks (CNN) are used for feature extraction through the fusion module to solve the problem of features loss caused by too deep network. Secondly, an attention network is introduced into the SiamANAL algorithm to calculate the attention of template map features and search map features, which enhances the features of object region, reduces the interference of background region, and improves the accuracy of the algorithm. Finally, an adaptive loss function combined with pairwise Gaussian loss function and cross entropy loss function is designed to increase inter-class separation and intra-class compactness of classification branches and improve the accuracy rate of classification and the success rate of regression. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by comparing it with other popular algorithms on two popular benchmarks, the visual object tracking 2018 (VOT2018) and the object tracking benchmark 100 (OTB100). Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed tracker achieves competitive performance against state-of-the-art trackers. The success rate and precision rate of the proposed algorithm SiamANAL on OTB100 are 0.709 and 0.883, respectively. With the help of cloud computing services and data storage, the processing performance of the proposed algorithm can be further improved.
Personality traits and perceived cognitive function in lebanese healthcare professionals
Authors: Moussa Sara , Achkouty Iris , Malaeb Diana , Ghosn Anthony , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: April 2023

Background

The healthcare field, a well-known field associated with variety of stressors, leaves healthcare professionals at an increased risk of both physical and mental problems. COVID-19 pandemic has recently been added to the stressful factors by endangering further the cognitive function of healthcare workers. On another hand, personality traits have been shown to have pervasive associations with functioning across various cognitive domains. Thus, this study aims to evaluate association between personality traits and perceived cognitive function among healthcare professionals in Lebanon during the collapsing period (following the severe economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and January 2022 enrolled 406 Lebanese participants using the convenience sampling technique for data collection. Healthcare professionals from all specialties who received the online link to the survey were eligible to participate. The Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2) and Fact Cog scale were used to assess personality traits and cognitive function.

Results

After adjustment over all variables (age, gender, household crowding index, physical activity index, marital status, profession and the other four personality traits), higher negative emotionality was significantly associated with a worse cognitive function, whereas more extroversion and conscientiousness were significantly associated with a better cognitive function.

Conclusion

Our study adds to the narrow body of research revolving around the relationship between personality traits and perceived cognitive function in Lebanese healthcare professionals during these hard times in Lebanon. These results show that the choice of these cognitive processes is strongly affected by different personality traits, such as extroversion, conscientiousness, and negative emotionality. This study encourages the need to conduct further research that assess the changes in cognition in life stressors along with personality traits.
A rise in social media use in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: the French validation of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale in a Canadian cohort
Authors: Rouleau Raphaël Dufort , Beauregard Carmen , Beaudry Vincent
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Social media use has grown dramatically since its inception in the early 2000s and has further increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Problematic use of social media (PUSM) is a type of behavioural addiction which has generated increasing interest among mental health clinicians and scholars in the last decade. PUSM is associated with multiple psychiatric conditions and is known to interfere with patients’ daily functioning. There is no single accepted definition of PUSM, nor means of measuring it, in the literature. The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) is a helpful tool for identifying PUSM. This paper aims to validate BSMAS and to translate it from English into French, with the goal of making this clinical screening tool for PUSM available in French-language contexts.

Method

This study explored the psychometric validity of the French version of the BSMAS in a sample of 247 adolescents, who were either psychiatric inpatients (the hospitalized group, n = 123) or recruited in local high schools (the community group, n = 124).

Results

The adolescents in the sample reported an increase in their social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase was more pronounced in the hospitalized group. Confirmatory factorial analysis showed an excellent fit, very good internal consistency and established convergent validity for the French version of the BSMAS. A total of 15.4% of the hospitalization group and 6.5% of the community group met the recommended clinical cutoff of 24 on the BSMAS, suggesting problematic use of social media.

Conclusions

The French version of BSMAS is a psychometrically validated and clinically useful tool to screen for PUSM in adolescents.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and suicidality in children and young adults: analyses of pharmacovigilance databases
Authors: Dubrall Diana , Fekete Stefanie , Leitzen Sarah , Paschke Lena Marie , Romanos Marcel , Schmid Matthias , Gerlach Manfred , Sachs Bernhardt
Published: April 2023

Background

Since the warnings by the United States (US) and European regulatory authorities in 2004 and 2005 it had been discussed whether there is some link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and suicidality in the pediatric population. The aim of our study was to describe trends and patterns in spontaneous reporting data referring to suicidality in children, adolescents and young adults treated with SSRI after the warnings.

Methods

Descriptive analyses of reports for 0–24 year olds referring to suicide/suicidal ideations, self-harms and overdoses with SSRIs reported as suspected submitted to the US (FAERS) and the European (EudraVigilance) adverse drug reaction databases until 2019 were performed. The causal relationship was assessed in accordance with the WHO criteria for the European reports. For Germany, prescription data for SSRIs were provided and reporting rates (number of reports/number of prescriptions) were calculated for the reports with possible causal relationship (so called “confirmed reports”).

Results

Since 2004, the number of reports referring to suicide/suicidal ideations, self-harm and overdoses increased steadily in the US and EU. However, only a slight increase was seen for the confirmed EU reports. After 2008, the proportion of reports informing about suicidal ideations increased, while the proportion of fatal suicide attempts decreased. Reporting rates were higher for females and adolescents (12-18 years).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the importance of further monitoring suicidality in 0–24 year olds treated with SSRI in order to recognize suicidality early avoiding fatal suicide attempts. The higher reporting rates for females and adolescents should be further investigated.
Predictive factors for treatment outcomes with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections in diabetic macular edema in clinical practice
Authors: Gurung Rajya L , FitzGerald Liesel M , Liu Ebony , McComish Bennet J , Kaidonis Georgia , Ridge Bronwyn , Hewitt Alex W , Vote Brendan J , Verma Nitin , Craig Jamie E , Burdon Kathryn P
Published: April 2023

Background

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections are the standard of care for diabetic macular edema (DME), a common complication of diabetes. This study aimed to identify factors influencing DME intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment outcomes in real-world practice.

Methods

This was a multi-center retrospective observational study using medical chart review of participants receiving anti-VEGF injections for DME (N = 248). Demographic and clinical variables were assessed for association with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) outcomes using regression models.

Results

There was a significant improvement in BCVA (p < 0.001) and CMT (p < 0.001) after 12 months of treatment, although 21% of participants had decreased BCVA, and 41% had a < 10% CMT reduction at 12 months. Higher baseline BCVA (p = 0.022, OR=-0.024, 95% CI=-0.046,-0.004) and longer duration of diabetic retinopathy (p = 0.048, OR=-0.064, 95% CI=-0.129,-0.001) were negative predictors for BCVA response, whereas Aflibercept treatment (p = 0.017, OR = 1.107, 95% CI = 0.220,2.051) compared with other drugs and a positive “early functional response” (p < 0.001, OR=-1.393, 95% CI=-1.946,-0.857) were positive predictors. A higher baseline CMT (p < 0.001, OR = 0.019, 95% CI = 0.012,0.0261) and an “early anatomical response”, (p < 0.001, OR=-1.677, 95% CI=-2.456, -0.943) were predictors for greater reduction in CMT. Overall, the variables could predict only 23% of BCVA and 52% of CMT response.

Conclusions

The study shows a significant proportion of DME patients do not respond to anti-VEGF therapy and identifies several clinical predictors for treatment outcomes.

Trial registration

The study was approved through the Human Research Ethics Committee, University of Tasmania (approval number H0012902), and the Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number 86 − 067).