bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A polygenic risk score to predict sudden cardiac arrest in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Porcu Eleonora , Thorball Christian W. , Porretta Alessandra Pia , Pruvot Etienne , Wiskott Kim , Gilardi Federica , Thomas Aurelien , Redin Claire , Kutalik Zoltán , Fracasso Tony , Müller Olivier , Fellay Jacques
Published: July 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading health problem and the main cause of death globally. Even when underlying causative factors are known, it is unclear why a cardiovascular condition causes premature death in a victim while others can live longer with the same condition. Here we propose a combined polygenic risk score (metaPRS) based on coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) to predict the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in patients affected by severe cardiovascular conditions.

We collected 2,114 patients with reported history of acute coronary syndrome from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) Genomic Biobank (BGC) and extracted data from the UK Biobank (UKB) on 13,696 participants with similar medical history. Among them, 303 and 932 had a further reported diagnosis of SCA or ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes in BGC and UKB, respectively. We demonstrate that the metaPRS is significantly associated with SCA in both cohorts (ORBGC = 1.28, PBGC = 8.39 × 10−05 and ORUKB = 1.14, PUKB = 7.07 × 10−05). Furthermore, using the diagnosis based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes available in the UKB, the metaPRS exhibits a strong association with the presence of aortocoronary bypass graft (ORUKB = 1.31, PUKB = 6.93 × 10−33) and coronary angioplasty implant (ORUKB=1.14, PUKB=1.46×10−12).

These results show that a combined genetic risk score for CVD and associated risk factors has the potential to predict the occurrence of SCA in patients with myocardial infarction, hence to identify patients who could benefit from further preventive measures.
A Framework for Inferring and Analyzing Pharmacotherapy Treatment Patterns
Authors: Rush Everett , Ozmen Ozgur , Kim Minsu , Ortegon Erin , Jones Makoto , Park Byung , Pizer Steven , Trafton Jodie , Brenner Lisa A. , Ward Merry , Nebeker Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Objective

To discover pharmacotherapy prescription patterns and their statistical associations with outcomes through a clinical pathway inference framework applied on real-world data.

Materials and Methods

We apply machine learning steps in our framework using a 2006 to 2020 cohort of veterans with major depressive disorder (MDD). Outpatient antidepressant pharmacy and emergency department visits, self-harm, and all-cause mortality data were extracted from the Department of Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse.

Results

Our MDD cohort consisted of 252,179 individuals. During the study period there were 98,417 cases of emergency department visits, 1,016 cases of self-harm, and 1,507 deaths from all causes. The top ten prescription patterns accounted for 69.3% of the data for individuals starting antidepressants at the fluoxetine equivalent of 20-39mg. Additionally, we found associations between outcomes and dosage change.

Discussion

For 252,179 Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with subsequent MDD noted in their electronic medical record, we documented and described the major pharmacotherapy prescription patterns implemented by VHA providers. Ten patterns accounted for almost 70% of the data. Associations between antidepressant usage and outcomes in observational data may be confounded. The low numbers of adverse events especially associated with all-cause mortality make our calculations imprecise. Furthermore, our outcomes are also the indications for both disease and treatment. Despite these limitations, we demonstrate the usefulness of our framework in providing operational insight into clinical practice, and our results underscore the need for increased monitoring during critical points of treatment.
‘Doing nothing’ is simply not an option: why framing of choices matters in surgical shared decision-making
Authors: Ludwiczak Agata , Stephens Timothy , Prowle John , Pearse Rupert , Osman Magda
Published: July 2022

Background

In the context of high-risk surgery, shared decision-making (SDM) can be hindered by misalignment in expectations regarding the likely surgical outcomes between patients and clinicians. This study investigates the extent of this misalignment in high-risk patients and doctors involved in perioperative care, its’ impact on treatment choices, and its’ amenability to interventions that encourage perspective taking.

Methods

High-risk patients (N = 55) and doctors involved in perioperative care (N = 54) were asked to consider one of three clinical scenarios: ischaemic heart disease, colorectal cancer, or osteoarthritis of the left hip. They reported on their expectations regarding short- and long-term outcomes of different treatment options available in these scenarios. Participants were initially asked to consider the scenarios from their own perspective as a patient/clinician, and then to adopt the perspective of the other side. After stating their expectations, participants were required to choose between surgical or non-surgical treatment.

Results

Systematic misalignment in expectations between high-risk patients and doctors was observed, with patients expecting better surgical outcomes compared to clinicians. Despite this misalignment, in both groups surgical treatment was strongly preferred. Willingness to consider the non-surgical option was only observed when this option offered a chance to change the undesirable ‘status quo’.

Conclusion

When high-risk surgery is discussed, a non-surgical option may be viewed as ‘doing nothing’, reducing the sense of agency and control. This biases the decision-making process, regardless of the expectations doctors and patients might have about the outcomes of surgery. Thus, to improve SDM and to increase patients’ agency and control over decisions about their care, we advocate framing the non-surgical treatment options in a way that emphasises action, agency, and change.

Highlights

Misalignment in expectations regarding treatment outcomes between high-risk surgical patients and their clinicians has been identified in this study, with patients expecting more positive outcomes from surgery than doctors

Despite misalignment, treatment choices were similar for patients and clinicians

Framing the treatment choice as ‘doing something’ (i.e. surgery) vs. ‘doing nothing’ seemed to drive the preference for surgery in both groups

To increase patients’ agency and control over decisions about surgery, the framing of their options should be targeted for improvement
Evaluation of the safety and immunogenicity of fractional intradermal COVID-19 vaccines as a booster: A pilot study
Authors: Niyomnaitham Suvimol , Chatsiricharoenkul Somruedee , Toh Zheng Quan , Senawong Sansnee , Pheerapanyawaranun Chatkamol , Phumiamorn Supaporn , Licciardi Paul V , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya
Published: July 2022

Intradermal vaccination using fractional dosage of the standard vaccine dose is one strategy to improve access to COVID-19 immunization. We conducted a pilot study in healthy adults in Thailand to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of intradermal administration of fractional dose of ChAdOx1 (1/5th of standard dosage) or BNT162b2 (1/6th of standard dosage) to individuals previously vaccinated (prime) with two-dose intramuscular CoronaVac, ChAdOx1 or BNT162b2. Following an initial immunogenicity exploratory phase for each vaccine combination group (N=10), a total of 135 participants (N=45 per group) were recruited to three groups (CoronaVac prime-intradermal BNT162b2 boost, CoronaVac prime-intradermal ChAdOx1 boost and ChAdOx1 prime-intradermal BNT162b2 boost) and their immunogenicity data compared to a previous cohort who received the same vaccine intramuscularly. Two weeks following booster vaccination, neutralizing antibodies against the delta variant were similar between intradermal and intramuscular vaccination. However, neutralizing antibodies against the omicron variant in the intradermal BNT162b2 boost groups were ∼6-fold lower, while the ChAdOx1 boost group was ∼5-fold higher compared to their respective vaccine regimen given intramuscularly. The intradermal booster significantly increased spike-specific T cell responses in all three groups from pre-booster levels. Local and systemic adverse reactions were milder in intradermal compared to intramuscular injections. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings and the feasibility of administration of intradermal COVID-19 vaccines.
Network Action of Subcallosal Cingulate White Matter Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Tiruvadi Vineet R. , Choi Ki Sueng , Waters Allison , Tao Liangyu , Konda Rohit , Ibrahim Nasir , Smart Otis , Crowell Andrea , Riva-Posse Patricio , Gross Robert E. , Rozell Christopher , McIntyre Cameron C. , Jirsa Viktor , Butera Robert , Mayberg Helen S.
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) within the subcallosal cingulate cortex (SCC) alleviates symptoms of depression through an unclear therapeutic mechanism. Precise stimulation of SCC white matter (SCCwm) is thought to be necessary to achieve therapeutic response, and clinical recordings can now be used to test this hypothesis. In this paper we characterized the where, what, and how of SCCwm-DBS immediate effects, its network action, at therapeutic stimulation frequencies. First, using simultaneous LFP and EEG, we determined whether the effects of SCCwm-DBS are local at the SCC and/or remote at downstream cortical regions. We then charactized the spatial pattern effected by DBS across high-density EEG, finding multi-oscillatory response modes. Finally, we demonstrated that these modes are spatially consistent with white matter tracts targeted during surgical implantation. These results clarify the immediate actions of SCCwm-DBS as broad low-frequency power increases in brain regions downstream to stimulated white matter. This quantitative characterization of SCCwm-DBS network action has implications for future clinical trials, and may accelerate adaptive therapy optimization.
Chalcolestes color-aeneus (Odonata, Zygoptera, Lestidae) sp. nov. from Romania
Authors: Babalean Anda Felicia
Published: July 2022

The paper describes a new Chalcolestes species – Chalcolestes color-aeneus collected from Romania. This new species shows morphological similarities with Chalcolestes viridis by the metallic iridescent colour of the body and by the yellow to pale brown colour of the lower part of the head; it also shows similarities with Lestes virens, Lestes sponsa and Lestes dryas by the long fringing hairs on the inferior male annal appendages. Chalcolestes color-aeneus can be separated by the other Lestes and Chalcolestes species by the dark coppery colour with green and reddish reflections of the head, of the thorax and dorsal abdomen and especially by the shape and colour of the male anal appendages.
A translational approach to measuring the neural systems underlying approach-avoidance conflict in humans
Authors: Rolle Camarin E. , Amemori Ken , Johnson Noriah , Yan Marvin , Caudle Trevor , Havelka Ana , Gross James J. , Etkin Amit
Published: July 2022

Approach-avoidance conflict (AAC) arises from decisions with embedded positive and negative outcomes, and appropriate management of these decisions is essential for adaptive functioning. However, translating key advances on AAC in non-human primates to tasks in humans has proven difficult in part due to the inherent limitations in existing human tasks in isolating relevant neural substrates of behavior. Here, we present, and validate, a novel task in humans (N= 38) of both sexes, derived from work in non-human primates utilizing primary reinforcers (shock/juice), and in doing so identify neural features specific to conflict, implementing a computational model of task behavior. We found that neural patterns of activation within the parietal, frontal, temporal and cingulate regions were associated with conflict-specific avoidance behavior. Importantly, a number of these regions were associated with trait anxiety, implicating a potential link between these neural regions and anxiety-driven avoidance behavior. This task platform may help advance both behavioral and biological research examining the neural patterning underlying approach-avoidance behavior in humans, providing an empirically oriented framework with which to translate between non-human primate and human work.

Significance Statement

The current paper describes and validates a novel task for studying Approach-Avoidance Conflict behavior that capitalizes on innate reinforcers and stringent thresholding, effectively bridging animal and human work in this field. The task is then used to identify the neural correlates of AAC behavior in humans, identifying patterns of activation linked to temporal variation in avoidance behavior specific to conflict. Further, a novel model is developed and applied to the behavioral data to more sensitively quantify response patterns using reinforcement learning, and neural patterns relating to these behavioral effects were identified. Finally, as anxiety is strongly associated in the animal and human literature with avoidance responding, we identified a subgroup of neural effects associated with trait anxiety.
Decoding depression during subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation
Authors: Tiruvadi Vineet R. , Veerakumar Ashan , Smart Otis , Crowell Andrea , Riva-Posse Patricio , Gross Robert E. , McIntyre Cameron C. , Rozell Christopher , Butera Robert , Mayberg Helen D.
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation of subcallosal cingulate white matter (SCCwm-DBS) alleviates symptoms of treatment resistant depression (TRD) over months of therapy. Readouts of depression symptom severity derived from neural recordings are needed for more systematic study and improvement of the therapy. In this study, we measured local field potentials (LFP) multiple times a day alongside seven months of therapy using the Activa PC+S™ in six patients treated with SCCwm-DBS. We found significant changes in oscillatory power between early and late therapy after accounting for stimulation-related distortions, particularly within theβband. We then used a decoder strategy to identify oscillatory activity that tracked with depression measurements over seven months, with asymmetricδandβoscillations contributing to a statistically significant prediction of 10% of the measured depression signal. Simulating its use in clinical decision-making, we demonstrated that the DR-SCC yield clinically meaningful information that can augment other measures of depression state. Ultimately, this DR-SCC provides a data-driven first-step towards objectively tracking chronic recovery after antidepressant DBS implantation and developing adaptive DBS strategies in the presence of active stimulation.
MHA, an interactive website for scRNA-seq data of male genitourinary development and disease
Authors: Zhao LiangYu , Zhao YiFan , Yao ChenCheng , Li Zheng , Dai YingBo , Tang YuXin
Published: July 2022

The development of single-cell sequencing technology has expanded the understanding of cell heterogeneity and disease progression in the male genitourinary system. However, complex processing processes and unprofessional analytical annotations limit the daily use and wildly sharing of published datasets. Here, we describe the Male Health Atlas (MHA), an easy-to-operate online visual website focused on the male genitourinary system, allowing researchers to quickly search for expression patterns of one or multiple genes, and dynamic changes of gene expression during tissue development or under pathological states. At present, the MHA includes nine objects, two species, five types of male genitourinary tissues/organs, and 258,777 single-cell profiles. Compared with other single-cell databases, the MHA has the following advantages: (1) It is easy to operate, and users can complete retrieval and output of results within 5 min without any bioinformatics skills; (2) The selection and analysis of data are under professional supervision of researchers in the male genitourinary field; (3) It contains most of the main male-specific organs and will continue to be updated; (4) MHA provides multi-dimensional output patterns, including tSNE/UMAP, violin, and bubble plot output for displaying single or multiple genes. MHA is the first single-cell database website in the field of andrology and male reproduction, providing researchers with scRNA-seq resources and an accessible tool. MHA is freely available at http://malehealthatlas.cn/.
DMRT1 regulation ofTOX3modulates expansion of the gonadal steroidogenic cell lineage
Authors: Estermann Martin A. , Major Andrew T. , Smith Craig A.
Published: July 2022

Vertebrate gonads comprise three primary cell types, germ cells, steroidogenic cells, and supporting cells. The latter are the first cell type to differentiate in the embryonic gonad and direct the formation of other somatic lineages. During gonadal sex determination, the supporting cell lineage differentiates into Sertoli cells in males and pre-granulosa cells in females. In the chicken embryo, the molecular trigger for Sertoli cell differentiation is the Z-linked gene DMRT1. Recently, single cell RNA-seq data indicate that that chicken steroidogenic cells, derive from differentiated supporting cells. This differentiation process is achieved by a sequential upregulation of steroidogenic genes and down-regulation of supporting cell markers. The exact mechanism regulating this differentiation process remains unknown. We identified the geneTOX3as a novel transcription factor expressed in embryonic Sertoli cells of the chicken testis.TOX3knockdown in males resulted in increasedCYP17A1positive Leydig cells.TOX3over-expression in male and female gonads resulted in a significant decline inCYP17A1positive steroidogenic cells.TOX3expression is negatively regulated by estrogensin vivo, but not induced during masculinization induced by estrogen inhibition.In ovoknock-down of the testis determinant,DMRT1, in male gonads resulted in a down-regulation of TOX3 expression. Conversely, DMRT1 over-expression caused an increase inTOX3expression. Taken together, this data indicates that DMRT1 regulation ofTOX3modulates expansion of the steroidogenic lineage, either directly, via cell lineage allocation, or indirectly via signaling from the supporting to steroidogenic cell populations.
Effect of germicidal short wave-length ultraviolet light on the polyphenols, vitamins, and microbial inactivation in highly opaque apple juice
Authors: Akwu Anita Scales , Patras Ankit , Pendyala Brahmiah , Kurup Anjali , Chen Fur-Chi , Vergne Matthew J.
Published: July 2022

The aim of this investigation was to study the efficacy of UV-C light emitting diode system (LED) operating at 263 nm for the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Specified concentrations of bacteria were inoculated in apple juice and irradiated at the designated UV doses of 0 to 15 mJ·cm-2. In addition, UV irradiation doses ranging from 0 to 160 mJ·cm-2 were also delivered to apple juice and polyphenols and vitamins were profiled. LC-MS/MS analysis was conducted to assess the stability of polyphenols or vitamins in UV-C exposed apple juice. The polyphenol and vitamin results demonstrated that UV-C irradiation in apple juices at relevant commercial UV doses induced significant reductions in the concentrations of selected polyphenols and vitamins, p<0.05. Ascorbic acid was reduced to 32%, at 160 mJ/cm2 whereas 17% reduction was observed at 40 mJ/cm2. Riboflavin was observed to be relatively stable. Epicatechin and chlorogenic was significantly reduced at high exposure doses. In contrast minor changes were observed at 40 mJ/cm2. Results show that UV-C irradiation effectively inactivated pathogenic microbes in apple juice. The log reduction kinetics of microorganisms followed log-linear and with higher R2 (>0.95) and low RMSE values. The D10 values of 4.16 and 3.84 mJ·cm-2 were obtained from the inactivation of Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes in apple juice. The results from this study imply that adequate log reduction of pathogens is achievable in apple juice and suggest significant potential for UV-C treatment of other liquid foods.
Grey workers in the European Union: precariousness among economically dependent solo self-employed
Authors: Majetic Filip , Rajter Miroslav , Bassetti Chiara
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This explorative study aims to investigate work precariousness (WP) among EU27-based economically dependent solo self-employed, i.e. those with no employees and usually relying on just one client.

Design/methodology/approach

Univariate and multivariate analyses of European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) (2015) and Eurostat data.

Findings

The analyses yielded Disempowerment, intended as lack of job autonomy and money-induced Vulnerability as the dimensions of WP. Disempowerment was found positively influenced by workers' threat of losing the job and negatively by the enjoyment from being their own boss. Vulnerability was negatively influenced by workers' age, perceived easiness to find new customers, household's financial well-being as well as the country's employment rate.

Originality/value

The study represents pioneer exploration of the phenomenon's dimensionality and main determinants.
Neurodivergent participatory action research for Virtual Reality (VR)
Authors: Millington Elliot , Hayashibara Emma , Arthur Tom , Husselman Tammy-Ann , Savickaite Sarune , Taylor Rebecca
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to raise awareness of and argue for the use of participatory methods for the research and development of Virtual Reality (VR) applications designed for neurodivergent groups. This includes exploring why it is important to meaningfully include neurodivergent groups and the benefits their inclusion provide.

Design/methodology/approach

VR is becoming increasingly widespread as a consumer product and interventional tool. It is vital for researchers and developers to embrace best practices in these early stages of using the technology, making certain that neurodivergent people have the best possible outcomes.

Findings

The neurodivergent community is dissatisfied with many of the research directions currently being undertaken. This dissatisfaction arises from conflicting priorities between different stakeholders and the lack of input from the community. Participatory research brings neurodivergent people into the research process, whether as members of the research team or as consultants at key steps. Effective participatory research ensures that the priorities of the neurodivergent community are better incorporated in research, as well as enabling the development of more effective applications for VR.

Originality/value

Participatory methods are unutilised in the development of applications aimed for neurodivergent people. By describing their use and utility in other areas, this article aims to encourage other VR researchers to take neurodivergent people on board.
Applications of virtual reality (VR) in autism research: current trends and taxonomy of definitions
Authors: Savickaite Sarune , Husselman Tammy-Ann , Taylor Rebecca , Millington Elliot , Hayashibara Emma , Arthur Tom
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Recent work could further improve the use of VR technology by advocating the use of psychological theories in task design and highlighting certain properties of VR configurations and human – VR interactions. The variety of VR technology used in the trials prevents us from establishing a systematic relationship between the technology type and its effectiveness. As such, more research is needed to study this link, and our piece is an attempt to shed a spotlight on the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore recent developments in the field, the authors followed the procedures of scoping review by Savickaite et al. (2022) and included publications from 2021 to 2022.

Findings

In this updated analysis, it was clear that the research themes emerging over the last two years were similar to those identified previously. Social training and intervention work still dominates the research area, in spite of recent calls from the autism community to broaden the scientific understanding of neurodivergent experiences and daily living behaviours. Although, autism is often characterised by difficulties with social interactions, it is just one part of the presentation. Sensory differences, motor difficulties and repetitive behaviours are also important facets of the condition, as well as various wider aspects of health, wellbeing and quality of life. However, many of these topics appear to be understudied in research on VR applications for autism.

Originality/value

VR stands out from other representational technologies because of its immersion, presence and interactivity and has grown into its own niche. The question of what constitutes a truly immersive experience has resurfaced. We can no longer deny that VR has established itself in autism research. As the number of studies continues to grow, it is a perfect time to reconsider and update our notion of definitions of immersion and its reliance on hardware.
A reexamination of the code of silence and disciplinary fairness in South Korea over 11 years
Authors: Kang Wook , Kutnjak Ivkovich Sanja , Jung Jeyong
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the code of silence in Korean policing and its relationship to perceptions of disciplinary fairness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors separately surveyed 370 Korean police officers in 2008 and 356 Korean police officers in 2019. The respondents were asked to evaluate seven hypothetical scenarios measuring different types of police misconduct from police corruption to the use of excessive force.

Findings

The results demonstrated that the strength of the code of silence decreased over a decade. The code of silence seems to protect less serious examples of police misconduct more strongly than more serious examples of police misconduct. Furthermore, the extent of the code of silence and perceptions of discipline severity are closely related in situations in which the expected discipline is evaluated by officers as too harsh. When police officers evaluated the expected discipline as fair, they were less likely to adhere to the code of silence than when they evaluated the expected discipline as too harsh, providing support for the simple justice model. On the other hand, the results are mixed for comparisons of the code of silence among respondents who evaluated discipline as fair and those who evaluated discipline as too lenient.

Originality/value

This is one of few studies focusing on the potential changes in the code of silence over time and on its relationship with the perception of disciplinary fairness. South Korea has conducted a reform of the police (the Grand Reform) in the late 1990s and more recently enacted the new laws regulating police misconduct. This study relies on two independent surveys of the same population of police officersto empirically assesses potential changes resulting from these societal and organizational transformations.
Remote sensing from unoccupied aerial systems: Opportunities to enhance Arctic plant ecology in a changing climate
Authors: Yang Dedi , Morrison Bailey D. , Davidson Kenneth J. , Lamour Julien , Li Qianyu , Nelson Peter R. , Hantson Wouter , Hayes Daniel J. , Swetnam Tyson L. , McMahon Andrew , Anderson Jeremiah , Ely Kim S. , Rogers Alistair , Serbin Shawn P.
Published: July 2022

The Arctic is warming at a faster rate than any other biome on Earth, resulting in widespread changes in vegetation composition, structure and function that have important feedbacks to the global climate system. The heterogeneous nature of arctic landscapes creates challenges for monitoring and improving understanding of these ecosystems, as current efforts typically rely on ground, airborne or satellite‐based observations that are limited in space, time or pixel resolution.

The use of remote sensing instruments on small unoccupied aerial systems (UASs) has emerged as an important tool to bridge the gap between detailed, but spatially limited ground‐level measurements, and lower resolution, but spatially extensive high‐altitude airborne and satellite observations. UASs allow researchers to view, describe and quantify vegetation dynamics at fine spatial scales (1–10 cm) over areas much larger than typical field plots. UASs can be deployed with a high degree of temporal flexibility, enabling observation across diurnal, seasonal and annual time‐scales.

Here we review how established and emerging UAS remote sensing technologies can enhance arctic plant ecological research by quantifying fine‐scale vegetation patterns and processes, and by enhancing the ability to link ground‐based measurements with broader‐scale information obtained from airborne and satellite platforms.

Synthesis. Improved ecological understanding and model representation of arctic vegetation is needed to forecast the fate of the Arctic in a rapidly changing climate. Observations from UASs provide an approach to address this need, however, the use of this technology in the Arctic currently remains limited. Here we share recommendations to better enable and encourage the use of UASs to improve the description, scaling and model representation of arctic vegetation.
Aberrant messenger RNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with gouty arthritis
Authors: Shen Jiayan , Xie Zhaohu , Liu Yi , Zhao Ting , Li Zhenming , Ren Yifei , Xi Yujiang , Xiao Niqing , Yang Xiaoli , Shao Shuiyan , Qin Dongdong , Peng Jiangyun , Li Zhaofu
Published: July 2022

Aim

Gouty arthritis (GA) is a type of self‐limiting inflammatory arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate (MSU). This study aimed to analyze the expression variation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in GA patients and investigated the role of mRNAs in GA pathogenesis.

Methods

Five patients with acute GA (AGA), 5 with non‐acute GA (NAGA), and 5 healthy controls (HC) were recruited to examine differential mRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and explore whether mRNA is involved in the pathogenesis of AGA. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were used to study the biological functions of differentially expressed mRNA and the relationship between genes and signal pathways.

Results

Compared with HC, the AGA group had 1456 differentially expressed mRNAs, while the NAGA group had 437 differentially expressed mRNAs and compared with the NAGA group, 115 differentially expressed mRNAs were found in the AGA group. GO analysis showed that the differentially expressed mRNA in the AGA group was mainly enriched in processes related to leukocyte activation and immune response, while KEGG analysis showed that “Staphylococcus aureus infection” and “Cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction” are enriched in the up‐regulated mRNAs in the AGA group.

Conclusion

This study identified genes and pathways that are differentially expressed during the onset of AGA, which might reveal part of the pathogenesis of the disease and provide clues to explaining the severe pain associated with disease onset and the rapid development of inflammatory response that subsides by itself.
Sex differences in the characteristics and survival of patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer: A retrospective analytical study based on real‐world clinical data of the Korean population
Authors: Jeon Da Som , Kim Jin Woo , Kim Seul Gi , Kim Hyeong Ryul , Song Si Yeol , Lee Jae Cheol , Ji Wonjun , Choi Chang‐Min , Kim Ho Cheol ,   Korean Association for Lung Cancer, South Korea Central Cancer Registry
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the differences in characteristics, clinical stages, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on sex differences using Korean nationwide registry data.

Methods

We analyzed the data of 8650 patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 2014 and 2017, obtained from the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry (KALC‐R). The Cox proportional hazard model was used to define the differences in survival based on sex. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences between men and women.

Results

Of a total of 10 943 patients, 8650 (79.1%) were diagnosed with NSCLC, of whom 68.7% were men and 31.3% were women. For NSCLC, the median age was higher (69.0 vs. 67.0, p < 0.001) and the proportion of ever‐smokers (84.5% vs. 10.8%, p < 0.001) was higher in men. Adenocarcinoma (55.5% vs. 90.4%, p < 0.001) and stage I NSCLC (26.3% vs. 41.3%, p < 0.001) were more common in women. Survival was significantly lower in men with NSCLC (hazard ratio [HR] 1.493 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.238–1.800], p < 0.001) even after adjusting for meaningful clinical variables, and in the matched cohort (HR 1.339 [1.075–1.667], p = 0.009). Similarly, survival was significantly lower in men with stage IV adenocarcinoma after adjusting for other clinical variables (HR 1.493 [1.238–1.800], p < 0.001) and in the matched cohort (HR 1.339 [1.075–1.667]; p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Male patients with NSCLC had poorer prognosis, not only after variable adjustments for prognostic factors, but also in the matched cohort.
p300 arrests intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating the FOXO3/Sirt1/Wnt/β‐catenin axis
Authors: Hao Yingjie , Ren Zhinan , Yu Lei , Zhu Guangduo , Zhang Panke , Zhu Jian , Cao Shuyan
Published: July 2022

The transcription factor p300 is reportedly involved in age‐associated human diseases, including intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). In this study, we investigate the potential role and pathophysiological mechanism of p300 in IDD. Clinical tissue samples were collected from patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), in which the expression of p300, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) was determined. Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) isolated from clinical degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues were introduced with oe‐p300, oe‐FOXO3, Wnt/β‐catenin agonist 1, C646 (p300/CBP inhibitor), or si‐p300 to explore the functional role of p300 in IDD and to characterize the relationship between p300 and the FOXO3/Sirt1/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Also, we established a rat IDD model by inducing needle puncture injuries in the caudal IVDs for further verification of p300 functional role. We found that p300 was downregulated in the clinical tissues and NPCs of IDD. Overexpression of p300 promoted the proliferation and autophagy of NPCs while inhibiting cell apoptosis, which was associated with FOXO3 upregulation. p300 could increase the expression of FOXO3 by binding to the Sirt1 promoter, and thus, contributed to inactivation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. In vivo results further displayed that p300 slowed down the progression of IDD by disrupting the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway through the FOXO3/Sirt1 axis. Taken together, we suggest that p300 can act to suppress IDD via a FOXO3‐dependent mechanism, highlighting a potential novel target for treatment of IDD.
Uptake of outpatient hysteroscopy in Australia using Medical Benefits Scheme data: Have we fallen behind?
Authors: Hofmann Lauren , Readman Emma , Kapurubandara Supuni
Published: July 2022

Background

Hysteroscopy is a safe procedure which allows both diagnosis and management of cervical and endometrial pathology. Improving Australian women's access to outpatient hysteroscopy would improve cost efficiency and allow women a quicker recovery, negating the need for a general anaesthetic. Increasing the Medicare renumeration for outpatient hysteroscopy could incentivise provision of outpatient hysteroscopy.

Aim

We sought to review the trend and current uptake of outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy in Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS)‐funded clinics within Australia.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of Australian MBS data from 1 January 1993 to 31 December 2020.

Results

Over the past 27 years, 1 319 909 hysteroscopies have been claimed from Medicare in Australia, with 39 958 (3.1%) claimed as an outpatient diagnostic procedure. Australian outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy MBS item number use peaked in 1994 (5871 cases) representing 18.2% of all hysteroscopies claimed through the MBS that year. Uptake of the outpatient hysteroscopy item number rapidly declined after 1994 and in 2010, it represented 0.8% of all hysteroscopies claimed (426 of 49 618) and has remained below <0.5% from 2010 to 2020.

Conclusions

The lower Medicare rebate and lack of recognition of the importance of outpatient hysteroscopy has likely been a driving factor in continuing inpatient hysteroscopy. Incentivised government funding has been successfully utilised in the UK to improve outpatient hysteroscopy access. This MBS data suggests that Australia has not progressed in outpatient hysteroscopy access and support a change in the current funding model to assist in supporting the uptake of outpatient access.
Open abdomen: is a dedicated emergency surgery team needed? A single center retrospective study on 141 consecutive patients
Authors: Marrano Enrico , Bunino Francesca , Del Zotto Giulio , Ceolin Martina , Mei Simona , Brocchi Andrea , Kurihara Hayato
Published: July 2022

Background

Open Abdomen (OA) is widely used when facing a catastrophic abdomen. Still, no indication is validated by a strong and high quality of evidence. The study reports the 5 year experience of a dedicated emergency general surgery (EGS) team.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study. Patients undergoing OA management from 2/01/2015 to 19/07/2020 for trauma, non‐traumatic emergencies or rescue surgery.

Results

One hundred and forty‐one patients. Age 66.9 ± 15.1. Male 58.2%.9.3% OA for trauma, 64.5% for non‐traumatic emergencies and 26.2% for rescue surgery. 40.4% performed by the EGS team 52.4% indication for surgery was a severe intra‐abdominal infection. TAC device: commercial negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) (83%), Sandwich VAC (12%), commercial NPWT with polypropylene mesh (5%) for pregressive fascial traction. Enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) in 3 patients. OA duration 5.3 days (1–25). A 1.8 revision surgeries (0–12) required for definitive closure; ICU stay 9.9 days (0–78). 30‐day mortality 23.5%. Overall and 1‐year mortality were 47.5% and 43.3%. Overall survival 9.9 months. An increased one‐year mortality rate was found in the >65 group (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

We reported a wide use of OA in septic abdomen (90% of cases). We had a low rate of EAF, short ICU stay and OA duration. These results are related to the fact that patients were treated by a dedicated EGS team, suggesting that OA management should be cared for as much as possible by trained and experienced surgeons. Prospective studies with more accurate patient selection are needed to prove our conclusions.
Control, anxiety and test performance: Self‐reported and physiological indicators of anxiety as mediators
Authors: Roos Anna‐Lena , Goetz Thomas , Krannich Maike , Donker Monika , Bieleke Maik , Caltabiano Anna , Mainhard Tim
Published: July 2022

Background

This study investigated the role of different test anxiety components (affective, cognitive, motivational and physiological) as mediators between control and performance as proposed by Pekrun's control‐value theory (CVT). While all components were assessed via self‐report, the physiological component was additionally assessed via electrodermal activity (EDA).

Aims

We examined the relative impact of the self‐reported anxiety components and EDA in this mediating mechanism to identify the most relevant assessment(s) (i.e., self‐reported anxiety components and/or EDA) for predicting test performance.

Sample

The study comprised 50 eighth graders.

Methods

Data were collected during a mathematics test comprising six task blocks. State self‐reports of control and anxiety components along with test performance and other test emotions were collected block‐wise (i.e., repeated assessments within students). EDA was continuously recorded.

Results

Consistent with CVT, intra‐individual mediation analysis with multiple mediators revealed that higher control predicted lower anxiety (i.e., all self‐reported components). Unexpectedly, higher control was associated with increased EDA. Follow‐up analyses taking other test emotions into account suggested this might reflect positive activation. Correlations between EDA and control and self‐reported anxiety components differed depending on which test emotion was dominant in each situation. Regarding test performance, only the cognitive component was a significant mediator and thus seems to play a pivotal role in the relationship between control and performance.

Conclusions

Distinguishing between anxiety components and including unbiased physiological measures improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind the relationship between test anxiety and performance. Higher physiological arousal may be a sign of anxiety but can also be a sign of positive activation. When aiming to reduce negative effects of anxiety on performance, targeting the cognitive component seems crucial. Implications of these findings for educational and psychological practice are discussed.
The role of the workplace in ethnic wage differentials
Authors: Forth John , Theodoropoulos Nikolaos , Bryson Alex
Published: July 2022

Using linked employer–employee data for Britain, we examine ethnic wage differentials among full‐time employees. We find substantial ethnic segregation across workplaces. However, this inter‐workplace segregation does not contribute to the aggregate wage penalty in Britain. Instead, most of the ethnic wage gap exists within the workplace, between observationally‐equivalent co‐workers. Lower pay satisfaction and higher levels of skill mismatch among ethnic minority workers are consistent with discrimination in wage‐setting on the part of employers. The presence of recognized trade unions and the use of job evaluation schemes within the workplace are associated with a smaller ethnic wage gap. These findings indicate that more attention should be placed on ensuring fairness in wage determination.
Before/after Bayes: A comparison of frequentist and Bayesian mixed‐effects models in applied psychological research
Authors: Flores Ronald D. , Sanders Christopher A. , Duan Sean X. , Bishop‐Chrzanowski Brittney M. , Oyler Danielle L. , Shim Hyejin , Clocksin Hayley E. , Miller Alex P. , Merkle Edgar C.
Published: July 2022

Bayesian methods are becoming increasingly used in applied psychological research. Previous researchers have thoroughly written about much of the details already, including the philosophy underlying Bayesian methods, computational issues associated with Bayesian model estimation, Bayesian model development and summary, and the role of Bayesian methods in the so‐called replication crisis. In this paper, we seek to provide case studies comparing the use of frequentist methods to the use of Bayesian methods in applied psychological research. These case studies are intended to ‘illustrate by example’ the ways that Bayesian modelling differs from frequentist modelling and the differing conclusions that one may arrive at using the two methods. The intended audience is applied psychological researchers who have been trained in the traditional frequentist framework, who are familiar with mixed‐effects models and who are curious about how statistical results might look in a Bayesian context. Along with our case studies, we provide general opinions and guidance on the use of Bayesian methods in applied psychological research.
Cost−utility analysis of shockwave lithotripsy vs ureteroscopic stone treatment in adults
Authors: Kilonzo Mary M. , Dasgupta Ranan , Thomas Ruth , Aucott Lorna , MacLennan Sara , Lam Thomas Boon L. , Anson Ken , Cameron Sarah , Starr Kath , Burgess Neil , Keeley Francis Xavier , Clark Charles T. , N'Dow James , MacLennan Graeme , McClinton Sam
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To assess the cost‐effectiveness, resource use implications, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and cost per QALY of care pathways starting with either extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) or with ureteroscopic retrieval (ureteroscopy [URS]) for the management of ureteric stones.

Patients and Methods

Data on quality of life and resource use for 613 patients, collected prospectively in the Therapeutic Interventions for Stones of the Ureter (TISU) randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN 92289221), were used to assess the cost‐effectiveness of two care pathways, SWL and URS. A health provider (UK National Health Service) perspective was adopted to estimate the costs of the interventions and subsequent resource use. Quality‐of‐life data were calculated using a generic instrument, the EuroQol EQ‐5D‐3L. Results are expressed as incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios and cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves.

Results

The mean QALY difference (SWL vs URS) was −0.021 (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.033 to −0.010) and the mean cost difference was −£809 (95% CI −£1061 to −£551). The QALY difference translated into approximately 10 more healthy days over the 6‐month period for the patients on the URS care pathway. The probabaility that SWL is cost‐effective is 79% at a society's willingness to pay (WTP) threshold for 1 QALY of £30,000 and 98% at a WTP threshold of £20,000.

Conclusion

The SWL pathway results in lower QALYs than URS but costs less. The incremental cost per QALY is £39 118 cost saving per QALY lost, with a 79% probability that SWL would be considered cost‐effective at a WTP threshold for 1 QALY of £30 000 and 98% at a WTP threshold of £20 000. Decision‐makers need to determine if costs saved justify the loss in QALYs.
Adenovirus receptors on antigen‐presenting cells of the skin
Authors: Gerber‐Tichet Dienst Elina , Kremer Eric J.
Published: July 2022

Skin, the largest human organ, is part of the first line of physical and immunological defense against many pathogens. Understanding how skin antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) respond to viruses or virus‐based vaccines is crucial to develop antiviral pharmaceutics, and efficient and safe vaccines. Here, we discuss the way resident and recruited skin APCs engage adenoviruses and the impact on innate immune responses.