bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Exposure and New Political Cleavages: Media Use and Ideological Reinforcement Over Time
Authors: Shehata Adam , Ekström Mats , Tryggvason Per Oleskog
Published: July 2022

New political cleavages are reshaping the political landscape in established democracies. The classic left-right ideological dimension that has structured politics for decades is increasingly challenged by a sociocultural value dimension. At the same time, growing opportunities for media choice open for new forms of selective news exposure along political lines. We argue that previous research has too narrowly focused on traditional ideological cleavages, neglecting the increasingly important sociocultural value dimension of politics. Using four waves of panel survey data collected in Sweden during 2020 and 2021, this study analyses ideological selective exposure, audience composition, and reinforcing spirals across a range of mainstream and alternative news outlets. Findings show (1) that the sociocultural value dimension is more important than the socioeconomic dimension for explaining news choices, (2) that it structures news audiences in uniquely distinct ways, and (3) that these relationships are highly stable over time—reflecting patterns of de facto selective exposure and ideological maintenance, rather than reinforcement. These findings bring new insights to research on selective news exposure, political polarization, and changing ideological cleavages in Western democracies.
Osimertinib 80 mg EOD? Does this work?
Authors: Yik Yeong Y , A/L Alaga Arvindran , Hin How S
Published: July 2022

Osimertinib is a third-generation thyroxine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Osimertinib is used as a second line treatment for patients who develop EGFR T790 M resistance mutation rather than first line due to financial constraints. We present a case of a 60-year-old Chinese gentleman who diagnosed as stage 4 adenocarcinoma with EGFR Exon 19 deletion. His disease progressed after a year of treatment with afatinib. His plasma T790 M was negative and due to delay in tissue biopsy, he was empirically started on osimertinib. However, in view of financial concerns, he opted a dose reduction of 80 mg every alternate day rather than the conventional dose of 80 mg daily. Serial CT Thorax showed partial response based on RECIST 1.1 criteria and he has 9 months of progression free survival. This case report shows that Osimertinib in reduced dose may achieve good partial response and progression free survival in patients.
Examining the effect of dynamic geometry software on supporting geometric habits of mind: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Bülbül Buket Özüm , Güler Mustafa
Published: July 2022

Geometric habits of mind (GHoM) are the approaches that individuals use to solve geometry problems. This study aimed to determine the effect of dynamic geometry software (DGS) in activating the GHoM of pre-service mathematics teachers. The study was conducted with six teacher candidates who were enrolled in a semester-long course titled "Computer Assisted Mathematics Teaching" that entailed a focus on GHoM. In order to identify the impact of the DGS on their GHoM, clinical interviews were conducted with the participants before and after the course wherein they were asked questions relating to each habit. The preliminary interviews showed that, prior to the intervention, the pre-service teachers primarily used the software in the context of the habits of exploration and reflection and visualizing geometric shapes to find the solution of a given problem. On the other hand, the post-intervention interviews revealed that the DGS supported the habits of investigating invariants, reasoning with relationships and considering specific cases and generalizing geometric ideas. This paper discusses how the DGS supported each habit.
An update on computational anthropomorphic anatomical models
Authors: Akhavanallaf Azadeh , Fayad Hadi , Salimi Yazdan , Aly Antar , Kharita Hassan , Al Naemi Huda , Zaidi Habib
Published: July 2022

The prevalent availability of high-performance computing coupled with validated computerized simulation platforms as open-source packages have motivated progress in the development of realistic anthropomorphic computational models of the human anatomy. The main application of these advanced tools focused on imaging physics and computational internal/external radiation dosimetry research. This paper provides an updated review of state-of-the-art developments and recent advances in the design of sophisticated computational models of the human anatomy with a particular focus on their use in radiation dosimetry calculations. The consolidation of flexible and realistic computational models with biological data and accurate radiation transport modeling tools enables the capability to produce dosimetric data reflecting actual setup in clinical setting. These simulation methodologies and results are helpful resources for the medical physics and medical imaging communities and are expected to impact the fields of medical imaging and dosimetry calculations profoundly.
A Dangerous Curve: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Brace Treatment in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Pereira Duarte Matias , Joncas Julie , Parent Stefan , Duval Mylène , Chémaly Olivier , Brassard Félix , Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc , Barchi Soraya , Labelle Hubert
Published: July 2022

Study Design

Observational Cohort study.

Objectives

We aim to document the abandon and irregular compliance rate towards brace treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on AIS progression.

Methods

We reviewed a database of AIS patients recruited between March and September 2020. We included AIS patients under brace treatment according to SRS criteria. The patients were divided in 2 cohorts: those with self-reported Good-Compliance (GC) to treatment and those who had a Bad-Compliance (BC). Data analysis included biometric and radiographic data at first visit and last follow-up and percentage of progression. Unpaired student-t tests and Chi2 were used for comparison.

Results

152 patients met inclusion criteria. 89 patients (age:12.1y.o.±1.4) reported good adherence to treatment, while 63 patients (age:12.7y.o.±1.8) were not compliant. Within the BC group, 18 patients reported irregular brace wear, while 45 had completely abandoned treatment (abandon rate of 29%). The GC cohort started treatment with a mean main thoracic (MT) curve of 26° and finished with 27°. The mean difference between measurements was +.65°±7.5; mean progression rate was -4.6%. However, the BC cohort started with a mean MT curve of 27° and finished with 32°, with a mean increase of +5°±8 and a mean progression rate of -13%. The differences between the 2 cohorts were statistically significant ( P = .0002). Six patients from the BC group progressed and were offered surgery.

Conclusion

The abandon rate of brace treatment in AIS significantly increased during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Patients who voluntarily discontinued treatment had significant increases in curve progression and surgical indication rates.

Level of evidence

III
Exploring Systemic Risk Measurement Issues in Shadow Banks: A Case of an Emerging Economy
Authors: Bhattacharjee Nandita , Pati Ambika Prasad
Published: July 2022

The development of shadow banks, their exaggerated growth rate and the activities outside the regulatory purview gained prominence. Their activities have the ability to disrupt financial stability. India is one of the countries that has registered the highest growth rate. Therefore, the article attempts to identify the SBs that can threaten the economy by applying market-based measures, applying both traditional and modern approaches. The analysis is based on 11 years of the daily stock return of the companies listed on the National Stock Exchange. The risk emitters in the study period are identified along with the directionality of the risk that can lead to a spill over effect in an economy. Also, the various measurement approaches applied in the study are compared and found that conventional measures underestimate the risk that adds up to the leverage and can pose a greater risk in times of the systemic event. These findings have better implications as informed decisions can be taken by the investors, and the regulators can take preventive steps to curb financial instability.

JEL Classification: G230, F650, G01
Internal factors affecting the mother’s psychological capital in exclusive breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nisa’ Fauziyatun , Damayanti Nyoman Anita , Suhariadi Fendy , Herisanty Wesiana , Afiyah Raden Khairiyatul
Published: July 2022

Background:

During the pandemic, in terms of breastfeeding, most mothers experience anxiety and discomfort. The impact of this condition will decrease the production of breast milk. The purpose of this study was to determine the internal factors that affect the psychological capital of mothers when breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Petiken Village, Gresik.

Design and methods:

This study was an analytical study with a cross-sectional approach. The population of this study was all breastfeeding mothers who had babies aged 6–12 months. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling involving 102 respondents. The independent variables were motivation, perception, and attitude. The dependent variable was psychological capital. Data were collected from June to July 2021. The data analysis was conducted using the logistic regression test to determine the variable with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results:

The results of the multivariate analysis showed that the motivation variable was p = 0.036. Motivation had effect on psychological capital. While the perception variable was p = 0.056 ( p > 0.05), the perception had no effect on psychological capital. The attitude variable p = 0.055 ( p > 0.05), the attitude had no effect on psychological capital. The factor that affects the mother’s psychological capital in relation to exclusive breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic was motivation.

Conclusion:

It is expected that mothers have a high motivation which can affect the mother’s psychological capital. It is needed to increase and succeed at providing exclusive breastfeeding.
The Resonance of Repression: Moral Intuitions, Skepticism toward Racial Injustice, and Public Support for Trump’s “Law and Order” Response to the 2020 Racial Justice Protests
Authors: Goff Kerby , Silver Eric , Iceland John
Published: July 2022

The limited research on support for state repression of protests points to protest violence, ideological opposition, and racial/ethnic resentment, but few have examined how moral intuitions influence support for repression and racialized opposition to protest claims. The authors use a national survey of 1,030 respondents, fielded in June 2020 at the height of the post-Floyd Black Lives Matter protests, to investigate the moral motivations for supporting Trump’s “law and order” response. Drawing on moral foundations theory, the authors hypothesize that individualizing moral intuitions that prioritize care and protection of the vulnerable (a social justice orientation) influences opposition to Trump, whereas binding moral intuitions that prioritize social stability (a social order orientation) influence support for “law and order.” The authors find strong support for these hypotheses, and skepticism toward racial injustice claims mediates much of these effects. This research thus expands the limited literature on public support for protest repression by illuminating the moral dimension.
The configuration of the variant characters of the vowers’ names in the Houma Covenant
Authors: Kang Youn Ok
Published: July 2022

Variability and complexity are the most significant features of the characters between the Spring and Autumn and Warring States eras. A large number of polymorphous materials and the configuration details of Spring and Autumn characters had emerged by the time of the excavation of the Houma Covenant. These data make us realize that the heteromorphic characters also exist in the same area of a country, and also let us know that some glyphs can help us to periodize the date of the characters. The configuration and style of names in the Spring and Autumn Period, the phenomenon of polymorphic characters in the Houma Covenant, and the characteristics of the chronological structure of the characters of the names of vowers in the Houma Covenant are the centerpiece of this paper based on 10 vowers’ names.
Multi-species, ecological and climate change temporalities: Opening a dialogue with phenology
Authors: Bastian Michelle , Bayliss Hawitt Rowan
Published: July 2022

Many scholars have argued that climate change is, in part, a problem of time, with ecological, political and social systems thought to be out of sync or mistimed. Discussions of time and environment are often interdisciplinary, necessitating a wide-ranging use of methods and approaches. However, to date there has been practically no direct engagement with the scientific field of phenology, the study of life-cycle timing across species, including plants, animals and insects. In this article, we outline how phenology can offer novel inroads to thinking through temporal relations across species and environments. We suggest that greater engagement with this field will enable scholars working across the humanities and social sciences to incorporate detailed studies of environmental timings which shed light on individual species, as well as wide-ranging species interactions. Following an overview of phenological research from both western scientific and indigenous knowledge perspectives, we report on a scoping exercise looking at where phenology has appeared in environmental humanities literature to date. We then offer an illustration that puts phenological perspectives into conversation with plant studies in order to indicate some of the useful affordances phenological perspectives offer, namely those of comprehending time as co-constructed across species and as flexible and responsive to environmental changes. We conclude by offering a number of further potential connections and suggestions for future research, including calling for more exploration of how environmental humanities approaches might produce critical contributions to phenology in their turn.
Optimized data-independent acquisition approach for proteomic analysis at single-cell level
Authors: Wang Yuefan , Lih Tung-Shing Mamie , Chen Lijun , Xu Yuanwei , Kuczler Morgan D. , Cao Liwei , Pienta Kenneth J. , Amend Sarah R. , Zhang Hui
Published: July 2022

Background

Single-cell proteomic analysis provides valuable insights into cellular heterogeneity allowing the characterization of the cellular microenvironment which is difficult to accomplish in bulk proteomic analysis. Currently, single-cell proteomic studies utilize data-dependent acquisition (DDA) mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with a TMT labelled carrier channel. Due to the extremely imbalanced MS signals among the carrier channel and other TMT reporter ions, the quantification is compromised. Thus, data-independent acquisition (DIA)-MS should be considered as an alternative approach towards single-cell proteomic study since it generates reproducible quantitative data. However, there are limited reports on the optimal workflow for DIA-MS-based single-cell analysis.

Methods

We report an optimized DIA workflow for single-cell proteomics using Orbitrap Lumos Tribrid instrument. We utilized a breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and induced drug resistant polyaneuploid cancer cells (PACCs) to evaluate our established workflow.

Results

We found that a short LC gradient was preferable for peptides extracted from single cell level with less than 2 ng sample amount. The total number of co-searching peptide precursors was also critical for protein and peptide identifications at nano- and sub-nano-gram levels. Post-translationally modified peptides could be identified from a nano-gram level of peptides. Using the optimized workflow, up to 1500 protein groups were identified from a single PACC corresponding to 0.2 ng of peptides. Furthermore, about 200 peptides with phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination were identified from global DIA analysis of 100 cisplatin resistant PACCs (20 ng). Finally, we used this optimized DIA approach to compare the whole proteome of MDA-MB-231 parental cells and induced PACCs at a single-cell level. We found the single-cell level comparison could reflect real protein expression changes and identify the protein copy number.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the optimized DIA pipeline can serve as a reliable quantitative tool for single-cell as well as sub-nano-gram proteomic analysis.
Long-term outcome of renal cell carcinoma in patients with HIV who undergo surgery
Authors: Chen Liang , Wu Menghua , Zheng Xin , Zhang Yu , Zhao Jimao
Published: July 2022

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher risk for cancer compared to the general population. The prevalence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in PLWH has gradually increased in recent years, but relevant data on outcomes after surgery are scarce. We thus evaluated long-term outcomes after surgery in RCC patients with and without HIV.

Methods

This retrospective study included 67 patients with RCC, both HIV positive or negative, who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital between January 2012 and January 2021. Demographic details, clinical data, and cancer status were collected. We set the day of surgery as the baseline. The co-primary end points in this time-to-event analysis were overall survival and progression-free survival. We used a multivariate Cox model to compare the prognosis of PLWH and HIV-negative patients and present Kaplan–Meier curves for the co-primary end points.

Results

Of 261 consecutive patients, 18 patients who forwent treatment before surgery, 133 cases with incomplete data, 16 patients classified as clinical stage IV, 11 PLWH patients did not received antiretroviral therapy and 16 patients with metastasis were excluded from the main analysis. Of the remaining 67 patients, 33 individuals had HIV and the other 34 did not. The median overall survival was 74.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 64.6 to 85.2) in PLWH and 96.4 months (95% CI = 90.0 to 102.9) in the HIV-negative group. Progression-free survival was 66.4 months (95% CI = 53.5 to 79.3) and 90.6 months (95% CI = 81.1 to 100.1), respectively. RCC patients with HIV who underwent surgery had a shorter survival time (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.1 to 7.0, p = 0.016) and an increased incidence of tumor progression (HR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1 to 6.8, p = 0.028). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that a lower ratio of CD4+ T cells to CD8+ T cells (adjusted odds ratio = 0.092, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.70, p = 0.022) was associated with worse survival among PLWH.

Conclusion

In this retrospective analysis of RCC patients who underwent surgery, PLWH had worse overall survival and shorter progression-free survival compared to HIV-negative cases.
Clinical evaluation of deep learning–based clinical target volume three-channel auto-segmentation algorithm for adaptive radiotherapy in cervical cancer
Authors: Ma Chen-ying , Zhou Ju-ying , Xu Xiao-ting , Qin Song-bing , Han Miao-fei , Cao Xiao-huan , Gao Yao-zong , Xu Lu , Zhou Jing-jie , Zhang Wei , Jia Le-cheng
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Accurate contouring of the clinical target volume (CTV) is a key element of radiotherapy in cervical cancer. We validated a novel deep learning (DL)-based auto-segmentation algorithm for CTVs in cervical cancer called the three-channel adaptive auto-segmentation network (TCAS).

Methods

A total of 107 cases were collected and contoured by senior radiation oncologists (ROs). Each case consisted of the following: (1) contrast-enhanced CT scan for positioning, (2) the related CTV, (3) multiple plain CT scans during treatment and (4) the related CTV. After registration between (1) and (3) for the same patient, the aligned image and CTV were generated. Method 1 is rigid registration, method 2 is deformable registration, and the aligned CTV is seen as the result. Method 3 is rigid registration and TCAS, method 4 is deformable registration and TCAS, and the result is generated by a DL-based method.

Results

From the 107 cases, 15 pairs were selected as the test set. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of method 1 was 0.8155 ± 0.0368; the DSC of method 2 was 0.8277 ± 0.0315; the DSCs of method 3 and 4 were 0.8914 ± 0.0294 and 0.8921 ± 0.0231, respectively. The mean surface distance and Hausdorff distance of methods 3 and 4 were markedly better than those of method 1 and 2.

Conclusions

The TCAS achieved comparable accuracy to the manual delineation performed by senior ROs and was significantly better than direct registration.
A 6-Month clinical practice pilot study of sucroferric oxyhydroxide on nutritional status in patients on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Perez Luis , You Zhiying , Teitelbaum Isaac , Andrews Emily S , Reddin Rachael , Ramirez-Renteria Lorena , Wilson Gabriela , Kendrick Jessica
Published: July 2022

Background

Hyperphosphatemia is common in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Restricting dietary phosphorus often leads to a decrease in protein intake, which may result in hypoalbuminemia. The high pill burden of phosphate binders may also contribute to compromised appetite and dietary intake. Hypoalbuminemia is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in PD patients. The goal of this study was to determine if sucroferric oxyhydroxide improves albumin and self-reported measures of appetite in PD patients.

Methods

We performed a prospective, open-label, 6-month, pilot study of 17 adult PD patients from the Denver Metro Area. Patients had to use automated peritoneal dialysis for ≥ 3 months, have a serum albumin ≤ 3.8 g/dL, and have serum phosphate ≥ 5.5 mg/dL or ≤ 5.5 mg/dL on a binder other than SO. SO was titrated to a goal serum phosphate of < 5.5 mg/dL. The primary outcome was change in serum phosphate, albumin, and phosphorus-attuned albumin (defined as albumin divided by phosphorus) over 6 months.

Results

The mean (SD) age and dialysis vintage was 55 ± 13 years and 3.8 ± 2.7 years, respectively. Participants’ serum phosphate significantly decreased with fewer phosphate binder pills/day after switching to SO. There was no change in serum albumin, appetite, or dietary intake. However, participants had significant improvements in phosphorus-attuned albumin.

Conclusion

The transition to SO improved phosphorus control, phosphorus-attuned albumin, and pill burden. There were no significant changes in self-reported appetite or dietary intake during the study. These findings suggest that PD patients maintained nutritional status with SO therapy.

Trial registration

First registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04046263) on 06/08/2019.
Combination of midostaurin and ATRA exerts dose-dependent dual effects on acute myeloid leukemia cells with wild type FLT3
Authors: Lu Hao , Weng Xiang-qin , Sheng Yan , Wu Jing , Xi Hui-min , Cai Xun
Published: July 2022

Background

Midostaurin combined with chemotherapy is currently used to treat newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-mutations. However, midostaurin acts as an antagonist to some chemotherapeutic agents in leukemia cell lines without FLT3 mutations. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces apoptosis when used in combination with midostaurin in FLT3-mutated AML cells. This combination has been shown to be safe in AML patients. However, the effect of this combination has not been investigated in AML without FLT3 mutations.

Methods

Cell proliferation was assessed by a cell counting assay. Cell death was evaluated by cell viability and Annexin-V assays. Cell differentiation was assessed by CD11b expression profiling and morphological analysis. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we studied the role of caspase3/7, Lyn, Fgr, Hck, RAF, MEK, ERK, AKT, PU.1, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and C/EBPε by Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation assays. Antitumor activity was also confirmed in mouse xenograft models established with AML cells.

Results

In this study, 0.1 − 0.25 μM midostaurin (mido(L)) combined with ATRA induced differentiation while 0.25 − 0.5 μM midostaurin (mido(H)) combined with ATRA triggered apoptosis in some AML cell lines without FLT3-mutations. Midostaurin combined with ATRA (mido-ATRA) also exhibited antitumor activity in mouse xenograft models established with AML cells. Mechanistically, mido(H)-ATRA-induced apoptosis was dependent on caspase-3/7. Mido(L)-ATRA inhibited Akt activation which was associated with decreased activity of Lyn/Fgr/Hck, resulted in dephosphorylation of RAF S259, activated RAF/MEK/ERK, along with upregulating the protein levels of C/EBPβ, C/EBPε and PU.1. A MEK specific inhibitor was observed to suppress mido(L)-ATRA-induced increases in the protein levels of C/EBPs and PU.1 and mido(L)-ATRA-induced differentiation. Furthermore, inhibition of Akt activity promoted mido(L)-ATRA-induced downregulation of RAF S259 phosphorylation and mido(L)-ATRA-induced differentiation. Therefore, Lyn/Fgr/Hck-associated Akt inhibition activated RAF/MEK/ERK and controlled mido(L)-ATRA-induced differentiation by upregulation of C/EBPs and PU.1. Mido(L)-ATRA also promoted assembly of the signalosome, which may facilitate RAF activation.

Conclusions

Midostaurin combined with ATRA exerts antitumor activity against AML with wild-type FLT3 mutations in vitro and in vivo. These findings may provide novel therapeutic strategies for some AML patients without FLT3 mutations and imply a new target of midostaurin.
Supporting and enabling health research in a local authority (SERLA): an exploratory study
Authors: McGee Ciara E. , Barlow-Pay Megan , Vassilev Ivaylo , Baird Janis , Fenge Lee-Ann , Chase Debbie , Parkes Julie
Published: July 2022

Background

The use of research evidence to underpin public health practice and policy decisions in local government is strongly promoted but its implementation has not been straightforward. This study aimed to explore the factors, relationships and processes that contribute towards accessing, using, and generating research evidence that is relevant to local authority public health and social care and shapes its practice.

Methods

Semi-structured individual interviews with elected councillors, officers directly involved with public health and social care and with community members from one urban unitary authority in South England were conducted. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results

Fourteen participants took part in the semi-structured interviews. Local knowledge and evidence are prioritised, and anecdotal evidence is valued. The Director of Public Health was the principal source of information and support. Academics were rarely mentioned as information sources, and their involvement was ad hoc. The use of research evidence varied between individuals and departments, with wider engagement among public health specialists. Key barriers to the use of research evidence included access (not reported among public health professionals), research timeliness, local applicability, competence in finding and interpreting evidence and the role of research evidence within a political context. Public health and adult social care teams are not currently research active or research ready. Major barriers exist due to financial constraints and the socio-political context of local authorities. COVID-19 disrupted siloed ways of working, strengthening and opening potential collaborations within the local authority. This changed perspectives about the value of research but is likely time-limited unless underpinned by sustainable funding.

Conclusion

Creating strategic level roles within local government to work with the Director of Public Health to champion the research agenda and embedding researchers within and across teams would build capacity for local authorities to sustainably co-create, undertake, and use evidence to better inform future actions.
Disability adjusted life years associated with COVID-19 in Denmark in the first year of the pandemic
Authors: Pires Sara M. , Redondo Hernan G. , Espenhain Laura , Jakobsen Lea S. , Legarth Rebecca , Meaidi Marianna , Koch Anders , Tribler Siri , Martin-Bertelsen Tomas , Ethelberg Steen
Published: July 2022

Background

Burden of disease studies measure the public health impact of a disease in a society. The aim of this study was to quantify the direct burden of COVID-19 in the first 12 months of the epidemic in Denmark.

Methods

We collected national surveillance data on positive individuals for SARS-CoV-2 with RT-PCR, hospitalization data, and COVID-19 mortality reported in the period between 26th of February, 2020 to 25th of February, 2021. We calculated disability adjusted life years (DALYs) based on the European Burden of Disease Network consensus COVID-19 model, which considers mild, severe, critical health states, and premature death. We conducted sensitivity analyses for two different death-registration scenarios, within 30 and 60 days after first positive test, respectively.

Results

We estimated that of the 211,823 individuals who tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in the one-year period, 124,163 (59%; 95% uncertainty interval (UI) 112,782–133,857) had at least mild symptoms of disease. The total estimated disease burden was 30,180 DALYs (95% UI 30,126; 30,242), corresponding to 520 DALYs/100,000. The disease burden was higher in the age groups above 70 years of age, particularly in men. Years of life lost (YLL) contributed with more than 99% of total DALYs. The results of the scenario analysis showed that defining COVID-19-related fatalities as deaths registered up to 30 days after the first positive test led to a lower YLL estimate than when using a 60-days window.

Conclusion

COVID-19 led to a substantial public health impact in Denmark in the first full year of the epidemic. Our estimates suggest that it was the the sixth most frequent cause of YLL in Denmark in 2020. This impact will be higher when including the post-acute consequences of COVID-19 and indirect health outcomes.
Delirium in elderly patients with COPD combined with respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Xuecai , Wang Lina , Wang Guihua , Liu Xuefang , Wang Xin , Ma Shuiting , Miao Fengru
Published: July 2022

Background

COPD combined with respiratory failure is very common in intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to evaluate the current status and influencing factors of delirium in elderly COPD patients with undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Methods

Patients with COPD combined with respiratory failure and mechanically ventilated who were admitted to the ICU of our hospital were selected. The characteristics of included patients were assessed. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the characteristics of patients and delirium. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors of delirium in elderly patients with COPD combined with respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Results

A total of 237 COPD combined with respiratory failure patients were included, the incidence of delirium was 21.94%. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that age (r = 0.784), BMI (r = 0.709), hypertension (r = 0.696), APACHE II score (r = 0.801), CPOT (r = 0.513), sedation(r = 0.626) and PaO2 (r = 0.611) were all correlated with the occurrence of delirium (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥ 75y (OR 3.112, 95% CI 2.144–4.602), BMI ≤ 19 kg/m2 (OR 2.742, 95% CI 1.801–3.355), hypertension(OR 1.909, 95% CI 1.415–2.421), APACHE II score ≥ 15 (OR 2.087, 95% CI 1.724–2.615), CPOT ≥ 5 (OR 1.778, 95% CI 1.206–2.641), sedation(OR 3.147, 95% CI 2.714–3.758), PaO2 ≤ 75 mmHg(OR 2.196, 95%CI 1.875–3.088) were the risk factors of delirium in elderly patients with COPD combined with respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Delirium is common in patients with COPD and respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation, and there are many related influencing factors. Medical staff should pay more attention to patients with risk factors and take intervention measures as soon as possible to reduce the incidence of delirium.
The feasibility and efficacy of computer-assisted screw inserting planning in the surgical treatment for severe spinal deformity: a prospective study
Authors: Zhang Yiqi , Hai Yong , Yang Jincai , Yin Peng , Han Chaofan , Liu Jingwei , Zhou Lijin
Published: July 2022

Background

The objective of the study was to explore the feasibility and efficacy of computer-assisted screw inserting planning (CASIP) in the surgical treatment for severe spinal deformity.

Methods

A total of 50 patients participated in this prospective cohort study. 25 patients were allocated into CASIP group and 25 patients were in Non-CASIP group. The demographic data, radiological spinal parameters were documented and analyzed. Each pedicle screw insertion was classified as satisfactory insertion or unsatisfactory insertion based on Gertzbein-Robbins classification. The primary outcome was the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. The secondary outcomes were the rate of puncturing screws, estimated blood loss, surgical time, correction rate and other radiological parameters.

Results

A total of 45 eligible patients completed the study. 20 patients were in CASIP group and 25 patients were in Non- CASIP group. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement in CASIP Group and Non-CASIP Group were (92.0 ± 5.5) % and (82.6 ± 8.3) % (P < 0.05), and the rate of puncturing screws were (0 (0–0)) % and (0 (0-6.25)) % (P < 0.05). The median surgical time were 280.0 (IQR: 260.0–300.0) min and 310 (IQR: 267.5–390.0) min in two group and showed significant statistic difference (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

CASIP has good feasibility and can gain a more accurate and reliable instruments fixation, with which spine surgeons can make a detailed and personalized screw planning preoperatively to achieve satisfying screw placement.
Colposcopy non-attendance following an abnormal cervical cancer screening result: a prospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Liang Linda A. , Zeissig Sylke R. , Schauberger Gunther , Merzweiler Sophie , Radde Kathrin , Fischbeck Sabine , Ikenberg Hans , Blettner Maria , Klug Stefanie J.
Published: July 2022

Background

A considerable proportion of cervical cancer diagnoses in high-income countries are due to lack of timely follow-up of an abnormal screening result. We estimated colposcopy non-attendance, examined the potential factors associated and described non-attendance reasons in a population-based screening study.

Methods

Data from the MARZY prospective cohort study were analysed. Co-test screen-positive women (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse [ASC-US+] or high-risk human papillomavirus [hrHPV] positive) aged 30 to 65 years were referred to colposcopy within two screening rounds (3-year interval). Women were surveyed for sociodemographic, HPV-related and other data, and interviewed for non-attendance reasons. Logistic regression was used to examine potential associations with colposcopy attendance.

Results

At baseline, 2,627 women were screened (screen-positive = 8.7%), and 2,093 again at follow-up (screen-positive = 5.1%; median 2.7 years later). All screen-positives were referred to colposcopy, however 28.9% did not attend despite active recall. Among co-test positives (ASC-US+ and hrHPV) and only hrHPV positives, 19.6% were non-attendees. Half of only ASC-US+ screenees attended colposcopy. Middle age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.55, 95% CI 1.02, 4.96) and hrHPV positive result (aOR = 3.04, 95% CI 1.49, 7.22) were associated with attendance. Non-attendance was associated with having ≥ 3 children (aOR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.10, 0.86). Major reasons for non-attendance were lack of time, barriers such as travel time, need for childcare arrangements and the advice against colposcopy given by the gynaecologist who conducted screening.

Conclusions

Follow-up rates of abnormal screening results needs improvement. A systematic recall system integrating enhanced communication and addressing follow-up barriers may improve screening effectiveness.
Five year cost savings of a multimodal treatment program for child sexual abuse (CSA): a social return on investment study
Authors: Pazderka Hannah , Reeson Matthew , Polzin Wanda , Jin Jonathan , Hnatko Gary , Wei Yifeng , Agyapong Vincent I. O. , Greenshaw Andrew J. , Ohinmaa Arto , Silverstone Peter H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Specialized mental health services for the treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) are generally expensive and labour intensive. They require a trauma-informed approach that may involve multiple services and therapeutic modalities, provided over the course of several months. That said, given the broad-ranging, long term negative sequelae of CSA, an evaluation of the cost-benefit analysis of treatment is clearly justified.

Methods

We performed a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis of data gathered as part of the treatment program at the Be Brave Ranch in Edmonton, Canada to determine the value-for-money of the services provided. We endeavoured to take a conservative, medium-term (5 year) perspective; this is in contrast to short term (1–2 year) effects, which may rapidly dissipate, or long term (15–20 year) effects, which are likely diffuse and difficult to measure. As such, our analysis was based on an average annual intake of 100 children/adolescents (60:40 split) and their families, followed over a five-year timeframe. Financial proxies were assigned to benefits not easily monetized, and six potential domains of cost savings were identified.

Results

Our analyses suggest that each dollar spent in treatment results in an average cost savings of $11.60 (sensitivity analysis suggests range of 9.20–12.80). The largest value-for-money was identified as the domain of crisis prevention, via the avoidance of rare but costly events associated with the long term impacts of CSA. Somewhat surprisingly, savings related to the area of criminal justice were minimal, compared to other social domains analysed. Implications are discussed.

Conclusions

Our results support the cost effectiveness of the investment associated with specialized, evidence-based early interventions for CSA. These approaches alleviate severe, negative outcomes associated with CSA, resulting in both economic savings and social benefits. These findings rest upon a number of assumptions, and generalizability of these results is therefore limited to similar programs located in comparable areas. However, the SROI ratio achieved in this analysis, in excess of $11:1, supports the idea that, while costly, these services more than pay for themselves over time.
The value of referral information and assessment – a cross sectional study of radiographers’ perceptions
Authors: Chilanga Catherine Chilute , Olerud Hilde Merete , Lysdahl Kristin Bakke
Published: July 2022

Background

Radiology professionals are frequently confronted with referrals containing insufficient clinical information, which hinders delivery of safe and quality medical imaging services. There is however lack of knowledge on why and how referral information is important for radiographers in clinical practice. This study explores what purposes referral information is used/ useful for the radiographers, and the benefits of involving them in assessing referrals.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted of radiographers recruited through the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) networks. A questionnaire was developed and distributed consisting of 5-point Likert scale questions on a) use/usefulness of referral information for 12 listed purposes and b) the benefits of radiographers assessing referrals for 8 possible reasons. The questionnaire was validated using a test–retest reliability analysis. Kappa values ≥0.6 were accepted. SPSS software was used for data analysis and chi-square tests to determine associations between using referral information and background variables.

Results

Total respondents were 279 (n = 233 currently in clinical practice and n = 46 in other positions). The participants in clinical practice ranked high all 12 listed purposes for use of referral information, and all except one received ≥60% ‘frequent’/‘very frequent’ responses. Use for patient identification purposes received the highest score (97% ‘frequently’/‘very frequently’ responses), followed by ensuring imaging of the correct body region (79% ‘very frequently’ responses). Radiographers not currently working in clinical practice ranked the ‘usefulness’ of listed items similarly. Significant associations between frequent use of referral information and education level were not observed, and only three items were significantly associated with modality of practice. All items on benefits of radiographers assessing referrals received ≥75% ‘agree’/‘strongly agree’ scores. The items ranked highest were promotes radiographers’ professional responsibility and improves collaboration with radiologists and referring clinicians, with 72 and 67% strongly agreed responses, respectively.

Conclusion

Radiographers use referral information frequently for several purposes. The referral information is needed for justifying and optimising radiological procedures, hence crucial for ensuring patient safety and high-quality services. This further emphasis why radiographers perceive several benefits of being involved in assessing the referral information.
Multi-omic characterization of pediatric ARDS via nasal brushings
Authors: Williams James G. , Joshi Rashika , Haslam David , Yehya Nadir , Jones Rhonda L. , Paranjpe Aditi , Pujato Mario , Roskin Krishna M. , Lahni Patrick M. , Wong Hector R. , Varisco Brian M.
Published: July 2022

Rationale

While nasal brushing transcriptomics can identify disease subtypes in chronic pulmonary diseases, it is unknown whether this is true in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS).

Objectives

Determine whether nasal transcriptomics and methylomics can identify clinically meaningful PARDS subgroups that reflect important pathobiological processes.

Methods

Nasal brushings and serum were collected on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 from control and PARDS subjects from two centers. PARDS duration was the primary endpoint.

Measurements and main results

Twenty-four control and 39 PARDS subjects were enrolled. Two nasal methylation patterns were identified. Compared to Methyl Subgroup 1, Subgroup 2 had hypomethylation of inflammatory genes and was enriched for immunocompromised subjects. Four transcriptomic patterns were identified with temporal patterns indicating injury, repair, and regeneration. Over time, both inflammatory (Subgroup B) and cell injury (Subgroup D) patterns transitioned to repair (Subgroup A) and eventually homeostasis (Subgroup C). When control specimens were included, they were largely Subgroup C. In comparison with 17 serum biomarkers, the nasal transcriptome was more predictive of prolonged PARDS. Subjects with initial Transcriptomic Subgroup B or D assignment had median PARDS duration of 8 days compared to 2 in A or C (p = 0.02). For predicting PARDS duration ≥ 3 days, nasal transcriptomics was more sensitive and serum biomarkers more specific.

Conclusions

PARDS nasal transcriptome may reflect distal lung injury, repair, and regeneration. A combined nasal PCR and serum biomarker assay could be useful for predictive and diagnostic enrichment.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03539783 May 29, 2018.
Regulatory function of DNA methylation mediated lncRNAs in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Nan , Zeng Anqi , Wang Qian , Chen Maohua , Zhu Shaomi , Song Linjiang
Published: July 2022

As one of the most common malignancies worldwide, gastric cancer contributes to cancer death with a high mortality rate partly responsible for its out-of-control progression as well as limited diagnosis. DNA methylation, one of the epigenetic events, plays an essential role in the carcinogenesis of many cancers, including gastric cancer. Long non-coding RNAs have emerged as the significant factors in the cancer progression functioned as the oncogene genes, the suppressor genes and regulators of signaling pathways over the decade. Intriguingly, increasing reports, recently, have claimed that abnormal DNA methylation regulates the expression of lncRNAs as tumor suppressor genes in gastric cancer and lncRNAs as regulators could exert the critical influence on tumor progression through acting on DNA methylation of other cancer-related genes. In this review, we summarized the DNA methylation-associated lncRNAs in gastric cancer which play a large impact on tumor progression, such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis and so on. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanism and signaling pathway might be developed as key points of gastric cancer range from diagnosis to prognosis and treatment in the future.
Two lymphoid cell lines potently silence unintegrated HIV-1 DNAs
Authors: Geis Franziska K. , Kelenis Demetra P. , Goff Stephen P.
Published: July 2022

Mammalian cells mount a variety of defense mechanisms against invading viruses to prevent or reduce infection. One such defense is the transcriptional silencing of incoming viral DNA, including the silencing of unintegrated retroviral DNA in most cells. Here, we report that the lymphoid cell lines K562 and Jurkat cells reveal a dramatically higher efficiency of silencing of viral expression from unintegrated HIV-1 DNAs as compared to HeLa cells. We found K562 cells in particular to exhibit an extreme silencing phenotype. Infection of K562 cells with a non-integrating viral vector encoding a green fluorescent protein reporter resulted in a striking decrease in the number of fluorescence-positive cells and in their mean fluorescence intensity as compared to integration-competent controls, even though the levels of viral DNA in the nucleus were equal or in the case of 2-LTR circles even higher. The silencing in K562 cells was functionally distinctive. Histones loaded on unintegrated HIV-1 DNA in K562 cells revealed high levels of the silencing mark H3K9 trimethylation and low levels of the active mark H3 acetylation, as detected in HeLa cells. But infection of K562 cells resulted in low H3K27 trimethylation levels on unintegrated viral DNA as compared to higher levels in HeLa cells, corresponding to low H3K27 trimethylation levels of silent host globin genes in K562 cells as compared to HeLa cells. Most surprisingly, treatment with the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A, which led to a highly efficient relief of silencing in HeLa cells, only weakly relieved silencing in K562 cells. In summary, we found that the capacity for silencing viral DNAs differs between cell lines in its extent, and likely in its mechanism.