bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimally Distinct? Understanding the motivation and ability of organizations to pursue optimal distinctiveness (or not)
Authors: Durand Rodolphe , Haans Richard F. J.
Published: March 2022

The question of how distinctive organizations should strive to be, compared to peers, has seen a resurgence of attention. A central focus in this stream of work has been on identifying optimal distinctiveness—distinctiveness that yields superior performance relative to peers. The resulting recommendation has been that organizations should strive to pursue such optimal distinctiveness. In this paper, we argue that organizations are neither equally motivated nor equally able to pursue optimal distinctiveness and explore the implications of variation in such motivation and ability. We focus on two questions, centered on (1) better understanding the extent to which organizations pursue optimal distinctiveness, for which we offer possible arguments based on four combinations of motivation and ability, and (2) the conditions that shape organizations’ ability and motivation to optimize their distinctiveness. We then offer a number of methodological suggestions that would support further inquiries into these questions and close by delineating a renewed research agenda for optimal distinctiveness.
Hemogen/BRG1 cooperativity modulates promoter and enhancer activation during erythropoiesis
Authors: Guo Xiang , Zhao Yangu , Kim Juhyun , Dean Ann
Published: March 2022

Hemogen is a hematopoietic tissue–specific gene that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells; however, the mechanism underlying its function in erythropoiesis is unknown. We found that depletion of hemogen in human CD34+ erythroid progenitor cells and HUDEP2 cells significantly reduced the expression of genes associated with heme and hemoglobin synthesis, supporting a positive role for hemogen in erythroid maturation. In human K562 cells, hemogen antagonized the occupancy of corepressors nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase (NuRD) complex and facilitated LDB1 complex–mediated chromatin looping. Hemogen recruited SWI/SNF complex ATPase BRG1 as a coactivator to regulate nucleosome accessibility and H3K27ac enrichment for promoter and enhancer activity. To determine whether hemogen/BRG1 cooperativity is conserved in mammalian systems, we generated hemogen-knockout/knockin mice and investigated hemogen/BRG1 function in murine erythropoiesis. Loss of hemogen in embryonic days 12.5 to 16.5 fetal liver cells impeded erythroid differentiation through reducing the production of mature erythroblasts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing in wild-type and hemogen-knockout animals revealed that BRG1 is largely dependent on hemogen to regulate chromatin accessibility at erythroid gene promoters and enhancers. In summary, the hemogen/BRG1 interaction in mammals is essential for fetal erythroid maturation and hemoglobin production through its active role in promoter and enhancer activity and chromatin organization.
Clinical characterization of familial hypercholesterolemia due to an amish founder mutation in Apolipoprotein B
Authors: Williams Katie B. , Horst Michael , Young Millie , Pascua Christine , Puffenberger Erik G. , Brigatti Karlla W. , Gonzaga-Jauregui Claudia , Shuldiner Alan R. , Gidding Samuel , Strauss Kevin A. , Chowdhury Devyani
Published: March 2022

Background

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) due to a founder variant in Apolipoprotein B (ApoBR3500Q) is reported in 12% of the Pennsylvania Amish community. By studying a cohort of ApoBR3500Q heterozygotes and homozygotes, we aimed to characterize the biochemical and cardiac imaging features in children and young adults with a common genetic background and similar lifestyle.

Methods

We employed advanced lipid profile testing, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and peripheral artery tonometry (PAT) to assess atherosclerosis in a cohort of Amish ApoBR3500Q heterozygotes (n = 13), homozygotes (n = 3), and their unaffected, age-matched siblings (n = 9). ApoBR3500Q homozygotes were not included in statistical comparisons.

Results

LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly elevated among ApoBR3500Q heterozygotes compared to sibling controls, though several ApoBR3500Q heterozygotes had LDL-C levels in the normal range. LDL particles (LDL-P), small, dense LDL particles, and ApoB were also significantly elevated among subjects with ApoBR3500Q. Despite these differences in serum lipids and particles, CIMT and PWV were not significantly different between ApoBR3500Q heterozygotes and controls in age-adjusted analysis.

Conclusions

We provide a detailed description of the serum lipids, atherosclerotic plaque burden, vascular stiffness, and endothelial function among children and young adults with FH due to heterozygous ApoBR3500Q. Fasting LDL-C was lower than what is seen with other forms of FH, and even normal in several ApoBR3500Q heterozygotes, emphasizing the importance of cascade genetic testing among related individuals for diagnosis. We found increased number of LDL particles among ApoBR3500Q heterozygotes but an absence of detectable atherosclerosis.
Construction of immune-related lncRNA signature to predict aggressiveness, immune landscape, and drug resistance of colon cancer
Authors: Xue Yonggan , Ning Bobin , Liu Hongyi , Jia Baoqing
Published: March 2022

Background

Colon cancer remains one of the most common malignancies across the world. Thus far, a biomarker, which can comprehensively predict the survival outcomes, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic sensitivity, is still lacking.

Methods

We leveraged transcriptomic data of colon cancer from the existing datasets and constructed immune-related lncRNA (irlncRNA) pairs. After integrating with clinical survival data, we performed differential analysis and identified 11 irlncRNAs signature using Lasso regression analysis. We next plotted the 1-, 5-, and 10-year curve lines of receiver operating characteristics, calculated the areas under the curve, and recognized the optimal cutoff point. Then, we validated the pair-risk model in terms of the survival outcomes of the patients involved. Moreover, we tested the reliability of the model for predicting tumor aggressiveness and therapeutic susceptibility of colon cancer. Additionally, we reemployed the 11 of irlncRNAs involved in the pair-risk model to construct an expression-risk model to predict the prognostic outcomes of the patients involved.

Results

We recognized a total of 377 differentially expressed irlncRNAs (DEirlcRNAs), including 28 low-expressed and 349 high-expressed irlncRNAs in colon cancer patients. After performing a univariant Cox analysis, we identified 115 risk irlncRNAs that were significantly correlated with survival outcomes of patients involved. By taking the overlap of the DEirlcRNAs and the risk irlncRNAs, we ultimately recognized 55 irlncRNAs as core irlncRNAs. Then, we established a Cox HR model (pair-risk model) as well as an expression HR model (exp-risk model) based on 11 of the 55 core irlncRNAs. We found that both of the two models significantly outperformed the commonly used clinical characteristics, including age, T, N, and M stages when predicting survival outcomes. Moreover, we validated the pair-risk model as a potential tool for studying the tumor microenvironment of colon cancer and drug susceptibility. Additionally, we noticed that combinational use of the pair-risk model and the exp-risk model yielded a more robust approach for predicting the survival outcomes of patients with colon cancer.

Conclusions

We recognized 11 irlncRNAs and created a pair-risk model and an exp-risk model, which have the potential to predict clinical characteristics of colon cancer, either solely or conjointly.
The cognitive profile of Friedreich ataxia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Naeije Gilles , Schulz Jörg B , Corben Louise A
Published: March 2022

Background

Study the cognitive profile of individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) and seek evidence for correlations between clinical, genetic and imaging characteristics and neuropsychological impairments.

Methods

Based on PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis was realized using the Pubmed and Scopus databases to identify studies (1950–2021) reporting neuropsychological test results in genetically confirmed FRDA and control participants in at least one of the following cognitive domains: attention/executive, language, memory and visuo-spatial functions as well as emotion. Studies using identical outcomes in a minimum of two studies were pooled. Pooled effect sizes were calculated with Cohen’s d.

Results

Eighteen studies were included. Individuals with FRDA displayed significantly lower performance than individuals without FRDA in most language, attention, executive function, memory visuospatial function, emotion regulation and social cognitive tasks. Among the included studies, thirteen studies examined the relationship between neuropsychological test results and clinical parameters and reported significant association with disease severity and six studies reviewed the relationship between neuroimaging measures and cognitive performance and mainly reported links between reduced cognitive performance and changes in cerebellar structure.

Conclusions

Individuals with FRDA display significantly lower performances in many cognitive domains compared to control participants. The spectrum of the cognitive profile alterations in FRDA and its correlation with disease severity and cerebellar structural parameters suggest a cerebellar role in the pathophysiology of FRDA cognitive impairments.
Clinical significance of Osaka prognostic score based on nutritional and inflammatory status in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Feng Jifeng , Wang Lifen , Wang Liang , Yang Xun , Lou Guangyuan
Published: March 2022

Background

It has been reported that Osaka prognostic score (OPS), based on C-reactive protein (CRP), total lymphocyte counts (TLC) and albumin (ALB), was relevant to prognosis in colorectal cancer. However, the role of OPS regarding prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not been reported. The current study aimed to explore the clinical outcome of OPS and establish and validate a nomogram for survival prediction in ESCC after radical resection.

Methods

This retrospective study included 395 consecutive ESCC patients with radical resection. Then patients were randomly divided into two cohorts: training cohort (276) and validation cohort (119). The OPS, based on TLC, CRP and ALB, was constructed to verify the prognostic value by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox analyses. A nomogram model for prognosis prediction of cancer-specific survival (CSS) was developed and validated in two cohorts.

Results

Kaplan-Meier curves regarding the 5-year CSS for the groups of OPS 0, 1, 2 and 3 were 55.3, 30.6, 17.3 and 6.7% (P < 0.001) in the training cohort and 52.6, 33.3, 15.8 and 9.1% (P < 0.001) in the validation cohort, respectively. Then the OPS score in multivariate Cox analysis was confirmed to be a useful independent score. Finally, a predictive OPS-based nomogram was developed and validated with a C-index of 0.68 in the training cohort and 0.67 in the validation cohort, respectively. All above results indicated that the OPS-based nomogram can accurately and effectively predict survival in ESCC after radical resection.

Conclusion

The OPS serves as a novel, convenient and effective predictor in ESCC after radical resection. The OPS-based nomogram has potential independent prognostic value, which can accurately and effectively predict individual CSS in ESCC after radical resection.
Oncologist responses to advanced cancer patients’ lived illness experiences and effects: an applied conversation analysis study
Authors: van Meurs Jacqueline , Stommel Wyke , Leget Carlo , van de Geer Joep , Kuip Evelien , Vissers Kris , Engels Yvonne , Wichmann Anne
Published: March 2022

Background

An advanced cancer patient’s life is often disturbed by fear of cancer recurrence, cancer progress, approaching suffering, and fear of dying. Consequently, the role of the medical oncologist is not only to provide best quality anti-cancer treatment, but also to address the impact of disease and treatment on a patient’s life, the lived illness experience. We aimed to gain insights into whether and how medical oncologists working at an outpatient clinic identify and explore lived illness experiences raised by patients with advanced cancer, and how this influences patients’ responses.

Methods

Conversation Analysis was applied to analyse 16 verbatim transcribed audio-recorded consultations.

Results

We identified 37 fragments in which patients expressed a lived experience from 11 of the 16 consultations. We found differing responses from different oncologists. Patients continued talking about their lived experiences if the listener produced a continuer such as humming or tried to capture the experience in their own words. In contrast, a response with optimistic talking or the presentation of medical evidence prevented patients from further unfolding the experience. In consultations in which the lived illness experience was most extensively unfolded, medical oncologists and patients could constantly see each other’s facial expressions.

Conclusions

When a patient with advanced cancer spontaneously introduces a lived illness experience, it helps to identify and explore it when the medical oncologist produces a continuer or tries to capture this experience in their own words.

Our findings can be implemented in training sessions, followed by frequent reinforcement in daily care.
Supply-demand matching of medical services at a city level under the background of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment - based on Didi Chuxing Data in Haikou, China
Authors: Shao Haiyan , Jin Cheng , Xu Jing , Zhong Yexi , Xu Bing
Published: March 2022

Background

Implementation of the Healthy China Strategy and the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system has injected new vitality into medical services. Given the insufficient supply of medical services and increasing demand for medical treatment, exploring the supply-demand pattern of medical services has become an urgent theoretical and practical problem to be solved. The equity of healthcare facilities has received widespread attention, but due to limited data, there is little research on the supply-demand pattern of medical services. This study focuses on evaluating the supply-demand matching pattern of medical services at different levels in Haikou City with big geographic data and promoting the realization of a balance between medical supply and demand.

Methods

This study utilizes spatial data of medical institutions, Didi Chuxing Data, and population density data. Firstly, use the two-step floating catchment area method and GIS spatial analysis to explore characteristics of the supply-demand patterns of medical services at different levels in Haikou. Secondly, we mine residents’ demand for medical treatment based on Didi Chuxing Data. Then combined with population density data, divide supply-demand matching of medical institutions into four types. Finally, propose optimization strategies for the problems.

Results

The accessibility pattern of high-level medical institutions in Haikou presents high in the north and low in the south. The accessibility pattern of low-level medical institutions is the opposite. High-level medical institutions have a strong demand for medical treatment, which is less hampered by distance. The healthcare demand of low-level medical institutions is small, and they mainly are medium- and short-distance medical travel. The types of medical services at different levels are mainly “low supply - low demand” and “high supply - low demand” types.

Conclusions

Medical services at different levels in Haikou are mainly in supply-demand imbalance. Therefore, we put forward optimization strategies to promote the equity of primary medical services, such as propelling the establishment and improvement of the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system, building a new model of medical and health service supply, and strengthening balanced coverage of primary medical institutions. The mining of big geographic data is beneficial to alleviate the mismatch between medical supply and demand, although the data and methods need to be improved.
Molecular identification and functional characterization of IRF4 from common carp (Cyprinus carpio. L) in immune response: a negative regulator in the IFN and NF-κB signalling pathways
Authors: Zhu Yaoyao , Yang Guiwen
Published: March 2022

Background

The interferon (IFN) regulatory factors (IRFs) were originally identified as transcription factors playing critical roles in the regulation of IFN-related genes in the signal pathway. In mammals, IRF4 plays a vital role in both the innate and adaptive immune system. This study aims to reveal the molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis, expression profiles and the regulatory role in the IFN and NF-κB signalling pathways of IRF4 in common carp (Cyprinus carpio. L) (abbreviation, ccIRF4).

Results

Here, ccIRF4 was identified and characterized, it contained a DNA binding domain (DBD) which possess five tryptophans and an IRF-associated domain (IAD). The predicted protein sequence of the ccIRF4 showed higher identities with grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and zebrafish (Danio rerio). Phylogenetic analysis suggested that ccIRF4 has the closest relationship with zebrafish IRF4. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that ccIRF4 was constitutively expressed in all investigated tissues with the highest expression level in the gonad. Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) stimulation up-regulated the ccIRF4 expressions in the liver, spleen, head kidney, skin, foregut and hindgut. Upon Aeromonas hydrophila injection, the expression level of ccIRF4 was up-regulated in all tissues with the exception of spleen. In addition, ccIRF4 was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN) and Flagellin in head kidney leukocytes (HKLs). Overexpression of the ccIRF4 gene in epithelioma papulosum cyprini cells (EPC) down regulated the expressions of IFN-related genes and proinflammatory factors. Dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that ccIRF4 decreased the activation of NF-κB through MyD88.

Conclusions

These results indicate that ccIRF4 participates in both antiviral and antibacterial immune response and negatively regulates the IFN and NF-κB response. Overall, our study on ccIRF4 provides more new insights into the innate immune system of common carp as well as a theoretical basis for investigating the pathogenesis and prevention of fish disease.
Integrative analysis identifies key genes related to metastasis and a robust gene-based prognostic signature in uveal melanoma
Authors: Lei Shizhen , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Uveal melanoma (UM) is an aggressive intraocular malignancy, leading to systemic metastasis in half of the patients. However, the mechanism of the high metastatic rate remains unclear. This study aimed to identify key genes related to metastasis and construct a gene-based signature for better prognosis prediction of UM patients.

Methods

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the co-expression of genes primarily associated with metastasis of UM. Univariate, Lasso-penalized and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to establish a prognostic signature for UM patients.

Results

The tan and greenyellow modules were significantly associated with the metastasis of UM patients. Significant genes related to the overall survival (OS) in these two modules were then identified. Additionally, an OS-predicting signature was established. The UM patients were divided into a low- or high-risk group. The Kaplan–Meier curve indicated that high-risk patients had poorer OS than low-risk patients. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to validate the stability and accuracy of the final five-gene signature. Based on the signature and clinical traits of UM patients, a nomogram was established to serve in clinical practice.

Conclusions

We identified key genes involved in the metastasis of UM. A robust five-gene‐based prognostic signature was constructed and validated. In addition, the gene signature-based nomogram was created that can optimize the prognosis prediction and identify possible factors causing the poor prognosis of high-risk UM patients.
Development and evaluation of the MAINTAIN instrument, selecting patients suitable for secondary or tertiary preventive manual care: the Nordic maintenance care program
Authors: Eklund Andreas , Palmgren Per J. , Jakobsson Ulf , Axén Iben
Published: March 2022

Background

Chiropractic maintenance care (MC) has been found to be effective for patients classified as dysfunctional by the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI). Although displaying good psychometric properties, the instrument was not designed to be used in clinical practice to screen patients for stratified care pathways. The aim was to develop a brief clinical instrument with the intent of identifying dysfunctional patients with acceptable diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Data from 249 patients with a complete MPI dataset from a randomized clinical trial that investigated the effect and cost-effectiveness of MC with a 12-month follow-up was used in this cross-sectional analysis. A brief screening instrument was developed to identify dysfunctional patients, with a summary measure. Different cut-offs were considered with regards to diagnostic accuracy using the original instrument’s classification of dysfunctional patients as a reference. Very good diagnostic accuracy was defined as an area under the curve (AUC) metric between 0.8 and 0.9. The instrument was then externally validated in 3 other existing datasets to assess model transportability across populations and medical settings.

Results

Using an explorative approach, the MAINTAIN instrument with 10 questions (0–6 Likert responses) capturing 5 dimensions (pain severity, interference, life control, affective distress, and support) was developed, generating an algorithm-based score ranging from − 12 to 48. Reporting a MAINTAIN score of 18 or higher, 146 out of the 249 patients were classified as dysfunctional with 95.8% sensitivity and 64.3% specificity. At a score of 22 or higher, 109/249 were classified as dysfunctional with 81.1% sensitivity and 79.2% specificity. AUC was estimated to 0.87 (95% CI 0.83, 0.92) and Youden’s index was highest (0.70) at a score of 20. The diagnostic accuracy was similar and high across populations with minor differences in optimal thresholds for identifying dysfunctional individuals.

Conclusion

The MAINTAIN instrument has very good diagnostic accuracy with regards to identifying dysfunctional patients and may be used as a decision aid in clinical practice. By using 2 thresholds, patients can be categorized into “low probability (− 12 to 17)”, “moderate probability (18 to 21)”, and “high probability (22 to 48)” of having a good outcome from maintenance care for low back pain.

Trial registration

Clinical trials.gov; NCT01539863; registered February 28, 2012; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01539863.
Baicalin improves the functions of granulosa cells and the ovary in aged mice through the mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Fan Huiying , He Jiahuan , Bai Yucheng , He Qina , Zhang Tongwei , Zhang Junya , Yang Guang , Xu Ziwen , Hu Jingyi , Yao Guidong
Published: March 2022

Background

The mammalian follicle is the basic functional unit of the ovary, and its normal development is required to obtaining oocytes capable of fertilization. As women get older or decline in ovarian function due to certain pathological factors, the growth and development of follicles becomes abnormal, which ultimately leads to infertility and other related female diseases. Kuntai capsules are currently used in clinical practice to improve ovarian function, and they contain the natural compound Baicalin, which is a natural compound with important biological activities. At present, the role and mechanism of Baicalin in the development of ovarian follicles is unclear.

Methods

Human primary granulosa cells collected from follicular fluid, and then cultured and treated with Baicalin or its normal control, assessed for viability, subjected to RT-PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and hormone analyses. The estrus cycle and oocytes of CD-1 mice were studied after Baicalin administration and compared with controls. Ovaries were collected from the mice and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results

We showed that Baicalin had a dose-dependent effect on granulosa cells cultured in vitro. A low concentration of Baicalin (for example, 10 μM) helped to maintain the viability of granulosa cells; however, at a concentration exceeding 50 μM, it exerted a toxic effect. A low concentration significantly improved the viability of granulosa cells and inhibited cell apoptosis, which may be related to the resultant upregulation of Bcl-2 expression and downregulation of Bax and Caspase 3. By constructing a hydrogen peroxide-induced cell oxidative stress damage model, we found that Baicalin reversed the cell damage caused by hydrogen peroxide. In addition, Baicalin increased the secretion of estradiol and progesterone by upregulating P450arom and stAR. The results of the in vivo experiment showed that the intragastric administration of Baicalin to aged mice improved the estrous cycle and oocyte quality. Furthermore, we observed that Baicalin enhanced the viability of granulosa cells through the mTOR pathway, which in turn improve ovarian function.

Conclusion

These results indicate that Baicalin could improve the viability of ovarian granulosa cells and the secretion of steroid hormones and thus could help to improve degenerating ovarian function and delay ovarian aging.
Virulence determinant and antimicrobial resistance traits of Emerging MDR Shiga toxigenic E. coli in diarrheic dogs
Authors: Algammal Abdelazeem M. , El-Tarabili Reham M. , Alfifi Khyreyah J. , Al-Otaibi Amenah S. , Hashem Marwa E. Abo , El-Maghraby Mamdouh M. , Mahmoud Ahmed E.
Published: March 2022

Shiga-toxigenic Escherichiacoli (STEC) is incriminated in severe hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs, which is considered a veterinary and public health alarm. To investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, virulence determinants, and distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes in STEC strains isolated from dogs: 80 fecal samples were obtained from diseased dogs suffering from hemorrhagic diarrhea from pet animal clinics in Ismailia governorate, Egypt. The obtained samples were examined bacteriologically. Moreover, the retrieved isolates were tested for serogrouping, Congo-red binding, antimicrobial resistance, and PCR-based determination of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. The prevalence of E.coli in the examined diseased dogs was 23.75% (19/80). The serogrouping of the recovered isolates revealed that 84.2% of the tested isolates were distributed into three serogroups: O146 (36.8%), O111 (31.5%), and O26 (15.7%). Meanwhile, three isolates were untypable (15.8%). Moreover, all the tested E.coli serovars were positive for CR-binding. PCR revealed that the prevalence of stx1, eaeA, hlyA, and stx2 virulence genes was 100%, 100%, 100%, and 47.3%, respectively. Our findings revealed that 31.5% of the recovered isolates showed MDR to five antimicrobial classes and harbored blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, and sul1 genes. Alarmingly, three isolates were carbapenem-resistant. Two strains harbored the blaKPC gene, while one strain carried the blaNDM-1 gene. Concisely, as far as we know, this is the first study that reported the existence of MDR-STEC in dogs in Egypt. The stx1 gene is the most predominant Shiga toxin gene that accompanied the STEC isolated from hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs. The emerging MDR-STEC in dogs commonly harbors blaTEM, blaCTX-M, sul1, tetA, tetB, and qnrA resistance genes. Meropenem, levofloxacin, and tigecycline exhibited talented antimicrobial activity against MDR-STEC isolated from dogs.
Prevalence of domestic violence in a time of catastrophic disease outbreaks including COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Abraham Gelila , Gelana Beshea , Yitbarek Kiddus , Morankar Sudhakar
Published: March 2022

Background

Domestic violence is a public health issue that has a long-term and irreversible effect on the victims. There are vulnerable groups like children, women, and elders. The problem becomes worse for these populations in the time of catastrophic events including disease pandemics. However, few attempts have been made to systematically review the prevalence and pattern of domestic violence during these times all over the world.

Methods

An initial search of PubMed will be followed by CINAHL, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, and ProQuest Health. The titles and abstracts of studies will be reviewed, and full-text articles will be selected if the inclusion criteria are met. Studies that meet the eligibility criteria will then be assessed by two independent reviewers. Full-text articles will be selected if the inclusion criteria are met. A standardized critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data will be used to assess the methodological quality, and a standardized data extraction tool will be used. The results from the included studies will be analysed using the JBI SUMARI software.

Discussion

This systematic review will provide solid evidence on the magnitude of domestic violence of any forms during catastrophic disease outbreaks including the current pandemic, COVID-19.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020192255.
On some accelerated optimization algorithms based on fixed point and linesearch techniques for convex minimization problems with applications
Authors: Yatakoat Pornsak , Suantai Suthep , Hanjing Adisak
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we introduce and study a new accelerated algorithm based on forward–backward and SP-algorithm for solving a convex minimization problem of the sum of two convex and lower semicontinuous functions in a Hilbert space. Under some suitable control conditions, a weak convergence theorem of the proposed algorithm based on a fixed point is established. Moreover, we choose the stepsize of our algorithm which is independent on the Lipschitz constant of the gradient of the objective function by using a linesearch technique, and then a weak convergence result of the proposed algorithm is analyzed. As applications, we apply the proposed algorithm for solving the image restoration problems and compare its convergence behavior with other well-known algorithms in the literature. By our experiment, the algorithms have a higher efficiency than the others.
Psychological distress among elderly surgical patients who had their surgery postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Loh Pui San , Chaw Sook Hui , Foong Yi Xian , Ramasamy Dhurgka , Zaki Rafdzah Ahmad , Kuppusamy Shanggar , Ong Teng Aik , See Mee Hoong , Khor Hui Min
Published: March 2022

Background

Many institutions withheld elective lists and triaged surgeries during the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, older surgical patients have had to wait for rescheduled dates in a long waitlist. This study aimed to identify the psychological impact in these patients when they returned for surgery.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study which included 153 patients aged ≥ 65 years undergoing elective surgery. Trained interviewers recruited and assessed psychological status pre-operatively with two validated questionnaires - Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Specific questions were asked about their postponed surgeries, appetite and fear.

Results

A total of 36 out of 153 (23.5%) patients had their procedures deferred during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Postponed cases were significantly based on the nature of surgery (p = 0.002), cancer diagnosis (p = 0.006) and surgical specialty (p = 0.023). Median HADS scores were higher for patients who were postponed (2.00 versus 4.00 for anxiety, p = 0.180 and 0.00 versus 1.00 for depression, p = 0.424) although no statistical significance was shown. In the whole study population, anxiety was a significant predictor for depression and vice versa (p < 0.001) with other predictive risk factors for anxiety that were age ≥ 85 years old (odds ratio [OR] 6.14, p = 0.018), female (OR 2.41, p = 0.024), cancer (OR 2.19, p = 0.039) and major surgery (OR 2.39, p = 0.023). Similarly, older patients ≥ 85 years old (OR 10.44, p = 0.003) and female (OR 6.07, p = 0.006) had higher risk for depression. Both anxiety and depression were significant risks for loss of appetite (p = 0.005 and 0.001). Lastly, the fear of disease progression due to rescheduling was more frequent in cancer patients (p = 0.035).

Conclusion

The mental health and disease burden of older surgical patients should be taken into careful consideration when cases need to be postponed in our healthcare system.
Investigating the effects of peptide-based, MOS and protease feed additives on the growth performance and fecal microbial composition of weaned pigs
Authors: Poudel Prakash , Samuel Ryan , Levesque Crystal , St-Pierre Benoit
Published: March 2022

Background

Digestive disorders in weaning pigs remain a major challenge for swine producers. Different types of commercial feed additives have been developed to promote gut health and development in young pigs, but their effects on resident gut microbial communities remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a peptide-based product (Peptiva) in combination with mannose oligosaccharides (MOS) and an exogenous protease on the performance and fecal microbiome of nursery pigs.

Methods

A total of 1097 weaned pigs were divided into 44 pens (24–26 pigs/pen) with each pen randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets as part of Phase II and Phase III of a standard nursery phase feeding program. Fecal samples collected from representative control and treatment pigs were used to investigate bacterial composition profiles by high throughput sequencing of PCR-generated amplicons targeting the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

Higher gain:feed was observed for pigs fed Peptiva and MOS compared to Controls during the period when experimental diets were fed, but the benefits of supplementation were not maintained after pigs were transitioned to a non-supplemented diet. Three candidate bacterial species, identified as Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), were found to have significantly different abundances between control samples and treatment samples during the same phase. In Phase III samples, SD_Ssd-00039, predicted to be a strain of Streptococcus alactolyticus based on nucleotide sequence identity, was the most highly represented of these OTUs with an average abundance in pigs fed Peptiva, MOS and protease that was 3.9 times higher than in Controls. The report also presents evidence of microbial succession that occurred during the trial, with 16 of the 32 most abundant OTUs found to vary between Phase II and Phase III samples for the same dietary treatment.

Conclusions

Dietary supplementation with a combination of a peptide-based product, MOS, and protease increased the growth performance of weaned pigs compared to control animals during the nursery phase, but these benefits were no longer observed within 2 weeks after all animals were transitioned to a non-supplemented diet. Supplementation with these feed additives was found to modulate the composition of the swine gut microbiome during this period.
Trends in Canadian prescription drug purchasing: 2001–2020
Authors: Hofmeister Mark , Sivakumar Ashwinie , Clement Fiona , Hayes Kaleen N. , Law Michael , Guertin Jason R. , Neville Heather L. , Tadrous Mina
Published: March 2022

Background

In 2019, more than $34.5 billion was spent on prescription drugs in Canada. However, little is known about the distribution of this spending across medications and settings (outpatient and inpatient) over time. The objective of this paper is to describe the largest expenditures by medication class over time in inpatient and outpatient settings. This information can help to guide policies to control prescription medication expenditures.

Methods

IQVIA’s Canadian Drugstore and Hospital Purchases Audit data from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2020, were used. In this dataset, purchasing was stratified by outpatient drugstore and inpatient hospital. Spending trajectories in both settings were compared to total expenditure over time. Total expenditure of the 25 medications with the largest expenditure were compared over time, stratified by setting. Nominal costs were used for all analysis.

Results

In 2001, spending in the outpatient and inpatient settings was greatest on atorvastatin ($467.0 million) and erythropoietin alpha ($91.2 million), respectively. In 2020, spending was greatest on infliximab at $1.2 billion (outpatient) and pembrolizumab at $361.6 million (inpatient). Annual outpatient spending, although increasing, has been growing at a slower rate (5.3%) than inpatient spending (7.0%). In both settings, spending for the top 25 medications has become increasingly concentrated on biologic agents, with a reduction in the diversity of therapeutic classes of agents over time.

Discussion

Identification of the concentration on spending on biologic agents is a key step in managing costs of prescription medications in Canada. Given the increases in spending on biologic agents over the last 20 years, current cost-control mechanisms may be insufficient. Future research efforts should focus on examining the effectiveness of current cost-control mechanisms and identifying new approaches to cost control for biologic agents.
High burden of hypovitaminosis D among the children and adolescents in South Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Siddiqee Mahbubul H. , Bhattacharjee Badhan , Siddiqi Umme Ruman , Rahman Mohammad Meshbahur
Published: March 2022

Background

Vitamin D is vital for the growth and development of children. While deficiency and/or insufficiency of vitamin D among South Asian children are frequently reported in the literature, the lack of a meta-analysis has left its true extent poorly characterized. In this study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and perform meta-analyses of the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among the children of the South Asian countries.

Methods

Two major electronic search engines (PubMed and Scopus) and one database (Google scholar) were used; original studies, conducted among South Asian children and adolescents and published between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2019. A random-effect meta-analysis was also performed to calculate the pooled prevalence of hypovitaminosis D followed by subgroup analyses for countries and age groups.

Results

After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 41 studies with a total population size of 18,233 were finally selected. The overall prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 61% [95% CI: 46% to 71%] with highly significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.72%; p < 0.0001). The average level of serum vitamin D ranged from 5 ng/mL to 34 ng/mL, with a weighted mean of 19.15 ng/mL (weighted standard deviation 11.59 ng/mL). Country-wise analysis showed that hypovitaminosis D in Afghanistan was the highest [96.2%; 95% CI: 91% to 99%], followed by Pakistan [94%; 95% CI: 90% to 96%], India [64%; 95% CI: 46% to 79%], Bangladesh [35.48%; 95% CI: 32% to 39%], Nepal [35%; 95% CI: 1% to 83%], and Sri Lanka [25%; 95% CI: 16% to 36%]. Age group analyses revealed that hypovitaminosis D was most prevalent among neonates [85%; 95% CI: 76% to 91%], followed by school-going children [57%; 95% CI: 33% to 80%], and preschool children [55%; 95% CI: 35% to 75%].

Conclusion

This study generates quantitative evidence and specific extent of hypovitaminosis D in the South Asian countries as a public health concern. Being the first systematic review for this region, results from this study will create awareness and will facilitate adopting mitigation strategies by the policymakers and the governments to address this problem.
Evaluation of Quality Indicators of Breast Cancer Management at a Tertiary Cancer Center in Nepal
Authors: Baral Shweta , Silwal Sudhir Raj , Shrestha Utsav Man , Lamichhane Deep
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is the second commonest cancer among female in Nepal. This is our first attempt to audit breast cancer management in our institute and compare with standard quality indicators (QIs) available.

METHODS

The retrospective study included 104 female patients with breast cancer who had taken treatment at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in 1 year. Participants were selected on the basis of convenience sampling. Of 33 QIs in breast cancer management according to European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists guidelines, 19 QIs were chosen relevant to our setup. These QIs were calculated for all patients and compared with the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists standard target. Frequencies and percentages were calculated and presented in tables. Binomial 95% of the rates for QI adherence were also calculated for each QI.

RESULTS

One hundred four patients had a median age of 47.5 years (range 24-70 years). Applicable QIs were in the range of 5-15 with a mean of 9.66 per patient. Of 19 evaluable QIs, very high adherence rates were observed in six QIs, high adherence in three Qis, and low adherences in 10 QIs. High adherence rates were for QI 5 and QI 10a, which were 88.46% and 94.73%, respectively. The low compliance was for QI 1, QI 4a, QI 8, QI 9d, QI 10b, QI 11a, QI 11b, QI 13b, QI 13e, and 14b, which were 53.84%, 78.21%, 0%, 83.16%, 76.92%, 36.0%, 33.33%, 4.76%, 30.55%, and 10.81%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There are several QIs that have low levels of adherence in our setting and suggest that there is significant room for improvement. We will be continuing auditing these QIs regularly to improve our quality of care.
A Case Report of “Propofol Frenzy”: Anesthetic Considerations for a Severe Propofol-Induced Neuroexcitation Reaction
Authors: Panchamia Jason K. , Amundson Adam W. , Demirci Onur , Braksick Sherri A. , Wijdicks Eelco F.
Published: March 2022

Propofol “frenzy” is considered a severe propofol-induced neuroexcitatory reaction involving nonepileptic spells of extremity thrashing, marked agitation, irregular eye movements, and impaired consciousness. Patients with propofol neuroexcitation present unique challenges for anesthesia providers due to underrecognition, lack of diagnostic tests, and differentiating from other comparable disorders that require medications that can exacerbate symptoms. We present a case of a healthy young patient whose postoperative course was complicated by propofol frenzy and functional limb paralysis following hip surgery with a spinal anesthetic and propofol sedation. This case highlights anesthesia considerations for propofol frenzy and discusses dexmedetomidine as a promising modality for prompt management.
Catalytic Intramolecular Cyclization of Alkynyl Cyclic Acetals via Chemoselective Activation Leading to a Phenanthrene Core
Authors: Yamada Tsuyoshi , Fujii Akiko , Park Kwihwan , Furugen Chikara , Takagi Akira , Ikawa Takashi , Sajiki Hironao
Published: March 2022

An intramolecular cyclization reaction of alkynyl cyclic acetals to synthesize various phenanthrene derivatives in the presence of silver triflate (AgOTf) or boron trifluoride etherate (BF3·OEt2) as catalysts has been developed. By using AgOTf or BF3·OEt2 appropriately depending on the substituents various alkynyl cyclic acetals were converted to the corresponding phenanthrene derivatives. Investigations of reaction mechanisms, X-ray structure of the product, and computational density functional theory (DFT) study suggested that the reaction proceeds via alkyne activation (π-activation) or acetal activation (σ-activation) pathways based on π- or σ-Lewis acidities.
Acceleration of Chemiluminescence Reactions with Coumarin-Modified Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane
Authors: Iizuka Daisuke , Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: March 2022

Chemiluminescence has attracted much attention as a light source and an excitation mediator without electric power sources. To develop advanced optical materials, it is necessary to control the chemiluminescence behavior more precisely by molecular design. Herein, we describe influence of the connection to the inorganic scaffold on the chemiluminescence properties with coumarin-modified polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (D1421-POSS). Accordingly, when D1421-POSS was chemically excited using bis(2-carbopentyloxy-3,5,6-trichlorophenyl) oxalate (CPPO), it was shown that the initiation of chemical emission reactions was accelerated by the POSS connection, comparing to the model compound D1421-arm. From cyclic voltammetry measurements, it was revealed that the oxidation potential of D1421-POSS was significantly lower than that of D1421-arm. From these data, we propose the mechanism that aggregation assisted by the POSS core induces low oxidation potential, resulting in the acceleration of chemiluminescence reactions.
Efficacy, Feasibility, and Safety of Percutaneous Image-Guided Catheter Drainage of Thoracic, Abdominal, and Pelvic Fluid Collections.
Authors: Rai Santosh , Gadwal Aishwarya , Gopal Sandeep , Prabhu Shivananda , Acharya Vishak , Noronha Griselda , Srivastava Saubhagya
Published: March 2022

Background – Image-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) using a pigtail catheter bridges the gap between non-invasive and invasive surgical intervention with minimally invasive, image-guided drainage. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, safety, and relevant clinical outcomes of image guided PCD of thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic fluid collections. It also aims to assess the causes of complications and failure associated with PCD.

Methods – This prospective analysis of 83 patients with abdominal, thoracic, or pelvic fluid collections was conducted by categorizing patients into three groups of intervention namely – group A (intermittent needle aspiration (INA) and PCD in the same sitting), group B (INA followed by PCD after a 48-hour interval gap), and group C (INA and PCD followed by open surgical drainage). Outcomes were measured in terms of statistical analysis, complications, residual collection, success, and failure rates of the procedure.

Results – Abdomen was the most frequently encountered site of fluid collection (61.45%), CT was the most utilized modality for image guidance (61.45%), and fluid drained was most frequently purulent (57.83%). Majority of the patients were categorized into group B (57.83%), followed by group A (38.53%), and group C (3.61%). Pain at the catheter insertion site was the most commonly reported complication (72.23%). Group A and Group B showed a success rate of 93.7% and 97.9% respectively.

Conclusion – In our study, image-guided PCD proved to be a time saving and efficient intervention, making it an intervention of choice in a variety of fluid collections/abscesses. INA should be considered as an initial step of management for fluid drainage, which provides an access pathway for catheter placement for PCD.