bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Multimodal Meta-analysis of Anisotropy and Volume Abnormalities in White Matter in People Suffering From Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia
Authors: Zhao Guorui , Lau Way K W , Wang Chanyu , Yan Haifeng , Zhang Chichen , Lin Kangguang , Qiu Shijun , Huang Ruiwang , Zhang Ruibin
Published: July 2021

Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) share some similarities in terms of genetic-risk genes and abnormalities of gray-matter structure in the brain, but white matter (WM) abnormalities have not been studied in depth. We undertook a comparative multimodal meta-analysis to identify common and disorder-specific abnormalities in WM structure between SZ and BD. Anisotropic effect size-signed differential mapping software was used to conduct a comparative meta-analysis of 68 diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and 34 voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies comparing fractional anisotropy (FA) and white matter volume (WMV), respectively, between patients with SZ (DTI: N = 1543; VBM: N = 1068) and BD (DTI: N = 983; VBM: N = 518) and healthy controls (HCs). The bilateral corpus callosum (extending to the anterior and superior corona radiata) showed shared decreased WMV and FA in SZ and BD. Compared with BD patients, SZ patients showed remarkable disorder-specific WM abnormalities: decreased FA and increased WMV in the left cingulum, and increased FA plus decreased WMV in the right anterior limb of the internal capsule. SZ patients showed more extensive alterations in WM than BD cases, which may be the pathophysiological basis for the clinical continuity of both disorders. The disorder-specific regions in the left cingulum and right anterior limb of the internal capsule provided novel insights into both disorders. Our study adds value to further understanding of the pathophysiology, classification, and differential diagnosis of SZ and BD.
Dopamine D1R Receptor Stimulation as a Mechanistic Pro-cognitive Target for Schizophrenia
Authors: Abi-Dargham Anissa , Javitch Jonathan A , Slifstein Mark , Anticevic Alan , Calkins Monica E , Cho Youngsun T , Fonteneau Clara , Gil Roberto , Girgis Ragy , Gur Raquel E , Gur Ruben C , Grinband Jack , Kantrowitz Joshua , Kohler Christian , Krystal John , Murray John , Ranganathan Mohini , Santamauro Nicole , Van Snellenberg Jared , Tamayo Zailyn , Wolf Daniel ,   TRANSCENDS Group, D’Souza Deepak , Srihari Vinod , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Patel Prashant , Forselius-Bielen Kimberlee , Lu Jing , Butler Audrey , Fram Geena , Afriyie-Agyemang Yvette , Selloni Alexandria , Cadavid Laura , Gomez-Luna Sandra , Gupta Aarti , Radhakrishnan Rajiv , Rashid Ali , Aker Ryan , Abrahim Philisha , Bassir Nia Anahita , Surti Toral , Kegeles Lawrence S , Carlson Marlene , Goldberg Terry , Gangwisch James , Benedict Erinne , Govil Preetika , Brazis Stephanie , Mayer Megan , de la Garrigue Nathalie , Fallon Natalka , Baumvoll Topaz , Abeykoon Sameera , Perlman Greg , Bobchin Kelly , Elliott Mark , Schmidt Lyndsay , Rush Sage , Port Allison , Heffernan Zac , Laney Nina , Kantor Jenna , Hohing Thomas , Gray David , Lieberman Jeffrey
Published: July 2021

Decades of research have highlighted the importance of optimal stimulation of cortical dopaminergic receptors, particularly the D1R receptor (D1R), for prefrontal-mediated cognition. This mechanism is particularly relevant to the cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, given the abnormalities in cortical dopamine (DA) neurotransmission and in the expression of D1R. Despite the critical need for D1R-based therapeutics, many factors have complicated their development and prevented this important therapeutic target from being adequately interrogated. Challenges include determination of the optimal level of D1R stimulation needed to improve cognitive performance, especially when D1R expression levels, affinity states, DA levels, and the resulting D1R occupancy by DA, are not clearly known in schizophrenia, and may display great interindividual and intraindividual variability related to cognitive states and other physiological variables. These directly affect the selection of the level of stimulation necessary to correct the underlying neurobiology. The optimal mechanism for stimulation is also unknown and could include partial or full agonism, biased agonism, or positive allosteric modulation. Furthermore, the development of D1R targeting drugs has been complicated by complexities in extrapolating from in vitro affinity determinations to in vivo use. Prior D1R-targeted drugs have been unsuccessful due to poor bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and insufficient target engagement at tolerable doses. Newer drugs have recently become available, and these must be tested in the context of carefully designed paradigms that address methodological challenges. In this paper, we discuss how a better understanding of these challenges has shaped our proposed experimental design for testing a new D1R/D5R partial agonist, PF-06412562, renamed CVL-562.
Perceived home sleep environment: associations of household-level factors and in-bed behaviors with actigraphy-based sleep duration and continuity in the Jackson Heart Sleep Study
Authors: Johnson Dayna A , Jackson Chandra L , Guo Na , Sofer Tamar , Laden Francine , Redline Susan
Published: July 2021

Study Objectives

In an older African-American sample (n = 231) we tested associations of the household environment and in-bed behaviors with sleep duration, efficiency, and wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO).

Methods

Older adult participants completed a household-level sleep environment questionnaire, a sleep questionnaire, and underwent 7-day wrist actigraphy for objective measures of sleep. Perceived household environment (self-reported) was evaluated using questions regarding safety, physical comfort, temperature, noise, and light disturbances. In-bed behaviors included watching television, listening to radio/music, use of computer/tablet/phone, playing video games, reading books, and eating. To estimate the combined effect of the components in each domain (perceived household environment and in-bed behaviors), we calculated and standardized a weighted score per sleep outcome (e.g. duration, efficiency, WASO), with a higher score indicating worse conditions. The weights were derived from the coefficients of each component estimated from linear regression models predicting each sleep outcome while adjusting for covariates.

Results

A standard deviation increase in an adverse household environment score was associated with lower self-reported sleep duration (β = −13.9 min, 95% confidence interval: −26.1, −1.7) and actigraphy-based sleep efficiency (β = −0.7%, −1.4, 0.0). A standard deviation increase in the in-bed behaviors score was associated with lower actigraphy-based sleep duration (β = −9.7 min, −18.0, −1.3), sleep efficiency (β = −1.2%, −1.9, −0.6), and higher WASO (5.3 min, 2.1, 8.6).

Conclusion

Intervening on the sleep environment, including healthy sleep practices, may improve sleep duration and continuity among African-Americans.
Bayesian Morphological Clock versus Parsimony: An Insight into the Relationships and Dispersal Events of Postvacuum Cricetidae (Rodentia, Mammalia)
Authors: López-Antoñanzas Raquel , Peláez-Campomanes Pablo
Published: July 2021

Establishing an evolutionary timeline is fundamental for tackling a great variety of topics in evolutionary biology, including the reconstruction of patterns of historical biogeography, coevolution, and diversification. However, the tree of life is pruned by extinction and molecular data cannot be gathered for extinct lineages. Until recently methodological challenges have prevented the application of tip-dating Bayesian approaches in morphology-based fossil-only data sets. Herein, we present a morphological data set for a group of cricetid rodents to which we apply an array of methods fairly new in paleontology that can be used by paleontologists for the analysis of entirely extinct clades. We compare the tree topologies obtained by traditional parsimony, time-calibrated, and noncalibrated Bayesian inference phylogenetic approaches and calculate stratigraphic congruence indices for each. Bayesian tip-dated clock methods outperform parsimony in the case of our data set, which includes highly homoplastic morphological characters. Regardless, all three topologies support the monophyly of Megacricetodontinae, Democricetodontinae, and Cricetodontinae. Dispersal and speciation events inferred through Bayesian Binary Markov chain Monte Carlo and biodiversity analyses provide evidence for a correlation between biogeographic events, climatic changes, and diversification in cricetids. [Bayesian tip-dating; Cricetidae; Miocene; morphological clock; paleobiodiversity; paleobiogeography; paleoecology; parsimony; STRAP.]
Developing a Real-Time PCR Assay for Direct Identification and Quantification of Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines, in Soil and Its Discrimination from Sugar Beet Cyst Nematode, Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Baidoo Richard , Yan Guiping
Published: July 2021

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) Heterodera glycines continues to be a major threat to soybean production worldwide. Morphological discrimination between SCN and other nematodes of the Heterodera schachtii sensu stricto group is not only difficult and time-consuming but also requires high expertise in nematode taxonomy. Molecular assays were developed to differentiate SCN from sugar beet cyst nematode (SBCN) and other nematodes and to quantify SCN directly from DNA extracts of field soils. SCN- and SBCN-specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) primers were designed from a nematode-secreted CLAVATA gene and used for these assays. The primers were evaluated on the basis of target specificity to SCN or SBCN using DNA from 20 isolates of SCN and 32 isolates of other plant-parasitic nematodes. A standard curve relating threshold cycle and log values of nematode numbers was generated from artificially infested soils and was used to quantify SCN in naturally infested field soils. There was a high correlation between the SCN numbers estimated from naturally infested field soils by conventional methods, and the numbers quantified using the SYBR Green I-based qPCR assay. The qPCR assay is highly specific and sensitive and provides improved SCN detection sensitivity down to 1 SCN egg in 20 g of soil (10 eggs/200 g soil). This assay is useful for efficient detection and quantification of SCN directly from field soil. Species-specific conventional PCR assays were also developed each for SCN and SBCN, alongside a qPCR assay that simultaneously discriminates SCN from SBCN. These assays require no expertise in nematode taxonomy and morphology, and they may serve as useful diagnostic tools in research, diagnostic laboratories, and extension services for SCN management. Sensitive and accurate detection and quantification of SCN are essential for recommending effective management measures against SCN. We also investigated the impact of soil texture and nematode life stage on molecular quantification of SCN.
Effect of Plant Age, Temperature, and Vector Load on ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ in Planta Titer and Shoot Proliferation Symptoms in Carrot
Authors: Keshet-Sitton Atalya , Piasezky Alon , Assoline Nofar , Dror Orit , Bahar Ofir
Published: July 2021

A decade ago, shoot proliferation symptoms (i.e., witches’ broom) in carrots were believed to be the cause of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ and Spiroplasma infection, yet in recent years this association appeared to have weakened, and a closer association was found with the yet-unculturable, psyllid-transmitted Gram-negative bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’. In Israel, carrots are grown throughout the year, yet shoot proliferation symptoms tend to appear only in mature plants and mostly in late spring to early summer. We hypothesized that factors such as plant age, temperature, and vector load, which vary during the year, have a critical effect on symptom development and examined these factors under controlled conditions. Here we show that young carrot seedlings are as prone as older plants to develop shoot proliferation symptoms after ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ inoculation. Surprisingly, we found that the local ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ haplotype was extremely sensitive to constant temperature of 30°C, which led to a significant reduction in bacterial growth and symptom development compared with 18°C, which was very conducive to symptom development. We have also found that inoculations with 10 or 20 psyllids per plant results in faster symptom development compared with inoculations with two psyllids per plant; however, the difference between vector loads in disease progress rate was not significant. These data provide important insights to the effects of plant age, growth temperature, and vector load on ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ and its associated symptoms and further strengthen the notion that ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ is the main responsible agent for carrot witches’ broom in Israel.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
CsMYB60 Confers Enhanced Resistance to Fusarium solani by Increasing Proanthocyanidin Biosynthesis in Cucumber
Authors: Li Jialin , Luan Qianqian , Han Jing , Chen Chunhua , Ren Zhonghai
Published: July 2021

Root rot caused by Fusarium solani is one of the most common fungal diseases in cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are known to play important roles in inhibiting the growth of phytopathogens. In addition, CsMYB60 is a known positive regulator of flavonol and PA biosynthesis in cucumber. However, it remains unclear that whether PAs can inhibit the growth of F. solani and whether CsMYB60 serves as a target gene for increasing resistance to phytopathogens in cucumber. In this study, we demonstrated that PAs (or their building block, catechin) could increase the resistance of cucumber seedlings to F. solani both in vitro and in vivo. The addition of catechins, or crude leaf extracts treated with different concentrations of catechins in culture medium, could significantly inhibit the hyphal growth of F. solani. On the other hand, cucumber seedlings treated with catechins showed higher resistance to F. solani than the seedlings of control group. Moreover, transgenic cucumber seedlings overexpressing CsMYB60, with the observed accumulation of PAs, were more resistant to F. solani than the nontransgenic siblings. Therefore, our results suggest that PAs (or catechin) can serve as a biological control agent to protect cucumber plants from the infection of F. solani. More importantly, CsMYB60 holds great promise as a target gene to confer disease resistance during the molecular breeding in cucumber.
Oxidative stress in leukemia and antioxidant treatment
Authors: Dong Chao , Zhang Nai-Jin , Zhang Li-Jun
Published: July 2021

Oxidative stress is caused by the imbalance between the generation of free radicals/reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense systems, which can activate various transcription factors and affect their transcriptional pathways. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the occurrence and development of leukemia and is closely related to the treatment and prognosis of leukemia. The standard chemotherapy strategies for the pre-treatment of leukemia have many drawbacks. Hence, the usage of antioxidants and oxidants in the treatment of leukemia is being explored and has been preliminarily applied. This article reviews the research progress of oxidative stress and leukemia. In addition, the application of antioxidants treatment in leukemia has been summarized.
MicroRNA miR-215-5p Regulates Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyocyte Injury by Targeting ZEB2
Authors: Xiong Xiaojv , He Qin , Liu Jinhua , Dai Rui , Zhang Hui , Cao Zhe , Liao Yuanxi , Liu Bo , Zhou Yi , Chen Juan , Chen Manhua , Liu Jijun
Published: July 2021

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic drug for treating various cancers. However, the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity greatly limits its clinical application. MicroRNAs are emerged as critical mediators of cardiomyocyte injury. This work explored the function of miR-215-5p in the regulation of DOX-induced mouse HL-1 cardiomyocyte injury. An in vitro model of DOX-treated cardiotoxicity was established in cardiac mouse cell line HL-1. Gene expression was measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability was detected using CCK-8. Cell death and apoptosis were tested using transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), flow cytometry, and caspase-3/7 activity assays. Luciferase reporter assay was used to examine the target of miR-215-5p. We found that DOX induced cardiomyocyte injury and upregulated miR-215-5p in HL-1 cells. Inhibition of miR-215-5p attenuated DOX-induced cardiomyocyte death and apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistical experiments indicated that zinc finger E-box–binding homeobox (ZEB2) was targeted by miR-215-5p. In addition, ZEB2 expression was reduced in DOX-treated HL-1 cells. Rescue assays indicated that ZEB2 knockdown reversed the effects of miR-215-5p inhibition. In conclusion, miR-215-5p inhibition protects HL-1 cells against DOX-induced injury by upregulating ZEB2 expression.
Lower Extremity Nerve Transfers in Acute Flaccid Myelitis Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Moore Amy M. , Bettlach Carrie Roth , Tung Thomas T. , West Julie M. , Russo Stephanie A.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is characterized by flaccid paralysis following prodromal symptoms. Complete recovery is rare, and patients typically have residual extremity weakness. This study aimed to describe the technique and outcomes of lower extremity nerve transfers for children with AFM.

Methods:

A retrospective review of eight children who developed AFM in 2016 and had lower extremity nerve transfers was performed. Principles of nerve transfer were applied to develop novel nerve transfer procedures to restore function for this patient population. Pre- and postoperative muscle strength grades were reviewed, and qualitative improvements in function were recorded.

Results:

A variety of nerve transfers were utilized in eight patients with average time to surgery from AFM diagnosis of 15.7 months. Restoration of gluteal, femoral, hamstring, and gastrocnemius function was attempted. Variable MRC grade improvement was achieved (range MRC grade 0–4). All patients reported subjective improvements in function. Four of five patients with follow-up who underwent nerve transfers for restoration of gluteal function transitioned from wheelchair use to walking with assistive devices as their primary modes of ambulation. No donor site complications occurred.

Conclusions:

The unique needs of this patient population and variable patterns of residual weakness require meticulous assessment and development of individualized surgical plans. With appropriate goals and expectations in mind, functional improvement may be achieved, including return to ambulation.
LONGITUDINAL FOVEAL FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME CHARACTERISTICS IN GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY USING FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME IMAGING OPHTHALMOSCOPY
Authors: Lincke Joel-Benjamin , Dysli Chantal , Jaggi Damian , Solberg Yasmin , Wolf Sebastian , Zinkernagel Martin S.
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

Short foveal fluorescence lifetimes (fFLT) in geographic atrophy are typically found in eyes with foveal sparing (FS) but may also occur in eyes without FS. We investigated whether short fFLT could serve as a functional biomarker for disease progression in geographic atrophy.

Methods:

Thirty three eyes were followed over the course of 4 to 6 years. Foveal sparing was assessed using fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography, fundus Autofluorescence, and macular pigment optical density.

Results:

Eyes with FS exhibited shorter fFLT compared with eyes without FS. Short fFLT (<600 ps) were measured in all eyes with FS and half of the eyes without FS. Eyes with FS showed a bigger increase in fFLT per year (+39/+30 ps (short spectral channel/long spectral channel) in FS versus +29/+22 ps (short spectral channel/long spectral channel) in non FS). The best-corrected distance visual acuity correlated significantly with fFLT (P = 0.018 and P = 0.005 for short spectral channel/long spectral channel). Macular pigment optical density measurements correlated significantly with fFLT but not in all spectral channels (P ranging from 0.018 to 0.077).

Conclusion:

In geographic atrophy, shorter fFLT are associated with FS but they can also be observed in eyes without FS. Our longitudinal data suggest that shorter fFLT features in eyes with loss of FS represent an earlier stage of disease and may be more prone to loss of the visual acuity.
Botulinum Toxin A for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: A Retrospective Study of 16 Upper- and Lower-Limb Cases
Authors: Charvin Marion , Orta Cyril , Davy Laroche , Raumel Marc-Antoine , Petit Julien , Casillas Jean-Marie , Gremeaux Vincent , Gouteron Anaïs
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To assess initial and mid-term efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections in patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in the lower and upper limbs.

Design:

Retrospective monocentric study.

Setting:

A University Hospital Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Patients:

Sixteen patients with CECS of the lower and upper limbs treated with BoNT-A injections (first-line treatment) were included.

Interventions, Main Outcome Measures:

We collected data from a follow-up consultation (initial pain reduction [complete, partial, or ineffective] and specific activities triggering CECS) and a subsequent phone questionnaire (mid-term efficacy, pain recurrence, and adverse effects).

Results:

Sixteen patients were included (median age: 25.5 years), and 68.75% reported initial efficacy (4 partial and 7 complete); 8/16 patients were able to resume the activity that triggered CECS. All the patients with initial partial efficacy had pain recurrence (median time of 2.25 months). Among patients with initial complete efficacy, 57.14% had recurrence (median time of 5 months). Minor adverse effects were observed, but with no functional impact.

Conclusion:

In 16 individuals with CECS treated with BoNT-A injections, we observed moderate efficacy without major adverse effects, but an initial improvement was often followed by recurrence, especially among those with partial initial efficacy.
Flexible Bronchoscopy Diagnosis of Uncommon Congenital H-type Tracheoesophageal Fistula, Dual Fistulae, Bronchoesophageal Fistula, and Recurrence of Fistula in Children
Authors: Wong Matthew D. , Thomas Rahul J. , Powell Jennifer , Masters Ian Brent
Published: July 2021

Background:

Interventional pediatric flexible bronchoscopy has many advantages over radiologic investigations in diagnosing uncommon congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), dual TEF, bronchoesophageal fistula (BEF) and fistula recurrence including higher rates of identification and anatomic localization with guide wire cannulation. We compare the diagnostic utility of flexible bronchoscopy to radiologic techniques for congenital aerodigestive fistula.

Methods:

A single center retrospective review was completed of all cases of pediatric TEF and BEF diagnosed with flexible bronchoscopy between January 2000 and November 2020.

Results:

Fistulae were diagnosed 21 times in 18 patients at a median age of 1.22 years (interquartile range: 0.50 to 2.99). The median time from diagnosis to repair was 17.5 days (interquartile range: 5.5 to 43). Symptoms commonly related to fistula were found in all patients. Uncommon fistulae included single H-type TEF (n=10, 47.6%), dual H-type TEF (n=2, 9.5%), dual proximal and distal TEF with esophageal atresia (n=5, 23.8%), TEF recurrence (n=2, 14.3%), BEF (n=1, 4.8%), and a BEF recurrence (n=1, 4.8%). Flexible bronchoscopy confirmed the diagnosis in all fistulae using a guide wire cannulation or methylene blue dye injection. A combined procedure with simultaneous bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy was used for 6 fistulae. The positive examination rate was 75% for bronchoscopy compared with 2.6% for contrast swallow studies and 28.6% for tube esophagograms.

Conclusions:

Flexible bronchoscopy should be considered as a first line investigation in uncommon aerodigestive fistulae. In the absence of a skilled bronchoscopist, the best radiologic investigation is a pull-back tube esophagogram but may still require endoscopic confirmation at the time of fistula repair.
On the Accuracy of Clinical Insertion Angle Predictions With a Surgical Planning Platform for Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Avallone Emilio , Lenarz Thomas , Timm Max E.
Published: July 2021

Hypothesis:

Various studies over the last few decades have shown that the cochlea is not a uniform structure, but that its size and shape may vary quite substantially in between subjects. The surgical planning platform enables the user to quickly approximate the size of a cochlea within clinical imaging data by measuring the basal cochlear diameters A and B. It also allows for contact specific insertion angle predictions for MED-EL cochlear implant electrode arrays based on this individual anatomy approximation. The proposed, retrospective study was performed to evaluate the accuracy of these predictions.

Methods:

Preoperative CBCT scans of N = 91 MED-EL cochlear implant patients with different types of FLEX electrode arrays (flexible, thin, and straight arrays) were evaluated using a planning module. Both the initial version (based on an equation proposed by Escudé et al.) as well as a novel, recently proposed approach (called elliptic-circular approximation) was employed. All predictions were then compared to the actual insertion angles which were derived from postoperative CBCT images of the same patient.

Results:

Most prediction deviations of the investigated cases stayed below 45deg for all electrode arrays and both prediction methods. In general, prediction deviations increased from base to apex were found to be larger for longer electrode arrays. Hardly any significant differences between the two prediction methods were observed. However, particularly large deviations were found for the Escudé method and could be substantially deceased with the updated elliptic-circular approximation approach.

Conclusions:

The new platform version with its updated prediction module allows to reliably predict insertion angles even for cochlear anatomies with slightly unusual features and shapes.
Difficulties and Practices in Palliative Nursing for Cancer Patients in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Dan Thi , Lai Wei-Shu
Published: July 2021

A massive demand for palliative care has developed in Vietnam because of the burden of cancer, with more than 70% of patients diagnosed in the terminal stage. Despite the recommended guidelines, palliative nursing in Vietnam has focused mainly on pain management and the treatment of complications. Research is needed to explore the reality of nursing practice and difficulties in palliative nursing. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 6 hospitals in 2 central cities of Vietnam by using the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale and the Palliative Care Self-Reported Practices Scale. All 143 registered nurses reported difficulties providing palliative care, with community coordination being the most difficult aspect and the alleviation of symptoms being the least difficult. The most common practice in palliative nursing was dyspnea management; the least common practice was patient- and family-centered care. The longer nurses had practiced, the less difficulty they experienced in palliative care. The improvement of nursing practice could help minimize the difficulties that nurses encounter when providing palliative care. Palliative nursing could be enhanced through training programs, especially for community coordination and patient- and family-centered care. Further longitudinal studies are recommended for multidimensional perspectives in palliative nursing.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Children With Necrotizing Pneumonia
Authors: Ness-Cochinwala Manette , Kobaitri Kaitlin , Totapally Balagangadhar R.
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES:

In this study, we describe the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric necrotizing pneumonia in the United States.

Design and Setting:

A retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 2016 Kids Inpatient Database was performed. The Kids Inpatient Database is a large deidentified hospital discharge database of pediatric patients in the United States.

PATIENTS:

The database was filtered using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition code J85.0 to identify necrotizing pneumonia in children 28 days to 20 years old.

INTERVENTIONS:

Children with necrotizing pneumonia with and without bacterial isolation and with and without complex chronic conditions were compared. Sample weighting was employed to produce national estimates.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Of the 2,296,220 discharges, 746 patients had necrotizing pneumonia (prevalence: 3.2/10,000 discharges). In patients with necrotizing pneumonia, 46.6% required chest tubes, 6.1% underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and 27.6% were mechanically ventilated. Pneumothorax was identified in 16.7% and pyothorax in 27.4%. The overall mortality rate was 4.1% (n = 31). Bacterial isolation was documented in 40.9%. The leading organisms identified in patients without a complex chronic condition were Streptococcus pneumoniae (12.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (9.2%) and in patients with a complex chronic condition were S. aureus (13.4%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.8%). Patients with bacterial isolation were significantly more likely to develop pneumothorax (odds ratio, 2.6; CI, 1.6–4.2) or septic shock (odds ratio, 3.2; CI, 1.9–5.4) and require a chest tube (odds ratio, 2.5; CI, 1.7–3.5) or mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 2.3; CI, 1.5–3.3) than patients without bacterial isolation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bacterial etiology of necrotizing pneumonia in children varied with the presence or absence of a complex chronic condition. Bacterial isolation is associated with increased invasive procedures and complications. The mortality rate is higher in children with complex chronic conditions. This study provides national data on necrotizing pneumonia among hospitalized children.
Assessment of the effect of amantadine in patients with traumatic brain injury: A meta-analysis
Authors: Mohamed Mona Salah , El Sayed Iman , Zaki Adel , Abdelmonem Sherif
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury is a global burden. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of amantadine for cognitive performance after traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

The systematic review was prospectively registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews website under the registration number CRD42017080044. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines to report the steps of meta-analysis. The search included electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, CENTRAL, ProQuest and ClinicalTrials.gov trial registry). Critical care medicine journals and clinical neurology specialty were searched using www.scimagojr.com. There was no publication date restriction. Two authors assessed studies’ relevance and extracted data. Studies were assessed for quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis Program versions 2.0 and 3.0.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies out of 3,440 records were included in the systematic review, of which only 14 clinical trials and 6 observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. Amantadine significantly enhanced the cognitive function relative to control group (mean difference [MD], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–0.66; p < 0.001, 16 studies, 1,127 participants, low certainty evidence). Consistent significant difference in favor of amantadine relative to control group was found (MD of 0.79 [95% CI, 0.34–1.24], very low certainty evidence, for cohort studies vs. MD of 0.40 [95% CI, 0.25–0.56], moderate certainty evidence, for RCTS). Starting amantadine in the first week after TBI had a significant effect on improving cognitive function (MD, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.45–1.49; 16 studies, 1,127 participants, low certainty). Amantadine showed a better effect when administered for less than 1 month (MD, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.56–1.11; low certainty) and to patients below 18 years of age (MD, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.32–0.99; low certainty) or to patients with less severe traumatic brain injury (MD, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.18–0.62; low certainty). No statistically significant difference existed between amantadine and the control concerning the adverse events (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 0.88–3.44; p = 0.11, moderate certainty). Metaregression of the different clinical parameters, which are onset of treatment, age, and severity of traumatic brain injury, showed a statistically significant relation between onset of treatment and the effect size of amantadine. The relation between the other two parameters and the effect size of amantadine showed a marginal statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Amantadine may improve the cognitive function when used after TBI. Further research with high validity is needed to reach a solid conclusion about the use of amantadine in traumatic brain injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review/meta-analysis, level III.
Gunshot wounds sustained during legal intervention versus those inflicted by civilians: A comparative analysis
Authors: Schellenberg Morgan , Liasidis Panagiotis , Inaba Kenji , Demetriades Demetrios
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Existing data demonstrate that injuries sustained during legal intervention (LI) differ from those incurred during civilian interpersonal violence (CIV), but gunshot wounds (GSWs) have not yet been specifically examined. This study was undertaken to provide an in-depth analysis of patients shot during LI versus CIV.

METHODS

Patients injured by GSW and captured by the National Trauma Data Bank (2007–2017) were included. Exclusions were transfer from outside hospital or self-inflicted, accidental, or undetermined injury intent GSWs. Study groups were defined by injury circumstances: GSWs sustained during LI versus CIV. Univariable analysis compared demographics, clinical/injury data, and outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 248,726 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria: 98% (n = 243,150) CIV versus 2% (n = 5,576) LI. Race varied significantly between study groups (p < 0.001). White patients were the most commonly injured race after LI (n = 2,176, 39%). Black patients were the most commonly injured race after CIV (n = 139,067, 57%). Psychiatric disease (9% vs. 2%, p < 0.001) was more common among LI GSWs. The LI patients were more frequently tachycardic (18% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), hypotensive (26% vs. 14%, p < 0.001), and comatose (34% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). The LI patients had higher Injury Severity Scores (13 vs. 9, p < 0.001), required emergent surgical intervention (39% vs. 28%, p < 0.001) and intensive care unit admission (47% vs. 32%, p < 0.001) more often, and had longer hospital stay (4 vs. 3 days, p < 0.001). Mortality was higher after LI (27% vs. 14%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Significant racial and injury severity differences exist between patients shot during LI and CIV. White patients were the most commonly injured race after LI, while Black patients were the most commonly injured race during CIV. In addition, Black patients were overrepresented in both groups when compared with their proportion in the US population. LI patients were more significantly injured, as quantified by clinical, injury, and outcomes variables including increased mortality. Further study of patients shot during LI is needed to better understand this increased burden of injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and epidemiological, level IV.
Treatment of gambling disorder: review of evidence-based aspects for best practice
Authors: Bodor Davor , Ricijaš Neven , Filipčić Igor
Published: July 2021

Purpose of review

Despite a significant body of literature related to the treatment of gambling disorder, there are still an insufficient number of evaluation studies regarding their effectiveness or firm conclusions on specific treatment elements that contribute to it. The aim of this article was to provide a review of scientific results regarding the treatment of gambling disorder, to present the most commonly applied modalities of treatment and to explore the elements of the most successful therapeutic interventions.

Recent findings

A substantial body of literature has shown that the most successful therapeutic protocols are psychological interventions, especially based on cognitive-behavioral therapy/methods and/or motivational interviewing. Other interventions with promising results include different self-help interventions and mindfulness. Interventions such as couples therapy and support groups, may have positive effects in terms of increasing therapeutic adherence and retention, while pharmacotherapy is especially useful in patients with comorbidities.

Gambling disorder is a complex mental health problem caused by a wide spectrum of different biological, psychological, and social risk factors. Treatment options for gambling disorder need to be wide, flexible, accessible, and economically justified, providing early inclusion, retention, and sustainability of long-term effects of the treatment, that is, abstinence and higher quality of psychosocial functioning.
Vortioxetine improves cognition in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Tan Sheng Neng , Tan Carol
Published: July 2021

This study investigated the effects of vortioxetine on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This single-arm, open-label, phase II study enrolled 111 adults with MCI without depressive symptoms to receive 5–10 mg/day vortioxetine for 6 months. Main outcomes assessed: cognitive function [Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)], disease severity [Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR)], clinician-assessed improvement and safety. Mean MoCA score increased from 24.2 points (baseline) to 29.7 points (month 6), placing most subjects within the cognitively normal range (≥26 points). Compared with baseline, MoCA and DSST scores were significantly improved at months 1, 3 and 6 (P < 0.001 for all). Global CDR scores significantly improved from baseline to month 6 (mean change −0.37 points; P < 0.001), representing an improvement from very mild impairment (0.50 points) to cognitively normal status (0.13 points), mainly in CDR memory scores. At month 6, 89.6% of subjects had improved disease severity. Adverse events and adverse drug reactions were reported in 9.9% (n = 11) and 2.7% (n = 3) of subjects, respectively. Vortioxetine treatment was associated with significant improvement in cognitive function and a favorable safety profile in community-dwelling older adults with MCI. Given the lack of evidence for efficacious pharmacologic interventions for MCI, our results are encouraging and warrant further investigation.
Improve automatic detection of animal call sequences with temporal context
Authors: Madhusudhana Shyam , Shiu Yu , Klinck Holger , Fleishman Erica , Liu Xiaobai , Nosal Eva-Marie , Helble Tyler , Cholewiak Danielle , Gillespie Douglas , Širović Ana , Roch Marie A.
Published: July 2021

Many animals rely on long-form communication, in the form of songs, for vital functions such as mate attraction and territorial defence. We explored the prospect of improving automatic recognition performance by using the temporal context inherent in song. The ability to accurately detect sequences of calls has implications for conservation and biological studies. We show that the performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN), designed to detect song notes (calls) in short-duration audio segments, can be improved by combining it with a recurrent network designed to process sequences of learned representations from the CNN on a longer time scale. The combined system of independently trained CNN and long short-term memory (LSTM) network models exploits the temporal patterns between song notes. We demonstrate the technique using recordings of fin whale (
Balaenoptera physalus
) songs, which comprise patterned sequences of characteristic notes. We evaluated several variants of the CNN + LSTM network. Relative to the baseline CNN model, the CNN + LSTM models reduced performance variance, offering a 9–17% increase in area under the precision–recall curve and a 9–18% increase in peak F1-scores. These results show that the inclusion of temporal information may offer a valuable pathway for improving the automatic recognition and transcription of wildlife recordings.
Using metabolic energy to quantify the subjective value of physical effort
Authors: Summerside Erik M. , Ahmed Alaa A.
Published: July 2021

Economists have known for centuries that to understand an individual's decisions, we must consider not only the objective value of the goal at stake, but its subjective value as well. However, achieving that goal ultimately requires expenditure of effort. Surprisingly, despite the ubiquitous role of effort in decision-making and movement, we currently do not understand how effort is subjectively valued in daily movements. Part of the difficulty arises from the lack of an objective measure of effort. Here, we use a physiological approach to address this knowledge gap. We quantified objective effort costs by measuring metabolic cost via expired gas analysis as participants performed a reaching task against increasing resistance. We then used neuroeconomic methods to quantify each individual's subjective valuation of effort. Rather than the diminishing sensitivity observed in reward valuation, effort was valued objectively, on average. This is significantly less than the near-quadratic sensitivity to effort observed previously in force-based motor tasks. Moreover, there was significant inter-individual variability with many participants undervaluing or overvaluing effort. These findings demonstrate that in contrast with monetary decisions in which subjective value exhibits diminishing marginal returns, effort costs are valued more objectively in low-effort reaching movements common in daily life.
Halobaculum halophilum sp. nov. and Halobaculum salinum sp. nov., isolated from salt lake and saline soil
Authors: Cui Heng-Lin , Shi Xiao-Wei , Yin Xue-Meng , Yang Xiao-Yan , Hou Jing , Zhu Lin
Published: July 2021

Two halophilic archaeal strains, Gai3-2Tand NJ-3-1T, were isolated from salt lake and saline soil samples, respectively, collected in PR China. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains were 97.5% similar to each other. Strains Gai3-2Tand NJ-3-1Thad the highest sequence similarities to ‘Halobonum tyrrellense’ G22 (96.7 and 97.8%, respectively), and displayed similarities of 91.5–93.5% and 92.3–94.7%, respectively, toHalobaculummembers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two strains formed different branches and clustered tightly with ‘H. tyrrellense’ G22 andHalobaculummembers. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (isDDH) and amino acid identity (AAI) values between the two strains were 83.1, 26.9 and 77.9%, respectively, much lower than the threshold values proposed as a species boundary. These values between the two strains and ‘H. tyrrellense’ G22 (ANI 77.9–78.2%,isDDH 22.5–22.6% and AAI 68.8–69.3%) andHalobaculummembers (ANI 77.53–77.63%,isDDH 21.8–22.3% and AAI 68.4–69.4%) were almost identical, and much lower than the recommended threshold values for species delimitation. These results suggested that strains Gai3-2Tand NJ-3-1Trepresent two novel species ofHalobaculum. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strains Gai3-2T(=CGMCC 1.16080T=JCM 33550T) and NJ-3-1T(=CGMCC 1.16040T=JCM 33552T) represent two novel species of the genusHalobaculum, for which the nameHalobaculum halophilumsp. nov. andHalobaculum salinumsp. nov. are proposed.
Current population structure and pathogenicity patterns of Ascochyta rabiei in Australia
Authors: Bar Ido , Sambasivam Prabhakaran Thanjavur , Davidson Jenny , Farfan-Caceres Lina M. , Lee Robert C. , Hobson Kristy , Moore Kevin , Ford Rebecca
Published: July 2021

Ascochyta blight disease, caused by the necrotrophic fungusAscochyta rabiei, is a major biotic constraint to chickpea production in Australia and worldwide. Detailed knowledge of the structure of the pathogen population and its potential to adapt to our farming practices is key to informing optimal management of the disease. This includes understanding the molecular diversity among isolates and the frequency and distribution of the isolates that have adapted to overcome host resistance across agroecologically distinct regions. Thanks to continuous monitoring efforts over the past 6 years, a comprehensive collection ofA. rabieiisolates was collated from the major Australian chickpea production regions. To determine the molecular structure of the entire population, representative isolates from each collection year and growing region have been genetically characterized using a DArTseq genotyping-by-sequencing approach. The genotyped isolates were further phenotyped to determine their pathogenicity levels against a differential set of chickpea cultivars and genotype-phenotype associations were inferred. Overall, the AustralianA. rabieipopulation displayed a far lower genetic diversity (average Nei’s gene diversity of 0.047) than detected in other populations worldwide. This may be explained by the presence of a single mating-type in Australia, MAT1-2, limiting its reproduction to a clonal mode. Despite the low detected molecular diversity, clonal selection appears to have given rise to a subset of adapted isolates that are highly pathogenic on commonly employed resistance sources, and that are occurring at an increasing frequency. Among these, a cluster of genetically similar isolates was identified, with a higher proportion of highly aggressive isolates than in the general population. The discovery of distinct genetic clusters associated with high and low isolate pathogenicity forms the foundation for the development of a molecular pathotyping tool for the AustralianA. rabieipopulation. Application of such a tool, along with continuous monitoring of the genetic structure of the population will provide crucial information for the screening of breeding material and integrated disease management packages.