bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local and systemic inflammation triggers different outcomes of tumor growth related to infiltration of anti-tumor or pro-tumor macrophages
Authors: Liu Xinghan , Jiang Qi , Shen Sunan , Hou Yayi
Published: July 2022

Background:

Previous evidence suggests inflammation may be a double-edged sword with cancer-promoting and cancer suppressing function. In this study, we explore the impact of local and systemic inflammation on cancer growth.

Methods:

Female BALB/C mice were subcutaneously implanted with foreign body (plastic plates) to build up a local inflammation and intraperitoneally injected with PolyIC or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to build up a systemic inflammation, followed by subcutaneous injection of 5 × 105 colon cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were utilized to detect the Ki67 and interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in the tumor tissues and serum, respectively. The distributions of immune cells and expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) were evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM) and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The results showed that local inflammation induced by foreign body implantation suppressed tumor growth with decreased tumor weight (P 
= 0.001), volume (P 
= 0.004) and Ki67 index (P 
< 0.001). Compared with the control group, myeloid-derived suppressive cells sharply decreased (P 
= 0.040), while CD4+ T cells slightly increased in the tumor tissues of the group of foreign body-induced local inflammation (P 
= 0.035). Moreover, the number of M1 macrophages (P 
= 0.040) and expression of TLRs, especially TLR3 (P < 0.001) and TLR4 (P < 0.001), were significantly up-regulated in the foreign body group. Contrarily, tumor growth was significantly promoted in LPS or PolyIC-induced systemic inflammation (P 
= 0.009 and 0.006). FCM results showed M1 type macrophages (P 
= 0.017 and 0.006) and CD8+ T cells (P 
= 0.031 and 0.023) were decreased, while M2 type macrophages (P = 0.002 and 0.007) were significantly increased in tumor microenvironment of LPS or PolyIC-induced systemic inflammation group. In addition, the decreased expression of TLRs was detected in LPS or PolyIC group.

Conclusions:

The foreign body-induced local inflammation inhibited tumor growth, while LPS or PolyIC- induced systemic inflammation promoted tumor growth. The results suggested that the different outcomes of tumor growth might be attributed to the infiltration of anti-tumor or pro-tumor immune cells, especially M1 or M2 type macrophages into tumor microenvironment.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Contemporary results over a wide range of tumor complexity
Authors: Umbehr Martin H. , Jenni Simon , Fischer Boris , Zimmermann Matthias , Steigmiller Klaus , Müntener Michael
Published: July 2022

Background

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for renal masses < 7cm in size (T1 tumors). Since the introduction of the robotic-assisted laparoscopic PN (raPN) in high-volume centers, it has been increasingly adapted and standardized by urologists worldwide. There is growing evidence that the robot-assisted laparoscopic technique is associated with superior outcomes compared to those of open and conventional laparoscopic techniques. This study aimed to summarize the contemporary outcome data of raPN for renal tumors with varying degrees of complexity and to assess whether the outcomes reported from high-volume centers are reproducible in a limited caseload setting.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective study of a single surgeon's experience, including 123 consecutive patients undergoing raPN at our institution. Ultimately, 110 patients were included in the analysis. Basic characteristics, tumor complexity as described by the RENAL score, complications described by the Clavien-Dindo classification system, and functional and oncological outcomes were assessed and analyzed statistically.

Results

Of the 110 patients, 27 (24%), 61 (55%), and 23 (21%) had low, intermediate, and high degrees of complexity, respectively, according to the RENAL score. A cancer-negative surgical margin was achieved in 108 (97%) patients. A total of 70 (64%) patients had no loss of renal function, while 20 (27%) had minimal loss of renal function. Complications of > 3 Clavien-Dindo classification during the first 30 postoperative days occurred in 5 (5%) patients. The 3 complexity groups were found to have significantly different ischemia time: Low, 8 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 8–9.5); Intermediate, 12 minutes (IQR, 10–13); and High, 15.5 minutes (IQR, 11.25–18.75) (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions

Contemporary standards for raPN are safe and reproducible. Adherence to the technique reported by centers of excellence yielded comparable results with regard to tumor control, preservation of renal function, and complication rates in lower-volume settings.
Evolution of Posttraumatic Symptoms and Related Factors in Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rodríguez-Rey Rocío , Vega-Marín Verónica , Bueno-Guerra Nereida , Garrido-Hernansaiz Helena
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to (1) evaluate the evolution of mental health (posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTSSs], depression, and burnout) of healthcare workers during the second wave of the pandemic (November to December 2020) and compare it with the first wave (March to May 2020), and (2) ascertain the predictors of PTSSs.

Methods

In March to May 2020 (T1), 269 healthcare professionals working in Spain completed PTSSs, sadness, resilience, and coping questionnaires. In November to December 2020 (T2, N = 58), we assessed PTSSs, sadness, burnout, and depression.

Results

Among the healthcare professionals, 63.8% displayed severe PTSSs, 51.7% depressive symptoms, and 79.3% emotional exhaustion (T2). Some risk factors were caring for patients who were severely ill or dying and using rumination, thinking avoidance, self-isolation, emotional expression, and self-blaming as coping strategies.

Conclusions

The pandemic has had a deep and long-lasting impact on the healthcare workers' mental health.
Estimating Absenteeism Related to Nonalcohol Substance Use in a US National Cohort of Full-Time Employees
Authors: Morgan Jake R. , Murphy Sean M. , Assoumou Sabrina A. , Linas Benjamin P.
Published: July 2022

Objective

We aimed to estimate absenteeism due to substance use disorder among full-time employees.

Methods

We used the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to identify a sample of individuals employed full time. We used a survey-weighted multivariable negative binomial model to evaluate the association between absenteeism and type of substance use disorder controlling for available demographic information.

Results

In the adjusted model, we estimated that opioid use without a disorder had the highest absenteeism for use, and polysubstance use disorder had the highest absenteeism among use disorders. In a hypothetical firm of 10,000 employees, we estimate $232,000 of lost wage value annually.

Conclusions

Substance use is associated with absenteeism and presents a compelling argument for employers to promote programs that support treatment for employees and reduce downstream costs associated with absenteeism and turnover.
Sleep Quality and Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic in the Aviation Community in Greece
Authors: Karkala Aliki , Moschonas Stavros , Sykas Georgios , Karagianni Maria , Gilou Sotiria , Papaefthymiou Odysseas , Kourtidou-Papadeli Chrysoula
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the mental health and sleep quality of aviation workers in Greece during the pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of aviation workers in Greece was conducted.

Results

Sleep disturbances were observed in 25.4% of our 548 participants, whereas 8.2% and 5.8% reported at least mild depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The impact of the pandemic on their mental health was their primary concern, which increased for many active pilots according to their workload. Those infected mainly faced daily tiredness and fatigue. Smoking habits and high body mass index were a predisposition for more physical symptoms. Cabin crew and women generally yielded worse scores than the other groups.

Conclusion

Fear of infection could explain mental health issues, whereas physical symptoms of those infected could be attributed to long-COVID (coronavirus disease) syndrome. Flight attendants' lower ratings may be due to more occupational exposure.
Firefighters With Higher Cardiorespiratory Fitness Demonstrate Lower Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: McAllister Matthew J. , Gonzalez Drew E. , Leonard Megan , Martaindale M. Hunter , Bloomer Richard J. , Pence Jacquelyn , Martin Steven E.
Published: July 2022

Objective

High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with reduced markers of oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors; however, this relationship has not been elucidated in firefighters. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in markers of CVD risk between firefighters who have either high or low levels of CRF.

Methods

Forty-six firefighters participated in a maximal graded exercise test and a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan and provided a fasted blood sample. V˙O2max values were categorized based on American College of Sports Medicine guidelines to establish high- and low-fitness groups.

Results

High fitness firefighters demonstrated significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower markers of CVD risk: cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, and advanced oxidation protein products concentrations.

Conclusion

Firefighters are encouraged to maintain high CRF to reduce risk of CVD.
Sickness Absence and Disability Pension in the Trade and Retail Industry
Authors: Farrants Kristin , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate future sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) among privately employed white-collar employees in the trade and retail industry.

Methods

A prospective population-based cohort study of all 192,077 such workers in Sweden in 2012, using linked microdata from nationwide registers, was conducted. Descriptive statistics of annual SA/DP during 2010 to 2016 and logistic regression for SA/DP in 2016 were used.

Results

Women had more mean SA/DP net days/person; however, there were no sex differences in the mean number of net days/person with SA/DP. The mean number of net days/person increased, especially with mental diagnoses. Sickness absence in 2012 was the strongest factor associated with SA/DP in 2016 (women: odds ratio, 3.28; 95% confidence interval, 3.09–3.47; men: odds ratio, 4.10; 95% confidence interval, 3.76–4.48). Work-related factors were weakly associated with future SA/DP.

Conclusions

The number of SA/DP net days per person increased, especially SA/DP days due to mental diagnoses.
Early Drug Prescription Patterns as Predictors of Final Workers Compensation Claim Costs and Closure
Authors: Tao Xuguang (Grant) , Lavin Robert A. , Yuspeh Larry , Tsourmas Nicholas F. , Kalia Nimisha , Leung Nina , Williams Leila , Hunt Dan L. , Green-McKenzie Judith , Bernacki Edward J.
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of the study is to determine the associations of workers’ compensation claim costs and return to work with drugs prescribed for early symptom management.

Methods

Claims filed from 1998 to 2007 were followed for 10 years from the injury date. Drugs analyzed included gabapentin, pregabalin, antipsychotics, antidepressants, sedatives, benzodiazepines, carisoprodol, and opioids, controlling for initial reserve, sex, age, physical therapy, attorney involvement, and surgery.

Results

Gabapentin, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sedatives used in the first 3 months after injury were significantly associated with higher claim cost (≥$100,000). All opioid morphine equivalent doses greater than or equal to 5 mg/d for the first 6 months was significantly associated with higher cost (≥$100,000) and not being released to work at end of third year after injury with dose-response relationships.

Conclusions

Prescription patterns in the first 3 months or first 6 months of workers’ compensation claim development may be used as predictors of claim outcomes.
Work-Related Stress and Occurrence of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Feng Meng-Yao , Wang Hui-Xin , Zhuo Lai-Bao , Yao Wu , Hao Chang-Fu , Pei Jin-Jing
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of work-related psychological and physical stresses on risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

A total of 5651 CVD-free participants older than 50 years from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe were followed up for 13 years to detect incident CVD. Work-related stress was assessed using job strain and job reward questionnaire. Cox regression model was used to estimate the association.

Results

High physical demands (hazard ratio [HR], 1.30) and low reward (HR, 1.19) compared with their counterparts, as well as active physical jobs (HR, 1.41) and high physical strain (HR, 1.45) in comparison with low physical strain were associated with higher risk of incident CVD after adjusting for confounders. However, combining physically stressful jobs with low reward did not further increase the CVD risk.

Conclusions

Avoiding physically stressful jobs or providing appropriate reward may reduce the occurrence of CVD.
Nurse practitioner integration: Conceptual development to enhance application in policy and research
Authors: Porat-Dahlerbruch Joshua , Poghosyan Lusine , Blumenthal Nancy , Ratz Shoshana , Ellen Moriah E.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been introduced across the world to improve care quality and solve provider shortages. Realizing these benefits relies on their successful integration into health care systems. Although NP integration has been discussed extensively, the concept is defined inconsistently. Literature, therefore, cannot be synthesized to create policy recommendations for management and policymakers to plan for and advance NP integration.

Objectives:

To describe and define NP integration and enhance its applicability in research and policy.

Data Sources:

A modified Walker and Avant concept analysis was used to develop a conceptual model of NP integration. Data were extracted and synthesized from 78 sources referencing the concept.

Conclusions:

Nurse practitioner integration was operationally defined as the multilevel process of incorporating NPs into the health care system so that NPs can practice to their full scope, education, and training and contribute to patient, system, and population needs. The attributes of NP integration are: 1) achievable goal; 2) process; 3) introduction of the role; 4) incorporation into organizational care models; 5) challenging traditional ideologies; 6) ability to function; 7) provide high-quality care; and 8) improve outcomes, sustainability, and health system transformation. Seventeen facilitators/barriers affecting NP integration were identified. Three health care system levels at which integration occurs were identified—macro, meso, and micro.

Implications for Practice:

Findings will inform managers, policymakers, and stakeholders about NP integration to aid in planning and policy development. Results can be used to inform research on barriers and facilitators to NP integration.
Quiet Eye: Another Technique for Your Toolbox
Authors: Powell Suzanne K.
Published: July 2022

“Quiet Eye” is a technique that has been studied in sports, law enforcement, military, and medical settings; it refers to the amount of time one spends concentrating on a specific “next step” before initiating movement. Noted to reduce anxiety, and even have a sense of slowing things down a bit, this can be used in any situation from before walking into a difficult family's room to presenting a bid to leadership for more case managers in your department.
Development of the Nurses' Willingness to Engage in Palliative Care Scale
Authors: Zhu Yichang , Yang Bo , Li Xiaoxu , Wu Bing , Guo Qiaohong , Xu Lin , Zhao Yun
Published: July 2022

Nurses play an important role in palliative care, and their willingness to engage in such work is thus crucial. The purpose of this study was to develop, and test the reliability and validity of, the Nurses' Willingness to Engage in Palliative Care Scale. The sample consisted of 224 Chinese nurses with a mean age of 32.36 (SD, 5.986) years. The critical ratio method was used for item analysis. Reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach α. Content validity was assessed by calculating a content validity index based on ratings from 5 nursing experts. Structural validity was calculated by exploratory factor analysis. The developed scale consists of 20 items over 4 dimensions (attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention) and has high content validity (0.97). The reliability of the scale was found to be sufficient (Cronbach α = .896). Four common factors were extracted from exploratory factor analysis, and the cumulative variance explained was 68.938%. The Nurses' Willingness to Engage in Palliative Care Scale has good reliability and validity and can be used to assess nurses' willingness to work in palliative care units.
From Mushrooms to Myolysis
Authors: Suleiman Mariella , Basu Arnabh , Belal Sameen , Jacob Theresa
Published: July 2022

The involvement of certain recreational drugs, namely, hallucinogens, in the development of hyperactive syndromes is well known, but not well studied. In this report, we expand on this relationship by documenting the development of substance-induced psychosis in a young patient who used a large amount of psilocybin and developed symptoms of a first psychotic and manic episode, complicated by violent behavior and rhabdomyolysis. We further evaluate the association between psilocybin use and rhabdomyolysis and explore this understudied phenomenon and differentiate it from the diagnoses of other hyperactive syndromes seen in psychiatry. This case exemplifies the need for increased vigilance in psilocybin microdosing therapy and for physicians to be mindful of how each patient responds to its use to prevent life-threatening hyperactive syndromes in its wake.
Relationships Between Multiple Dimensions of Insight and Neurocognition, Metacognition, and Social Cognition
Authors: Gan Jun , Fu Hong , Zhu Xiongzhao
Published: July 2022

Insight is a complex and multidimensional concept, and has a complex relationship with cognition. A meta-analysis of 102 studies of 9396 patients was conducted to determine the magnitude of the relationship between insight and neurocognition, higher-order cognition in multiple mental disorders. Insight has been found moderately related to higher-order cognition, but only weakly related to neurocognition. The different relationship has been found between the dimensions of insight and higher-order cognition. Almost none of the correlational coefficients of insight and cognitive domains were found to differ significantly among the different diagnostic groups. In conclusion, insight may be essentially related to higher-order cognition, but not to neurocognition. The orientation and expression of different dimensions of insight might be different, and the relationship of insight and cognition might not be explained by specific diagnosis.
Fibroids and Fertility: A Comparison of Myomectomy and Uterine Artery Embolization on Fertility and Reproductive Outcomes
Authors: Zanolli Nicole C. , Bishop Katherine C. , Kuller Jeffrey A. , Price Thomas M. , Harris Benjamin S.
Published: July 2022

Importance

Leiomyomata, or fibroids, are a common gynecological problem affecting many women of reproductive age. Historically, myomectomy is offered to women with symptomatic fibroids who desire to preserve fertility. More recently, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been explored as another fertility-sparing option.

Objective

This review aims to provide an in-depth summary of the effects on fertility and reproductive outcomes following myomectomy and UAE for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids.

Evidence Acquisition

Articles were obtained from PubMed using search terms myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, and fertility, as well as American Society of Reproductive Medicine practice committee reports. References from identified sources were searched to allow for thorough review.

Results

While myomectomy and UAE are both fertility-sparing options for women with fibroids, reproductive outcomes following myomectomy are superior to UAE with higher rates of clinical pregnancy and live births and lower rates of spontaneous abortion, abnormal placentation, preterm labor, and malpresentation.

Conclusions

Myomectomy should be offered to women with symptomatic submucosal or cavity-distorting fibroids who have a strong desire for a future pregnancy. For women who are not appropriate surgical candidates, UAE can be offered, although detrimental effects on future fertility should be disclosed.

Relevance

A thorough understanding of the efficacy of both myomectomy and UAE, as well as their impact on future fertility, allows for improved counseling when deciding the optimal intervention for women with fibroids who desire future fertility.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to describe the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of fibroids, with an emphasis on their impact on fertility; compare the indications, procedural techniques, and outcomes following myomectomy and UAE; and explain fertility and pregnancy outcomes following both myomectomy and UAE.
Biofilm Production by Uropathogens in Postmenopausal Women With Recurrent and Isolated Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Falk Kerac N. , Satola Sarah W. , Chassagne François , Northington Gina M. , Quave Cassandra L.
Published: July 2022

(Abstracted from Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2022;28:e127–e132)

With 50% to 70% of women reporting a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lives, the diagnosis and treatment of this condition are common. Recurrent UTI occurs in approximately 20% to 30% of women, and estimated annual total health care costs of UTIs reside around $2.3 billion.
Implementation of a Revised Classification for Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring and Association to Birth Outcome: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Jonsson Maria , Söderling Jonas , Ladfors Lars , Nordström Lennart , Nilsson Marianne , Algovik Michael , Norman Mikael , Holzmann Malin
Published: July 2022

(Abstracted from Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2022;101:183–192)

Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is an important tool for detecting fetal hypoxia before the development of adverse neonatal outcomes. Although EFM is highly sensitive, it also has low specificity.
Can Hysterosalpingo-Foam Sonography Replace Hysterosalpingography as First-Choice Tubal Patency Test? A Randomized Non-inferiority Trial
Authors: van Welie Nienke , van Rijswijk Joukje , Dreyer Kim , van Hooff Machiel H. A. , de Bruin Jan Peter , Verhoeve Harold R. , Mol Femke , van Baal Wilhelmina M. , Traas Maaike A. F. , van Peperstraten Arno M. , Manger Arentje P. , Gianotten Judith , de Koning Cornelia H. , Koning Aafke M. H. , Bayram Neriman , van der Ham David P. , Vrouenraets Francisca P. J. M. , Kalafusova Michaela , van de Laar Bob I. G. , Kaijser Jeroen , Lambeek Arjon F. , Meijer Wouter J. , Broekmans Frank J. M. , Valkenburg Olivier , van der Voet Lucy F. , van Disseldorp Jeroen , Lambers Marieke J. , Tros Rachel , Lambalk Cornelis B. , Stoker Jaap , van Wely Madelon , Bossuyt Patrick M. M. , Mol Ben Willem J. , Mijatovic Velja
Published: July 2022

(Abstracted from Hum Reprod 2022;37:969–979)

A main cause of female infertility is tubal pathology, with 11% to 30% of cases resulting from previous surgery, infections (such as sexually transmitted diseases), or endometriosis. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is considered as the first choice for a tubal patency test during fertility workup, but the more patient-friendly hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography option has also been introduced.
Factors Affecting Optic Nerve Damage in Le Fort III Osteotomy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Noto Mariko , Sakahara Daisuke , Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Imai Keisuke
Published: July 2022

The causes of visual impairment following Le Fort osteotomy for syndromic craniosynostosis have not been completely elucidated. The authors investigated the potential causes and means of prevention of optic nerve damage, with particular emphasis on intraoperative blood transfusion volume and operating time.

This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent Le Fort III osteotomy for syndromic craniosynostosis between 2000 and 2020. Data on pupillary reflex, pupil size, operating time, blood transfusion, age at time of surgery, sex, and syndrome type were obtained from medical records. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis with the level of statistical significance set at P<0.05.

For the 86 patients included, the mean values of operating time, amount of blood transfusion based on body weight, amount of blood transfusion per body weight per hour, and age were 6.0 hours (range: 3.5–12.3 h), 30.5 mL/kg (range: 0–322 mL/kg), 5.14 mL/kg/h (range: 0–35.7 mL/kg/h), and 10.0 years (range: 4–38 y), respectively. Crouzon, Apert, and Pfeiffer syndromes were observed in 49, 29, and 8 patients, respectively. Abnormal pupillary findings were observed in 27 patients of whom 25 showed no abnormalities in subsequent visual function and 2 developed blindness. Abnormal pupillary findings correlated with the amount of blood transfused per body weight (P=0.0082) and amount of blood transfused per body weight per hour (P=0.0052).

As demonstrated in this study, increased intraoperative bleeding and amount of blood transfused were associated with optic nerve damage, particularly during acute bleeding. Prompt inspection of the pupils following surgery is therefore warranted.
Predicting Changes in Cephalic Index Following Spring-mediated Cranioplasty for Nonsyndromic Sagittal Craniosynostosis: A Stepwise and Machine Learning Algorithm Approach
Authors: Villavisanis Dillan F. , Shakir Sameer , Zhao Chao , Cho Daniel Y. , Barrero Carlos , Blum Jessica D. , Swanson Jordan W. , Bartlett Scott P. , Tucker Alexander M. , Taylor Jesse A.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) is an increasingly utilized technique to treat patients with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis, but variables impacting outcomes are incompletely understood. The purpose of this study was to determine variables most predictive of outcomes following SMC, primarily changes in cephalic index (CI).

Methods:

Patients with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis undergoing SMC at our institution between 2014 and 2021 were included. Cephalic index was measured from patient computed tomography scans, x-rays, or by caliper-based methods. Parietal bone thickness was determined from patient preoperative computed tomography. Stepwise multiple regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and random forest machine learning methods were used to determine variables most predictive of changes in CI.

Results:

One hundred twenty-four patients were included. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified duration of spring placement (P=0.007), anterior spring force (P=0.034), and anterior spring length (P=0.043) as statistically significant predictors for changes in CI. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis identified maximum spring force (β=0.035), anterior spring length (β=0.005), posterior spring length (β=0.004), and duration of spring placement (β=0.0008) as the most predictive variables for changes in CI. Random forest machine learning identified variables with greatest increase in mean squared error as maximum spring force (0.0101), anterior spring length (0.0090), and posterior spring length (0.0056).

Conclusions:

Maximum and total spring forces, anterior and posterior spring lengths, and duration of spring placement were the most predictive variables for changes in CI following SMC. Age at surgery and other demographic variables were inferior predictors in these models.
Whole genome-based taxonomy of Shewanella and Parashewanella
Authors: Martín-Rodríguez Alberto J. , Meier-Kolthoff Jan P.
Published: July 2022

The family

Shewanellaceae

currently comprises three genera,

Shewanella

,

Parashewanella

and

Psychrobium

, the latter represented by a single species. From the second half of the 1990s, the number of novel species in the

Shewanellaceae

has steadily increased, suggesting that the true diversity of this family has only begun to emerge. In recent years, efforts to provide a genus-wide, whole genome-based taxonomy for

Shewanella

have been limited by the lack of numerous type strain genome sequences. To shed light on this question, we sequenced all

Shewanella

type strains that lacked a publicly available whole-genome sequence. Using state-of-the-art phylogenomic methods, here we provide a genus-wide taxonomy of

Shewanella

and

Parashewanella

that resulted in the identification of 48 novel species represented by 73 sequenced isolates, and we propose the correction of 43 misidentified non-type-strain isolates. Our work sets a reference for family-wide comparative genomic studies addressing genetic or ecophysiological aspects of

Shewanellaceae

, as well as subsequent species descriptions.
Evaluation of experiences and attitudes of patients towards patient portal enabled access to their health information or medical records – A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kuppanda Preksha Machaiya , Jenkins Judy
Published: July 2022

The demand for patient centred care and patient engagement in their healthcare has driven patient portal introduction. The widespread adoption and use of patient portals, however, has been a rather slow process in the United Kingdom (UK). Hence, a limited number of studies have explored patient perceptions and experiences of general portal use which forms a foundation for successful implementation of a portal. This study, therefore, focuses on the experiences and attitudes of patients regarding use of patient portals and access to their health information. It further explores various factors perceived by patients that may influence portal use and uptake. These patient experiences were gathered through semi-structured interviews of 13 participants and the data collected was subjected to analysis using the grounded theory approach. The overall findings from this study highlights positive patient perceptions of portal use. Nevertheless, it demonstrates various areas of improvement essential to ensure successful implementation and acceptance of patient portals in the future.

Authors summary

Patient portals have become a globally popular tool used in the healthcare sector due to its potential to increase patient engagement which is considered essential to provide patient centred care. Similarly, the use of patient portals in the UK has increased, with different providers making this service available to patients. Patients are the key target users of patient portals, however, there is limited research that focuses on understanding patients’ perspective of using a patient portal and accessing their health information. The majority of the existing studies have either evaluated providers or healthcare professionals’ perspective of patient portal implementation or explored patient experiences of using patient portal tailored to cater individuals with specific health conditions. Therefore, our aim was to explore patients’ perception of patient portals and their experiences of accessing their health information or medical records through one. Our research has captured various factors that has influenced portal use among patients and the impact of health information access on patients and their care process. Additionally, it has identified scope for future development and discussed factors that could potentially improve patient portal implementation and drive portal use and uptake among patients.
Acceptability, willingness to use and preferred distribution models of oral-based HIV self-testing kits among key and priority populations enrolled in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis clinics in central Uganda. A mixed-methods cross-sectional study
Authors: Junior Matovu John Bosco , Mayega Roy William , Nalubega Sylivia , Byakika-Tusiime Jayne
Published: July 2022

Key Populations (KPs) and Priority Populations (PPs) taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention require routine HIV testing every after three months. HIV self-testing could be an alternative testing approach for these population categories. We assessed the acceptability of oral-based HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) among Key and priority Populations taking PrEP in central Uganda. A mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted on 367 key and priority populations attending Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis clinics in central Uganda, from May to August 2018. KPs and PPs were introduced to the Oraquick HIV self-testing kit as an option for HIV testing during their routine visit to the PrEP clinic. A demonstration of how to perform HIV self-testing was conducted using an Oraquick demonstration video and leaflet inserts after which, respondents were asked to choose between HIVST and the conventional facility blood-based HIV testing. Those willing to use the oral kit were asked to voluntarily consent, were provided with an Oraquick HIVST kit and were assisted to perform the test. Quantitative data were presented as proportions for each outcome variable. Thematic analysis was performed to explore factors that promote and inhibit HIVST. HIV self-testing acceptability; defined as the proportion of those who performed an HIVST test among those approached was 99.5% (365/367). Using an oral fluid-based kit “Oraquick” was reported to be free of pain, convenient, easy to use and time saving hence preferred over other HIV testing modalities. A multimodal approach to distributing HIV self-testing kits was suggested by respondents. Oral-based HIV self-testing is highly acceptable among key and priority populations taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and can be adopted as an alternative to the conventional routine three monthly facility-based provider dependent HIV screening. Kits’ distribution may employ several models. Majority of key populations would afford the kits at a cost of not more than 1.4USD if not provided free of charge.
Health related quality of life of oral cancer patients who receive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in a tertiary referral centre in Sri Lanka- A prospective study
Authors: Kosgallana Shamini , Jayasekara Prasanna , Abeysinghe Prasad , Lalloo Ratilal
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of oral cancer patients who receive radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy and the changes in HRQOL.

Patients and Methods

A prospective study was conducted among oral cancer patients who receive RT with or without chemotherapy. Two European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires: EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35, were used to assess HRQOL before RT, during the last week of RT and three months after RT. High scores of symptom domains and items indicate low HRQOL and wise versa for functional and ‘Global health status’ domains.

Results

Ninety oral cancer patients were included. The majority of the sample were males (88%) and 68% were aged 50-69. The median scores of all the domains and items in EORTC QLQ-H&N35 and symptom domains and items in EORTC QLQ-C30 were higher during the last week of RT compared to the baseline. The functional domains of EORTC QLQ-C30 showed the highest median values (100.0) at baseline but much less values (<66.7) during last week of RT. Except for ‘Appetite loss’ item, all the symptom domains and items scores were lower at three months after RT than the median scores during last week of RT. Statistically significant differences were observed in almost all the changes in HRQOL between three-time frames (p<0.05).

Conclusions

HRQOL of oral cancer patients declined due to RT from baseline to the last week of RT and improved three months after RT from last week of RT but had not returned to the baseline level.
Nutrition and exercise diabetes knowledge and practices of family members of patients in rural areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Mphasha Mabitsela , Skaal Linda , Mothiba Tebogo
Published: July 2022

Family Members (FMs) offers basic assistance with meals and exercise, both of which are critical in diabetes control. Support from family has been linked to better outcomes. Family support, on the other hand, might lead to poor diabetes outcomes, especially when FMs lack information. Patients’ outcomes can be influenced by established family practices. As a result, the goal of this study is to determine diabetes FMs’ knowledge and practices in the areas of nutrition and exercise. On 200 FMs selected via convenient sampling from rural clinics in Senwabarwana, Limpopo Province, a quantitative approach and cross-sectional descriptive design were used. Close-ended questionnaires were used to collect data, which were then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software v27.0 and descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Only 31% of participants had great overall knowledge, according to the findings, and only 9% had good practice. Over half of the participants (53%) believe that overweight diabetes patients should skip meals in order to lose weight, and 3.5% and 19%, respectively, are familiar with exercise prescriptions and glucose measurements. Only 35,5% of people eat breakfast every day, whereas the overwhelming majority (87,5%) exercise. The findings of this study show that patient’s FMs need to enhance their diet and exercise diabetes care knowledge and practices. To reduce diabetes prevalence and its detrimental impact on patients’ diabetes treatment, a combined strategy of community-based awareness campaigns and a family-centered approach is proposed, as well as behavior change intervention.
Optimal frequency of perinatal retinal waves is essential for the precise wiring of visual axons in non-image forming nuclei
Authors: Negueruela Santiago , Morenilla-Palao Cruz , Sala Salvador , Herrera Macarena , Coca Yaiza , López-Cascales Maria Teresa , Ordoño Patricia , Florez-Paz Danny , Gomis Ana , Herrera Eloísa
Published: July 2022

The development of the visual system is an intricate and multi-step process involving the precise connection of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon terminals with their corresponding neurons in the visual nuclei of the brain. Upon reaching primary image-forming nuclei (IFN), such as the superior colliculus and the lateral geniculate nucleus, RGC axons undergo extensive arborization that refines over the first few postnatal weeks. The molecular mechanisms driving this activity-dependent remodeling process, which is influenced by spontaneous activity in the developing retina, are still not well understood. In this study, by manipulating the activity of RGCs in mice and analyzing their transcriptomic profiles before eye opening, we have identified gene programs involved in activity-dependent refinement. Furthermore, while RGC axons also target non-image forming nuclei (NIFN), the impact of spontaneous retinal activity on the development of these accessory nuclei, has not yet been elucidated. The analysis of visual terminals from mice with altered retinal activity revealed that spontaneous retinal waves occurring prior to visual experience also play a role in shaping the connectivity of the non-image forming circuit. Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing activity-dependent axon refinement during the establishment of the visual circuit.
Challenges and best practices for digital unstructured data enrichment in health research: a systematic narrative review
Authors: Sedlakova Jana , Daniore Paola , Wintsch Andrea Horn , Wolf Markus , Stanikic Mina , Haag Christina , Sieber Chloé , Schneider Gerold , Staub Kaspar , Ettlin Dominik Alois , Grübner Oliver , Rinaldi Fabio , von Wyl Viktor ,   University of Zurich Digital Society Initiative (UZH-DSI) Health Community
Published: July 2022

Digital data play an increasingly important role in advancing medical research and care. However, most digital data in healthcare are in an unstructured and often not readily accessible format for research. Specifically, unstructured data are available in a non-standardized format and require substantial preprocessing and feature extraction to translate them to meaningful insights. This might hinder their potential to advance health research, prevention, and patient care delivery, as these processes are resource intensive and connected with unresolved challenges. These challenges might prevent enrichment of structured evidence bases with relevant unstructured data, which we refer to as digital unstructured data enrichment. While prevalent challenges associated with unstructured data in health research are widely reported across literature, a comprehensive interdisciplinary summary of such challenges and possible solutions to facilitate their use in combination with existing data sources is missing.

In this study, we report findings from a systematic narrative review on the seven most prevalent challenge areas connected with the digital unstructured data enrichment in the fields of cardiology, neurology and mental health along with possible solutions to address these challenges. Building on these findings, we compiled a checklist following the standard data flow in a research study to contribute to the limited available systematic guidance on digital unstructured data enrichment. This proposed checklist offers support in early planning and feasibility assessments for health research combining unstructured data with existing data sources. Finally, the sparsity and heterogeneity of unstructured data enrichment methods in our review call for a more systematic reporting of such methods to achieve greater reproducibility.
Mutational analysis of a conserved positive charge in the c-ring of E. coli ATP synthase
Authors: Shrestha Rashmi K. , Founds Michael W. , Shepard Sam J. , Rothrock Mallory M. , Defnet Amy E. , Steed P. Ryan
Published: July 2022

F1Fo ATP synthase is a ubiquitous molecular motor that utilizes a rotary mechanism to synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fundamental energy currency of life. The membrane-embedded Fo motor converts the electrochemical gradient of protons into rotation, which is then used to drive the conformational changes in the soluble F1 motor that catalyze ATP synthesis. In E. coli, the Fo motor is composed of a c10 ring (rotor) alongside subunit a (stator), which together provide two aqueous half channels that facilitate proton translocation. Previous work has suggested that Arg50 and Thr51 on the cytoplasmic side of each subunit c are involved in the proton translocation process, and positive charge is conserved in this region of subunit c. To investigate the role of these residues and the chemical requirements for activity at these positions, we generated eleven substitution mutants and assayed their in vitro ATP synthesis, H+ pumping, and passive H+ permeability activities, as well as the ability of mutants to carry out oxidative phosphorylation in vivo. While polar and hydrophobic mutations were generally tolerated in either position, introduction of negative charge caused a substantial defect. We discuss the possible effects of altered electrostatics on the interaction between the rotor and stator, water structure in the aqueous channel, and interaction of the rotor with phospholipids.
Characterization of heterogeneity in nanodisc samples using Feret signatures
Authors: Vilela Fernando , Bezault Armel , de Francisco Borja Rodriguez , Sauvanet Cécile , Xu Xiao-Ping , Swift Mark F. , Yao Yong , Marrasi Francesca M. , Hanein Dorit , Volkmann Niels
Published: July 2022

Nanodiscs have become a popular tool in structure determination of membrane proteins using cryogenic electron microscopy and single particle analysis. However, the structure determination of small membrane proteins remains challenging. When the embedded protein is in the same size range as the nanodisc, the nanodisc can significantly contribute to the alignment and classification during the structure determination process. In those cases, it is crucial to minimize the heterogeneity in the nanodisc preparations to assure maximum accuracy in the classification and alignment steps of single particle analysis. Here, we introduce a new in-silico method for the characterization of nanodisc samples that is based on analyzing the Feret diameter distribution of their particle projection as imaged in the electron microscope. We validated the method with comprehensive simulation studies and show that Feret signatures can detect subtle differences in nanodisc morphologies and composition that might otherwise go unnoticed. We used the method to identify a specific biochemical nanodisc preparation with low size variations, allowing us to obtain a structure of the 23-kDa single-span membrane protein Bcl-xL while embedded in a nanodisc. Feret signature analysis can steer experimental data collection strategies, allowing more efficient use of high-end data collection hardware, as well as image analysis investments in studies where nanodiscs significantly contribute to the total volume of the full molecular species.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

New methodology to characterize nanodiscs based on Feret signatures

Feret signatures distinguish nanodisc morphologies and compositions

Analysis is highly sensitive to sample quality

Method selected condition to solve structure of small membrane protein Bcl-xL
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Vector Mosquito Species and Areas at Risk for Arbovirus Transmission in Maricopa County, Arizona
Authors: Wilke André B. B. , Damian Dan , Litvinova Maria , Byrne Thomas , Zardini Agnese , Poletti Piero , Merler Stefano , Mutebi John-Paul , Townsend John , Ajelli Marco
Published: July 2022

Mosquito-borne diseases are a major global public health concern and mosquito surveillance systems are essential for the implementation of effective mosquito control strategies. The objective of our study is to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of vector mosquito species in Maricopa County, AZ from 2011 to 2021, and to identify the hotspot areas for West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV) transmission in 2021. The Maricopa County Mosquito Control surveillance system utilizes BG-Sentinel and EVS-CDC traps throughout the entire urban and suburban areas of the county. We estimated specific mosquito species relative abundance per unit area using the Kernel density estimator in ArcGIS 10.2. We calculated the distance between all traps in the surveillance system and created a 4 km buffer radius around each trap to calculate the extent to which each trap deviated from the mean number ofCx. quinquefasciatusandCx. tarsaliscollected in 2021. Our results show that vector mosquito species are widely distributed and abundant in the urban areas of Maricopa County. A total of 691,170Culex quinquefasciatus, 542,733Culex tarsalis, and 292,305Aedes aegyptiwere collected from 2011 to 2022. The relative abundance ofAe. aegyptiwas highly seasonal peaking in the third and fourth quarters of the year.Culex quinquefasciatus, on the other hand, was abundant throughout the year with several regions consistently yielding high numbers of mosquitoes.Culex tarsaliswas abundant but it only reached high numbers in well-defined areas bordering natural and rural areas. We also detected high levels of heterogeneity in the risk of WNV and SLEV transmission to humans disregarding traps geographical proximity. The well-defined species-specific spatiotemporal and geographical patterns found in this study can be used to inform vector control operations.