bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Multifaceted Intervention Among Primary Care Physicians on Sickness Certification
Authors: Romani Maya , Assaf Georges , Mahfoud Mirna , Hoteit Reem , Saab Basem Roberto
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Sickness absence remains a major challenge globally. Primary care physicians often find it challenging to deny patients' requests for sick leaves, making the gatekeeping role uneasy among doctors.

Methods:

Twenty-one PCPs participated in this non-randomized intervention study. The educational intervention consisted of an interactive presentation, a 20-minute video screening, and 3 text message reminders. The average number for sickness certificates (SCs), sickness absence rate per patient, and causes for sickness absence spells were measured one year before and one year after the intervention.

Results:

The average number of SC one year before and after the intervention was 0.44 and 0.47, respectively. The sickness absence rate was 0.63% one year before and 0.75% one year after the intervention with no statistical significance. The mean number of sickness absence days did not significantly change. Causes for sickness absence spells significantly increased for diarrhea and back pain but decreased for upper respiratory infections with no statistical significance.

Discussion:

Implementation of a multifaceted intervention to train PCPs on the process of sickness certification did not affect the sickness absence rate. Further research is needed to assess the knowledge and understanding of physicians' sickness certification process and the underlying factors that govern it to better develop tailored and effective interventions.
Exploring the Great Divide: Comparing Professional Development Satisfaction and Opportunities of Program Coordinators at Academic Medical Centers and Community-Based Programs
Authors: Anderson Lauren , Rowland Kathleen , Twiss Megham , Eaton Jory , Krueger Mackenzie , Wright Katherine
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Program coordinators (PCs) need to maintain flexibility and evolve professionally with rapid changes in accreditation, specialty requirements, and policies. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education recommends professional development for PCs. This mixed-methods study explored professional development opportunities and current practices of PCs at community and academic programs.

Methods:

A survey was administered to the Chicago Area Medical Education Group members to elicit attitudes and opinions regarding professional development availability.

Results:

A total of 109 participants (eligible = 178) completed surveys. 97.2% (n = 105, N = 108) of respondents indicated that development is necessary for being a great coordinator. PCs at community-based programs report lower attendance at national conferences and less satisfaction with professional development opportunities than their academic-based institution counterparts. 28.5% of the community-based coordinators are dissatisfied with opportunities compared with 7% of the academic-based coordinators. 37.7% of the community coordinators (compared with 2.9% academic) report a lack of development activities by their program or graduate medical education. Only half of the PCs report discussing professional development with their program director. However, institutional supports were regarded as facilitators to satisfaction.

Conclusions:

Despite recommendations for regular professional development, this study finds only half of the PCs regularly discuss professional development and finds disparities in opportunities between those in community versus academic settings.
Train New Trainers Primary Care Psychiatry Fellowship—Optimizing Delivery of Behavioral Health Care Through Training for Primary Care Providers
Authors: Neikrug Ariel B. , Stehli Annamarie , Xiong Glen L. , Suo Shannon , Le-Bucklin Khanh-Van , Cant Wendy , McCarron Robert M.
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To expand and optimize the behavioral health workforce, it is necessary to improve primary care providers' (PCPs) overall knowledge and clinical skills in primary care–based psychiatry. Studies on the effects of postgraduate psychiatric education programs for PCPs on psychiatric knowledge are limited.

Methods:

A total of 251 PCPs completed a 1-year fellowship. Data from program development and evaluation were analyzed for 4 fellowship years (2016–2019). Fellows were surveyed at baseline, midpoint, and postfellowship about mental health stigma, perceived competency, attitudes about psychiatry, satisfaction with current psychiatric knowledge, confidence and comfort to treat psychiatric illnesses, and program satisfaction. Psychiatric knowledge was evaluated at baseline, midpoint, and postfellowship.

Results:

Large effects were noted on perceived competency/self-efficacy and confidence in the treatment of common psychiatric disorders encountered in primary care settings. Positive effects were observed on attitudes of mental health stigma, and even more robust effects were found with improvement in psychiatry clinical knowledge. Knowledge improved by 12% at postfellowship (P < .0001). Correlations of the degree of change in attitude with improved psychiatric literacy demonstrated significant relationships with reduction of stigma total score (r = −0.2133, P = .0043), increased willingness (r = 0.1941, P = .0096), and increased positive attitudes (r = 0.1894, P = .0111).

Conclusion:

Innovative initiatives to improve and expand psychiatric knowledge and clinical skills among those who provide the most behavioral health care (PCPs) can have marked impacts on attitudes toward mental health care delivery, stigma, and competency/self-efficacy. Future studies are necessary to consider the impact of this program on clinical practice pattern outcomes on a larger scale.
The effects of acute oral naltrexone pretreatment on the abuse potential of intranasal methamphetamine, and the relationship between reward/punishment sensitivity and methamphetamine’s effects
Authors: Jones Jermaine D. , Mumtaz Mudassir , Vadhan Nehal P. , Martinez Suky , Pramanik Satadru , Manubay Jeanne , Mogali Shanthi , Perez Freymon , Castillo Felipe , Kranzler Henry R. , Comer Sandra D.
Published: April 2022

One potential medication for treating methamphetamine use disorder is the opioid antagonist naltrexone (NLTX). Despite encouraging preclinical findings, the results of clinical studies have been mixed. The primary aim of the current trial was to examine the effects of acute NLTX pretreatment on the subjective and reinforcing effects of intranasal methamphetamine. Nonmedical psychostimulant users completed outpatient testing sessions in which they received oral placebo (0 mg) or NLTX (50 mg) before intranasal methamphetamine (30 mg/70 kg). Primary outcome measures were peak positive subjective effects (e.g. drug ‘Liking’) assessed on a visual analog scale (0–100), and methamphetamine self-administration using an operant self-administration task. Participants also completed a probabilistic categorization task to assess reward and punishment learning sensitivity. Complete data were available from 13 male and 1 transgender (male-to-female) participant (age: 33.4 ± 7.6 years). Intranasal methamphetamine significantly increased subjective ratings of drug ‘Liking’, ‘Good Effect’ and ‘High’ from baseline (P’s < 0.01), but did not significantly vary as a function of placebo or NLTX pretreatment. Similarly, methamphetamine self-administration did not vary between the placebo and NLTX pretreatment conditions. This sample did not demonstrate a significant ‘bias’ in learning from positive and negative outcomes (i.e. reward and punishment sensitivity), and reward/punishment sensitivity was not correlated with the effects of methamphetamine or the effects of NLTX on methamphetamine. The current study argues against the use of NLTX as a stand-alone medication for treating methamphetamine use disorder.
“Double Barrel” Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis: A Useful Addition to a Supermicrosurgeon’s Repertoire
Authors: Masoodi Zulqarnain , Steinbacher Johannes , Tinhofer Ines E. , Czedik-Eysenberg Manon , Mohos Balazs , Roka-Palkovits Julia , Huettinger Nina , Meng Stefan , Tzou Chieh-Han John
Published: April 2022

Background:

Microsurgical amelioration of lymphedema has gained much traction in recent years and is now an established modality of treatment for this condition. Despite the development of many newer techniques, lymphaticovenous anastomosis still remains the most frequently carried out microsurgical procedure for lymphedema. One of the most common hurdles faced by lymphatic surgeons while carrying out a lymphaticovenous anastomosis is a mismatch in sizes of the vein and the lymphatic vessels.

Method:

This article describes a novel but simple “double barrel” technique, developed by the authors for carrying out lymphaticovenous anastomosis in cases of such lymphaticovenous mismatch. Seventeen double barrel anastomoses were carried out in 12 lymphedema patients, over a 4-year period from 2017 to 2021.

Results:

The overall success rate was 100%, as measured by clinical observation (venous washout, lymphatic backflow), the Acland vessel strip test, and by means of intraoperative ICG lymphography. Mild leakage was observed in four cases after release of the venous clamp and was corrected by application of additional sutures.

Conclusions:

The double barrel technique is a safe and effective tool that can be employed to deal with the bane of size mismatch, a persistent problem faced by lymphedema surgeons universally. Although we do not advocate it as a total replacement for other techniques, it can be a worthy addition to the present set of available options. In specific scenarios of mismatch with additional challenges, the double barrel technique has the potential to be considered as primus inter pares.
Intracanalicular Dexamethasone Insert or Topical Prednisolone following iStent and Hydrus Surgery for Glaucoma
Authors: Jackson Kevin J. , Akrobetu Dennis , Guduru Abhilash , Herndon Leon W.
Published: April 2022

Précis:

Using an intracanalicular dexamethasone insert or topical prednisolone following iStent and Hydrus surgery provided similar short-term control of post-operative inflammation.

Purpose:

To compare post-operative inflammation in patients who received an intracanalicular dexamethasone insert or topical prednisolone after iStent or Hydrus surgery.

Patients and Methods:

Patients receiving a dexamethasone insert after iStent or Hydrus insertion were included and compared to age-matched controls who received topical prednisolone. Pre-operative data were recorded. Post-operative inflammatory cell and the proportion of patients with zero anterior chamber cells was recorded at month 1. Post-operative IOP and rate of cystoid macular edema (CME) were recorded at months 1 and 3.

Results:

40 eyes receiving topical prednisolone were compared to 35 eyes receiving a dexamethasone insert after iStent or Hydrus insertion. Mean post-operative inflammatory cell for the topical group at month 1 was 0.2±0.3, and the dexamethasone group, 0.3±0.5;P=0.816. 70% of patients in the topical group had zero anterior chamber cell at post-operative month 1 compared to 75.8% in the dexamethasone group,P=0.583. Mean pre-operative IOP for the topical group was 18.8±5.5 and the dexamethasone group was 17.1±4.1,P=0.064. Mean post-operative IOP for the topical group at months 1 and 3 was 17.6±6.4 and 15.1±3.1, respectively and the dexamethasone group, 17.5±4.8 and 15.0±3.4, respectively;P=0.772 and 0.884. One patient developed CME in each group.

Conclusions:

There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients who had zero anterior chamber cell at post-operative month 1 between groups.
Laser-Induced Damage to Disposable Gonioscopy Lenses during Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Authors: Oydanich Marko , Kass William , Khouri Albert S.
Published: April 2022

The substitution of reusable gonioscopy lenses for disposable gonioscopy lenses during selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has occurred over the last few years to mitigate infection risk. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential of laser damage to the lens itself during SLT, which can lead to laser scattering, increasing the possibility of unintended adverse effects. We have noticed that over 90% of the disposable lenses used for SLT sustained some sort of laser-induced damage with routine laser energies (0.4–1.0▒mJ). Comparisons of clinical efficacy of SLT, measured by reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP), between the use of reusable and disposable lenses has shown no difference in IOP reduction, with both groups achieving a 20% reduction in IOP over the course of 12 months. While no clinical difference in outcomes was observed, further investigation into this issue, most notably the possibility of adverse effects due to laser scattering is warranted.
Social integration of adolescents with chronic pain: a social network analysis
Authors: Van Alboom Maité , Elmer Timon , Boersma Katja , Forgeron Paula , Baert Fleur , Bracke Piet , Goubert Liesbet
Published: April 2022

Adolescents with chronic pain (ACP) often experience impairments in their social functioning. Little is known about the consequences of these impairments on peer relationships of ACP. This study applied social network analysis to examine whether adolescents with more pain problems are less popular (RQ1), adolescents with similar pain problems name each other more often as being part of the same peer group (RQ2), dyads with an adolescent experiencing more pain problems report less positive (eg, support) and more negative (eg, conflict) friendship qualities (RQ3), and positive and negative friendship qualities moderate the relationship between pain and emotional distress (RQ4). This study used data from the first wave of a longitudinal study (N = 2767) which followed up Swedish adolescents from 19 public schools. For RQ1-3, Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure was applied. For RQ4, standard multilevel models with observations of adolescents nested within schools were estimated. Results showed that ACP were not less popular than adolescents without chronic pain. Second, ACP nominated each other more often as being part of the same peer group. Third, results regarding friendship quality showed that adolescents with more pain problems perceived the relationship with their friends as less positive (eg, support) and more negative (eg, conflict) than adolescents with less pain problems. Finally, positive and negative friendship qualities moderated the relationship between pain and emotional distress. This study contributes to the literature on the importance of peer relationships of ACP. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Association of affective state with the assimilation of daily pain expectancy and pain experience
Authors: Finan Patrick H. , Hunt Carly A. , Mun Chung Jung , Lerman Sheera F. , Tennen Howard , Smith Michael T. , Haythornthwaite Jennifer A.
Published: April 2022

Expectancies for pain and pain relief are central to experimental models of placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia and are a promising target for clinical intervention in patients with chronic pain. Affective states may play an important role in modulating the degree to which expectancies influence pain, broadening the opportunities for intervention targets. However, findings to date have been mixed and mostly limited to laboratory designs. Few studies have examined the interplay of naturally occurring affective states, pain expectancies, and pain experiences in the course of daily life with chronic pain. In this study, patients with temporomandibular disorder reported their daily pain expectancies and affective states each morning and their daily pain experience each evening, over a 2-week period. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed the association of morning pain expectancies with subsequent pain experiences was moderated by morning positive affective state (B = 0.04, SE = 0.02, t = 2.00, P = 0.046) such that the congruent assimilation of a low pain expectancy with a low pain experience was starkest when morning positive affect was higher than usual. Relatedly, higher morning positive affect predicted greater odds of experiencing a match between pain expectancies and pain experience when the expectation was for low, but not high, pain levels (odds ratio = 1.19, confidence interval: 1.01-1.41, P = 0.03). Negative affect, in contrast, did not significantly influence the assimilation of high pain expectancies with high pain experiences. These findings extend previous experimental studies by showing that the association of daily pain expectancies with pain experience varies as a function of affective state.
MOBILE Intervention Pilot Study in College Students With Elevated Blood Pressure
Authors: Tran Dieu-My T. , Martinez Iris , Cross Chad L. , Earley Yumei Feng
Published: April 2022

Background

Hypertension is typically recognized in middle-aged and older adults but often overlooked in younger populations.

Objective

We evaluated a mobile intervention for reducing blood pressure (BP) in college-age students for 28 days.

Methods

Students with elevated BP or undiagnosed hypertension were assigned to an intervention or control group. All subjects completed baseline questionnaires and attended an educational session. For 28 days, intervention subjects sent their BP and motivation levels to the research team and completed assigned BP-reducing tasks. After 28 days, all subjects completed an exit interview.

Results

We found a statistically significant decrease in BP in the intervention group only (P = .001) but no statistical difference in sodium intake for either group. Mean hypertension knowledge increased in both groups but was only significant for the control group (P = .001).

Conclusions

The results provide preliminary data on BP reduction with greater impact on the intervention group.
Coexistence of Psoriasis and Bullous Pemphigoid: Combination Treatment with Secukinumab and Methotrexate
Authors: Yin Zhi , Li Yueyue , Su Ting , Gopee Shehzad , Chen Bin
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Although psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid are considered distinct disease entities, there have been a few reports of these conditions coexisting in the same patient. We report a rare case in which bullous pemphigoid developed in an untreated patient with chronic psoriasis.

Case report:

A 62-year-old man with a 15-year history of psoriasis vulgaris was admitted to our hospital with a 4-day-old eruption of vesicles and bullae on his trunk. After being diagnosed with coexistent psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid, he was treated with secukinumab and methotrexate. After 24 weeks of cumulative treatment, almost all skin lesions had disappeared. At a 12-week follow-up, the patient was devoid of skin lesions and was still being maintained on a lower dose of secukinumab.

Discussion:

The coexistence of psoriasis with bullous pemphigoid presents several therapeutic challenges. The lesions of our patient were well controlled with a combination treatment of secukinumab and methotrexate.

Conclusion:

The combination treatment of secukinumab and methotrexate might be a safe and effective option for treating coexistent psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid.
Home-based primary care visits by nurse practitioners
Authors: Sun Chun-An , Parslow Chad , Gray Ja'Lynn , Koyfman Irina , Hladek Melissa deCardi , Han Hae-Ra
Published: April 2022

Background:

With rapidly growing numbers of homebound older adults, the need for effective home-based health interventions is increasingly recognized. Advanced practice registered nurses (NPs) are one of the most common providers of home-based primary care. Limited information is available to address the scope and nature of NP-led home-based primary care and associated outcomes.

Objective:

To synthesize research evidence of NP visits in home-based primary care.

Data Sources:

Six electronic databases—PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus—were searched to identify peer-reviewed research articles addressing home-based primary care interventions led by NPs. Independent screening resulted in 17 relevant articles from 14 unique studies to include in the review.

Conclusions:

Nurse practitioners provided health assessments, education, care planning and coordination primarily by face-to-face home visits. Despite a variability in terms of study design, setting, and sample, NP-led home-based primary care was in general associated with less hospitalization and fewer emergency department visits. Evidence was mixed in relation to patient-reported outcomes such as subjective health, functional status, and symptoms. Costs and patient or caregiver satisfaction were additional outcomes addressed, but the findings were inconsistent.

Implications for Practice:

Recent policy changes to authorize NPs to independently assess, diagnose, and order home care services directly affect how NPs approach home-based primary care programs. Our findings support NP-led home-based primary care to decrease consequential health utilization and suggest the need for further evaluating the care models in diverse populations with more patient-reported and caregiver outcomes.
Key Considerations in Establishing a Pediatric Rescue Extracorporeal Life Support Program: A Multi Methods Review
Authors: Blackwood Jaime , Zadunayski Anna , Spence Tanya , Nikitovic Dejana , Brindle Mary E.
Published: April 2022

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is generally limited to centers with cardiac surgery. However, pediatric centers without cardiac surgery can still provide potentially lifesaving ECLS through a Rescue Program, allowing a local team to cannulate and stabilize patients before they are transported to a center with cardiac surgery support for ongoing care. This multimethod study provides an exploration of pediatric ECLS team insights regarding program implementation and offers recommendations for other centers wishing to develop a similar program. We performed surveys and semi-structured interviews to gather perspectives from ECLS team members. Demographics and preliminary perspectives were obtained from surveys. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis to identify key considerations, facilitators, and barriers related to rescue program implementation. Our multidisciplinary ECLS team perceived great value in the rescue program and identified elements critical to successful program development and implementation, including barriers that might exist for any center wishing to set up a similar program. Participants emphasized that the initial design and continued maintenance of any Rescue ECLS Program be a comprehensive, multidisciplinary initiative. Clear communication, a mechanism for debriefing and feedback, and a strategy allowing for flexible program evolution are essential.
Family Caregivers’ Experiences of Caring for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Zeng Qiaomiao , Ling Donglan , Chen Wenfeng , Liao Yao , An Ran , He Lianxiang
Published: April 2022

Background

Family caregivers of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undertook heavy care tasks and role responsibilities. They were facing multiple challenges during the patients’ cancer trajectory.

Objective

The aim of this study was to synthesize existing qualitative evidence regarding family caregivers’ experiences of caring for HNC patients.

Methods

A meta-aggregation approach was used. Articles were collected from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library. Supplementary resources were collected by scrutinizing reference lists and performing citation tracking.

Results

A total of 20 studies were included and synthesized. Three meta-themes covering “accepting the diagnosis and treatment on patients: a distressing process,” “facing changes of life and adapting to new roles,” and “appreciating the external supports” were identified with 10 subthemes. There was high confidence in the evidence for “facing changes of life and adapting to new roles” and moderate confidence in the evidence for the other 2 meta-themes.

Conclusions

Taking care of HNC patients is a distressing process. Caregivers took on role responsibilities and developed strategies to make adjustments to life changes, so as to provide better care for patients. External supports regarding caregiving and self-care were desired.

Implications for Practice

Psychological distress was common among caregivers and calls for routine clinical screening. Providing caregivers with practical strategies to deal with daily caregiving tasks was crucial. Healthcare workers can play a critical role in providing tailored support in different caregiving stages. The findings informed the interventions and future research to improve HNC caregivers’ experiences.
Using Concept Mapping to Explore Interpersonal Communication Components of Patient Navigation in Breast Cancer Care
Authors: Gallups Sarah F. , Demirci Jill , Nilsen Marci , Burke Jessica , Bender Catherine , Rosenzweig Margaret Q.
Published: April 2022

Background

Research exploring the relational dimensions of patient navigation identifies interpersonal communication as fundamental to the patient navigator’s (PN’s) ability to reduce barriers to care and improve cancer care outcomes. Although interpersonal communication is a core competency for PNs, its key components are commonly understudied and overlooked.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify the key interpersonal communication components of patient navigation in breast cancer care that patients, PNs, and PN administrators perceived to impact the patient-navigator relationship.

Methods

This study used concept mapping, a community-engaged research method. Participants completed 3 concept mapping activities: brainstorming, sorting and rating, and interpretation.

Results

A total of 31 persons participated in the study: 13 patients, 14 PNs, and 4 PN administrators. The concept mapping analysis produced a 6-cluster concept map, and each concept was named through a group consensus process. Among the 6 concepts, both patients and PNs emphasized the importance of “Empathetic, Comprehensive, and Compassionate Support,” “Bridge to Clinical Education and Supportive Resources,” and “Ongoing Individualized Coordination of Care” as the most important components for facilitating the patient-navigator relationship.

Conclusion

Patients, PNs, and PN administrators all emphasized the essential role of interpersonal communication in the PN-patient relationship and how it is woven into every aspect of the PN role.

Implications for Practice

As a core competency, we need to work toward the development and testing of evidence-based training to support their professional development and ultimately promote positive cancer care outcomes.
How Image-Guided Pathology Can Improve the Detection of Lymph Node Metastases in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Schilham Melline G.M. , Küsters-Vandevelde Heidi , Somford Diederik M. , Rijpkema M. , Gotthardt Martin
Published: April 2022

Detection of lymph node (LN) metastases in prostate cancer (PCa) is pivotal for accurate staging and determining treatment options. To date, the reference standard for nodal staging is histopathological examination of all harvested surgical specimens from extended pelvic LN dissections. However, this is a labor-intensive process, and small metastatic foci can be missed due to sampling effects. With current research expanding toward using radiolabeled prostate-specific membrane antigen ligands for image-guided surgery, new opportunities arise for image-guided pathological assessment of surgical specimens. Here, we illustrate how molecular imaging can complement histopathology and improve accurate detection of LN metastases.
18F-FDG PET/CT Uptake in Acute Pontine Infarct Mimicking Intracranial Metastasis
Authors: SathyaMurthi Banu , Muthu Sivakumar , Howard James , Sajjan Rakesh
Published: April 2022

Infarcts are generally nonviable and are not avid on an 18F-FDG PET/CT. Here, we discuss a 53-year-old man who presented with chest pain and raised d-dimer. CT pulmonary angiogram was performed to exclude pulmonary embolism, which identified incidental lung nodules. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed for the assessment of lung nodules, which showed incidental focal FDG uptake in the pons. This was concluded as an acute infarct on subsequent MR scan. This highlights the importance of not interpreting all focal FDG uptakes as malignant. In rare circumstances, false-positive benign causes should be considered, such as in this rare case of an acute pontine infarct.
Nivolumab Immunotherapy–Related Skin Reactions Detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT in Renal Cell Cancer
Authors: T Thayumanavan , Goyal Harish , Singh Harmandeep , Das Chandan K. , Sekar Aravind , Kumar Rajender
Published: April 2022

Nivolumab, a fully human immunoglobulin G4 anti–programmed cell death 1 antibody, provides a novel therapy option for patients with metastatic cancers. Immunotherapy agents have been associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which may be detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT. Cutaneous toxicities are one of the most common irAEs in the form of maculopapular rash (eczema-like spongiotic dermatitis) and pruritus. These irAEs may lead to false-positive findings on PET/CT done during the treatment. One should be aware of the potential irAEs while interpreting PET/CT to avoid misinterpretation.
68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-FDG PET/CT in a Case of Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Qiu Shuang , Dong Aisheng , Zhu Yan , Zuo Changjing
Published: April 2022

Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an uncommon variant of prostatic carcinoma with aggressive behavior and worse prognosis. We describe 68Ga-PSMA-11 and FDG PET/CT findings in a case of prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma with pelvic lymph node metastases. The majority of the prostate tumor and all the metastatic lesions showed no significant PSMA uptake but intense FDG uptake. The role of PSMA and FDG PET in the management of prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma needs to be investigated in a large number of patients.
Prebiotics and probiotics for autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Song Wenjing , Zhang Mei , Teng Lili , Wang Yu , Zhu Luwen
Published: April 2022

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The discovery of the influence of gut microbiota on mental illness opens up new research avenues for the role of gut microbiota modifiers, such as probiotics or prebiotics, as a potential course of treatment. Potential treatments have received considerable attention in recent years.

Aim. The meta-analysis only included clinical controlled trials to explore whether probiotics and prebiotics can improve the overall severity of ASD symptoms in children, the severity of gastrointestinal (GI) problems and the comorbid psychopathlology in ASD.

Gap statement. Although systematic reviews have been conducted in this area in the past, most of them are mixed experimental designs, and the reliability of the conclusions remains to be determined. To the best of our knowledge, no systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been conducted.

Methodology. A meta analysis used a combination of subject terms and free words, or used keywords, titles, and abstracts to conduct in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify studies relevant to the current review.

Result. The results of the meta-analysis showed that probiotics and prebiotics did not significantly improve the severity of ASD patients, GI problems and comorbid psychopathlology in ASD, and the result is contradictory to the previous literatures.

Conclusion. Since there are relatively few clinical controlled trials that can be included, the results of this study still need to be further verified in the clinic. In the future, more randomized controlled studies, more research populations, and the use of more professional clinicians may provide more robust research results.
Regulatory role of CsuR (YiaU) in determination of cell surface properties of Escherichia coli K-12
Authors: Shimada Tomohiro , Murayama Rie , Mashima Tomoki , Kawano Natsuko , Ishihama Akira
Published: April 2022

Genomic SELEX screening was performed to identify the binding sites of YiaU, an uncharacterized LysR family transcription factor, on the

Escherichia coli

K-12 genome. Five high-affinity binding targets of YiaU were identified, all of which were involved in the structures of the bacterial cell surface such as outer and inner membrane proteins, and lipopolysaccharides. Detailed in vitro and in vivo analyses suggest that YiaU activates these target genes. To gain insight into the effects of YiaU in vivo on physiological properties, we used phenotype microarrays, biofilm screening assays and the sensitivity against serum complement analysed using a yiaU deletion mutant or YiaU expression strain. Together, these results suggest that the YiaU regulon confers resistance to some antibiotics, and increases biofilm formation and complement sensitivity. We propose renaming YiaU as CsuR (regulator of cell surface).
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication and exert effector phenotypes in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Gay Laetitia , Rouviere Marie-Sarah , Mezouar Soraya , Richaud Manon , Gorvel Laurent , Foucher Etienne , Madakamutil Loui , La Scola Bernard , Menard Amélie , Allardet-Servent Jérôme , Halfon Philippe , Frohna Paul , Cano Carla , Mege Jean-Louis , Olive Daniel
Published: April 2022

Vγ9Vδ2 T cells play a key role in the innate immune response to viral infections, including SARS-CoV-1 and 2, and are activated through butyrophilin (BTN)-3A. Here, the objectives were to: 1) characterize the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the number, phenotype, and activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in infected patients, and 2) assess the effects of in vitro SARS-CoV-2 infection on the expression of BTN3A and its impact on the activation and response of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to an anti-BTN3A antibody. Blood Vγ9Vδ2 T cells decreased in clinically mild SARS-CoV-2 infections compared to healthy volunteers (HV). This decrease was maintained up to 28 days and in the recovery period. Terminally differentiated Vγ9Vδ2 T cells tend to be enriched on the day of diagnosis, 28 days after and during the recovery period compared to HV. Furthermore, these cells showed cytotoxic and inflammatory activities as shown by TNFα, IFNγ and CD107a/b increase following anti-BTN3A activation. Moreover, BTN3A upregulation and Vγ9Vδ2 T cell infiltration were observed in a lung biopsy from a fatal SARS-CoV-2 infection, as compared to HV. In vitro, SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increased BTN3A expression in macrophages and lung cell lines. The activation via BTN3A enhanced the anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vγ9Vδ2 T cells cytotoxicity and IFN-γ and TNFα in SARS-CoV-2 infected patient. Increasing concentrations of anti-BTN3A were accompanied by an inhibition of viral replication. Altogether, these data suggest that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are important in the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection and that activation by an anti-BTN3A antibody may enhance their response.

KEY POINTS

SARS-CoV-2 mediates upregulation of the key receptor of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells BTN3A on lung tissues and cell lines as well as monocytes

During SARS-CoV-2 infection, Vγ9Vδ2 are differentiated and efficiently degranulate and secrete cytokines upon activation with BTN3A mAb
Estimating spatial disease rates using health statistics without geographic identifiers
Authors: Cortes-Ramirez Javier , Wilches-Vega Juan D. , Michael Ruby N. , Singh Vishal , Paris-Pineda Olga M.
Published: April 2022

Morbidity statistics can be reported as grouped data for health services rather than for individual residence area, especially in low-middle income countries. Although such reports can support some evidence-based decisions, these are of limited use if the geographical distribution of morbidity cannot be identified. This study estimates the spatial rate of Acute respiratory infections (ARI) in census districts in Cúcuta -Colombia, using an analysis of the spatial distribution of health services providers. The spatial scope (geographical area of influence) of each health service was established from their spatial distribution and the population covered. Three levels of spatial aggregation were established considering the spatial scope of primary, intermediate and tertiary health services providers. The ARI cases per census district were then calculated and mapped using the distribution of cases per health services provider and the proportion of population per district in each level respectively. Hotspots of risk were identified using the Local Moran’s I statistic. There were 98 health services providers that attended 8994, 18450 and 91025 ARI cases in spatial levels 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Higher spatial rates of ARI were found in districts in central south; northwest and northeast; and southwest Cúcuta with hotspots of risk found in central and central south and west and northwest Cucuta. The method used allowed overcoming the limitations of health data lacking area of residence information to implementing epidemiological analyses to identify at risk communities. This methodology can be used in socioeconomic contexts where geographic identifiers are not attached to health statistics.
Multimodal multi-center analysis of electroconvulsive therapy effects: brainwide gray matter increase without functional changes
Authors: van de Mortel LA , Bruin WB , Thomas RM , Abbott C , Argyelan M , van Eijndhoven P , Mulders P , Narr K , Tendolkar I , Verdijk JPAJ , van Waarde JA , Bartsch H , Oltedal L , van Wingen GA
Published: April 2022

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe depression and induces gray matter (GM) increases in the brain. Small-scale studies suggest that ECT also leads to changes in brain functioning, but findings are inconsistent. In this study, we investigated the influence of ECT on changes in both brain structure and function and their relation to clinical improvement using multicenter neuroimaging data from the Global ECT-MRI Research Collaboration (GEMRIC).

Methods

We analyzed T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional resting-state MRI data of 88 individuals (49 male) with treatment-resistant depression before and within two weeks after ECT. We performed voxel-based morphometry on the structural data and calculated fractional amplitudes of low-frequency fluctuations, regional homogeneity, degree centrality, functional connectomics, and hippocampus connectivity for the functional data in both unimodal and multimodal analyses. Longitudinal effects in the ECT group were compared to repeated measures of healthy controls (n=27).

Results

Wide-spread increases in GM volume were found in patients following ECT. In contrast, no changes in any of the functional measures were observed, and there were no significant differences in structural or functional changes between ECT responders and non-responders. Multimodal analysis revealed that volume increases in the striatum, supplementary motor area and fusiform gyrus were associated with local changes in brain function.

Conclusion

These results confirm wide-spread increases in GM volume, but suggest that this is not accompanied by functional changes or associated with clinical response. Instead, focal changes in brain function appear related to individual differences in brain volume increases.
Hidden Talents: Silent Gene Clusters Encoding Magnetic Organelle Biosynthesis in a Non-Magnetotactic Phototrophic Bacterium
Authors: Dziuba M.V. , Paulus A. , Schramm L. , Awal R.P. , Pósfai M. , Monteil C.L. , Fouteau S. , Uebe R. , Schüler D.
Published: April 2022

Magnetosomes are unique organelles synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) for magnetic navigation. Their complex biosynthesis is controlled by large magnetosome gene clusters (MGC). Here, we report the discovery and comprehensive analysis of silent but functional MGCs in the non-magnetotactic phototrophic bacterium Rhodovastum atsumiense. Our findings suggest that these MGCs were acquired by horizontal gene transfer and inactivated through transcriptional silencing and antisense RNA regulation. At least several magnetosome genes from G2-11 retained functionality, as their products restore magnetosome biosynthesis in isogenic deletion mutants of the model MTB Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense. Although G2-11 was found to form magnetosomes upon the laboratory transfer of the MGCs from M. gryphiswaldense, strong negative selection led to rapid loss of this trait upon subcultivation. Our results provide the first insight into the horizontal dissemination of gene clusters encoding bacterial magnetic organelles outside MTB and illuminate the potential mechanisms of their genomic preservation in a latent state.
Wolbachiainhibits ovarian formation and increases blood feeding rate in femaleAedes aegypti
Authors: Lau Meng-Jia , Ross Perran A. , Endersby-Harshman Nancy M. , Yang Qiong , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: April 2022

Wolbachia, a gram-negative endosymbiotic bacterium widespread in arthropods, is well-known for changing the reproduction of its host in ways that increase its rate of spread, but there are also costs to hosts that can reduce this. Here we investigated a novel reproductive alteration ofWolbachia wAlbB on its mosquito hostAedes aegypti, based on studies of mosquito life history traits, ovarian dissections and gene expression assays. We found that an extended period of the larval stage as well as the egg stage, as previously shown, can increase the proportion ofWolbachia-infected females that become infertile; the impact ofWolbachiaon infertility therefore accumulated before pupation. We found that ovarian formation was blocked in infertile females, even though infected females had relatively lowerWolbachiadensities than fertile infected females. Infertile females also showed a higher frequency of blood feeding following a prior blood meal, indicating that they do not enter a complete gonotrophic cycle. Treatments leading to infertility decreased expression of genes related to reproduction. Our results demonstrate effects related to the causes and consequences of infertilewAlbB-infectedAe. aegyptifemales with implications forWolbachiareleases and have evolutionary implications forWolbachiainfections in novel hosts.
An approximate line attractor in the hypothalamus that encodes an aggressive internal state
Authors: Nair Aditya , Karigo Tomomi , Yang Bin , Linderman Scott W , Anderson David J , Kennedy Ann
Published: April 2022

The hypothalamus plays a key role in regulating innate behaviors. It is widely believed to function as a system of ‘labeled lines’, containing behavior-specific neurons with characteristic transcriptomic and connectomic profiles. This view however fails to explain why, although activation of estrogen receptor-1 (Esr1) expressing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) promotes aggression, few VMHvl neurons are tuned to attack. To address this paradox, we adopted an unsupervised dynamical systems framework to analyze population activity among VMHvlEsr1 neurons during aggression. We discovered that this activity contains an “integration” dimension exhibiting slow-ramping dynamics and persistent activity that correlates with escalating aggressiveness. These dynamics are implemented as an approximate line attractor in state space. Our analysis suggests a function for VMHvl to encode the intensity of behavior-relevant motive states using line attractors. This view reconciles observational and perturbational studies of VMHvl, and reveals a new mode of neural computation in the hypothalamus.
Group management model for construction workers' unsafe behavior based on cognitive process model
Authors: Deng Shuwen , Cai Yili , Xie Longpan , Pan Yonggang
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Unsafe behavior is a major cause of safety accidents, while in most management measures for unsafe behavior, the construction workers are generally managed as a whole. Therefore, this study aims to propose group management of construction workers' unsafe behavior considering individual characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A cognitive process model with ten cognitive factors was constructed based on cognitive safety theory. The questionnaire was developed and validated based on the cognitive model, and the results showed that the questionnaire had good reliability and validity, and the cognitive model fitted well. Latent class analysis was used to classify the unsafe behaviors of construction workers.

Findings

Four categories of cognitive excellent type, cognitive failure type, no fear type and knowingly offending type were obtained. Workers of cognitive excellent type have good cognitive ability and a small tendency for unsafe behaviors. Workers of cognitive failure type have poor cognitive ability and the potential for cognitive failure in all four cognitive links. Workers of no fear type have weak cognitive ability, and cognitive failure may occur in discovering information and choosing coping links. Workers of knowingly offending type have certain cognitive abilities, but cognitive failure may occur in choosing coping link.

Originality/value

This study formulates targeted management measures according to the potential characteristics of these four types and provides scientific theoretical support for the personalized management of unsafe behavior.
Coping with sexual harassment in the Egyptian context: a study on female academics
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Abdelgaffar Hala Abdelmoneim Abdallah
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To understand the position of female academics in public universities in Egypt, the authors of this paper aim to answer the question of what comes between victims breaking their silence about workplace sexual harassment (WSH).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research method is employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 female academics from four public universities selected from among 26 public institutions of higher education in Egypt. Thematic analysis was used to extract main ideas from the transcripts.

Findings

At the macro level in Egypt, stipulating an anti-harassment law and harsher penalties were found to be a motivator for female academics to speak up against WSH. At the meso organizational level, establishing anti-harassment units in universities is perceived as an effective mechanism for empowering female academics to respond to, expose and seek punitive action against WSH perpetrators. What was found to be a real challenge to reporting perpetrators is the assumption of some female academics that they will never be heard because of socio-cultural norms that hold university professors as honourable and impeccable. Another challenge is that female academics are poorly represented at both professorial levels and in senior administrative positions in Egyptian academic contexts. Sadly, challenges faced by women in academic contexts, such as WSH, are not being prioritized on the agenda of their universities. Although organizational behaviours and country-specific culture challenge female academics' proactive stance against WSH, new anti-harassment laws and university policies are changing this scenario.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by filling a gap in human resource (HR) management, higher education and public administration in which empirical studies of WSH in academic contexts have been limited so far.