bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarizing Feedback Loops on Twitter: Congressional Tweets during the 2022 Midterm Elections
Authors: Rafail Patrick , O’Connell Whitney E. , Sager Emma
Published: February 2024

Political polarization has proliferated online. Scholars have identified multiple types of polarizing speech, which elicit stronger public reactions on social media platforms. Little research has focused on how social media platforms might hasten growing partisanship among both elites and the public. The authors examine these dynamics using a sample of 134,442 tweets posted by 527 members of Congress in the period surrounding the 2022 midterm elections. Our findings confirm that all types of polarization increase engagement, but party affiliation plays an important role in the process. Polarizing rhetoric from Republicans generally elicits a stronger reaction relative to that from Democrats. The exception is an increase in retweets of issue-based polarization when posted by Democrats. The authors conclude that all politicians are incentivized to adopt a polarizing presence on social media to raise their profiles. The diffusion of polarization may be shaped by partisanship, with the different parties amplifying different types of content.
Helicobacter pylori in gastrointestinal manifestation of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Raja Jasmin , Muthusamy Shanthini , Ng Choung Min , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: February 2024

Aim:

To study the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in systemic sclerosis patients and its gastrointestinal manifestations in comparison with Helicobacter pylori-negative systemic sclerosis patients. Systemic sclerosis gastrointestinal outcome post Helicobacter pylori eradication was evaluated.

Method:

In total, 70 systemic sclerosis patients and 70 age-, gender- and race-matched healthy controls had their urea breath test done. Gastrointestinal manifestations in systemic sclerosis were assessed using University of California at Los Angeles 2.0 and Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire questionnaires. Systemic sclerosis patients with confirmed Helicobacter pylori infection were given standard Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Urea breath test was repeated 6 weeks posteradication therapy with their gastrointestinal symptoms reassessed.

Results:

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was low in both systemic sclerosis patients (10%) and healthy controls (2.9%). There was no significant difference in gastrointestinal symptoms between Helicobacter pylori-positive and Helicobacter pylori-negative systemic sclerosis patients. However, the Helicobacter pylori-positive patients reported higher median severity scores for the gastrointestinal symptoms of reflux (0.5 vs 0.35), abdominal distension (1.5 vs 0.75) and social functioning impairment score (0.5 vs 0.16) using the University of California at Los Angeles 2.0 score. The Helicobacter pylori-positive patients also indicated increased upper abdominal pain (3.0 vs 0.0), regurgitation (2.0 vs 0.0) and burping (3.0 vs 0.0), observed from the Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire scores. Gastrointestinal outcomes post- Helicobacter pylori eradication showed either an improvement or complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion:

Gastrointestinal symptoms in systemic sclerosis patients are unlikely to be caused by Helicobacter pylori in the recent years in our cohort of patients. No significant difference in gastrointestinal symptoms was seen between Helicobacter pylori-positive and Helicobacter pylori-negative systemic sclerosis patients. Helicobacter pylori can be readily tested by urea breath test to look for present infection.
Yttrium-90 Episcleral Plaque Brachytherapy for Choroidal Melanoma
Authors: Finger Paul T.
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To describe the first use of high-dose-rate yttrium-90 disc brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma. Methods: A 72-year-old patient had a cT1-category choroidal melanoma characterized by the presence of orange pigment, increasing subretinal fluid (SRF), and enlarging tumor thickness. It was treated with single-session, light-guided, light-defined yttrium-90-disc brachytherapy. Results: A specialized handheld applicator provided with 4 encircling lights was used to guide plaque placement and localize treatment. Unlike low-dose-rate plaques, high-dose-rate yttrium-90 required only 3 minutes 39 seconds. In this case, treatment did not require episcleral sutures, muscle relocation, outpatient dwell time, or a second surgery. High-dose-rate treatment improved radiation safety by eliminating perioperative exposure to health care personnel, the community, and the family. At the 13-month follow-up, the SRF and tumor thickness were diminished. There was no secondary cataract, radiation retinopathy, maculopathy, or optic neuropathy, and the visual acuity was 20/20. Conclusions: Yttrium-90 brachytherapy allowed for single-surgery, minimally invasive, outpatient irradiation of a choroidal melanoma.
Tattoo-Induced Exacerbations of Systemic Disease and Uveitis
Authors: Kesav Natasha P. , Kim Suzie , Chiang Tsun-Kang , Matta Maroun , Honda Kord , Kurup Shree K.
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To examine an underreported and underdiagnosed phenomenon with implications for the pathophysiological mechanisms of tattoo-induced uveitis. Methods: Two cases highlighting the clinical presentation of tattoo-related uveitis were evaluated. Results: A 28-year-old man with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis and ocular manifestations presented with worsening retinal vasculitis after acquiring a red-ink tattoo. Each subsequent flare followed acquisition of a new tattoo. A 31-year-old woman without systemic sarcoidosis presented with multiple episodes of bilateral intermediate uveitis and macular edema concurrent with inflammatory granulomas to recently acquired black-ink tattoos. A skin biopsy in both patients showed cutaneous noncaseating granulomas. Conclusions: These cases add to those reported in the literature and emphasize the importance of understanding the modifiable factors of inflammatory ocular disease. Future study is necessary to understand the mechanisms of tattoo-related uveitis.
Tolerability of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies and other monoclonal antibodies in adults with concurrent migraine and other medical conditions
Authors: Weber Kevin , Ferderer Tanner , Hubert Meghan , Pakalnis Ann
Published: February 2024

Background/Hypothesis:

Calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mabs) are relatively new preventive treatments in adult migraine. Co-morbid medical conditions such as autoimmune or other neurologic/oncologic disorders are not uncommon in migraine patients and some exhibit notable co-morbidity such as asthma. These clinical conditions may necessitate concomitant treatment with another monoclonal antibody with a different mechanism of action other than the CGRP pathway in some individuals with migraine.

Methods:

We report a retrospective case series in 23 patients identified from our headache clinic treated concurrently with a CGRP monoclonal antibody and other monoclonal antibody for another medical condition. These other medical conditions were neurologic, oncologic, or autoimmune conditions. These patients were evaluated for tolerability, safety, and stability of disease processes including their migraine response.

Results/Conclusion:

We did not find evidence of new adverse or serious adverse side effects with coadministration of CGRP and non-CGRP monoclonal antibodies during our study time period of 13 months, for the duration of overlap between treatments (between 3 and 12 months).
Repercussions of Reliance on Informal Sources of Finance: A Study of Tribal Communities in Kerala
Authors: B. Pradeep Kumar , Sumalatha B. S.
Published: February 2024

The economic and social consequences of reliance on informal finance are enormous in the case of socially and economically disadvantaged people like the tribal communities. These communities have become more financially vulnerable due to the severe barriers in accessing institutionalised formal finance. Drawing on data collected from 246 randomly chosen households from four tribal communities (Kurichya, Kuruma, Adiya and Paniya) in the Wayanad district of Kerala, and using mixed-method approach, the study seeks to examine the repercussions of reliance on informal source of finance by the tribal communities. The study reveals that the agents of informal financiers also resort to social demoralising and mental harassment towards the tribal households. The study shows that tribal households may not be aware of compounding effect of interest rates when they avail credit from any source of finance, especially informal finance. This in turn increases the indebtedness among the tribal communities. All these call for the need of tailoring institutional (formal) credit solutions suitable to the credit needs and socio-economic conditions of the weaker segments of the society like the tribal communities. The study suggests adopting supply-side cum demand-side strategies.
Exploration of suspected magnetite ore minerals in Emure – Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria using integrated geophysical methods of very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and magnetics
Authors: Amigun John O , Falade Ayodele O , Olarewaju Bamidele
Published: February 2024

Investigation on the occurrence of magnetite ore minerals in Emure – Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria was carried out by integrating magnetic and very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) methods on the suspicion that the major part of the magnetite ore being sought lies in the subsurface. Eight traverses in total were established with five traverses occupied in the northeast–southwest direction and the other three in the northwest–southeast direction. Six traverses were established across the exposed part of the pegmatite (magnetite) veins to serve as a control. Inter-station spacing of 1 m was chosen, so as not to miss any significant ore occurrence. The VLF-EM profile is a plot of the real and filtered real components. The KH-filter geophysical software was used to invert real data into a two-dimensional subsurface map that revealed variations in conductivity. The results of the geophysical interpretation for both methods indicate anomalous signatures observed on the exposed section of the pegmatitic veins, which are indicative of magnetite ore. These anomalous signatures align with certain zones along the Tr4 and Tr8 transects. Some of the high magnetic anomalies observed on traverse 5, 6, and 7 coincide with low conductivity suggesting the concentration of minerals such as quartz, microcline, plagioclase, and biotite, which are commonly associated with magnetite. The study has not only enhanced the mapping of the subsurface characterisation of the deposit but also confirms the reliability and suitability of using magnetics and VLF-EM geophysical methods for mapping magnetite deposits.
Prevalence and Impact of Marital Sexual Relationship-Focused Premarital Counselling on Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Women
Authors: Saleh Dauda Akwai
Published: February 2024

Background:

Sexual satisfaction in marriage is paramount and key to marital satisfaction and happiness.

Aims:

This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and impact of marital sexual relationship-focused premarital counselling on sexual satisfaction among married women.

Setting and Design:

A total of 473 married women participated in this cross-sectional survey design; data was generated online utilizing Google form.

Method and Material:

Sexual satisfaction sub scale of Female Sexual Function Index was used in collecting data.

Statistical analysis used:

Chi-square and Univariate Analysis of Variance were used in testing the hypotheses in this study at 0.05 significance level.

Results:

Findings revealed high prevalence of marital sexual relationship focused premarital counselling among married women, with 73.6% of the married women in the study counselled on marital sexual relationship prior to their marriage, χ2 = 105.135, p = 0.0001 ( p < 0.05). Similarly, outcome of hypothesis two revealed significant difference in terms of prevalence of people that render marital sexual relationship focused premarital counselling, with 29.6%, 26.6%, 8.0%, 4.9%, 3.0%, 0.6%, 3.0%, 0.4% and 0.4% respectively, that were educated by pastors, mother, female friend, aunt, grandmother, mothers’ friend, step mother and Imam, χ2 = 540.918, p = 0.0001 ( p < 0.05). Finally, result of hypothesis three revealed that marital sexual relationship focused premarital counselling have significant impact on sexual satisfaction, means; 1.57, 1.44, F (1,471) = 5.923, p = 0.015 ( p < 0.05). Participants that were counselled on marital sexual relationship had mean sexual satisfaction score of 1.57, while those that were not counselled had mean sexual satisfaction score of 1.44.

Conclusions:

Findings of the study is an implication for marriage counsellors and other professionals that handle marriage related issues to be intentional in addressing marital sexual relationship issues during premarital counselling and there is need to develop marital sexual relationship premarital counselling guide which can help in addressing issues concerning marital sexual relationship during premarital counselling.
Endodontic Retreatment Failure of Mandibular First Molar and Its Periapical Surgical Management with MTA and Bone Graft—A Case Report
Authors: Verma Manisha , Mohammad Abdurrahman Khan , Pathak Anjani Kumar , Haque Aehad Ul
Published: February 2024

This report discusses the case of a failed root canal treatment in the right mandibular first molar, which exhibited a chronic periapical pathology in its distal and mesial roots. The tooth was managed surgically by periapical curettage and apicoectomy. This approach is indicated in teeth having periapical pathosis which does not resolve by routine endodontic treatment. The aim of periapical curettage is to make the apical periodontium and root canals of the treated tooth free of bacteria and their products. With the advancements in magnification, armamentaria, and materials, the ease of operation and success rate of apicoectomy have underwent a significant improvement. The treated case showed a complete resolution of clinical symptoms and the periapical pathology, thus substantiating the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
Heat Stress Responsive Aux/IAA Protein, OsIAA29 Regulates Grain Filling Through OsARF17 Mediated Auxin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Zhanghao , Zhou Wei , Guo Xianyu , Ling Sheng , Li Wang , Wang Xin , Yao Jialing
Published: February 2024

High temperature during grain filling considerably reduces yield and quality in rice, but its molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated the functions of a seed preferentially expressed Aux/IAA gene, OsIAA29, under high temperature-stress in grain filling using CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi, and overexpression. We observed that the osiaa29 had a higher percentage of shrunken and chalkiness seed, as well as lower 1000-grain weight than ZH11 under high temperature. Meanwhile, the expression of OsIAA29 was induced and the IAA content was remarkably reduced in the ZH11 seeds under high temperature. In addition, OsIAA29 may enhance the transcriptional activation activity of OsARF17 through competition with OsIAA21 binding to OsARF17. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative real-time PCR (ChIP-qPCR) results proved that OsARF17 regulated expression of several starch and protein synthesis related genes (like OsPDIL1-1, OsSS1, OsNAC20, OsSBE1, and OsC2H2). Therefore, OsIAA29 regulates seed development in high temperature through competition with OsIAA21 in the binding to OsARF17, mediating auxin signaling pathway in rice. This study provides a theoretical basis and gene resources for auxin signaling and effective molecular design breeding.
Transcriptome reveals the roles and potential mechanisms of lncRNAs in the regulation of albendazole resistance in Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Chen Xindi , Wang Tengyu , Guo Wenrui , Yan Xu , Kou Huilin , Yu Yu , Liu Chunxia , Gao Wa , Wang Wenlong , Wang Rui
Published: February 2024

Background

Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) is the most common parasitic nematode in ruminants and is prevalent worldwide. H. contortus resistance to albendazole (ABZ) hinders the efficacy of anthelmintic drugs, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate this of drug resistance. Recent research has demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can exert significant influence as pivotal regulators of the emergence of drug resistance.

Results

In this study, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on both albendazole-sensitive (ABZ-sensitive) and albendazole-resistant (ABZ-resistant) H. contortus strains, with three biological replicates for each group. The analysis of lncRNA in the transcriptomic data revealed that there were 276 differentially expressed lncRNA (DElncRNA) between strains with ABZ-sensitive and ABZ-resistant according to the criteria of |log2Foldchange|≥ 1 and FDR < 0.05. Notably, MSTRG.12969.2 and MSTRG.9827.1 exhibited the most significant upregulation and downregulation, respectively, in the resistant strains. The potential roles of the DElncRNAs included catalytic activity, stimulus response, regulation of drug metabolism, and modulation of the immune response. Moreover, we investigated the interactions between DElncRNAs and other RNAs, specifically MSTRG.12741.1, MSTRG.11848.1, MSTRG.5895.1, and MSTRG.14070.1, involved in regulating drug stimulation through cis/trans/antisense/lncRNA‒miRNA–mRNA interaction networks. This regulation leads to a decrease (or increase) in the expression of relevant genes, consequently enhancing the resistance of H. contortus to albendazole. Furthermore, through comprehensive analysis of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) involved in drug resistance-related pathways, such as the mTOR signalling pathway and ABC transporter signalling pathway, the relevance of the MSTRG.2499.1-novel-m0062-3p-HCON_00099610 interaction was identified to mainly involve the regulation of catalytic activity, metabolism, ubiquitination and transcriptional regulation of gene promoters. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) validation indicated that the transcription profiles of six DElncRNAs and six DEmRNAs were consistent with those obtained by RNA-seq.

Conclusions

The results of the present study allowed us to better understand the changes in the lncRNA expression profile of ABZ-resistant H. contortus. In total, these results suggest that the lncRNAs MSTRG.963.1, MSTRG.12741.1, MSTRG.11848.1 and MSTRG.2499.1 play important roles in the development of ABZ resistance and can serve as promising biomarkers for further study.
BRASH syndrome with a complete heart block- a case report
Authors: Gebray Habtamu Mesele , Abeje Abirham Eneyew , Boye Abayneh Tunta
Published: February 2024

Introduction

BRASH syndrome (Bradycardia, Renal failure, Atrioventricular (AV) nodal blocking agent, Shock and Hyperkalemia) is a recently emerging diagnosis that describes the profound bradycardia seen in patients on AV nodal blockers who present with acute kidney injury (AKI) and hyperkalemia.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 68 years old female patient with past history of hypertension taking atenolol and Enalapril presented to emergency department with the complaint of loss of consciousness of 02 hours duration. She had 03 days history of fatigue, poor oral intake, decreased urine output, appetite loss, vertigo and global headache. Her vital signs were blood pressure of 60/40 mmHg, absent radial pulse and temperature of 36.4 °C. Her systemic examination was remarkable for dry buccal mucosa; apical heart rate was 22 beats per minute. Glasgow Coma Scale was 13/15. Her laboratory tests showed creatinine of 1.83 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen of 89 mg/dL and potassium elevated to the level of 6.39 mEq/dL. ECG revealed complete heart block with a normal QT interval and T waves and no U waves with ventricular rate of 22 beats per minute. Her previous medications were discontinued and the patient was resuscitated with intravenous (IV) fluids. She was given 03 doses of 1 mg atropine every 5 minutes but there was no increment in heart rate. She was given 50% dextrose with 10 international units of regular insulin, 1 g of calcium gluconate and Intravenous perfusion of norepinephrine and dopamine. Subsequently, after 14 hours of ICU admission the patient had a cardiac arrest with asystole and resuscitation was attempted but she couldn’t survive.

Conclusion

BRASH syndrome is largely an under-recognized life threatening clinical diagnosis. Physicians should have high index of suspicion for BRASH when they encounter patients with bradycardia, hyperkalemia, and renal failure, as timely diagnosis is crucial in the management.
Investigating the shared genetic architecture between primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Dong Xuan , Gong Li-Li , Hong Mei-Zhu , Pan Jin-Shui
Published: February 2024

Background

Several studies have found that primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are closely associated. However, the direction and causality of their interactions remain unclear. Thus, this study employs Mendelian Randomization to explore whether there are causal associations of genetically predicted PSC with IBD.

Methods

Genetic variants associated with the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of PSC were used as instrumental variables. The statistics for IBD, including ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn’s disease (CD) were derived from GWAS. Then, five methods were used to estimate the effects of genetically predicted PSC on IBD, including MR Egger, Weighted median (WM), Inverse variance weighted (IVW), Simple mode, and Weighted mode. Last, we also evaluated the pleiotropic effects, heterogeneity, and a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis that drives causal associations to confirm the validity of the analysis.

Results

Genetically predicted PSC was significantly associated with an increased risk of UC, according to the study (odds ratio [OR] IVW= 1.0014, P<0.05). However, none of the MR methods found significant causal evidence of genetically predicted PSC in CD (All P>0.05). The sensitivity analysis results showed that the causal effect estimations of genetically predicted PSC on IBD were robust, and there was no horizontal pleiotropy or statistical heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Our study corroborated a causal association between genetically predicted PSC and UC but did not between genetically predicted PSC and CD. Then, we identification of shared SNPs for PSC and UC, including rs3184504, rs9858213, rs725613, rs10909839, and rs4147359. More animal experiments and clinical observational studies are required to further clarify the underlying mechanisms of PSC and IBD.
Development of a novel dynamic nosocomial infection risk management method for COVID-19 in outpatient settings
Authors: Wang Yuncong , Wang Lihong , Ma Wenhui , Zhao Huijie , Han Xu , Zhao Xia
Published: February 2024

Background

Application of accumulated experience and management measures in the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has generally depended on the subjective judgment of epidemic intensity, with the quality of prevention and control management being uneven. The present study was designed to develop a novel risk management system for COVID-19 infection in outpatients, with the ability to provide accurate and hierarchical control based on estimated risk of infection.

Methods

Infection risk was estimated using an auto regressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA). Weekly surveillance data on influenza-like-illness (ILI) among outpatients at Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University and Baidu search data downloaded from the Baidu Index in 2021 and 22 were used to fit the ARIMA model. The ability of this model to estimate infection risk was evaluated by determining the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), with a Delphi process used to build consensus on hierarchical infection control measures. COVID-19 control measures were selected by reviewing published regulations, papers and guidelines. Recommendations for surface sterilization and personal protection were determined for low and high risk periods, with these recommendations implemented based on predicted results.

Results

The ARIMA model produced exact estimates for both the ILI and search engine data. The MAPEs of 20-week rolling forecasts for these datasets were 13.65% and 8.04%, respectively. Based on these two risk levels, the hierarchical infection prevention methods provided guidelines for personal protection and disinfection. Criteria were also established for upgrading or downgrading infection prevention strategies based on ARIMA results.

Conclusion

These innovative methods, along with the ARIMA model, showed efficient infection protection for healthcare workers in close contact with COVID-19 infected patients, saving nearly 41% of the cost of maintaining high-level infection prevention measures and enhancing control of respiratory infections.
Vitamin D deficiency and oral candidiasis in patients with HIV infection: A case‒control study
Authors: Tehrani Shabnam , Abbasian Ladan , Dehghan Manshadi Seyed Ali , Hasannezhad Malihe , Ghaderkhani Sara , Keyvanfar Amirreza , Darvishi Azar , Aghdaee AmirHossein
Published: February 2024

Background

Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In addition, most of these patients suffer from vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and oral candidiasis in patients with HIV infection.

Methods

This case‒control study was conducted on HIV-infected patients. Cases were patients with oral candidiasis diagnosed based on physical examinations. Controls were age- and sex-matched individuals without oral candidiasis. The levels of 25-OH vitamin D and other laboratory markers (CD4 count and viral load) were compared between the case and control groups.

Results

A total of 104 cases and 102 controls were included in the study. The cases had significantly lower 25-OH vitamin D3 levels (MD = 33.86 ng/mL, 95% CI= (31.85, 35.87), P < 0.001) and CD4 counts (MD = 267.48 cells/mm3, 95% CI= (189.55, 345.41), P < 0.001) than the controls. In addition, viral load was significantly higher in cases than in controls (MD = 7.03 × 105 copies/mL, 95% CI= (4.46 × 105, 9.61 × 105), P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that educational status (OR = 0.032, 95% CI= (0.002, 0.100), P < 0.001), current HAART (OR = 0.005, 95% CI= (0.001, 0.014), P < 0.001), history of oral candidiasis (OR = 20.114, 95% CI= (18.135, 21.957), P < 0.001), CD4 count (OR = 0.004, 95% CI= (0.001, 0.006), P < 0.001), viral load (OR = 12.181, 95% CI= (1.108, 133.392), P < 0.001), and vitamin D level (OR = 0.011, 95% CI= (0.008, 0.015), P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the risk of developing oral candidiasis.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, most patients with HIV infection suffer from vitamin D deficiency, especially those with oral candidiasis. Hypovitaminosis D was significantly associated with an increased risk of oral candidiasis. Thus, vitamin D supplementation may assist HIV-positive patients in improving their oral health and preventing oral candidiasis.
A multi-institutional randomized phase III study comparing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy versus open distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer; Japan Clinical Oncology Group study JCOG2202 (LAPAN study)
Authors: Ikenaga Naoki , Hashimoto Tadayoshi , Mizusawa Junki , Kitabayashi Ryo , Sano Yusuke , Fukuda Haruhiko , Nakata Kohei , Shibuya Kazuto , Kitahata Yuji , Takada Minoru , Kamei Keiko , Kurahara Hiroshi , Ban Daisuke , Kobayashi Shogo , Nagano Hiroaki , Imamura Hajime , Unno Michiaki , Takahashi Amane , Yagi Shintaro , Wada Hiroshi , Shirakawa Hirofumi , Yamamoto Naoto , Hirono Seiko , Gotohda Naoto , Hatano Etsuro , Nakamura Masafumi , Ueno Makoto ,   on behalf of the Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology Group in Japan Clinical Oncology Group
Published: February 2024

Background

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP), including laparoscopic and robotic distal pancreatectomy, has gained widespread acceptance over the last decade owing to its favorable short-term outcomes. However, evidence regarding its oncologic safety is insufficient. In March 2023, a randomized phase III study was launched in Japan to confirm the non-inferiority of overall survival in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer undergoing MIDP compared with that of patients undergoing open distal pancreatectomy (ODP).

Methods

This is a multi-institutional, randomized, phase III study. A total of 370 patients will be enrolled from 40 institutions within 4 years. The primary endpoint of this study is overall survival, and the secondary endpoints include relapse-free survival, proportion of patients undergoing radical resection, proportion of patients undergoing complete laparoscopic surgery, incidence of adverse surgical events, and length of postoperative hospital stay. Only a credentialed surgeon is eligible to perform both ODP and MIDP. All ODP and MIDP procedures will undergo centralized review using intraoperative photographs. The non-inferiority of MIDP to ODP in terms of overall survival will be statistically analyzed. Only if non-inferiority is confirmed will the analysis assess the superiority of MIDP over ODP.

Discussion

If our study demonstrates the non-inferiority of MIDP in terms of overall survival, it would validate its short-term advantages and establish its long-term clinical efficacy.

Trial registration

This trial is registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials as jRCT 1,031,220,705 [https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT1031220705].
Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder in adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury: comparisons of the psychological correlates and suicidal presentations across diagnostic subgroups
Authors: Seong Eunice , Lee Kyung Hwa , Lee Jong-Sun , Kim Sojung , Seo Dong Gi , Yoo Jae Hyun , Han Doug Hyun , Hwang Hyunchan , Choi Chi-Hyun , Kim Jae-Won
Published: February 2024

Background

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) combined with suicide ideation increases the risk of suicidal behaviors. Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are comorbidities of NSSI compounding this relationship. The present study compared diagnostic subgroups of NSSI based on current depression and PTSD on psychological correlates (i.e., vulnerabilities and impairment) and suicidal presentations (i.e., suicidal cognitions and behaviors) in a psychiatric sample of adolescents.

Methods

Eighty-seven adolescents meeting DSM-5 criteria for NSSI and 104 age-range-matched nonclinical controls (NC) participated. Participants completed self-report measures on psychological vulnerabilities and impairment (e.g., emotion regulation difficulties, negative cognitions). Adolescents with NSSI also completed clinical interviews on psychiatric diagnoses and a recent self-injurious behavior (SIB). Scores on the psychological correlates of NSSI were compared between adolescents with NSSI and NC, and across three diagnostic subgroups of NSSI (A: NSSI+/depression-/PTSD-, n = 14; B: NSSI+/depression+/PTSD-, n = 57; C: NSSI+/depression+/PTSD+, n = 14). Differences between NSSI diagnostic subgroups were tested on the motives for SIB and accompanying suicidal presentations (e.g., desire, intent, motive, lethality).

Results

Common comorbidities of NSSI included depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. The NSSI subgroup classification was significantly associated with panic disorder, which was controlled for in the subsequent group comparisons. Overall, adolescents who engage in NSSI with vs. without depression reported more psychological vulnerabilities and impairment and a greater degree of suicidal thoughts/desire in SIB (i.e., groups B, C >A), which remained significant after controlling for panic disorder. An increased odds of the suicidal motive for SIB was found in adolescents with all three conditions (i.e., group C: NSSI+/depression+/PTSD+) compared to those with NSSI but neither depression nor PTSD (i.e., group A: NSSI+/depression-/PTSD-); however, this was not significant after controlling for panic disorder.

Conclusions

Psychological underpinnings of adolescent NSSI in clinical contexts may be largely associated with concurrent depression. Suicidal motives in adolescents who engage in NSSI in the presence of depression and PTSD may be confounded by the co-occurrence of panic disorder. This study warrants the importance of attending to the comorbid depression with NSSI in adolescents as it is related to an increase in suicidal desire accompanying SIB.
Understanding mechanisms of depression prevention: study protocol of a randomized cross-over trial to investigate mechanisms of mindfulness and positive fantasizing as intervention techniques for reducing perseverative cognition in remitted depressed individuals
Authors: Besten Marlijn E. , van Vugt Marieke , Riese Harriëtte , Bockting Claudi L. H. , Ostafin Brian D. , Aleman André , van Tol Marie-José
Published: February 2024

Background

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, and involves high relapse rates in which persistent negative thinking and rumination (i.e., perseverative cognition [PC]) play an important role. Positive fantasizing and mindfulness are common evidence-based psychological interventions that have been shown to effectively reduce PC and subsequent depressive relapse. How the interventions cause changes in PC over time, is unknown, but likely differ between the two. Whereas fantasizing may change the valence of thought content, mindfulness may operate through disengaging from automatic thought patterns. Comparing mechanisms of both interventions in a clinical sample and a non-clinical sample can give insight into the effectivity of interventions for different individuals. The current study aims to 1) test whether momentary psychological and psychophysiological indices of PC are differentially affected by positive fantasizing versus mindfulness-based interventions, 2) test whether the mechanisms of change by which fantasizing and mindfulness affect PC differ between remitted MDD versus never-depressed (ND) individuals, and 3) explore potential moderators of the main effects of the two interventions (i.e., what works for whom).

Methods

In this cross-over trial of fantasizing versus mindfulness interventions, we will include 50 remitted MDD and 50 ND individuals. Before the start of the measurements, participants complete several individual characteristics. Daily-life diary measures of thoughts and feelings (using an experience sampling method), behavioural measures of spontaneous thoughts (using the Sustained Attention to Response Task), actigraphy, physiological measures (impedance cardiography, electrocardiography, and electroencephalogram), and measures of depressive mood (self-report questionnaires) are performed during the week before (pre-) the interventions and the week during (peri-) the interventions. After a wash-out of at least one month, pre- and peri-intervention measures for the second intervention are repeated.

Discussion

This is the first study integrating self-reports, behavioural-, and physiological measures capturing dynamics at multiple time scales to examine the differential mechanisms of change in PC by psychological interventions in individuals remitted from multiple MDD episodes and ND individuals. Unravelling how therapeutic techniques affect PC in remitted individuals might generate insights that allows development of personalised targeted relapse prevention interventions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06145984, November 16, 2023.
Urinary phenols and parabens exposure in relation to urinary incontinence in the US population
Authors: Jiang Jinjiang , Chen Bo , Tang Bo , Li Jinze , Zhang Chensong , Tan Daqing , Zhang Ting , Wei Qiang
Published: February 2024

Background

Our study aimed to investigate the impact of urinary concentrations of personal care products (PCPs)-related phenols (PNs) and parabens (PBs), including Triclosan (TCS), Bisphenol A (BPA), Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), Butylparaben (BPB), Ethylparaben (EPB), Methylparaben (MPB), and Propylparaben (PPB), on urinary incontinence (UI) occurrence.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 2007 to 2016. Regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between exposure to PCPs-related substances, various levels of exposure, and UI within both the general population and the female demographic. Additionally, the Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) model was used to assess the effects of mixtures on UI.

Results

Our analysis comprised 7,690 participants who self-reported their diagnosis. Among them, 12.80% experienced stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 11.80% reported urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and 10.22% exhibited mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). In our fully adjusted multivariable models, BP-3 exposure exhibited a positive association with SUI (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.14, p = 0.045). BPA exposure correlated with an increased risk of UUI (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01–1.44, p = 0.046) and MUI (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.54, p = 0.029). TCS exposure displayed a negative correlation with the incidence of MUI (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79–0.97, p = 0.009). No significant links were observed between parabens and urinary incontinence. Notably, among the female population, our investigation revealed that BPA exposure heightened the risk of MUI (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01–1.63, p = 0.043). Participants in the highest tertile of BP-3 exposure demonstrated elevated likelihoods of SUI and MUI compared to those in the lowest tertile. In the BKMR analysis, negative trends were observed between the mixture and the risks of UUI and MUI when the mixture ranged from the 25th to the 40th and 35th to the 40th percentiles or above, respectively. Additionally, a positive trend was identified between the mixture and MUI when it was in the 40th to 55th percentile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our findings suggest that exposure to BPA, TCS, and BP-3 may contribute to the development of urinary incontinence.
Clinical course of COPD patients with exercise-induced elevation of pulmonary artery pressure or less severe pulmonary hypertension presenting with respiratory symptoms and the impact of bosentan intervention—prospective, single-center, randomized, parallel-group study
Authors: Kashiwada Takeru , Tanaka Yosuke , Tanaka Toru , Okano Tetsuya , Saito Yoshinobu , Seike Masahiro , Hino Mitsunori , Kimura Hiroshi , Gemma Akihiko
Published: February 2024

Background

The data on bosentan were lacking for the treatment of exercise-induced elevation of pulmonary artery pressure (eePAP) or less severe PH in COPD. This study was conducted to investigate long-term efficacy and safety of bosentan for the treatment of eePAP or less severe PH in COPD.

Methods

COPD patients diagnosed at this hospital as having COPD (WHO functional class II, III or IV) with eePAP or less severe PH whose respiratory symptoms were stable but remained and gradually progressed even after COPD therapy were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either bosentan or no PH treatment for two years and assessed at baseline and every 6 months for respiratory failure, activities of daily living (ADL), lung and heart functions by right heart catheterization (RHC), and other parameters.

Results

A total of 29 patients who underwent RHC for detail examination were enrolled in the current study between August 2010 and October 2018.No death occurred in drug-treated group (n = 14) for 2 years; 5 patients died in untreated group (n = 15). Significant differences were noted between the 2 group in hospital-free survival (686.00 ± 55.87 days vs. 499.94 ± 53.27 days; hazard ratio [HR], 0.18; P = 0.026) and overall survival (727 days vs. 516.36 ± 55.38 days; HR, 0.095; P = 0.030) in all causes of death analysis, but not in overall survival in analysis of respiratory-related death. Bosentan was not associated with increased adverse events including requiring O2 inhalation.

Conclusions

This study suggested that the prognosis for COPD patients with eePAP or less severe PH presenting with respiratory symptoms was very poor and that bosentan tended to improve their prognosis and suppress ADL deterioration without worsening respiratory failure.

Trial registration

This study was registered with UMIN-CTR Clinical Trial as UMIN000004749.

First trial registration at 18/12/2010.
Changes of trunk muscle stiffness in individuals with low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Vatovec Rok , Voglar Matej
Published: February 2024

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions. People with LBP often display changes of neuromuscular control and trunk mechanical properties, including trunk stiffness. Although a few individual studies have examined back muscle stiffness in individuals with LBP, a synthesis of the evidence appears to be lacking. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to synthesize and evaluate the available literature investigating back muscle stiffness in association with LBP.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect for studies, that compared back muscle stiffness, measured either by ultrasound-based elastography or myotonometry, between individuals with and without LBP. Pooled data of the included studies were presented descriptively. Additionally, we performed two meta-analyses to calculate the standardized mean difference between the two groups for resting stiffness of the multifidus and erector spinae muscle. For both meta-analyses, the random effect model was used and the weight of individual studies was calculated using the inverse-variance method. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional studies. Furthermore, the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

Results

Nine studies were included in our systematic review. Our results suggest that individuals with LBP have higher stiffness of the multifidus (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.15 – 0.81, p < 0.01; I2 = 48 %, p = 0.11) and erector spinae at rest (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.11 – 0.62, p < 0.01; I2 = 39 %, p = 0.14) compared to asymptomatic controls. On the other hand, the evidence regarding muscle stiffness during submaximal contractions is somewhat contradictory.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this systematic review we conclude that people with LBP may have higher back muscle stiffness compared to asymptomatic controls. Addressing muscle stiffness might represent an important goal of LBP treatment. Nevertheless, our findings should be interpreted with extreme caution due to a limited quality of evidence, small number of included studies and differences in measurement methodology.
Embodied decisions unfolding over time: a meta-ethnography systematic review of people with cancer’s reasons for delaying or declining end-of-life care
Authors: Young Jessica , Lyons Antonia , Egan Richard , Dew Kevin
Published: February 2024

Background

Barriers to accessing hospice and palliative care have been well studied. An important yet less researched area is why people approaching the end-of-life decline a referral when they are offered services. This review focused on synthesising literature on patients in the last months of life due to a cancer diagnosis who have declined a referral to end-of-life care.

Methods

Six academic databases were systematically searched for qualitative literature published between 2007 and 2021. Two researchers independently reviewed and critically appraised the studies. Using meta-ethnographic methods of translation and synthesis, we set out to identify and develop a new overarching model of the reasons patients decline end-of-life care and the factors contributing to this decision.

Results

The search yielded 2060 articles, and nine articles were identified that met the review inclusion criteria. The included studies can be reconceptualised with the key concept of ‘embodied decisions unfolding over time’. It emphasises the iterative, dynamic, situational, contextual and relational nature of decisions about end-of-life care that are grounded in people’s physical experiences. The primary influences on how that decision unfolded for patients were (1) the communication they received about end-of-life care; (2) uncertainty around their prognosis, and (3) the evolving situations in which the patient and family found themselves. Our review identified contextual, person and medical factors that helped to shape the decision-making process.

Conclusions

Decisions about when (and for some, whether at all) to accept end-of-life care are made in a complex system with preferences shifting over time, in relation to the embodied experience of life-limiting cancer. Time is central to patients’ end-of-life care decision-making, in particular estimating how much time one has left and patients’ embodied knowing about when the right time for end-of-life care is. The multiple and intersecting domains of health that inform decision-making, namely physical, mental, social, and existential/spiritual as well as emotions/affect need further exploration. The integration of palliative care across the cancer care trajectory and earlier introduction of end-of-life care highlight the importance of these findings for improving access whilst recognising that accessing end-of-life care will not be desired by all patients.
Global prevalence of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic among women: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kifle Mearg Eyasu , Aychiluhm Setognal Birara , Anbesu Etsay Woldu
Published: February 2024

Background

During the coronavirus pandemic, people faced strict preventive measures, including staying at home and maintaining social distance, which led to increasing rates of intimate partner violence. Women have been facing dual health emergencies, including COVID-19 and domestic violence. Despite this, there is a lack of representative data on intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and inconsistent findings.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used to develop the systematic review and meta-analysis. All English-language studies conducted between 31 December 2019 and May 15/2022 were extracted from databases such as PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). The I2 was used to assess heterogeneity among studies. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot inspection and Egger’s test. A random effect model was used for the analysis using RevMan and STATA 14 software.

Result

A total of 5065 studies were retrieved, and 14 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of intimate partner violence was 31% (95% CI: 22, 40). Subgroup analysis based on region showed that the highest prevalence of intimate partner violence was in developing regions (33, 95% CI: 23.0, 43.0) compared to developed regions (14, 95% CI: 11.0, 17.0). Subgroup analysis based on country showed that Uganda had the highest prevalence of IPV 68% (95% CI: 62.0, 72.0), and the lowest was in the USA 10% (95% CI: 7.0, 15.0).

Conclusion

Nearly one in three women experienced intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subgroup analysis based on region showed that the highest prevalence of intimate partner violence was in developing regions (33%). All forms of intimate partner violence (physical, sexual, emotional, and economic) were prevalent. Thus, available interventions should be implemented to alleviate women’s intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar emerging and remerging pandemics, particularly in developing countries.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022334613.