bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inequities in access to directly-funded home care in Canada: a privilege only afforded to some
Authors: Kelly Christine , Dansereau Lisette , FitzGerald Maggie , Lee Yeonjung , Williams Allison
Published: January 2023

Background

Directly-funded home care (DF) provides government funds to people who need assistance with the activities of daily living, allowing them to arrange their own services. As programs expand globally, many allow DF clients to hire home care agencies to organize their services rather than finding their own workers. In Canada, half of the DF home care programs allow users to purchase agency services. The goal of this research is to describe the role of agency providers in DF home care in Canada and consider potential equity implications for service access from the perspectives of clients and families.

Methods

Framed with intersectionality, the study included online focus groups with families and clients (n = 56) in the two Canadian provinces of Alberta and Manitoba between June 2021-April 2022. All transcripts underwent qualitative thematic analysis using open and axial coding techniques. Each transcript was analyzed by two of three possible independent coders using Dedoose qualitative analysis software.

Results

The article presents five thematic findings. First, the focus groups document high rates of satisfaction with the care regardless of whether the client uses agency providers. Second, agency providers mediate some of the administrative barriers and emotional strain of using DF home care, and this is especially important for family caregivers who are working or have additional care responsibilities. Third, there are out-of-pocket expenses reported by most participants, with agency clients describing administrative fees despite lower pay for the frontline care workers. Fourth, agencies are not generally effective for linguistic and/or cultural matching between workers and families. Finally, we find that DF care programs cannot compensate for a limited informal support network.

Conclusions

Clients and families often intentionally choose DF home care after negative experiences with other public service options, yet the results suggest that in some Canadian contexts, DF home care is a privilege only afforded to some. Given the growing inequalities that exist in Canadian society, all public home care options must be open to all who need it, irrespective of ability to pay, degree of social support, or competence in the English language.
Functional respiratory impairment and related factors in patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF): Multicenter study from NEREA registry
Authors: Nieto Maria Asuncion , Sanchez-Pernaute Olga , Vadillo Cristina , Rodriguez-Nieto Maria Jesus , Romero-Bueno Fredeswinda , López-Muñiz Belen , Cebrian Laura , Rio-Ramirez Maria Teresa , Laporta Rosalia , Bonilla Gema , Cobo Tatiana , Leon Leticia , Abasolo Lydia ,   NEREA Group, Abasolo Lydia , Nieto Maria Asuncion , Vadillo Cristina , Lores Irene Martín , de Castro Ana Bustos Garcia , Romero-Bueno Fredeswinda , Rodriguez-Nieto Maria Jesus , Pernaute Olga Sanchez , Palacios Carmelo , Carrera Luis Gomez , Bonilla Gema , Ortega Gemma Mora , Cobo Tatiana , López-Muñiz Belén , Cebrián Laura , Godoy Hilda , Laporta Rosalia , Cubas Irene Llorente , Valenzuela Claudia , de Vicuña Rosario Garcia , Jauregui Ana , Rigual Juan , Martos Jesús Loarce , Hita Jose Luis Morell
Published: January 2023

Background

The objective of the present study is to describe the characteristics of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) patients, to assess the incidence rate of functional respiratory impairment over time and to evaluate the influence of therapeutic alternatives on the prognosis of these patients.

Methods

A longitudinal observational multicenter study was performed (NEREA registry). It was carried out by a multidisciplinary team in seven Hospitals of Madrid. Patients were included from IPAF diagnosis. Main outcome: poor prognosis as functional respiratory impairment (relative decline in FVC % defined as ≥ 5% every 6 months). Covariates: therapy, sociodemographic, clinical, radiological patterns, laboratory and functional tests. Statistics: Survival techniques were used to estimate IR per 100 patients-semester with their 95% confidence interval [CI]. The influence of covariates in prognosis were analyzed through cox multivariate regression models (hazard ratio (HR) and [CI]).

Results

79 IPAF were included, with a mean and a maximum follow-up of 3.17 and 12 years respectively. Along the study, 77.2% received treatment (52 glucocorticoids, 25 mycophenolate, 21 azathioprine, 15 rituximab and 11 antifibrotics). IR was 23.9 [19.9–28.8], and 50% of IPAF developed functional respiratory impairment after 16 months from its diagnosis. Multivariate analysis: usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) had poorer prognosis compared to non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (p = 0.001). In NSIP, positive ANA, increased the risk of poor prognosis. In UIP, glucocorticoids (HR: 0.53 [0.34–0.83]), age (HR: 1.04 [1.01–1.07]), and Ro-antibodies (HR: 0.36 [0.19–0.65]) influenced the prognosis.

Conclusions

IPAF have functional impairment during the first years of disease. Factors predicting deterioration differ between radiographic patterns. Our real-life study suggests the potential benefit of particular therapies in IPAF.
Pulmonary hypertension at admission predicts ICU mortality in elderly critically ill with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kurnik Marko , Božič Helena , Vindišar Anže , Kolar Petra , Podbregar Matej
Published: January 2023

Background

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful diagnostic tool for non-invasive assessment of critically ill patients. Mortality of elderly patients with COVID-19 pneumonia is high and there is still scarcity of definitive predictors. Aim of our study was to assess the prediction value of combined lung and heart POCUS data on mortality of elderly critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study. Data of patients older than 70 years, with severe COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to mixed 25-bed, level 3, intensive care unit (ICU) was analyzed retrospectively. POCUS was performed at admission; our parameters of interest were pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and presence of diffuse B-line pattern (B-pattern) on lung ultrasound.

Results

Between October 2020 and March 2021, 117 patients aged 70 years or more (average age 77 ± 5 years) were included. Average length of ICU stay was 10.7 ± 8.9 days. High-flow oxygenation, non-invasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation were at some point used to support 36/117 (31%), 39/117 (33%) and 75/117 (64%) patients respectively. ICU mortality was 50.9%. ICU stay was shorter in survivors (8.8 ± 8.3 vs 12.6 ± 9.3 days, p = 0.02). PASP was lower in ICU survivors (32.5 ± 9.8 vs. 40.4 ± 14.3 mmHg, p = 0.024). B-pattern was more often detected in non-survivors (35/59 (59%) vs. 19/58 (33%), p = 0.005). PASP and B-pattern at admission, and also mechanical ventilation and development of VAP, were univariate predictors of mortality. PASP at admission was an independent predictor of ICU (OR 1.061, 95%CI 1.003–1.124, p = 0.039) and hospital (OR 1.073, 95%CI 1.003–1.146, p = 0.039) mortality.

Conclusions

Pulmonary artery systolic pressure at admission is an independent predictor of ICU and hospital mortality of elderly patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Monte Carlo dosimetry of the 60Co sources of a new GZP3 HDR afterloading system
Authors: Wu Junxiang , Kang Shengwei , Wang Pei , Li Jie , Wang Xianliang
Published: January 2023

Background

The purpose of this work was to obtain the dosimetric parameters of the new GZP3 60Co high-dose-rate afterloading system launched by the Nuclear Power Institute of China, which is comprised of two different 60Co sources.

Methods

The Monte Carlo software Geant4 and EGSnrc were employed to derive accurate calculations of the dosimetric parameters of the new GZP3 60Co brachytherapy source in the range of 0–10 cm, following the formalism proposed by American Association of Physicists in Medicine reports TG43 and TG43U1. Results of the two Monte Carlo codes were compared to verify the accuracy of the data. The source was located in the center of a 30-cm-radius theoretical sphere water phantom.

Results

For channels 1 and 2 of the new GZP3 60Co afterloading system, the results of the dose-rate constant (Λ) were 1.115 cGy h−1 U−1 and 1.112 cGy h−1 U−1, and for channel 3 they were 1.116 cGy h−1 U−1 and 1.113 cGy h−1 U−1 according to the Geant4 and EGSnrc, respectively. The radial dose function in the range of 0.25–10.0 cm in a longitudinal direction was calculated, and the fitting formulas for the function were obtained. The polynomial function for the radial dose function and the anisotropy function (1D and 2D) with a $$\uptheta$$
θ
of 0°–175° and an r of 0.5–10.0 cm were obtained. The curves of the radial function and the anisotropy function fitted well compared with the two Monte Carlo software.

Conclusion

These dosimetric data sets can be used as input data for TPS calculations and quality control for the new GZP3 60Co afterloading system.
Continuous dynamic identification of key genes and molecular signaling pathways of periosteum in guided bone self-generation in swine model
Authors: Yu Bao-Fu , Wang Zi , Chen Xiao-Xue , Zeng Qi , Dai Chuan-Chang , Wei Jiao
Published: January 2023

Background

Guided bone self-generation with periosteum-preserved has successfully regenerated mandibular, temporomandibular and interphalangeal joint. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of gene expression of periosteum which was involved in the guided bone self-generation.

Methods

Rib defects of critical size were created in mature swine with periosteum-preserved. The periosteum was sutured into a sealed sheath that closed the bone defect. The periosteum of trauma and control sites were harvested at postoperative 9 time points, and total RNA was extracted. Microarray analysis was conducted to identify the differences in the transcriptome of different time points between two groups.

Results

The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and trauma group were different at postoperative different time points. The dynamic changes of the number of DEGs fluctuated a lot. There were 3 volatility peaks, and we chose 3 time points of DEG number peak (1 week, 5 weeks and 6 months) to study the functions of DEGs. Oxidoreductase activity, oxidation–reduction process and mitochondrion are the most enriched terms of Go analysis. The major signaling pathways of DEGs enrichment include oxidative phosphorylation, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, osteoclast differentiation pathway and Wnt signaling.

Conclusions

The oxidoreductase reaction was activated during this bone regeneration process. The oxidative phosphorylation, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, osteoclast differentiation pathway and Wnt signaling may play important roles in the guided bone self-generation with periosteum-preserved. This study can provide a reference for how to improve the application of this concept of bone regeneration.
FUS-ALS hiPSC-derived astrocytes impair human motor units through both gain-of-toxicity and loss-of-support mechanisms
Authors: Stoklund Dittlau Katarina , Terrie Lisanne , Baatsen Pieter , Kerstens Axelle , De Swert Lim , Janky Rekin’s , Corthout Nikky , Masrori Pegah , Van Damme Philip , Hyttel Poul , Meyer Morten , Thorrez Lieven , Freude Kristine , Van Den Bosch Ludo
Published: January 2023

Background

Astrocytes play a crucial, yet not fully elucidated role in the selective motor neuron pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Among other responsibilities, astrocytes provide important neuronal homeostatic support, however this function is highly compromised in ALS. The establishment of fully human coculture systems can be used to further study the underlying mechanisms of the dysfunctional intercellular interplay, and has the potential to provide a platform for revealing novel therapeutic entry points.

Methods

In this study, we characterised human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes fromFUS-ALS patients, and incorporated these cells into a human motor unit microfluidics model to investigate the astrocytic effect on hiPSC-derived motor neuron network and functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) using immunocytochemistry and live-cell recordings.FUS-ALS cocultures were systematically compared to their CRISPR-Cas9 gene-edited isogenic control systems.

Results

We observed a dysregulation of astrocyte homeostasis, which resulted in aFUS-ALS-mediated increase in reactivity and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Upon coculture with motor neurons and myotubes, we detected a cytotoxic effect on motor neuron-neurite outgrowth, NMJ formation and functionality, which was improved or fully rescued by isogenic control astrocytes. We demonstrate that ALS astrocytes have both a gain-of-toxicity and loss-of-support function involving the WNT/β-catenin pathway, ultimately contributing to the disruption of motor neuron homeostasis, intercellular networks and NMJs.

Conclusions

Our findings shine light on a complex, yet highly important role of astrocytes in ALS, and provides further insight in to their pathological mechanisms.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of marker-free transgenic Chlamydomonas on the control of Aedes mosquito population and on plankton
Authors: Fei Xiaowen , Huang Xiaodan , Li Zhijie , Li Xinghan , He Changhao , Xiao Sha , Li Yajun , Zhang Xiuxia , Deng Xiaodong
Published: January 2023

Background

More than half of the world’s population suffers from epidemic diseases that are spread by mosquitoes. The primary strategy used to stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases is vector control. Interference RNA (RNAi) is a powerful tool for controlling insect populations and may be less susceptible to insect resistance than other strategies. However, public concerns have been raised because of the transfer of antibiotic resistance marker genes to environmental microorganisms after integration into the recipient genome, thus allowing the pathogen to acquire resistance. Therefore, in the present study, we modified the 3-hydroxykynurenine transaminase (3hkt) and hormone receptor 3 (hr3) RNAi vectors to remove antibiotic resistance marker genes and retain the expression cassette of the inverse repeat sequence of the 3hkt/hr3 target gene. This recombinant microalgal marker-free RNAi insecticide was subsequently added to the suburban water in a simulated-field trial to test its ability to control mosquito population.

Methods

The expression cassette of the 3hkt/hr3 inverted repeat sequence and a DNA fragment of the argininosuccinate lyase gene without the ampicillin resistance gene were obtained using restriction enzyme digestion and recovery. After the cotransformation of Chlamydomonas, the recombinant algae was then employed to feed Aedes albopictus larvae. Ten and 300 larvae were used in small- and large-scale laboratory Ae.albopictus feeding trials, respectively. Simulated field trials were conducted using Meishe River water that was complemented with recombinant Chlamydomonas. Moreover, the impact of recombinant microalgae on phytoplankton and zooplankton in the released water was explored via high-throughput sequencing.

Results

The marker-free RNAi-recombinant Chlamydomonas effectively silenced the 3hkt/hr3 target gene, resulting in the inhibition of Ae. albopictus development and also in the high rate of Ae. albopictus larvae mortality in the laboratory and simulated field trials. In addition, the results confirmed that the effect of recombinant Chlamydomonas on plankton in the released water was similar to that of the nontransgenic Chlamydomonas, which could reduce the abundance and species of plankton.

Conclusions

The marker-free RNAi-recombinant Chlamydomonas are highly lethal to the Ae. albopictus mosquito, and their effect on plankton in released water is similar to that of the nontransgenic algal strains, which reduces the abundance and species of plankton. Thus, marker-free recombinant Chlamydomonas can be used for mosquito biorational control and mosquito-borne disease prevention.

Graphical Abstract
The effect of minimum volume standards in hospitals (MIVOS) — protocol of a systematic review
Authors: Scharfe Julia , Pfisterer-Heise Stefanie , Kugler Charlotte Mareike , Shehu Eni , Wolf Tobias , Mathes Tim , Pieper Dawid
Published: January 2023

Background

The volume-outcome relationship, i.e., higher hospital volume results in better health outcomes, has been established for different surgical procedures as well as for certain nonsurgical medical interventions. Accordingly, many countries such as Germany, the USA, Canada, the UK, and Switzerland have established minimum volume standards. To date, there is a lack of systematically summarized evidence regarding the effects of such regulations.

Methods

To be included in the review, studies must measure any effects connected to minimum volume standards. Outcomes of interest include the following: (1) patient-related outcomes, (2) process-related outcomes, and (3) health system-related outcomes. We will include (cluster) randomized controlled trials ([C]RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs), controlled before-after studies (CBAs), and interrupted time-series studies (ITSs). We will apply no restrictions regarding language, publication date, and publication status. We will search MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase (via Embase), CENTRAL (via Cochrane Library), CINHAL (via EBSCO), EconLit (via EBSCO), PDQ evidence for informed health policymaking, health systems evidence, OpenGrey, and also trial registries for relevant studies. We will further search manually for additional studies by cross-checking the reference lists of all included primary studies as well as cross-checking the reference lists of relevant systematic reviews.

To evaluate the risk of bias, we will use the ROBINS-I and RoB 2 risk-of-bias tools for the corresponding study designs. For data synthesis and statistical analyses, we will follow the guidance published by the EPOC Cochrane group (Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC), EPOC Resources for review authors, 2019).

Discussion

This systematic review focuses on minimum volume standards and the outcomes used to measure their effects. It is designed to provide thorough and encompassing evidence-based information on this topic. Thus, it will inform decision-makers and policymakers with respect to the effects of minimum volume standards and inform further studies in regard to research gaps.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022318883
The prediction of in-hospital mortality in chronic kidney disease patients with coronary artery disease using machine learning models
Authors: Ye Zixiang , An Shuoyan , Gao Yanxiang , Xie Enmin , Zhao Xuecheng , Guo Ziyu , Li Yike , Shen Nan , Ren Jingyi , Zheng Jingang
Published: January 2023

Objective

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in the intensive care unit (ICU) have higher in-hospital mortality and poorer prognosis than patients with either single condition. The objective of this study is to develop a novel model that can predict the in-hospital mortality of that kind of patient in the ICU using machine learning methods.

Methods

Data of CKD patients with CAD were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Boruta algorithm was conducted for the feature selection process. Eight machine learning algorithms, such as logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), Decision Tree, K-nearest neighbors (KNN), Gradient Boosting Decision Tree Machine (GBDT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Neural Network (NN), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were conducted to construct the predictive model for in-hospital mortality and performance was evaluated by average precision (AP) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) algorithm was applied to explain the model visually. Moreover, data from the Telehealth Intensive Care Unit Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) were acquired as an external validation set.

Results

3590 and 1657 CKD patients with CAD were acquired from MIMIC-IV and eICU-CRD databases, respectively. A total of 78 variables were selected for the machine learning model development process. Comparatively, GBDT had the highest predictive performance according to the results of AUC (0.946) and AP (0.778). The SHAP method reveals the top 20 factors based on the importance ranking. In addition, GBDT had good predictive value and a certain degree of clinical value in the external validation according to the AUC (0.865), AP (0.672), decision curve analysis, and calibration curve.

Conclusion

Machine learning algorithms, especially GBDT, can be reliable tools for accurately predicting the in-hospital mortality risk for CKD patients with CAD in the ICU. This contributed to providing optimal resource allocation and reducing in-hospital mortality by tailoring precise management and implementation of early interventions.
Dietary supplementation of bilberry anthocyanin on growth performance, intestinal mucosal barrier and cecal microbes of chickens challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Wang Yibing , Ye Jinling , Fan Qiuli , Lin Xiajing , Gou Zhongyong , Jiang Shouqun
Published: January 2023

Background

Anthocyanins (AC) showed positive effects on improving the intestinal health and alleviating intestinal pathogen infections, therefore, an experiment was conducted to explore the protective effects of supplemented AC on Salmonella-infected chickens.

Methods

A total of 240 hatchling chickens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments, each with 6 replicates. Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (CON, and ST), 100 (ACL) and 400 (ACH) mg/kg of AC for d 60, and orally challenged with PBS (CON) or 109 CFU/bird (ST, ACL, ACH) Salmonella Typhimurium at d 14 and 16.

Results

(1) Compared with birds in ST, AC supplementation increased the body weight (BW) at d 18 and the average daily gain (ADG) from d 1 to 18 of the Salmonella-infected chickens (P < 0.05); (2) AC decreased the number of Salmonella cells in the liver and spleen, the contents of NO in plasma and inflammatory cytokines in ileal mucosa of Salmonella-infected chickens (P < 0.05); (3) Salmonella infection decreased the ileal villi height, villi height to crypt depth (V/C), and the expression of zonulaoccludins-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1, occludin, and mucin 2 (MUC2) in ileal mucosa. AC supplementation relieved these adverse effects, and decreased ileal crypt depth (P < 0.05); (4) In cecal microbiota of Salmonella-infected chickens, AC increased (P < 0.05) the alpha-diversity (Chao1, Pd, Shannon and Sobs indexes) and the relative abundance of Firmicutes, and decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota and the enrichment of drug antimicrobial resistance, infectious bacterial disease, and immune disease pathways.

Conclusions

Dietary AC protected chicken against Salmonella infection via inhibiting the Salmonella colonization in liver and spleen, suppressing secretion of inflammatory cytokines, up-regulating the expression of ileal barrier-related genes, and ameliorating the composition and function of cecal microbes. Under conditions here used, 100 mg/kg bilberry anthocyanin was recommended.
Emerging precision neoadjuvant systemic therapy for patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer: current status and perspectives
Authors: Godoy Luis A. , Chen Joy , Ma Weijie , Lally Jag , Toomey Kyra A. , Rajappa Prabhu , Sheridan Roya , Mahajan Shirish , Stollenwerk Nicholas , Phan Chinh T. , Cheng Danny , Knebel Robert J. , Li Tianhong
Published: January 2023

Over the past decade, targeted therapy for oncogene-driven NSCLC and immune checkpoint inhibitors for non-oncogene-driven NSCLC, respectively, have greatly improved the survival and quality of life for patients with unresectable NSCLC. Increasingly, these biomarker-guided systemic therapies given before or after surgery have been used in patients with early-stage NSCLC. In March 2022, the US FDA granted the approval of neoadjuvant nivolumab and chemotherapy for patients with stage IB-IIIA NSCLC. Several phase II/III trials are evaluating the clinical efficacy of various neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations for non-oncogene-driven NSCLC and neoadjuvant molecular targeted therapies for oncogene-driven NSCLC, respectively. However, clinical application of precision neoadjuvant treatment requires a paradigm shift in the biomarker testing and multidisciplinary collaboration at the diagnosis of early-stage NSCLC. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current diagnosis and treatment landscape, recent advances, new challenges in biomarker testing and endpoint selections, practical considerations for a timely multidisciplinary collaboration at diagnosis, and perspectives in emerging neoadjuvant precision systemic therapy for patients with resectable, early-stage NSCLC. These biomarker-guided neoadjuvant therapies hold the promise to improve surgical and pathological outcomes, reduce systemic recurrences, guide postoperative therapy, and improve cure rates in patients with resectable NSCLC.
Comparison of different methods to account for the plasmaspheric electron content in GNSS-derived ionospheric altimeter corrections and their impact on sea level trend estimation
Authors: Dettmering Denise , Schwatke Christian
Published: January 2023

Global ionospheric maps based on GNSS measurements are nowadays often used to correct satellite altimeter measurements when the instruments have only one frequency or measure over coasts and inland waters. If these corrections do not account for the free electron fraction over the altimeter satellites, this leads to systematic deviations in the range measurements and thus in the estimated sea level. This study compares and assesses different approaches to reduce GNSS-based corrections for the plasmaspheric electron content. It is shown that using a simple scaling with a constant factor of 0.881 gives the best results for the Jason-1 mission, while correcting with the commonly used model ratios leads to higher sea level trend artefacts and larger noise levels, especially for periods of lower solar activity. Using this approach, the sea level trend error for both Jason-1 and Sentinel-6A can be reduced to below 0.1 mm/year, with standard deviations of the differences from the dual-frequency altimeter corrections of 6.74 mm. A simple machine learning approach (boosted regression tree) is also investigated and shows promising results. However, due to the higher processing capacity requirements and the larger deviations from long-term trend, further improvements are recommended before such an approach can be used in routine processing of altimeter corrections.

Graphical Abstract
Implementation and quality of an early childhood education program for newly arrived refugee children in Germany: an observational study
Authors: Busch Julian , Buchmüller Thimo , Leyendecker Birgit
Published: January 2023

Early childhood education [ECE] can foster the social-emotional adjustment and development of young refugee children. Still, the large numbers of newly arriving refugee families challenge the ECE capacities of host countries. In Germany, state authorities have subsidized flexible ECE programs for refugee children in response to this situation. The goal of this study was to examine the implementation and quality of these programs. In the first study phase, we categorized the seemingly heterogeneous ECE programs and assembled measures to assess their ECE quality. In the second study phase, we evaluated the ECE quality of a randomly selected sample of these ECE programs (N = 42) using standardized observation procedures. The ECE programs were implemented differently in temporary setups (caravans, tents), improvised settings (parish rooms, refugee accommodations), or education settings (preschools, elementary schools). To evaluate ECE quality, we created an observation tool for structural quality and coded dimensions from the Classroom Assessment Scoring System Pre-K for process quality. Overall, structural quality was acceptable but differed between implementation settings. Process quality was consistently high, independent of the settings. Our findings suggest that adaptive ECE programs under a flexible childcare policy could support young refugee children after they arrive in host countries. Still, such ECE programs do not compensate for center-based ECE services because of their more vigorous emphasis on children’s social-emotional adjustment than pre-academic learning. Further research should consider adaptive assessment tools to assess ECE quality, taking into account heterogeneous program implementation strategies and the specific needs of refugee children.
New recorded diatoms in Holocene sediment cores from the Gonggeom-ji Wetland in Korea
Authors: Kwon Daeryul , Park Mirye , Lee Hoil , Lee Jin-Young , Lee Sang Deuk
Published: January 2023

The Gonggeom-ji reservoir is an agricultural one built for rice farming during the Proto-Three Kingdoms period and was designated as Gyeongsangbuk-do monument No. 121 because of its high historical value. The Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources has been conducting paleontological and paleoenvironmental studies on major wetlands from Korea since 2016, as well as diatom, geological, and depth distribution analyses on the sedimentary soil of Gonggeom-ji. This study summarized the description and ecological characteristics of six newly recorded diatoms (Gomphonema lacusrankala, Pinnularia diandae, P. gibba var. hyaline, P. lacunarum, Sellaphora labda var. nipponica, Stauroneis angustilancea) found in samples collected through drilling in Gonggeom-ji in 2019.
Mediating role of perceived stress on the association between domestic violence and postpartum depression: cross-sectional study in Bangladesh
Authors: Tasnim Fowzia , Abedin Sumaiya , Rahman Md. Mosfequr
Published: January 2023

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder developed after childbirth that negatively affects the well-being of both mother and infant. The relationship between domestic violence and the development of PPD symptoms is well documented. However, empirical evidence is lacking on how a person's perception of stress mediates this relationship.

Aims

To estimate the degree to which perceived stress may explain the association between being the victim of domestic violence and developing PPD symptoms among Bangladeshi mothers.

Method

A cross-sectional survey design was employed from October to December 2019 to collect data from 497 postpartum mothers within the first 6 months of giving birth. The associations between domestic violence victimisation and developing PPD symptoms were assessed using multivariable logistic regressions. The Karlson–Holm–Breen method was used for mediation analysis.

Results

One-third (34%) of the mothers in this sample reported experiencing PPD within 6 months. A one-item increase in the number of reported experiences (‘items’) of controlling behaviour, emotional domestic violence and physical domestic violence increased the odds of developing PPD symptoms by 27%, 40% and 31% respectively, after controlling for other variables and mediators. Furthermore, after adjusting for other variables, the mediating effect of perceived stress on the association of controlling behaviour, emotional domestic violence, physical domestic violence and any form of domestic violence with developing PPD symptoms was 45.1%, 43.0%, 31.2% and 37.5% respectively.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that perceived stress partially mediates the association between domestic violence victimisation and developing PPD symptoms. Understanding these complex relationships may help policymakers to formulate appropriate intervention strategies and support services.
Randomized Phase III Trial of Ganitumab With Interval-Compressed Chemotherapy for Patients With Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: DuBois Steven G. , Krailo Mark D. , Glade-Bender Julia , Buxton Allen , Laack Nadia , Randall R. Lor , Chen Helen X. , Seibel Nita L. , Boron Matthew , Terezakis Stephanie , Hill-Kayser Christine , Hayes Andrea , Reid Joel M. , Teot Lisa , Rakheja Dinesh , Womer Richard , Arndt Carola , Lessnick Stephen L. , Crompton Brian D. , Kolb E. Anders , Daldrup-Link Heike , Eutsler Eric , Reed Damon R. , Janeway Katherine A. , Gorlick Richard G.
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE

Monoclonal antibodies directed against insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) have shown activity in patients with relapsed Ewing sarcoma. The primary objective of Children's Oncology Group trial AEWS1221 was to determine if the addition of the IGF-1R monoclonal antibody ganitumab to interval-compressed chemotherapy improves event-free survival (EFS) in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic Ewing sarcoma.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 at enrollment to standard arm (interval-compressed vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide alternating once every 2 weeks with ifosfamide/etoposide = VDC/IE) or to experimental arm (VDC/IE with ganitumab at cycle starts and as monotherapy once every 3 weeks for 6 months after conventional therapy). A planned sample size of 300 patients was projected to provide 81% power to detect an EFS hazard ratio of 0.67 or smaller for the experimental arm compared with the standard arm with a one-sided α of .025.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-eight eligible patients enrolled (148 in standard arm; 150 in experimental arm). The 3-year EFS estimates were 37.4% (95% CI, 29.3 to 45.5) for the standard arm and 39.1% (95% CI, 31.3 to 46.7) for the experimental arm (stratified EFS-event hazard ratio for experimental arm 1.00; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.33; 1-sided, P = .50). The 3-year overall survival estimates were 59.5% (95% CI, 50.8 to 67.3) for the standard arm and 56.7% (95% CI, 48.3 to 64.2) for the experimental arm. More cases of pneumonitis after radiation involving thoracic fields and nominally higher rates of febrile neutropenia and ALT elevation were reported on the experimental arm.

CONCLUSION

Ganitumab added to interval-compressed chemotherapy did not significantly reduce the risk of EFS event in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic Ewing sarcoma, with outcomes similar to prior trials without IGF-1R inhibition or interval compression. The addition of ganitumab may be associated with increased toxicity.
Sex Differences in Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of GH Replacement Therapy in GH Deficient Adults
Authors: Slagboom Tessa N A , van Bunderen Christa C , van der Lely Aart Jan , Drent Madeleine L
Published: January 2023

Context

Previous studies report that outcomes of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy (GHRT) might be less beneficial in growth hormone deficient (GHD) women compared with men.

Objective

This study investigated possible contributing factors regarding this previously found sex difference.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study, conducted at a nationwide outpatient clinic (the Dutch National Registry of GH Treatment in Adults), included Dutch adult GHD men (n = 1335) and women (n = 1251) treated with GHRT. The patients’ baseline characteristics, details of GHRT, and the tolerability and long-term safety of GHRT were measured.

Results

During treatment, sensitivity analysis showed that insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) SD scores remained subnormal more often in women (P < 0.001), while scores above normal were more frequent in men (P < 0.001). Women reported more adverse events (P < 0.001), especially symptoms related to fluid retention, and more often needed a dose reduction or temporary stop of GHRT (P = 0.001). In percentages, both sexes equally discontinued GHRT, as was also true for the risk in developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, benign neoplasms, and tumor recurrence. The risk of developing malignant neoplasms was higher in men (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Data obtained from the Dutch National Registry of GH Treatment in Adults indicate that GHD women might be treated suboptimally, reflected as lower IGF-1 status and lower GHRT tolerability, leading to more frequent changes in treatment regimen but not discontinuation of GHRT. Regarding long-term safety, we found a higher risk for development of malignancies in GHD men.
Acute stress and restricted diet reduce bill-mediated heat dissipation in the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia): implications for optimal thermoregulation
Authors: Zuluaga Juan D. , Danner Raymond M.
Published: January 2023

We used thermal imaging to show that two environmental factors – acute stress and diet – influence thermoregulatory performance of a known thermal window, the avian bill. The bill plays important roles in thermoregulation and water balance. Given that heat loss through the bill is adjustable through vasoconstriction and vasodilation, and acute stress can cause vasoconstriction in peripheral body surfaces, we hypothesized that stress may influence the bill's role as a thermal window. We further hypothesized that diet influences heat dissipation from the bill, given that body condition influences the surface temperature of another body region (the eye region). We measured the surface temperature of the bills of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) before, during and after handling by an observer at 37°C ambient temperature. We fed five birds a restricted diet intended to maintain body mass typical of wild birds, and we fed six birds an unrestricted diet for 5 months prior to experiments. Acute stress caused a decrease in the surface temperature of the bill, resulting in a 32.4% decrease in heat dissipation immediately following acute stress, before recovering over approximately 2.3 min. The initial reduction and subsequent recovery provide partial support for the hemoprotective and thermoprotective hypotheses, which predict a reduction or increase in peripheral blood flow, respectively. Birds with unrestricted diets had larger bills and dissipated more heat, indicating that diet and body condition influence bill-mediated heat dissipation and thermoregulation. These results indicate that stress-induced vascular changes and diet can influence mechanisms of heat loss and potentially inhibit optimal thermoregulation.
Exploring structural determinants and the role of nucleolin in formation of the long-range interactions between untranslated regions of p53 mRNA
Authors: Kiliszek Agnieszka , Rypniewski Wojciech , Błaszczyk Leszek
Published: January 2023

p53 protein is a key regulator of cellular homeostasis by coordinating the framework of antiproliferative pathways as a response to various stress factors. Although the main mechanism of stress-dependent induction of p53 protein relies on post-translational modifications influencing its stability and activity, a growing amount of evidence suggests that complex regulation of p53 expression occurs also at the mRNA level. This study explores structural determinants of long-range RNA–RNA interactions in p53 mRNA, crucial for stress-dependent regulation of p53 protein translation. We demonstrate that the 8-nt bulge motif plays a key structural role in base-pairing of complementary sequences from the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of p53 mRNA. We also show that one of the p53 translation regulators, nucleolin, displays an RNA chaperone activity and facilitates the association of sequences involved in the formation of long-range interactions in p53 mRNA. Nucleolin promotes base-pairing of complementary sequences through the bulge motif, because mutations of this region reduce or inhibit pairing while compensatory mutations restore this interaction. Mutational analysis of nucleolin reveals that all four RNA recognition motifs are indispensable for optimal RNA chaperone activity of nucleolin. These observations help to decipher the unique mechanism of p53 protein translation regulation pointing to bulge motif and nucleolin as the critical factors during intramolecular RNA–RNA recognition in p53 mRNA.
An investigation of syrinx morphometry and sound frequency association during the chirping period in lovebirds (Agapornis fischeri)
Authors: Dewi Cytra Meyliana Surya , Dhamayanti Yeni , Fikri Faisal , Purnomo Agus , Khairani Shafia , Chhetri Shekhar , Purnama Muhammad Thohawi Elziyad
Published: January 2023

Background: In the issue of biodiversity, the domestication of birds as pets and trade animals requires special attention as a conservation effort. Lovebirds (Agapornis fischeri) are popular birds worldwide, due to their varied ornamentation and melodic chirping sound. Syrinx structure is suspected to be the main source of sound production during the chirping period. This study aimed to investigate syrinx morphometry and its correlation with sound frequency produced in lovebirds.

Methods: A total of 24 lovebirds of different ages and gender were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction method was performed to determine lovebird gender, meanwhile bird age was identified based on post-hatch recordings at the breeding farm. Thus, we enrolled male (n=12) and female (n=12) lovebirds aged 2 (n=4), 3 (n=4), and 4 (n=4) months in the investigation group, respectively. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was performed to evaluate sound frequency during chirping period. Then, syrinx morphometry was identified using a topographic approach and methylene blue staining. Each variable was evaluated with Image J software and vernier caliper.

Results: Based on a topographical approach, we reported the general cartilage structure of the tracheosyringeal, bronchosyringeal, paired protrusions, tracheolateral muscles, sternotracheal muscles, and syringeal muscles in lovebird syrinx. In particular, the tympaniform membranes lateral lead a crucial role in modulating the frequency of male lovebirds more significantly (p=0,009) compared to female. On the other hand, the tympaniform membranes lateral dexter (p=0,02) and sinister (p=0,05) in females showed wider compared to male. We also reported a negative correlation between sound frequency compared to tympaniform membranes lateral dexter (y = -913,56x + 6770,8) and sinister (y = -706,16x + 5736).

Conclusions: It can be concluded that the tympaniform membranes lateral produced the lovebirds’ primary sound. The sound frequency of male lovebirds was higher compared to female, however negatively correlated with the area of tympaniform membranes lateral.
Analysis of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies in the erythrocytes of fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds: criteria for detection and typing
Authors:   Orel State Agrarian University named after N.V. Parakhin, Kryukov Vladimir I.
Published: January 2023

The scientific and methodological manual contains a brief history of the development of a methodology for testing micronuclei and nuclear anomalies in the erythrocytes of fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds. The morphological characteristics of 2 types of micronuclei and 23 types and subtypes of nuclear anomalies that can be detected during spontaneous and induced mutagenesis are described. The described anomalies are illustrated by microphotographs and schematic drawings. An algorithm for detecting anomalies and a template for their recording during microscopic analysis are presented. The scientific and methodological manual is intended for graduate students and researchers who study the influence of various factors on the stability of the genome of non-mammalian vertebrates.
Managerial Overconfidence and Market Feedback Effects
Authors: Banerjee Suman , Huang Shiyang , Nanda Vikram , Xiao Steven Chong
Published: January 2023

We show that managerial learning from stock prices can lead to feedback loop vulnerability: corrective actions based on perceived negative market signals reduce the sensitivity of asset payoffs to stock market information. Less sensitivity discourages liquidity provision and increases the price impact of liquidity shocks. Interestingly, overconfident managers who disregard stock price information may be less vulnerable to the adverse price impact of nonfundamental liquidity shocks. Our empirical evidence strongly supports the model’s underlying premises and predictions: First, investment decisions of overconfident CEOs are significantly less responsive to stock price fluctuations. Second, the price impact of liquidity shocks, for example, mutual fund fire sales, is substantially smaller for firms with overconfident CEOs.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.

Funding: S. Huang gratefully acknowledges the financial support from the Hong Kong General Research Fund [GRF Project Code 17503317].

Supplemental Material: Data and the internet appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4625 .
An Analysis of Incentive Schemes for Participant Retention in Clinical Studies
Authors: Song Xueze , Mehrotra Mili , Rajapakshe Tharanga
Published: January 2023

Problem definition: Participant retention is one of the significant issues faced by clinical studies. This paper analyzes the economic impact of combining two mechanisms (monetary payments to participants and effort exerted during a clinical study) observed in practice to improve retention. Methodology/results: Given an incentive scheme, under full information and information asymmetry regarding participants’ characteristics, we model the problem of identifying optimal payment and effort to improve retention for a clinical study using a nonlinear integer program. We propose polynomial-time algorithms to solve the problem under full information for a participant-specific linear payment scheme and two commonly observed incentive schemes: Fixed Payment (FP) and Logistics Reimbursement (RE). We also provide exact methods to solve the problem under information asymmetry for the FP and RE schemes. We conduct a comprehensive computational study to gain insights into the relative performance of these schemes. Under full information, the participant-specific scheme can reduce the retention cost by about 46%, on average, compared with that under the RE and FP schemes. Information asymmetry causes the RE scheme to be more favorable than the FP scheme in a wider variety of clinical studies. Further, the value of acquiring participants’ characteristics information is significant under the FP scheme compared with that under the RE scheme. Managerial implications: The determination of monetary payments is ad hoc in practice. Further, an economic analysis of the two mechanisms for improving retention in clinical studies is absent. Given the participants and the clinical study characteristics under full information and information asymmetry, our analysis enables a decision maker to identify an optimum incentive scheme, monetary payment, and effort level for improving retention. Further, our analysis allows a clinical study decision maker to assess budget requirements to improve retention and adapt the incentive payments to Institutional Review Board guidelines, if any.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1184 .