bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis: Understanding changes from 2020 to 2022
Authors: Jeantin Lina , Januel Edouard , Labauge Pierre , Maillart Elisabeth , de Seze Jérôme , Zéphir Hélène , Pelletier Jean , Kerschen Philippe , Biotti Damien , Heinzlef Olivier , Guilloton Laurent , Bensa Caroline , Théaudin Marie , Vukusic Sandra , Casez Olivier , Maurousset Aude , Laplaud David , Berger Eric , Lebrun-Frenay Christine , Bourre Bertrand , Branger Pierre , Stankoff Bruno , Clavelou Pierre , Thouvenot Eric , Manchon Eric , Moreau Thibault , Sellal François , Zedet Mickaël , Papeix Caroline , Louapre Céline
Published: January 2024

Background:

Epidemiologic studies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have focused on the first waves of the pandemic until early 2021.

Objectives:

We aimed to extend these data from the onset of the pandemic to the global coverage by vaccination in summer 2022.

Methods:

This retrospective, multicenter observational study analyzed COVISEP registry data on reported COVID-19 cases in pwMS between January 2020 and July 2022. Severe COVID-19 was defined as hospitalization or higher severity.

Results:

Among 2584 pwMS with confirmed/highly suspected COVID-19, severe infection rates declined from 14.6% preomicron wave to 5.7% during omicron wave ( p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.25–1.64] per 10 years), male sex (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = [1.51–2.67]), obesity (OR = 2.36, 95% CI = [1.52–3.68]), cardiac comorbidities (OR = 2.36, 95% CI = [1.46–3.83]), higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (OR = 2.09, 95% CI = [1.43–3.06] for EDSS 3–5.5 and OR = 4.53, 95% CI = [3.04–6.75] for EDSS ⩾6), and anti-CD20 therapies (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = [1.85–3.87]) as risk factors for COVID-19 severity. Vaccinated individuals experienced less severe COVID-19, whether on (risk ratio (RR) = 0.64, 95% CI = [0.60–0.69]) or off (RR = 0.32, 95% CI = [0.30–0.33]) anti-CD20.

Discussion:

In pwMS, consistent risk factors were anti-CD20 therapies and neurological disability, emerging as vital drivers of COVID-19 severity regardless of wave, period, or vaccination status.
Longitudinally extensive posterolateral myelitis revealing invasive CNS aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Jeantin Lina , Leclercq Delphine , Tran Suzanne , Maillart Elisabeth , Reina Vincent , Fekkar Arnaud , Lanternier Fanny , Marois Clémence , Celier Adam
Published: January 2024

Background:

Fungal infections of the central nervous system usually affect immunocompromised patients. Primary Aspergillus myelitis has never been described.

Report:

A 45-year-old immunocompetent male with subacute paraplegia was treated for inflammatory myelitis before clinical deterioration requiring mechanical ventilation. Purulent meningitis preceded the formation of a paraspinal nodule biopsied by neurosurgery. Histopathological analysis revealed the presence of fungal hyphae, and polymerase chain reaction was positive for Aspergillus fumigatus. No cause of immunodeficiency was identified in this patient.

Discussion:

Primary Aspergillus myelitis may be confused with inflammatory myelitis and should be considered even in the absence of apparent immunosuppression.
Using distance-framed narratives to foster health communication outcomes among e-cigarette users and non-users
Authors: Liu Sixiao , Yang Janet Z
Published: January 2024

This study examines the effectiveness of distance-framed narratives in deterring e-cigarette use among young adults. Through an online experiment ( N = 916), this study investigates how narratives with different distance cues influence participants’ narrative engagement, perceived psychological distance, and compliance with the message. The findings suggest that distance-framed narratives heighten identification. Increased identification reduces perceived psychological distance, leading to more negative attitudes, decreased e-cigarette use intention, and stronger policy support. E-cigarette use status also impacts persuasive outcomes. Non-users tend to be more receptive to narratives featuring congruent distance cues in character and scenario depictions. Users are motivated by narratives that present an uncertain scenario, regardless of whether the character is portrayed as socially close or distant.
Umwana w’umugore: The gendered realities of girls born of conflict-related sexual violence and their mothers in post-genocide Rwanda
Authors: Denov Myriam , Saad Djamila
Published: January 2024

This article explores the challenges, needs and capacities of girls born of conflict-related sexual violence during the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. Twenty-nine interviews and 11 focus groups were conducted with girls born of genocidal rape, alongside 44 interviews with mothers of children born of genocidal rape. In a society where Umwana w’umugore – being ‘the child of a woman’ – is considered an insult for children born of rape, gendered realities profoundly shape girls’ experiences. Data reveal that girls born of genocidal rape face challenges related to identity and belonging, multiple forms of violence and economic challenges. Moreover, girls sustain the indirect consequences of gender-based injustices committed against their mothers, making stigma and social exclusion shared and intergenerational experiences, alongside mutual care and support. Policy development must take into account the unique needs of girls born of rape, the precarious situation of their mothers and broader gender inequalities.
Recognizing the rights of “others”: A framework for corporate human rights violations in international business
Authors: Ascencio Christine , Singh Nitish , Alhorr Hadi
Published: January 2024

This research critically examines corporate human rights violations (CHRVs) regarding exploitation and inequalities within the international business system. From the context of the emancipatory agenda of critical cross-cultural management, we present a novel framework for evaluating CHRVs based on a comprehensive analysis of reported cases between 2007 and 2017. Delving into the power dynamics and privileges that cast global workers, suppliers, and communities as the “other,” our research sheds light on how this conceptualization fuels decisions that put the rights of these “others” at risk. Our findings highlight violations related to all dimensions (abuse, labor, development, environment, and health) across industries and geographies. Notably, our findings align with the critical cross-cultural management literature on structural oppression that North American and Western European companies account for a significant number of violations in developing countries.
Climate change education through drama and social learning: Playful inquiry for building extreme weather events adaptation scenarios
Authors: Borba Juliano , Bonatti Michelle , Medina Leonardo , Löhr Katharina , Tremblay Crystal , Gutberlet Jutta , Sieber Stefan
Published: January 2024

Considering the projected impacts of climate change in upcoming decades, innovative educational approaches should encourage inventive problem-solving techniques and societal change, fostering transformative climate adaptation. The value of drama in climate adaptation education remains a novel area in the environmental education research literature and requires further exploration of its potential benefits to Climate Change Education (CCE). This article presents a proposal for CCE to include various elements in a drama workshop by evaluating a methodological framework. Participants in the workshop studied the vulnerabilities that arose from flooding and droughts while dramatizing different social conflicts to develop building adaptation scenarios. Through the exploration of problems via playful activities, participants collaboratively construct narratives and texts rich with meaning, based on a critical and creative perception of themes, needs, desires, and overlapping ideologies. This short-term experience manifests efficacy in elucidating the underpinnings of social systems structures, human values, and motivations. This article analyzes workshop results, providing a pedagogical structure and theoretical foundation, contributing to a better comprehension of drama in education and the creation of capacities towards CCE.
A Tender Witness’s Story of War: A Tale on the Road in Three Voices
Authors: Gliniecka Marta , Lib Waldemar , Marek Lidia
Published: January 2024

On February 24, 2022, we embarked on a war journey into the unknown, witnessing the war in Ukraine. Our contact with the war is mediated (mainly by the media), yet painful and saturated with extreme emotions. This article is an autoethnographic description of the experiences of this journey of three academics from Poland, a frontline country. The metaphor of the road is carried out by evocative autoethnography in terms of its symbolism of personal journey of each of us; nevertheless, it also unifies our experiences of war into one tender narrative. Embedded in the essence of our autoethnographic narrative of the war is a constant openness to new circumstances, the natural dynamics of action at the front and in the frontier country, and the constant search for and discovery of one’s own narrative identity. Each part of this path traveled is inscribed in the baggage of personal experience, a narrative of life in a frontier country, unification by the situation of witnessing the war, and the desire to express our resistance to it. It became a form of mental resistance, analysis, empathy, and concern which were our methods of struggle and a way of taking responsibility for the reality we witness. In the description, we used the “tender narrative” proposed in the texts of Nobel Prize winner Olga Tokarczuk.
Application of Uterine Artery Embolization in Patients With Placenta Accreta Spectrum After Abdominal Aortic Balloon Occlusion
Authors: Zhang Kai , Cheng Shuqin , Zhi Yunxiao , Lu Lin , Yi Mingsheng , Cui Shihong
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate the application of different uterine artery embolization procedures under balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta in patients with Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) undergoing cesarean section.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data from 72 patients who underwent uterine artery embolization for hemostasis during cesarean section with PAS. The patients were divided into two groups according to the embolization method used during surgery: group A (n = 43) underwent uterine artery embolization by withdrawing the balloon and inserting a Cobra catheter into the uterine artery for embolization, while group B (n = 29) underwent uterine artery embolization with a Cobra catheter inserted via contralateral puncture of the femoral artery and balloon occlusion. General information, surgical data, and postoperative recovery were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

The bleeding and transfusion volumes were lower in group B than in group A and the differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant. There were no significant differences in surgical duration, number of embolized vessels, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, or menstrual recovery between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

For patients with PAS undergoing cesarean section, uterine artery embolization for hemostasis is preferably performed by inserting a Cobra catheter via contralateral puncture of the femoral artery under abdominal aortic balloon occlusion.
Isolectin B4 (IB4)-conjugated streptavidin for the selective knockdown of proteins in IB4-positive (+) nociceptors
Authors: Bogen Oliver , Araldi Dionéia , Sucher Anatol , Kober Kord , Ohara Peter T , Levine Jon D
Published: January 2024

In vivo analysis of protein function in nociceptor subpopulations using antisense oligonucleotides and short interfering RNAs is limited by their non-selective cellular uptake. To address the need for selective transfection methods, we covalently linked isolectin B4 (IB4) to streptavidin and analyzed whether it could be used to study protein function in IB4(+)-nociceptors. Rats treated intrathecally with IB4-conjugated streptavidin complexed with biotinylated antisense oligonucleotides for protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) mRNA were found to have: (a) less PKCε in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), (b) reduced PKCε expression in IB4(+) but not IB4(–) DRG neurons, and (c) fewer transcripts of the PKCε gene in the DRG. This knockdown in PKCε expression in IB4(+) DRG neurons is sufficient to reverse hyperalgesic priming, a rodent model of chronic pain that is dependent on PKCε in IB4(+)-nociceptors. These results establish that IB4-streptavidin can be used to study protein function in a defined subpopulation of nociceptive C-fiber afferents.
Interparental Positivity Spillover Theory: How Parents’ Positive Relational Interactions Influence Children
Authors: Don Brian P. , Simpson Jeffry A. , Fredrickson Barbara L. , Algoe Sara B.
Published: January 2024

Interparental interactions have an important influence on child well-being and development. Yet prior theory and research have primarily focused on interparental conflict as contributing to child maladjustment, which leaves out the critical question of how interparental positive interactions—such as expressed gratitude, capitalization, and shared laughter—may benefit child growth and development. In this article, we integrate theory and research in family, relationship, and affective science to propose a new framework for understanding how the heretofore underexamined positive interparental interactions influence children: interparental positivity spillover theory (IPST). IPST proposes that, distinct from the influence of conflict, interparental positive interactions spill over into children’s experiences in the form of their (a) experience of positive emotions, (b) beneficially altered perceptions of their parents, and (c) emulation of their parents’ positive interpersonal behaviors. This spillover is theorized to promote beneficial cognitive, behavioral, social, and physiological outcomes in children in the short term (i.e., immediately after a specific episode of interparental positivity, or on a given day) as well as cumulatively across time. As a framework, IPST generates a host of novel and testable predictions to guide future research, all of which have important implications for the mental health, well-being, and positive development of children and families.
Mental Health in Elite Coaches
Authors: Baumann Laura , Schneeberger Andres Ricardo , Currie Alan , Iff Samuel , Seifritz Erich , Claussen Malte Christian
Published: January 2024

Context:

Coaches play an important role in promoting mental health in elite sports. However, they themselves are exposed to risks affecting their mental health, and their fears and worries are often overlooked. Moreover, it remains unclear how coaches’ mental health affects their athletes’ mental health.

Objective:

To create a compilation of the literature on (1) elite coaches’ mental health and (2) how coaches’ mental health influences elite athletes’ mental health. Building on this, recommendations for improving coaches’ psychological well-being should be elaborated upon and discussed.

Data Sources:

A literature search was conducted up to November 30, 2021, using the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and SportDiscus.

Study Selection:

Studies reporting elite coaches’ mental health symptoms and disorders and the influence of elite coaches’ mental health on elite athletes’ mental health were included.

Study Design:

Scoping review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Data Extraction:

Data regarding elite coaches’ mental health, as well as their influence on athletes’ mental health and performance, were included in a descriptive analysis. The PRISMA guidelines were used to guide this review.

Results:

Little research has been done on elite coaches’ mental health disorders, although studies confirm that they do experience, for example, symptoms of burnout, anxiety, and depression. The influence of coaches’ mental health on their athletes is underinvestigated, with research focused mainly on the influence of coaches’ stress.

Conclusion:

Knowledge about coaches’ mental health is still limited. Coaches’ poor mental health diminishes coaching performance and might impair athletes’ mental health. Coaches should receive more support, including sports psychiatric care and education on the importance of mental health. This could improve the mental health of both coaches and athletes, and positively affect athlete performance.
Development of Singapore English speech audiometry test materials
Authors: Chue Christel Li Hui , Soh Kimberly Wanxian , Mohamed Alias Nurul Jannah , Loo Jenny Hooi Yin
Published: January 2024

Background

Speech audiometry is utilised for diagnostic and rehabilitative purposes. Speech audiometry involves materials linguistic in nature. The ideal protocol is to have a tester who is a native or at least a fluent speaker of that language to conduct the test on a native listener. Except for a set of psychometrically equivalent word recordings that have yet to be validated, no other existing speech audiometry materials have been developed in Singapore English.

Objective

This study aims to develop and validate a local set of phonemically balanced English word lists for use on Singaporeans.

Methods

The first phase encompassed the development of spondaic and phonemically-balanced monosyllabic word lists for Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) and Word Recognition Score (WRS) testing. The second phase established perceptual equivalence across the monosyllabic word lists. The third phase encompassed the validation of these materials on 72 normal-hearing and hearing-impaired Singaporeans between 21 to 80 years old. Participants were tested with two spondaic and six monosyllabic word lists. Participants’ SRT and WRS values were analysed.

Results

The mean SRT and pure tone audiometry (PTA) average difference was 5.79 dB. All 43 normal-hearing participants achieved a maximum WRS of 100%, at an average presentation level of 28.1 dB above their PTA average. Test-retest analysis revealed clinically insignificant differences across all word lists.

Conclusion

The test materials are validated to be suitable for testing on Singaporean English speakers. Normative SRT and WRS data for Singaporeans have also been established.
Is Europe prepared for Risk Assessment Technologies in criminal justice? Lessons from the US experience
Authors: Bouchagiar Georgios
Published: January 2024

Risk Assessment Technologies (‘RAT’) are currently used by criminal courts to evaluate defendants: their risk to reoffend. Despite critique on opacity, complexity, non-contestability or discriminative impact, some courts have favoured RAT-considerations, in light of alleged accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency. This contribution assesses whether and the degree to which RAT can comply with evidence-related rules and fundamental human rights. After detecting key legal challenges in the United States (US), it makes recommendations for the proper regulation and consideration of RAT. It then moves on to the European regime with a view to assessing whether and how it can better tackle RAT-implementations in the criminal justice system.
Analysis of Newtonian heating and surface catalyzed reaction in a trihybrid nanofluid flow across an expanding/shrinking cylinder with Thompson and Troian slip
Authors: Shaheen Naila , Ramzan Muhammad , Saleel Chanduveetil Ahamed , Kadry Seifedine
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study is to highlight the impact of Hall current combined with the surface-catalyzed reaction on trihybrid nanoliquid flow across a linearly expanding/shrinking cylinder in a porous media. The thermal endurance of trihybrid nanoliquid flow is assessed by integrating the modified Fourier law with Newtonian heating. Thompson and Troian slip condition is incorporated at the liquid-solid interface of the expanding/shrinking cylinder. The mathematical model is simplified with the inclusion of appropriate transformation. The bvp4c algorithm yields a numerical solution. The effect of various parameters on the flow distribution is illustrated through tables and graphs. Significant changes are noticed in the flow attributes of the trihybrid nanoliquid across a shrinking and extended cylinder. Higher values of the porosity parameter exhibit a decay and growth in the velocity of trihybrid nanoliquid flow for stretching/shrinking cylinder respectively. For large values of the Hall current parameter, fluid velocity delineates a decreasing trend for the shrinking cylinder and augments for the expanding cylinder. On enhancing the conjugate parameter for Newtonian heating, the thermal field boosts. The concentration field decelerates on augmenting the homogeneous reaction and surface-catalyzed parameters. An elevation in the drag force is noticed versus curvature and porosity parameters. Heat flux accelerates on incrementing the conjugate parameter over a shrinking and stretching cylinder. The present investigation is authenticated when the outcomes of the analysis are assessed with prior published studies. An intriguing correlation is noticed which affirms the consistency and precision of the flow model.
Exploring gene-patient association to identify personalized cancer driver genes by linear neighborhood propagation
Authors: Huang Yiran , Chen Fuhao , Sun Hongtao , Zhong Cheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Driver genes play a vital role in the development of cancer. Identifying driver genes is critical for diagnosing and understanding cancer. However, challenges remain in identifying personalized driver genes due to tumor heterogeneity of cancer. Although many computational methods have been developed to solve this problem, few efforts have been undertaken to explore gene-patient associations to identify personalized driver genes.

Results

Here we propose a method called LPDriver to identify personalized cancer driver genes by employing linear neighborhood propagation model on individual genetic data. LPDriver builds personalized gene network based on the genetic data of individual patients, extracts the gene-patient associations from the bipartite graph of the personalized gene network and utilizes a linear neighborhood propagation model to mine gene-patient associations to detect personalized driver genes. The experimental results demonstrate that as compared to the existing methods, our method shows competitive performance and can predict cancer driver genes in a more accurate way. Furthermore, these results also show that besides revealing novel driver genes that have been reported to be related with cancer, LPDriver is also able to identify personalized cancer driver genes for individual patients by their network characteristics even if the mutation data of genes are hidden.

Conclusions

LPDriver can provide an effective approach to predict personalized cancer driver genes, which could promote the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The source code and data are freely available at https://github.com/hyr0771/LPDriver.
An improved and extended dual-index multiplexed 16S rRNA sequencing for the Illumina HiSeq and MiSeq platform
Authors: Larin A.K. , Klimina K.M. , Veselovsky V.A. , Olekhnovich E.I. , Morozov M.D. , Boldyreva D.I. , Yunes R.A. , Manolov A.I. , Fedorov D.E. , Pavlenko A.V. , Galeeva Y.S. , Starikova E.V. , Ilina E.N.
Published: January 2024

Background

Recent advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology have ushered in significant improvements in sequencing speed and data throughput, thereby enabling the simultaneous analysis of a greater number of samples within a single sequencing run. This technology has proven particularly valuable in the context of microbial community profiling, offering a powerful tool for characterizing the microbial composition at the species level within a given sample. This profiling process typically involves the sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene fragments. By scaling up the analysis to accommodate a substantial number of samples, sometimes as many as 2,000, it becomes possible to achieve cost-efficiency and minimize the introduction of potential batch effects. Our study was designed with the primary objective of devising an approach capable of facilitating the comprehensive analysis of 1,711 samples sourced from diverse origins, including oropharyngeal swabs, mouth cavity swabs, dental swabs, and human fecal samples. This analysis was based on data obtained from 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing conducted on the Illumina MiSeq and HiSeq sequencing platforms.

Results

We have designed a custom set of 10-base pair indices specifically tailored for the preparation of libraries from amplicons derived from the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. These indices are instrumental in the analysis of the microbial composition in clinical samples through sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq and HiSeq platforms. The utilization of our custom index set enables the consolidation of a significant number of libraries, enabling the efficient sequencing of these libraries in a single run.

Conclusions

The unique array of 10-base pair indices that we have developed, in conjunction with our sequencing methodology, will prove highly valuable to laboratories engaged in sequencing on Illumina platforms or utilizing Illumina-compatible kits.
A semi-supervised approach for the integration of multi-omics data based on transformer multi-head self-attention mechanism and graph convolutional networks
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Liao Nanqing , Du Xiaofei , Chen Qingfeng , Wei Bizhong
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives

Comprehensive analysis of multi-omics data is crucial for accurately formulating effective treatment plans for complex diseases. Supervised ensemble methods have gained popularity in recent years for multi-omics data analysis. However, existing research based on supervised learning algorithms often fails to fully harness the information from unlabeled nodes and overlooks the latent features within and among different omics, as well as the various associations among features. Here, we present a novel multi-omics integrative method MOSEGCN, based on the Transformer multi-head self-attention mechanism and Graph Convolutional Networks(GCN), with the aim of enhancing the accuracy of complex disease classification. MOSEGCN first employs the Transformer multi-head self-attention mechanism and Similarity Network Fusion (SNF) to separately learn the inherent correlations of latent features within and among different omics, constructing a comprehensive view of diseases. Subsequently, it feeds the learned crucial information into a self-ensembling Graph Convolutional Network (SEGCN) built upon semi-supervised learning methods for training and testing, facilitating a better analysis and utilization of information from multi-omics data to achieve precise classification of disease subtypes.

Results

The experimental results show that MOSEGCN outperforms several state-of-the-art multi-omics integrative analysis approaches on three types of omics data: mRNA expression data, microRNA expression data, and DNA methylation data, with accuracy rates of 83.0% for Alzheimer's disease and 86.7% for breast cancer subtyping. Furthermore, MOSEGCN exhibits strong generalizability on the GBM dataset, enabling the identification of important biomarkers for related diseases.

Conclusion

MOSEGCN explores the significant relationship information among different omics and within each omics' latent features, effectively leveraging labeled and unlabeled information to further enhance the accuracy of complex disease classification. It also provides a promising approach for identifying reliable biomarkers, paving the way for personalized medicine.
Pseudogenomic insights into the evolution of Mycobacterium ulcerans
Authors: Kyei-Baffour Edwin Sakyi , Owusu-Boateng Kwabena , Isawumi Abiola , Mosi Lydia
Published: January 2024

Background

Buruli ulcer (BU) disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), and characterized by necrotic ulcers is still a health problem in Africa and Australia. The genome of the bacterium has several pseudogenes due to recent evolutionary events and environmental pressures. Pseudogenes are genetic elements regarded as nonessential in bacteria, however, they are less studied due to limited available tools to provide understanding of their evolution and roles in MU pathogenicity.

Results

This study developed a bioinformatic pipeline to profile the pseudogenomes of sequenced MU clinical isolates from different countries. One hundred and seventy-two MU genomes analyzed revealed that pseudogenomes of African strains corresponded to the two African lineages 1 and 2. Pseudogenomes were lineage and location specific and African lineage 1 was further divided into A and B. Lineage 2 had less relaxation in positive selection than lineage 1 which may signify different evolutionary points. Based on the Gil-Latorre model, African MU strains may be in the latter stages of evolutionary adaption and are adapting to an environment rich in metabolic resources with a lower temperature and decreased UV radiation. The environment fosters oxidative metabolism and MU may be less reliant on some secondary metabolites. In-house pseudogenomes from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire were different from other African strains, however, they were identified as African strains.

Conclusion

Our bioinformatic pipeline provides pseudogenomic insights to complement other whole genome analyses, providing a better view of the evolution of the genome of MU and suggest an adaptation model which is important in understanding transmission. MU pseudogene profiles vary based on lineage and country, and an apparent reduction in insertion sequences used for the detection of MU which may adversely affect the sensitivity of diagnosis.
Mitochondrial genome provides species-specific targets for the rapid detection of early invasive populations of Hylurgus ligniperda in China
Authors: Li Chengjin , Wang Buxin , Ji Yingchao , Huang Lan , Wang Xiaoyi , Zhao Wenxia , Wang Yanhong , Wang Hongyi , Yao Yanxia
Published: January 2024

Background

Hylurgus ligniperda, a major international forestry quarantine pest, was recently found to have invaded and posed a serious threat to the Pinus forests of the Jiaodong Peninsula in China. Continuous monitoring and vigilance of the early population is imperative, and rapid molecular detection technology is urgently needed. We focused on developing a single-gene-based species-specific PCR (SS-PCR) method.

Results

We sequenced and assembled the mitochondrial genome of H. ligniperda to identify suitable target genes. We identified three closely related species for detecting the specificity of SS-PCR through phylogenetic analysis based on 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs). Subsequently, we analyzed the evolution of 13 PCGs and selected four mitochondrial genes to represent slow-evolving gene (COI) and faster-evolving genes (e.g. ND2, ND4, and ND5), respectively. We developed four species-specific primers targeting COI, ND2, ND4, and ND5 to rapidly identify H. ligniperda. The results showed that the four species-specific primers exhibited excellent specificity and sensitivity in the PCR assays, with consistent performance across a broader range of species. This method demonstrates the ability to identify beetles promptly, even during their larval stage. The entire detection process can be completed within 2–3 h.

Conclusions

This method is suitable for large-scale species detection in laboratory settings. Moreover, the selection of target genes in the SS-PCR method is not affected by the evolutionary rate. SS-PCR can be widely implemented at port and forestry workstations, significantly enhancing early management strategies and quarantine measures against H. ligniperda. This approach will help prevent the spread of the pest and effectively preserve the resources of Chinese pine forests.
Disturbance of consciousness caused by dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage: a case report
Authors: Wang Li , Wen Qi-Hui , Wen Li-Juan , Qin Jia-Min , Ren Chun-Mei , Wen Li-Ming
Published: January 2024

Background

Dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage is a topical anaesthetic formulated for mucosal surfaces. It is employed frequently for topical anaesthesia of the pharynx prior to endoscopic examinations such as electronic gastroscopy, and few adverse reactions have been reported. This article describes a patient who experienced a transient but severe disturbance of consciousness following oral dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage administration.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old female presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding was examined by electronic gastroscopy. Six minutes after oral dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage administration, the patient entered a comatose-like state accompanied by loss of limb muscle tone and profuse perspiration. This response was not accompanied by changes in cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, or respiration rate, suggesting an effect on higher brain centres. After ten minutes, the patient’s symptoms were alleviated.

Conclusion

We suggest that sites of dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage use be equipped with appropriate rescue devices for these rare events.
Predicting lung cancer survival prognosis based on the conditional survival bayesian network
Authors: Zhong Lu , Yang Fan , Sun Shanshan , Wang Lijie , Yu Hong , Nie Xiushan , Liu Ailing , Xu Ning , Zhang Lanfang , Zhang Mingjuan , Qi Yue , Ji Huaijun , Liu Guiyuan , Zhao Huan , Jiang Yinan , Li Jingyi , Song Chengcun , Yu Xin , Yang Liu , Yu Jinchao , Feng Hu , Guo Xiaolei , Yang Fujun , Xue Fuzhong
Published: January 2024

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths and imposes an enormous economic burden on patients. It is important to develop an accurate risk assessment model to determine the appropriate treatment for patients after an initial lung cancer diagnosis. The Cox proportional hazards model is mainly employed in survival analysis. However, real-world medical data are usually incomplete, posing a great challenge to the application of this model. Commonly used imputation methods cannot achieve sufficient accuracy when data are missing, so we investigated novel methods for the development of clinical prediction models. In this article, we present a novel model for survival prediction in missing scenarios. We collected data from 5,240 patients diagnosed with lung cancer at the Weihai Municipal Hospital, China. Then, we applied a joint model that combined a BN and a Cox model to predict mortality risk in individual patients with lung cancer. The established prognostic model achieved good predictive performance in discrimination and calibration. We showed that combining the BN with the Cox proportional hazards model is highly beneficial and provides a more efficient tool for risk prediction.
A cautionary tale: an evaluation of the performance of treatment switching adjustment methods in a real world case study
Authors: Latimer Nicholas R , Dewdney Alice , Campioni Marco
Published: January 2024

Background

Treatment switching in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is a problem for health technology assessment when substantial proportions of patients switch onto effective treatments that would not be available in standard clinical practice. Often statistical methods are used to adjust for switching: these can be applied in different ways, and performance has been assessed in simulation studies, but not in real-world case studies. We assessed the performance of adjustment methods described in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit Technical Support Document 16, applying them to an RCT comparing panitumumab to best supportive care (BSC) in colorectal cancer, in which 76% of patients randomised to BSC switched onto panitumumab. The RCT resulted in intention-to-treat hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS) of 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82–1.22) for all patients, and 0.99 (95% CI 0.75–1.29) for patients with wild-type KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma virus).

Methods

We tested several applications of inverse probability of censoring weights (IPCW), rank preserving structural failure time models (RPSFTM) and simple and complex two-stage estimation (TSE) to estimate treatment effects that would have been observed if BSC patients had not switched onto panitumumab. To assess the performance of these analyses we ascertained the true effectiveness of panitumumab based on: (i) subsequent RCTs of panitumumab that disallowed treatment switching; (ii) studies of cetuximab that disallowed treatment switching, (iii) analyses demonstrating that only patients with wild-type KRAS benefit from panitumumab. These sources suggest the true OS HR for panitumumab is 0.76–0.77 (95% CI 0.60–0.98) for all patients, and 0.55–0.73 (95% CI 0.41–0.93) for patients with wild-type KRAS.

Results

Some applications of IPCW and TSE provided treatment effect estimates that closely matched the point-estimates and CIs of the expected truths. However, other applications produced estimates towards the boundaries of the expected truths, with some TSE applications producing estimates that lay outside the expected true confidence intervals. The RPSFTM performed relatively poorly, with all applications providing treatment effect estimates close to 1, often with extremely wide confidence intervals.

Conclusions

Adjustment analyses may provide unreliable results. How each method is applied must be scrutinised to assess reliability.
Latent transition analysis of instrumental activities of daily living in Chinese elderly: based on the 2014–2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Xu Xueying , Liu Jingwen , Lv Qingyun , Chang Hairong , He Yuan , Zhao Yue , Zhang Xiaonan , Zang Xiaoying
Published: January 2024

Background

The instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among the elderly have been found to be heterogeneous, with different trajectories. However, the transition of the IADL over time remains unclear. We aimed to explore the transition probabilities and the predictors of IADL among the elderly.

Methods

Longitudinal data from the 2014 (T1) and 2018 (T2) waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey were extracted. A sample of 2,944 participants aged 65 years or older, with complete responses to the IADL scale, was included. Latent profile analysis (LPA) and latent transition analysis (LTA) were employed to identify latent profiles of IADL and investigate the transition probabilities between profiles from T1 to T2. The predictors of latent profiles and transition probabilities were examined using multinomial regression analysis.

Results

The results of LPA at both T1 and T2 supported a 4-profile model solution. They were labeled as the “Normal function profile,” “Mildly impaired profile,” “Moderately impaired profile,” and “Highly impaired profile”. The Normal function profile and Highly impaired profile were characterized by maintaining stability rather than transitioning over time, with transition probabilities of 0.71 and 0.68, respectively, for maintaining stability. The Mildly impaired profile and Moderately impaired profile were characterized by a stronger tendency towards transition rather than stability, with transition probabilities of 0.29 and 0.45, respectively, of transitioning to the Highly impaired profile. The transition probabilities from the three impaired function profiles to the Normal function profile ranged from 0.05 to 0.19. Age, gender, place of residence, and social participation were significant predictors of profile attribution at T1 and transition probabilities over time.

Conclusions

This study employed the LTA to examine the transition probability of IADL among the Chinese elderly. By recognizing the different profiles of IADL and understanding the factors associated with transitions among the elderly, interventions can be tailored to improve their functional independence and successful reintegration into families and society.
Does digital technology make people healthier: the impact of digital use on the lifestyle of Chinese older adults
Authors: Cui Kaichang , Zou Wei , Ji Xiang , Zhang Xinghui
Published: January 2024

Background

With the arrival of the era of large-scale production, sharing and application of data, digital use has gradually changed people’s daily entertainment, consumption, social interaction, learning and other behaviors in its efficient form. This paper mainly discusses whether this fast and convenient behavior leads Chinese older adults to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Methods

Using the most recent information from the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2020, this paper conducted a descriptive statistical analysis on the basic situation of digital use and lifestyles among Chinese older adults and used a structural equation model to analyse the influence of frequency and types of digital use in a variety of different aspects of the real life of Chinese older adults.

Results

Research revealed that the quality of life of Chinese older adults improved significantly as a result of their use of digital technology. The frequency of digital use (FDU) significantly improved Chinese older adults’ diet, sleep, exercise, smoking and drinking, and relieved their depression. The types of digital use (TDU) had a significant positive correlation with the lifestyle of Chinese older adults, especially in the influence of digital entertainment (DE), digital consumption (DC) and digital social interaction (DI) on the lifestyle of Chinese older adults.

Conclusions

Digital use can improve the health of Chinese older adults by promoting a healthy lifestyle through various means. The findings of this study have a substantial positive impact on bridging the digital divide that Chinese older adults face, as well as fostering the integration of digital use into their healthy lifestyles.
Early postoperative neurocognitive complications in elderly patients: comparing those with and without preexisting mild cognitive impairment– a prospective study
Authors: Somnuke Pawit , Srishewachart Pensiri , Jiraphorncharas Chalita , Khempetch Asamaporn , Weeranithan Jirapa , Suraarunsumrit Patumporn , Srinonprasert Varalak , Siriussawakul Arunotai
Published: January 2024

Background

As societies age, increasing numbers of older adults undergo surgeries with anesthesia. Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) frequently occur in older surgical patients. Most of these patients already have preoperative mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the correlation between MCI and POD remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the incidence of POD in elderly patients with and without preexisting MCI.

Methods

A prospective study enrolled patients aged 60 years and above scheduled for major surgeries between December 2017 and April 2022. Preoperative MCI was determined by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score between 18 and 24. POD was diagnosed using criteria from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). POCD was characterized by a MoCA score reduction of 2 or more points from the preoperative score. The primary outcome was the incidence of POD within the first 72 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes encompassed other postoperative complications, including POCD.

Results

The study comprised 223 elderly patients with MCI and 56 without MCI. The incidence of POD was 16.6% in the MCI group and 14.3% in the non-MCI group (P = 0.839). POCD occurred in 24.3% of MCI patients and 50% of non-MCI patients (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in other postoperative complications between the groups. Postoperatively, the MCI group notably declined in visuospatial, attention, and orientation domains, while the non-MCI group declined in all domains except delayed recall.

Conclusions

The incidence of POD was similar in the MCI and non-MCI groups. However, the non-MCI group demonstrated a higher incidence of POCD than the MCI group. This was identified by a reduction in postoperative MoCA scores for the visuospatial, naming, attention, language, abstraction, and orientation domains. These findings underscore the importance of postoperative cognitive assessments for both elderly patients with preexisting MCI and those with previously intact cognitive functions.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry on 15/01/2019 (registration number: TCTR20190115001).
Smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and osteoporosis among older adults: a cross-sectional study on PERSIAN cohort study in Fasa
Authors: Khiyali Zahra , Rashedi Vahid , Tavacol Ziba , Dehghan Azizallah , Bijani Mostafa
Published: January 2024

Background

With increasing life expectancy and a growing population of older adults, the prevalence of osteoporosis has risen, resulting in a higher incidence of bone fractures, which necessitate extended treatment and specialized medical care. This study investigates the relationship between smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and osteoporosis among older adults in southern Iran, utilizing cohort data.

Methods

This cross–sectional study is derived from the Fasa Adult Cohort Study (FACS), which included 10,133 individuals. From this cohort, we selected 1,631 older adults using census sampling methods. Our study aimed to explore the correlation between smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse among older adults and the incidence of osteoporosis. We collected demographic information, nutritional indexes, medical history, glucocorticoid usage, and self-reported data on smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and osteoporosis through questionnaires. To investigate the relationship between smoking, alcohol, and drug use with osteoporosis while accounting for confounding factors, we employed logistic regression analysis.

Results

The average age of the study participants was 64.09 ± 3.8 years, with a majority (898 (55.1%)) being female. Osteoporosis prevalence among the subjects was 25.20%. The results did not reveal a significant correlation between smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and osteoporosis (p > 0.05). Regression analysis identified gender, recent history of fractures within the past five years, history of using glucocorticoids, and physical activity as significant predictive risk factors for osteoporosis within the study population (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study underscores the significance of addressing osteoporosis risk factors in older adults. Healthcare policymakers and administrators can use these findings to identify and mitigate influential factors contributing to osteoporosis in this demographic.