bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting nurses' willingness and competency to provide anticipatory grief counseling for family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer
Authors: Hsiao Chia‐Chi , Hsieh Suh‐Ing , Kao Chen‐Yi , Chu Tsui‐Ping
Published: April 2022

Aim and objectives

To explore factors associated with nurses' willingness and competency to provide anticipatory grief counselling for the family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer.

Background

Family caregivers often experience anticipatory grief due to the imminence of a loved one's death. However, few studies have identified factors associated with nurses' willingness or competency to provide anticipatory grief counselling for the family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer.

Methods

This descriptive correlational study recruited a convenience sample of nurses from cancer‐related wards at a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan. The Anticipatory Grief Counseling Willingness Scale and Anticipatory Grief Counseling Competency Scale were employed. This cross‐sectional study followed the STROBE checklist.

Results

The nurses’ average scores for willingness and competency to provide anticipatory grief counselling for the family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer were 44.28 ± 8.36 and 171.84 ± 30.83, respectively. Multivariate linear regression revealed that interest in participating in anticipatory grief counselling for the family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer was significantly associated with the nurses’ willingness to provide such counselling. Similarly, their willingness to provide such counselling was significantly associated with their counselling competency.

Conclusions

Nurses’ willingness and competency to provide anticipatory grief counselling for the family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer can be enhanced through in‐service education programmes, including bedside teaching and scenario simulation.

Relevance to clinical practice

To improve nurses' competency in anticipatory grief counselling for the family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer, factors related to nurses’ willingness to provide such grief counselling must be addressed. Diverse strategies of in‐service education can be adopted to promote nurses’ competency in anticipatory grief counselling.
A Retrospective Analysis of Racial Discrimination Experiences for Latinx Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Pasco Michelle C. , Flores‐González Nilda , Atkin Annabelle Lin
Published: April 2022

Encounters with racial discrimination occur from various sources and contexts for Latinx youth. From a historical context, Latinx have long experienced anti‐immigrant sentiment and have been treated as perpetual foreigners. This study centers the voices of U.S.‐born Latinx youth and explores their experiences of discrimination in 83 in‐depth interviews (15–25 years,age = 21.27,SD = 2.10; 58% Female). Through retrospective accounts, we identified four themes across narratives: assumed (illegal) immigrant, assumed unintelligent, assumed criminal, assumed inferior. Overt and subtle discrimination occurred across contexts and from multiple sources including peers, store employees, and strangers. The findings have implications for understanding Latinx youth make meaning of past experiences of discrimination and how those experiences are interpreted later in life.
Scoring heart rate increases as a surrogate arousal marker on portable monitor studies for obstructive sleep apnea: Impact on diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision‐making
Authors: Lachapelle Philippe , Khadadah Sulaiman , Taseen Ryeyan , Pamidi Sushmita , Kimoff R. John
Published: April 2022

Cortical arousal‐related hypopneas are not scored on type 3 home devices, which therefore limits their diagnostic accuracy for obstructive sleep apnea. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether scoring heart rate accelerations as surrogate markers of arousal improves type 3 portable monitor diagnostic agreement compared with polysomnography and improves therapeutic decision‐making. We prospectively recruited patients evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea to undergo in‐laboratory simultaneous full polysomnography + type 3 portable monitoring. Hypopnea events were scored on portable monitor studies with and without autonomic scoring, which was defined as an associated increase in pulse oximetry‐derived heart rate ≥6 beats per min (autonomic hypopnea). Portable monitor diagnostic agreement compared with polysomnography with and without autonomic hypopnea scoring was assessed. We also evaluated whether reporting autonomic hypopnea scoring improves portable monitor clinical treatment decision agreement after four physicians reviewed clinical data and sleep study results (polysomnography, portable monitor with autonomic hypopnea, portable monitor without autonomic hypopnea). Eighty‐two participants completed simultaneous polysomnography and in‐laboratory portable monitor studies. Scoring autonomic hypopnea resulted in a decreased mean difference between in‐laboratory portable monitor respiratory event index and polysomnography apnea–hypopnea index in Bland–Altman analysis (mean difference 14.6 per hr without versus 6.1 per hr with autonomic hypopnea scoring [p ˂ 0.01]), and increased intraclass correlation from 0.769 to 0.844. Inclusion of autonomic hypopnea scoring resulted in better accuracy between portable monitor and polysomnography expert's treatment decisions, and ultimately resulted in 24% fewer additional polysomnographies requested. The addition of pulse oximetry heart rate increases for autonomic hypopnea scoring during portable monitor resulted in better diagnostic agreement, improved clinical decision‐making and reduced additional polysomnography testing.
Effects of medical history and clinical factors on serum lipase activity and ultrasonographic evidence of pancreatitis: Analysis of 234 dogs
Authors: Hammes Karen , Kook Peter H.
Published: April 2022

Background

Lipase measurements and ultrasonographic (US) evidence of pancreatitis correlate poorly.

Objectives

Identify explanations for discrepant lipase and pancreatic US results.

Animals

Two hundred and thirty‐four dogs with gastrointestinal signs.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted, in which lipase activity and US were performed within 30 hours. Medical history, clinical examination results, lipase activity, and US results were recorded.

Results

Lipase and US results were weakly correlated (rs = .25, P < .001). At both evaluated time cut‐offs, median lipase activities were significantly higher with shorter durations of clinical signs before presentation (≤2 days, 334 U/L; >2 days, 118 U/L; P = .03; ≤7 days, 334 U/L; >7 days, 99 U/L; P = .004), but US was not significantly more frequently positive. For both cut‐offs (>216/≤216 U/L, >355/≤355 U/L; reference range, 24‐108 U/L), median disease duration was significantly shorter (3 vs 4 days) with higher lipases. Previous pancreatitis episodes were significantly associated with an US diagnosis of pancreatitis (P = .04), but median lipase activities were not significantly higher (386 U/L vs 153 U/L; P = .06) in these dogs. Pancreatic US was significantly more often positive when the request contained “suspicion of pancreatitis” (P < .001) or “increased lipase” (P = .01). Only changes in pancreatic morphology, echogenicity, and peripancreatic mesentery were significantly associated with a positive US diagnosis, and also had significantly higher lipase activities.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Duration of clinical signs before presentation differently affects laboratory and US evidence of pancreatitis. Previous pancreatitis episodes and information given to radiologists influence US results. These findings can be helpful for future studies on pancreatitis in dogs.
Colombian political leaders on Twitter during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Haman Michael , Školník Milan , Čopík Jan
Published: April 2022

This study analyzes the use of Twitter by Colombian political elites during the Covid‐19 pandemic, employing qualitative and quantitative methods and techniques. We collected Twitter data on the Colombian president, the mayor of Bogota, and all the members of the Congress of Colombia. We then analyzed qualitatively the content of the most popular tweets sent by President Iván Duque, Mayor Claudia López, and Gustavo Petro, the leader of the opposition. We also analyzed the growth in the number of their followers during the pandemic. We found that the most popular tweets from Colombian opposition politicians were often related to criticism of the government. López also informed her constituency about the state of the capital. President Duque's most popular tweets were primarily informative. During the pandemic, all three politicians gained a significant number of Twitter followers.
Metabotropic 5‐HT receptor‐mediated effects in the human submucous plexus
Authors: Annaházi Anita , Berger Thomas Erwin , Demir Ihsan Ekin , Zeller Florian , Müller Michael , Anneser Markus , Skerra Arne , Michel Klaus , Schemann Michael
Published: April 2022

Background

Serotonin (5‐HT) is an important mediator in the gastrointestinal tract, acting on different neuronal 5‐HT receptors. The ionotropic 5‐HT3 receptor mediates immediate but transient spike discharge in human enteric neurons. We studied the role of the metabotropic 5‐HT1P, 5‐HT4, and 5‐HT7 receptors to activate human submucous neurons.

Methods

Neuroimaging using the voltage sensitive dye Di‐8‐ANEPPS was performed in submucous plexus preparations from human surgical specimens of the small and large intestine. We synthesized a new, stable 5‐HT1P agonist, 5‐benzyloxyhydrazonoindalpine (5‐BOHIP).

Key Results

5‐HT evoked a fast and late‐onset spike discharge in enteric neurons. The fast component was blocked by the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist cilansetron, while the remaining sustained response was significantly reduced by the 5‐HT1P receptor antagonist 5‐hydroxytryptophanyl‐5‐hydroxytryptophan amide (5‐HTP‐DP). The newly synthesized 5‐HT1P agonist 5‐BOHIP induced a slowly developing, long‐lasting activation of submucous neurons, which was blocked by 5‐HTP‐DP. We could not demonstrate any 5‐HT7 receptor‐induced spike discharge based on the lack of response to 5‐carboxamidotryptamine. Similarly, the 5‐HT4 agonists 5‐methoxytryptamine and prucalopride evoked no immediate or late‐onset spike discharge.

Conclusions & Inferences

Our work demonstrated for the first time the presence of functional 5‐HT1P receptors on human submucous neurons. Furthermore, we found no evidence for a role of 5‐HT4 or 5‐HT7 receptors in the postsynaptic activation of human submucous neurons by 5‐HT.
Embodied learning in multiple sclerosis using melodic, sound, and visual feedback: a potential rehabilitation approach
Authors: Moumdjian Lousin , Six Joren , Veldkamp Renee , Geys Jenke , Van Der Linden Channa , Goetschalckx Mieke , Van Nieuwenhoven Johan , Bosmans Ilse , Leman Marc , Feys Peter
Published: April 2022

Given the prevalence of motor and cognitive functions in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), we proposed that the theoretical framework of embodiment could provide a rehabilitation avenue to train these functions as one functional unit. PwMS (n = 31) and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (n = 30) underwent an embodied learning protocol. This involved learning a cognitive sequence while performing it through bodily stepping movement under three feedback conditions (melody, sound, and visual). Cognitive and movement performance was assessed by a delayed recall 15 min after undergoing the embodied learning protocol. Half of participants correctly recalled the sequence in all three conditions, while 70% of healthy controls achieved correct recall within the melody condition. Balance impairment predicted the speed of executing the sequence irrespective of learning, most apparent in the melody condition. Information processing speed predicted the speed of executing the sequence in the melody and sound conditions between participants as well as over time. Those who learned performed the sequence faster in the melody condition only and overall were faster over time. We propose how embodied learning could expand the current context of rehabilitation of cognitive and motor control in PwMS.
BRITISH IRON AGE ‘HORN CAPS’: PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE?
Authors: Fitzpatrick A.P.
Published: April 2022

The function of British Iron Age ‘horn caps’ has puzzled scholars for centuries. These hollow bronze objects were made from at least the fourth century BC and were mounted on thin wooden shafts. Drawing on the contextual evidence for the objects and the small number of comparable continental finds, it is suggested here that the caps were the terminals of the goads used by the drivers of horse‐drawn vehicles. Although the Celtic chariot and the graves in which they were sometimes placed have attracted great attention, the driver and the horses have been largely overlooked. The drivers may well have also been the horses’ grooms and could have been servants.
VETTERSFELDE HOARD: DECONSTRUCTION OF THE ENSEMBLE
Authors: Topal Denis
Published: April 2022

Among all the hoards containing ceremonial akinakai, (swords and daggers of Iranian origin), the assemblage of items discovered in 1882 near the village of Vettersfelde (Poland) is the most internally coherent. Judging by the motifs present on the golden objects richly decorated in the animal style – a fish‐shaped plaque, a clover‐shaped phalera and a sheath ornament of a sword – they make up a unified ensemble, most likely the result of one ritual event. The source of the items from Vettersfelde is usually associated with the Milesian colonies of the Pontic region, in which a certain artistic bilingualism is documented, with both Greek and ‘barbarian’ influences to be seen. Most likely, the choice of visual metaphors in the narrative was not accidental but something recognized both by the creator and the recipient. If the provenance for its manufacture is extended beyond the northern or western coast of the Black Sea, then the Milesian colonies of Eastern Greece could also claim that role. In particular, for a number of reasons, Cyzicus is a suitable candidate.

‘It's still magic even if you know how it's done.’

Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky
Chronic infrared‐A irradiation‐induced photoaging of human dermal fibroblasts from different donors at physiological temperature
Authors: Yang Jiwon , Song Jihyeon , Kim Su Ji , You Gayeon , Lee Jun Bae , Mok Hyejung
Published: April 2022

Background

In this study, we examined cellular responses to acute and chronic IRA irradiation at mild and natural levels of exposure in two types of human fibroblasts, each isolated from a different donor, at physiological temperature (34°C).

Method

Two types of human dermal fibroblasts (derived from a 20‐ and 50‐year‐old women, respectively) were exposed to different repeat numbers of IRA exposure (3, 6, 10, and 14 times; 42 mW/cm2) at a frequency of 3–4 times per week (4 h per irradiation). Cellular responses to acute and chronic IRA irradiation were examined by reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, apoptotic signals, cellular morphology, and collagen level.

Results

We demonstrated that chronic IRA irradiation‐induced severe cellular damage, including prolonged cell proliferation, increased intracellular ROS levels, activated cellular apoptosis, and elongated cell morphology, whereas acute IRA irradiation had negligible effects at 34°C. In addition, it was evident that the degree of cellular damage due to IRA irradiation differed according to the type of fibroblasts.

Conclusions

Considering the severe cellular damage induced by chronic IRA irradiation without heat, continuous exposure of skin to IRA irradiation during daily life may be harmful enough to induce photoaging.
Metamorphosis of neutrophil transcriptional programme during Leishmania infection
Authors: DeSouza‐Vieira Thiago
Published: April 2022

The role of neutrophils in the course of Leishmania infection remains controversial, displaying tremendous variability depending on the species of parasite, stage of infection, host genetic background, and methodological discrepancies among studies. Although neutrophils have long been categorized as short‐lived cells with limited capacity to express proteins de novo, recent advances have revealed significant plasticity in neutrophil transcriptional programmes and intrapopulation heterogeneity, which can be regulated by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that together determine the profile of neutrophil effector response. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of neutrophil transcriptional plasticity, neutrotime, evidence of Leishmania‐mediated alterations in neutrophil transcriptome leading to the rise of subpopulations, and finally, functional implications of those findings to the course of Leishmania infection.
Participation in survey research among mothers with a recent live birth: A comparison of mothers with living versus deceased infants − Findings from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2016–2019
Authors: Kortsmit Katherine , Shulman Holly , Smith Ruben A. , Shapiro‐Mendoza Carrie K. , Parks Sharyn E. , Folger Suzanne , Whiteman Maura , Harrison Leslie , Cox Shanna , Christiansen‐Lindquist Lauren , Barfield Wanda D. , Warner Lee
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite high infant mortality rates in the United States relative to other developed countries, little is known about survey participation among mothers of deceased infants.

Objective

To assess differences in survey response, contact and cooperation rates for mothers of deceased versus. living infants at the time of survey mailing (approximately 2–6 months postpartum), overall and by select maternal and infant characteristics.

Methods

We analysed 2016–2019 data for 50 sites from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a site‐specific, population‐based surveillance system of mothers with a recent live birth. We assessed differences in survey participation between mothers of deceased and living infants. Using American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) standard definitions and terminology, we calculated proportions of mothers who participated and were successfully contacted among sampled mothers (weighted response and contact rates, respectively), and who participated among contacted mothers (weighted cooperation rate). We then constructed multivariable survey‐weighted logistic regression models to examine the adjusted association between infant vital status and weighted response, contact and cooperation rates, within strata of maternal and infant characteristics.

Results

Among sampled mothers, 0.3% (weighted percentage, n = 2795) of infants had records indicating they were deceased at the time of survey mailing and 99.7% (weighted percentage, n = 344,379) did not. Mothers of deceased infants had lower unadjusted weighted response (48.3% vs. 56.2%), contact (67.9% vs. 74.3%) and cooperation rates (71.1% vs. 75.6%). However, after adjusting for covariates, differences in survey participation by infant vital status were reduced.

Conclusions

After covariate adjustment, differences in PRAMS participation rates were attenuated. However, participation rates among mothers of deceased infants remain two to four percentage points lower compared with mothers of living infants. Strategies to increase PRAMS participation could inform knowledge about experiences and behaviours before, during and shortly after pregnancy to help reduce infant mortality.
Mechanisms supporting the social regulation of neural threat responding with marital partners: A test of the opioid hypothesis
Authors: Beckes Lane , Medina‐DeVilliers Sara E. , Gunderson Erik W. , Coan James A.
Published: April 2022

Positive social contact predicts better health, but the mechanisms for this association remain debated. One way to explore this link is through the social regulation of emotion, particularly anticipatory anxiety. Previous research finds less neural threat response during partner handholding than when people are alone or stranger handholding. Various mechanistic accounts have been forwarded, including the hypothesis that this effect is mediated by endogenous opioid activity. This experiment critically tested the opioid hypothesis in 60 married participants and their partners. The study used a naltrexone opioid blockade in a double‐blind placebo control with functional magnetic resonance imaging to determine whether endogenous opioids were necessary for handholding effects. Regulatory effects of supportive handholding manifested in threat network regions during opioid blockade, but not with placebo. Despite a surprising lack of effect in the placebo group, the overall study findings provide initial evidence that endogenous opioids may not be necessary for the social regulation of neural threat responding.
Heat stress during critical windows of the oestrous cycle and risk of pregnancy establishment in embryo‐recipient dairy heifers
Authors: Abdel Aziz Rabie L. , Hussein Mahmoud M. , Mohamed Mostafa A. A. , Elsaid Hussein , Abdel‐Wahab Ahmed
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to determine effects of exposure of recipient dairy heifers to heat stress (THI ≥ 73) during the oestrous cycle coinciding with embryo transfer (ET) on the risk of pregnancy establishment after transfer of in vivo produced embryos. Recipients exposed to THI values ≥73 during Days zero (recipient estrus), 7 (day of ET), 14 (seven days after ET), 15 and 16 (maternal recognition of pregnancy) of the ET cycle were considered as heat‐stressed heifers (n = 254), while heifers in the control group (n = 470) were not exposed to THI ≥ 73 at any of the previous days. Results revealed no significant effects of any of the investigated factors on the risk of pregnancy following ET. However, the mean THI above 77 was associated with a drastic numerical decrease in PR/ET (36.63%), when compared to a mean THI 72 (78.78%). In addition, PR/ET after transfer of second‐ and third‐grade embryos were numerically lower in heat‐stressed recipients, compared with first‐grade embryos (41.17% vs. 56.36%, respectively). Our findings confirmed that transfer of blastocysts was associated with numerically higher PR/ET in heat‐stressed and control recipients, as compared to morula stage. Interestingly, PR/ET tended to be higher when sexed embryos were transferred to the control recipients compared with heat‐stressed ones. In conclusion, PR/ET in dairy heifers was not significantly affected by heat stress during critical windows of their oestrous cycle coinciding with ET, whereas transfer of sexed embryos gives lower results under conditions of heat stress.
Global Markets, Risk, and Organized Irresponsibility in Regional Australia: Emergent Cosmopolitan Identities Among Local Food Producers in the Liverpool Plains☆
Authors: Forbes‐Mewett Helen , Nguyen‐Trung Kien
Published: April 2022

This paper reflects on the conditions that emerge as regional Australia becomes increasingly immersed in international markets, global and local political shifts, and changing environmental conditions. In the Liverpool Plains region, farmers are deeply reliant on global export markets. Meanwhile, global demand for Australian minerals continues to produce both economic development and environmental degradation. In this context, farmers are drawing on transnational and national social movements to collectively construct their knowledge of risk and “organized irresponsibility” and resist environmental risk by positioning themselves as a part of a cosmopolitan public. While consistently evaluating risks associated with a proposed coal mine, farmers see themselves as having an ethical responsibility as food producers to provide for increasing global populations in a precarious world. These conditions are productive of new risks, identities, as well as new forms of critical, collective practice.
Low‐dose prophylaxis and its impact on the health of haemophilia patients
Authors: Shetty Shrimati , Bansal Shweta , Kshirsagar Shrinath , Rangarajan Savita , Hajirnis Kalpana , Phadke Varsha
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

There is convincing evidence to show that low‐dose prophylaxis (LDP) results in reduction in annualized bleeding rate (ABR) and better health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with on‐demand or episodic treatment (ET) in haemophilia patients. The aim is to review various LDP protocols practised for the treatment of haemophilia, specifically in resource‐limited countries.

Methods

A literature survey was made of articles published in English language in PubMed and EMBASE without any time limit using keywords ‘low dose’, ‘prophylaxis’ and ‘haemophilia’ in different combinations.

Results

A total of 19 reports involving LDP in patients with haemophilia were included in this review. Almost all studies reported reduction in ABR, improvement in joint function, pain and HRQoL compared with ET, but this did not fully translate into significant improvement in structural arthropathy already caused by earlier bleeds, suggesting that LDP may be less or ineffective in either stopping or reversing the damage. Individualized dose escalation protocols based on pharmacokinetic (PK) or clinical parameters were found to be superior to fixed LDP protocols and cost‐effective compared with standard dose protocols.

Conclusion

The developing countries can initiate LDP as the first step of prophylaxis, but certainly this should not be the final goal of the health care system in any country. Due to the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying haemophilic arthropathy, long‐term data on LDP in haemophilia patients are warranted.
Effect of single and double hemitenotomy on equine deep digital flexor tendon length and strength in experimental load challenges
Authors: Zetterström Sandra M. , Boone Lindsey H. , Farag Ramsis , Weimar Wendy H. , Caldwell Fred J.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate a double hemitenotomy (DHT) technique as an alternative to complete deep digital flexor (DDFT) tenotomy.

Study design

Experimental ex vivo study.

Sample population

Isolated DDFTs (n = 30) and cadaveric forelimbs (n = 16).

Methods

In part 1, 15 isolated DDFT pairs were used. Two hemitenotomies were created in 1 DDFT while the other served as reference. Monotonic tensile load was applied. Tendon lengthening, load reduction, and load at failure were recorded. In part 2, 16 cadaveric forelimb pairs were subjected to DHT followed by complete tenotomy (CT) under monotonic compressive load.

Differences between DHT and controls were assessed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests or Friedman tests.

Results

In isolated tendons and cadaveric forelimbs, DHT resulted in DDFT lengthening (median, +1.9 mm and + 3.05 mm) and load reduction (median, −16.7 and −11.2 kg). Less lengthening was achieved with DHT compared to CT (P = .008). Load reduction did not occur between DHT and CT was observed during compressive testing (P = 1). Load reduction following the first hemitenotomy incision was smaller when compared to the second (P = .022). Isolated DHT tendons failed at a tensile load of 195 kg, while no intact tendons failed (P = .0001).

Conclusion

Double hemitenotomy was comparable to CT in load reduction. It reduced tensile strength, but load at failure was similar or exceeded the estimated DDFT load at stance.

Clinical significance

Hemitenotomy may be a useful alternative for surgical management of horses with laminitis, but in vivo studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The Online Education in the Higher Education, a Complete System Rather Than Just a Platform
Authors: Abdelaziz Samir
Published: April 2022

The online education in the higher education is a complete system rather than just a platform. The participants for this research study included twenty enrollees in distance learning programs. The respondents got online instruction from two distinct higher education institutions (the University of Florida and the Florida State University). The qualitative research design chosen for this study was conducted through observations, and interviews. To begin the study, each respondent had a formal structured interview recorded and transcribed. The interviews with each respondent lasted around 60 minutes on average. Depending on the respondents' preferences, interviews were done at a convenient location, such as their workplace, the university library, or dorm room. Interviews with each participant were performed in an unstructured manner.  The following were among the favorable experiences: ease of connection, availability of technical help, self-paced learning, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability of the program. The difficulties included: a feeling of isolation, self-motivation, and self-regulation, inability to get help from the teacher, and a delay in seeking feedback. The following factors contributed to participants' positive interactions: accessibility to the internet and technology, a well-designed instructional format, easily accessible technical help from the institution, immediate grade filings following assessments, and a flexible learning participative timetable. Untimely or ineffective communication from the educator was among the variables that contributed to participants' unfavorable experiences. Other factors were boring educational approaches, a lack of technical assistance, a lack of interpersonal connection, and an inadequately-designed course interface.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B regulates miR-208b-argonaute 2 association and thyroid hormone responsiveness in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Coulis Gérald , Londhe Avinash D. , Sagabala R. Sudheer , Shi Yanfen , Labbé David P. , Bergeron Alexandre , Sahadevan Pramod , Nawaito Sherin A. , Sahmi Fatiha , Josse Marie , Vinette Valérie , Guertin Marie-Claude , Karsenty Gérard , Tremblay Michel L. , Tardif Jean-Claude , Allen Bruce G. , Boivin Benoit
Published: April 2022

Increased production of reactive oxygen species plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cardiac hypertrophy. In our search to identify redox-sensitive targets that contribute to redox signaling, we found that protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was reversibly oxidized and inactivated in hearts undergoing hypertrophy. Cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of PTP1B in mice (PTP1B cKO mice) caused a hypertrophic phenotype that was exacerbated by pressure overload. Furthermore, we showed that argonaute 2 (AGO2), a key component of the RNA-induced silencing complex, was a substrate of PTP1B in cardiomyocytes and in the heart. Our results revealed that phosphorylation at Tyr
393
and inactivation of AGO2 in PTP1B cKO mice prevented miR-208b–mediated repression of thyroid hormone receptor–associated protein 1 (THRAP1; also known as MED13) and contributed to thyroid hormone–mediated cardiac hypertrophy. In support of this conclusion, inhibiting the synthesis of triiodothyronine (T3) with propylthiouracil rescued pressure overload–induced hypertrophy and improved myocardial contractility and systolic function in PTP1B cKO mice. Together, our data illustrate that PTP1B activity is cardioprotective and that redox signaling is linked to thyroid hormone responsiveness and microRNA-mediated gene silencing in pathological hypertrophy.
Metagenomic and Metatranscriptomic Insights into Population Diversity of
Microcystis
Blooms: Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of
mcy
Genotypes, Including a Partial Operon That Can Be Abundant and Expressed
Authors: Yancey Colleen E. , Smith Derek J. , Den Uyl Paul A. , Mohamed Osama G. , Yu Fengan , Ruberg Steven A. , Chaffin Justin D. , Goodwin Kelly D. , Tripathi Ashootosh , Sherman David H. , Dick Gregory J.
Published: April 2022

Cyanobacteria are responsible for producing microcystins (MCs), a class of potent and structurally diverse toxins, in freshwater systems around the world. While microcystins have been studied for over 50 years, the diversity of their chemical forms and how this variation is encoded at the genetic level remain poorly understood, especially within natural populations of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs).
Treatment of a ruptured fetal-type posterior communicating aneurysm with a combined approach using the new contour neurovascular system
Authors: Cavasin Nicola , Gava Umberto Amedeo , Magrini Salima , Cagliari Enrico
Published: April 2022

Fetal-type posterior communicating artery (FPCom) aneurysms are associated with higher rates of recurrence after endovascular treatment than aneurysms at other locations. We report the case of a patient with a subarachnoid haemorrhage and ruptured right-sided FPCom aneurysm. The patient underwent acute endovascular treatment with application of a novel combined approach—partial coiling to protect the dome and occlusion of the neck with a new flow-disrupter, endosaccular device, Contour (Cerus Endovascular)—as a stable, single-step treatment to prevent rebleeding in the acute stage and long-term potential recurrences.
Lumbar osteomyelitis and knee septic arthritis caused byStreptococcus agalactiaebacteraemia
Authors: Gaffaney Lauren , McKee-Proctor Maxwell , Yeung Ho-Man
Published: April 2022

A man in his late 70s presented to the emergency department endorsing a week of malaise. He was recently hospitalised for 2 days for new back pain and was discharged with non-opioid pain medications but continued to seek care as he felt unwell. On presentation, he was afebrile with a leukocytosis. Physical examination revealed a painful left knee with no evidence of trauma. Arthrocentesis revealed purulent fluid with elevated white blood cell consistent with septic arthritis. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and underwent irrigation and synovectomy of the left knee. Aspirate and blood cultures grewStreptococcus agalactiae. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed no vegetations; however, an MRI of lumbar spine showed L2–L3 and L4–L5 osteomyelitis. He was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for 3 weeks and then oral levofloxacin for 3 weeks, for a total 6 week course of antibiotics.
Damage to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is associated with repetitive compulsive behaviors in patients with penetrating brain injury
Authors: Fremont Rachel , Dworkin Jordan , Manoochehri Masood , Krueger Frank , Huey Edward , Grafman Jordan
Published: April 2022

Background

Damage to cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuits is associated with the development of repetitive behaviours in animals and humans. However, the types of repetitive behaviours that are developed after injury to these structures are poorly defined. This study examines the effect of damage to separate elements of CSTC circuits sustained by veterans of the Vietnam War on obsessions, compulsions, and tics.

Methods

We performed partial correlations (correcting for cognition, age, education, and global brain damage) between volume loss from traumatic brain injury in specific elements of CSTC circuits (lateral and medial orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, and basal ganglia) and scores on a modified version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Symptom Checklist and the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale in 83 Vietnam war veterans with penetrating brain injuries at different sites throughout the brain.

Results

We found that volume loss in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with the development of compulsive behaviours (r=0.32, padj<0.05) whereas volume loss in the basal ganglia was associated with the development of tics (r=0.33, padj<0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that damage to specific CSTC elements can be associated with the development of compulsive behaviours and tics that are not necessarily accompanied by obsessions.
Association of time-temperature curves with outcomes in temperature management for cardiac arrest
Authors: Luedke Matthew William , Graffagnino Carmelo , McKinney B Grace , Piper Jill , Iversen Edwin , Kolls Brad
Published: April 2022

Background/Purpose

Cardiac arrest is a common cause of death and neurological injury; therapeutic cooling for neuroprotection is standard of care. Despite numerous and ongoing trials targeting a specified cooling temperature for a target duration, the concept of temperature dose—the duration spent at a given depth of hypothermia—is not as well explored.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we examined 66 patients 18 years of age or older undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for cardiac arrest between 2007 and 2010 to assess the relationship of temperature dose with outcomes. Demographic, clinical, outcome and temperature data were collected. Demographic and clinical data underwent bivariate regression analysis for association with outcome. Time-temperature curves were divided into pre-determined temperature thresholds and assessed by logistic regression analysis for association with outcome. A second, multivariate regression analysis was performed controlling for factors associated with poor outcomes.

Results

Old age was significantly associated with poor outcome and a shockable arrest rhythm was significantly associated with positive outcome. Subjects spent an average of 2.82 hours below 35°C, 7.31 hours ≥35°C to ≤36.5°C, 24.75 hours >36.5 to <38.0°C and 7.06 hours ≥38°C. Logistic regression analysis revealed borderline significant positive association between good outcome and time at a cooling depth (35°C–36.5°C, p=0.05); adjusted for old age, the association became significant (p=0.04).

Conclusion

Controlling for old age, longer durations between >35°C, ≤36.5°C during therapeutic hypothermia for cardiac arrest were significantly associated with good clinical outcomes. Time spent within a given temperature range may be useful for measuring the effect of temperature management.
Cross-sectional study of BMI, weight concern, body size perception, dieting and mental distress in adolescents: The HUNT Study
Authors: Saeedzadeh Sardahaee Farzaneh , Kvaløy Kirsti
Published: April 2022

Objective

We examined the associations between body mass index (BMI), weight concern, body size perception, dieting and mental distress in a population-based study of 7350 adolescents.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Settings

Data from a Norwegian population-based cohort, The Young-HUNT3 (2006–2008) from the county of Nord-Trøndelag, Norway.

Participants

A total of 7350 adolescents (13–19 years) who had both self-reported questionnaire data and anthropometric measures.

Primary outcome measures

Odds for mental distress given sex, BMI, weight concern, body size perception and dieting. Analyses were performed in binomial logistic regression models.

Results

Compared with being overweight/obese, having weight concern, irrespective of BMI, was associated with higher OR for mental distress (MD) among boys and girls. Body size overestimation was associated with an increase in the OR for MD, in participants who were overweight/obese, had weight concern or dieted. This effect was more pronounced in boys.

Conclusions

Weight concern and body-size estimation are strongly associated with mental health in adolescent boys and girls. Routine assessment of adolescents’ attitudes towards their weight and body size is advised.
Clinical efficacy of adjuvant treatments for patients with resected biliary tract cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Ye , Zhang Baoxia , Liu Chang , Cao Ye , Lyu Cheng , Qiu Meng
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine the benefits of adjuvant therapy in patients with resected biliary tract cancer (BTC) and identify the optimal adjuvant treatment scheme.

Design

Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Data sources

Studies comparing different adjuvant therapies in patients with BTC were searched in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to December 2021. Additionally, the references were manually searched for the related literature.

Materials and methods

Eligible studies were identified, and data were extracted independently by two authors. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed using R software. The pooled outcomes of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were measured using the combined HRs with 95% CIs.

Results

Nineteen eligible studies reporting three types of adjuvant therapies were included in our network meta-analysis. Adjuvant radiotherapy (ART, HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.93), adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (ACRT; HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.54 to 0.83) and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT; HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.98) were more effective in prolonging OS than that of observation, with no significant difference between the three adjuvant therapies. Moreover, the improvement in DFS was also found in ACRT and ACT compared with that of observation (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.75; HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.97, respectively). Furthermore, ACRT obtained a slightly better DFS benefit compared with that of ACT (HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.95).

Conclusions

Our primary results demonstrated that, compared with that of observation, ACRT and ACT after radical resection could provide better OS and DFS benefits in patients with BTC. However, ART only showed improvement in OS, but not in DFS. Due to the lack of head-to-head studies of ACT, ACRT and ART, the above results need to be further verified by prospective randomised controlled trials.
Renal safety evaluation of aspirin plus edaravone in patients with ischaemic stroke: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Hui-qin , Yin Wen-Jun , Liu Kun , Liu Man-Cang , Zuo Xiao-cong
Published: April 2022

Background and objective

Aspirin combined with edaravone is more effective than aspirin or edaravone alone in the treatment of ischaemic stroke. Aspirin is defined as a nephrotoxic drug while the renal safety of edaravone is controversial. We aimed to evaluate whether edaravone will increase the nephrotoxicity of aspirin in patients with ischaemic stroke.

Design

A propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A tertiary hospital in China.

Participants

Patients with ischaemic stroke were treated with aspirin from February 2007 to May 2018.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Acute kidney injury (AKI, diagnosed by the Acute Kidney Injury Network), decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR,>10%), gastrointestinal bleeding and in-hospital adverse outcomes (defined as dying or giving up treatment in our hospital).

Results

We included 3061 patients, and 986 pairs were successfully matched. Of the 986 pairs of patients included, the incidence of AKI between the aspirin group and the combination group showed no significant difference (7.71% vs 6.29%, p=0.217). While the incidence of eGFR decline (24.75% vs 16.94%, p<0.001) was significantly lower in the combination group. The protective effect was significant in patients with baseline eGFR >30 mL/min/1.73 m2, especially in eGFR 60–90 mL/min/1.73 m2. In patients with different complications, the incidence of AKI showed no significant differences in patients with chronic kidney injury, hypertension, anaemia, age above 75 years, except in patients with cardiovascular disease (OR, 2.82; 95% CI 1.50 to 5.29; p<0.001). However, the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (1.22% vs 2.84%, p=0.011) and in-hospital adverse outcomes (3.25% vs 7.00%, p<0.001) were significantly higher in the combination group.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that edaravone in patients with ischaemic stroke didn’t increase the nephrotoxicity of aspirin, and even had a protective effect on mild renal deterioration. Nevertheless, there is a need to be cautious when patients are in bad pathophysiological conditions and at high risk of bleeding.
Acceptability and feasibility of an acceptance and commitment therapy-based guided self-help intervention for weight loss maintenance in adults who have previously completed a behavioural weight loss programme: the SWiM feasibility study protocol
Authors: Ahern Amy L , Richards Rebecca , Jones Rebecca A , Whittle Fiona , Mueller Julia , Woolston Jenny , Sharp Stephen J , Hughes Carly A , Hill Andrew J , Duschinsky Robbie , Lawlor Emma Ruth , Morris Stephen , Fusco Francesco , Brennan Alan , Bostock Jennifer , Griffin Simon J
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The cost-effectiveness and long-term health impact of behavioural weight management programmes depends on post-treatment weight-loss maintenance. Growing evidence suggests that interventions using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) could improve long-term weight management. We developed an ACT-based, guided self-help intervention to support adults who have recently completed a behavioural weight loss programme. This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of this type of intervention and findings will inform the development of a full-scale trial.

Methods and analysis

This is a pragmatic, randomised, single-blind, parallel group, two-arm, feasibility study with an embedded process evaluation. We will recruit and randomise 60 adults who have recently completed a behavioural weight loss programme to the ACT-based intervention or standard care, using a computer-generated sequence with 2:1 allocation stratified by diabetes status and sex. Baseline and 6-month measurements will be completed using online questionnaires. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subsample of participants and coaches about their experiences at 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (postintervention) months. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, and a full-scale trial will be assessed using a number of outcomes, including adherence to, and engagement with the intervention, recruitment and retention rates, proportion of missing data for each outcome measure, participants’ experiences of the intervention and study, and coaches’ experiences of delivering intervention support. Quantitative and qualitative findings will be integrated and summarised to contribute to the interpretation of the main feasibility evaluation findings. Value of information methods will be used to estimate the decision uncertainty associated with the intervention’s cost-effectiveness and determine the value of a definitive trial.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was received from Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee on 15/03/2021 (21/EE/0024). This protocol (V.2) was approved on 19 April 2021. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and communicated to other stakeholders as appropriate.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN12685964.