bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and efficacy of TouchCare system using application for older adults living alone: a pilot pre-experimental study
Authors: Seok Jo Woon , Kwon Yu-Jin , Lee Hyangkyu
Published: December 2022

Background

With the number of older people living alone continuously rising, health-monitoring systems using information and communication technology (ICT) have been developed to manage their health issues. Life logging and human body communication sensor, types of ICT, have been adapted to manage and monitor health status of the elderly. However, its feasibility and efficacy remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of TouchCare system which combined life logging with human body communication technology and its effect on the physical and psychological status of older adults living alone.

Methods

The TouchCare system, which consisted of a wearable watch, touchpad sensors, TouchCare application, and context-aware artificial intelligence, was developed by DNX Co. Ltd and used by the participants for 5 months. Out of the 111 selected participants, 91 replied to the satisfaction survey, and 22 participated in further investigation regarding their physical and psychological status. Finally, health assessment from 14 participants and sensor data from 13 participants (mean age = 77.4; SD = 3.8) were analyzed to compare their health status and health-related behaviors before and after use of the system.

Results

Out of the 91 participants who took the survey, 51.6% were satisfied with the system. Nutritional status (pre-intervention (10.6 ± 2.0) vs. post-intervention (11.8 ± 1.9), P = 0.04) and fall efficacy (pre-intervention (89.2 ± 15.3) vs. post-intervention (99.9 ± 0.5), P = 0.001) significantly improved after use of the system. Chronic pain (pre-intervention (4.8 ± 2.5) vs. post-intervention (4.4 ± 3.7), P = 0.78) and depressive symptoms (pre-intervention (5.7 ± 3.9) vs. post-intervention (5.4 ± 3.1), P = 0.60) reduced, while cognitive function (pre-intervention (4.1 ± 1.4) vs. post-intervention (4.6 ± 1.1), P = 0.15) and physical performance related to walking improved (pre-intervention (3.9 ± 0.2) vs. post-intervention (4.0 ± 0), P = 0.35), but were not significant. Behaviors related to physical activity and gait improved after use of the system; touch counts of refrigerator and microwave also increased with a decrease in night touch counts.

Conclusions

The TouchCare system was acceptable to older people living alone, and it efficiently managed their daily living while promoting their health-related behaviors. Further experimental studies are required to verify the effectiveness of the system, and to develop the system which meet the individualized needs of older people living alone.
Impact of antenatal antiretroviral drug exposure on the growth of children who are HIV-exposed uninfected: the national South African Prevention of Mother to Child Evaluation cohort study
Authors: Ramokolo Vundli , Kuhn Louise , Lombard Carl , Jackson Debra , Goga Ameena E.
Published: December 2022

Background

The relationship between in-utero antiretroviral (ARV) drug exposure and child growth needs further study as current data provide mixed messages. We compared postnatal growth in the first 18-months of life between children who are HIV-exposed uninfected (CHEU) with fetal exposure to ARV drugs (prophylaxis or triple-drug therapy (ART)) and CHEU not exposed to ARVs. We also examined other independent predictors of postnatal growth.

Methods

We analysed data from a national prospective cohort study of 2526 CHEU enrolled at 6-weeks and followed up 3-monthly till 18-months postpartum, between October 2012 and September 2014. Infant anthropometry was measured, and weight-for-age (WAZ) and length-for-age (LAZ) Z-scores calculated. Generalized estimation equation models were used to compare Z-scores between groups.

Results

Among 2526 CHEU, 617 (24.4%) were exposed to ART since -pregnancy (pre-conception ART), 782 (31.0%) to ART commencing post-conception, 879 (34.8%) to maternal ARV prophylaxis (Azidothymidine (AZT)), and 248 (9.8%) had no ARV exposure. In unadjusted analyses, preterm birth rates were higher among CHEU with no ARV exposure than in other groups. Adjusting for infant age, the mean WAZ profile was lower among CHEU exposed to pre-conception ART [-0.13 (95% confidence interval − 0.26; − 0.01)] than the referent AZT prophylaxis group; no differences in mean WAZ profiles were observed for the post-conception ART (− 0.05 (− 0.16; 0.07)), None (− 0.05 (− 0.26; 0.16)) and newly-infected (− 0.18 (− 0.48; 0.13)) groups. Mean LAZ profiles were similar across all groups. In multivariable analyses, mean WAZ and LAZ profiles  for the ARV exposure groups were completely aligned. Several non-ARV factors including child, maternal, and socio-demographic factors independently predicted mean WAZ. These include child male (0.45 (0.35; 0.56)) versus female, higher maternal education grade 7–12 (0.28 (0.14; 0.42) and 12 + (0.36 (0.06; 0.66)) versus ≤ grade7, employment (0.16 (0.04; 0.28) versus unemployment, and household food security (0.17 (0.03; 0.31). Similar predictors were observed for mean LAZ.

Conclusion

Findings provide evidence for initiating all pregnant women living with HIV on ART as fetal exposure had no demonstrable adverse effects on postnatal growth. Several non-HIV-related maternal, child and socio-demographic factors were independently associated with growth, highlighting the need for multi-sectoral interventions. Longer-term monitoring of CHEU children is recommended.
Restricted diffusion of the callosal splenium is highly specific for seizures in neonates
Authors: Nguyen Linda , Chen Dillon Y. , Vinocur Daniel N. , Gold Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2022

Background

To determine whether restricted diffusion of the callosal splenium is specific for seizure activity in neonates.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 123 neonates who had a diagnosis of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who underwent therapeutic cooling and had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within the first 10 days of life. The regions examined for injury include the callosal splenium, cortex, deep gray matter, and subcortical white matter. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were secondarily assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 12 to 18 months of age and > 18 months of age. APGAR scores and pH, two important markers of hypoxia/ischemia and encephalopathy, were also analyzed in relation to these outcomes.

Results

Approximately 41% of the neonates had at least one abnormal region on brain MRI, and 21% had abnormal signal in the splenium. Clinical and/or electrographic seizures were documented in 32%. Changes in the splenium had a sensitivity of 54%, specificity of 94%, and positive predictive value of 81% for seizure presence. The presence of seizures and splenium lesion was associated poor developmental outcomes at 12 to 18 months of age. APGAR scores at 10 minutes, but not lowest pH was associated with splenial changes.

Conclusions

Restricted diffusion of the callosal splenium is specific for recent seizures in neonates with HIE. Seizures and splenial lesion represent risk factors for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Child neurologists and neonatologists should consider splenial signal abnormality in their assessment of neonates at risk for seizures and counsel families about likely outcomes accordingly.
Clinical value and cost analysis of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in addition to the spot urine protein/creatinine ratio in women with suspected pre-eclampsia: PREPARE cohort study
Authors: Wind M. , van den Akker-van Marle M. E. , Ballieux B. E. P. B. , Cobbaert C. M. , Rabelink T. J. , van Lith J. M. M. , Teng Y. K. O. , Sueters M.
Published: December 2022

Background

This study investigated the clinical value of adding the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio to the spot urine protein/creatinine ratio (PCr) in women with suspected pre-eclampsia.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study performed in a tertiary referral centre. Based on the combination of PCr (< 30) and sFlt-1/PlGF (≤38) results, four groups were described: a double negative result, group A−/−; a negative PCr and positive sFlt-1/PlGF, group B−/+; a positive PCr and negative sFlt-1/PlGF, group C+/−; and a double positive result, group D+/+. The primary outcome was the proportion of false negatives of the combined tests in comparison with PCr alone in the first week after baseline. Secondary, a cost analysis comparing the costs and savings of adding the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was performed for different follow-up scenarios.

Results

A total of 199 women were included. Pre-eclampsia in the first week was observed in 2 women (2%) in group A−/−, 12 (26%) in group B−/+, 4 (27%) in group C+/−, and 12 (92%) in group D+/+. The proportion of false negatives of 8.2% [95% CI 4.9–13.3] with the PCr alone was significantly reduced to 1.6% [0.4–5.7] by adding a negative sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. Furthermore, the addition of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio to the spot urine PCr, with telemonitoring of women at risk, could result in a reduction of 41% admissions and 36% outpatient visits, leading to a cost reduction of €46,- per patient.

Conclusions

Implementation of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in addition to the spot urine PCr, may lead to improved selection of women at low risk and a reduction of hospital care for women with suspected pre-eclampsia.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register (NL8308).
A prognostic nomogram to predict survival in elderly patients with small-cell lung cancer: a large population-based cohort study and external validation
Authors: Lu Guangrong , Li Jiajia , Ruan Yejiao , Shi Yuning , Zhang Xuchao , Xia Yushan , Zhu Zheng , Lin Jiafeng , Li Lili
Published: December 2022

Background

Age is an independent prognostic factor for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We aimed to construct a nomogram survival prediction for elderly SCLC patients based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods

A total of 2851 elderly SCLC patients from the SEER database were selected as a primary cohort, which were randomly divided into a training cohort and an internal validation cohort. Additionally, 512 patients from two institutions in China were identified as an external validation cohort. We used univariate and multivariate to determine the independent prognostic factors and establish a nomogram to predict survival. The value of the nomogram was evaluated by calibration plots, concordance index (C-index) and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Ten independent prognostic factors were determined and integrated into the nomogram. Calibration plots showed an ideal agreement between the nomogram predicted and actual observed probability of survival. The C-indexes of the training and validation groups for cancer-specific survival (CSS) (0.757 and 0.756, respectively) based on the nomogram were higher than those of the TNM staging system (0.631 and 0.638, respectively). Improved AUC value and DCA were also obtained in comparison with the TNM model. The risk stratification system can significantly distinguish individuals with different survival risks.

Conclusion

We constructed and externally validated a nomogram to predict survival for elderly patients with SCLC. Our novel nomogram outperforms the traditional TNM staging system and provides more accurate prediction for the prognosis of elderly SCLC patients.
Construction and case study of a novel lung cancer risk index
Authors: Faghani Ali , Guo Lei , Wright Margaret E. , Hughes M. Courtney , Vaezi Mahdi
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study constructs a lung cancer risk index (LCRI) that incorporates many modifiable risk factors using an easily reproducible and adaptable method that relies on publicly available data.

Methods

We used meta-analysis followed by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to generate a lung cancer risk index (LCRI) that incorporates seven modifiable risk factors (active smoking, indoor air pollution, occupational exposure, alcohol consumption, secondhand smoke exposure, outdoor air pollution, and radon exposure) for lung cancer. Using county-level population data, we then performed a case study in which we tailored the LCRI for use in the state of Illinois (LCRIIL).

Results

For both the LCRI and the LCRIIL, active smoking had the highest weights (46.1% and 70%, respectively), whereas radon had the lowest weights (3.0% and 5.7%, respectively). The weights for alcohol consumption were 7.8% and 14.7% for the LCRI and the LCRIIL, respectively, and were 3.8% and 0.95% for outdoor air pollution. Three variables were only included in the LCRI: indoor air pollution (18.5%), occupational exposure (13.2%), and secondhand smoke exposure (7.6%). The Consistency Ratio (CR) was well below the 0.1 cut point. The LCRIIL was moderate though significantly correlated with age-adjusted lung cancer incidence (r = 0.449, P < 0.05) and mortality rates (r = 0.495, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study presents an index that incorporates multiple modifiable risk factors for lung cancer into one composite score. Since the LCRI allows data comprising the composite score to vary based on the location of interest, this measurement tool can be used for any geographic location where population-based data for individual risk factors exist. Researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals may utilize this framework to determine areas that are most in need of lung cancer-related interventions and resources.
The pathophysiologic significance of lymphocyte subset determination in children with infectious mononucleosis, mycoplasma pneumonia and Henoch–Schönlein purpura
Authors: Zhao Liang , Wang Hao , Wei Hua-Xing , Lv Yong
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to explore lymphocyte subset determinations as an aid to understanding the pathophysiology of infectious mononucleosis (IM), pneumonia due to mycoplasma infection (P-MI) and Henoch–Schönlein purpura in children.

Methods

The peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of 45 children with IM, 20 children with P-MI, and 31 children with Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP), who were treated in the pediatrics department of our hospital from April 2019 to February 2020, were determined by flow cytometry, and the number and percentage of lymphocyte subsets with CD3+, CD3 + CD4+, CD3 + CD8+, CD3 + CD4+/CD3 + CD8+, CD3–CD16 + CD56+, and CD3–CD19 + cells were observed, and the results were compared and analyzed.

Results

(1) The percentages of CD3+, CD3 + CD8 + lymphocyte subsets in children in IM group were significantly higher than those in children with P-MI and HSP, and the percentages of CD3-CD19 + lymphocyte subsets in children in IM group were significantly lower than those in children with P-MI and HSP. The percentages of CD3 + CD4 + lymphocyte subsets in children in the three groups were the lowest in children with IM, and the highest in children with P-MI.The differences in the percentages of CD3+, CD3 + CD4+, CD + CD8+, and CD3-CD19 + lymphocyte subsets among the IM, P-MI, and HSP groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01). (2) The results of CD3 + CD4+/CD3 + CD8 + in the three groups were the lowest in children with IM and the highest in children with P-MI. There was a significant difference among the three groups (P < 0.01); The ages of the children with IM and P-MI were lower than that of the children with HSP (p < 0.01), while there was no difference in the ages of the children with IM and P-MI (p > 0.05). (3) The difference in the percentage of CD3–CD16 + CD56 + lymphocyte subsets among the three groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The determination of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets is of significance for understanding the pathophysiology of IM, mycoplasma pneumonia, and HSP in children.
Pain, mood, and suicidal behavior among injured working adults in Chile
Authors: Vélez Juan Carlos , Kovasala Michael , Collado Michele Demi , Friedman Lauren E. , Juvinao-Quintero Diana L. , Araya Lisette , Castillo Jessica , Williams Michelle A. , Gelaye Bizu
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic pain is comorbid with psychiatric disorders, but information on the association of chronic pain with depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, and suicidal behavior among occupational cohorts is inadequate. We investigated these associations among employed Chilean adults.

Methods

A total of 1946 working adults were interviewed during their outpatient visit. Pain was assessed using the Short Form McGill Pain questionnaire (SF-MPG) while depression and generalized anxiety were examined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. The Columbia–Suicide Severity Rating Scale was used to assess suicidal behavior and suicidal ideation. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for the association of chronic pain with mood disorders, as well as suicidal behavior.

Results

High chronic pain (SF-MPG > 11) was reported by 46% of participants. Approximately two-fifths of the study participants (38.2%) had depression, 23.8% generalized anxiety, 13.4% suicidal ideation, and 2.4% suicidal behavior. Compared to those with low pain (SF-MPG ≤11), participants with high chronic pain (SF-MPG > 11) had increased odds of experiencing depression only (aOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 2.21–3.73), generalized anxiety only (aOR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.42–3.99), and comorbid depression and generalized anxiety (aOR = 6.91; 95% CI: 5.20–9.19). The corresponding aOR (95%CI) for suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior were (aOR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.58–3.07) and (aOR = 2.18 = 95% CI: 0.99–4.79), respectively.

Conclusions

Chronic pain is associated with increased odds of depression, generalized anxiety, and suicidal behavior. Mental health support and appropriate management of patients experiencing chronic pain are critical.
Prognostic value of tripartite motif (TRIM) family gene signature from bronchoalveolar lavage cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Mi , Ouyang Jie , Zhang Guoqing , Zhu Xin
Published: December 2022

Background

Tripartite motif (TRIM) family genes get involved in the pathogenesis and development of various biological processes; however, the prognostic value of TRIM genes for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) needs to be explored.

Methods

We acquired gene expression based on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and clinical data of three independent IPF cohorts in the GSE70866 dataset from the Gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed TRIM genes (DETGs) between IPF patients and healthy donors were identified and used to establish a risk signature by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis in the training cohort. The risk signature was further validated in other IPF cohorts, and compared with previously published signatures. Moreover, we performed functional enrichment analysis to explore the potential mechanisms. Eventually, the quantitative real time PCR was conducted to validate the expressions of the key genes in BAL from 12 IPF patients and 12 non-IPF controls from our institution.

Results

We identified 4 DETGs including TRIM7, MEFV, TRIM45 and TRIM47 significantly associated with overall survival (OS) of IPF patients (P < 0.05). A multiple stepwise Cox regression analysis was performed to construct a 4-TRIM-gene prognostic signature. We categorized IPF patients into one low-risk group and the other high-risk group as per the average risk value of the TRIM prognostic signature in the training and validation cohorts. The IPF individuals in the low-risk group demonstrated an obvious OS advantage compared with the high-risk one (P < 0.01). The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic approach facilitated the verification of the predictive value of the TRIM prognostic signature in the training and validation cohorts, compared with other published signatures. A further investigation of immune cells and IPF survival displayed that higher proportion of resting memory CD4+ T cells and resting mast cells harbored OS advantage over lower proportion, however lower proportion of neutrophils, activated dendritic cells and activated NK cells indicated worse prognosis.

Conclusion

The TRIM family genes are significant for the prognosis of IPF and our signature could serve as a robust model to predict OS.
Rare causes of genital fistula in nine African countries: a retrospective review
Authors: Ngongo Carrie J. , Raassen Thomas J.I.P. , Mahendeka Marietta , Lombard Ladeisha , van Roosmalen Jos , Temmerman Marleen
Published: December 2022

Background

Most genital fistulas result from prolonged, obstructed labor or surgical complications. Other causes include trauma (from accidents, traditional healers, or sexual violence), radiation, carcinoma, infection, unsafe abortion, and congenital malformation.

Methods

This retrospective records review focuses on rare fistula causes among 6,787 women who developed fistula after 1980 and sought treatment between 1994 and 2017 in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. We compare fistula etiologies across countries and assess associations between rare causes and type of incontinence (urine, feces, or both).

Results

Rare fistula accounted for 1.12% (76/6,787) of all fistulas, including traumatic accidents (19/6,787, 0.28%), traumatic sexual violence (15/6,787, 0.22%), traumatic injuries caused by traditional healers (13/6,787, 0.19%), unsafe abortion (10/6,791, 0.15%), radiation (8/6,787, 0.12%), complications of HIV infection (6/6,787, 0.09%), and congenital abnormality (5/6,787, 0.07%). Trauma caused by traditional healers was a particular problem among Somali women.

Conclusion

Fistulas attributable to rare causes illuminate a variety of risks confronting women. Fistula repair training materials should distinguish trauma caused by traditional healers as a distinct fistula etiology. Diverse causes of fistula call for multi-pronged strategies to reduce fistula incidence.
Implementation-effectiveness trial of systematic family health history based risk assessment and impact on clinical disease prevention and surveillance activities
Authors: Wu R. Ryanne , Myers Rachel A. , Neuner Joan , McCarty Catherine , Haller Irina V. , Harry Melissa , Fulda Kimberly G. , Dimmock David , Rakhra-Burris Tejinder , Buchanan Adam , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Orlando Lori A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Systematically assessing disease risk can improve population health by identifying those eligible for enhanced prevention/screening strategies. This study aims to determine the clinical impact of a systematic risk assessment in diverse primary care populations.

Methods

Hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial of a family health history-based health risk assessment (HRA) tied to risk-based guideline recommendations enrolling from 2014–2017 with 12 months of post-intervention survey data and 24 months of electronic medical record (EMR) data capture. Setting:19 primary care clinics at four geographically and culturally diverse U.S. healthcare systems. Participants: any English or Spanish-speaking adult with an upcoming appointment at an enrolling clinic. Methods: A personal and family health history based HRA with integrated guideline-based clinical decision support (CDS) was completed by each participant prior to their appointment. Risk reports were provided to patients and providers to discuss at their clinical encounter. Outcomes: provider and patient discussion and provider uptake (i.e. ordering) and patient uptake (i.e. recommendation completion) of CDS recommendations. Measures: patient and provider surveys and EMR data.

Results

One thousand eight hundred twenty nine participants (mean age 56.2 [SD13.9], 69.6% female) completed the HRA and had EMR data available for analysis. 762 (41.6%) received a recommendation (29.7% for genetic counseling (GC); 15.2% for enhanced breast/colon cancer screening). Those with recommendations frequently discussed disease risk with their provider (8.7%-38.2% varied by recommendation, p-values ≤ 0.004). In the GC subgroup, provider discussions increased referrals to counseling (44.4% with vs. 5.9% without, P < 0.001). Recommendation uptake was highest for colon cancer screening (provider = 67.9%; patient = 86.8%) and lowest for breast cancer chemoprevention (0%).

Conclusions

Systematic health risk assessment revealed that almost half the population were at increased disease risk based on guidelines. Risk identification resulted in shared discussions between participants and providers but variable clinical action uptake depending upon the recommendation. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to uptake by both patients and providers will be essential for optimizing HRA tools and achieving their promise of improving population health.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT01956773, registered 10/8/2013.
The association of fatty liver index and BARD score with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Chung Goh Eun , Jeong Su-Min , Cho Eun Ju , Yoon Ji Won , Yoo Jeong-Ju , Cho Yuri , Lee Kyu-na , Shin Dong Wook , Kim Yoon Jun , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Han Kyungdo , Yu Su Jong
Published: December 2022

Background

Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) commonly coexist. However, NAFLD’s effect on mortality in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes awaits full elucidation. Therefore, we examined NAFLD-related all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a nationwide Asian population with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We included patients who had undergone general health checkups between 2009 and 2012 using the National Health Insurance Service database linked to death-certificate data. Hepatic steatosis was defined as a fatty liver index (FLI) ≥ 60, and advanced hepatic fibrosis was determined using the BARD score.

Findings

During the follow-up period of 8.1 years, 222,242 deaths occurred, with a mortality rate of 14.3/1000 person-years. An FLI ≥ 60 was significantly associated with increased risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality including cardiovascular disease (CVD)-, cancer-, and liver disease (FLI ≥ 60: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.03 for all-cause; 1.07, 1.04–1.10 for CVD; 1.12, 1.09–1.14 for cancer; and 2.63, 2.50–2.77 for liver disease). Those with an FLI ≥ 60 and fibrosis (BARD ≥ 2) exhibited increased risks of all-cause (HR, 95% CI 1.11, 1.10–1.12), CVD- (HR, 95% CI 1.11, 1.09–1.14), cancer- (HR, 95% CI 1.17, 1.15–1.19), and liver disease-related (HR, 95% CI 2.38, 2.29–2.49) mortality.

Conclusion

Hepatic steatosis and advanced fibrosis were significantly associated with risks of overall and cause-specific mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our results provide evidence that determining the presence of hepatic steatosis and/or fibrosis potentially plays a role in risk stratification of mortality outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A systematic review of asymptomatic Plasmodium knowlesi infection: an emerging challenge involving an emerging infectious disease
Authors: Naserrudin Nurul Athirah , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree , Culleton Richard , Hod Rozita , Ahmed Kamruddin
Published: December 2022

Background

In the last decade Plasmodium knowlesi has been detected in humans throughout South East Asia. The highest risk groups for this infection are males, adults and those performing forest-related work. Furthermore, asymptomatic cases of P. knowlesi malaria have been reported including among women and children.

Methods

Pubmed, Scopus and the Web of Science databases for literature describing asymptomatic P. knowlesi malaria published between 2010 and 2020 were searched. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies reporting the prevalence and incidence of laboratory confirmed asymptomatic P. knowlesi cases in humans, their clinical and demographic characteristics, and methods used to diagnose these cases.

Results

By analysing over 102 papers, thirteen were eligible for this review. Asymptomatic P. knowlesi infections have been detected in 0.03%–4.0% of the population depending on region, and infections have been described in children as young as 2 years old. Various different diagnostic methods were used to detect P. knowlesi cases and there were differing definitions of asymptomatic cases in these studies. The literature indicates that regionally-differing immune-related mechanisms may play a part on the prevalence of asymptomatic P. knowlesi.

Conclusion

Differing epidemiological characteristics of asymptomatic P. knowlesi malaria in different regions reinforces the need to further investigate disease transmission mechanics. Effective public health responses to changes in P. knowlesi epidemiology require proactive intervention and multisectoral collaboration.
Pan-cancer surveys indicate cell cycle-related roles of primate-specific genes in tumors and embryonic cerebrum
Authors: Ma Chenyu , Li Chunyan , Ma Huijing , Yu Daqi , Zhang Yufei , Zhang Dan , Su Tianhan , Wu Jianmin , Wang Xiaoyue , Zhang Li , Chen Chun-Long , Zhang Yong E.
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite having been extensively studied, it remains largely unclear why humans bear a particularly high risk of cancer. The antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis predicts that primate-specific genes (PSGs) tend to promote tumorigenesis, while the molecular atavism hypothesis predicts that PSGs involved in tumors may represent recently derived duplicates of unicellular genes. However, these predictions have not been tested.

Results

By taking advantage of pan-cancer genomic data, we find the upregulation of PSGs across 13 cancer types, which is facilitated by copy-number gain and promoter hypomethylation. Meta-analyses indicate that upregulated PSGs (uPSGs) tend to promote tumorigenesis and to play cell cycle-related roles. The cell cycle-related uPSGs predominantly represent derived duplicates of unicellular genes. We prioritize 15 uPSGs and perform an in-depth analysis of one unicellular gene-derived duplicate involved in the cell cycle,DDX11. Genome-wide screening data and knockdown experiments demonstrate thatDDX11is broadly essential across cancer cell lines. Importantly, non-neutral amino acid substitution patterns and increased expression indicate thatDDX11has been under positive selection. Finally, we find that cell cycle-related uPSGs are also preferentially upregulated in the highly proliferative embryonic cerebrum.

Conclusions

Consistent with the predictions of the atavism and antagonistic pleiotropy hypotheses, primate-specific genes, especially those PSGs derived from cell cycle-related genes that emerged in unicellular ancestors, contribute to the early proliferation of the human cerebrum at the cost of hitchhiking by similarly highly proliferative cancer cells.
Artificial genetic polymers against human pathologies
Authors: Ivanov Gleb S. , Tribulovich Vyacheslav G. , Pestov Nikolay B. , David Temitope I. , Amoah Abdul-Saleem , Korneenko Tatyana V. , Barlev Nikolai A.
Published: December 2022

Originally discovered by Nielsen in 1991, peptide nucleic acids and other artificial genetic polymers have gained a lot of interest from the scientific community. Due to their unique biophysical features these artificial hybrid polymers are now being employed in various areas of theranostics (therapy and diagnostics). The current review provides an overview of their structure, principles of rational design, and biophysical features as well as highlights the areas of their successful implementation in biology and biomedicine. Finally, the review discusses the areas of improvement that would allow their use as a new class of therapeutics in the future.
Unfavorable social determinants of health are associated with higher burden of financial toxicity among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the US: findings from the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Valero-Elizondo Javier , Javed Zulqarnain , Khera Rohan , Tano Mauricio E. , Dudum Ramzi , Acquah Isaac , Hyder Adnan A. , Andrieni Julia , Sharma Garima , Blaha Michael J. , Virani Salim S. , Blankstein Ron , Cainzos-Achirica Miguel , Nasir Khurram
Published: December 2022

Background

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major cause of financial toxicity, defined as excess financial strain from healthcare, in the US. Identifying factors that put patients at greatest risk can help inform more targeted and cost-effective interventions. Specific social determinants of health (SDOH) such as income are associated with a higher risk of experiencing financial toxicity from healthcare, however, the associations between more comprehensive measures of cumulative social disadvantage and financial toxicity from healthcare are poorly understood.

Methods

Using the National Health Interview Survey (2013–17), we assessed patients with self-reported ASCVD. We identified 34 discrete SDOH items, across 6 domains: economic stability, education, food poverty, neighborhood conditions, social context, and health systems. To capture the cumulative effect of SDOH, an aggregate score was computed as their sum, and divided into quartiles, the highest (quartile 4) containing the most unfavorable scores. Financial toxicity included presence of: difficulty paying medical bills, and/or delayed/foregone care due to cost, and/or cost-related medication non-adherence.

Results

Approximately 37% of study participants reported experiencing financial toxicity from healthcare, with a prevalence of 15% among those in SDOH Q1 vs 68% in SDOH Q4. In fully-adjusted regression analyses, individuals in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles of the aggregate SDOH score had 1.90 (95% CI 1.60, 2.26), 3.66 (95% CI 3.11, 4.35), and 8.18 (95% CI 6.83, 9.79) higher odds of reporting any financial toxicity from healthcare, when compared with participants in the 1st quartile. The associations were consistent in age-stratified analyses, and were also present in analyses restricted to non-economic SDOH domains and to 7 upstream SDOH features.

Conclusions

An unfavorable SDOH profile was strongly and independently associated with subjective financial toxicity from healthcare. This analysis provides further evidence to support policies and interventions aimed at screening for prevalent financial toxicity and for high financial toxicity risk among socially vulnerable groups.
The course of psychiatric symptoms in older age bipolar disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Orhan Melis , Korten Nicole , Kok Almar , Loef Dore , Kupka Ralph , Schouws Sigfried , van Oppen Patricia , Dols Annemiek
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic gives us the unique opportunity to study the course of psychiatric symptoms and resilience in older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD) whilst experiencing a collective long lasting stressor. The aim of this study was to investigate the course of depressive, manic and anxiety symptoms in OABD during the first six months of COVID-19 and how loneliness and mastery are associated with this course. Mastery is defined as the control one experiences over one’s life and environment. Resilience is defined as adaptation to challenging life conditions encompassing several aspects of personal resources.

Methods

In April 2020 (n = 81), June 2020 (n = 66) and September 2020 (n = 51), participants were included from the Dutch Older Bipolars (DOBi) cohort study.

Results

Depressive, manic and anxiety symptoms increased over all timepoints. Participants with a higher sense of mastery experienced a greater increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms. Loneliness did not interact with the course of these symptoms.

Conclusions

OABD were resilient in the first months of COVID-19 outbreak, however depressive, manic and anxiety symptoms increased as the pandemic continued. Treatment strategies in coping with long lasting stressful events should include the focus on sense of mastery.
Mathematical analysis of fractional-order Caputo’s derivative of coronavirus disease model via Laplace Adomian decomposition method
Authors: Yunus Akeem O. , Olayiwola Morufu O. , Adedokun Kamilu A. , Adedeji Joseph. A. , Alaje Ismaila A.
Published: December 2022

Background

The world's survival ability has been threatened by the COVID-19 outbreak. The possibility of the virus reemerging in the future should not be disregarded, even if it has been confined to certain areas of the world after wreaking such havoc. This is because it is impossible to prove that the virus has been totally eliminated. This research attempts to investigate the spread and control of the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria using the Caputo fractional order derivative in a proposed model.

Results

We proposed a competent nine-compartment model of Corona virus infection. It starts by demonstrating that the model is epidemiologically sound in terms of solution existence and uniqueness. The basic reproduction threshold R0 was determined using the next-generation matrix technique. We applied the Laplace-Adomian decomposition method to the fractional-order Caputo's derivative model of the Corona virus disease to produce the approximate solution of the model analytically. The obtained results, in the form of an infinite series, were simulated using the MAPLE 18 package to investigate the effect of fractional order derivative on the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission in the model and shed light on methods of eradication. The graphical interpretations of the simulation process were shown and discussed accordingly.

Conclusions

The study reveals the effect of the Caputo fractional order derivative in the transmission dynamics of the disease. Individual recovery was found to be greatest at an integer order, which represents the full implementation of other factors such as treatment, vaccination, and disease transmission reduction. Hence, we advised that researchers, government officials, and health care workers make use of the findings of this study to provide ways in which disease transmission will be reduced to a minimum to stop the prevalence of COVID-19 by applying the findings of this study.
Impact of Geriatric Assessment and Management on Quality of Life, Unplanned Hospitalizations, Toxicity, and Survival for Older Adults With Cancer: The Randomized 5C Trial
Authors: Puts Martine , Alqurini Naser , Strohschein Fay , Koneru Rama , Szumacher Ewa , Mariano Caroline , Monette Johanne , Hsu Tina , Brennenstuhl Sarah , McLean Bianca , Wills Aria , Berger Arielle , Amir Eitan , Romanovsky Lindy , Li Anson , Mehta Rajin , Krzyzanowska Monika , Elser Christine , Jang Raymond , Prica Anca , Wan-Chow-Wah Doreen , Pitters Eric , Emmenegger Urban , Menjak Ines B. , Bergman Simon , Lemonde Manon , Breunis Henriette , Béland Francois , Alibhai Shabbir M.H.
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that older adults with cancer being considered for chemotherapy receive geriatric assessment (GA) and management (GAM), but few randomized controlled trials have examined its impact on quality of life (QOL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 5C study was a two-group parallel 1:1 single-blind multicenter randomized controlled trial of GAM for 6 months versus usual oncologic care. Eligible patients were age 70+ years, diagnosed with a solid tumor, lymphoma, or myeloma, referred for first-/second-line chemotherapy or immunotherapy or targeted therapy, and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2. The primary outcome QOL was measured with the global health scale of the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL questionnaire and analyzed with a pattern mixture model using an intent-to-treat approach (at 6 and 12 months). Secondary outcomes included functional status, grade 3-5 treatment toxicity; health care use; satisfaction; cancer treatment plan modification; and overall survival.

RESULTS

From March 2018 to March 2020, 350 participants were enrolled. Mean age was 76 years and 40.3% were female. Fifty-four percent started treatment with palliative intent. Eighty-one (23.1%) patients died. GAM did not improve QOL (global QOL of 4.4 points [95% CI, 0.9 to 8.0] favoring the control arm). There was also no difference in survival, change in treatment plan, unplanned hospitalization/emergency department visits, and treatment toxicity between groups.

CONCLUSION

GAM did not improve QOL. Most intervention group participants received GA on or after treatment initiation per patient request. Considering recent completed trials, GA may have benefit if completed before treatment selection. The COVID-19 pandemic may have affected our QOL outcome and intervention delivery for some participants.
Impact of a Hospital-Based Specialty Pharmacy in Partnership With a Care Coordination Organization on Time to Delivery and Receipt of Oral Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Beauchemin Melissa P. , Lichtenstein Morgan R.L. , Raghunathan Rohit , Doshi Sahil D. , Lee Shing , Law Cynthia , Accordino Melissa K. , Elkin Elena B. , Wright Jason D. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE:

Oral anticancer drug (OACD) prescriptions require extensive coordination between providers and payers, which can delay drug receipt. Specialty pharmacies facilitate communication between multiple entities. In 2018, our cancer center partnered with a freestanding organization to implement a hospital-based specialty pharmacy (HB-SP). We evaluated the time to drug receipt (TTR) before and after HB-SP implementation.

METHODS:

Data were prospectively collected on all new OACD prescriptions for adult oncology patients from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. In fall 2018, a HB-SP was initiated. We collected patient sociodemographic, clinical, and prescription data. TTR was the number of days from OACD prescription to drug receipt. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with TTR ≤ 7 days before and after HB-SP implementation.

RESULTS:

In total, 954 patients were included, representing 1,102 new OACDs. The majority of prescribed drugs were targeted OACDs (56%, n = 617), and 71% (n = 779) required prior authorization. Of all prescriptions, 84% (n = 960) were successfully received with an overall median TTR of 7 days. In unadjusted analysis, HB-SP implementation, drug class, race and ethnicity, and prior authorization requirement were significantly associated with TTR. Adjusted analyses found that patients were more likely to receive their drugs ≤ 7 days after HB-SP implementation (53% v 47%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.68; P = .05).

CONCLUSION:

The implementation of a HB-SP in partnership with a collaborative care model contributed to a decrease in TTR for OACDs. This difference is in part attributable to improved care coordination and communication. A centralized approach may improve overall efficiency due to fewer practice disruptions.
To Be Nsala's Daughter
Authors: Rivers Chérie N.
Published: December 2022

In To Be Nsala’s Daughter, Chérie N. Rivers shows how colonial systems of normalized violence condition the way we see and, through collaboration with contemporary Congolese artists, imagines ways we might learn to see differently. Rivers focuses on a photograph of a Congolese man, Nsala, looking at the disembodied hand and foot of his daughter, which were removed as punishment for his failure to deliver the requisite amount of rubber in King Léopold’s Congo. This photograph, taken by British missionary Alice Seeley Harris, featured prominently in abolitionist campaigns to end colonial atrocities in Central Africa in the early twentieth century. But in addition to exposing the visible violence of colonialism, Rivers argues, this photograph also exposes the invisible—and continued—violence of the colonial gaze. With a poetic, personal collage of stories and images, To Be Nsala’s Daughter traces the past and present of the colonial gaze both in Congo and in the author’s lived experience as a mixed-race Black woman in the United States.
Análise cinética e cinemática da saída de bloco em natação de atletas deficientes visuais
Authors: Cabral Soraia
Published: December 2022

Objetivos: investigar e correlacionar a cinética e cinemática da saída de bloco em natação de atletas deficientes visuais e normovisuais. Métodos: foram comparados parâmetros de desempenho entre os nadadores de ambos os sexos. A amostra contou com 16 nadadores, sendo 4 cegos, 2 baixa visão e 10 normovisuais. Análise inferencial com teste Shapiro-Wilk, estatística inferencial teste T e, para correlação entre variáveis, o teste de Pearson, com nível de significância em 5%. Correlacionamos a variável dinamométrica, nas fases de tempo de bloco, tempo em 5 metros e tempo em 16 metros. Resultados: foram percebidas diferenças significativas de (0,030, 0,029 e 0,001), respetivamente, pois foram menores para os nadadores normovisuais. Na variável cinética, o pico de força resultante dos nadadores normovisuais foi, significativamente, maior (0,024). O ângulo de saída dos nadadores normovisuais foi também, significativamente, maior (0,030). Nas fases de tempo de reação, tempo de voo, força horizontal e vertical, ângulo de entrada e distância de voo, não apresentaram diferenças significativas. Observou-se uma correlação expressiva, entre as variáveis tempo de bloco e tempo em 5 metros (0,688); tempo de bloco e tempo em 16 metros (0,689); tempo em 5 metros e tempo em 16 metros (0,928); e o tempo de voo e ângulo de saída (0,941). O pico de força apresentou uma correlação significativa na maioria das variáveis do estudo com exceção do tempo de reação e o ângulo entrada. Conclusão: a ausência da visão acarreta na defasagem da performance e nos resultados em provas de natação de alto rendimento para deficientes visuais.
Tätigkeitsbericht für das Jahr 2021
Authors: Lassau Guido
Published: December 2022

Der Tätigkeitsbericht des Kantonsarchäologen bietet einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Kennzahlen und die Arbeiten in den verschiedenen Abteilungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung im Jahr 2021.
Archäozoologische Auswertung der Knochenfunde aus den mittelalterlichen Latrinengruben (13. Jh.) an der Augustinergasse 2 in Basel (1968)
Authors: Schibler Jörg
Published: December 2022

Aufgrund der Skeletteilzusammensetzung sowie der Ergebnisse der Schlachtalteranalyse ist klar geworden, dass insbesondere der grösste, aus Grube 3 stammende Tierknochenkomplex, aber wohl auch die anderen, kleineren Komplexe in erster Linie Speiseabfälle darstellen.
Chemische Untersuchung an Töpfen aus den Latrinen 1-5
Authors: Stern Willem B.
Published: December 2022

Typologisch ähnliche Scherben einer Gebrauchskeramik finden sich in verschiedenen Latrinen. Makroskopisch sind Unterschiede bezüglich Magerung und Brand feststellbar, und es erhebt sich die Frage,

 ob die stoffliche Heterogenität innerhalb eines Objekts (z.B. eines Topfes) ähnlich ist wie die chemische Variationsbreite typologisch ähnlicher Stücke aus einem Fundkomplex oder kleiner.

ob typologisch ähnliche Keramik aus verschiedenen Latrinen eine ähnliche chemische Zusammensetzung aufweist, oder ob ein „latrinenspezifischer“ Chemismus existiert (typologisch ähnliche Ware, aber unterschiedliche Herkunft).

ob typologisch ähnliche Keramik aus anderen Fundstellen in Basel sich chemisch abgrenzen lässt.

ob stoffliche Unterschiede zwischen Scherben ungleichen Brandes belegbar sind.

um welches Mineral es sich bei der makroskopisch sichtbaren weissen Magerung handelt.