bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Qualitative Research Distress Protocol: A Participant-Centered Tool for Navigating Distress During Data Collection
Authors: Whitney Clare , Evered Jane A.
Published: September 2022

Potential participant distress is often unaccounted for in qualitative research, where topics are not pre-determined to be categorically sensitive. Additionally, researchers sometimes project their own distress with sensitive topics onto participants, inappropriately truncating or terminating data collection encounters. As a result, researchers may over- or under-react to distress, in ways that fail to attune to and meet participants’ individual needs and that are not consistent within research teams. In our proposed framework of “The Participant-Researcher Dynamics of Distress,” we advance the Dynamic of Participant Centeredness to move beyond notions of categorical sensitivity, and in alignment with principles of research ethics, we developed the Qualitative Research Distress Protocol (QRDP). The QRDP is a comprehensive tool that we co-created with an oncology social worker, for a study exploring patients’ and clinicians’ experiences of virtual supportive cancer care during COVID-19. We elaborate on the use and application of the QRDP in team science, providing examples from our experience training novice researchers and conducting interviews for the Virtual Supportive Cancer Care Research Study. This novel protocol stands apart from other available distress protocols in taking a non-categorical approach to assessing participant sensitivity and addressing distress during qualitative interviews. The QRDP can be evaluated in and adapted for use in other qualitative research studies, especially those undertaken by collaborative and diverse research teams.
The intergenerational hero: Carrier of a bonding memory
Authors: Ben-Ze’ev Efrat , Lomsky-Feder Edna
Published: September 2022

In the present era of fragmentation and instability, there is an urge to recreate “islands of solidarity,” sometimes by establishing what we define as “intergenerational heroes.” They are expected to carry a bonding memory, interpreting the past in light of present challenges and future dreams. The media fashions the role of these heroes following their death. By examining the reportage of Haim Guri, a prominent Israeli poet, we decode the character of the intergenerational hero. Through a qualitative analysis of articles and visual images, we discovered four qualities: First, he embodies a generational foundational event, drawing moral authority from having “been there.” Second, he establishes strong bonds with other generational units. Third, throughout his life he is immersed in public events, and fourth, he is portrayed as consisting of inherently contradictory traits that attract a variety of audiences. We conclude by considering the “shelf life” of the intergenerational hero.
The Impact of Baseline User Characteristics on the Benefits of Real-Time Versus Intermittently Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Moderator Analyses of the ALERTT1 Trial
Authors: Visser Margaretha Martha , Charleer Sara , Fieuws Steffen , De Block Christophe , Hilbrands Robert , Van Huffel Liesbeth , Maes Toon , Vanhaverbeke Gerd , Dirinck Eveline , Myngheer Nele , Vercammen Chris , Nobels Frank , Keymeulen Bart , Mathieu Chantal , Gillard Pieter
Published: September 2022

Background:

ALERTT1 showed that switching from intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) without alerts to real-time CGM (rtCGM) with alert functionality improved time in range (TIR; 70-180 mg/dL), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), time <54 mg/dL, and Hypoglycemia Fear Survey version II worry subscale (HFS-worry) score after six months in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Moderator analyses aimed to identify certain subgroups that would benefit more from switching to rtCGM than others.

Methods:

Post hoc analyses of ALERTT1 evaluated the impact of 14 baseline characteristics on the difference (delta) in mean TIR, HbA1c, time <54 mg/dL, and HFS-worry score at six months between rtCGM and isCGM. Therefore, the delta was allowed to depend on each of these variables by including interactions in the moderator analysis model. Analyses were performed separately for each variable; variables with P < .10 in the univariable analysis were combined into a single model.

Results:

Univariable analyses showed no dependency of delta TIR, HbA1c, or time <54 mg/dL on variables other than CGM type. Only delta HFS-worry score depended on baseline HbA1c ( P = .0059), indicating less worries with rtCGM in people with baseline HbA1c <6.5% or ≥8%. Given P < .10 for dependency of delta TIR on insulin therapy type (favoring multiple daily injections), baseline HbA1c, and baseline TIR, these variables were combined into a multivariable analysis; interactions were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Except for HFS-worry score, no interactions between 14 baseline characteristics and the six-month intervention effect of rtCGM on TIR, HbA1c, or time <54 mg/dL were observed, supporting the conclusion of ALERTT1 that switching from isCGM without alerts to rtCGM with alert functionality is beneficial for a wide range of people with T1D.
Flavonoids and the Subchronic Toxicity, Antipeptic Ulcer, and Analgesic Effects of the Ethyl Acetate Soluble Fraction of the Ethanol Extract from Sanchezia nobilis Hook. f Leaves
Authors: Bui Thi Xuan , Tran Minh Ngoc , Tran Thanh Ha , Dang Thi Thu Hien
Published: September 2022

Seven known flavonoids were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the 80% ethanol extract of Sanchezia nobilis Hook. f leaves (EASN). The 7 known compounds as hispidulin (4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone) (1), hispidulin-7- O- α-galactopyranoside (2), hispidulin-4′- O- β-galactopyranoside (3), hispidulin-7- O- β-galacturonide methyl ester (4), apigenin-7- O- α-glucuronide (5), hispidulin-7- O- α-glucuronide (6), and hispidulin-7- O- β-glucuronide (7), all of which are first records for the Sanchezia genus. The structures of the compounds were confirmed using spectroscopic methods and by comparison with reported data. The antipeptic ulcer and analgesic effects of the extract were also tested in experimental animal models. At a 50 mg/kg/d dose, the ethyl acetate fraction significantly reduced mean ulcer score, gastric volume, and total acidity, and increased gastric pH, while also tending to reduce free acid in comparison with the model group. At a 100 mg/kg/d dose, the ethyl acetate fraction tended to have an analgesic effect. However, a dose of 300 mg/kg/d showed a significant elevation in pain. The extract was also continuously evaluated for subchronic toxicity for 28 days in rats but showed no effect at oral doses of 50 and 250 mg/kg/d. The results of this study have provided more scientific evidence for the chemical composition and use of SNF leaves to treat peptic ulcer disease in Vietnam.
Asian Men and Black Women Hold Weaker Race–Gender Associations: Evidence From the United States and China
Authors: Axt Jordan R. , Atwood S. , Talhelm Thomas , Hehman Eric
Published: September 2022

Prior work finds a consistent association between race and gender: People associate Asian with female and Black with male. We used mouse-tracking to examine whether different U.S. racial/ethnic groups hold this same association (Study 1) and compared Asian-American participants to ethnically Chinese participants in China (Study 2). In Study 1, White and Hispanic participants showed the expected “race is gendered” effect, and the strength of the effect did not differ between men and women. However, participants with a counter-stereotypical racial-gender identity (Black women and Asian men) showed weaker race–gender associations. The same pattern emerged for East Asian participants in Study 2, both among people living in the United States and China. These data provide the first evidence of moderation in Asian-female, Black-male associations and further reveal the importance of considering intersectional identities in social cognition and social perception.
Online learning experiences of adult applicants to a university in Ghana during the Covid-19 outbreak
Authors: Kwapong Olivia Adwoa Tiwaah Frimpong
Published: September 2022

The outbreak of Covid-19 led to the migration of 1729 adults, who had applied to the University of Ghana to go through an access course for writing the Mature Entrance Examination for admission into undergraduate programmes. A survey was conducted to explore the experiences of the students. The study revealed that over 90% of the respondents were proficient in the use of ICTs. They used the Sakai learning management platform, zoom, and emails for their teaching and learning engagements. Four in five (84%) respondents preferred 50% online tuition and 50% face-to-face tuition. They, however, had issues with poor internet connectivity, the high cost of data for the internet, and limited contact time. Basic support systems such as the provision of high-speed but affordable internet services and increased online interactions will be of help to such students.
Pulmonary hypertension in an adult with unilateral absence of left pulmonary artery
Authors: Ghazarian Armen , King Matthew , Premyodhin Ned , Gradus-Pizlo Irmina
Published: September 2022

Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery is a rare congenital abnormality that occurs due to malformation of the sixth aortic arch during embryonic development. The clinical presentation of unilateral absence of pulmonary artery can vary based on age of diagnosis; however, in the adult population, it can present with a variety of manifestations including hemoptysis, recurrent pneumonia, and pulmonary hypertension or as an incidental finding. Diagnosis and management of unilateral absence of pulmonary artery remain a challenge. Here, we describe a case of a 37-year-old female with no known past medical history who presented with progressively worsening dyspnea and fatigue. She was incidentally found to have unilateral absence of pulmonary artery on computerized tomography angiography of the chest. Her imaging and physical exam demonstrated signs of volume overload and severe pulmonary hypertension. She received diuretics with good response and was discharged with referral to pulmonary hypertension clinic and eventual follow-up with right heart catheterization. In summary, we describe a rare congenital condition and highlight its diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Social Sustainability in Projects: Using Social Procurement to Create Employment in the Swedish Construction Sector
Authors: Troje Daniella
Published: September 2022

Social procurement can increase social sustainability by creating employment for marginalized people. This article investigates how project organizations perceive and handle the resources from and relationships with their main contractors and clients when implementing social procurement. Analyzing 20 semistructured interviews with actors working in Swedish construction projects, the findings show how resources are lacking and relationships are tenuous, but also that the innovative capacity of actors at the project level, in a bottom-up fashion, can overcome some of these issues. This article shows how sustainability initiatives are difficult to implement in projects, and what strategies actors use to cope.
Genomic data integration and user-defined sample-set extraction for population variant analysis
Authors: Alfonsi Tommaso , Bernasconi Anna , Canakoglu Arif , Masseroli Marco
Published: September 2022

Background

Population variant analysis is of great importance for gathering insights into the links between human genotype and phenotype. The 1000 Genomes Project established a valuable reference for human genetic variation; however, the integrative use of the corresponding data with other datasets within existing repositories and pipelines is not fully supported. Particularly, there is a pressing need for flexible and fast selection of population partitions based on their variant and metadata-related characteristics.

Results

Here, we target general germline or somatic mutation data sources for their seamless inclusion within an interoperable-format repository, supporting integration among them and with other genomic data, as well as their integrated use within bioinformatic workflows. In addition, we provide VarSum, a data summarization service working on sub-populations of interest selected using filters on population metadata and/or variant characteristics. The service is developed as an optimized computational framework with an Application Programming Interface (API) that can be called from within any existing computing pipeline or programming script. Provided example use cases of biological interest show the relevance, power and ease of use of the API functionalities.

Conclusions

The proposed data integration pipeline and data set extraction and summarization API pave the way for solid computational infrastructures that quickly process cumbersome variation data, and allow biologists and bioinformaticians to easily perform scalable analysis on user-defined partitions of large cohorts from increasingly available genetic variation studies. With the current tendency to large (cross)nation-wide sequencing and variation initiatives, we expect an ever growing need for the kind of computational support hereby proposed.
RTX-KG2: a system for building a semantically standardized knowledge graph for translational biomedicine
Authors: Wood E. C. , Glen Amy K. , Kvarfordt Lindsey G. , Womack Finn , Acevedo Liliana , Yoon Timothy S. , Ma Chunyu , Flores Veronica , Sinha Meghamala , Chodpathumwan Yodsawalai , Termehchy Arash , Roach Jared C. , Mendoza Luis , Hoffman Andrew S. , Deutsch Eric W. , Koslicki David , Ramsey Stephen A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Biomedical translational science is increasingly using computational reasoning on repositories of structured knowledge (such as UMLS, SemMedDB, ChEMBL, Reactome, DrugBank, and SMPDB in order to facilitate discovery of new therapeutic targets and modalities. The NCATS Biomedical Data Translator project is working to federate autonomous reasoning agents and knowledge providers within a distributed system for answering translational questions. Within that project and the broader field, there is a need for a framework that can efficiently and reproducibly build an integrated, standards-compliant, and comprehensive biomedical knowledge graph that can be downloaded in standard serialized form or queried via a public application programming interface (API).

Results

To create aknowledge providersystem within the Translator project, we have developed RTX-KG2, an open-source software system for building—and hosting a web API for querying—a biomedical knowledge graph that uses an Extract-Transform-Load approach to integrate 70 knowledge sources (including the aforementioned core six sources) into a knowledge graph with provenance information including (where available) citations. The semantic layer and schema for RTX-KG2 follow the standard Biolink model to maximize interoperability. RTX-KG2 is currently being used by multiple Translator reasoning agents, both in its downloadable form and via its SmartAPI-registered interface. Serializations of RTX-KG2 are available for download in both the pre-canonicalized form and in canonicalized form (in which synonyms are merged). The current canonicalized version (KG2.7.3) of RTX-KG2 contains 6.4M nodes and 39.3M edges with a hierarchy of 77 relationship types from Biolink.

Conclusion

RTX-KG2 is the first knowledge graph that integrates UMLS, SemMedDB, ChEMBL, DrugBank, Reactome, SMPDB, and 64 additional knowledge sources within a knowledge graph that conforms to the Biolink standard for its semantic layer and schema. RTX-KG2 is publicly available for querying via its API atarax.rtx.ai/api/rtxkg2/v1.2/openapi.json. The code to build RTX-KG2 is publicly available atgithub:RTXteam/RTX-KG2.
Deep multiview learning to identify imaging-driven subtypes in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Feng Yixue , Kim Mansu , Yao Xiaohui , Liu Kefei , Long Qi , Shen Li ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2022

Background

In Alzheimer’s Diseases (AD) research, multimodal imaging analysis can unveil complementary information from multiple imaging modalities and further our understanding of the disease. One application is to discover disease subtypes using unsupervised clustering. However, existing clustering methods are often applied to input features directly, and could suffer from the curse of dimensionality with high-dimensional multimodal data. The purpose of our study is to identify multimodal imaging-driven subtypes in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) participants using a multiview learning framework based on Deep Generalized Canonical Correlation Analysis (DGCCA), to learn shared latent representation with low dimensions from 3 neuroimaging modalities.

Results

DGCCA applies non-linear transformation to input views using neural networks and is able to learn correlated embeddings with low dimensions that capture more variance than its linear counterpart, generalized CCA (GCCA). We designed experiments to compare DGCCA embeddings with single modality features and GCCA embeddings by generating 2 subtypes from each feature set using unsupervised clustering. In our validation studies, we found that amyloid PET imaging has the most discriminative features compared with structural MRI and FDG PET which DGCCA learns from but not GCCA. DGCCA subtypes show differential measures in 5 cognitive assessments, 6 brain volume measures, and conversion to AD patterns. In addition, DGCCA MCI subtypes confirmed AD genetic markers with strong signals that existing late MCI group did not identify.

Conclusion

Overall, DGCCA is able to learn effective low dimensional embeddings from multimodal data by learning non-linear projections. MCI subtypes generated from DGCCA embeddings are different from existing early and late MCI groups and show most similarity with those identified by amyloid PET features. In our validation studies, DGCCA subtypes show distinct patterns in cognitive measures, brain volumes, and are able to identify AD genetic markers. These findings indicate the promise of the imaging-driven subtypes and their power in revealing disease structures beyond early and late stage MCI.
Community-based mental health and well-being interventions for older adults in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Shrestha Nipun , Reilly Siobhan , White Ross G. , Zuluaga Maria Isabel , Saldarriaga Gabriel , Liu Ginger , Allen Dawn , Gabbay Mark
Published: September 2022

Background

Mental health support is often scarce in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with mental health stigmatised. Older adults are some of the most vulnerable members of society and may require specific types of mental health support. The aim of this mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the types, components, and efficacy of psychosocial community-based mental health interventions for older adults (aged 60 + years) residing in LMIC.

Methods

Six databases were searched in August 2021. Studies published since 2000 were included if they collected primary quantitative or qualitative data on community-based interventions for improving mental health for older adults residing in LMICs, focusing on improving mental health and well-being outcomes. Full texts were screened by two researchers.

Results

From 24,378 citations identified, 40 studies met eligibility criteria. Across 12 countries, interventions were categorised into those focusing on (1) Established forms of psychological therapy; (2) Exercise; (3) Education; (4) Social engagement; (5) Multi-component. Most interventions were effective in reducing levels of depression, anxiety, and improving well-being, including reminiscence therapy, different types of socialising, and breathing and laughter exercises. Some interventions reported no benefits and those that did at times failed to report continued benefits at follow-up. Given the variations in intervention type and delivery, cultures, and outcome measures used, underpinning factors of intervention success or failure were difficult to establish.

Conclusions

Psychosocial interventions for older adults in LMIC need to be adapted to local contexts depending on culture and population needs. Existing interventions and their components can be used as a foundation to produce adapted and multi-component interventions, to tackle growing and inadequate mental health care provision in LMIC.

Trial registration

The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO [CRD42021271404].
Enhanced disinfection with hybrid hydrogen peroxide fogging in a critical care setting
Authors: Khandelwal Anjay , Lapolla Brian , Bair Tina , Grinstead Frances , Hislop Meaghan , Greene Christine , Bigham Michael T.
Published: September 2022

Background

Environmental contamination contributes to hospital associated infections, particularly those caused by multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO). This study investigated bioburden presence on surfaces in a critical care center’s patient rooms following typical environmental services (EVS) practices and following intervention with hybrid hydrogen peroxide™ (HHP™) fogging.

Methods

Upon patient discharge, following standard cleaning or cleaning with ultraviolet (UV) light use, patient rooms were sampled by swabbing for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and aerobic colony counts (ACC) from five preset locations. Rooms were then fogged via HHP technology using chemical indicators and Geobacillus stearothermophilus biological indicators for sporicidal validation monitoring. Following fogging, rooms were sampled again, and results were compared.

Results

A 98% reduction in ACC was observed after fogging as compared to post EVS practices both with and without UV light use. No statistical difference was seen when comparing cleaning to cleaning with UV light use. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified following EVS practices and not detected following HHP fogging. ATP samples were reduced 88% by fogging application. Chemical and biological indicators confirmed correct application of HHP fogging, as seen through its achievement of a 6-log reduction of bacterial spores.

Conclusion

HHP fogging is a thorough and efficacious technology which, when applied to critical care patient rooms, significantly reduces bioburden on surfaces, indicating potential benefits for implementation as part of infection prevention measures.
Clinical and economic burden of respiratory syncytial virus in Spanish children: the BARI study
Authors: Martinón-Torres F. , Carmo M. , Platero L. , Drago G. , López-Belmonte J. L. , Bangert M. , Díez-Domingo J. , Garcés-Sánchez M.
Published: September 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of morbidity in children. However, its disease burden remains poorly understood, particularly outside of the hospital setting. Our study aimed to estimate the burden of medically attended acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) cases potentially related to RSV in Spanish children. Longitudinal data from September 2017 to June 2018 of 51,292 children aged < 5 years old from the National Healthcare System (NHS) of two Spanish regions were used. Three case definitions were considered: (a) RSV-specific; (b) RSV-specific and unspecified acute bronchiolitis (RSV-specific and Bronchiolitis), and; (c) RSV-specific and unspecified ALRI (RSV-specific and ALRI). A total of 3460 medically attended ALRI cases potentially due to RSV were identified, of which 257 (7.4%), 164 (4.7%), and 3039 (87.8%) coded with RSV-specific, unspecific bronchiolitis, and unspecific ALRI codes, respectively. Medically attended RSV-specific and ALRI cases per 1000 children was 134.4 in the first year of life, 119.4 in the second, and 35.3 between 2 and 5 years old. Most cases were observed in otherwise healthy children (93.1%). Mean direct healthcare cost per medically attended RSV-specific and ALRI case was €1753 in the first year of life, €896 in the second, and €683 between 2 and 5 years old. Hospitalization was the main driver of these costs, accounting for 55.6%, 38.0% and 33.4%, in each respective age group. In RSV-specific cases, mean direct healthcare cost per medically attended case was higher, mostly due to hospitalization: €3362 in the first year of life (72.9% from hospitalizations), €3252 in the second (72.1%), and €3514 between 2 and 5 years old (74.2%). These findings suggest that hospitalization data alone will underestimate the RSV infections requiring medical care, as will relying only on RSV-specific codes. RSV testing and codification must be improved and preventive solutions adopted, to protect all infants, particularly during the first year of life.
Comparison of the regressive effects of aflibercept and brolucizumab on pigment epithelial detachment
Authors: Mukai Ryo , Matsumoto Hidetaka , Nagai Kazuki , Akiyama Hideo
Published: September 2022

Background

To compare the regressive effects of aflibercept and brolucizumab on pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in age-related macular degeneration.

Methods

Eighty-three eyes of 83 patients diagnosed with type 1 macular neovascularization were included and retrospectively analysed using multimodal imaging. Forty-nine eyes were treated with intravitreal aflibercept injections (IVA group), and 34 eyes were treated with brolucizumab (IVBr group), with three consecutive injections administered as induction therapy. Before treatment and 1, 2, and 3 months after the first treatment, the maximum height (MH) and maximum diameter (MD) of the PED were measured using optical coherence tomography in each treatment group.

Results

In the IVA group, MH at baseline (228 ± 169 μm) diminished to 180 ± 150 (P = 0.2558), 165 ± 140 (P = 0.0962), and 150 ± 129 µm (P = 0.0284) at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment, respectively; the reduction at 3 months was significant. In contrast, in the IVBr group, the MH was 307 ± 254 µm before treatment, and it decreased to 183 ± 156 µm (P = 0.0113), 139 ± 114 µm (P = 0.0003), and 125 ± 126 µm (P < 0.0001) at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment, respectively, and the reduction at 1 month was significant. In both groups, the MD did not regress significantly.

Conclusions

The results suggested that the MH of PED after IVBr treatment regressed faster than that after IVA treatment.
The psychometric properties and the factorial structure of COVID-19 Vaccines Acceptance scale (VAC-COVID-19) within the Arabic language in a Palestinian contex
Authors: Mahamid Fayez , Veronese Guido
Published: September 2022

Background

The COVID-19 Vaccines Acceptance scale (VAC-COVID-19) is an international measure designed to evaluate vaccination acceptance against the COVID-19 virus. The current scale was translated from English to Arabic and validated within the Palestinian context.

Aims

Our study aimed to test the factorial structure and the psychotic properties of the VAC-COVID-19 within the Palestinian context using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) through 484 participants selected using online method techniques.

Findings

The VAC-COVID-19 was a reliable and valid method in assessing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among Palestinians. Results of CFA indicated a stable construct of a two-factor solution in assessing COVID-19 vaccination acceptance in a Palestinian context. (1) Reasons for not receiving the vaccination, and (2) for receiving the vaccination.

Conclusion

The VAC-COVID-19 was a valid method to assess vaccination acceptance in the Arabic language within the Palestinian context. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct similar studies with diverse samples in Palestinian society; it would be prudent to target at-risk populations needed to develop the scale and its factorial structure. The VAC-COVID-19 can be a useful measure to assess vaccination acceptance among Palestinians, enabling health providers to implement interventions to modify negative attitudes toward not receiving vaccinations.
A healthy lifestyle is positively associated with mental health and well-being and core markers in ageing
Authors: Hautekiet Pauline , Saenen Nelly D. , Martens Dries S. , Debay Margot , Van der Heyden Johan , Nawrot Tim S. , De Clercq Eva M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Studies often evaluate mental health and well-being in association with individual health behaviours although evaluating multiple health behaviours that co-occur in real life may reveal important insights into the overall association. Also, the underlying pathways of how lifestyle might affect our health are still under debate. Here, we studied the mediation of different health behaviours or lifestyle factors on mental health and its effect on core markers of ageing: telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA content (mtDNAc).

Methods

In this study, 6054 adults from the 2018 Belgian Health Interview Survey (BHIS) were included. Mental health and well-being outcomes included psychological and severe psychological distress, vitality, life satisfaction, self-perceived health, depressive and generalised anxiety disorder and suicidal ideation. A lifestyle score integrating diet, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption and BMI was created and validated. On a subset of 739 participants, leucocyte TL and mtDNAc were assessed using qPCR. Generalised linear mixed models were used while adjusting for a priori chosen covariates.

Results

The average age (SD) of the study population was 49.9 (17.5) years, and 48.8% were men. A one-point increment in the lifestyle score was associated with lower odds (ranging from 0.56 to 0.74) for all studied mental health outcomes and with a 1.74% (95% CI: 0.11, 3.40%) longer TL and 4.07% (95% CI: 2.01, 6.17%) higher mtDNAc. Psychological distress and suicidal ideation were associated with a lower mtDNAc of − 4.62% (95% CI: − 8.85, − 0.20%) and − 7.83% (95% CI: − 14.77, − 0.34%), respectively. No associations were found between mental health and TL.

Conclusions

In this large-scale study, we showed the positive association between a healthy lifestyle and both biological ageing and different dimensions of mental health and well-being. We also indicated that living a healthy lifestyle contributes to more favourable biological ageing.
Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi from sheep and goats in China
Authors: Wang Penglin , Zheng Ling , Liu Linke , Yu Fuchang , Jian Yichen , Wang Rongjun , Zhang Sumei , Zhang Longxian , Ning Changshen , Jian Fuchun
Published: September 2022

Background

Few studies have molecularly characterized the potential zoonotic protozoa, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in sheep and goats in China, therefore total 472 fecal samples were collected from eight provinces and infection rates of three protozoa were determined by PCR analysis of corresponding loci. All PCR positive samples were sequenced to identify the genotype.

Results

The overall infection rates for Cryptosporidium, G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi were 1.9% (9/472), 20.6% (97/472), and 44.5% (210/472), respectively. C. xiaoi (n = 5), C. ubiquitum (n = 3), and C. anderson (n = 1) were identified in goats. 97 G. duodenalis strains were successfully detected, and assembly E (n = 96) and assembly A (n = 1) were identified. Two novel G. duodenalis multilocus genotype (MLGs) were identified, with one belonging to subgroup AI and the other to subgroup E5. Nine known genotype (BEB6, CD6, CHC8, CHG3, CHG5, Peru6, CHG1, CHG2, and COS-I) and four new genotype (CHG26, CHG27, CHG28, and CHS18) were identified in E. bieneusi, with CHG3 dominant in this group.

Conclusions

The present results highlight the role of sheep and goats as reservoir hosts for this three gastrointestinal pathogens. In summary, we provided a platform for more detailed research on genotyping or subtyping intestinal pathogens to better understand their risks and modes of transmission.
Value of multi-detector computed tomography combined with serum tumor markers in diagnosis, preoperative, and prognostic evaluation of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Su Jianli , Wang Yunfeng , Shao Hua , You Xinting , Li Shuying
Published: September 2022

Background

Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and serum tumor markers are commonly used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC). In this article, we focused on the evaluation of the clinical value of MDCT combined with serum tumor markers CA199, CA242, and CEA in diagnosis, preoperative, and prognostic evaluation of PC.

Methods

Eighty-five PC patients (PC group) and 39 patients with pancreatitis (control group) admitted to our hospital were selected for our present research study. MDCT, CA199, CA242, and CEA examination were examined in all patients, and their value in diagnosis, preoperative, and prognostic evaluation of PC was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

There were 69 patients whose clinical staging results of MDCT were consistent with the postoperative pathological diagnosis. The coincidence rate was 70.00% in stage I, 62.96% in stage II, 72.72% in stage III, and 80.00% in stage IV, respectively, and the overall coincidence rate was 69.57%The levels of CA199, CA242, and CEA in PC group were remarkably higher than those in control group and were sharply correlated with clinical stage, differentiation degree, and distant metastasis. The sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value of MDCT combined with serum CA199, CA242 and CEA in the diagnosis of PC were significantly improved compared with those of each single test. In PC group, the 2-year event-free survival rate of the group with high CA199, CA242, and CEA expression was remarkably lower than that of the low expression group.

Conclusion

MDCT combined with CA199, CA242, and CEA notably improved the diagnostic efficiency of PC and had guiding significance for preoperative and prognostic evaluation of PC.
The 980 nm diode laser treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor with en bloc technique: single-center experience
Authors: Mao Tianci , Zhang Hongyi , Cui Jie , Zhao Zhiguang , Jiao Dian , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2022

Background

Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) is one of the most established urological procedures for the treatment of the primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 980 nm diode laser as a treatment for primary NMIBC.

Methods

Eighty-eight patients with NMIBC were treated by en bloc transurethral resection with 980 nm diode laser, and 76 patients were treated by plasmakinetic transurethral resection from May 2016 to July 2019 at the Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University. The clinical data were collected and compared between the two groups.

Results

The bladder irrigation time was shortened in 980 nm diode laser group compared to that of plasmakinetic transurethral resection group (4.1 ± 0.6 vs 13.1 ± 3.1 h,p< 0.001). A total of 13.2% (10/76) patients experienced obturator nerve reflex, and 5.3% (4/76) experienced delayed bleeding in plasmakinetic transurethral resection group, while no obturator nerve reflex and delayed bleeding cases were observed in 980 nm diode laser group (p< 0.05). The postoperative catheterization and hospitalization time showed no significant difference between the two groups. The median follow-up time was 27 months (13–38 months). No significant difference in the recurrence rate was observed between the two groups.

Conclusions

The 980 nm diode laser is an effective and safe tool in transurethral resection of NMIBC using en bloc technique. It has less perioperative complications and shortened bladder irrigation time.
Capturing critical data elements in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: initiatives to improve data capture
Authors: Ryan Meghan E. , Warmin Andrew , Binstadt Bryce A. , Correll Colleen K. , Hause Emily , Hobday Patricia , Lerman Alison , Mahmud Shawn A. , Riskalla Mona M. , Shaheen Zachary , Vehe Richard K. , Bullock Danielle R. ,   the Pediatric Rheumatology Care,   Outcomes Improvement Network
Published: September 2022

Background

Documentation of critical data elements is a focus of the Pediatric Rheumatology Care and Outcomes Improvement Network to aid in clinical care and research for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We aimed to increase data capture for critical data elements and hypothesized that quality improvement methodology would improve data capture. We also hypothesized that data capture for all critical data elements would be lower for virtual visits compared to in-person visits.

Methods

All visits for patients with JIA between 9/14/2020 and 12/31/2021 at the University of Minnesota were included. We assessed completeness of critical data element capture. Sixteen interventions with providers were conducted, including email reminders, individual discussions, group meetings, and feedback reports. We used statistical process control charts to evaluate change over time.

Results

Baseline included 355 patient-visits: 221 (62%) in-person and 134 (38%) virtual with critical data elements entry ranging between 50 and 60%. Post-intervention included 1,596 patient-visits: 1,350 (85%) in-person and 246 (15%) virtual, with critical data elements entry reaching 91%. All providers improved data entry during this study. In-person visits had significantly higher data capture rates than virtual visits for all 4 critical data elements.

Conclusion

We achieved our aim to increase critical data element documentation by focusing on provider buy-in, frequent reminders, and individualized feedback. We also found that collection of critical data elements occurred significantly less often with virtual visits than with in-person visits. Now that we improved capture of critical data elements, we can shift the focus to efforts aimed at improving outcomes for patients with juvenile arthritis.
Cytomegalovirus infection may be oncoprotective against neoplasms of B-lymphocyte lineage: single-institution experience and survey of global evidence
Authors: Janković Marko , Knežević Aleksandra , Todorović Milena , Đunić Irena , Mihaljević Biljana , Soldatović Ivan , Protić Jelena , Miković Nevenka , Stoiljković Vera , Jovanović Tanja
Published: September 2022

Background

Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) is not considered tumorigenic, there is evidence for its oncomodulatory effects and association with hematological neoplasms. Conversely, a number of experimental and clinical studies suggest its putative anti-tumour effect. We investigated the potential connection between chronic CMV infection in patients with B-lymphocyte (B-cell) malignancies in a retrospective single-center study and extracted relevant data on CMV prevalences and the incidences of B-cell cancers the world over.

Methods

In the clinical single-center study, prevalence of chronic CMV infection was compared between patients with B-cell leukemia/lymphoma and the healthy controls. Also, global data on CMV seroprevalences and the corresponding country-specific incidences of B- lineage neoplasms worldwide were investigated for potential correlations.

Results

Significantly higher CMV seropositivity was observed in control subjects than in patients with B-cell malignancies (p = 0.035). Moreover, an unexpected seroepidemiological evidence of highly significant inverse relationship between country-specific CMV prevalence and the annual incidence of B-cell neoplasms was noted across the populations worldwide (ρ = −0.625, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We try to draw attention to an unreported interplay between CMV infection and B-cell lymphomagenesis in adults. A large-scale survey across > 70 countries disclosed a link between CMV and B-cell neoplasms. Our evidence hints at an antagonistic effect of chronic CMV infection against B-lymphoproliferation.
Stepped implementation-to-target: a study protocol of an adaptive trial to expand access to addiction medications
Authors: Ford James H. , Cheng Hannah , Gassman Michele , Fontaine Harrison , Garneau Hélène Chokron , Keith Ryan , Michael Edward , McGovern Mark P.
Published: September 2022

Background

In response to the US opioid epidemic, significant national campaigns have been launched to expand access to `opioid use disorder (MOUD). While adoption has increased in general medical care settings, specialty addiction programs have lagged in both reach and adoption. Elevating the quality of implementation strategy, research requires more precise methods in tailoring strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all-approach, documenting participant engagement and fidelity to the delivery of the strategy, and conducting an economic analysis to inform decision making and policy. Research has yet to incorporate all three of these recommendations to address the challenges of implementing and sustaining MOUD in specialty addiction programs.

Methods

This project seeks to recruit 72 specialty addiction programs in partnership with the Washington State Health Care Authority and employs a measurement-based stepped implementation-to-target approach within an adaptive trial design. Programs will be exposed to a sequence of implementation strategies of increasing intensity and cost: (1) enhanced monitoring and feedback (EMF), (2) 2-day workshop, and then, if outcome targets are not achieved, randomization to either internal facilitation or external facilitation. The study has three aims: (1) evaluate the sequential impact of implementation strategies on target outcomes, (2) examine contextual moderators and mediators of outcomes in response to the strategies, and (3) document and model costs per implementation strategy. Target outcomes are organized by the RE-AIM framework and the Addiction Care Cascade.

Discussion

This implementation project includes elements of a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) design and a criterion-based design. An innovative and efficient approach, participating programs only receive the implementation strategies they need to achieve target outcomes. Findings have the potential to inform implementation research and provide key decision-makers with evidence on how to address the opioid epidemic at a systems level.

Trial registration

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05343793) on April 25, 2022.
Assessment of IMPT versus VMAT plans using different uncertainty scenarios for prostate cancer
Authors: Butkus Michael P. , Brovold Nellie , Diwanji Tejan , Xu Yihang , De Ornelas Mariluz , Dal Pra Alan , Abramowitz Matt , Pollack Alan , Dogan Nesrin
Published: September 2022

Background

To assess the impact of systematic setup and range uncertainties for robustly optimized (RO) intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans in patients with localized prostate cancer.

Methods

Twenty-six localized prostate patients previously treated with VMAT (CTV to PTV expansion of 3-5 mm) were re-planned with RO-IMPT with 3 mm and 5 mm geometrical uncertainties coupled with 3% range uncertainties. Robust evaluations (RE) accounting for the geometrical uncertainties of 3 and 5 mm were evaluated for the IMPT and VMAT plans. Clinical target volume (CTV), anorectum, and bladder dose metrics were analyzed between the nominal plans and their uncertainty perturbations.

Results

With geometric uncertainties of 5 mm and accounting for potential inter-fractional perturbations, RO-IMPT provided statistically significant (p < 0.05) sparing at intermediate doses (V4000cGy) to the anorectum and bladder and high dose sparring (V8000cGy) to the bladder compared to VMAT. Decreasing the RO and RE parameters to 3 mm improved IMPT sparing over VMAT at all OAR dose levels investigated while maintaining equivalent coverage to the CTV.

Conclusions

For localized prostate treatments, if geometric uncertainties can be maintained at or below 3 mm, RO-IMPT provides clear dosimetric advantages in anorectum and bladder sparing compared to VMAT. This advantage remains even under uncertainty scenarios. As geometric uncertainties increase to 5 mm, RO-IMPT still provides dosimetric advantages, but to a smaller magnitude.
Characteristics and prognosis of primary pulmonary osteosarcoma: a pooled analysis
Authors: Huang Weijia , Deng Han-Yu , Li Deyan , Li Peiwei , Xu Kai , Zhang Yu-Xiao , Weng Jia-Hui , Zhou Qinghua
Published: September 2022

Background

Primary pulmonary osteosarcoma (PPOS) is an uncommon malignancy originating from the lung with low incidence, and its clinical characteristics and prognosis have not been systematically reported. Therefore, we aimed to recognize the prognostic factors and constructed a survival prediction model for PPOS.

Methods

We collected the data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and systematic review of previous studies. Demographical and clinical characteristics, radiographic manifestations, treatment modalities, and prognosis were analyzed. A prediction model via nomogram was constructed and then evaluated by the concordance index (C-index) and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

A total of 49 cases were included for analysis with a median age of 67 years old (range 33–94 years), of which 32 (65.3%) were male. The median size was 6 cm (range 1.8-25 cm), and the median overall survival (OS) was eight months (interquartile range 4.5–12 months) with a 1-year OS rate of 30.8%. Tumor size over 7 cm (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.98; P = 0.018) and those without microscopic findings of osteoid found in the tumors (HR = 2.11; P = 0.048) were referred to a poor OS, while surgery was associated with an improved OS (HR = 0.20; P < 0.001). The C-index of the nomogram prediction model was 0.771, and the area under curve, sensitivity and specificity of the ROC curve were 0.818, 0.848 and 0.800, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with PPOS had a poor prognosis, and tumor size was mostly prognostic. Surgery seemed to be an effective treatment, and the prediction model with a nomogram in our study could effectively predict the prognosis of patients with PPOS.
Medicinal and edible plants in the treatment of dyslipidemia: advances and prospects
Authors: Hu Ying , Chen Xingjuan , Hu Mu , Zhang Dongwei , Yuan Shuo , Li Ping , Feng Ling
Published: September 2022

Dyslipidemia is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which lead to the high mortality, disability, and medical expenses in the worldwide. Based on the previous researches, the improvement of dyslipidemia could efficiently prevent the occurrence and progress of cardiovascular diseases. Medicinal and edible plants (MEPs) are the characteristics of Chinese medicine, and could be employed for the disease treatment and health care mostly due to their homology of medicine and food. Compared to the lipid-lowering drugs with many adverse effects, such as rhabdomyolysis and impaired liver function, MEPs exhibit the great potential in the treatment of dyslipidemia with high efficiency, good tolerance and commercial value. In this review, we would like to introduce 20 kinds of MEPs with lipid-lowering effect in the following aspects, including the source, function, active component, target and underlying mechanism, which may provide inspiration for the development of new prescription, functional food and complementary therapy for dyslipidemia.