bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the strategies opioid manufacturers used to recruit health professionals and encourage overprescribing: an analysis of industry documents
Authors: Lee Christie , Tsui Allison , Xu Selina , Apollonio Dorie E.
Published: August 2024

Background

More than 263,000 individuals died due to prescription opioid misuse between 1999 and 2020. Between 2013 and 2015 alone, pharmaceutical companies spent over $39 million to market opioids to over 67,000 prescribers. However, there is still limited information about differences in provider responses to promotions for medications. In this study we investigated and evaluated strategies used by opioid manufacturers to encourage overprescribing, specifically focusing on oncology.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of opioid industry documents released in litigation between 1999 and 2021. We began with a preliminary search for business plans in a subset of collections that identified key terms and phrases. These search terms were then used to narrow the investigation, which ultimately focused on Insys Therapeutics, and how they targeted oncology providers as well as patients with cancer pain.

Results

We found that, overall, Insys sought to market to institutions with fewer resources, to less experienced and high-volume providers, and directly to cancer patients, with the goal of encouraging increased opioid prescribing and use.

Conclusions

Our research revealed gaps in provider training that may make some providers more susceptible to pharmaceutical marketing. Developing and promoting continuing education courses for providers that are free from conflicts of interest, particularly at smaller institutions, may be one step towards reducing opioid overprescribing and its associated harms.
Prediction of 30-day mortality for ICU patients with Sepsis-3
Authors: Yu Zhijiang , Ashrafi Negin , Li Hexin , Alaei Kamiar , Pishgar Maryam
Published: August 2024

Background

There is a growing demand for advanced methods to improve the understanding and prediction of illnesses. This study focuses on Sepsis, a critical response to infection, aiming to enhance early detection and mortality prediction for Sepsis-3 patients to improve hospital resource allocation.

Methods

In this study, we developed a Machine Learning (ML) framework to predict the 30-day mortality rate of ICU patients with Sepsis-3 using the MIMIC-III database. Advanced big data extraction tools like Snowflake were used to identify eligible patients. Decision tree models and Entropy Analyses helped refine feature selection, resulting in 30 relevant features curated with clinical experts. We employed the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) model for its efficiency and predictive power.

Results

The study comprised a cohort of 9118 Sepsis-3 patients. Our preprocessing techniques significantly improved both the AUC and accuracy metrics. The LightGBM model achieved an impressive AUC of 0.983 (95% CI: [0.980–0.990]), an accuracy of 0.966, and an F1-score of 0.910. Notably, LightGBM showed a substantial 6% improvement over our best baseline model and a 14% enhancement over the best existing literature. These advancements are attributed to (I) the inclusion of the novel and pivotal feature Hospital Length of Stay (HOSP_LOS), absent in previous studies, and (II) LightGBM’s gradient boosting architecture, enabling robust predictions with high-dimensional data while maintaining computational efficiency, as demonstrated by its learning curve.

Conclusions

Our preprocessing methodology reduced the number of relevant features and identified a crucial feature overlooked in previous studies. The proposed model demonstrated high predictive power and generalization capability, highlighting the potential of ML in ICU settings. This model can streamline ICU resource allocation and provide tailored interventions for Sepsis-3 patients.
Job satisfaction and intent to stay in neonatal nursing in England and Wales: a study protocol
Authors: Chant Kathy , Latour Jos M. , Booth Nicola , Viola Lisa , Crofts Kelly , Nishimura Yoko , Gallagher Katie
Published: August 2024

Background

Nursing shortages are an ongoing concern for neonatal units, with many struggling to meet recommended nurse to patient ratios. Workforce data underlines the high proportion of neonatal nurses nearing retirement and a reduced number of nurses joining the profession. In order to recommend strategies to increase recruitment and retention to neonatal nursing, we need to understand the current challenges nurses are facing within the profession. The aim of this study is to investigate current job satisfaction, burnout, and intent to stay in neonatal nursing in England and Wales.

Methods

This study has two parts: (1) a systematic review exploring job satisfaction, burnout and intent to stay in neonatal nursing, and any previous interventions undertaken to enhance nurse retention, (2) an online survey of neonatal nurses in England and Wales exploring job satisfaction, burnout and intent to stay in neonatal nursing. We will measure job satisfaction using the McCloskey Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS), burnout using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and the Nurse Retention Index (NRI) will be used to measure intent to stay. All nurses working in neonatal units in England and Wales will be eligible to participate in the nursing survey.

Discussion

Retention of neonatal nurses is a significant issue affecting neonatal units across England and Wales, which can impact the delivery of safe patient care. Exploring job satisfaction and intent to stay will enable the understanding of challenges being faced and how best to support neonatal nurses. Identifying localised initiatives for the geographical areas most at risk of nurses leaving would help to improve nurse retention.
Research evidence communication for policy-makers: a rapid scoping review on frameworks, guidance and tools, and barriers and facilitators
Authors: Barreto Jorge Otávio Maia , de Melo Roberta Crevelário , da Silva Letícia Aparecida Lopes Bezerra , de Araújo Bruna Carolina , de Freitas Oliveira Cintia , Toma Tereza Setsuko , de Bortoli Maritsa Carla , Demaio Peter Nichols , Kuchenmüller Tanja
Published: August 2024

Background

Communication is a multifaceted process, ranging from linear, one-way approaches, such as transmitting a simple message, to continuous exchanges and feedback loops among stakeholders. In particular the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for timely, effective and credible evidence communication to increase awareness, levels of trust, and evidence uptake in policy and practice. However, whether to improve policy responses in crises or address more commonplace societal challenges, comprehensive guidance on evidence communication to decision-makers in health policies and systems remains limited. Our objective was to identify and systematize the global evidence on frameworks, guidance and tools supporting effective communication of research evidence to facilitate knowledge translation and evidence-informed policy-making processes, while also addressing barriers and facilitators.

Methods

We conducted a rapid scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Manual. Literature searches were performed across eight indexed databases and two sources of grey literature, without language or time restrictions. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed, and a narrative-interpretative synthesis was applied to present the findings.

Results

We identified 16 documents presenting either complete frameworks or framework components, including guidance and tools, aimed at supporting evidence communication for policy development. These frameworks outlined strategies, theoretical models, barriers and facilitators, as well as insights into policy-makers’ perspectives, communication needs, and preferences. Three primary evidence communication strategies, comprising eleven sub-strategies, emerged: “Health information packaging”, “Targeting and tailoring messages to the audience”, and “Combined communication strategies”. Based on the documented barriers and facilitators at micro, meso and macro levels, critical factors for successful communication of evidence to policy-makers were identified.

Conclusions

Effective communication is indispensable for facilitating knowledge translation and evidence-informed policy-making. Nonetheless gaps persist in frameworks designed to enhance research communication to policy-makers, particularly regarding the effectiveness of multiple communication strategies. To advance in this field, the development of comprehensive frameworks incorporating implementation strategies is warranted. Additionally, barriers and facilitators to implementing effective communication must be recognized and addressed taking diverse contexts into consideration.

Registrationhttps://zenodo.org/record/5578550
IL-1β-activated PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways coordinately promote induction of partial epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Tabei Yosuke , Nakajima Yoshihiro
Published: August 2024

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process in embryonic development, wound healing, organ fibrosis, and cancer metastasis. Previously, we and others have reported that proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induces EMT. However, the exact mechanisms, especially the signal transduction pathways, underlying IL-1β-mediated EMT are not yet completely understood. Here, we found that IL-1β stimulation leads to the partial EMT-like phenotype in human lung epithelial A549 cells, including the gain of mesenchymal marker (vimentin) and high migratory potential, without the complete loss of epithelial marker (E-cadherin). IL-1β-mediated partial EMT induction was repressed by PI3K inhibitor LY294002, indicating that the PI3K/AKT pathway plays a significant role in the induction. In addition, ERK1/2 inhibitor FR180204 markedly inhibited the IL-1β-mediated partial EMT induction, demonstrating that the MEK/ERK pathway was also involved in the induction. Furthermore, we found that the activation of the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways occurred downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway and the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) pathway, respectively. Our findings suggest that the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways coordinately promote the IL-1β-mediated partial EMT induction. The inhibition of not one but both pathways is expected yield clinical benefits by preventing partial EMT-related disorders such as organ fibrosis and cancer metastasis.
Roadmap for low-carbon ultra-low temperature storage in biobanking
Authors: Graham Matthew , Samuel Gabrielle , Farley Martin
Published: August 2024

Biobanks have become an integral part of health and bioscience research. However, the ultra-low temperature (ULT) storage methods that biobanks employ [ULT freezers and liquid nitrogen (LN2)] are associated with carbon emissions that contribute to anthropogenic climate change. This paper aims to provide a ‘Roadmap’ for reducing carbon emissions associated with ULT storage in biobanking. The Roadmap offers recommendations associated with nine areas of ULT storage practice: four relating to ULT freezers, three associated with LN2 storage, and two generalised discussions regarding biosample management and centralisation. For each practice, we describe (a) the best approaches to mitigate carbon emissions, (b) explore barriers associated with hindering their implementation, and (c) make a series of recommendations that can help biobank stakeholders overcome these barriers. The recommendations were the output of a one year, UK-based, multidisciplinary research project that involved a quantitative Carbon Footprinting Assessment of the emissions associated with 1 year of ULT storage (for both freezers and LN2) at four different case study sites; as well as two follow up stakeholder workshops to qualitatively explore UK biobank stakeholder perceptions, views, and experiences on how to consider such assessments within the broader social, political, financial, technical, and cultural contexts of biobanking.
Deliberation concerning the role of M1-type macrophage subset in oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Li Chen-xi , Gong Zhong-cheng , Yu Jing-wen
Published: August 2024

Over the last decade, accumulating evidence has suggested that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a significant role in the tumor development. This commentary wishes to highlight the findings by You, et al. that M1-like TAMs could cascade a mesenchymal/stem-like phenotype of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) via the IL6/Stat3/THBS1 feedback loop. These unprecedented findings identified M1-like TAMs-regulated processes as potentially tumor-promotion in the context of OSCC immunomicroenvironment.
Green synthesis of Carbonized Chitosan-Fe3O4-SiO2 nano-composite for adsorption of heavy metals from aqueous solutions
Authors: Ali Dalia Amer , Ali Rinad Galal
Published: August 2024

Water pollution with heavy metals owing to industrial and agricultural activities have become a critical dilemma to humans, plants as well as the marine environment. Therefore, it is of great importance that the carcinogenic heavy metals present in wastewater to be eliminated through designing treatment technologies that can remove multiple pollutants. A novel green magnetic nano-composite called (Carbonized Chitosan-Fe3O4-SiO2) was synthesized using Co-precipitation method to adsorb a mixture of heavy metal ions included; cobalt (Co2+), nickel (Ni2+) and copper (Cu2+) ions from aqueous solutions. The novelty of this study was the synthesis of a new nano-composite which was green with magnetic properties to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Its magnetic properties made it separated easily from solutions after accomplishment of the adsorption process using a magnet. Extended Freundlich isotherm was the best fitted model with maximum adsorption capacity of the metal ions mixture 2908.92 mg/g. Different experimental parameters have been studied included the initial concentration for a mixture of nickel, cobalt and copper metal ions (0.05–0.1 molar), dosage of adsorbent (0.5–3.5 g/L) and contact time (6–90 min) to investigate their changing effect on the removal percents of the heavy metal ions mixture from aqueous solutions. The experimental adsorption percent of cobalt ion ranged from 1.58 to 64.28%, nickel ion adsorption percent ranged from 10.68 to 94.12% and copper ion adsorption percent ranged from 4.41 to 76.23% at pH = 9 were based on the combination of the adsorption process parameters.
Focused allergic rhinitis practice parameter for Canada
Authors: Ellis Anne K. , Cook Victoria , Keith Paul K. , Mace Sean R. , Moote William , O’Keefe Andrew , Quirt Jaclyn , Rosenfield Lana , Small Peter , Watson Wade
Published: August 2024

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent disease in Canada that affects both children and adults. Several guidelines for the management of AR have been published by professional allergy societies worldwide. However, there are regional differences in the clinical management of AR, and regulatory approval of some AR pharmacotherapies varies among countries. Thus, six research questions specific to the treatment of AR in Canada were identified for this focused practice parameter. Reviews of the literature published since 2016 were conducted to obtain evidence-based support for the responses of the Work Group to each research question. In response to research question 1 “In patients with symptoms indicative of AR, is serum-specific IgE sufficient to identify candidates for immunotherapy or is a skin prick test mandatory?” the Work Group concluded that either sIgE testing or skin prick test are acceptable for diagnosing AR and guiding immunotherapy. In response to research question 2 “When taking into account the preferences of the patient and the prescriber (stakeholder engagement) should second-generation oral antihistamine (OAH) or intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) be first line?” the Work Group concluded that existing guidelines generally agree on the use of INCS as a first-line therapy used for AR, however, patient and provider preferences and considerations can easily shift the first choice to a second-generation OAH. In response to research question 3 “Is a combination intranasal antihistamine (INAH)/INCS formulation superior to INCS plus OAH? Do they become equivalent after prolonged use?” the Work Group concluded that that the combination INAH/INCS is superior to an INCS plus OAH. However, there was insufficient evidence to answer the second question. In response to research question 4 “Do leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) have a greater benefit than OAH in AR for some symptoms to justify a therapeutic trial in those who cannot tolerate INCS?” the Work Group concluded that LTRAs have inferior, or at best equivalent, daytime or overall symptom control compared with OAH, but LTRAs may improve nighttime symptom control and provide benefits in patients with AR and concomitant asthma. In response to research question 5 “Should sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets be considered first-line immunotherapeutic options over subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) based on the evidence of efficacy?” the Work Group concluded that the choice of SLIT or SCIT cannot be made on efficacy alone, and differences in other factors outweigh any differences in efficacy. In response to research question 6 “Based on efficacy data, should ALL patients seen by an allergist be offered SLIT or SCIT as a treatment option?” the Work Group concluded that the efficacy data suggests that SLIT or SCIT should be used broadly in patients with AR, but other clinical concerns also need to be taken into consideration.
The interplay between teacher beliefs, instructional practices, and students’ reading achievement: national evidence from PIRLS 2021 using path analysis
Authors: Bleukx Nele , Denies Katrijn , Van Keer Hilde , Aesaert Koen
Published: August 2024

Background

Reading and reading comprehension are crucial skills, yet many students in grade 4 struggle with them. To address this, several instructional practices have gained popularity. For one, explicit reading strategy instruction (ERSI) is deemed useful, given the finding that successful readers tend to employ reading strategies. As a second example, differentiated reading instruction (DRI) is believed to improve all students’ reading comprehension. Indeed, a one-size-fits-all approach may not work for all students, considering their different reader profiles. Despite the importance of ERSI and DRI, much uncertainty remains about what happens in the classroom and why. One way to understand teacher instructional practices such as ERSI and DRI, is by applying psychological behavioural theories to the teaching context. They provide a framework to predict human behaviour based on human characteristics and beliefs. Educational research points to teachers’ self-efficacy (TSE) and attitudes (TA) as particularly important concepts, especially in the field of science. However, associations between TA, TSE, instructional practices and students’ reading achievement remain insufficiently studied. This study addresses this knowledge gap by exploring the interplay between TSE and TA regarding ERSI and DRI, the implementation of these practices, and students’ reading achievement.

Methods

DigitalPIRLS 2021 data from Belgium (Flanders) were used. To gather information about ERSI, DRI, TA and TSE, national adaptations were made to the teacher questionnaires. Three nested path models with a two-level design (students nested into classes) were estimated.

Results

This study indicates that teachers with higher TSE and more positive TA in ERSI and DRI implement these practices more frequently. Positive TA regarding ERSI and DRI also correspond to positive TSE regarding these instructional practices. Furthermore, ERSI and DRI implementation are positively related. Finally, no significant associations between teacher beliefs, instructional practices, and students’ reading comprehension were found.

Conclusion

Whereas TSE and TA are considered highly context-dependent, uncertainty remains about TSE and TA regarding ERSI and DRI. The results highlight the importance of subject-specific TSE and TA for teachers’ instructional practices. Ultimately, the findings emphasize the necessity of supporting teachers in developing their TSE and TA towards reading comprehension instruction.
Discovery of novel Trichoderma-based bioactive compounds for controlling potato virus Y based on molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation techniques
Authors: Rizk Mohamed N. , Ketta Hammad A. , Shabana Yasser M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Although potato virus Y (PVY) is the most serious virus-infecting potato plants worldwide, the losses concurred by it remain unmanageable due to the lack of efficient anti-PVY agents. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the antiviral properties of secondary metabolite compounds obtained from culture filtrates of four Trichoderma spp. isolates. The assessment was conducted using computational methods, including molecular docking, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis, as well as molecular dynamics simulations. The aim was to develop novel and effective agents for combating PVY.

Results

The GC–MS analysis of the studied Trichoderma spp. secondary metabolites revealed 24 compounds with relative amounts exceeding 10%. Molecular docking was then performed using MOE software to evaluate the activity of these compounds against the PVY protein coat (PDB-ID: 6HXX). Ningnanmycin and ribavirin, known plant virus inhibitors, were employed as reference ligands for comparison. Among the compounds tested, C9, C10, C13, and C19 exhibited superior docking scores, root mean square deviation (RMSD) values, and binding modes compared to the reference ligands. In addition, these compounds successfully passed the ADMET analysis. Further investigation focused on compounds C13 and C19, which underwent in-depth analysis through MDs for 100 ns. The MDs trajectories demonstrated that both complexes exhibited favorable stability, compactness, and binding modes throughout the simulation period. However, the C19/PVY-CP complex outperformed the C13 complex in all calculated parameters such as RMSD, root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (RoG), solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Interestingly, these findings aligned with the results obtained from the docking analysis, indicating that C9 and C10 possess high potential against PVY, as they exhibited binding modes like that of C19.

Conclusion

These promising outcomes provide a solid foundation for considering the potential use of compounds C9, C10, C13, and C19 as antiviral agents. Further experimental validation and in-depth studies are warranted to assess the efficacy and safety of these compounds and their potential as antiviral therapeutics. To our knowledge, this is the first report to study the biological activities of the Trichoderma-based bioactive compounds against PVY using computational techniques.

Graphical abstract
Intraoperative severe gastric venous congestion during total pancreatectomy with replaced common hepatic artery: a case report
Authors: Yamanaka Takahiro , Araki Kenichiro , Suzuki Hideki , Osawa Hidenobu , Shirabe Ken
Published: August 2024

Background

Gastric venous congestion (GVC) is one of the complications of total pancreatectomy (TP). Here, we report a case of intraoperative severe GVC during TP with a replaced common hepatic artery (RCHA).

Case presentation

A 65-year-old female patient was diagnosed with intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma. Her CHA branched from the superior mesenteric artery as RCHA. She underwent subtotal stomach preserving TP. The tumor was resected with splenic artery (SpA) and total gastric vein transections. Severe GVC and bleeding from the stomach tube occurred intraoperatively. A strong pulsation was observed in the left gastric artery (LGA), and we suspected an increased blood flow from the celiac artery (CeA) to the LGA after SpA resection. Total gastrectomy (TG) was then performed to control the severe GVC-related bleeding. The patient was discharged without complications 19 days postoperatively.

Conclusion

TP with RCHA may increase the risk of severe GVC due to increased blood flow from CeA to LGA.
MICROPHERRET: MICRObial PHEnotypic tRait ClassifieR using Machine lEarning Techniques
Authors: Bizzotto Edoardo , Fraulini Sofia , Zampieri Guido , Orellana Esteban , Treu Laura , Campanaro Stefano
Published: August 2024

Background

In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of microbial genomes reconstructed through shotgun sequencing, and obtained by newly developed approaches including metagenomic binning and single-cell sequencing. However, our ability to functionally characterize these genomes by experimental assays is orders of magnitude less efficient. Consequently, there is a pressing need for the development of swift and automated strategies for the functional classification of microbial genomes.

Results

The present work leverages a suite of supervised machine learning algorithms to establish a range of 86 metabolic and other ecological functions, such as methanotrophy and plastic degradation, starting from widely obtainable microbial genome annotations. Tests performed on independent datasets demonstrated robust performance across complete, fragmented, and incomplete genomes above a 70% completeness level for most of the considered functions. Application of the algorithms to the Biogas Microbiome database yielded predictions broadly consistent with current biological knowledge and correctly detecting functionally-related nuances of archaeal genomes. Finally, a case study focused on acetoclastic methanogenesis demonstrated how the developed machine learning models can be refined or expanded with models describing novel functions of interest.

Conclusions

The resulting tool, MICROPHERRET, incorporates a total of 86 models, one for each tested functional class, and can be applied to high-quality microbial genomes as well as to low-quality genomes derived from metagenomics and single-cell sequencing. MICROPHERRET can thus aid in understanding the functional role of newly generated genomes within their micro-ecological context.
Harnessing real-life experiences: the development of guidelines to communicate research findings on Developmental Coordination Disorder/dyspraxia
Authors: Purcell Catherine , Dahl Annie , Gentle Judith , Hill Elisabeth , Kirby Amanda , Mason Abby , McQuillan Victoria , Meek Andrea , Payne Sally , Scott-Roberts Sally , Shaw Krystal , Wilmut Kate
Published: August 2024

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, affects 5–15% of school-aged children (Hamilton and Sutton, Am Fam Physician 66:1435, 2002) and significantly impacts a child’s ability to learn motor skills and perform everyday activities efficiently and effectively (Zwicker et al., Eur J Paediatr Neurol 16:573–81, 2012). These motor deficits can have a negative impact on academic performance, vocational choices and leisure pursuits (Zwicker et al., Eur J Paediatr Neurol 16:573–81, 2012) and profoundly impact quality of life (Izadi-Najafabadi et al., Res Dev Disabil 84:75–84, 2019). DCD persists into adulthood (Kirby et al., J Adult Dev 18:107–13, 2011), impacting motor as well as emotional and behavioural status (Tal Saban and Kirby, Curr Dev Disord Rep 5:9–17, 2018). Despite the continued increase in research in the field of DCD, awareness of DCD remains poor (O’Kelly NL., From invisibility to invincibility: Guidelines for supporting families through the diagnosis and journey with developmental coordination disorder, 2012) even though it has higher prevalence rates when compared to, for example, autism spectrum disorder (Yan et al., J Autism Dev Disord :1–7, 2024), which in part may be due to a lack of accessible research findings. A fundamental feature of the research process is disseminating research findings. This should involve community members in design and delivery to ensure the accessibility of research findings.

In 2022 the DCD-UK committee established a DCD Research Advisory Group (DCD-RAG) which met over the course of 12 months to: (1) identify issues of inaccessible research findings; (2) determine the need for a repository for research summaries; (3) co-create guidelines for authors and (4) agree a process for reviewing research summaries to be housed on the Movement Matters website. The new co-produced research repository, author guidelines and process were launched at the DCD-UK conference in Manchester 2023 and subsequently shared on social media and through the DCD research email list. The creation of the DCD-RAG and the process that we undertook together to create a non-academic repository for DCD research summaries are described. It is hoped that this repository will enable the wider public, community members and professionals to be able to readily benefit from accessible research, increasing a deeper and broader understanding of the evidence in the field.
Anesthesia management for percutaneous mitral valve repair in a patient with mitochondrial cardiomyopathy and low cardiac function: a case report
Authors: Tashima Koichiro , Hayashi Masakiyo , Oyoshi Takafumi , Uemura Jo , Korematsu Shinnosuke , Hirata Naoyuki
Published: August 2024

Background

Mitochondrial cardiomyopathy occurs when impaired mitochondrial energy production leads to myocardial dysfunction. Anesthetic management in such cases is challenging due to risks of circulatory depression associated with anesthesia and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by anesthetics. Although there are reports of anesthetic management for patients with mitochondrial diseases, there are few reports specifically addressing cardiac anesthesia for patients with mitochondrial cardiomyopathy. We present a case where percutaneous mitral valve repair with MitraClip™ was successfully performed under remimazolam anesthesia in a patient with mitochondrial cardiomyopathy who developed functional mitral valve regurgitation due to low cardiac function and cardiomegaly.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman was diagnosed with chronic cardiac failure, with a 10-year history of dilated cardiomyopathy. She was diagnosed with mitochondrial cardiomyopathy 8 years ago. Over the past 2 years, her cardiac failure worsened, and mitral valve regurgitation gradually developed. Surgical intervention was considered but deemed too risky due to her low cardiac function, with an ejection fraction of 26%. Therefore, percutaneous MitraClip™ implantation was selected. After securing radial artery and central venous catheterization under sedation with dexmedetomidine, anesthesia was induced with a low dose of remimazolam 4 mg/kg/h. Anesthesia was maintained with remimazolam 0.35–1.0 mg/kg/h and remifentanil 0.1 μg/kg/min. Noradrenaline and dobutamine were administered intraoperatively, and the procedure was completed successfully without circulatory collapse. The patient recovered smoothly from anesthesia and experienced no complications. She was discharged on the eighth day after surgery.

Conclusion

Anesthesia management with remimazolam appears to be a safe and effective for MitraClip™ implantation in patients with mitochondrial cardiomyopathy.
Testing reliability and validity of the Korean version of Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (K-DASH)
Authors: Chung Seon-Yoon , Park Bu Kyung , Kim Myoung Jin , Rudolph Jenny W. , Fey Mary , Simon Robert
Published: August 2024

Background

Use of the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH©) would be beneficial for novice debriefers with less or no formal training in debriefing. However, the DASH translated into Korean and tested for psychometrics is not yet available. Thus, this study was to develop a Korean version of the DASH student version (SV) and test its reliability and validity among baccalaureate nursing students in Korea.

Methods

The participants were 99 baccalaureate nursing students. Content validity using content validity index (CVI), construct validity using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient were assessed.

Results

Both Item-CVIs and Scale-CVI were acceptable. EFA supported the unidimensional latent structure of Korean DASH-SV and results of CFA indicated 6 items converged within the extracted factor, significantly contributing to the factor (p ≤ .05). Items were internally consistent (Cronbach’s α = 0.82).

Conclusion

The Korean version of the DASH-SV is arguably a valid and reliable measure of instructor behaviors that could improve faculty debriefing and student learning in the long term.
Synergistic effect of Metarhizium flavoviride and Serratia marcescens on western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Koç Muhammed , Bekircan Eski Duygu , Güllü Mustafa , Demir İsmail , Eski Ardahan
Published: August 2024

Background

The western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is an important polyphagous pest in both greenhouses and fields. Due to its wide range of host plants and short life cycle, the pest causes overwhelming damage and has led to the destruction of many crops. The combined use of entomopathogenic microorganisms could be an important option to overcome the difficulties in controlling WFT. The virulence of thirty local entomopathogen isolates was tested on WFT, and possibilities of combined application for WFT control were investigated.

Results

All isolates were virulent for both the second larval stage and the adult stage of WFT. Serratia marcescens Se9 was the most virulent bacterial isolate with a mortality of 54 and 69.6% against the second larval and the adult stages of WFT, respectively. The LC50 values of the Se9 isolate were determined to be 4 × 106 cfu/ml for the second larval stage and 6.3 × 106 cfu/ml for the adult stage. Among the fungal isolates, Metarhizium flavoviride As18 showed a mortality rate of 92.1 and 74.5% against the second larval and the adult stages of WFT, respectively. The LC50 value was determined to be 1.6 × 104 and 7.1 × 104 conidia/ml for the second larval and adult stages of WFT, respectively. The combined application of S. marcescens Se9 and M. flavoviride As18 at different concentrations generally performed better than single treatments, indicating an additive or synergistic interaction. While the single treatment with S. marcescens and M. flavoviride caused a mortality of 20.4 and 49.5%, respectively, the combined application (S. marcescens LC25; M. flavoviride 100 × LC25) resulted in a mortality of 95.7% of the second larval stage. Similarly, the combined application caused 96% mortality in the adult stage, while the single treatments with S. marcescens and M. flavoviride caused 11.3 and 61.3% mortality, respectively.

Conclusion

The study showed that the combined application of S. marcescens (LC25) and M. flavoviride (LC25 × 100) resulted in synergism against both second larval and adult stages of WFT. This is the first study to show that the combination of S. marcescens and M. flavoviride had synergistic potential to suppress the WFT population. In future studies, these microorganisms should be formulated together as biopesticides and tested under greenhouse or field conditions.
Reproductive outcomes in women with advanced endometriosis in fresh versus frozen embryo transfer cycles
Authors: Shoukry Ahmed , Gazeirly Wael Samir El , Khattab Mohamed Abdelkader , Abdelmoneim Hesham Mahmoud Adel
Published: August 2024

Background

ART in women with endometriosis is associated with poor quality of the retrieved oocytes and lower fertilization and pregnancy rates, reflecting that endometriosis may influence fertility by altering the quality of both the oocyte and embryo quality and also by impairing the endometrial receptivity. On comparing endometriosis-affected patients to healthy counterparts, many differences were demonstrated at the endometrial level. Thus, choosing the appropriate method of embryo transfer is of utmost importance, particularly for patients with advanced endometriosis.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to compare the reproductive outcomes between fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles in women with advanced endometriosis.

Material and methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the period from January 2018 until December 2021 for patients recruited from two IVF centers, Alexandria, Egypt. Careful review of paper and electronic medical records of infertile women (primary, relative, or secondary infertility) aged 18–37 years who were diagnosed with advanced endometriosis by means of laparoscopy and were scheduled for ICSI followed by either fresh embryo transfer (group I) or freeze-all embryos and deferred embryo transfer (group II) of day 5 embryo(s) was included in the study.

Results

Two-hundred and eleven women were eligible and included in the study. Women in each study group were matched regarding baseline characteristics. Clinical pregnancy, implantation, and ongoing pregnancy rates were statistically significantly higher in the group of frozen embryo transfer (p < 0.001). Miscarriage rate was found to be higher in the group of fresh transfer compared to FET group but without a statistical significance (20.9% vs 9.2%, p = 0.072).

Conclusion

In women with advanced endometriosis, freeze-all policy seems to be associated with better implantation, ongoing pregnancy rates.
Relationship between differential auditory sensitivity and central auditory processing among musicians and nonmusicians
Authors: Arthanarieaswaran Susi Priya , Sahayaraj Perpetua Nancy , Chelliah Pushpa Sarona Edwin , Neelamegarajan Devi , Ravirose Udhayakumar , Karupaiah Kamalakannan
Published: August 2024

Background

Music is the art of combining vocals or instruments to form the beauty of expression. Perception of the sounds includes two types of processing: bottom-up and top-down. Earlier studies have reported that musicians outperformed nonmusicians in the discrimination of frequency, intensity, duration, temporal processing tasks, and working memory. The present study compared musicians’ and nonmusicians’ differential sensitivity and auditory processing abilities in children and younger adults.

Methods

A total of 120 participants in the age range of 9–15 years and 18–25 years were recruited for the study and were further divided into four groups: children musicians, children nonmusicians, young adult musicians, young adult nonmusicians group A, B, C, D, respectively. Each group consisted of 30 participants. Further, all the participants were assessed with Differential sensitivity tests such as DLI, DLF, DDT, GDT, and Dichotic CV.

Results

The study revealed a high statistical difference in the DLI, DLF, DDT, GDT, and DCV, indicating that children who learned music had better scores than those who did not. A similar trend was observed for younger adults, wherein musicians scored better than nonmusicians on differential sensitivity and auditory processing abilities.

Conclusion

It was observed that younger adults (musicians and nonmusicians) showed no difference in Dichotic CV, which shows that the maturation and auditory ability of the younger adults are stabilized. Hence, the present study infers that intensive musical training influences superior performance in auditory perceptual tasks.
Rethinking professional boundaries: the climate crisis and brain health
Authors: Conroy Ronán M. , Golden Jeannette , Malone Conor
Published: August 2024

Since climate change affects psychiatric, neurological and neuropsychological disorders, as well as brain development, the Irish Doctors for the Environment working group on mental health has changed its title and remit to brain health. Mental health professionals need to respond coherently and effectively to the climate crisis. This need challenges traditional professional, disciplinary and academic boundaries and demands a holistic, person-centred approach. We propose that meeting this challenge is vital if the public, policy-makers and legislators are to grasp the full extent of the significance of climate's impact on brain health.
Contribution of severe mental disorders to fatally harmful effects of physical disorders: national cohort study
Authors: Formánek Tomáš , Krupchanka Dzmitry , Perry Benjamin I. , Mladá Karolína , Osimo Emanuele F. , Masopust Jiří , Jones Peter B. , Plana-Ripoll Oleguer
Published: August 2024

Background

It remains unknown whether severe mental disorders contribute to fatally harmful effects of physical illness.

Aims

To investigate the risk of all-cause death and loss of life-years following the onset of a wide range of physical health conditions in people with severe mental disorders compared with matched counterparts who had only these physical health conditions, and to assess whether these associations can be fully explained by this patient group having more clinically recorded physical illness.

Method

Using Czech national in-patient register data, we identified individuals with 28 physical health conditions recorded between 1999 and 2017, separately for each condition. In these people, we identified individuals who had severe mental disorders recorded before the physical health condition and exactly matched them with up to five counterparts who had no recorded prior severe mental disorders. We estimated the risk of all-cause death and lost life-years following each of the physical health conditions in people with pre-existing severe mental disorders compared with matched counterparts without severe mental disorders.

Results

People with severe mental disorders had an elevated risk of all-cause death following the onset of 7 out of 9 broadly defined and 14 out of 19 specific physical health conditions. People with severe mental disorders lost additional life-years following the onset of 8 out 9 broadly defined and 13 out of 19 specific physical health conditions. The vast majority of results remained robust after considering the potentially confounding role of somatic multimorbidity and other clinical and sociodemographic factors.

Conclusions

A wide range of physical illnesses are more likely to result in all-cause death in people with pre-existing severe mental disorders. This premature mortality cannot be fully explained by having more clinically recorded physical illness, suggesting that physical disorders are more likely to be fatally harmful in this patient group.
Prevalence and risk of psychiatric disorders in young people: prospective cohort study exploring the role of childhood trauma (the HUNT study)
Authors: Stangeland Helle , Aakvaag Helene Flood , Baumann-Larsen Monica , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Ottesen Akiah , Zwart John Anker , Storheim Kjersti , Dyb Grete , Stensland Synne Øien
Published: August 2024

Background

Better knowledge about childhood trauma as a risk factor for psychiatric disorders in young people could help strengthen the timeliness and effectiveness of prevention and treatment efforts.

Aims

To estimate the prevalence and risk of psychiatric disorders in young people following exposure to childhood trauma, including interpersonal violence.

Method

This prospective cohort study followed 8199 adolescents (age range 12–20 years) over 13–15 years, into young adulthood (age range 25–35 years). Data about childhood trauma exposure from adolescents participating in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT, 2006–2008) were linked to data about subsequent development of psychiatric disorders from the Norwegian Patient Registry (2008–2021).

Results

One in four (24.3%) adolescents were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder by young adulthood. Regression analyses showed consistent and significant relationships between childhood exposure to both interpersonal violence and other potentially traumatic events, and subsequent psychiatric disorders and psychiatric comorbidity. The highest estimates were observed for childhood exposure to two or more types of interpersonal violence (polyvictimisation), and development of psychotic disorders (odds ratio 3.41, 95% CI 1.93–5.72), stress and adjustment disorders (odds ratio 4.20, 95% CI 3.05–5.71), personality disorders (odds ratio 3.98, 95% CI 2.70–5.76), alcohol-related disorders (odds ratio 3.28, 95% CI 2.06–5.04) and drug-related disorders (odds ratio 4.67, 95% CI 2.87–7.33).

Conclusions

These findings emphasise the importance of integrating knowledge about childhood trauma as a potent risk factor for psychopathology into the planning and implementation of services for children, adolescents and young adults.
One Year Changes in Body Composition and Musculoskeletal Health Following Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Jassil Friedrich C , Papageorgiou Maria , Mackay Emily , Carnemolla Alisia , Kingett Helen , Doyle Jacqueline , Kirk Amy , Lewis Neville , Montagut Gemma , Marvasti Parastou , Brown Adrian , Chaiyasoot Kusuma , Zakeri Roxanna , Mok Jessica , Wingrove Jed , Collet Tinh-Hai , Devalia Kalpana , Parmar Chetan , Makaronidis Janine , Batterham Rachel L
Published: August 2024

Context

There are limited comparative studies between one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) vs Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on body composition and musculoskeletal health.

Objective

To compare changes in body composition, areal bone mineral density (aBMD), muscle strength, and physical function in the first year following OAGB, RYGB, and SG within a UK-based healthcare setting.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the BARI-LIFESTYLE trial in 119 adults (77% women; mean ± SD age 45.9 ± 10.3 years; body mass index 43.6 ± 5.5 kg/m2) who underwent OAGB (n = 19), RYGB (n = 39), and SG (n = 61). Body composition and aBMD by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, handgrip strength, sit to stand (STS) test and 6-minute walking test (6MWT) were assessed presurgery and at 12 months postsurgery.

Results

OAGB, RYGB, and SG exhibited similar reductions in body weight, body fat, and lean mass (within-group comparisons, P < .001). All surgery types were associated with reductions in aBMD at the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine, which were more pronounced after OAGB and RYGB than after SG (all P < .03), though there was no difference between OAGB and RYGB. Despite reductions in absolute handgrip strength, relative handgrip strength, STS test, and 6MWT improved postsurgery (all P < .02), with no differences by surgical procedure.

Conclusion

OAGB, RYGB, and SG resulted in comparable weight loss, changes in body composition and improvements in relative muscle strength and physical function. OAGB and RYGB, compared with SG, led to greater BMD reductions at clinically relevant sites. Future long-term studies should explore whether these BMD reductions translate into a greater fracture risk.
Guest Editor's Introduction—Expansive Trajectories: Remapping Transnationalism in the Global China Era
Authors: Martin Fran
Published: August 2024

This introductory article reflects critically on the history of Chinese transnationalism studies in relation to intensifying cross-border engagements by PR Chinese state and nonstate actors today. Revisiting 1990s scholarship on Chinese transnationalism(s), it argues that the global China concept helps us attend to the significant impacts of China’s economic and geopolitical rise on earlier patterns of transborder cultural flows, hence to the ways that new patterns can be interpreted. The article considers the continuities and tensions the seven articles in this issue elucidate between state-led transnationalism “from above” and the myriad forms of transnationalism “from below” instantiated in the lived experiences of ordinary people. From an ethnographic perspective, this issue considers a wide range of transnational movements affecting cultural life within and beyond the PRC, investigating how these intensified transborder flows are reconfiguring social identities this century. Three core themes emerge: the often unpredictable responses to state initiatives by Chinese people living transnational lives; the transnationalization of class reproduction for both working-class and middle-class subjects as a consequence of new cross-border flows; and the revitalization of old forms of racism and the emergence of new ones as a result of evolving transnational mobilities of Chinese media, people, and capital today.