bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scoping review of considerations and practices for benefit sharing in biobanking
Authors: Sudoi Allan , De Vries Jantina , Kamuya Dorcas
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite the rapid global growth of biobanking over the last few decades, and their potential for the advancement of health research, considerations specific to the sharing of benefits that accrue from biobanks have received little attention. Questions such as the types and range of benefits that can arise in biobanking, who should be entitled to those benefits, when they should be provided, by whom and in what form remain mostly unanswered. We conducted a scoping review to describe benefit sharing considerations and practices in biobanking in order to inform current and future policy and practice.

Methods

Drawing on the Arksey and O’Malley framework, we conducted a scoping review of the literature in three online databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar). We extracted and charted data to capture general characteristics, definitions and examples of benefits and benefit sharing, justification for benefit sharing, challenges in benefit sharing, governance mechanisms as well as proposed benefit sharing mechanisms.

Results

29 articles published between 1999 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria for the study. The articles included 5 empirical and 24 non-empirical studies. Only 12 articles discussed benefit sharing as a stand-alone subject, while the remaining 17 integrated a discussion of benefits as one issue amongst others. Major benefit sharing challenges in biobanking were found to be those associated with uncertainties around the future use of samples and in resultant benefits.

Conclusion

Most of the benefit sharing definitions and approaches currently in use for biobanking are similar to those used in health research. These approaches may not recognise the distinct features of biobanking, specifically relating to uncertainties associated with the sharing and re-use of samples. We therefore support approaches that allow decisions about benefit sharing to be made progressively once it is apparent who samples are to be shared with, the intended purpose and expected benefits. We also highlight gaps in key areas informing benefit sharing in biobanking and draw attention to the need for further empirical research.
Implementation of an Electronic Medication Management System in a large tertiary hospital: a case of qualitative inquiry
Authors: Vaghasiya Milan Rasikbhai , Penm Jonathan , Kuan Kevin K. Y. , Gunja Naren , Liu Yiren , Kim Eui Dong , Petrina Neysa , Poon Simon
Published: July 2021

Background

Hospitals across Australia are implementing Clinical Information Systems, e.g. Electronic Medication Management Systems (EMMS) at a rapid pace to moderate health services. The benefits of the EMMS depend on the acceptance of the system by the clinicians. The study hospital used a unique patient-centric implementation strategy that was based on the guiding principle of “one patient, one chart” to avoid a patient being on a hybrid medication chart. This paper aims to study the factors facilitating or hindering the adoption of the EMMS as viewed by clinicians and the implementation team.

Methods

Four focus groups (FG), one each for (1) doctors, (2) nurses, (3) pharmacists, and (4) implementation team, were conducted. A guide for the FG was based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).

Results

A total of 23 unique subthemes were identified and were grouped into five main themes (1) implementation strategy, (2) organisational outcome of EMMS, (3) individual impact of EMMS, (4) IT product, and (5) organisational culture. Clinicians reported improvement in their workflow efficiency post-EMMS implementation. They also reported some challenges in using the EMMS that centered around the area of infrastructure, technical and design issues. Additionally, the implementation team highlighted two crucial factors influencing the success of EMMS implementation, namely: (1) the patient-centric implementation strategy, and (2) the organisation readiness.

Conclusion

Overall, this study outlines the implementation process of the EMMS in a large healthcare facility from the clinicians’ and the implementation team’s perspectives using UTAUT model. The result suggests that clinicians’ acceptance of the EMMS was highly influenced by the unique implementation strategy (namely, patient-centric approach and clinical leadership in the implementation team). Whereas the level of adoption of EMMS by clinicians was determined by their level of perceived and realised benefits. On the other hand, a number of barriers to the adoption of EMMS were discovered, namely, general training instead of customised training based on local needs, technical and design issues and lack of availability of computer systems. It is suggested that promptly resolving these issues can improve the adoption of the EMMS.
Illness experience and coping styles of young and middle-aged patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a qualitative study
Authors: Yuan Yang , Wang Hong , Chen Qiuyun , Xie Congyan , Li Haixia , Lin Lu , Tian Li
Published: July 2021

Background

The incidence of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is increasing and tends to occur at a young age. The patient’s disease experience during treatment is related to their physical and mental health. Effective coping styles such as proactively solving problems and asking for help will alleviate the patients’ psychological symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Aims and objectives

To explore the illness experience and coping styles of young and middle-aged patients with SSNHL (age: 18–64 years), clarify the relationship between the two, and understand the psychological state and needs of the patients.

Methods

The purposive and maximum difference sampling method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 23 young and middle-aged SSNHL patients. The interview data were analyzed by Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis.

Results

The illness experience of young and middle-aged SSNHL patients was complex, including symptoms during the onset of deafness and emotional experience before and after diagnosis. The coping styles of young and middle-aged SSNHL patients were active and diverse, including active acquisition of information, change in living habits, and seeking the care and attention of medical staff. Illness experience and coping style influence each other: good illness experience leads to active coping styles; active coping style results in good illness experience.

Conclusions

The illness experience of young and middle-aged SSNHL patients includes not only physical symptoms, but also changes in psychological and emotional reactions. Good illness experience can lead patients to adopt active coping style. Active and effective coping styles, such as positive acquisition of information, change in living habits and seeking care and help, can improve patients’ illness experience.
Association of alcohol consumption with morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease: original data and meta-analysis of 48,423 men and women
Authors: Ding Chengyi , O’Neill Dara , Bell Steven , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Britton Annie
Published: July 2021

Background

Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption has been reported to be cardio-protective among apparently healthy individuals; however, it is unclear whether this association is also present in those with disease. To examine the association between alcohol consumption and prognosis in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), we conducted a series of meta-analyses of new findings from three large-scale cohorts and existing published studies.

Methods

We assessed alcohol consumption in relation to all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and subsequent cardiovascular events via de novo analyses of 14,386 patients with a previous myocardial infarction, angina, or stroke in the UK Biobank Study (median follow-up 8.7 years, interquartile range [IQR] 8.0–9.5), involving 1640 deaths and 2950 subsequent events, and 2802 patients and 1257 deaths in 15 waves of the Health Survey for England 1994–2008 and three waves of the Scottish Health Survey 1995, 1998, and 2003 (median follow-up 9.5 years, IQR 5.7–13.0). This was augmented with findings from 12 published studies identified through a systematic review, providing data on 31,235 patients, 5095 deaths, and 1414 subsequent events. To determine the best-fitting dose-response association between alcohol and each outcome in the combined sample of 48,423 patients, models were constructed using fractional polynomial regression, adjusting at least for age, sex, and smoking status.

Results

Alcohol consumption was associated with all assessed outcomes in a J-shaped manner relative to current non-drinkers, with a risk reduction that peaked at 7 g/day (relative risk 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.73–0.85) for all-cause mortality, 8 g/day (0.73, 0.64–0.83) for cardiovascular mortality and 6 g/day (0.50, 0.26–0.96) for cardiovascular events, and remained significant up to 62, 50, and 15 g/day, respectively. No statistically significant elevated risks were found at higher levels of drinking. In the few studies that excluded former drinkers from the non-drinking reference group, reductions in risk among light-to-moderate drinkers were attenuated.

Conclusions

For secondary prevention of CVD, current drinkers may not need to stop drinking. However, they should be informed that the lowest risk of mortality and having another cardiovascular event is likely to be associated with lower levels of drinking, that is up to approximately 105g (or equivalent to 13 UK units, with one unit equal to half a pint of beer/lager/cider, half a glass of wine, or one measure of spirits) a week.
Follow-up study of airway microbiota in children with persistent wheezing
Authors: Wu Lei , Shen Chencong , Chen Yuanling , Yang Xin , Luo Xiaofei , Hang Chengcheng , Yan Lingling , Xu Xuefeng
Published: July 2021

Background

Increasing evidence revealed that airway microbial dysbiosis was associated with increased risk of asthma, or persistent wheezing (PW). However, the role of lung microbiota in PW or wheezing recurrence remains poorly understood.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we performed a longitudinal 16S rRNA-based microbiome survey on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples collected from 35 infants with PW and 28 age-matched infants (control group). A 2-year follow-up study on these PW patients was conducted. The compositions of lower airway microbiota were analyzed at the phylum and genus levels.

Results

Our study showed a clear difference in lower airway microbiota between PW children and the control group. Children with PW had a higher abundance of Elizabethkingia and Rothia, and lower abundance of Fusobacterium compared with the control group. At the end of the 2-year follow-up, 20 children with PW (57.1%) experienced at least one episode of wheezing, and 15 (42.9%) did not suffer from wheezing episodes. Furthermore, PW children with recurrence also had increased abundances of Elizabethkingia and Rothia relative to those who had no recurrence. Additionally, wheezing history, different gender, and caesarean section demonstrated a greater impact in airway microbiota compositions.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the alterations of lower airway microbiota could be strongly associated with the development of wheezing, and early airway microbial changes could also be associated with wheezing recurrence later in life.
Pioglitazone use associated with reduced risk of the first attack of ischemic stroke in patients with newly onset type 2 diabetes: a nationwide nested case–control study
Authors: Ha Junghee , Choi Dong-Woo , Kim Keun You , Nam Chung Mo , Kim Eosu
Published: July 2021

Background

Pioglitazone use is known to be associated with a reduced risk of recurrent stroke in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who have a history of stroke. However, it is unclear whether this benefit extends to patients without a history of stroke. We aimed to evaluate the association between pioglitazone use and development of first attack of ischemic stroke in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 DM.

Methods

Using longitudinal nationwide data from the 2002–2017 Korean National Health Insurance Service DM cohort, we analyzed the association between pioglitazone use and incidence of primary ischemic stroke using a nested case–control study. Among 128,171 patients with newly onset type 2 DM who were stroke-free at the time of DM diagnosis, 4796 cases of ischemic stroke were identified and matched to 23,980 controls based on age, sex, and the onset and duration of DM. The mean (standard deviation) follow-up time was 6.08 (3.34) years for the cases and controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between ischemic stroke and pioglitazone use were analyzed by multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses adjusted for comorbidities, cardiometabolic risk profile, and other oral antidiabetic medications.

Results

Pioglitazone use was associated with a reduced risk of first attack of ischemic stroke (adjusted OR [AOR] 0.69, 95% CI 0.60–0.80) when compared with non-use. Notably, pioglitazone use was found to have a dose-dependent association with reduced rate of ischemic stroke emergence (first cumulative defined daily dose [cDDD] quartile AOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.74–1.32; second quartile, AOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.56–1.06; third quartile, AOR 0.51, 95% Cl 0.36–0.71; highest quartile, AOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.33–0.69). More pronounced risk reduction was found in patients who used pioglitazone for more than 2 years. A further stratified analysis revealed that pioglitazone use had greater protective effects in patients with risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and current smoking.

Conclusions

Pioglitazone use may have a preventive effect on primary ischemic stroke in patients with type 2 DM, particularly in those at high risk of stroke.
Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the accumulation of high amounts of triacylglycerol
Authors: Arhar Simon , Gogg-Fassolter Gabriela , Ogrizović Mojca , Pačnik Klavdija , Schwaiger Katharina , Žganjar Mia , Petrovič Uroš , Natter Klaus
Published: July 2021

Background

Fatty acid-based substances play an important role in many products, from food supplements to pharmaceutical products and biofuels. The production of fatty acids, mainly in their esterified form as triacylglycerol (TAG), has been intensively studied in oleaginous yeasts, whereas much less effort has been invested into non-oleaginous species. In the present work, we engineered the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is commonly regarded as non-oleaginous, for the storage of high amounts of TAG, comparable to the contents achieved in oleaginous yeasts.

Results

We investigated the effects of several mutations with regard to increased TAG accumulation and identified six of them as important for this phenotype: a point mutation in the acetyl-CoA carboxylase Acc1p, overexpression of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase Dga1p, deletions of genes coding for enzymes involved in the competing pathways glycogen and steryl ester synthesis and TAG hydrolysis, and a deletion of CKB1, the gene coding for one of the regulatory subunits of casein kinase 2. With the combination of these mutations in a S. cerevisiae strain with a relatively high neutral lipid level already in the non-engineered state, we achieved a TAG content of 65% in the dry biomass. High TAG levels were not only obtained under conditions that favor lipid accumulation, but also in defined standard carbon-limited media.

Conclusions

Baker's yeast, which is usually regarded as inefficient in the storage of TAG, can be converted into a highly oleaginous strain that could be useful in processes aiming at the synthesis of fatty acid-based products. This work emphasizes the importance of strain selection in combination with metabolic engineering to obtain high product levels.
MINDY1 promotes bladder cancer progression by stabilizing YAP
Authors: Luo Yongwen , Zhou Jun , Tang Jianing , Zhou Fengfang , He Zhiwen , Liu Tongzu , Liu Tao
Published: July 2021

Background

Bladder cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed urological malignant tumor. The Hippo tumor suppressor pathway is highly conserved in mammals and plays an important role in carcinogenesis. YAP is one of major key effectors of the Hippo pathway. However, the mechanism supporting abnormal YAP expression in bladder cancer remains to be characterized.

Methods

Western blot was used to measure the expression of MINDY1 and YAP, while the YAP target genes were measured by real-time PCR. CCK8 assay was used to detect the cell viability. The xeno-graft tumor model was used for in vivo study. Protein stability assay was used to detect YAP protein degradation. Immuno-precipitation assay was used to detect the interaction domain between MINDY1 and YAP. The ubiquitin-based Immuno-precipitation assays were used to detect the specific ubiquitination manner happened on YAP.

Results

In the present study, we identified MINDY1, a DUB enzyme in the motif interacting with ubiquitin-containing novel DUB family, as a bona fide deubiquitylase of YAP in bladder cancer. MINDY1 was shown to interact with, deubiquitylate, and stabilize YAP in a deubiquitylation activity-dependent manner. MINDY1 depletion significantly decreased bladder cancer cell proliferation. The effects induced by MINDY1 depletion could be rescued by further YAP overexpression. Depletion of MINDY1 decreased the YAP protein level and the expression of YAP/TEAD target genes in bladder cancer, including CTGF, ANKRD1 and CYR61.

Conclusion

In general, our findings establish a previously undocumented catalytic role for MINDY1 as a deubiquitinating enzyme of YAP and provides a possible target for the therapy of bladder cancer.
A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study to evaluate the causal role of reduced blood vitamin D levels with type 2 diabetes risk in South Asians and Europeans
Authors: Bejar Cynthia A. , Goyal Shiwali , Afzal Shoaib , Mangino Massimo , Zhou Ang , van der Most Peter J. , Bao Yanchun , Gupta Vipin , Smart Melissa C. , Walia Gagandeep K. , Verweij Niek , Power Christine , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Singh Jai Rup , Mehra Narinder K. , Wander Gurpreet S. , Ralhan Sarju , Kinra Sanjay , Kumari Meena , de Borst Martin H. , Hyppönen Elina , Spector Tim D. , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Blackett Piers R. , Sanghera Dharambir K.
Published: July 2021

Context

Multiple observational studies have reported an
inverse relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin
D concentrations (25(OH)D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the results of
short- and long-term interventional trials concerning the relationship between 25(OH)D and T2D risk have been
inconsistent.

Objectives and methods

To evaluate the causal role of reduced blood
25(OH)D in T2D, here we have performed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization
study using 59,890 individuals (5,862 T2D cases and 54,028 controls) from
European and Asian Indian ancestries. We used six known SNPs, including three
T2D SNPs and three vitamin D pathway SNPs, as a genetic instrument to evaluate
the causality and direction of the association between T2D and circulating
25(OH)D concentration.

Results

Results of the combined meta-analysis of eight
participating studies showed that a composite score of three T2D SNPs would
significantly increase T2D risk by an odds ratio (OR) of 1.24, p = 1.82 × 10–32; Z score 11.86, which, however, had
no significant association with 25(OH)D status (Beta -0.02nmol/L ± SE
0.01nmol/L; p = 0.83; Z score -0.21). Likewise, the genetically
instrumented composite score of 25(OH)D lowering alleles significantly
decreased 25(OH)D concentrations (-2.1nmol/L ± SE 0.1nmol/L,
p = 7.92 × 10–78; Z score -18.68) but was not
associated with increased risk for T2D (OR 1.00, p = 0.12;
Z score 1.54). However, using 25(OH)D synthesis SNP (DHCR7; rs12785878) as an
individual genetic instrument, a per allele reduction of 25(OH)D concentration
(-4.2nmol/L ± SE 0.3nmol/L)
was predicted to increase T2D risk by 5%, p = 0.004;
Z score 2.84. This effect, however, was not seen in other 25(OH)D SNPs (GC
rs2282679, CYP2R1 rs12794714) when used as an individual instrument.

Conclusion

Our new data on this bidirectional Mendelian
randomization study suggests that genetically instrumented T2D risk does not
cause changes in 25(OH)D levels. However, genetically regulated 25(OH)D
deficiency due to vitamin D synthesis gene (DHCR7) may influence the risk of
T2D.
Transition into the sexual and reproductive role: a qualitative exploration of Iranian married adolescent girls’ needs and experiences
Authors: Kohan Shahnaz , Allahverdizadeh Shirin , Farajzadegan Ziba , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Boroumandfar Zahra
Published: July 2021

Background

It is necessary to invest in married adolescent girls’ health because of their roles in promoting the community and health of the next generation. Meanwhile, there are many concerns about their sexual and reproductive health. The International Conference on Population and Development emphasized the importance of access to adolescent girls to reproductive health services and counseling. In Iran, about 24% of registered marriages are to girls under 19, while their sexual and reproductive health needs have neglected. Therefore, this study aimed to identify married adolescent girls’ reproductive and sexual needs.

Methods/design

Data were obtained through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews with 36 participants, including 11 women who got married at 10 to 21 years of age, two mothers whose daughters were married in adolescence, and 23 healthcare providers and policymakers. The participants were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation. Data collection continued until data saturation. The interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Similar codes were merged, and sub-categorization was performed, whereby similar categories were combined until the main categories that emerged.

Results

The results revealed five main categories: preparing for marriage, enhancing awareness and decision—making power on sexual and reproductive health issues, developing adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive services, providing tailored pregnancy and childbirth services, and preparing adolescents for motherhood.

Conclusion

Adolescents step into marital life without the required life skills or physical and mental preparedness. They often become pregnant due to social pressures and lack of access to contraception. Therefore, in countries like Iran, where there is a high frequency of early marriage, families, education, and the health system should prepare the necessary foundation to support these adolescents and provide tailored and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.
A wearable ring-shaped inertial system to identify action planning impairments during reach-to-grasp sequences: a pilot study
Authors: Rovini Erika , Galperti Guenda , Manera Valeria , Mancioppi Gianmaria , Fiorini Laura , Gros Auriane , Robert Philippe , Cavallo Filippo
Published: July 2021

Background

The progressive ageing of the population is leading to an increasing number of people affected by cognitive decline, including disorders in executive functions (EFs), such as action planning. Current procedures to evaluate cognitive decline are based on neuropsychological tests, but novel methods and approaches start to be investigated. Reach-to-grasp (RG) protocols have shown that intentions can influence the EFs of action planning. In this work, we proposed a novel ring-shaped wearable inertial device, SensRing, to measure kinematic parameters during RG and after-grasp (AG) tasks with different end-goals. The aim is to evaluate whether SensRing can characterize the motor performances of people affected by Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) with impairment in EFs.

Methods

Eight Individuals with dysexecutive MND, named d-MND, were compared to ten older healthy subjects (HC). They were asked to reach and grasp a can with three different intentions: to drink (DRINK), to place it on a target (PLACE), or to pass it to a partner (PASS). Twenty-one kinematic parameters were extracted from SensRing inertial data.

Results

Seven parameters resulted able to differentiate between HC and d-MND in the RG phase, and 8 features resulted significant in the AG phase. d-MND, indeed, had longer reaction times (in RG PLACE), slower peak velocities (in RG PLACE and PASS, in AG DRINK and PLACE), longer deceleration phases (in all RG and AG DRINK), and higher variability (in RG PLACE, in AG DRINK and PASS). Furthermore, d-MND showed no significant differences among conditions, suggesting that impairments in EFs influence their capabilities in modulating the action planning based on the end-goal.

Conclusions

Based on this explorative study, the system might have the potential for objectifying the clinical assessment of people affected by d-MND by administering an easy motor test. Although these preliminary results have to be investigated in-depth in a larger sample, the portability, wearability, accuracy, and ease-of use of the system make the SensRing potentially appliable for remote applications at home, including analysis of protocols for neuromotor rehabilitation in patients affected by MND.
Association of dyslipidemia with the severity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yanli , Pan Yilong , Yin Yuyao , Chen Wenhao , Li Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

Background

The numbers of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 related deaths are still increasing, so it is very important to determine the risk factors of COVID-19. Dyslipidemia is a common complication in patients with COVID-19, but the association of dyslipidemia with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 is still unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential association of dyslipidemia with the severity and mortality of COVID-19.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases for all relevant studies up to August 24, 2020. All the articles published were retrieved without language restriction. All analysis was performed using Stata 13.1 software and Mantel–Haenszel formula with fixed effects models was used to compare the differences between studies. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

Results

Twenty-eight studies involving 12,995 COVID-19 patients were included in the meta-analysis, which was consisted of 26 cohort studies and 2 case–control studies. Dyslipidemia was associated with the severity of COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.44, P = 0.038, I2 = 39.8%). Further, patients with dyslipidemia had a 2.13-fold increased risk of death compared to patients without dyslipidemia (95% CI 1.84–2.47, P = 0.001, I2 = 66.4%).

Conclusions

The results proved that dyslipidemia is associated with increased severity and mortality of COVID-19. Therefore, we should monitor blood lipids and administer active treatments in COVID-19 patients with dyslipidemia to reduce the severity and mortality.
Rare paraneoplastic syndrome of prostatic cancer: limbic encephalitis: a case report
Authors: Karray Omar , Tolner Sven , Yarak Naïm , Cherfan Maguy , Cosma Mihaela Dana , Sleiman Walid , Niclot Philippe , Dubost Jean Louis , Coloby Patrick , Bart Stéphane
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Limbic encephalitis is an autoimmune neurologic disorder, often of paraneoplastic origin, that seldom complicates prostatic tumors. The nonspecificity of symptoms makes the diagnosis sometimes difficult to establish. Prognosis is essentially determined by comorbidities and sensorineural and cognitive sequelae.

Clinical case

A 66-year-old Caucasian patient known to have prostatic small-cell neuroendocrine adenocarcinoma under hormonal therapy developed complex partial epileptic seizures associated with rapidly aggravating severe memory impairment.

The tripod of autoimmune limbic encephalitis diagnosis was based on the clinical aspect of brain’s functional deterioration, electroencephalography aspect, and γ-aminobutyric acid type B anti-receptor antibody positivity. Clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic management as well as evolutionary risks were further analyzed.

Conclusion

Limbic encephalitis is an extremely rare presentation of neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes.

A better knowledge of this entity would help better manage diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties and reduce the risk of possible sequelae.
Lymphoblastic lymphoma in two young siblings (coincidence or genetics?): two case reports
Authors: Hassan Naya Talal , Makhoul Ebrahim , Sallameh Jafar , Ghanem Abdulmunem , Rajab Samer , Ali Waseem , Alshehabi Zuheir
Published: July 2021

Background

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the fourth most common malignancy in children, and it is not considered to be a hereditary disorder. However, it could affect members from the same family.

Case presentation

We are presenting two cases of Caucasian female siblings who were diagnosed with mediastinal lymphoblastic lymphoma in the same year. The two young females were presented to the emergency department with respiratory symptoms. After doing radiological investigations and biopsies, they were diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma. The elder sister died before confirming the diagnosis, and the other is on chemotherapy now, with good treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

This case emphasizes the crucial role of precursor genetics in lymphoblastic lymphomas and suggests a strong relation between these genetics and age at symptom presentation. This is the first report of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a pair of siblings in the pediatric population.
A comparative study of multiple neural network for detection of COVID-19 on chest X-ray
Authors: Shazia Anis , Xuan Tan Zi , Chuah Joon Huang , Usman Juliana , Qian Pengjiang , Lai Khin Wee
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease of 2019 or COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading viral infection that has affected millions all over the world. With its rapid spread and increasing numbers, it is becoming overwhelming for the healthcare workers to rapidly diagnose the condition and contain it from spreading. Hence it has become a necessity to automate the diagnostic procedure. This will improve the work efficiency as well as keep the healthcare workers safe from getting exposed to the virus. Medical image analysis is one of the rising research areas that can tackle this issue with higher accuracy. This paper conducts a comparative study of the use of the recent deep learning models (VGG16, VGG19, DenseNet121, Inception-ResNet-V2, InceptionV3, Resnet50, and Xception) to deal with the detection and classification of coronavirus pneumonia from pneumonia cases. This study uses 7165 chest X-ray images of COVID-19 (1536) and pneumonia (5629) patients. Confusion metrics and performance metrics were used to analyze each model. Results show DenseNet121 (99.48% of accuracy) showed better performance when compared with the other models in this study.
Numerical solutions of higher order boundary value problems via wavelet approach
Authors: Arifeen Shams Ul , Haq Sirajul , Ghafoor Abdul , Ullah Asad , Kumam Poom , Chaipanya Parin
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a numerical scheme based on Haar wavelet for the solutions of higher order linear and nonlinear boundary value problems. In nonlinear cases, quasilinearization has been applied to deal with nonlinearity. Then, through collocation approach computing solutions of boundary value problems reduces to solve a system of linear equations which are computationally easy. The performance of the proposed technique is portrayed on some linear and nonlinear test problems including tenth, twelfth, and thirteen orders. Further convergence of the proposed method is investigated via asymptotic expansion. Moreover, computed results have been matched with the existing results, which shows that our results are comparably better. It is observed from convergence theoretically and verified computationally that by increasing the resolution level the accuracy also increases.
Trajectories of victimization to violence among incarcerated women
Authors: Saxena Preeta , Messina Nena
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Limited research has focused on the trajectories of victimization to violence in women’s lives. Furthermore, literature assessing women’s use of violence has primarily focused on adult risk factors (e.g., substance use and criminal histories). Drawing from the pathway’s framework, we explored the impact of multiple forms of childhood victimization and subsequent harmful behaviors on adult-perpetrated violence among women convicted of violent or serious crimes.

Methods

This secondary data analysis included a sample of 1118 incarcerated women from two prisons. Based on prior literature outlining the lifelong negative impact of childhood victimization, we hypothesized that cumulatively, occurrence of abuses, arrest as a minor, number of lifetime arrests, and poly-substance use prior to incarceration, would increase the likelihood of perpetration of multiple forms of violence. GEE regression models were used to examine the relationship between the predictors and adult perpetration of intimidation and physical violence.

Results

Experiences with childhood victimization, early (under age 18) and ongoing criminal justice involvement, and substance use significantly increased the likelihood of adult perpetration of violence, regardless of the type of violence measured (intimidation or physical violence).

Conclusion

Given the documented high prevalence of childhood trauma and abuse among justice-involved women, findings from this study can be used to promote the implementation of trauma-specific treatment for at-risk juvenile girls, whose trajectories of violence might be mitigated.
Self-harm and suicidality among three subgroups of male sex offenders: results from an Australian prisoner cohort
Authors: Gullotta Mathew , Greenberg David , Albalawi Olayan , Adily Armita , Karminia Azar , Knight Lee , Ellis Andrew , Butler Tony Gerard
Published: July 2021

Objective

Prisoners complete suicide and self-harm more frequently than members of the community. Sex offenders have been found to be at greater risk of engaging in these behaviours. This study examines the characteristics, prevalence, and predictors of self-harm and suicide attempts among: sex offenders that only victimise children (ChildSOs); adults (AdultSOs); or both (age-crossover polymorphous; PolySOs).

Methods

Data from three waves (1996, 2001, 2009) of the New South Wales (NSW) Inmate Health Survey was linked to the State’s re-offending database to identify men with histories of sexual offending. The health surveys captured self-report data on self-harm and suicidality.

Results

Non-sexual violent offenders (15%) and AdultSOs (14%) had the highest rate of self-harm, significantly more than ChildSOs (11%), non-sexual non-violent offenders (10%), and PolySOs (0%). Several factors significantly predicted self-harm at the bivariate level for both ChildSOs and AdultSOs, with unique predictors for each group. At the multivariate level, manic-depression trended towards significance for ChildSOs and any mental health condition remained a significant predictor for AdultSOs who self-harmed relative to AdultSOs who had not (aOR = 11.989, 95%CI [1.14, 126.66]). Approximately 23% of AdultSOs, 22% of PolySOs, and 19% of ChildSOs reported a suicide attempt throughout their lifetime, whereas only 15% of non-sexual non-violent offenders reported an attempt. At the bivariate level, few factors were significant for ChildSOs while several factors were significant for AdultSOs. At the multivariate level, a diagnosis of depression and treatment with psychiatric medication trended towards being significant predictors of suicide attempts for ChildSOs. In contrast, treatment with psychiatric medication (aOR = 25.732, 95%CI [1.91, 347.19])] remained a significant predictor for AdultSOs who attempted suicide relative to AdultSOs who had not, as well as historical psychiatric hospitalisation (aOR = 6.818, 95%CI [1.04, 44.82]) and self-harm (aOR = 5.825, 95%CI [1.31, 25.99]).

Conclusion

Sex offenders are at significantly higher risk of attempting and completing suicide relative to non-sexual non-violent offenders and warrant special attention. The prevalence rates and predictors of self-harm and suicidality suggest differences between sex offender subgroups may exist. These hold implications for the criminal justice and public health systems for addressing needs and identifying those most at risk of self-harm and suicide.
Protein farnesylation is upregulated in Alzheimer’s human brains and neuron-specific suppression of farnesyltransferase mitigates pathogenic processes in Alzheimer’s model mice
Authors: Jeong Angela , Cheng Shaowu , Zhong Rui , Bennett David A. , Bergö Martin O. , Li Ling
Published: July 2021

The pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain elusive and to date there are no effective prevention or treatment for AD. Farnesyltransferase (FT) catalyzes a key posttranslational modification process called farnesylation, in which the isoprenoid farnesyl pyrophosphate is attached to target proteins, facilitating their membrane localization and their interactions with downstream effectors. Farnesylated proteins, including the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, are involved in regulating diverse physiological and pathological processes. Emerging evidence suggests that isoprenoids and farnesylated proteins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. However, the dynamics of FT and protein farnesylation in human brains and the specific role of neuronal FT in the pathogenic progression of AD are not known. Here, using postmortem brain tissue from individuals with no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or Alzheimer’s dementia, we found that the levels of FT and membrane-associated H-Ras, an exclusively farnesylated protein, and its downstream effector ERK were markedly increased in AD and MCI compared with NCI. To elucidate the specific role of neuronal FT in AD pathogenesis, we generated the transgenic AD model APP/PS1 mice with forebrain neuron-specific FT knockout, followed by a battery of behavioral assessments, biochemical assays, and unbiased transcriptomic analysis. Our results showed that the neuronal FT deletion mitigates memory impairment and amyloid neuropathology in APP/PS1 mice through suppressing amyloid generation and reversing the pathogenic hyperactivation of mTORC1 signaling. These findings suggest that aberrant upregulation of protein farnesylation is an early driving force in the pathogenic cascade of AD and that targeting FT or its downstream signaling pathways presents a viable therapeutic strategy against AD.
The effect of static stretching exercises on hip range of motion, pain, and disability in patients with non-specific low back pain
Authors: Hatefi Mohamadreza , Babakhani Farideh , Ashrafizadeh Mohadeseh
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The benefits of providing static stretching exercise targeting the hips in patients with non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) are not well established. The objective of the study was to verify the effects of static stretching on function, pain and range of motion on patients with non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP).

Methods

Thirty females with NSLBP were randomly assigned to two control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15) groups. The experimental group received 3 stretch practice sessions per week for a period of 8 weeks. The Oswestry low back pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and passive hip range of motion (PROM) were employed before and after the intervention.

Results

The results of mixed model analysis of variance indicate that the group × time interactions was not significant (p > 0.05) for all measurement outcomes. However, there was a main effect for Time (ODI: p = 0.002, VAS: p = 0.001, PROM-R: p = 0.016, PROM-L: p = 0.001). Such that the ODI, VAS, PROM-R, and PROM-L were showed significant differences before and after the intervention in the experimental group.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated a significant difference in PROM, pain, and disability after 8 weeks of stretching exercises in participants with NSLBP and limited hip extension. Therefore, it would be reasonable to infer that NSLBP might be partly related to hip flexors tightness.
Downstream processing of recombinant human insulin and its analogues production from E. coli inclusion bodies
Authors: Siew Yin Yin , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2021

The Global Diabetes Compact was launched by the World Health Organization in April 2021 with one of its important goals to increase the accessibility and affordability of life-saving medicine—insulin. The rising prevalence of diabetes worldwide is bound to escalate the demand for recombinant insulin therapeutics, and currently, the majority of recombinant insulin therapeutics are produced from E. coli inclusion bodies. Here, a comprehensive review of downstream processing of recombinant human insulin/analogue production from E. coli inclusion bodies is presented. All the critical aspects of downstream processing, starting from proinsulin recovery from inclusion bodies, inclusion body washing, inclusion body solubilization and oxidative sulfitolysis, cyanogen bromide cleavage, buffer exchange, purification by chromatography, pH precipitation and zinc crystallization methods, proinsulin refolding, enzymatic cleavage, and formulation, are explained in this review. Pertinent examples are summarized and the practical aspects of integrating every procedure into a multimodal purification scheme are critically discussed. In the face of increasing global demand for insulin product, there is a pressing need to develop a more efficient and economical production process. The information presented would be insightful to all the manufacturers and stakeholders for the production of human insulins, insulin analogues or biosimilars, as they strive to make further progresses in therapeutic recombinant insulin development and production.
Feasibility of a specific task-oriented training versus its combination with manual therapy on balance and mobility in people post stroke at the chronic stage: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Traxler Kristina , Schinabeck Franz , Baum Eva , Klotz Edith , Seebacher Barbara
Published: July 2021

Background

Large studies have shown that stroke is among the most relevant causes of acquired adult disability. Walking and balance impairment in stroke survivors often contribute to a restriction in daily activities and social participation. Task-oriented training (TOT) is an effective treatment strategy and manual therapy (MT) is used successfully to enhance ankle joint flexibility in this population. No study, however, has compared TOT against its combination with MT in a randomised controlled trial. Aims of this pilot study are therefore to explore the feasibility of a full-scale RCT using predefined feasibility criteria. Secondary aims are to explore the preliminary effects of specific TOT with a combined specific TOT-MT versus a control group in people post stroke.

Methods

This is a protocol of a 4-week prospective randomised controlled parallel pilot trial in people post stroke at the chronic stage with limited upper ankle joint mobility and an impairment in balance and mobility. At a German outpatient therapy centre using 1:1:1 allocation, 36 patients will be randomised into one of three groups: 15-min talocrural joint MT plus 30-min specific TOT (group A), 45-min specific TOT (group B), and controls (group C). Training will be goal-oriented including tasks that are based on daily activities and increased in difficulty utilising predefined progression criteria based on patients’ skill levels. Interventions will be provided face-to-face 2 times per week, for 4 weeks, in addition to 20-min concurrent x4 weekly home-based training sessions. Data will be collected by blinded assessors at baseline, post-intervention and 4-week follow-up. The primary outcome will be feasibility assessed by recruitment, retention and adherence rates, compliance, adverse events, falls and the acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes will be walking speed, single and dual tasking functional mobility, ankle range of motion, disability and health-related quality of life.

Discussion

Feasibility provided, results from this study will be used to calculate the sample size of a larger randomised controlled trial to investigate the effects of specific TOT and specific TOT-MT compared to a post stroke control group.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00023068. Registered on 21.09.2020, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023068.
A framework to foster analysis skill for self-directed activities in data-rich environment
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Majumdar Rwitajit , Li Huiyong , Akçapinar Gökhan , Flanagan Brendan , Ogata Hiroaki
Published: July 2021

Self-direction skill is considered a vital skill for twenty-first-century learners in both the learning context and physical activity context. Analysis skill for self-directed activities requires the students to analyze their own activity data for understanding their status in that activity. It is an important phase that determines whether an appropriate plan can be set or not. This research presents a framework designed to foster students’ analysis skill in self-directed activities, which aims (1) to build a technology-enabled learning system allowing students to practice analyzing data from their own daily contexts, (2) to propose an approach to model student’s analysis skill acquisition level and process, and (3) to provide automated support and feedback for analysis skill development tasks. The analysis module based on the proposed framework was implemented in the GOAL system which synchronized data from learners’ physical and reading activities. A study was conducted with 51 undergraduate students to find reliable indicators for the model to then measure students’ analysis skills. By further analyzing students’ actual usage of the GOAL system, we found the actual activity levels and their preferences regarding analysis varied for the chosen contexts (learning and physical activity). The different context preference groups were almost equal, highlighting the utility of a system that integrates data from multiple contexts. Such a system can potentially respond to students’ individual preferences to execute and acquire self-direction skill.
Teaching psychiatry to medical students in the time of COVID-19: experiences from UK medical schools
Authors: Leung Ho Tim Timothy , Ajaz Ali , Bruce Helen , Korszun Ania
Published: July 2021

Aims and method

Education leads for undergraduate psychiatry in UK medical schools completed questionnaires on adaptations made to undergraduate psychiatry education, their impact and what lessons could be learnt for the future.

Results

Respondents from 24 medical schools across the UK reported a major shift to online teaching delivery, with reduced workplace learning and increased use of teleconferencing, online tasks and self-directed learning. Changes were implemented with some faculty training provided, but little additional funding or resources from medical schools or National Health Service trusts. A variety of challenges and opportunities were reported.

Clinical implications

Despite the extraordinary efforts of education leads to maintain undergraduate psychiatry education, the pandemic may affect the development of students’ professional competencies and recruitment into psychiatry. Individual clinicians, trusts and medical and foundation schools have much to offer, and need to work with students to replace what has been lost during the pandemic.