bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of observational methods used to quantify personal protective behaviours among members of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the concordance between observational and self-report measures in infectious disease health protection
Authors: Davies Rachel , Mowbray Fiona , Martin Alex F. , Smith Louise E. , Rubin G. James
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To assess the quantity and quality of studies using an observational measure of behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to narratively describe the association between self-report and observational data for behaviours relevant to controlling an infectious disease outbreak.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis of observational studies.

Data sources

We searched Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, Publons, Scopus and the UK Health Security Agency behavioural science LitRep database from inception to 17th September 2021 for relevant studies.

Study selection

We included studies which collected observational data of at least one of three health protective behaviours (hand hygiene, face covering use and maintaining physical distance from others (‘social distancing’) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies where observational data were compared to self-report data in relation to any infectious disease were also included.

Data extraction and synthesis

We evaluated the quality of studies using the NIH quality assessment scale for observational studies, extracted data on sample size, setting and adherence to health protective behaviours, and synthesized results narratively.

Results

Of 27,279 published papers on COVID-19 relevant health protective behaviours that included one or more terms relating to hand hygiene, face covering and social distancing, we identified 48 studies that included an objective observational measure. Of these, 35 assessed face covering use, 17 assessed hand hygiene behaviour and seven assessed physical distancing. The general quality of these studies was good. When expanding the search to all infectious diseases, we included 21 studies that compared observational versus self-report data. These almost exclusively studied hand hygiene. The difference in outcomes was striking, with self-report over-estimating observed adherence by up to a factor of five in some settings. In only four papers did self-report match observational data in any domains.

Conclusions

Despite their importance in controlling the pandemic, we found remarkably few studies assessing protective behaviours by observation, rather than self-report, though these studies tended to be of reasonably good quality. Observed adherence tends to be substantially lower than estimates obtained via self-report. Accurate assessment of levels of personal protective behaviour, and evaluation of interventions to increase this, would benefit from the use of observational methods.
Socio-cultural determinants of antibiotic resistance: a qualitative study of Greeks’ attitudes, perceptions and values
Authors: Papadimou Dimitrios , Malmqvist Erik , Ancillotti Mirko
Published: July 2022

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a complex phenomenon heavily influenced by social, cultural, behavioural, and economic factors that lead to the misuse, overuse and abuse of antibiotics. Recent research has highlighted the role that norms and values can play for behaviours that contribute to resistance development, and for addressing such behaviours. Despite comparatively high antibiotic consumption in Greece, both at the community and healthcare level, Greeks have been shown to be relatively aware of the connection between antibiotic overuse and antibiotic resistance. This suggests that Greeks’ non-judicious use cannot simply be explained by lack of awareness but may relate to other factors specific to Greek society. The present study aimed to explore attitudes, perceived norms, and values in relation to antibiotics, in order to improve understanding of socio-cultural determinants of antibiotic resistance in Greece.

Methods

Data were collected through online focus group discussions in 2021. Twenty Greeks were recruited through purposive sampling, aiming for as heterogeneous groups as possible regarding gender (12 women, 8 men), age (range 21–55, mean 33), and education level. Interview transcripts were analysed inductively using thematic content analysis.

Results

Participants considered antibiotic overconsumption as a consolidated habit influenced by ease of access, social expectations and, more generally, cultural practices. While critical of such norms and practices, participants opposed stewardship measures that would prioritize the societal interest in maintaining antibiotic effectiveness over individual needs. Participants considered responsibility for antibiotic resistance to be shared by the whole society, but the role of government actors and health professionals as well as of food producers was emphasized. Notably, scepticism about the prospect of effectively managing antibiotic resistance in Greece was commonly expressed.

Conclusions

The study makes explicit attitudes, perceived norms and values that, besides limited awareness, may contribute to non-judicious antibiotic use in Greece. These socio-cultural determinants of antibiotic resistance warrant further research and should be considered when designing measures aimed to mitigate this problem.
PheNominal: an EHR-integrated web application for structured deep phenotyping at the point of care
Authors: Havrilla James M. , Singaravelu Anbumalar , Driscoll Dennis M. , Minkovsky Leonard , Helbig Ingo , Medne Livija , Wang Kai , Krantz Ian , Desai Bimal R.
Published: July 2022

Background

Clinical phenotype information greatly facilitates genetic diagnostic interpretations pipelines in disease. While post-hoc extraction using natural language processing on unstructured clinical notes continues to improve, there is a need to improve point-of-care collection of patient phenotypes. Therefore, we developed “PheNominal”, a point-of-care web application, embedded within Epic electronic health record (EHR) workflows, to permit capture of standardized phenotype data.

Methods

Using bi-directional web services available within commercial EHRs, we developed a lightweight web application that allows users to rapidly browse and identify relevant terms from the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO). Selected terms are saved discretely within the patient’s EHR, permitting reuse both in clinical notes as well as in downstream diagnostic and research pipelines.

Results

In the 16 months since implementation, PheNominal was used to capture discrete phenotype data for over 1500 individuals and 11,000 HPO terms during clinic and inpatient encounters for a genetic diagnostic consultation service within a quaternary-care pediatric academic medical center. An average of 7 HPO terms were captured per patient. Compared to a manual workflow, the average time to enter terms for a patient was reduced from 15 to 5 min per patient, and there were fewer annotation errors.

Conclusions

Modern EHRs support integration of external applications using application programming interfaces. We describe a practical application of these interfaces to facilitate deep phenotype capture in a discrete, structured format within a busy clinical workflow. Future versions will include a vendor-agnostic implementation using FHIR. We describe pilot efforts to integrate structured phenotyping through controlled dictionaries into diagnostic and research pipelines, reducing manual effort for phenotype documentation and reducing errors in data entry.
Combined impact of Medicare’s hospital pay for performance programs on quality and safety outcomes is mixed
Authors: Waters Teresa M. , Burns Natalie , Kaplan Cameron M. , Graetz Ilana , Benitez Joseph , Cardarelli Roberto , Daniels Michael J.
Published: July 2022

Background

Three major hospital pay for performance (P4P) programs were introduced by the Affordable Care Act and intended to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The financial risk to hospitals associated with Medicare’s P4P programs is substantial. Evidence on the positive impact of these programs, however, has been mixed, and no study has assessed their combined impact. In this study, we examined the combined impact of Medicare’s P4P programs on clinical areas and populations targeted by the programs, as well as those outside their focus.

Methods

We used 2007–2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases for 14 states to identify hospital-level inpatient quality indicators (IQIs) and patient safety indicators (PSIs), by quarter and payer (Medicare vs. non-Medicare). IQIs and PSIs are standardized, evidence-based measures that can be used to track hospital quality of care and patient safety over time using hospital administrative data. The study period of 2007–2016 was selected to capture multiple years before and after introduction of program metrics. Interrupted time series was used to analyze the impact of the P4P programs on study outcomes targeted and not targeted by the programs. In sensitivity analyses, we examined the impact of these programs on care for non-Medicare patients.

Results

Medicare P4P programs were not associated with consistent improvements in targeted or non-targeted quality and safety measures. Moreover, mortality rates across targeted and untargeted conditions were generally getting worse after the introduction of Medicare’s P4P programs. Trends in PSIs were extremely mixed, with five outcomes trending in an expected (improving) direction, five trending in an unexpected (deteriorating) direction, and three with insignificant changes over time. Sensitivity analyses did not substantially alter these results.

Conclusions

Consistent with previous studies for individual programs, we detect minimal, if any, effect of Medicare’s hospital P4P programs on quality and safety. Given the growing evidence of limited impact, the administrative cost of monitoring and enforcing penalties, and potential increase in mortality, CMS should consider redesigning their P4P programs before continuing to expand them.
Myricetin: targeting signaling networks in cancer and its implication in chemotherapy
Authors: Javed Zeeshan , Khan Khushbukhat , Herrera-Bravo Jesús , Naeem Sajid , Iqbal Muhammad Javed , Raza Qamar , Sadia Haleema , Raza Shahid , Bhinder Munir , Calina Daniela , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Cho William C.
Published: July 2022

The gaps between the complex nature of cancer and therapeutics have been narrowed down due to extensive research in molecular oncology. Despite gathering massive insight into the mysteries of tumor heterogeneity and the molecular framework of tumor cells, therapy resistance and adverse side effects of current therapeutic remain the major challenge. This has shifted the attention towards therapeutics with less toxicity and high efficacy. Myricetin a natural flavonoid has been under the spotlight for its anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The cutting-edge molecular techniques have shed light on the interplay between myricetin and dysregulated signaling cascades in cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis. However, there are limited data available regarding the nano-delivery platforms composed of myricetin in cancer. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive detail of myricetin-mediated regulation of different cellular pathways, its implications in cancer prevention, preclinical and clinical trials, and its current available nano-formulations for the treatment of various cancers.
Road traffic density and recurrent asthma emergency department visits among Medicaid enrollees in New York State 2005–2015
Authors: Insaf Tabassum Zarina , Adeyeye Temilayo , Adler Catherine , Wagner Victoria , Proj Anisa , McCauley Susan , Matson Jacqueline
Published: July 2022

Background

Environmental exposures such as traffic may contribute to asthma morbidity including recurrent emergency department (ED) visits. However, these associations are often confounded by socioeconomic status and health care access.

Objective

This study aims to assess the association between traffic density and recurrence of asthma ED visits in the primarily low income Medicaid population in New York State (NYS) between 2005 and 2015.

Methods

The primary outcome of interest was a recurrent asthma ED visit within 1-year of index visit. Traffic densities (weighted for truck traffic) were spatially linked based on home addresses. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors predicting recurrent asthma ED visits.

Results

In a multivariate model, Medicaid recipients living within 300-m of a high traffic density area were at a statistically significant risk of a recurrent asthma ED visit compared to those in a low traffic density area (OR = 1.31; 95% CI:1.24,1.38). Additionally, we evaluated effect measure modification for risk of recurrent asthma visits associated with traffic exposure by socio-demographic factors. The highest risk was found for those exposed to high traffic and being male (OR = 1.87; 95% CI:1.46,2.39), receiving cash assistance (OR = 2.11; 95% CI:1.65,2.72), receiving supplemental security income (OR = 2.21; 95% CI:1.66,2.96) and being in the 18.44 age group (OR = 1.59;95% CI 1.48,1.70) was associated with the highest risk of recurrent asthma ED visit. Black non-Hispanics (OR = 2.35; 95% CI:1.70,3.24), Hispanics (OR = 2.13; 95% CI:1.49,3.04) and those with race listed as “Other” (OR = 1.89 95% CI:1.13,3.16) in high traffic areas had higher risk of recurrent asthma ED visits as compared to White non-Hispanics in low traffic areas.

Conclusion

We observed significant persistent disparities in asthma morbidity related to traffic exposure and race/ethnicity in a low-income population. Our findings suggest that even within a primarily low-income study population, socioeconomic differences persist. These differences in susceptibility in the extremely low-income group may not be apparent in health studies that use Medicaid enrollment as a proxy for low SES.
Microtubule associated protein 4 phosphorylation-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of podocyte leads to proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Li Lingfei , Feng Yanhai , Zhang Junhui , Zhang Qiong , Ren Jun , Sun Cheng , Li Shujing , Lei Xia , Luo Gaoxing , Hu Jiongyu , Huang Yuesheng
Published: July 2022

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) involves various structural and functional changes because of chronic glycemic assault and kidney failure. Proteinuria is an early clinical manifestation of DN, but the associated pathogenesis remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of microtubule associated protein 4 (MAP4) phosphorylation (p-MAP4) in proteinuria in DN and its possible mechanisms.

Methods

In this study, the urine samples of diabetic patients and kidney tissues of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were obtained to detect changes of p-MAP4. A murine model of hyperphosphorylated MAP4 was established to examine the effect of MAP4 phosphorylation in DN. Podocyte was applied to explore changes of kidney phenotypes and potential mechanisms with multiple methods.

Results

Our results demonstrated elevated content of p-MAP4 in diabetic patients’ urine samples, and increased kidney p-MAP4 in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Moreover, p-MAP4 triggered proteinuria with aging in mice, and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis in podocytes. Additionally, p-MAP4 mice were much more susceptible to STZ treatment and showed robust DN pathology as compared to wild-type mice. In vitro study revealed high glucose (HG) triggered elevation of p-MAP4, rearrangement of microtubules and F-actin filaments with enhanced cell permeability, accompanied with dedifferentiation and apoptosis of podocytes. These effects were significantly reinforced by MAP4 hyperphosphorylation, and were rectified by MAP4 dephosphorylation. Notably, pretreatment of p38/MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reinstated all HG-induced pathological alterations.

Conclusions

The findings indicated a novel role for p-MAP4 in causing proteinuria in DN. Our results indicated the therapeutic potential of MAP4 in protecting against proteinuria and related diseases.
A low-cost virtual coach for 2D video-based compensation assessment of upper extremity rehabilitation exercises
Authors: Cóias Ana Rita , Lee Min Hun , Bernardino Alexandre
Published: July 2022

Background

The increasing demands concerning stroke rehabilitation and in-home exercise promotion grew the need for affordable and accessible assistive systems to promote patients’ compliance in therapy. These assistive systems require quantitative methods to assess patients’ quality of movement and provide feedback on their performance. However, state-of-the-art quantitative assessment approaches require expensive motion-capture devices, which might be a barrier to the development of low-cost systems.

Methods

In this work, we develop a low-cost virtual coach (VC) that requires only a laptop with a webcam to monitor three upper extremity rehabilitation exercises and provide real-time visual and audio feedback on compensatory motion patterns exclusively from image 2D positional data analysis. To assess compensation patterns quantitatively, we propose a Rule-based (RB) and a Neural Network (NN) based approaches. Using the dataset of 15 post-stroke patients, we evaluated these methods with Leave-One-Subject-Out (LOSO) and Leave-One-Exercise-Out (LOEO) cross-validation and the $$F_1$$

F
1

score that measures the accuracy (geometric mean of precision and recall) of a model to assess compensation motions. In addition, we conducted a pilot study with seven volunteers to evaluate system performance and usability.

Results

For exercise 1, the RB approach assessed four compensation patterns with a $$F_1$$

F
1

score of $$76.69 \%$$

76.69
%

. For exercises 2 and 3, the NN-based approach achieved a $$F_1$$

F
1

score of $$72.56 \%$$

72.56
%

and $$79.87 \%$$

79.87
%

, respectively. Concerning the user study, they found that the system is enjoyable (hedonic value of 4.54/5) and relevant (utilitarian value of 4.86/5) for rehabilitation administration. Additionally, volunteers’ enjoyment and interest (Hedonic value perception) were correlated with their perceived VC performance ($$\rho = 0.53$$

ρ
=
0.53

).

Conclusions

The VC performs analysis on 2D videos from a built-in webcam of a laptop and accurately identifies compensatory movement patterns to provide corrective feedback. In addition, we discuss some findings concerning system performance and usability.
Preparation of the luciferase-labeled antibody for improving the detection sensitivity of viral antigen
Authors: Tang Ying , Li Yuchang , Zhang Sen , Li Jing , Hu Yi , Yang Wenguang , Chen Yuehong , Qin Chengfeng , Jiang Tao , Kang Xiaoping
Published: July 2022

Background

Viral antigen detection test is the most common method used to detect viruses in the field rapidly. However, due to the low sensitivity, it can only be used as an auxiliary diagnosis method for virus infection. Improving sensitivity is crucial for developing more accurate viral antigen tests. Nano luciferase (Nluc) is a sensitive reporter that has not been used in virus detection.

Results

In this study, we produced an intracellularly Nluc labeled detection antibody (Nluc-ch2C5) and evaluated its ability to improve the detection sensitivity of respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens. Compared with the traditional horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled antibody (HRP-ch2C5), Nluc-ch2C5 was 41 times more sensitive for inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus by sandwich chemiluminescence ELISA. Then we applied Nluc-ch2C5 to establish an automatic magnet chemiluminescence immune assay (AMCA) for the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein, the limit of detection was 68 pfu/reaction. The clinical sensitivity and specificity reached 75% (24/32) and 100% (48/48) using 32 PCR-positive and 48 PCR-negative swab samples for clinical evaluation, which is more sensitive than the commercial ELSA kit and colloid gold strip kit.

Conclusions

Here, monoclonal antibody ch2C5 served as a model antibody and the SARS-CoV-2 served as a model pathogen. The Nluc labeled detecting antibody (Nluc-ch2C5) significantly improved the detection sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 antigen. This labeling principle applies to other viral infections, so this labeling and test format could be expected to play an important role in detecting other virus antigens.
Cognitive-behavioral teletherapy for children and adolescents with mental disorders and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey on acceptance and satisfaction
Authors: Meininger Lea , Adam Julia , von Wirth Elena , Viefhaus Paula , Woitecki Katrin , Walter Daniel , Döpfner Manfred
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging for health care systems around the world. Teletherapy (psychotherapy conducted via videoconference) for children and adolescents offers a promising opportunity not only to provide treatment during social distancing restrictions but also to reduce treatment barriers that might prevent families from seeking care independent of the pandemic. Therefore, it is highly important to examine the implementation and especially the acceptance of and satisfaction with teletherapy.

Methods

Therapists of 561 patients and parents of 227 patients (total 643 patients) aged 3–20 years treated at a university outpatient unit rated their experiences with teletherapy.

Results

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, 73% of the patients switched from face-to-face treatment to teletherapy. Both therapists and parents were mainly satisfied with teletherapy and did not report negative impacts on treatment satisfaction or the therapeutic relationship. Stress from COVID-19, age, gender, duration of treatment, psychosocial functioning, and psychopathology were associated with satisfaction, but correlations were low. Sixty-six percent of parents and 53% of therapists intended to use teletherapy in the future.

Conclusions

Teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic was well accepted by both parents and therapists. Certain patient characteristics were related to satisfaction.

Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00028639).
Identification of partial trisomy 13q in two unrelated patients using single-nucleotide polymorphism array and literature overview
Authors: Zhuang Jianlong , Chen Chunnuan , Zhang Hegan , Fu Wanyu , Li Yanqing , Jiang Yuying , Zeng Shuhong , Wu Xiaoxia , Xie Yingjun , Wang Gaoxiong
Published: July 2022

Background

Partial trisomy 13q is a less common chromosomal abnormality with a great clinical variability, among them, isolated partial trisomy 13q is extremely rare. Here, we report two new unrelated cases of partial trisomy 13q in Chinese families aiming to emphasize the genotype–phenotype correlation in partial trisomy 13q.

Methods

Enrolled in this study were two unrelated cases of partial 13q trisomy from two families in Quanzhou region South China. Karyotpe and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis were employed to identify chromosome abnormalities and copy number variants in the families.

Results

A 72.9-Mb duplication in 13q14.11q34 region was identified using SNP array analysis in Patient 1 with an intellectual disability, developmental delay, seizures, gastric perforation, and other congenital malformations from a family with paternal inv(13)(p12q14.1). SNP array detection in Patient 2 revealed a 92.4-Mb duplication in 13q12.11q34 region combined with an 8.4-Mb deletion in Xq27.3q28 region with intellectual disability, developmental delay, cleft palate, and duplication of the cervix and the vagina. No chromosomal abnormality was elicited from the parents of Patient 2.

Conclusions

In this study, we presented two new unrelated cases of partial trisomy 13q with variable features in Chinese population, which may enrich the spectrum of the phenotypes partial trisomy 13q and further confirm the genotype–phenotype correlation.
Implementation of Whole-Body MRI (MY-RADS) within the OPTIMUM/MUKnine multi-centre clinical trial for patients with myeloma
Authors: Rata Mihaela , Blackledge Matthew , Scurr Erica , Winfield Jessica , Koh Dow-Mu , Dragan Alina , Candito Antonio , King Alexander , Rennie Winston , Gaba Suchi , Suresh Priya , Malcolm Paul , Davis Amy , Nilak Anjumara , Shah Aarti , Gandhi Sanjay , Albrizio Mauro , Drury Arnold , Roberts Sadie , Jenner Matthew , Brown Sarah , Kaiser Martin , Messiou Christina
Published: July 2022

Background

Whole-body (WB) MRI, which includes diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T1-w Dixon, permits sensitive detection of marrow disease in addition to qualitative and quantitative measurements of disease and response to treatment of bone marrow. We report on the first study to embed standardised WB-MRI within a prospective, multi-centre myeloma clinical trial (IMAGIMM trial, sub-study of OPTIMUM/MUKnine) to explore the use of WB-MRI to detect minimal residual disease after treatment.

Methods

The standardised MY-RADS WB-MRI protocol was set up on a local 1.5 T scanner. An imaging manual describing the MR protocol, quality assurance/control procedures and data transfer was produced and provided to sites. For non-identical scanners (different vendor or magnet strength), site visits from our physics team were organised to support protocol optimisation. The site qualification process included review of phantom and volunteer data acquired at each site and a teleconference to brief the multidisciplinary team. Image quality of initial patients at each site was assessed.

Results

WB-MRI was successfully set up at 12 UK sites involving 3 vendor systems and two field strengths. Four main protocols (1.5 T Siemens, 3 T Siemens, 1.5 T Philips and 3 T GE scanners) were generated. Scanner limitations (hardware and software) and scanning time constraint required protocol modifications for 4 sites. Nevertheless, shared methodology and imaging protocols enabled other centres to obtain images suitable for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Conclusions

Standardised WB-MRI protocols can be implemented and supported in prospective multi-centre clinical trials.

Trial registration NCT 03188172 clinicaltrials.gov; registration date 15th June 2017 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT03188172
Reprogramming adipose mesenchymal stem cells into islet β-cells for the treatment of canine diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dai Pengxiu , Qi Guixiang , Xu Haojie , Zhu Mingde , Li Jiakai , Chen Yijing , Zhang Luwen , Zhang Xinke , Zhang Yihua
Published: July 2022

Background

Islet transplantation is an excellent method for the treatment of type I diabetes mellitus. However, due to the limited number of donors, cumbersome isolation and purification procedures, and immune rejection, the clinical application is greatly limited. The development of a simple and efficient new method to obtain islet β-cells is a key problem that urgently requires a solution for the treatment of type I diabetes mellitus.

Methods

In this study,Pbx1,Rfx3,Pdx1,Ngn3,Pax4andMafAwere used to form a six-gene combination to efficiently reprogram aMSCs (adipose mesenchymal stem cells) into ra-βCs (reprogrammed aMSCs-derived islet β-cells), and the characteristics and immunogenicity of ra-βCs were detected. Feasibility of ra-βCs transplantation for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in model dogs and clinical dogs was detected.

Results

In this study, aMSCs were efficiently reprogrammed into ra-βCs using a six-gene combination. The ra-βCs showed islet β-cell characteristics. The immunogenicity of ra-βCs was detected and remained low in vitro and increased after transplantation. The cotransplantation of ra-βCs and aMSCs in the treatment of a model and clinical cases of canine diabetes mellitus achieved ideal therapeutic effects.

Conclusions

The aMSCs were efficiently reprogrammed into ra-βCs using a six-gene combination. The cotransplantation of ra-βCs and aMSCs as a treatment for canine diabetes is feasible, which provides a theoretical basis and therapeutic method for the treatment of canine diabetes.
Ficoll density gradient sedimentation isolation of pelage hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells from adult mouse back skin: a novel method for hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells isolation
Authors: Gan Yuyang , Wang Hailin , Du Lijuan , Fan Zhexiang , Sun Pingping , Li Kaitao , Qu Qian , Wang Jin , Chen Ruosi , Hu Zhiqi , Miao Yong
Published: July 2022

Background

Hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HF-MSCs) have great potential for cell therapy. Traditional method to isolate whisker HF-MSC is time-consuming and few in cell numbers. How to quickly and conveniently obtain a large number of HF-MSC for experimental research is a problem worth exploring.

Methods

Two-step Ficoll Density Gradient Sedimentation (FDGS) was performed to isolate pelage HF-MSC from adult mice. The characteristic of the isolated cells was identified and compared with whisker HF-MSC by immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, three-lineage differentiation and hair follicle reconstruction. Pelage HF-MSC and exosomes were injected into the dorsal skin of mice as well as hair follicle organ culture to explore its role in promoting hair growth. The cells and exosomes distribution were located by immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Isolated pelage HF-MSC expressed similar markers (ALP, Versican, NCAM, Nestin), showed similar growth pattern, possessed similar mesenchymal stem cells function and hair follicle induction ability as whisker HF-MSC. A large number of cells can be obtained with fewer mice compared to traditional method. Injected pelage HF-MSC promoted hair growth by secreting exosomes.

Conclusion

A large number of Pelage HF-MSC can be isolated by FDGS, which can promote hair growth by secreting exosomes which may target the dermal papilla and hair matrix region of host hair follicle.
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cell in regenerative medicine: a narrative review
Authors: Margiana Ria , Markov Alexander , Zekiy Angelina O. , Hamza Mohammed Ubaid , Al-Dabbagh Khalid A. , Al-Zubaidi Sura Hasan , Hameed Noora M. , Ahmad Irshad , Sivaraman R. , Kzar Hamzah H. , Al-Gazally Moaed E. , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Siahmansouri Homayoon
Published: July 2022

The multipotency property of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has attained worldwide consideration because of their immense potential for immunomodulation and their therapeutic function in tissue regeneration. MSCs can migrate to tissue injury areas to contribute to immune modulation, secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines and hide themselves from the immune system. Certainly, various investigations have revealed anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, reconstruction, and wound healing potentials of MSCs in many in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, current progresses in the field of MSCs biology have facilitated the progress of particular guidelines and quality control approaches, which eventually lead to clinical application of MSCs. In this literature, we provided a brief overview of immunoregulatory characteristics and immunosuppressive activities of MSCs. In addition, we discussed the enhancement, utilization, and therapeutic responses of MSCs in neural, liver, kidney, bone, heart diseases, and wound healing.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibit hepatic fibrosis via the AABR07028795.2/rno-miR-667-5p axis
Authors: Feng Yuan , Li Yanjie , Xu Mingxing , Meng Hongyu , Dai Cao , Yao Zhicheng , Lin Nan
Published: July 2022

Background

The mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in treating hepatic fibrosis remains unclear.

Methods

TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-T6 and CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis rats were treated with BMSCs. HSC-T6 cell activity was determined using the cell counting kit-8 assay, and the histology change was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The expression of fibrosis markers was determined using real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to screen the lncRNAs involved in the effect of BMSCs in fibrosis, and the function of fibrosis-associated lncRNA in fibrosis histology change and fibrosis marker expression was investigated. The potential miRNA target of lncRNA was predicted using R software. The interaction between lncRNA and miRNA was verified using luciferase report system and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) in 293T and HSC-T6 cells.

Results

BMSC attenuated TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 activation and suppressed the expression of fibrosis-associated gene (MMP2, Collagen I, and αSMA) expression at the transcription and translation levels. BMSC treatment also improves hepatic fibrosis in rats with CCl4-induced fibrosis by decreasing the expression of fibrosis-associated genes and suppressing collagen deposition in the liver. RNA-seq revealed that AABR07028795.2 (lnc-BIHAA1) was downregulated in the TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 after treatment with BMSCs as compared with those in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6, and subsequently, functional analysis showed that lnc-BIHAA1 plays a beneficial role in suppressing hepatic fibrosis. Luciferase activity assay and RIP revealed that lnc-BIHAA1 interacted with the miRNA, rno-miR-667-5p, functioning as a fibrosis phenotype suppressor in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6. Moreover, overexpression of rno-miR-667-5p significantly reverses the effect of lnc-BIHAA1 on HSC-T6.

Conclusions

BMSC treatment suppresses hepatic fibrosis by downregulating the lnc-BIHAA1/rno-miR-667-5p signaling pathway in HSCs. Our results provide a scientific basis for establishing BMSCs as a biological treatment method for liver fibrosis.
Infarct-preconditioning exosomes of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promoted vascular remodeling and neurological recovery after stroke in rats
Authors: Ye Yi-Chao , Chang Zhe-Han , Wang Peng , Wang You-Wei , Liang Jun , Chen Chong , Wang Jing-Jing , Sun Hong-Tao , Wang Yi , Li Xiao-Hong
Published: July 2022

Background

Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide, resulting in severe damage to the central nervous system and disrupting neurological functions. There is no effective therapy for promoting neurological recovery. Growing evidence suggests that the composition of exosomes from different microenvironments may benefit stroke. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that exosomes secreted in response to infarction microenvironment could have further therapeutic effects.

Methods

In our study, cerebral infarct tissue extracts were used to pretreat umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSC). Infarct-preconditioned exosomes were injected into rats via tail vein after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The effect of infarct-preconditioned exosomes on the neurological recovery of rats was examined using Tunel assay, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) assay, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analyses, modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS), Morris water maze (MWM), and vascular remodeling analysis. Mi-RNA sequencing and functional enrichment analysis were used to validate the signal pathway involved in the effect of infarct-preconditioned exosomes. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with the isolated exosomes. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, scratch healing, and Western blot analysis were used to detect the biological behavior of HUVECs.

Results

The results showed that compared with normal exosomes, infarct-preconditioned exosomes further promoted vascular remodeling and recovery of neurological function after stroke. The function of upregulated miRNAs and their target genes which is beneficial to vascular smooth muscle cells verified the importance of vascular remodeling in improving stroke. Better resistance to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R), reduced apoptosis, and enhanced migration were observed in infarct-preconditioned exosomes-treated umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that infarct-preconditioned exosomes promoted neurological recovery after stroke by enhancing vascular endothelial remodeling, suggested that infarct-preconditioned exosomes could be a novel way to alleviate brain damage following a stroke.
The Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Team (START) study: protocol for a multi-site randomized controlled trial evaluating an intervention to improve initiation of medication and linkage to post-discharge care for hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder
Authors: Ober Allison J. , Murray-Krezan Cristina , Page Kimberly , Friedmann Peter D. , Chan Osilla Karen , Ryzewicz Stephen , Huerta Sergio , Mazer Mia W. , Leamon Isabel , Messineo Gabrielle , Watkins Katherine E. , Nuckols Teryl , Danovitch Itai
Published: July 2022

Background

People with opioid use disorder experience high burden of disease from medical comorbidities and are increasingly hospitalized with medical complications. Medications for opioid use disorder are an effective, life-saving treatment, but patients with an opioid use disorder admitted to the hospital seldom initiate medication for their disorder while in the hospital, nor are they linked with outpatient treatment after discharge. The inpatient stay, when patients may be more receptive to improving their health and reducing substance use, offers an opportunity to discuss opioid use disorder and facilitate medication initiation and linkage to treatment after discharge. An addiction-focus consultative team that uses evidence-based tools and resources could address barriers, such as the need for the primary medical team to focus on the primary health problem and lack of time and expertise, that prevent primary medical teams from addressing substance use.

Methods

This study is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial that will evaluate whether a consultative team, called the Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Team (START), increases initiation of any US Food and Drug Administration approved medication for opioid use disorder (buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) during the hospital stay and increases linkage to treatment after discharge compared to patients receiving usual care. The study is being conducted at three geographically distinct academic hospitals. Patients are randomly assigned within each hospital to receive the START intervention or usual care. Primary study outcomes are initiation of medication for opioid use disorder in the hospital and linkage to medication or other opioid use disorder treatment after discharge. Outcomes are assessed through participant interviews at baseline and 1 month after discharge and data from hospital and outpatient medical records.

Discussion

The START intervention offers a compelling model to improve care for hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder. The study could also advance translational science by identifying an effective and generalizable approach to treating not only opioid use disorder, but also other substance use disorders and behavioral health conditions.

Trial registration:Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05086796, Registered on 10/21/2021.

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?recrs=ab&cond=&term=NCT05086796&cntry=&state=&city=&dist =
Identifying unique barriers to implementing rural emergency department-based peer services for opioid use disorder through qualitative comparison with urban sites
Authors: Watson Dennis P. , Staton Monte D. , Gastala Nicole
Published: July 2022

Background

In an effort to address the current opioid epidemic, a number of hospitals across the United States have implemented emergency department-based interventions for engaging patients presenting with opioid use disorder. The current study seeks to address gaps in knowledge regarding implementation of a sub-type of such interventions, emergency department-based peer support services, in rural areas by comparing implementation of rural and urban programs that participated in Indiana’s Recovery Coach and Peer Support Initiative (RCPSI).

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative semi-structured implementation interviews collected as part of an evaluation of 10 programs (4 rural and 6 urban) participating in the RCPSI. We conducted interviews with representatives from each program at 3 time points over the course of the first year of implementation. Our deductive coding process was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and an external context taxonomy.

Results

We identified key differences for rural programs corresponding to each of the 5 primary constructs in the coding scheme. (1) Intervention characteristics: rural sites questioned intervention fit with their context, required more adaptations, and encountered unexpected costs. (2) External context: rural sites were not appropriately staffed to meet patient needs, encountered logistical and legal barriers regarding patient privacy, and had limited patient transportation options. (3) Inner setting: rural sites lacked strong mechanisms for internal communication and difficulties integrating with pre-existing culture and climate. (4) Characteristics of individuals: some rural providers resisted working with peers due to pre-existing attitudes and beliefs. (5) Implementation process: rural sites spent more time identifying external partners and abandoned more components of their initial implementation plans.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate how rural programs faced greater challenges implementing emergency department-based peer services over time. These challenges required flexible adaptations to originally intended plans. Rural programs likely require flexibility to adapt interventions that were developed in urban settings to ensure success considering local contextual constraints that were identified by our analysis.
Erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia for above-the-knee amputation: a case report
Authors: Langnas Erica M. , Gray Andrew , Braehler Matthias
Published: July 2022

Background

Above-the-knee amputations (AKA) are common surgeries that frequently use neuraxial or peripheral nerve blocking techniques for both intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. It is not uncommon that patients present with contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia.

Case presentation

We identified a relatively novel use of erector spinae plane block (ESP) for above-the-knee amputation that allows for adequate pain control postoperatively when there are contraindications for neuraxial.

Conclusion

While data on ESP at the thoracic level is well described, less is known about the expected coverage for lumbar ESP. This case suggests that at the level of L3, there is sufficient dermatomal spread for an AKA.
Factors associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with septic shock
Authors: Ge Wei-Dong , Li Feng-Zhi , Hu Bang-Chuan , Wang Li-Hong , Ren Ding-Yuan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To investigate risk factors associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) of patients with septic shock.

Materials and methods

Patients with septic shock concomitant with or without LVDD were retrospectively enrolled and divided into the LVDD group (n = 17) and control without LVDD (n = 85). The clinical and ultrasound data were analyzed.

Results

A significant (P < 0.05) difference existed between the two groups in serum creatinine, APACHE II score, serum glucose, triglyceride, BUN, FT4, LAVI, mitral E, average e’, E/average e’, septal e’, septal e’/septal s’, E/septal e’, lateral s’, lateral e’, and E/lateral e’. LAVI > 37 mL/m2, septal e’ < 7 cm/s (OR 11.04, 95% CI 3.38–36.05), septal e’/septal s’ < 0.8 (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.37–12.25), E/septal e’ > 15 (OR 22.86, 95% CI 6.09–85.79), lateral e’ < 8 cm/s (OR 9.16, 95% CI 2.70–31.07), E/lateral e’ > 13 (OR 52, 95% CI 11.99- 225.55), lateral s’ < 10 (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.13–9.99), average e’ > 10, E/average e’ > 10 (OR 9.53, 95% CI 2.49–36.46), APACHE II score > 16 (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.00–11.03), SOFA > 5 (or 3.43, 95% CI 1.11–10.60), BUN > 12 mmol/L (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.15–9.87), serum creatinine > 146 μmol/L (OR 5.08, 95% CI 1.69–15.23), serum glucose > 8 mmol/L (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.09–10.40), and triglyceride > 1.8 mmol/L were significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for LVDD. LAVI > 37 ml/m2, lateral e’ < 8 cm/s, E/lateral e’ > 13, and SOFA > 5 were significant (P < 0.05) independent risk factors for LVDD. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the cut-off value and AUC were 37.09 mL/m2 and 0.85 for LAVI, 8.00 cm/s and 0.89 for lateral e’, 12.86 and 0.82 for E/lateral e’, and 5.00 and 0.69 for SOFA, respectively.

Conclusion

Left atrial volume index, mitral lateral e’, E/lateral e’, and SOFA score are significant independent risk factors for predicting left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with septic shock.
Evaluation of the Progressive Collapse of the Reinforced Concrete Frames Considering the Soil–Structure Interaction: Parametric Study Based on the Sensitivity Index
Authors: Kakhki Seyed Ali Ekrami , Kheyroddin Ali , Mortezaei Alireza
Published: July 2022

In this essay, to investigate the progressive collapse of the reinforced concrete (RC) frames, a nonlinear static pushdown analysis was performed with column removal scenarios from the first story. At first, a numerical model was simulated and verified with the experimental model in SeismoStruct software without soil–structure interaction (SSI). Afterward, the foundation, soil, and the RC frame were modeled simultaneously in FLAC software and verified with the numerical model of the SeismoStruct software. Furthermore, the effect of SSI was studied on the progressive collapse of RC frames based on the sensitivity index (SI). The sensitivity index is defined as the ratio of the residual capacity under gravity loading of the structure by removing the column to the value of the undamaged structure. The results showed that by considering SSI, the sensitivity index decreases. Then, a parametric study of the framed structures (thickness of the foundation) and substructures (soil density, soil types, soil layers, and the soil saturation conditions) was performed to evaluate the progressive collapse-resisting capacity based on the sensitivity index. The results showed that by considering SSI, with an increase in the soil density and decrease in the groundwater level, the conditions would be better for preventing progressive collapse. It was also shown that rock and silty sands (SM), compared to other studied soil types, and SM and silty sands—silty clay with low plasticity—silty sands (SM-CL/ML-SM), compared to other studied soil layers, are better for preventing progressive collapse.
Spatial market integration of rice in Bangladesh in the presence of transaction cost
Authors: Alam Mohammad Jahangir , McKenzie Andrew M. , Begum Ismat Ara , Buysse Jeroen , Wailes Eric J. , Sarkar Md. Abdur Rouf , Al Mamun Abdullah , Van Huylenbroeck Guido
Published: July 2022

Modeling transaction costs is of particular importance when analyzing price integration in developing countries. Spatial price integration among five major Bangladesh rice markets are examined over the post-liberalization period that covered a long time span from January 1999 to December 2021, the longest period covered ever. We account for nonlinear price adjustments induced by transaction costs using a threshold cointegration approach to account for the impact of transaction costs in the price adjustment process. Our results show that large price deviations from long-run equilibrium are corrected within 2–3 months. Our results provide strong supporting evidence of the presence of threshold effects, which means that large transaction costs contribute to slow equilibrium price adjustments. Thus, our results provide important policy implications for Bangladesh rice markets, namely that polices aimed at reducing transaction costs are needed to engender greater pricing efficiency in Bangladesh rice markets.