bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Attitudes of Allied Health Professionals Towards End-Of-Life and Advance Care Planning Discussions With People With COPD: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Disler Rebecca , Henwood Brooke , Luckett Tim , Pascoe Amy , Donesky Doranne , Irving Louis , Currow David C , Smallwood Natasha
Published: October 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, life-limiting condition. End-of-life (EOL) and Advance Care Planning (ACP) discussions are essential, yet access and support remain inadequate. Allied health professionals (AHPs) commonly have ongoing relationships with patients and opportunities to discuss care outside acute crises as is considered best practice. Australian and New Zealand AHPs were invited to complete an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey that aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices, and associated perceived triggers and barriers to EOL and ACP discussions with patients with COPD. Closed survey responses were summarized descriptively and free-text thematically analysed. One hundred and one AHPs (physiotherapists, social workers and occupational therapists) participated. Many held positive attitudes towards ACP but lacked procedural knowledge. Half (50%) of participants routinely discussed EOL care with patients when perceiving this to be appropriate but only 21% actually discussed ACP with the majority of their patients. Many cited lack of training to engage in sensitive EOL discussions, with barriers including: 1) clinician lack of confidence/fear of distressing patients (75%); 2) perceived patient and family reluctance (51%); 3) organizational challenges (28%); and 4) lack of role clarity (39%). AHPs commonly have ongoing relationships with patients with chronic conditions but lack the confidence and role clarity to utilise this position to engage ongoing EOL and ACP discussions. While AHPs may not traditionally consider EOL and ACP discussions as part of their role, it is crucial that they feel prepared to respond if patients broach the topic.
Psychometric Qualities of Family Functioning Measures in Malaysia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cong Chin Wen , Tan Chee-Seng , Ai Tan Joanna Tjin
Published: October 2022

Family functioning (FF) is one of the crucial family factors investigated by researchers; however, the FF studies in Malaysia are still at an early stage compared to those in Western countries. To develop studies in FF, a systematic review is done to understand the measurement of FF in Malaysia. A systematic search of literature published between 2011 and 2020 was conducted in several international and local databases. A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Through this review, eight FF scales, most of which were developed based on the Western culture and two newly developed scales that have not been used/validated elsewhere have been identified. This review also highlights that the most widely used FF scale in Malaysia is the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale. From the Malaysian context, as the first FF scale in Malaysia, the Malaysian Family Functioning Scale stands out as the most suitable FF scale for measuring FF among Malaysians. In addition, issues surrounding the FF measurement, for example, the weaknesses found in Western FF scales when used in a non-Western context and the need for adolescent-specific FF are also discussed with recommendations for future research in this area.
An International Consensus on Actions to Improve Lung Cancer Survival: A Modified Delphi Method Among Clinical Experts in the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership
Authors: Lynch Charlotte , Harrison Samantha , Butler John , Baldwin David R. , Dawkins Paul , van der Horst Joris , Jakobsen Erik , McAleese Jonathan , McWilliams Annette , Redmond Karen , Swaminath Anand , Finley Christian J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Research from the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) demonstrates that international variation in lung cancer survival persists, particularly within early stage disease. There is a lack of international consensus on the critical contributing components to variation in lung cancer outcomes and the steps needed to optimise lung cancer services. These are needed to improve the quality of options for and equitable access to treatment, and ultimately improve survival.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 key informants from ICBP countries. An international clinical network representing 6 ICBP countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales) was established to share local clinical insights and examples of best practice. Using a modified Delphi consensus model, network members suggested and rated recommendations to optimise the management of lung cancer. Calls to Action were developed via Delphi voting as the most crucial recommendations, with Good Practice Points included to support their implementation.

Results

Five Calls to Action and thirteen Good Practice Points applicable to high income, comparable countries were developed and achieved 100% consensus. Calls to Action include (1) Implement cost-effective, clinically efficacious, and equitable lung cancer screening initiatives; (2) Ensure diagnosis of lung cancer within 30 days of referral; (3) Develop Thoracic Centres of Excellence; (4) Undertake an international audit of lung cancer care; and (5) Recognise improvements in lung cancer care and outcomes as a priority in cancer policy.

Conclusion

The recommendations presented are the voice of an expert international lung cancer clinical network, and signpost key considerations for policymakers in countries within the ICBP but also in other comparable high-income countries. These define a roadmap to help align and focus efforts in improving outcomes and management of lung cancer patients globally.
Severe ischemia after radial artery catheterization: A literature review of published cases
Authors: Ying Ying , Lin Xian-ju , Chen Min-juan , Cao Yan , Yao Yun-tai ,   the Evidence In Cardiovascular Anesthesia (EICA) Group
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Severe ischemia is a rare complication of radial artery catheterization (RAC). This study aims to summarize risk factors of RAC-elicited severe hand ischemia, preventive, and therapeutic management.

Methods:

Literature search was conducted in eight electronic English and Chinese databases to identify relevant published cases. Data of interest was extracted and analyzed.

Results:

Database search identified 28 articles reporting cases of 57 patients developing hand ischemia following RAC. Patients aged between 1 day and 88 years. The indications for RAC included surgery, shock, cardiac arrest, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission. Identified risk factors included pre-existing vascular diseases, hypotension, arterial anatomical abnormality or small diameter, vasoconstrictors, and catheter-related problems. Totally, 18 patients complained pain; 32 developed discoloration; 19 pulselessness; 3 paresthesia; 13 swolleness and 19 coldness. Eventually, 30 patients recovered well, but 20 patients unfortunately underwent digital amputation and three patients deceased due to non-RAC-related causes.

Conclusion:

Severe hand ischemia following RAC is a rare complication, with the reported incidence of approximately 0.09%. There is no definite predictor for RAC-related hand ischemia, but patients with risk factors are prone to the occurrence of hand ischemia. It’s vital to initiate early recognition and proactive strategies for a best practice RAC insertion.
Ultrasound versus intracavitary electrocardiography for intraprocedural tip location during central venous catheterization in infants and children: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Pittiruti Mauro , Salerno Gilda , Mancino Aldo , Carlini Debora , Celentano Davide , Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Conti Giorgio
Published: October 2022

Background:

Both intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) and ultrasound (US) have been proven to be safe and accurate for intraprocedural tip location during central venous catheterization, and both are known to be easily applicable and feasible in pediatric patients. Though, no prospective clinical study has directly compared the two methods as regards their applicability, feasibility, and procedural time.

Methods:

This study prospectively enrolled all children requiring a central venous access device in non-emergency situations, during a period of 1 year. All devices were inserted according to a well-defined insertion bundle including both IC-ECG and US-based tip location. The primary endpoint of the study was to compare the two methods in terms of applicability, feasibility and time required.

Results:

This study included 100 consecutive central venous catheterizations in children of age ranging from 1 month to 18 years. The applicability of IC-ECG based tip location was 98% and its feasibility 100%; the time required for IC-ECG was 1.9 ± 2 min. The applicability of US-based tip location was 96% and its feasibility was 100%; the maneuver required 2.2 ± 3 min.

Conclusions:

US is an appropriate alternative method for intraprocedural tip location in children. The combined use of US and IC-ECG (both maneuvers being accurate, inexpensive, cost-effective, non-invasive, and equally fast to perform) should be recommended for tip location in pediatric patients, and it will avoid completely the use of fluoroscopy or of post-procedural x-ray.
Tribological behaviour of stir casted hybrid-Al metal matrix composites using Taguchi technique
Authors: Ranjan Alok , Nagdeve Leeladhar , Kumar Harish , Mishra Abhishek , Katiyar Jitendra Kumar
Published: October 2022

A hybrid Al6061 composite material was fabricated with various weight percentage of different reinforcing material such as SiC, Al2O3, RHA and ZrSiO4 by liquid metallurgy route via. Stir casting method. The tribological properties were tested and carried out on pin-on-disc tribometers by considering various parameters like, mixture weight percentage of reinforcing materials, sliding distance, speed and applied load to study the tribological characteristics. Taguchi technique was used to analyse the wear rate of hybrid composites. Different experiments were conducted using Taguchi technique and the regression equations were developed through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to investigate the influence of various test parameters such as sliding distance, materials parameters (such as weight percentage of reinforcement), sliding distance and applied load. Finally, Taguchi results were used to train the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. The input parameters assigned to develop an ANN model are mixture weight percent of reinforcement, sliding distance, sliding speed and applied load. Finally confirmation test was done to verify the predictive model with the experimental results of the wear pin sample. The weight percentage of reinforcement had the greatest influence on statistical and physical properties of hybrid composites while the sliding speed exercised its impact on the Coefficient of Frication (COF) of hybrid composites on dry sliding wear and also on the optimal parameters for less wear rate and low COF. The results indicated that combination of 4.5 wt.% of reinforcement, 30 N load, 0.9 m/s sliding velocity and 3600 m sliding distance was the optimum blend for minimum wear rate and 4.5 wt.% of reinforcement, 3.4 m/s sliding velocity, 3600 m sliding distance and 40 N load was identified as the optimum blend for minimum COF using the main effect plot.
Tweeting apart: Democratic backsliding, new party cleavage and changing media ownership in Turkey
Authors: Metin Omer Faruk , Ramaciotti Morales Pedro
Published: October 2022

Turkey plunges headlong into democratic backsliding under Erdoğan’s presidency. The country was a forerunner in the decline of democratic standards in a decade from 2010 to 2020. In the first part of the article, we investigate how this democratic erosion suspends Turkey’s long-standing traditional party cleavage between religious conservatism and secularism. By tracing individuals who follow the members of the Turkish parliament on Twitter, we attach the deputies to their followers with the help of correspondence analysis. We illustrate that, as the ethnic identity divide remains significant, democracy-authoritarianism cleavage becomes the main party split that brings the supporters of an ideologically diverse group of opposition parties closer. In the second part, we conceptualize the democracy-authoritarianism divide as the main cleavage in Turkish party politics after 2017 to shed light on how the AKP’s different tactics of capturing traditional media generated a partisan media landscape.
Does the combination of models with different explanatory variables improve tourism demand forecasting performance?
Authors: Wu Xi , Blake Adam
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to assess whether combining econometric models with different explanatory variables can contribute to better tourism demand forecasts. Inbound tourism demand to the UK from seven leading markets is forecast, respectively, based on quarterly data using both individual and combination models. Causal econometric models that serve as constituents in combination take two specifications which are different in identified influencing factors. The empirical results show that generally including different explanatory variables in combination can produce better predictions according to both predictive accuracy measures and statistical tests. It suggests that the combination forecasting approach is superior to the individual one, and diversified information embedded in different explanatory variables should be integrated to improve tourism demand forecasting performance.
Optimization design of the unsmooth bionic structure of a hydrofoil leading edge based on the Grey–Taguchi method
Authors: Yan Hao , Zhang Haozhou , Zhou Ling , Liu Zhifeng , Zeng Yishan
Published: October 2022

Hydrofoil sections are broadly used in the field of fluid machinery. The leading edge of a hydrofoil structure is closely related to drag and cavitation performance. In this study, we adopt the concept of a bionic design. The fin structure of a fish is simplified and applied to the traditional National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics 0015 hydrofoil. We adopt the Grey–Taguchi method to calculate the best layout. This helps obtain the best drag and cavitation performance. Large eddy simulations are used to verify the scheme. When the ratio of fin depth to length h/L is 0.3, the fin layout length Xn is 7 L, the inclination of fins θ is 7°, and the bionic hydrofoil exhibits the best hydrodynamic performance. Application of the best bionic hydrofoil to the fluid machinery (pump) demonstrates that the hydraulic performance of the pump has been considerably improved.
Sonographic Assessment of Hand Injuries: Diagnostic Accuracy and Review of Pathology
Authors: Nwawka O. Kenechi , Desai Ravi , Ko Lydia M. , Chong Colin Chun Wai , Jacobson Jeffrey M. , Endo Yoshimi
Published: October 2022

Background: The high soft-tissue contrast of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) makes it useful for evaluation of hand injuries, but its limitations include cost, imaging artifacts, and patient claustrophobia. Ultrasound is readily available, fast, noninvasive, and radiation free, but its utility for the evaluation of hand soft-tissue injury and pathology is less well known. Purpose: We sought to examine the accuracy of ultrasound for the evaluation of hand injury at a single institution. Methods: We queried a radiology information system for ultrasound cases between 2014 and 2020 at a tertiary care institution using the keyword “hand” and injury terms. We performed a retrospective chart review of cases found according to the type of injury detected on ultrasound. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in hand injury and pathology, we recorded postimaging clinical diagnoses and surgical findings. Results: We found 154 patients who underwent ultrasound for hand injuries and had confirmed surgical diagnosis and/or robust clinical follow-up. Tendon injury was the most commonly diagnosed condition on ultrasound (70/154); others detected were retained foreign body (31), mass (21), ligamentous injury (9), pulley injury (8), nerve injury (11), and traumatic arthropathy (4). Ultrasound correctly characterized hand injury in 150/154 cases (97.4%) based on surgical and/or clinical follow-up. Ultrasound failed to diagnose 3 cases of partial tendon tear and 1 case of digital nerve injury. Conclusion: In this retrospective, single-institution review, ultrasound was found to be highly accurate in the detection of soft tissue hand injury and pathology, demonstrating a high concordance rate with surgical and clinical findings. Further study is warranted.
Grounded Theory as a Research Methodology in Educational Technology
Authors: Sosa-Díaz María-José , Valverde-Berrocoso Jesús
Published: October 2022

One of the most widely used and controversial qualitative research methods among researchers is Grounded Theory (GT). Although the basic concepts of GT are widely known by qualitative researchers, the practical application of the method is not always clear, and sometimes we encounter contradictions and uncertainties. The objective of this article is to provide a data analysis strategy based on GT. It is hoped that this knowledge will provide an aid or resource for both novice and experienced educational technology researchers. To this end, a conceptual overview of the field and the methodological route are presented. A broad and updated theoretical base is used to describe the conceptual and structural aspects of GT, to describe steps to follow when applying it, and to highlight the use of analytical tools that help the researcher make decisions and implement GT.
Acute kidney injury
Authors: Beer Rachel
Published: October 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome that describes a sudden reduction in renal function as assessed by the level of serum creatinine. AKI represents a spectrum of disease that has important long-term consequences for patients even without the development of frank renal failure. AKI may be difficult to identify in the community, but up to 65% of AKI develops prior to hospitalisation and 30% may be preventable. Complications of AKI account for 1% of the NHS budget. NHS public health campaigns, including ‘Think Kidneys’ have targeted the prevention and early recognition of AKI to improve care for this patient group. This article will review the key aspects of management of AKI in primary care, the correct identification of high-risk patients, early testing to stratify and manage patients according to AKI level and onward referral of patients requiring targeted hospital interventions.
Effects of Combined Visible and Infrared Light Rhinophototherapy in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Koycu Alper , Bas Ceren , Musabak Ugur H. , Erbek Selim Sermed , Koca Huseyin Samet , Babakurban Seda Turkoglu , Bahcecitapar Melike
Published: October 2022

Background

Intranasal phototherapy offers an alternative treatment method for patients with allergic rhinitis who cannot benefit from intranasal corticosteroids and oral antihistamines. Different wavelengths have been tried with promising results.

Objective

In this present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of visible light-infrared light phototherapy on clinical improvements together with its cytologic effects in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Methods

Patients with confirmed allergic rhinitis were given a 4-week course of intranasal phototherapy treatment. Weekly symptom questionnaires were applied to monitor clinical effects. Nasal lavage specimens were obtained before the start and at the completion of the 4-week therapy. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses of CD16+, CD24+, and CD 45+ cells were performed. Statistical analyses are performed of weekly changes in symptoms and cell counts.

Results

CD45+CD16highCD24+ neutrophil count in nasal lavages decreased significantly whereas CD45+CD16dim/−CD24+ eosinophil counts significantly increased and CD45+ granulocyte counts remained unchanged. Symptom scores including nasal itching, nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, sneezing, eye itching, throat itching, and ear itching all statistically decreased compared to baseline at the end of 4 weeks.

Conclusion

Four-week course of intranasal phototherapy with visible and infrared light leads to clinical improvement in allergic rhinitis patients.
Professional Learning Communities in Private Schools in Bahrain and Oman: Reflection on Two Cases
Authors: Al Mahdi Osama , de Munnik Marloes , Meinen Luke , Green Marissa
Published: October 2022

Highlights

This study explores features of professional learning community (PLC) models in the educational contexts in Bahrain and Oman. Findings based on the case studies of PLCs in two private schools in Bahrain and Oman, and theoretical input from international PLC literature has implications for policy and practice. Study recommends promoting PLC approaches in the Bahraini and Omani educational systems in pre- and in-service teacher training programs, adapting best international PLC practices to the specific educational contexts of Bahrain and Oman, preparing school principals to lead PLC in their schools, providing human and financial support to these communities, and making school cultures more collaborative. This study highlights the importance of the PLC approach, expands the existing conceptual/analytical framework, demonstrates how this approach is being used in two schools, and encourages other practitioners and researchers to embrace PLC.
Aportaciones de la musicoterapia educativa a la adquisición de habilidades comunicativas y su influencia en otras áreas del desarrollo infantil. Estudio de un caso con epilepsia
Authors: García-Docampo Laura , Méndez-Lois María-José , Salina Gabriela Míguez
Published: October 2022

En el presente trabajo se recogen los efectos de la musicoterapia educativa en el desarrollo lingüístico en la infancia, a partir de un estudio de caso sobre una menor de 5 años con epilepsia que muestra dificultades en la adquisición del lenguaje. El objetivo, por tanto, se centra en analizar las repercusiones de la musicoterapia en la adquisición de habilidades lingüísticas y comunicativas, comprobando si se produce también algún efecto en otras áreas del desarrollo. En este sentido, mediante un estudio cuantitativo y cualitativo de los avances de la menor antes, durante y después del proceso musicoterapéutico, se aprecian claras mejoras en distintas áreas del desarrollo, posibilitando la asunción de futuros retos en torno al empleo de la musicoterapia como herramienta complementaria en el desarrollo infantil.
La música en el sur de Brasil: una investigación sobre los concursos de oposición para profesores de música
Authors: Wolffenbüttel Cristina Rolim
Published: October 2022

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación que analizó la realización de concursos públicos para profesores de música en los municipios de Río Grande del Sur, guiada por las siguientes preguntas: ¿Cuántas y qué secretarías de educación promovieron concursos para el ingreso de profesores de música en las escuelas de su red de enseñanza? En caso de que las secretarías de educación las hayan realizado, ¿cuándo sucedió esto? ¿Cuál es la relación entre la fecha de realización de estas oposiciones y la fecha de la Ley 11.769/2008? La metodología incluye la investigación a través de Internet y para el análisis de los datos, el Análisis de Contenido. El marco teórico referencial se basó en conceptos de la Educación Musical fundados en el Enfoque del Ciclo de Políticas. A partir de los análisis inferidos se identificó que se realizaron 133 oposiciones que permitieron la participación de profesionales con formación superior en Música para impartir clases en la Educación Básica.
Enseñanza y evaluación musical: desafíos en la Licenciatura en Educación del Campo, Brasil
Authors: Brasil Anderson , da Silva Cícero
Published: October 2022

Este ensayo tiene como objetivo discutir las prácticas pedagógicas y el proceso de evaluación de la enseñanza de la música en el curso de Licenciatura en Educación del Campo: Códigos e Idiomas – Artes y Música en la Universidad Federal de Tocantins (UFT), Campus de Tocantinópolis, Estado de Tocantins, Brasil. El trabajo consiste en una amplia reflexión basada en la literatura y en la experiencia de los autores sobre el tema en el contexto de este curso de licenciatura. Se puede concluir que el proceso de evaluación tiene diferentes dimensiones con respecto a la Educación Musical desde la perspectiva de la Educación del Campo, exigiendo del docente una postura más humanizada, capaz de superar las fronteras establecidas por el eurocentrismo existente en algunos cursos de formación académica en música.
Affect toward Minority and Majority Groups in the Era of Donald Trump
Authors: Brooks Clem , Harmon Alicia
Published: October 2022

U.S. voters’ affect toward such minority groups as blacks, Muslims, and transgender people has become warmer in recent years. Warming affect toward minority groups is a surprise for the influential theory of affective polarization. In arguing that voters’ partisan allegiances fuel dislike of groups associated with the opposing political party, this theory predicts that it is primarily Democratic identifiers whose affect has become warmer, as affect is assumed to reflect partisanship and little more. Yet this is not what the authors find, analyzing high-quality data from the 2012–2020 American National Election Studies. Not only have Republicans (like Democrats) become warmer toward minority groups, but this influenced voter choice and contributed heavily to the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Voters’ affect toward social groups may matter independently of the powerful force of partisanship. The authors discuss study limitations, alongside implications for affective polarization theory, research on Trumpism, and classical sociological scholarship on liberalization.
A Brief Report on Monkeypox Outbreak 2022: Historical Perspective and Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Chowdhury Partha Pratim Deb , Haque Md. Anamul , Ahamed Bulbul , Tanbir Md. , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: October 2022

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It was an epidemic infection among African countries over the last few decades. In 2022, MPXV has been broke through in Africa, America, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific region. This widespread infection of MPXV has created panic across the nations, and the WHO has declared a global public health emergency due to the multi-country MPX outbreak. We prepared this brief report on the MPX outbreak 2022 by extracting data from Scopus, PubMed, and website databases. We manually read all the relevant articles from our target databases. The rapid spread of MPX infection in around a 100 countries has threatened the global healthcare systems. The available epidemiological data revealed that sexual orientations and encounters are potential contributing factors for monkeypox infections. However, it has not been categorized as a sexually transmitted infection. Also, MPXV can transfer from 1 individual to others in many ways. The empowerment of this old foe has created additional pressure and threat on the healthcare authorities during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Effective preventive measures, social awareness, and therapeutic approaches can reduce this extra burden on the healthcare system across the countries. Focusing only on sexual orientations and encounters as risk factors for MPX infection might increase stigma that will be another barrier to controlling and preventing MPXV spread. Therefore, we should be careful in delivering messages about MPX infection to the general population. Also, we recommend repositioning the existing smallpox vaccines and antivirals in MPX infection until the development of specific antiviral agents against this infection.
Orally bioavailable BTK PROTAC active against wild-type and C481 mutant BTKs in human lymphoma CDX mouse models
Authors: Lim Ye Seul , Yoo Sun-Mi , Patil Vineet , Kim Han Wool , Kim Hyun-Hwi , Suh Beomseon , Park Ji Youn , Jeong Na-rae , Park Chi Hoon , Ryu Je Ho , Lee Byung-Hoon , Kim Pilho , Lee Song Hee
Published: October 2022

Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an important signaling hub that activates the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling cascade. BCR activation can contribute to the growth and survival of B-cell lymphoma or leukemia. The inhibition of the BCR signaling pathway is critical for blocking downstream events and treating B-cell lymphomas. Herein, we report potent and orally available proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that target BTK to inactivate BCR signaling. Of the PROTACs tested, UBX-382 showed superior degradation activity for wild-type (WT) and mutant BTK proteins in a single-digit nanomolar range of half-maximal degradation concentration in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell line. UBX-382 was effective on 7 out of 8 known BTK mutants in in vitro experiments and was highly effective in inhibiting tumor growth in murine xenograft models harboring WT or C481S mutant BTK–expressing TMD-8 cells over ibrutinib, ARQ-531, and MT-802. Remarkably, oral dosing of UBX-382 for <2 weeks led to complete tumor regression in 3 and 10 mg/kg groups in murine xenograft models. UBX-382 also provoked the cell type–dependent and selective degradation of cereblon neosubstrates in various hematological cancer cells. These results suggest that UBX-382 treatment is a promising therapeutic strategy for B-cell–related blood cancers with improved efficacy and diverse applicability.
Visual LAMP method for the detection of Vibrio vulnificus in aquatic products and environmental water
Authors: Tian Zhuo , Yang Lili , Qi Xin , Zheng Qiuyue , Shang Dejing , Cao Jijuan
Published: October 2022

Background

A visual, rapid, simple method was developed based on a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to detect Vibrio vulnificus in aquatic products and aquaculture waters.

Results

Genomic DNA was extracted from Vibrio vulnificus using the boiling method, and optimized primers were used to detect the gyrB gene using a visual LAMP method. The sensitivity of the assay was 10 fg/μL, and the obtained results were stable and reliable. Out of 655 aquatic product samples and 558 aquaculture water samples, the positive rates of Vibrio vulnificus detection were 9.01% and 8.60%, respectively, which are markedly higher than those of the traditional culture identification methods.

Conclusion

The relatively simple technical requirements, low equipment cost, and rapid detection make the visual LAMP method for the detection of Vibrio vulnificus a convenient choice for field detection in the aquaculture industry.
Evaluation of diagnostic performance of H-based blocking ELISA for specific detection of peste des petits ruminants in domestic sheep, goats, cattle and camels
Authors: Lelisa Kumela , Chibssa Tesfaye Rufael , Desissa Fanta , Emiyu Kemal , Muluneh Ayelech , Lobago Demeke Sibhatu , Gebreweld Dereje Shegu , Debebe Kebede , Mohammed Abde Aliy
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) causes a highly devastating disease of sheep and goats, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), which is targeted for global control and eradication by 2030. The serological diagnostic tool kits for accurate diagnosis of PPR have inherent strengths and weaknesses that require parallel validation and optimization across animal species. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate diagnostic performance of haemagglutinin based PPR blocking ELISA (HPPR- b-ELISA), that was developed by Africa Union Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Center for specific detection of anti- PPRV antibodies.

Methods

In preliminarily investigation, diagnostic performance of the HPPR-b-ELISA®, commercial PPR competition ELISA (c-ELISA) and virus neutralization test (VNT) were compared for the detection of anti-PPRV antibodies in goats, sheep, cattle and camels.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of HPPR- b-ELISA® were 79.55 and 99.74%, respectively, compared to c-ELISA. The HPPR- b-ELISA® was in perfect agreement (κ = 0.86) with the c-ELISA in all sera collected from goats, sheep and cattle. There was almost perfect agreement between the species of goats (κ = 0.82) and sheep (κ = 0.98), while the agreement was substantial in cattle (κ = 0.78) and no agreement was observed in camels (κ = 0.00). Similarly, the sensitivity and specificity of the HPPR b-ELISA were 80 and 96.36%, respectively compared to VNT with almost perfect agreement in goats (κ = 0.83) and sheep (κ = 0.89), moderate in cattle (κ = 0.50) and none in camels (κ = 0.00).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that HPPR- b-ELISA is a suitable and valid method that can alternatively be used for screening and monitoring of PPR in sheep, goats and cattle except for camels.
Uncovering the genetic basis of gluten aggregation parameters by genome-wide association analysis in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using GlutoPeak
Authors: Wu Zhengqing , Qiu Hongxia , Tian Zhaoran , Liu Congcong , Qin Maomao , Li Wenxu , Yang Pan , Wen Yao , Tian Baoming , Wei Fang , Zhou Zhengfu , Lei Zhensheng , Hou Jinna
Published: October 2022

Background

Numerous studies have shown that gluten aggregation properties directly affect the processing quality of wheat, however, the genetic basis of gluten aggregation properties were rarely reported.

Results

To explore the genetic basis of gluten aggregation properties in wheat, an association population consisted with 207 wheat genotypes were constructed for evaluating nine parameters of aggregation properties on GlutoPeak across three-year planting seasons. A total of 940 significant SNPs were detected for 9 GlutoPeak parameters through genome-wide association analysis (GWAS). Finally, these SNPs were integrated to 68 non-redundant QTL distributed on 20 chromosomes and 54 QTL was assigned as pleiotropic loci which accounting for multiple parameters of gluten aggregation property. Furthermore, the peak SNPs representing 54 QTL domonstrated additive effect on all the traits. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of favorable alleles and the phenotypic values of each parameter. Peak SNPs of two novel QTL, q3AL.2 and q4DL, which contributing to both PMT (peak maximum time) and A3 (area from the first minimum to torque 15 s before the maximum torque) parameters, were selected for KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) markers development and the KASP markers can be used for effectively evaluating the quality of gluten aggregation properties in the association population.

Conclusion

The rapid and efficient GlutoPeak method for gluten measurement can be used for early selection of wheat breeding. This study revealed the genetic loci related to GlutoPeak parameters in association population, which would be helpful to develop wheat elite lines with improved gluten aggregation through molecular marker-assisted breeding.
Self-perceived knowledge, attitudes, and training needs regarding medical cannabis among health care providers and health volunteers in district health systems, Phitsanulok Province
Authors: Mekrungrongwong Sunsanee , Kitreerawutiwong Nithra , Keeratisiroj Orawan , Jariya Wutthichai
Published: October 2022

Background:

Health care providers and health volunteers play an important role in the collaborative provision of patient access and care regarding medical cannabis in district health systems (DHSs) according to their roles and responsibilities. However, there is limited evidence on the self-perceived knowledge, attitudes, and training needs regarding medical cannabis use by health care providers and health volunteers in DHSs. The aim of this study was to compare self-perceived knowledge, attitudes, and training needs regarding medical cannabis among health care providers and health volunteers in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Phitsanulok Province. A total of 836 participants consisting of 166 health care providers and 670 health volunteers were recruited by stratified cluster random sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent sample t tests and chi-square tests, were employed for data analyses.

Results:

The results revealed that self-perceived knowledge of medical cannabis was not significantly different between the health care providers and health volunteers (p = 0.875), whereas attitudes about medical cannabis were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001). The mean scores of attitudes were 29.10 for the health care providers and 31.84 for the health volunteers. Regarding training needs, the health care providers proposed training topics, including adverse effects of medical cannabis (27.5%), information on prescribing cannabis drugs (20.5%) and information on prescribing drugs that contain cannabis substances (14.7%). On the other hand, health volunteers preferred to obtain training on cannabis legislation (23.5%), information on caring for patients who used drugs containing cannabis substances (21.4%), and a history of medical cannabis use (17.6%).

Conclusion:

In summary, to ensure effective care in the DHSs, health care providers and health volunteers should be trained to be confident in their knowledge and attitudes towards the use of medical cannabis. Training topics should be designed with consideration for the role and responsibility of each group to prepare professionals and nonprofessional to achieve patients quality and safety with respect to medical cannabis use.
Extension of Tablo TrEatmeNt Duration (XTEND) study: successful 24 h prolonged therapy with Tablo in critical patients
Authors: Zaman Tahir , Moore Kasadi , Jellerson Jennifer , Chahal Yaadveer , Schumacher Joshua , Dalessandri-Silva Cynthia , Aragon Michael
Published: October 2022

Background

The Tablo® Hemodialysis System (Tablo) is an all in one, easy-to-learn device featuring integrated water purification, on demand dialysate production and two-way wireless data transmission and is approved for use in the acute, chronic, and home settings. Prior reports have demonstrated Tablo’s ability to achieve clinical goals, seamlessly integrate into hospitals and reduce cost across a wide range of treatment times. Extension of the Tablo cartridge to 24 h allows prolonged therapy and even greater flexibility for prescribers in the acute setting. The objective is to report on the first ever experience with Tablo prolonged therapy between 12 and 24 h in critically ill patients treated at a single-center ICU.

Methods

Nursing staff were trained during a single training session on Tablo prolonged therapy. After a run-in period of five treatments, Tablo data were collected via real-time transmission to a cloud-based, HIPAA compliant platform and reviewed by site staff. Dialysis treatment delivery, clinically significant alarms, and clotting events were recorded. Sub-group analysis between COVID-19 positive and negative patients were reported.

Results

One hundred (100) consecutive Tablo prolonged treatments had a median prescribed treatment time of 24 h and a median achieved treatment time of 21.3 h. Median cartridge usage was 1.3 per treatment. The dialysis treatment time was delivered in 91% of treatments, with 6% ending early due to an alarm, and 3% ending due to clotting.

Clinically significant alarms occurred at a median rate of 0.5 per treatment hour with a resolution time of 18 s. Median blood pump stoppage time related to these alarms was 2.3 min per treatment. Blood pump stoppage time was higher in the COVID-19 subgroup when compared to the non-COVID-19 subgroup.

Conclusion

Tablo successfully achieves prescribed treatment time with minimal therapy interruptions from alarms or cartridge changes. This data demonstrates the effectiveness of Tablo in achieving personalization of treatments necessary for unstable patients and enabling successful delivery of extended therapy with minimal clotting. Tablo’s prolonged therapy meets the needs of critically patients, including COVID-19 positive patients, requiring renal replacement therapy for greater than 12 h.
Tumour stroma ratio is a potential predictor for 5-year disease-free survival in breast cancer
Authors: Yan Dandan , Ju Xianli , Luo Bin , Guan Feng , He Huihua , Yan Honglin , Yuan Jingping
Published: October 2022

Background

The tumour–stroma ratio (TSR) is identified as a promising prognostic parameter for breast cancer, but the cutoff TSR value is mostly assessed by visual assessment, which lacks objective measurement. The aims of this study were to optimize the cutoff TSR value, and evaluate its prognosis value in patients with breast cancer both as continuous and categorical variables.

Methods

Major clinicopathological and follow-up data were collected for a series of patients with breast cancer. Tissue microarray images stained with cytokeratin immunohistochemistry were evaluated by automated quantitative image analysis algorithms to assess TSR. The potential cutoff point for TSR was optimized using maximally selected rank statistics. The association between TSR and 5-year disease-free survival (5-DFS) was assessed by Cox regression analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank test were used to assess the significance in survival analysis.

Results

The optimal cut-off TSR value was 33.5%. Using this cut-off point, categorical variable analysis found that low TSR (i.e., high stroma, TSR ≤ 33.5%) predicts poor outcomes for 5-DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.81–4.40, P = 0.000). When TSR was considered as a continuous parameter, results showed that increased stroma content was associated with worse 5-DFS (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.34–2.18, P = 0.000). Similar results were also obtained in three molecular subtypes in continuous and categorical variable analyses. Moreover, in the Kaplan–Meier analysis, log-rank test showed that low TSR displayed a worse 5-DFS than high TSR (P = 0.000). Similar results were also obtained in patients with triple-negative breast cancer, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, and luminal–HER2-negative breast cancer.

Conclusion

TSR is an independent predictor for 5-DFS in breast cancer with worse survival outcomes in low TSR. The prognostic value of TSR was also observed in other three molecular subtypes.
Differences of resting fMRI and cognitive function between drug-naïve bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Liang Jiaquan , Huang Wei , Guo Huagui , Wu Weibin , Li Xiaoling , Xu Caixia , Xie Guojun , Chen Wensheng
Published: October 2022

Background:

Bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SC) have many similarities in clinical manifestations. The acute phase of BD has psychotic symptoms, while SC also has emotional symptoms during the onset, which suggests that there is some uncertainty in distinguishing BD and SC through clinical symptoms.

Aim:

To explore the characteristics of brain functional activities and cognitive impairment between BD and SC.

Methods:

Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) test was performed on patients in drug-naïve BD and SC (50 subjects in each group), and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scanning was performed meanwhile. Rs-fMRI data were routinely preprocessed, and the value of the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) was calculated. Then each part of the scores of the RBANS and the characteristics of brain function activities were compared between the two groups. Finally used Pearson correlation to analyze the correlation between cognition and brain function.

Results:

(1) Compared with BD group, all parts of RBANS scores in SC group decreased; (2) The left inferior occipital gyrus (IOG, peak coordinates − 30, -87, -15; t = 4.78, voxel size = 31, Alphasim correction) and the right superior temporal gyrus (STG, peak coordinates 51, -12, 0; t = 5.08, voxel size = 17, AlphaSim correction) were the brain areas with significant difference in fALFF values between BD and SC. Compared with SC group, the fALFF values of the left IOG and the right STG in BD group were increased (p < 0.05); (3) Pearson correlation analysis showed that the visuospatial construction score was positively correlated with the fALFF values of the left IOG and the right STG (rleft IOG = 0.304, p = 0.003; rright STG = 0.340, p = 0.001); The delayed memory (figure recall) score was positively correlated with the fALFF value of the left IOG (rleft IOG = 0.207, p = 0.044).

Discussion:

The cognitive impairment of SC was more serious than BD. The abnormal activities of the left IOG and the right STG may be the core brain region to distinguish BD and SC, and are closely related to cognitive impairment, which provide neuroimaging basis for clinical differential diagnosis and explore the pathological mechanism of cognitive impairment.
U.S. medical organizations and climate change advocacy: a review of public facing websites
Authors: Bush Thomas , Jensen William A. , Katsumoto Tamiko R.
Published: October 2022

Background

Climate change poses a risk of health catastrophes and must be expeditiously addressed across the health care sector. Physicians are considered trustworthy and are well positioned to discuss climate change with patients. A unified strategy by all U.S. medical societies is essential to effectively mitigate their carbon footprint and address health concerns.

Methods

We conducted a review of the public facing websites of member organizations of the AMA House of Delegates and the AMA, which were scored based on inclusion of content related to climate change in position statements or policies, task forces or committees, patient education materials, practice recommendations and any official society publications. Membership in the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health or participation in the organization My Green Doctor were recorded as indicators of a commitment to providing educational resources about mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The availability of a virtual option for annual meetings, as a potential means to reduce the carbon footprint of attendees, was trended from 2021 to 2022.

Results

Fifty out of 111 U.S. medical organizations (45%) had at least one metric with a reference to climate change and sixty-one organizations (55%) had no evidence of such website content. Out of 111 websites, only 20% (N = 22) had position statements or policies pertaining to climate change, 11% (N = 12) had committees or task forces dealing with climate change, 8% (N = 9) provided patient education resources on climate change, 21% (N = 23) included green practice recommendations and 45% (N = 50) had an article in an official society publication addressing climate change. Only 14% (N = 15) were listed as member societies of the Medical Consortium on Climate Change and 2% (N = 2) were participating organizations with My Green Doctor.

Conclusions

Viewed through the lens of medical society websites, there was a wide variation in efforts to address climate change. The high performing organizations can serve as a guide for other societies to help mitigate and adapt to the climate emergency.