bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sindrom postintenzivne skrbi – kako ga prepoznati, prevenirati, liječiti
Authors: Djak Vedrana , Režić Slađana
Published: August 2022

Sindrom postintenzivne skrbi (PICS) podrazumijeva tjelesna, kognitivna i mentalna oštećenja koja se javljaju tijekom boravka na Odjelu intenzivne skrbi, nakon otpusta s Odjela intenzivne skrbi ili otpusta iz bolnice te dugoročne prognoze pacijenata na odjelima intenzivne skrbi.Od tjelesnih oštećenja najčešće je prisutna polineuropatija. Kognitivna oštećenja uključuju oštećenja pamćenja, poteškoće u izvršavanju funkcija, jezika, pažnje i vizualno-prostornih sposobnosti. Depresija, anksioznost i posttraumatski stresni poremećaj najčešća su mentalna oboljenja u sindromu postintenzivne skrbi.Prevencija PICS-a zahtijeva provođenje ABCDEFGH postupaka koji uključuje sprječavanje delirija, ranu rehabilitaciju, obiteljsku intervenciju i praćenje pacijenta od trenutka prijema na Odjel intenzivne skrbi do otpusta. Dnevnik praćenja, prehrana, sestrinska skrb i upravljanje okolišem tijekom liječenja pacijenta iznimno su važni u prevenciji PICS-a.Liječenje sindroma postintenzivne skrbi treba započeti što ranije, a u liječenje je potrebno uključiti multidisciplinarni tim (liječnik koji vodi pacijenta, neurolog, psihijatar, fizioterapeut, radni terapeut i logoped). Cilj je ovog rada pojasniti značaj sestrinskih intervencija u prevenciji sindroma postintenzivne skrbi.
ANALYSIS OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN CRYPTO CURRENCIES, S&P500 AND US 10-YEAR TREASURY BOND INDEX WITH GRANGER CAUSALITY TEST
Authors: KARTAL Cem , ÖZTÜRK CAN Ümran
Published: August 2022

Blockchain-based cryptocurrencies have gained popularity in television and digital media channels with the highest value records of all time broke in a row, both in academic studies and in recent times. In the framework of the study conducted to provide data to those who want to assess their investments in blockchain-based cryptocurrencies. In the research it is aimed to examine correlation between Bitcoin as an independent variable and S&P500 Index, US 10-year Treasury and altcoins like Ethereum, Cardano, Chainlink with Granger causality test. Findings shows that Chainlink as an investment tool has the highest return with 6.22% and it is followed by Cardano with 5.74%, Ethereum with 5.20% and ultimately Bitcoin. The US 10-year Treasury offers not only the lowest rate of return with 10% loss but also riskier tool than Bitcoin. S&P500 Index offers lower rate of return and riskier in comparison with FED interest rate. According to the covariance values, it has been determined that Bitcoin has an increasing linear relationship with Ethereum, Cardano and Chainlink, and a decreasing linear relationship with the FED interest rates and US 10-year Treasury, while it is unrelated to the S&P500 Index.
The OSPAR NEAFC Collective Arrangement and Ocean Governance: Regional Seas Organisations as the Setters of Conservation Standards in ABNJ?
Authors: Hey Ellen
Published: August 2022

The Collective Arrangement, subscribed to by OSPAR and NEAFC and presented as a model by these organisations, suggests that regional seas organisations, such as OSPAR, are to act as standard setters for the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). The model suggests that regional seas organisations and other organisations, such as NEAFC, the IMO and the ISA, then are to regulate human activities for which they are competent within these conservation standards. This article explores whether the Collective Arrangement might indeed function as a model for ocean governance in ABNJ and merits encouragement in a future BBNJ agreement. It concludes that the Collective Arrangement, as a model, raises both opportunities and challenges but that it might not be transplantable to other areas beyond national jurisdiction, given that the elements that characterise cooperation in the North-East Atlantic are not present in most other areas in ABNJ.
Why Humans Refrain from Lying: A Critical Edition of al-Ḥasan al-Raṣṣāṣ’s al-ʿAshr al-fawāʾid al-lāzima ʿan ṣīghat dalīl wāḥid
Authors: Ansari Hassan , Khalkhali Ehsan Mousavi , Thiele Jan
Published: August 2022

This article offers a critical edition of al-Ḥasan al-Raṣṣāṣ’s al-ʿAshr al-fawāʾid al-lāzima ʿan ṣīghat dalīl wāḥid. In this text, al-Raṣṣāṣ establishes ten premisses to prove that humans will always say the truth if lying yields no greater benefit for them. We suggest that al-ʿAshr al-fawāʾid was written in reaction to a section of Mānkdīm Shashdīw’s Taʿlīq Sharḥ al-uṣūl al-khamsa: Mānkdīm considers this proposition self-evident, whereas al-Raṣṣāṣ insists on the necessity of proving it rationally.
Nothobranchius balamaensis (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae), a new species of annual killifish from northern Mozambique
Authors: BRAGANÇA PEDRO H. N. , BELLSTEDT DIRK U. , VAN DER MERWE P. DE WET , COTTERILL FENTON P.D. , WATTERS BRIAN R. , CHAKONA ALBERT
Published: August 2022

A new seasonal killifish of the genus Nothobranchius is described from the Montepuez River system in northern Mozambique. The new species, Nothobranchius balamaensis Bragança & Chakona, is differentiated from congeners by its characteristic colour pattern and molecular data further support its taxonomic distinctiveness. Phylogenetic results based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes confirms N. balamaensis is closely related to N. kirki and N. wattersi; all three belonging to the Coastal-Inland Clade. The new species is most similar in colour pattern to N. kirki sharing the characteristic of a deep red-orange colouration in the basal, proximal, and medial zones of the caudal and anal fins that grades to orange in the distal zone. This is a key feature that distinguishes these two species from all other Nothobranchius. The main distinguishing features between the new species and N. kirki is the presence of a light blue to white band or series of irregular markings in the proximal zone of the anal fin in N. kirki, versus the absence of such a colour pattern element in N. balamaensis, as well as differences in the dorsal fin pattern. When compared to all population groups of N. wattersi, the colour pattern of N. balamaensis is distinctive. Nothobranchius balamaensis is a relatively slender member of the genus, a characteristic that clearly distinguishes it from both N. kirki and N. wattersi. Nothobranchius balamaensis is currently only known from a few specimens from the type locality.
Strong Red Noise Ocean Forcing on Atlantic Multidecadal Variability Assessed from Surface Heat Flux: Theory and Application
Authors: Liu Zhengyu , Gu Peng , Delworth Thomas L.
Published: August 2022

The role of ocean forcing on Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) is assessed from the (downward) heat flux–SST relation in the framework of a new stochastic climate theory forced by red noise ocean forcing. Previous studies suggested that atmospheric forcing drives SST variability from monthly to interannual time scales, with a positive heat flux–SST correlation, while heat flux induced by ocean processes can drive SST variability at decadal and longer time scales, with a negative heat flux–SST correlation. Here, first, we develop a theory to show how the sign of heat flux–SST correlation is affected by atmospheric and oceanic forcing with time scale. In particular, a red noise ocean forcing is necessary for the sign reversal of heat flux–SST correlation. Furthermore, this sign reversal can be detected equivalently in three approaches: the low-pass correlation at lag zero, the unfiltered correlation at long (heat flux) lead, and the real part of the heat flux–SST coherence. Second, we develop a new scheme in combination with the theory to assess the magnitude and time scale of the red noise ocean forcing for AMV in the GFDL SPEAR model (Seamless System for Prediction and Earth System Research) and observations. In both the model and observations, the ocean forcing on AMV is in general comparable with the atmospheric forcing, with a 90% probability greater than the atmospheric forcing in observations. In contrast to the white noise atmospheric forcing, the ocean forcing has a persistence time comparable or longer than a year, much longer than the SST persistence of ∼3 months. This slow ocean forcing is associated implicitly with slow subsurface ocean dynamics.

Significance Statement

A new theoretical framework is developed to estimate the ocean forcing on Atlantic multidecadal variability form heat flux–SST relations in climate models and observation. Our estimation shows the ocean forcing is comparable with the atmospheric forcing and, in particular, has a slow time scale of years.
Evaluating GFS and ECMWF Ensemble Forecasts of Integrated Water Vapor Transport along the U.S. West Coast
Authors: Stewart Briana E. , Cordeira Jason M. , Ralph F. Martin
Published: August 2022

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are long and narrow regions in the atmosphere of enhanced integrated water vapor transport (IVT) and can produce extreme precipitation and high societal impacts. Reliable and skillful forecasts of landfalling ARs in the western United States are critical to hazard preparation and aid in decision support activities, such as Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO). The purpose of this study is to compare the cool-season water year skill of the NCEP Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) and ECMWF Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) forecasts of IVT along the U.S. West Coast for 2017–20. The skill is analyzed using probability-over-threshold forecasts of IVT magnitudes ≥ 250 kg m−1 s−1 (P250) using contingency table skill metrics in coastal Northern California and along the west coast of North America. Analysis of P250 with lead time (dProg/dt) found that the EPS provided ∼1 day of additional lead time for situational awareness over the GEFS at lead times of 6–10 days. Forecast skill analysis highlights that the EPS leads over the GEFS with success ratios 0.10–0.15 higher at lead times > 6 days for P250 thresholds of ≥25% and ≥50%, while event-based skill analysis using the probability of detection (POD) found that both models were largely similar with minor latitudinal variations favoring higher POD for each model in different locations along the coast. The relative skill of the EPS over the GEFS is largely attributed to overforecasting by the GEFS at longer lead times and an increase in the false alarm ratio.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the NCEP Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) and the ECMWF Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) in forecasting enhanced water vapor transport along the U.S. West Coast commonly associated with landfalling atmospheric rivers and heavy precipitation. The ensemble models allow us to calculate the probability that enhanced water vapor transport will occur, thereby providing situational awareness for decision-making, such as in hazard mitigation and water resource management. The results of this study indicate that the EPS model is on average more skillful than the GEFS model at lead times of ∼6–10 days with a higher success ratio and lower false alarm ratio.
Receiving Social Support From Diverse Helpers: Associations With Quality of Life
Authors: Ang Shannon , Suen Johan
Published: August 2022

More older adults now live in non-family-based households, even as the provision of support to older adults within the domestic setting becomes more salient. This study examines the determinants of having non-immediate family or non-coresident helpers in older adults’ received social support networks, and its associations with quality of life. Data were from a nationally representative study of Singaporeans aged 60 and above ( N = 2248) who did not live alone. Findings show that those who received help solely from persons other than their spouse or child report a lower quality of life compared to other kinds of networks. However, those who had more non-coresident helpers than co-resident helpers experienced a higher quality of life compared to those who relied mainly on co-resident helpers. We suggest that policymakers should consider supporting a wider range of informal social support arrangements and providers, as networks of received social support become increasingly diverse.
Beclin1- and Atg13-dependent autophagy activation and morroniside have synergistic effect on osteoblastogenesis
Authors: Li Xi , Zhu Yunrong , Lin Xiangquan , Chen Chuanyuan , Liu Hui , Shi Yi
Published: August 2022

Morroniside is known to improve osteoporosis by promoting osteoblastogenesis. The activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is a significant mechanism in morroniside-promoted osteoblastogenesis. It is well known that protective autophagy is an important factor in osteoblastogenesis. However, the activation of mTOR signaling can inhibit autophagy. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mTOR signaling and autophagy in morroniside-regulated osteoblastogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of morroniside on the autophagic activity (LC3 conversion rate, LC3-puncta formation, and autophagosome number) of differentiated osteoblast precursors (MC3T3-E1 cells). Then, we identified the roles of mTOR knockdown in morroniside-regulated alterations of autophagy and osteogenic parameters in MC3T3-E1 cells. Next, mTOR knockdown and overexpression were used to observe the roles of mTOR in morroniside-regulated alterations of autophagic molecules (Atg7, Atg13, and Beclin1). Subsequently, the additional value of the above autophagic molecules on morroniside-regulated osteogenic parameters in MC3T3-E1 cells was analyzed based on lentiviral transduction. Finally, combined with morroniside and TAT-Beclin1, the roles of Beclin1 upregulation in the in vivo effects of morroniside was investigated. Our experimental data showed that morroniside promoted both the mTOR activity and autophagy in MC3T3-E1 cells. Morroniside-upregulated autophagic activity and Atg13 or Beclin1 protein level in MC3T3-E1 cells were enhanced by mTOR knockdown. Furthermore, Morroniside-upregulated Atg13 and Beclin1 expression was reversed by mTOR overexpression. Importantly, autophagy upregulation with overexpression of the autophagic gene, Atg13 or BECN1 (gene form of Beclin1), significantly promoted osteoblastogenesis regulated by morroniside. The promotional effect of morroniside on bone microarchitecture, bone mass, and bone parameters (including trabecular bone area and OCN expression in trabecular bone) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice was enhanced by TAT-Beclin1 administration. In conclusion, the autophagy-enhancing drugs related to Beclin1 or Atg13 may be an effective adjuvant therapy in the treatment of osteoporosis with morroniside.
A model of painful vaso-occlusive crisis in mice with sickle cell disease
Authors: Khasabova Iryna I. , Juliette Joseph , Rogness Victoria M. , Khasabov Sergey G. , Golovko Mikhail Y. , Golovko Svetlana A. , Kiven Stacy , Gupta Kalpna , Belcher John D. , Vercellotti Gregory M. , Seybold Virginia S. , Simone Donald A.
Published: August 2022

In order to better understand mechanisms underlying acute pain during vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in patients with sickle cell disease, Khasabova et al report on a clinically relevant model in mice where VOC is stimulated by exposure to cold. Cold exposure produces robust hyperalgesia, stasis, hypoxia, elevated heart rate, and increased levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG and its synthesizing enzyme, DAGLβ, in plasma and blood cells, respectively. Blocking DAGLβ prevents the development of hyperalgesia. Collectively, these data point to 2-AG signaling as a targetable mediator of VOC pain.
Farnesyl diphosphate synthase regulated endothelial proliferation and autophagy during rat pulmonary arterial hypertension induced by monocrotaline
Authors: Jin Tingting , Lu Jiangting , Lv Qingbo , Gong Yingchao , Feng Zhaojin , Ying Hangying , Wang Meihui , Fu Guosheng , Jiang Dongmei
Published: August 2022

Background

The proliferation ability and autophagy level of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) play an important role in promoting the development of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), and there is still no effective treatment for PAH. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS) is a key enzyme in the mevalonate pathway. The intermediate metabolites of this pathway are closely related to the activity of autophagy-associated small G proteins, including Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1). Studies have shown that the mevalonate pathway affects the activation levels of different small G proteins, autophagy signaling pathways, vascular endothelial function, and so on. However, the exact relationship between them is still unclear in PAH.

Method

In vitro, western blotting and mRFP-GFP-LC3 puncta formation assays were used to observe the expression of FDPS and the level of autophagy in PAECs treated with monocrotaline pyrrole (MCTP). In addition, cell proliferation and migration assays were used to assess the effect of FDPS on endothelial function, and Rac1 activity assays were used to evaluate the effect of Rac1 activation on PAEC autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo, the right heart catheterization method, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and western blotting were used to determine the effect of FDPS on PAEC autophagy and monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH.

Results

We show that the expression of FDPS is increased in the PAH module in vitro and in vivo, concomitant with the induction of autophagy and the activation of Rac1. Our data demonstrate that inhibition of FDPS ameliorates endothelial function and decreases MCT-induced autophagy levels. Mechanistically, we found that FDPS promotes autophagy, Rac1 activity and endothelial disfunction through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that FDPS contributes to active small G protein-induced autophagy during MCT-induced PAH, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target against PAH.
Precision and Flexible Bending Control Strategy Based on Analytical Models and Data Models
Authors: Duan Yongchuan , Tian Le , Zhang Fangfang , Liu Yu , Qiao Haidi , Yang Liu , Guan Yingping
Published: August 2022

Forming of various customized bending parts, small batches, as well as numerous types of materials is a new challenges for Industry 4.0, the current control strategies can not meet the precision and flexibility requirement, expected control strategy of bending processes need to not only resist unknown interferences of process condition and models, but also produce various new parts automatically and efficiently. In this paper, a precision and flexible bending control strategy based on analytical models and data models is proposed to build adaptive bending systems. New analytical prediction models for loading and unloading are established and suitable for various materials, a sequential identification strategy is proposed to search nominal properties using the four sub-optimization models. A data-based feedback model is established to prevent over-bending and eliminate online deviation. Above models are merged into a precision and flexible control strategy. The system firstly uses sub-optimization models to search the nominal point which is near to target point, secondly the system further uses feedback model to eliminate residual error between the nominal point and target point. Compared with four kinds sheet metals, the allowable ranges for variables are determined for a good convergence. The target bending angles were set to 20°, 40°, and 60°. Forty parts were tracked for each kind material, the adaptive bending system converged after one iteration, and exhibited better performances.
Synthesis of highly deuterated coniferyl alcohol for silencing of NMR signals in the resulting dehydrogenative polymer
Authors: Shigetomi Kengo , Tokizawa Mana , Uraki Yasumitsu
Published: August 2022

To establish a facile methodology for the elucidation of the lignin chain-growth mechanism, the preparation of monolignol that does not show NMR signals in the dehydrogenative polymer (DHP) was attempted. As a monolignol of which aliphatic moieties were deuterated, coniferyl alcohol-d7 was successfully synthesized from protocatechualdehyde and malonic acid via the modified Knoevenagel–Doebner reaction and the Luche reduction. The process achieved high to excellent deuteration efficiencies at the aimed positions (i.e., methoxy: > 99%D, α: > 99%D, β: 92%D, and γ: 98%D). DHP was prepared solely from coniferyl alcohol-d7, and its NMR spectra were compared with those from coniferyl alcohol. The results indicated that: (1) the deuterium atoms at methoxy group, α- and β-positions were highly retained even in the DHP, and their signals were effectively suppressed; (2) a part of the deuterium at γ-position was replaced with H through the reaction; (3) meanwhile, the formation of γ-CH2 was negligible. This study demonstrated that coniferyl alcohol-d7 could “silence” the majority of the signals even when converted to DHP. Highly deuterated monolignols can be a unique molecular tool that can differentiate the signals of interest from those derived from monolignols.
Post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric manifestations among COVID-19 survivors suffering from migraine: a case–control study
Authors: Magdy Rehab , Elmazny Alaa , Soliman Shaimaa H. , Elsebaie Eman H. , Ali Sara H. , Abdel Fattah Ali M. , Hassan Mahmoud , Yassien Ahmed , Mahfouz Noha A. , Elsayed Radwa M. , Fathy Wael , Abdel-Hamid Hoda M. , Mohamed Jehan , Hussein Mona
Published: August 2022

Background

The burden of post-coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 symptoms has been increasing and is of great concern in patients with pre-existing chronic medical conditions.This study aimed to delineate the post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms among migraine patients compared to the non-migraine control group.

Methods

Two groups, each of 204 COVID-19 survivors, were enrolled in the study after 3 months of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, one group fulfilling the episodic migraine criteria and the other serving as a matching control group. Subjects were evaluated through an in-person interview for post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms, including detailed headache patterns and severity, using the visual analogue scale.

Results

The Frequency of headache during the acute phase of COVID-19 was more frequent in migraine patients (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.04–2.45, P-value = 0.031). The reported significant post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms in migraine patients compared to controls were fatigue (OR = 1.662, 95%CI = 1.064–2.596, P-value = 0.025), anosmia/hyposmia (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.164- 3.645, P-value = 0.012), cacosmia (OR = 2.663, 95%CI = 1.145–6.195, P-value = 0.019), depression (OR = 2.259, 95%CI = 1.284- 3.975, P-value = 0.004), anxiety (OR = 3.267, 95%CI = 1.747- 6.108, P-value ≤ 0.001), insomnia (OR = 2.203, 95%CI = 1.298- 3.739, P-value = 0.003), and headache (OR = 3.148, 95%CI = 1.616–6.136, P-value =  ≤ 0.001).While there was no statistically significant difference between migraine patients and controls regarding the post-COVID-19 functional status score (P-value = 0.102). The pattern of post-COVID-19 headache was reported as chronic headache transformation in 17.6% of the migraine group, with the median intensity rate being 5.5 and IQR (3–7). In the control group, 14% experienced chronic headache attributed to systemic viral infection with a median intensity rate of 2 and IQR (2–5), while 12% experienced a new daily persistent headache with a median intensity of 5 and IQR (1–6).

Conclusion

The study highlighted the importance of follow-up migraine patients upon recovery from COVID-19 infection, being more vulnerable to post-COVID-19 symptoms.
Pnpla5-knockout rats exhibit reduced expression levels of proteins involved in steroid metabolism and wound healing compared to wild-type rats
Authors: Liu Zhi-Guo , Hu Yan-Qing , Li Kui , Mu Yu-Lian , Wu Tian-Wen
Published: August 2022

Background

Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 5 (PNPLA5) is a newly-discovered lipase. Although the PNPLA family plays critical roles in diverse biological processes, the biological functions of PNPLA5 mostly unknown. We previously found that the deletion of Pnpla5 in rats causes a variety of phenotypic abnormalities. In this study, we further explored the effects of Pnpla5 knockout (KO) on male rats.

Results

The body weight and testicular or epididymal tissue weight of three to six 3-month-old Pnpla5 KO or wild-type (WT) male Sprague–Dawley rats were measured. The protein expression levels were also measured via western blotting and iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) analyses. No significant difference between Pnpla5 KO and WT rats, regarding body weight, testicular or epididymal tissue weight, or hormone levels, were found. However, the relative testicular tissue weight of the KO (Pnpla5−/−) rats was higher (P < 0.05) than that of WT rats. Significant increases in apoptotic cells numbers (P < 0.001) and BAX and Caspase-9 expression levels were observed in the testicular tissue of Pnpla5−/− rats. Moreover, iTRAQ analysis revealed that the levels of proteins involved in steroid metabolism and wound healing were significantly decreased in Pnpla5−/− rats.

Conclusion

This study revealed that Pnpla5 knockout induced apoptosis in rat testes. We also ascertained that Pnpla5 plays an important role in lipid metabolism, wound healing, and affects reproductive organs negatively, providing new target genes and pathways that can be analyzed to unravel the biological function of Pnpla5.
The CHAMP-study: the CHemopreventive effect of lithium in familial AdenoMatous Polyposis; study protocol of a phase II trial
Authors: Linssen Jasmijn D. G. , van Neerven Sanne M. , Aelvoet Arthur S. , Elbers Clara C. , Vermeulen Louis , Dekker Evelien
Published: August 2022

Background

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by germline mutations in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene, resulting in the development of numerous colorectal adenomas. As these patients have a high risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), guidelines suggest prophylactic colectomy during early adulthood, however, adenoma development is still observed in the remaining intestinal tract. Therefore, FAP patients would benefit from chemoprevention strategies reducing the development of adenomas. Recent work in mice reveals a chemopreventive effect of lithium on the development of adenomas by inhibiting the expansion of Apc mutated intestinal stem cells (ISCs) within the crypts of normal intestinal mucosa. Here, we aim to investigate the effect of lithium on the spread of APC mutant cells within the human intestinal epithelium.

Methods

This prospective phase II single arm trial has a duration of 18 months. FAP patients (18–35 years) with a genetically confirmed APC mutation who did not undergo colectomy will be treated with lithium carbonate orally achieving a serum level of 0.2–0.4 mmol/l between month 6 and 12. Colonoscopy with biopsies of normal intestinal mucosa will be performed at baseline and every six months. The primary endpoint is the effect of lithium on the spread of APC mutant cells within intestinal crypts over time by using APC specific marker NOTUM in situ hybridization. Secondary endpoints include change in adenoma burden, patient reported side effects and safety-outcomes. Total sample size is 12 patients and recruitment will take place in the Amsterdam UMC, location AMC in the Netherlands.

Discussion

The outcome of this study will function as a proof-of-concept for the development of novel chemoprevention approaches that interfere with the competition between normal and mutant ISCs.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/): NCT05402891 (June 1, 2022) and the EU Clinical Trials Register: EuraCT 2022-000240-30 (January 1, 2022).
Acceptability and feasibility of a screening protocol for antenatal depression (SPADe) in Blantyre District, Malawi
Authors: Chorwe-Sungani Genesis , Mwagomba Modesta , Chirwa Ellen , Jere Diana , Chipps Jennifer
Published: August 2022

Background

Depression is one of the most common perinatal mental health problems that affect pregnant women. Antenatal depression can adversely affect the well-being of the pregnant woman and her foetus. Depression is rarely detected by midwives due to the unavailability of relevant screening instruments in Malawi. A Screening Protocol for Antenatal Depression (SPADe) was developed and recommended for possible use to screen for depression in antenatal clinics in the country. The acceptability and feasibility of using the SPADe protocol to screen for depression has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of screening for depression by midwives using SPADe in antenatal clinics in Blantyre district.

Methods

This study used a quantitative survey design to collect data among 60 midwives in three antenatal clinics in primary care settings. All inclusive sampling of all 60 midwives were used. The Structured Assessment of FEasibility and Ottawa Acceptability of Decision Rules Instruments were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and Chi square tests were used to analyse the data.

Results

This study found that it was feasible to implement SPADe and the following enablers for screening depression had the highest ratings: the SPADe is applicable to pregnant women (M = 3.9, sd = 0.4); the intended goal of the SPADe matches the prioritised goals of Malawi Ministry of Health (M = 3.9, sd = 0.5); and the SPADe is likely to be effective (M = 3.8, sd = 0.6). On the other hand, barriers for implementing the SPADe were: the need for specific training to deliver the SPADe (M = 3.7, sd = 0.7); ongoing support and supervision (M = 3.5, sd = 0.8); and additional resources (M = 3.0, sd = 0.9). This study also found that the implementation of the SPADe was acceptable to respondents. The overall mean score for respondents on acceptability of screening antenatal depression using SPADe was found to be high (M = 4.6, sd = 0.6). However the differences in the respondents’ mean scores on acceptability of screening for depression in antenatal clinics using SPADe in relation to their demographic characteristics were not significant (p > .05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that midwives feel that it is feasible and acceptable for them to implement the SPADe in antenatal clinics with ongoing training, support and clinical supervision.
The burden of risk factors for non-communicable disease in rural Bihar, India: a comparative study with national health surveys
Authors: Ross Stephanie , Chadha Kashika , Mishra Shantanu , Lewington Sarah , Shepperd Sasha , Gathani Toral ,   on behalf of the NCDRI study collaborators, Albert Sandra , Bhatnagar Apoorva , Chadha Kashika , Gathani Toral , Lacey Ben , Lewington Sarah , Mishra Shantanu , Roest Jennifer , Ross Stephanie , Shepperd Sasha , Violata Mara , Gupta Sanjay , Singh Vivek , Sarkar Rajiv
Published: August 2022

Background

The incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing in rural India. The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) provides estimates of the burden of NCDs and their risk factors in women aged 15–49 and men aged 15–54 years. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and body-mass index (BMI) in adults aged 35–70 years in rural India and to compare these estimates, where age ranges overlap, to routinely available data.

Methods

The Non-Communicable Disease in Rural India (NCDRI) Study was a cross-sectional household survey of 1005 women and 1025 men aged 35–70 conducted in Bihar in July 2019. Information was collected on personal characteristics, self-reported medical history and physical measurements (blood pressure, height and weight). Prevalence estimates for hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, or diagnosed and treated for hypertension), and for underweight (body-mass index < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–25.0 kg/m2) and overweight (≥ 25.0 kg/m2) were calculated. Where age ranges overlapped, estimates from the NCDRI Study were compared to the NFHS-5 Survey.

Results

In the NCDRI Study, the estimated prevalence of hypertension was 27.3% (N = 274) in women and 27.6% (N = 283) in men aged 35–70, which was three-times higher in women and over two-times higher in men than in the NFHS-5 Survey. One-quarter (23.5%; N = 236) of women and one-fifth (20.2%; N = 207) of men in the NCDRI Study were overweight, which was approximately 1.5 times higher than in the NFHS-5 Survey. However, where age groups overlapped, similar age-standardized estimates were obtained for hypertension and weight in both the NCDRI Study and the NFHS-5 Survey.

Conclusion

The prevalence of NCDs in rural India is higher than previously reported due to the older demographic in our survey. Future routine national health surveys must widen the age range of participants to reflect the changing disease profile of rural India, and inform the planning of health services.
A process evaluation of ‘We Can Quit’: a community-based smoking cessation intervention targeting women from areas of socio-disadvantage in Ireland
Authors: Darker Catherine D. , Burke Emma , Castello Stefania , O’Sullivan Karin , O’Connell Nicola , Vance Joanne , Reynolds Caitriona , Buggy Aine , Dougall Nadine , Loudon Kirsty , Williams Pauline , Dobbie Fiona , Bauld Linda , Hayes Catherine B.
Published: August 2022

Background

Smoking poses a serious risk of early preventable death and disease especially for women living with socio-economic disadvantage (SED). A smoking cessation programme, ‘We Can Quit’, was developed in Ireland tailored to SED women. This includes group-based support delivered by trained lay local community facilitators (CFs) and free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The intervention was pilot tested in a cluster randomised controlled trial, ‘We Can Quit 2’. This paper reports on the WCQ2 process evaluation which assessed feasibility and acceptability of the programme and trial processes.

Methods

Embedded qualitative design using the UK Medical Research Council’s process evaluation framework. Semi-structured interviews with trial participants (N = 21) and CFs (N = 8). Thematic analysis was utilised.

Results

Peer-modelling, a non-judgemental environment, CFs facilitation of group support were viewed as acceptable programme related factors. Some participants expressed concerns about NRT side effects. Provision of free NRT was welcomed and accepted by participants, although structural barriers made access challenging. Pharmacists took on a role that became larger than originally envisaged – and the majority provided additional support to women in their quit attempts between group meetings which augmented and supplemented the intervention sessions provided by the CFs. Participants reported good acceptance of repeated measures for data collection, but mixed acceptability of provision of saliva samples. Low literacy affected the feasibility of some women to fully engage with programme and trial-related materials. This was despite efforts made by intervention developers and the trial team to make materials (e.g., participant intervention booklet; consent forms and participant information leaflets) accessible while also meeting requirements under 2018 European General Data Protection Regulation legislation. Hypothetical scenarios of direct (e.g., researcher present during programme delivery) and indirect (e.g., audio recordings of programme sessions) observational fidelity assessments for a future definitive trial (DT) were acceptable.

Conclusions

Intervention and trial-related processes were generally feasible and acceptable to participants and CFs. Any future DT will need to take further steps to mitigate structural barriers to accessing free NRT; and the established problem of low literacy and low educational attainment in SED areas, while continuing to comply within the contemporary legislative research environment.

Trial registration

WCQ2 pilot trial (ISRCTN74721694).
Information clarity about Covid-19 in Indonesia: does media exposure matter?
Authors: Pranata Setia , Laksono Agung Dwi , Machfutra Eka Denis , Wulandari Ratna Dwi
Published: August 2022

Background

Confusion of information has also colored the course of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. The study analyzes the relationship between media exposure and information clarity about Covid-19 in Indonesia.

Methods

The study collected extensive data (n = 5,397). The study determines information clarity about Covid-19 based on respondents' admissions. There were four types of media exposure analyzed: frequency of reading a newspaper/magazine, frequency of listening to a radio, frequency of watching television, and frequency of internet use. The study carried out a binary logistic regression test in the final stage.

Results

The results show read a newspaper/magazine every day is 1.670 times more likely than reading a newspaper/magazine > five days a week to get precise information about Covid-19. Reading a newspaper/magazine 2–3 days a week is 1.386 times more likely than reading a newspaper/magazine > five days a week to get precise information about Covid-19. Reading a newspaper/magazine 4–5 days a week is 1.470 times more likely than reading a newspaper/magazine > five days a week to get precise information about Covid-19. Watching television 2 to 3 days a week is 1.601 times more likely than watching television > five days a week to get clear details about Covid-19. Watching television 4 to 5 days a week are 1.452 times more likely than watching television > five days a week to get precise information about Covid-19.

Conclusion

The study concluded two types of media exposure related to information clarity about Covid-19 in Indonesia: the frequency of reading newspapers and watching television.
Association between diagnostic delay and prognosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong, China: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhu Xue-han , Tao Ning-ning , Zhang Qian-yun , Song Wan-mei , An Qi-qi , Liu Si-qi , Li Yi-fan , Long Fei , Li Huai-chen
Published: August 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the main infectious diseases that seriously threatens global health, while diagnostic delay (DD) and treatment dramatically threaten TB control.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2017 in Shandong, China, we enrolled pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients with DD. DD trends were evaluated by Joinpoint regression, and associations between PTB patient characteristics and DD were estimated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The influence of DD duration on prognosis and sputum smear results were assessed by Spearman correlation coefficients.

Results

We identified 208,822 PTB cases with a median DD of 33 days (interquartile range (IQR) 18–63). The trend of PTB with DD declined significantly between 2009 and 2017 (annual percent change (APC): − 4.0%, P = 0.047, 2009–2013; APC: − 6.6%, P = 0.001, 2013–2017). Patients aged > 45 years old (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.223, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.189–1.257, 46–65 years; aOR: 1.306, 95% CI 1.267–1.346, > 65 years), farmers (aOR: 1.520, 95% CI 1.447–1.596), and those with a previous treatment history (aOR: 1.759, 95% CI 1.699–1.821) were prone to developing long DD (> 30 days, P < 0.05). An unfavorable outcome was negatively associated with a short DD (OR: 0.876, 95% CI 0.843–0.910, P < 0.001). Sputum smear positive rate and unfavorable outcomes were positively correlated with DD duration (Spearman correlation coefficients (rs) = 1, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The DD situation remains serious; more efficient and comprehensive strategies are urgently required to minimize DD, especially for high-risk patients.
The predictive value of the Singh index for the risk of InterTAN intramedullary fixation failure in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures
Authors: Xu Zhe , Tian Guang , Liu Chen , Xie Yangjiang , Zhang Ruguo
Published: August 2022

Background

To investigate the predictive value of the Singh index for the risk of InterTAN intramedullary fixation failure in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture to guide clinical treatment.

Methods

A total of 360 patients were divided into the Singh (I ~ II) (n = 120), Singh (III ~ IV) (n = 120) and Singh (V ~ VI) (n = 120) groups. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Harris scores were recorded at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the operation. The correlation between the Singh index and the T-score of the total hip and femoral neck was analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the Singh index and internal fixation failure; the types of internal fixation failure were also analyzed.

Results

The Harris scores of the Singh (I ~ II) group were lower than those of the Singh (III ~ IV) and Singh (V ~ VI) groups 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery (P < 0.05). The Singh index was significantly correlated with the T-score of the total hip and femoral neck (P = 0.00, r = 0.89; P = 0.00, r = 0.83). The Singh (I ~ II) group had the lowest internal fixation survival rate within 24 months (P = 0.01). The Singh index was an independent predictor of internal fixation failure (P < 0.05). Lag screw cutting-out was the main type of internal fixation failure in the three groups (P = 0.00).

Conclusion

The Singh index is significantly correlated with the bone mineral density of the femoral neck and total hip. The Singh (I ~ II) group had lower Harris scores and a lower internal fixation survival rate than the other two groups. The Singh index is an independent predictor of internal fixation failure, especially lag screw cutting-out, after InterTAN fixation.
Analysis in the influence factors of urethroplasty in DSD
Authors: Yu Jing , Sun Ning , Song Hongcheng , Li Minglei , Li Lele , Gong Chunxiu , Zhang Weiping
Published: August 2022

Background

At present, there is no specific research on the factors affecting the success rate of urethroplasty in patients with DSD. The purpose of this study is to explore the factors affecting the success of urethroplasty in DSD patients, and to provide some reference for the surgical treatment of DSD patients undergoing urethroplasty.

Method

We reviewed patients with DSD who underwent urethroplasty from January 2016 to December 2019 retrospectively. Patients were divided into four groups: the successful group, the urethrocutaneous fistula group, the urethral diverticulum group, and the urethral stricture group. Risk factors were determined from the following data included the DSD classification, the age of first operation, length of urethral defect, degree of hypospadias, cryptorchidism, micropenis, gonad type, hormone therapy before operation, transposition of penis and scrotum, surgical strategy, urethral covering material, and postoperative catheter removal time. We explored the difference of each factor between four groups through the comparative study of single factor and multifactor logistic regression analysis of related factors.

Result

122 cases were enrolled in this group (n = 122), 12 cases were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up was 28 months (12–55 months).We found the success rate of operation decreased with longer urethral defect (B = − 0.473, P = 0.005). The success rate of operation was higher in staged operation and TPIT (TPIT = Transverse Preputial Island Tube operation)-related operation than primary operation (B = 1.238, P = 0.006) and TPIT-nonrelated operation (B = 2.293, P = 0.001). Although there was a significant difference between the age of the first operation and the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula (P = 0.006 < 0.05), there was no significant difference in logistic regression analysis (P = 0.161 > 0.05). The incidence of urethrocutaneous fistula was lower in TPIT-related operation than in TPIT-nonrelated operation (B = − 2.507, P = 0.000). The incidence of postoperative urethral diverticulum was lower in staged operation than in primary operation (B = − 1.737, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

For patients with disorder of sex development undergoing urethroplasty, the length of urethral defect is an independent risk factor affecting both the success rate of operation and the urethrocutaneous fistula. The age of the first operation has a statistically significant effect on the occurrence of postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula, but it is not an independent factor. Urethrocutaneous fistula is less found in TPIT-related operation in the study. Staged operation is an independent protective factor for postoperative urethral diverticulum compared with one-stage operation but isn’t related to urethrocutaneous fistula.
Sonication versus the conventional method for evaluation of the dental microbiome: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Wagendorf Oliver , Menzel Peter , Schwarzer Rolf , Neckel Norbert , Preissner Saskia , Heiland Max , Nahles Susanne
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate sonication as a new tool in microbiological probing of dental infections.

Methods

Comparison of a standard probing method: intraoperative swab, with sonication, and vortex of the removed tooth, was performed on 20 carious destructed teeth. Illumina high throughput sequencing of the 16S-rRNA-gene was used for assessing the microbial composition. Antibiotic susceptibility has been assigned based on known resistances of each detected species. Probing procedures were compared using Bland–Altmann-Test, and antibiotic susceptibility using the Friedmann-Test and alpha-adjusted post-hoc-analysis.

Results

In total, 60 samples were analysed: 20 intraoperative swabs, 20 vortex fluids, and 20 sonication fluids. Sonication fluid yielded the highest number of bacterial sequencing reads in all three procedures. Comparing the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of the identified bacteria, significantly more OTUs were found in sonication fluid samples. Phylum and order abundances varied between the three procedures. Significantly more Actinomycetales have been found in sonication fluid samples compared to swab samples. The assigned resistance rates for the identified bacteria (1.79–31.23%) showed no differences between the tested probing procedures. The lowest resistance rates were found for amoxicillin + clavulanate (3.95%) and levofloxacin (3.40%), with the highest in amoxicillin (30.21%) and clindamycin (21.88%).

Conclusions

By using sonication on extracted teeth, it is possible to get a more comprehensive image of the residing microbial flora compared to the standard procedure. If sonication is not available, vortexing is a potential alternative. In immunocompromised patients, especially when actinomycosis is suspected, sonication should be considered for a more detailed microbiological evaluation of the potential disease-causing microbiome. Due to the high rates of antibiotic resistance, a more targeted antibiotic therapy is favourable. Levofloxacin should be considered as a first-line alternative to amoxicillin + clavulanate in patients with an allergy to penicillin.