bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equity lost: Sweden and Finland in the struggle for PISA scores
Authors: Muench Richard , Wieczorek Oliver , Dressler Julian
Published: February 2022

This study seeks to explore the effect of tools of school governance advanced by the global reform agenda (1) on student performance and (2) on reducing the effect of sociodemographic variables on this performance. To do so, we compare two Nordic welfare states with an egalitarian tradition: Sweden and Finland. The Swedish school system has undergone comprehensive market-based and accountability-driven reforms beginning in the early 1990s. The Finnish school system is still based on the professional trusteeship of teachers, but has moderately implemented reforms of decentralization, enhancing school autonomy and opportunities of school or curriculum choice beginning in the late 1990s. Our analysis comprises of two steps. In the first step, a literature review of the reforms and their effects in Sweden and Finland is carried out. In the second step, regression analyses are conducted using data from the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) of 2000, 2009, and 2015. The results show an increasing influence of sociodemographic factors and growing inequality and no effect of governance tools as recommended by the global reform agenda in both countries over time, but more so and earlier in Sweden than in Finland.
Patient attitudes towards side effect information: An important foundation for the ethical discussion of the nocebo effect of informed consent
Authors: Sieg Mette , Vase Lene
Published: February 2022

A growing body of evidence suggests that the informed consent process, in which patients are warned about potential side effects of a treatment, can trigger a nocebo effect where expectations about side effects increase side effect occurrence. This has sparked an ethical debate about how much information patients ought to receive before a treatment while trying to balance the moral principles of patient autonomy and nonmaleficence. In keeping with the principle of patient autonomy, the opinion of patients themselves in relation to how much information they want about side effects is of utmost relevance in this debate. The literature was searched to identify surveys assessing patient attitudes towards side effect information. Across a broad variety of patient populations, treatment types, and countries, the majority of patients wished to be fully informed of potential side effects, particularly in relation to frequent and severe side effects, while only a small minority wanted minimal or no information at all. Results from this review suggest that nocebo research should focus on methods of avoiding nocebo effects of informed consent while ensuring that patients are well-informed about potential side effects.
Social Marketing in Latin America: A Historical Overview
Authors: Alonso Vazquez Marisol , Aya Pastrana Nathaly
Published: February 2022

Background

Although research about the trajectory of social marketing in the Global South has recently emerged, there is still limited scientific evidence exploring the past and current state of social marketing in Latin America. Understanding how social marketing has been used broadly in Latin America can help identify areas to prioritize and further advance social marketing research in the region.

Focus of the Article

This article provides evidence of the evolution of social marketing in Latin America from the 1960s. It offers a better understanding of the application of social marketing in this region, and focuses on identifying challenges and applications illustrative of its evolution.

Importance to the Social Marketing Field

This study provides a historical overview of the evolution of social marketing in Latin America. It explores how social marketing has been applied across time to drive positive social change in this region. Relevant studies identified during this study serve as valuable information for researchers and practitioners interested in studying and applying social marketing in Latin America and similar contexts.

Methods

This exploratory study presents a broad overview of the body of literature with a focus on illustrative examples that depict the trajectory of social marketing in Latin America across time. Evidence in English, Spanish, and Portuguese languages were collected through diverse sources including search engines, academic databases, social marketing journals, and consultation with researchers and practitioners from the region. This search was complemented with evidence from a selection of classic social marketing books.

Results

The evidence collected shows that social marketing has been used in Latin America for four decades but still has not achieved its full potential. Findings show a predominant use of downstream social marketing approaches as opposed to midstream or upstream approaches. Results also show that international funding was a key element for grounding the use of social marketing in Latin America between the 1970s and 1990s but it appears to be less predominant after these decades.

Recommendations for Research or Practice

Further research is required to provide a more nuanced understanding of the Latin American social marketing landscape. Scholars and practitioners are invited to share experiences and further investigate conceptualizations of social marketing from their unique contexts, realities, and native languages.

Limitations

This study was delimited to provide a historical overview of the use of social marketing in Latin America based on a synthesis of the existing literature. A systematic approach to evidence synthesis is recommended for future studies on this topic.
WireSafeTM – A pilot study of a novel safety engineered device designed to prevent guidewire retention and reduce sharps injuries during central venous catheter insertion
Authors: Patel Vikesh , Chemban Faiz M , Samad Sohel , Swan Thomas , Gooch James , Dean Jonathan , Pearson Darcy , Heij Robin , Young Peter J , Mariyaselvam Maryanne ZA
Published: February 2022

Background

Guidewire retention and sharps injury during central venous catheter insertion are errors that cause patient and healthcare professional harm. The WireSafeTM is a novel procedure safety pack engineered to prevent guidewire retention and sharps injury during central venous catheter insertion. This is a pilot study aimed to determine its acceptability, usability and safety during clinical practice.

Methods

An observational time and motion study was conducted comparing central venous catheter insertion and sharps disposal practice using standard versus WireSafeTM techniques. One-year following implementation, a structured survey was conducted to determine clinician opinion and experiences of using the WireSafeTM.

Results

15 procedures were observed using standard practice and 16 using the WireSafeTM technique. The WireSafeTM technique decreased the time taken from removal of the guidewire to disposal of sharps (standard 11.4 ± 5.6 min vs WireSafeTM 8.7 ± 1.4 min, p = 0.035), as well as total procedure time (standard 16 ± 7 min vs WireSafeTM 14.2 ± 2 min, p = 0.17), although this latter trend did not reach significance. Clinicians frequently practiced unsafe behaviour during sharps disposal in the standard group (53%), but when using the WireSafeTM technique, 100% exhibited safe practice by transferring sharps to the bin inside the sealed WireSafeTM box. One-year following implementation, 20 clinicians participated in the structured survey. Clinicians across three different departments used the WireSafeTM in varying clinical situations and reported that its use for central line insertion was either easier (10/20) or no different (10/20) compared to standard practice. All clinicians (20/20) felt that the WireSafeTM reduced the risk of guidewire retention and all stated that they approved of the WireSafeTM technique, and supported its use for convenience and safety benefits.

Conclusion

Utilising the WireSafeTM for central line insertion facilitated earlier and safer sharps disposal, and the device was well supported by clinicians for its convenience and safety benefits.
Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and angiogenic bioactive silver nanoparticles produced using Murraya paniculata (L.) jack leaves
Authors: Rama Purushothaman , Baldelli Alberto , Vignesh Anandhan , Altemimi Ammar B , Lakshmanan Govindan , Selvam Rajendran , Arunagirinathan Narasingam , Murugesan Kandasamy , Pratap-Singh Anubhav
Published: February 2022

Murraya paniculata (MP) can be used as a reducing agent to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a simple procedure. AgNPs are characterized in morphological and chemical properties, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity. The morphology of AgNPs derived from MP shows a face-centered cubic structure, spherical shape with an average particle size of 23 nm. The chemical structure shows characteristic peaks of AgNPs using UV-vis spectrometer at 438 nm. The formation of AgNPs is confirmed by analyzing their vibrational states under infrared radiation; typical peaks of AgNPs are recognized: at 3429 cm−1 (O-H stretch, H-bonded alcohols, phenols groups), 2923 cm−1 (C-H stretch alkanes), 1626 cm−1 (N-H bend 1° amines), 1583 cm−1 (C-C stretch in ring aromatic), 1039 cm−1 (C-N stretch aliphatic amines), 728 cm−1 (C-Cl stretch alkyl halides), and 589 cm−1 (C-Br stretch alkyl halides), respectively. AgNPs produced from MP show antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity. They show the highest sensitivity toward Bacillus cereus. Cytotoxicity of biosynthesized AgNPs, determined by scratch wound assay on in vitro human endothelial vein cell, created from MP showed dose-dependent activity. These AgNPs, at a concentration of 15.625 μg/mL, stimulate the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells (EC) showing an angiogenic activity.
Factors Impacting Patients’ Willingness to Recommend: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Xu Jing , Park Sinyoung , Xu Jie , Hamadi Hanadi , Zhao Mei , Otani Koichiro
Published: February 2022

Patient ratings of inpatient stay have been the focus of prior research since better patient satisfaction results in a financial benefit to hospitals and are associated with better patient health care outcomes. However, studies that simultaneously account for within- and between-hospital effects are uncommon. We constructed a multilevel structural equation model to identify predictors of patients’ willingness to recommend a hospital at both within-hospital and between-hospital levels. We used data from 60 U.S. general medical and surgical hospitals and 12,115 patients. Multilevel structural equation modeling reported that patient ratings on the overall quality of care significantly affect the willingness to recommend within hospitals. Also, patients’ perspectives on the hospital environment and nursing are the significant factors that predict the patient ratings on the overall quality of care. Overall patient satisfaction significantly predicts the willingness to recommend at the between-hospital level, whereas hospital size and location have marginal impacts.
Respiratory distress associated with acute hydrothorax during transurethral electrocoagulation: a case report
Authors: Sunabe Mei , Hoshi Takuo , Niisato Emina
Published: February 2022

Background

In patients undergoing abdominal radiotherapy or transurethral surgery, bladder perforations are a possible complication. Likewise, pleural effusions due to a pleuroperitoneal leak caused by either a congenital or acquired diaphragmatic defect can also occur. We report a case in which a saline solution, which migrated into the abdominal cavity from a bladder perforation during transurethral electrocoagulation, further formed bilateral pleural effusions and caused rapid ventilation failure.

Case presentation

A patient undergoing radiation therapy and hormone therapy for prostate cancer underwent emergency surgery for electrocoagulation due to hematuria and a rapid drop in hemoglobin. The surgery began under general anesthesia, and we first noticed an increase in airway pressure and a decrease in dynamic lung compliance, followed by abdominal distension. Based on readouts from the respiratory mechanics monitor, we suspected lung abnormalities and performed a pulmonary ultrasound, leading to a diagnosis of bilateral pleural effusions, which we then drained.

Conclusions

Respiratory mechanics monitoring is simple and can be performed at all times during anesthesia, and when combined with pulmonary ultrasound, diagnoses can be made quickly and prevent deaths.
A novel technique for assessment of post-extubation airway obstruction can successfully replace the conventional cuff leak test: a pilot study
Authors: Tokunaga Kentaro , Ejima Tadashi , Nakashima Takuro , Kuwahara Manami , Narimatsu Noriko , Sagishima Katsuyuki , Mizumoto Teruhiko , Sakagami Takuro , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: February 2022

Background

Post-extubation airway obstruction is an important complication of tracheal intubation. The cuff leak test is traditionally used to estimate the risk of this complication. However, the cuff leak test parameters are not constant and may depend on the respiratory system and ventilator settings. Furthermore, deflating the cuff also be a risk factor for patient-ventilator asynchrony and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Instead of using the cuff leak test, we measured the pressure of the leak to the upper airway through the gap between the tube and glottis with a constant low flow from the lumen above the cuff without deflating the cuff and called it "pressure above the cuff."

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether pressure above the cuff can be used as an alternative to the cuff leak volume.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at Kumamoto University Hospital after obtaining approval from the institutional review board. The pressure above the cuff was measured using an endotracheal tube with an evacuation lumen above the cuff and an automated cuff pressure modulation device. We pumped 0.16 L per minute of air and measured the steady-state pressure using an automated cuff pressure modulation device. Then, the cuff leak test was performed, and the cuff leak volume was recorded. The cuff leak volume was defined as the difference between the expiratory tidal volume with the cuff inflated and deflated. The relationship between the pressure above the cuff and cuff leak volume was evaluated. The patient-ventilator asynchrony during each measurement was also examined.

Results

The pressure above the cuff was measured, and the cuff leak volume was assessed 27 times. The pressure above the cuff was significantly correlated with the cuff leak volume (r = -0.76,p < 0.001). Patient-ventilator asynchrony was detected in 37% of measurements during the cuff leak test, but not during the pressure above the cuff test.

Conclusions

This study suggests that pressure above the cuff measurement may be a less complicated alternative to the conventional cuff leak test for evaluation of the risk of post-extubation airway obstruction.

Trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000039987; March 30, 2020).https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000044604
The effect of shared decision-making on recovery from non-chronic aspecific low back pain in primary care; a post-hoc analysis from the patient, physician and observer perspectives
Authors: Sanders Ariëtte R. J. , de Wit Niek J. , Zuithoff Nicolaas P. A. , van Dulmen Sandra
Published: February 2022

Background

Although shared decision-making (SDM) is increasingly accepted in healthcare and has demonstrated merits for several psychological outcomes, the effect on recovery from somatic conditions is still subject to debate. The objective of this study is to measure the effect of SDM on recovery from non-chronic aspecific low back pain (LBP).

Methods

This study is a post-hoc analysis of data from a cluster-randomised trial that evaluated the effectiveness of SDM on recovery in patients with non-chronic aspecific LBP. In this analysis, we re-evaluate the impact of SDM from three perspectives: that of external observers, participating GPs and participating patients. Recovery was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and with the Roland Morris Disability questionnaire (RMD) and defined as a VAS < 30 and an RMD < 4. Logistic regression was used to analyse the effect of SDM on recovery at 6 and 26 weeks.

Results

At 26 weeks, 105 (74%) of all 176 included patients had recovered. No significant effect of SDM on recovery at 6 or 26 weeks after the consultation was found when considering SDM from an observer perspective or a patient perspective. From a GP perspective SDM had a significant effect on recovery, but at 26 weeks only, and with the lowest probability of recovery observed at a medium level of GP-perceived SDM.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that SDM as perceived by the patient or by external observation improves recovery from non-chronic aspecific low back pain. The long-term recovery may be better for patients in whom the GP perceives SDM during their consultations. Further research should highlight the hierarchy and the relation between the perspectives, which is needed to come to an integral effect evaluation of SDM.

Trial registration

The Netherlands National Trial Register (NTR) number: NTR1960.
Design of therapeutic education workshops for home haemodialysis in a patient-centered chronic kidney diseases research: a qualitative study
Authors: Guerraoui Abdallah , Galland Roula , Belkahla-Delabruyere Flora , Didier Odile , Berger Veronique , Sauvajon Pierre , Serve Christian , Zuriaga Jean Charles , Riquier Fréderic , Caillette-Beaudoin Agnes
Published: February 2022

Rationale & Objective

A quarter of patients do not receive any information on the modalities of renal remplacement therapy (RRT) before its initiation. In our facility, we provide therapeutic education workshops for all RRT except for home hemodialysis (HHD). The objectives of this study were to identify and describe the needs of CKD patients and caregivers for RRT with HHD and design therapeutic education workshops.

Setting & participants

Two sequential methods of qualitative data collection were conducted. Interviews with patients treated with HHD and doctors specialized in HHD were performed to define the interview guide followed by semi-structured interviews with the help of HHD patients from our center.

Analytic approach

Thematic analysis was conducted and were rooted in the principles of qualitative analysis for social scientists. Data were analyzed by two investigators. Transcribed interviews were entered into RQDA 3.6.1 software for data organization and coding purposes (Version 3.6.1).

Results

In total, five interviews were performed. We identified six themes related to the barriers, facilitators, and potential solutions to home dialysis therapy: (1) HHD allows autonomy and freedom with constraints, (2) safety of the care environment, (3) the caregiver and family environment, (4) patient’s experience and experiential knowledge, (5) self-care experience and impact on life, and (6) factors that impact the choice of treatment with HHD. We designed therapeutic education workshops in a group of patients and caregivers.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed previous results obtained in literature on the major barriers, facilitators, and potential solutions to HHD including the impact of HHD on the caregiver, the experiences of patients already treated with HHD, and the role of nurses and nephrologists in informing and educating patients. A program to develop patient-to-patient peer mentorship allowing patients to discuss their dialysis experience may be relevant.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of GnRH agonist treated GBM cell line LN229 revealed regulatory proteins inhibiting cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Tripathi Priyanka H. , Akhtar Javed , Arora Jyoti , Saran Ravindra Kumar , Mishra Neetu , Polisetty Ravindra Varma , Sirdeshmukh Ravi , Gautam Poonam
Published: February 2022

Background

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor, a rhodopsin-like G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family member involved in GnRH signaling, is reported to be expressed in several tumors including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), one of the most malignant and aggressive forms of primary brain tumors. However, the molecular targets associated with GnRH receptor are not well studied in GBM or in other cancers. The present study aims at investigating the effect of GnRH agonist (Gosarelin acetate) on cell proliferation and associated signaling pathways in GBM cell line, LN229.

Methods

LN229 cells were treated with different concentrations of GnRH agonist (10−10 M to 10−5 M) and the effect on cell proliferation was analyzed by cell count method. Further, total protein was extracted from control and GnRH agonist treated cells (with maximum reduction in cell proliferation) followed by trypsin digestion, labeling with iTRAQ reagents and LC-MS/MS analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins. Bioinformatic analysis was performed for annotation of proteins for the associated molecular function, altered pathways and network analysis using STRING database.

Results

The treatment with different concentrations of GnRH agonist showed a reduction in cell proliferation with a maximum reduction of 48.2% observed at 10−6 M. Quantitative proteomic analysis after GnRH agonist treatment (10−6 M) led to the identification of a total of 29 differentially expressed proteins with 1.3-fold change (23 upregulated, such as, kininogen-1 (KNG1), alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and 6 downregulated, such as integrator complex subunit 11 (CPSF3L), protein FRG1 (FRG1). Some of them are known [KNG1, AHSG, AFP] while others such as inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H2 (ITIH2), ITIH4, and LIM domain-containing protein 1 (LIMD1) are novel to GnRH signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed a direct interaction of KNG1, a hub molecule, with GnRH, GnRH receptor, EGFR and other interactors including ITIH2, ITIH4 and AHSG. Overexpression of KNG1 after GnRH agonist treatment was validated using Western blot analysis, while a significant inhibition of EGFR was observed after GnRH agonist treatment.

Conclusions

The study suggests a possible link of GnRH signaling with EGFR signaling pathways likely via KNG1. KNG1 inhibitors may be investigated independently or in combination with GnRH agonist for therapeutic applications.
Functional connectivity density alterations in children with strabismus and amblyopia based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Authors: Shi Yi-Dan , Ge Qian-Min , Lin Qi , Liang Rong-Bin , Li Qiu-Yu , Shi Wen-Qing , Li Biao , Shao Yi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To explore functional connectivity density (FCD) values of brain areas in children with strabismus and amblyopia (SA) based on blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals.

Methods

This study recruited 26 children (14 male, 12 females) with SA and 26 healthy children (14 male, 12 female) as healthy controls (HCs). Both groups matched in age, gender, educational level and socioeconomic background. While resting, all participants underwent fMRI scanning and global FCD (gFCD) and local FCD (lFCD) values were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created to investigate whether there was a significant difference between children with SA and healthy controls.

Results

When compared with healthy controls, children with SA had significantly lower gFCD values in the right cerebellum, left putamen, and right superior frontal gyrus; however, the same metrics showed opposite changes in the right angular gyrus, left middle cingulate gyrus, left angular gyrus, right superior parietal gyrus, and right middle frontal gyrus. In children with SA, lFCD values were found to be remarkably decreased in regions of the middle right temporal pole, right cerebellum, left putamen, left hippocampus, right hippocampus, left thalamus, left cerebellum; values were increased in the right superior parietal gyrus as compared with healthy controls.

Conclusion

We noted abnormal neural connectivity in some brain areas of children with SA; detailing such connectivity aberrations is useful in exploring the pathophysiology of SA and providing useful information for future clinical management.
Long-term outcome in corneal endotheliitis with molecular detection of herpes simplex virus 1 and human herpes virus 6: a case report
Authors: Ono Takashi , Iwasaki Takuya , Terada Yukiko , Mori Yosai , Nejima Ryohei , Ozaki Mineo , Mochizuki Manabu , Miyata Kazunori
Published: February 2022

Background

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is known to cause exanthema subitem and has been detected in various ocular diseases, including keratitis, uveitis, optic neuritis, and endophthalmitis; however, the long-term outcome after the reactivation of HHV-6B has not been well-addressed. Sugita et al. previously reported the concomitant presence of HHV-6B with herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) in the aqueous fluid at the onset of corneal endotheliitis. We focused on the same patient with corneal endotheliitis, in whom both HSV-1 and HHV-6B sequences were observed, and reported the clinical course and long-term outcomes.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old woman was referred to our center for visual disturbances in the left eye. Her best-corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 0.5 and the left intraocular pressure was elevated to 33 mmHg. Mid-sized keratic precipitates and 2+ cells were observed in the anterior chamber with corneal endothelial edema and reduction of the corneal endothelial cell density to 1828 cells/mm2. The patient was diagnosed with corneal endotheliitis with increased intraocular pressure. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the concomitant presence of both HSV-1 and HHV-6B sequences in the left aqueous fluid. After treatment with oral valacyclovir and topical betamethasone, her intraocular inflammation gradually improved and has not recurred at 12 years after corneal endotheliitis onset although corneal opacity remained.

Conclusions

Reactivation of HHV-6B infection might be associated with HSV-1 corneal endotheliitis; however, no serious late sequelae occurred after appropriate treatment for HSV-1 infection in this immunocompetent host.
Heterogeneity in gender dysphoria in a Brazilian sample awaiting gender-affirming surgery: a data-driven analysis
Authors: Silva Dhiordan Cardoso , Rabelo-da-Ponte Francisco Diego , Salati Leonardo Romeira , Lobato Maria Inês Rodrigues
Published: February 2022

Background

Population heterogeneity and the lack of clinical and sociodemographic information in transgender individuals with gender dysphoria (GD) remains a challenge for specialized services in mental health and surgical procedures. It aimed to identify and describe profiles in a sample waiting for gender-affirming surgery.

Methods

A sample of 100 outpatients with GD was assessed through a structured interview, Emotion Regulation Difficulty Scale (DERS), Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Life Satisfaction scale (SWLS). Cluster analysis was used to identify different profile categories.

Results

Two subgroups with different profiles were identified: with less clinical severity (LCS) and with high clinical severity (HCS) on emotional dysregulation, acute symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and association with mental rumination. The HCS cluster had greater vulnerability in terms of psychiatric history, use of psychotropic drugs, HIV positive, child abuse and suicidal behavior.

Conclusion

Different profiles were found regarding the vulnerability to mental health in a sample of transgender people with GD who seek a public hospital service for the same clinical-surgical objective. Longitudinal studies are essential to monitor the impact of these contrasts and to target personalized therapeutic approaches in the prevention of psychiatric disorders.
Mental health consequences of military sexual trauma: results from a national survey in the French military
Authors: Moreau Caroline , Duron Sandrine , Bedretdinova Dina , Bohet Aline , Panjo Henri , Bajos Nathalie , Meynard Jean Baptiste
Published: February 2022

Background

Military sexual trauma (MST) is a major public health concern, given its prevalence and mental health sequelae. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among women in the US military, although more cases involve men given their overrepresentation. Little is known about MST and its consequences in other military settings, including in Europe.

Methods

This study draws from a national survey in the French military, including 1268 servicemen and 232 servicewomen. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analysis, using simple and multinomial logistic regressions to evaluate the associations between different forms of MST (repeated sexual comments alone/one form of sexual oppression (coercion, repeated verbal unwanted attention or assault)/ several sexual stressors) and symptoms of depression and of positive post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screening scores.

Results

Women were both more likely to experience MST and to experience more severe forms of MST than men. Women were also more likely than men to report mental health symptoms (31% versus 18% for symptoms of depression and 4.0% versus 1.8% for positive PTSD screening scores). Different forms of MST were associated with different levels of psychological distress. Women reporting repeated sexual comments alone had higher odds of depressive symptoms (OR=3.1 [1.7, 5.5]) relative to women with no MST. Likewise, the odds of depressive symptoms were 6.5 times higher among women and 8.0 times higher among men who experienced several sexual stressors relative to those who reported no MST. We also found higher relative risk of subthreshold PTSD screening scores among women reporting any form of sexual stressor, including sexual comments alone (RRR = 4.5 [2.8, 7.4]) and an elevenfold increase in the relative risk of positive PTSD screen scores (RRR = 11.3 [2.3, 55.6]) among women who experienced several sexual stressors relative to women with no MST.

Conclusion

MST is associated with mental health distress among service members in the French military, especially for women. The heightened risk of MST coupled with psychological sequelae call for preventive programs to reduce MST and for screening programs to provide adequate psychological support.
Analysis of measurement changes in pelvic incidence according to pelvic rotation using a three-dimensional model
Authors: Lee Ki Young , Lee Jung-Hee , Im Sang-Kyu , Lee Won Young
Published: February 2022

Background

Pelvic incidence (PI) is used as a key parameter in surgical correction of adult spinal deformity (ASD). However, reflecting the exact center or inclination of the three-dimensional anatomical structures on the two-dimensional (2D) sagittal radiographs is limited, resulting in measurement errors. Therefore, we evaluated whether there is a change in PI measurement according to the actual rotation of the pelvis, and conducted a study on a more accurate method for PI measurement using 2D sagittal radiographs.

Methods

From 2014 to 2015, the data of 30 patients who visited our outpatient clinic were analyzed retrospectively. CT scans including those of the lower lumbar spine, pelvis, and both femurs in the DICOM format were imported to Mimics Research 17.0 (Materialise NV, Belgium), SolidWorks (Dassault systems, France), and AutoCAD 2014 (AUTODESK, US). The changes in PI according to vertical and horizontal pelvic rotations were evaluated.

Results

The average PIs according to the horizontal pelvic rotations measured on AutoCAD with 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, and 40° were 48.8°, 48.7°, 48.3°, 47.8°, 46.9°, 45.6°, 44.0°, 42.2°, and 39.9°, respectively. The PI with an acceptable error of 6° on radiographs was 35° in the horizontal pelvic rotation. The average PIs according to the vertical pelvic rotations measured on AutoCAD with 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, and 40° were 48.8°, 49.0°, 49.5°, 50.2°, 51.3°, 52.7°, 54.4°, 56.6°, and 59.4°, respectively. The PI with an acceptable error of 6° on radiographs was 30° in the vertical pelvic rotation.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the PI value could differ from the actual anatomical value due to the horizontal and vertical rotation of the pelvis while acquiring the radiograph. Regarding whole-spine lateral radiographs, errors in PI measurement may occur due to pelvic rotation or nonvertical projection of X-rays. In the standing pelvic lateral radiographs, ensuring superposition of the femoral heads at the center and obtaining the straight sacral endplate by referring to CT or magnetic resonance imaging would be a more accurate measurement method to define PI.
Population-based study of long-term anticoagulation for treatment and secondary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in men with prostate cancer in Sweden
Authors: Balabanova Yanina , Farahmand Bahman , Stattin Pär , Garmo Hans , Brobert Gunnar
Published: February 2022

Background

Epidemiological data on anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in prostate cancer are sparse. We aimed to investigate associations between anticoagulation duration and risks of VTE recurrence after treatment cessation and major on-treatment bleeding in men with prostate cancer in Sweden.

Methods

Using nationwide prostate cancer registry and prescribing data, we followed 1413 men with VTE and an outpatient anticoagulant prescription following prostate cancer diagnosis. Men were followed to identify cases of recurrent VTE, and hospitalized major bleeding. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to quantify the association between anticoagulation duration (reference ≤ 3 months) and recurrent VTE using Cox regression. We estimated 1-year cumulative incidences of major bleedings from anticoagulation initiation.

Results

The outpatient anticoagulation prescribed was parenteral (64%), direct oral anticoagulant (31%), and vitamin K antagonist (20%). Median duration of anticoagulation was 7 months. Adjusted HRs (95% CI) for off-treatment recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) were 0.32 (0.09–1.15) for > 3–6 months’ duration, 0.21 (0.06–0.69) for > 6–9 months and 0.16 (0.05–0.55) for > 9 months; corresponding HRs for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were 0.67 (0.27–1.66), 0.80 (0.31–2.07), and 1.19 (0.47–3.02). One-year cumulative incidences of intracranial, gastrointestinal and urogenital bleeding were 0.9%, 1.7%, 3.0% during treatment, and 1.2%, 0.9%, 1.6% after treatment cessation.

Conclusion

The greatest possible benefit in reducing recurrent VTE risk occurred with > 9 months anticoagulation for PE and > 3–6 months for DVT, but larger studies are needed to confirm this. Risks of major bleeding were low overall.
PCGEM1 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion in prostate cancer by sponging miR-506 to upregulate TRIAP1
Authors: Liu He , He Xin , Li Tianjiao , Qu Yi , Xu Lina , Hou Yingnan , Fu Yao , Wang Hongzhi
Published: February 2022

Background

The important role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer has been demonstrated in many studies. Prostate cancer gene expression marker 1 (PCGEM1) is a lncRNA specifically expressed within the prostate and overexpressed in many cancer cells. Numerous studies have shown that PCGEM1 promotes cell proliferation, invasion and migration. However, the specific mechanism of PCGEM1 within prostate cancer (PCa) has not been elucidated. MicroRNA-506-3p (miR-506-3p) is a noncoding RNA, and studies have indicated that miR-506-3p is downregulated in prostate cancer cell lines and functions as a tumor suppressor.

Methods

The TCGA (GEPIA) database (http://gepia.cancer-pku.cn/) was employed to measure PCGEM1 levels in PCa. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to determine the PCGEM1 gene level. CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) and colony formation assays were used to detect cell proliferation, and Transwell assays were applied to assess cell invasion and migration. The interacting ability of miR-506-3p with PCGEM1 or TRIAP1 was validated through a dual-luciferase reporter assay. TRIAP1 protein expression was detected by Western blotting.

Results

PCGEM1 expression was increased in PCa tissues and cells. In PCa tissues, High PCGEM1 expression was associated with high Gleason score, distant metastasis and extracapsular extension. In addition, PCGEM1 knockdown inhibited PCa cell (C4-2B and PC-3) proliferation, invasion and migration. miR-506-3p may interact with PCGEM1 or TRIAP1, and the suppressive effect of PCGEM1 knockdown was reversed when TRIAP1 or a miR-506-3p inhibitor was cotransfected.

Conclusion

PCGEM1 expression increased in PCa cells and tissues, enhancing PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion by sponging miR-506 to upregulate TRIAP1.
Health anxiety is an important driver of healthcare use
Authors: Norbye Anja Davis , Abelsen Birgit , Førde Olav Helge , Ringberg Unni
Published: February 2022

Background

Healthcare use is increasing, and health anxiety (HA) is recognized as an important associated factor. Previous research on the association between HA and healthcare use has mostly explored HA as a dichotomous construct, which contrasts the understanding of HA as a continuous construct, and compared healthcare use to non-use. There is a need for studies that examine the association between healthcare use and the continuum of HA in a general population.

Aim

To explore the association between HA and primary, somatic specialist and mental specialist healthcare use and any differences in the association by level of healthcare use.

Methods

This study used cross-sectional data from the seventh Tromsø study. Eighteen thousand nine hundred sixty-seven participants aged 40 years or older self-reported their primary, somatic specialist and mental specialist healthcare use over the past 12 months. Each health service was categorized into 5 groups according to the level of use. The Whiteley Index-6 (WI-6) was used to measure HA on a 5-point Likert scale, with a total score range of 0–24. Analyses were conducted using unconstrained continuation-ratio logistic regression, in which each level of healthcare use was compared with all lower levels. Morbidity, demographics and social variables were included as confounders.

Results

HA was positively associated with increased utilization of primary, somatic specialist and mental specialist healthcare. Adjusting for confounders, including physical and mental morbidity, did not alter the significant association. For primary and somatic specialist healthcare, each one-point increase in WI-6 score yielded a progressively increased odds ratio (OR) of a higher level of use compared to all lower levels. The ORs ranged from 1.06 to 1.15 and 1.05 to 1.14 for primary and somatic specialist healthcare, respectively. For mental specialist healthcare use, the OR was more constant across levels of use, ranging between 1.06 and 1.08.

Conclusions

In an adult general population, HA, as a continuous construct, was significantly and positively associated with primary, somatic specialist and mental healthcare use. A small increase in HA was associated with progressively increased healthcare use across the three health services, indicating that the impact of HA is more prominent with higher healthcare use.
Cysteine cathepsin C: a novel potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of glioma
Authors: Cheng Xingbo , Ren Zhishuai , Liu Zhendong , Sun Xiang , Qian Rongjun , Cao Chen , Liu Binfeng , Wang Jialin , Wang Hongbo , Guo Yuqi , Gao Yanzheng
Published: February 2022

Background

Cysteine cathepsin C encoded by the CTSC gene is an important member of the cysteine cathepsin family that plays a key role regulation of many types of tumors. However, whether CTSC is involved in the pathological process of glioma has not yet been reported. We comprehensively analyzed data from multiple databases and for the first time revealed a role and specific mechanism of action of CTSC in glioma, identifying it as a novel and efficient biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of this brain tumor.

Methods

The expression of CTSC in glioma and its relationship with clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with glioma were analyzed at different levels by using clinical sample information from several databases. CTSC expression levels in glioma and normal brain tissues, as well as in glioma cells and normal brain cells, was validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to reveal the signaling pathways that CTSC may participate in. The connectivity map was used to reveal small molecules that may inhibit CTSC expression in glioma, and the putative effect of these compounds was verified by RT-qPCR.

Results

Our analyses showed that the expression of CTSC in glioma was higher than that in non-cancerous cells. GSEA showed that CTSC expression may regulate the malignant development of glioma through Toll-like receptor signaling pathways, pathways in cancer, and extracellular matrix receptor interaction signaling pathways. And we proved piperlongumine and scopoletin could inhibit CTSC expression in glioma cells.

Conclusions

CTSC may serve as an efficient molecular target for the diagnosis and therapy of glioma, thereby improving the poor prognosis of patients with glioma.
Scaling-up food policies in the Pacific Islands: protocol for policy engagement and mixed methods evaluation of intervention implementation
Authors: Webster Jacqui , Waqa Gade , Thow Anne-Marie , Allender Steven , Lung Thomas , Woodward Mark , Rogers Kris , Tukana Isimeli , Kama Ateca , Wilson Donald , Mounsey Sarah , Dodd Rebecca , Reeve Erica , McKenzie Briar Louise , Johnson Claire , Bell Colin
Published: February 2022

Background

There is a crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Pacific Islands, and poor diets are a major contributor. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis will likely further exacerbate the burden on food systems. Pacific Island leaders have adopted a range of food policies and regulations to improve diets. This includes taxes and regulations on compositional standards for salt and sugar in foods or school food policies. Despite increasing evidence for the effectiveness of such policies globally, there is a lack of local context-specific evidence about how to implement them effectively in the Pacific.

Methods

Our 5-year collaborative project will test the feasibility and effectiveness of policy interventions to reduce salt and sugar consumption in Fiji and Samoa, and examine factors that support sustained implementation. We will engage government agencies and civil society in Fiji and Samoa, to support the design, implementation and monitoring of evidence-informed interventions. Specific objectives are to: (1) conduct policy landscape analysis to understand potential opportunities and challenges to strengthen policies for prevention of diet-related NCDs in Fiji and Samoa; (2) conduct repeat cross sectional surveys to measure dietary intake, food sources and diet-related biomarkers; (3) use Systems Thinking in Community Knowledge Exchange (STICKE) to strengthen implementation of policies to reduce salt and sugar consumption; (4) evaluate the impact, process and cost effectiveness of implementing these policies. Quantitative and qualitative data on outcomes and process will be analysed to assess impact and support scale-up of future interventions.

Discussion

The project will provide new evidence to support policy making, as well as developing a low-cost, high-tech, sustainable, scalable system for monitoring food consumption, the food supply and health-related outcomes.
Using prior information to enhance microwave tomography images in bone health assessment
Authors: Alkhodari Mohanad , Zakaria Amer , Qaddoumi Nasser
Published: February 2022

Background

Osteoporosis is the major cause of bone weakness and fragility in more than 10 million people in the United States. This disease causes bone fractures in the hip or spine, which result in increasing the risk of disabilities or even death. The current gold standard in osteoporosis diagnostics, X-ray, although reliable, it uses ionizing radiations that makes it unfeasible for early and continuous monitoring applications. Recently, microwave tomography (MWT) has been emerging as a biomedical imaging modality that utilizes non-ionizing electromagnetic signals to screen bones’ electrical properties. These properties are highly correlated to bones’ density, which makes MWT to be an effective and safe alternative for frequent testing in osteoporosis diagnostics.

Results

Both the conventional and wearable simulated systems were successful in localizing the tibia and fibula bones in the enhanced MWT images. Furthermore, structure extraction of the leg’s model from the blind MWT images had a minimal error compared to the original one (L2-norm: 15.60%). Under five sequentially incremental bone volume fraction (BVF) scenarios simulating bones’ treatment procedure, bones were detected successfully and their densities were found to be inversely proportional to the real part of the relative permittivity values.

Conclusions

This study paves the way towards implementing a safe and user-friendly MWT system that can be wearable to monitor bone degradation or treatment for osteoporosis cases.

Methods

An anatomically realistic finite-element (FE) model representing the human leg was initially generated and filled with corresponding tissues’ (skin, fat, muscles, and bones) dielectric properties. Then, numerically, the forward and inverse MWT problems were solved within the framework of the finite-element method-contrast source inversion algorithm (FEM-CSI). Furthermore, image reconstruction enhancements were investigated by utilizing prior information about different tissues as an inhomogeneous background as well as by adjusting the imaging domain and antennas locations based on the prior structural information. In addition, the utilization of a medically approved matching medium that can be used in wearable applications, namely an ultrasound gel, was suggested. Additionally, an approach based on k-means clustering was developed to extract the prior structural information from blind reconstructions. Finally, the enhanced images were used to monitor variations in BVF.

Graphical Abstract
Multi-omics analyses revealed key factors involved in fluorescent carbon-dots-regulated secondary metabolism in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum
Authors: Peng Xin , Xie Zhuomi , Wang Xiuhua , Zhao Yuxiang , Yang Chuyun , Zhang Zhongyi , Li Mingjie , Zheng Jianping , Wang Yuhui
Published: February 2022

Background

Luminescent nanomaterials (LNMs), especially newly-exploited fluorescent carbon-dots (CDs), have demonstrated promising candidates for sunlight harvesting and enhanced photosynthesis efficiency of crops. However, most of the studies focus on the design and synthesis of LNMs and primary metabolism in biomass acceleration, secondary metabolism that closely associated with the quality ingredients of plants is rarely mentioned.

Results

UV-absorptive and water-soluble NIR-CDs were harvested via a facile microwave-assisted carbonization method. The effect and regulatory mechanism of NIR-CDs on the secondary metabolism and bioactive ingredients accumulation in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum were explored. A total of 191 differential secondary metabolites and 6874 differentially expressed genes were identified when the NIR-CDs were adopted for enhancing growth of T. hemsleyanum. The phenolic acids were generally improved, but the flavonoids were more likely to decrease. The pivotal differentially expressed genes were involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, flavonoid biosynthesis, porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, etc. The gene-metabolite association was constructed and 44 hub genes highly related to quality ingredients accumulation and growth were identified, among which and the top 5 genes of the PPI network might be the key regulators.

Conclusion

This research provided key regulatory genes and differentially accumulating quality ingredients under NIR-CDs-treatment, which could provide a theoretical basis for expanding the applications of nanomaterial in industrial crop agriculture.

Graphical Abstract