bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GDCL-NcDA: identifying non-coding RNA-disease associations via contrastive learning between deep graph learning and deep matrix factorization
Authors: Ai Ning , Liang Yong , Yuan Haoliang , Ouyang Dong , Xie Shengli , Liu Xiaoying
Published: July 2023

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) draw much attention from studies widely in recent years because they play vital roles in life activities. As a good complement to wet experiment methods, computational prediction methods can greatly save experimental costs. However, high false-negative data and insufficient use of multi-source information can affect the performance of computational prediction methods. Furthermore, many computational methods do not have good robustness and generalization on different datasets. In this work, we propose an effective end-to-end computing framework, called GDCL-NcDA, of deep graph learning and deep matrix factorization (DMF) with contrastive learning, which identifies the latent ncRNA-disease association on diverse multi-source heterogeneous networks (MHNs). The diverse MHNs include different similarity networks and proven associations among ncRNAs (miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs), genes, and diseases. Firstly, GDCL-NcDA employs deep graph convolutional network and multiple attention mechanisms to adaptively integrate multi-source of MHNs and reconstruct the ncRNA-disease association graph. Then, GDCL-NcDA utilizes DMF to predict the latent disease-associated ncRNAs based on the reconstructed graphs to reduce the impact of the false-negatives from the original associations. Finally, GDCL-NcDA uses contrastive learning (CL) to generate a contrastive loss on the reconstructed graphs and the predicted graphs to improve the generalization and robustness of our GDCL-NcDA framework. The experimental results show that GDCL-NcDA outperforms highly related computational methods. Moreover, case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of GDCL-NcDA in identifying the associations among diversiform ncRNAs and diseases.
The effect of prenatal education on fear of childbirth, pain intensity during labour and childbirth experience: a scoping review using systematic approach and meta-analysis
Authors: Alizadeh-Dibazari Zohreh , Abdolalipour Somayeh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: July 2023

Background

Antenatal education provides parents with strategies for pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. There is not enough evidence of the positive effect of prenatal education on childbirth and maternal outcomes. The present scoping review using a systematic approach, evaluates the effectiveness of prenatal education on fear of childbirth, pain intensity during labour, childbirth experience, and postpartum psychological health.

Methods

We used Google Scholar and systematically reviewed databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and SID (Scientific Information Database). Randomized controlled and quasi-experimental trials examining the effect of structured antenatal education and routine prenatal care compared to routine prenatal care were reviewed. The participants included pregnant women preferring a normal vaginal delivery and had no history of maternal or foetal problems. The outcomes considered in this study included fear of childbirth, pain intensity during labour, childbirth experience (as primary outcomes) and postpartum psychological health (as secondary outcomes). The grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Results

Overall, 3242 studies were examined, of which 18 were qualified for the final analysis. The meta-analysis showed that providing prenatal education and routine care compared to only routine care may decrease the fear of childbirth, postpartum depression, and pain intensity during labour. However, we found no study examining the outcome of the childbirth experience. In addition, the inconsistency of included studies prevented conducting a meta-analysis on the rest of the outcomes.

Conclusions

Our investigations showed that there are very few or no studies on the effect of prenatal education on outcomes such as childbirth experience, postpartum anxiety, and maternal attachment, and the existing studies on the effect of prenatal education on outcomes such as the fear of childbirth, postpartum depression, and pain intensity during labour lack sufficient quality to make definitive conclusions. Therefore, high-quality, randomized trials with a more extensive sample size are suggested to provide clear reports to make definitive decisions.

Prospero ID

CRD42022376895.
Analysis of uroseptic shock after ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi during pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Tang Wen , Xie Zhifei , Liu Mingwen , Zhao ZeJu , Wu Tao
Published: July 2023

Background

Uroseptic shock secondary to ureteral calculi during pregnancy is rare. It is characterized by rapid onset, rapid progression, aggressive disease, limited treatment, poor prognosis, and a mortality rate higher than 20% with improper or delayed management. A clear diagnosis is made based on typical clinical symptoms and abdominal ultrasound, often requiring combined multidisciplinary treatment and the simultaneous release of the obstruction. The high mortality rate is mainly related to inappropriate early treatment of stones and infections or failure to intervene in a timely manner.

Case presentation

A 21-year-old first-time pregnant patient with uroseptic shock was admitted to our intensive care unit. The patient was successfully treated at our hospital with multidisciplinary cooperation, high-dose vasoactive drugs, IABP, CRRT, VA-ECMO, and termination of pregnancy.

Conclusions

Timely relief of obstructions, termination of pregnancy, and the provision of IABP, CRRT, and VA-ECMO when necessary in critically ill patients with uroseptic shock during pregnancy can improve the success rate of resuscitation.
Patient perspectives on telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods community-based study
Authors: Splinter Marije J. , Ikram M. Kamran , Helsper Charles W. , Bindels Patrick J.E. , de Schepper Evelien I.T. , Licher Silvan
Published: July 2023

Background

Detailed community-based perspectives on patient experiences with telemedicine are currently lacking, yet essential to assess clinical applicability of telemedicine during and beyond pandemics, alike COVID-19. The aim of this study was to expose patient perspectives on virtual compared to in-person consultations, including determinants of these preferences.

Methods

We invited 5864 participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study to fill in a validated questionnaire using both close-ended and free-text questions. The questionnaire was sent on 30 July 2020, following a period of lockdowns and closures of non-essential workplaces. It assessed preferences for physician contact, healthcare utilisation, socioeconomic factors, and overall health. Those who experienced at least one virtual consultation (telephone or video call) between March 2020 and the beginning of July 2020 were asked whether those consultations were more, equally or less pleasant than in-person consultations, and to detail their experiences through free-text comments. These narrative data were examined using thematic analysis.

Results

4514 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate 77.0%, 58.7% women, mean age 70.8 ± 10.5 years). 1103 participants (24.4%) reported having had experience with virtual consultations. Half of these participants considered virtual consultations less pleasant than in-person consultations (N = 556; 50.4%), while 11.5% found it more pleasant. In total, we coded free-text comments of 752 participants. Prominent themes behind patient preferences for virtual or in-person consultations were lack of nonverbal communication, lack of physical examination, consultation scheduling, personal circumstances, and the presence of somatic and/or language barriers.

Conclusions

Based on the experiences of a large elderly patient population, we showed that preference for virtual or in-person consultations is dependent on personal and situational variety, and their interplay. Healthcare providers should consider patients’ complex care needs and evaluate the potential added value of nonverbal communication and physical examination before scheduling a virtual consultation.
Stressful environments favor deceptive alternative mating tactics to become dominant
Authors: Albo Maria J. , Pavón-Peláez Camila , Villar Mauro Martínez , Buzatto Bruno A. , Tomasco Ivanna
Published: July 2023

Background

Deceptive alternative mating tactics are commonly maintained at low frequencies within populations because males using them are less competitive and acquire lower fitness than those using dominant tactics. However, the successful invasion of a male deceptive tactic is plausible if deception carries no fitness cost to females. Among populations of the gift-giving spiderParatrechalea ornata, males very often offer females a deceptive worthless gift, rather than a nutritive gift.We tested the degree to which deceptive worthless gifts can occur in natural populations living under divergent environmental conditions (moderate and stressful). We examined the plasticity of morphological and behavioral traits and analyzed the fitness of females in relation to the gift type, also examining the paternity acquired by males offering either gift type.

Results

We demonstrated that worthless gifts can become dominant under highly stressful environmental conditions (84–100%). Individuals in such environment reach smaller sizes than those in moderate conditions. We suggest that the size reduction probably favors low metabolic demands in both sexes and may reduce the costs associated with receiving deceptive worthless gifts for females. In contrast, males living under moderate conditions varied the use of the deceptive tactic (0–95%), and worthless gifts negatively influenced female fecundity. Furthermore, male size, rather than gift content, positively impacted paternity success in the moderate but not in the stressful environment.

Conclusions

Overall, this is the first empirical evidence that a reversible deceptive tactic can become dominant when the environment becomes harsh and mate choice becomes limited.
Why estimands are needed to define treatment effects in clinical trials
Authors: Keene Oliver N. , Lynggaard Helle , Englert Stefan , Lanius Vivian , Wright David
Published: July 2023

Background

The estimand for a clinical trial is a precise definition of the treatment effect to be estimated. Traditionally, estimates of treatment effects are based on either an ITT analysis or a per-protocol analysis. However, there are important clinical questions which are not addressed by either of these analyses. For example, consider a trial where patients take a rescue medication. The ITT analysis includes data after use of rescue, while the per-protocol analysis excludes these patients altogether. Neither of these analyses addresses the important question of what the treatment effect would have been if patients did not take rescue medication.

Main text

Trial estimands provide a broader perspective compared to the limitations of ITT and per-protocol analysis. Trial treatment effects depend on how events occurring after treatment initiation such as use of alternative medication or discontinuation of the intervention are included in the definition. These events can be accounted for in different ways, depending on the clinical question of interest.

Conclusion

The estimand framework is an important step forward in improving the clarity and transparency of clinical trials. The centrality of estimands to clinical trials is currently not reflected in methods recommended by the Cochrane group or the CONSORT statement, the current standard for reporting clinical trials in medical journals. We encourage revisions to these guidelines.
Association of A1AT genetic polymorphism and NSCLC: a case- control study in Egyptian population
Authors: El-Dawa Aliaa N. , ElSaid Afaf M. , Refaat Sherif , El-khawaga Omali Y.
Published: July 2023

Background

Lung cancer mortality is higher than other forms of cancer. Genetic tendencies in cancer patients have long been known. Given the link between A1ATD and numerous lung disorders, it is worth investigating if this genetic trait is linked to a higher risk of developing LC, as the lung is the most afflicted organ in individuals with severe A1ATD. This study is intended to investigate the possible association between AAT rs17580 and rs8004738 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to non-small cell lung cancer for early prediction in Egyptians.

Methods

A case–control study was performed on 124 NSCLC cases and 124 healthy controls from 2021 to 2022 in the oncology center of Mansoura University. Peripheral blood was used to obtain genomic DNA. ARMS-PCR was used to genotype SNPs and other chemical parameters. Windows SPSS Statistics was used to review, encode, and tabulate the acquired data.

Results

A molecular study for A1AT rs17580 and rs8004738 genotypes showed that NSCLC cases were significantly associated with a higher proportion of mutant S (T) and mutant Z (A) alleles (p = 0.042, 0.041, respectively). Different A1AT genotypes (MS, MZ, SS, SZ, and ZZ) showed no significant association with NSCLC or NLR.

Conclusion

S and Z alleles might have significant impacts on NSCLC risk and can be useful for detecting and protecting individuals who may be vulnerable to carcinogens. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm the current findings.
Aspirin and clopidogrel resistance; a neglected gap in stroke and cardiovascular practice in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Parsa-kondelaji Mohammad , Mansouritorghabeh Hassan
Published: July 2023

Objective

Antiplatelet drugs, such as Aspirin and Clopidogrel (Plavix) are effective in the primary prevention of thromboembolic events. They are commonly used to reduce the risk of recurrence of thromboembolism. The body’s hemostatic system responds differently to these drugs in different people. Resistance testing for aspirin and Clopidogrel is now recommended before starting antiplatelet therapy.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on May 12, 2021, using the medical search engines PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and the local databases SID and Magiran. After data extraction, a meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA2) software. The I2 statistic was used to measure heterogeneity between estimates.

Results

Among the 949 papers, Clopidogrel resistance was assessed in 136 patients and Aspirin resistance in 400 patients. The prevalence of Aspirin resistance was found to be 52.1% and the prevalence of Clopidogrel resistance was found to be 20.5%.

Conclusion

It seems that in Iran, the issue of Aspirin and Clopidogrel resistance is suboptimally addressed. This pattern could also occur in other developing countries in the Middle East region.
The effects of active workstations on reducing work-specific sedentary time in office workers: a network meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Liying , Deng Xinxin , Xu Meng , Wu Yanan , Shang Xue , E Fenfen , Wang Yongsheng , Liang Shanshan , Yang Kehu , Li Xiuxia
Published: July 2023

Background

Active workstations have been proposed as a feasible approach for reducing occupational sedentary time. This study used a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess and compare the overall efficacy of active workstation interventions according to type and concomitant strategy for reducing work-specific sitting time in office workers.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched from database inception until May 2022 to obtain randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of active workstations with or without concomitant strategies for reducing occupational sedentary time in office workers. The risk of bias of the RCTs included in this study was assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook. An NMA with STATA 15.1 was used to construct a network diagram, league figures, and the final surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

A total of 23 eligible studies including eight different types of interventions with 1428 office workers were included. NMA results showed that compared to a typical desk, multicomponent intervention (standardized mean difference (SMD) =  − 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) − 2.17, − 0.82; SUCRA = 72.4%), sit-stand workstation + promotion (Reminders of rest breaks, posture variation, or incidental office activity) (SMD =  − 1.49; 95%CI − 2.42, − 0.55; SUCRA = 71.0%), treadmill workstation + promotion (SMD =  − 1.29; 95%CI − 2.51, − 0.07; SUCRA = 61.6%), and sit-stand workstation (SMD =  − 1.10, 95%CI − 1.64, − 0.56; SUCRA = 50.2%) were effective in reducing occupational sedentary time for office workers.

Conclusions

Multicomponent intervention, sit-stand workstation + promotion, treadmill workstation + promotion, and sit-stand workstation appear to be effective in reducing work-specific sedentary time for office workers. Furthermore, multicomponent interventions and active workstations + promotion better reduced work-specific sedentary time than active workstation alone. However, the overall certainty of the evidence was low.

Trial registration

Our study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO); registration number: CRD42022344432.
Early sexual debut is associated with drug use and decreased educational attainment among males and females in Kisumu County, Kenya
Authors: Sing’oei Valentine , Owuoth John K. , Otieno June , Yates Adam , Andagalu Ben , Smith Hunter J. , Copeland Nathanial K. , Polyak Christina S. , Crowell Trevor A. ,   the RV393 Study Team, Adongo Rachel , Aguttu Rachel , Akala Hosea , Ake Julie , Bondo Michael , Broach Erica , Busisa Christine , Cowden Jessica , de Souza Mark , Eller Leigh Anne , Gogo Milicent , Hassen Zebiba , Hu Dale , Imbach Michelle , Juma Anne , Kasera Oscar , Li Qun , Mbuchi Margaret , Milazzo Mark , Modjarrad Kayvon , Ngonda Eric , Nwoga Chiaka , Nyariro Jacob , Ochola Jew , Ohore Roseline , Okumu Thomas , Omondi Mary , Omondi Timothy , Ooro Linnah , Orando Beatrice , Owira Victorine , Oyugi Roselyn , Robb Merlin , Rono Eric , Tran Chi
Published: July 2023

Differing global sociocultural contexts of sexual relationships influence age at first sexual intercourse with potentially long-lasting region-specific effects such as increased risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In these cross-sectional analyses of data from the screening and enrollment visits for an HIV incidence study in Kisumu County, Kenya, we evaluated factors associated with having experienced an early sexual debut (ESD) among males and females aged 18–35 years. Clinical evaluation was performed and sexual behaviors were assessed via questionnaire. ESD was defined as self-reported age 15 years or younger at first sexual intercourse. Robust Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for factors associated with ESD. Of 1057 participants, 542 (51.3%) were female. Participants' median age at study screening was 25 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 22–29), and at sexual debut was 16 years (IQR: 14–17). Five hundred and four participants (47.7%) reported ESD. ESD was less common among females (PR 0.78, CI 0.67–0.90) and participants with more than primary education (PR 0.56, CI 0.47–0.66). ESD was more common in participants with a history of drug use (PR 1.28, CI 1.10–1.49). Drug use removed the protective effect of education (some secondary education or less, no drug use: PR 0.72, CI 0.61–0.85; some secondary education or less, drug use: PR 0.94, CI 0.74–1.18). ESD was common in our study and associated with lower educational attainment and increased likelihood of drug use. Interventions are needed early in life, well before 15 years of age, to encourage engagement in schooling and prevent drug use. Comprehensive sexual education and interventions to prevent drug use may be beneficial before the age of 15 years.
Immunogenicity and safety of quadrivalent influenza vaccine among young and older adults in Tianjin, China: implication of immunosenescence as a risk factor
Authors: Xiao Tongling , Wei Miaomiao , Guo Xiaokun , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhongyan , Xia Xiaoshuang , Qi Xuemei , Wang Lin , Li Xin , Leng Sean X.
Published: July 2023

Background

Older adults are more vulnerable to seasonal influenza than younger adults. The immune responses of older persons to the influenza vaccine are usually poorer than those of young individuals, which is hypothesized due to immunosenescence. We conducted a study to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV4) in a total of 167 young (< 65 years, n = 79) and older (≥ 65 years, n = 88) adults from October 2021 to March 2022 in Tianjin, China. A single dose was administered to all participants. Blood samples were collected and strain-specific hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody titers were measured before and 21 to 28 days after vaccination. Safety information was also collected for 28 days and 6 months after vaccination. Differences in immunogenicity and safety were compared between young and old age groups, and multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of age and other factors on HAI antibody responses.

Results

Overall, geometric mean titers (GMTs) against all four vaccine strains in older adults were lower than those in the young, whereas the seroconversion rates (SCRs) were similar. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, influenza vaccination history, and pre-vaccination HAI titers were independent factors affecting SCRs and seroprotection rates (SCRs). Older age had significant negative impact on SCRs against H1N1 (OR, 0.971; 95% CI: 0.944–0.999; P = 0.042) and B/Victoria (OR, 0.964; 95% CI: 0.937–0.992; P = 0.011). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between chronological age (years) and post-vaccination HAI titers against H1N1 (rho = -0.2298, P < 0.0001), B/Victoria (rho = -0.2235, P = 0.0037), and B/Yamagata (rho = -0.3689, P < 0.0001). All adverse events were mild (grade 1 or grade 2) that occurred within 28 days after vaccination, and no serious adverse event was observed.

Conclusions

IIV4 is immunogenic and well-tolerated in young and older adults living in Tianjin, China. Our findings also indicate that age is an independent factor associated with poorer humoral immune responses to IIV4.
ISG15 and ISGylation modulates cancer stem cell-like characteristics in promoting tumor growth of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Xu Tong , Zhu Chaozhuang , Chen Jinming , Song Feifeng , Ren Xinxin , Wang Shanshan , Yi Xiaofen , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Wanli , Hu Qing , Qin Hui , Liu Yujia , Zhang Song , Tan Zhuo , Pan Zongfu , Huang Ping , Ge Minghua
Published: July 2023

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) was a rare and extremely malignant endocrine cancer with the distinct hallmark of high proportion of cancer stem cell-like characteristics. Therapies aiming to cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) were emerging as a new direction in cancer treatment, but targeting ATC CSCs remained challenging, mainly due to incomplete insights of the regulatory mechanism of CSCs. Here, we unveiled a novel role of ISG15 in the modulation of ATC CSCs.

Methods

The expression of ubiquitin-like proteins were detected by bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry. The correlation between ISG15 expression and tumor stem cells and malignant progression of ATC was analyzed by single-cell RNA sequence from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Flow cytometry combined with immunofluorescence were used to verify the enrichment of ISG15 and ISGyaltion in cancer stem cells. The effect and mechanism of ISG15 and KPNA2 on cancer stem cell-like characteristics of ATC cells were determined by molecular biology experiments. Mass spectrometry combined with immunoprecipitation to screen the substrates of ISG15 and validate its ISGylation modification. Nude mice and zebrafish xenograft models were utilized to demonstrate that ISG15 regulates stem cell characteristics and promotes malignant progression of ATC.

Results

We found that among several ubiquitin proteins, only ISG15 was aberrantly expressed in ATC and enriched in CSCs. Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that abnormal expression of ISG15 were intensely associated with stemness and malignant cells in ATC. Inhibition of ISG15 expression dramatically attenuated clone and sphere formation of ATC cells, and facilitated its sensitivity to doxorubicin. Notably, overexpression of ISGylation, but not the non-ISGylation mutant, effectively reinforced cancer stem cell-like characteristics. Mechanistically, ISG15 mediated the ISGylation of KPNA2 and impeded its ubiquitination to promote stability, further maintaining cancer stem cell-like characteristics. Finally, depletion of ISG15 inhibited ATC growth and metastasis in xenografted mouse and zebrafish models.

Conclusion

Our studies not only provided new insights into potential intervention strategies targeting ATC CSCs, but also uncovered the novel biological functions and mechanisms of ISG15 and ISGylation for maintaining ATC cancer stem cell-like characteristics.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of cardiovascular disease on all-cause and cancer mortality: results from a 16-year follow-up of a German breast cancer case–control study
Authors: Möhl Annika , Behrens Sabine , Flaßkamp Fabian , Obi Nadia , Kreienbrinck Annika , Holleczek Bernd , Gali Kathleen , Chang-Claude Jenny , Becher Heiko
Published: July 2023

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine if CVD affects the mortality of women after a breast cancer diagnosis and population controls differently.

Methods

The analysis included a total of 3,555 women, diagnosed with primary stage 1–3 breast cancer or in situ carcinoma between 2002 and 2005 and 7,334 controls breast cancer-free at recruitment, all aged 50–74 years, who were followed-up in a German breast cancer case–control study until June, 30 2020. Kaplan–Meier and cumulative incidence function were calculated for all-cause mortality and mortality from any cancer, stratified for case–control status and CVD, separately for women aged < 65 and ≥ 65 years. Cox regression and Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between case–control-status, CVD and mortality from all causes/any cancer.

Results

The median follow-up was 16.1 years. In total, 1,172 cases (33.0%) and 1,401 initial controls (19.1%) died. CVD prevalence at recruitment was 15.2% in cases and controls. Cases with CVD had the highest and controls without CVD the lowest mortality during the entire observation period in both age groups (< 65 and ≥ 65 years). CVD was identified as a risk factor for all-cause mortality in both cases and controls aged < 65 years (HR 1.22, 95%CI 0.96–1.55 and HR 1.79, 95%CI 1.43–2.24) as well as at ages of ≥ 65 years (HR 1.44, 95%CI 1.20–1.73 and HR 1.59, 95%CI 1.37–1.83). A significant association of CVD and cancer mortality was found only for cases aged ≥ 65 years.

Conclusion

CVD was significantly associated with all-cause mortality of both cases and controls and CVD was identified as a risk factor for cancer mortality of cases aged ≥ 65 years at recruitment. Therefore, attention should be paid on monitoring and preventing CVD in breast cancer patients, especially in those diagnosed at older ages.
Field efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto® chewable tablets) for preventing Babesia canis infection transmitted by Dermacentor reticulatus ticks to dogs
Authors: Chiummo Rafael , Zschiesche Eva , Capári Balázs , Farkas Róbert , Chiquet Mathieu , Rapti Dhimitër , Postoli Rezart , Audry Alain , Leschnik Michael
Published: July 2023

Background

The isoxazoline fluralaner is effective for prevention of Babesia canis transmission from infected Dermacentor reticulatus ticks to dogs for 84 days in a controlled environment. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of fluralaner chewable tablets for sustained prevention of B. canis infection of dogs in endemic areas under natural conditions.

Methods

In Europe, privately owned, clinically healthy pet dogs were enrolled and randomized either to receive fluralaner at 25–56 mg/kg (Bravecto® chewable tablets) on days 0 and 84, or to remain untreated during the D. reticulatus season. Blood samples were collected to evaluate B. canis exposure: on days 0 and 21 (exposure before day 0), during the study and at the end of the tick season (dogs suspected of having become infected after day 0). Efficacy was determined by the percentage reduction in B. canis transmission risk based on the difference in B. canis-positive tests in fluralaner-treated dogs compared with untreated dogs. In addition, ticks collected at monthly intervals throughout the study were identified to species level and females tested for B. canis DNA.

Results

A total of 152 dogs were enrolled in the study, although nine dogs were excluded because they tested positive for B. canis DNA or antibodies within 21 days after enrollment. During the study period, no fluralaner-treated dog became positive for B. canis, resulting in calculated efficacy of 100%. However, babesiosis infection was diagnosed in five untreated control dogs (Fisher’s exact test, left-sided, P = 0.0312). Tick analyses revealed that one sample collected in Hungary was infected with B. canis.

Conclusion

Oral administration of Bravecto chewable tablets at the recommended dosage to dogs completely prevented B. canis transmission under field conditions in an endemic area for 12 weeks.

Graphical Abstract
Cutting-edge advances in modeling the blood–brain barrier and tools for its reversible permeabilization for enhanced drug delivery into the brain
Authors: Sharma Amit , Fernandes Diogo C. , Reis Rui L. , Gołubczyk Dominika , Neumann Silke , Lukomska Barbara , Janowski Miroslaw , Kortylewski Marcin , Walczak Piotr , Oliveira J. Miguel , Maciaczyk Jarek
Published: July 2023

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a sophisticated structure whose full functionality is required for maintaining the executive functions of the central nervous system (CNS). Tight control of transport across the barrier means that most drugs, particularly large size, which includes powerful biologicals, cannot reach their targets in the brain. Notwithstanding the remarkable advances in characterizing the cellular nature of the BBB and consequences of BBB dysfunction in pathology (brain metastasis, neurological diseases), it remains challenging to deliver drugs to the CNS. Herein, we outline the basic architecture and key molecular constituents of the BBB. In addition, we review the current status of approaches that are being explored to temporarily open the BBB in order to allow accumulation of therapeutics in the CNS. Undoubtedly, the major concern in field is whether it is possible to open the BBB in a meaningful way without causing negative consequences. In this context, we have also listed few other important key considerations that can improve our understanding about the dynamics of the BBB.
Feasibility and acceptability of ‘low-intensity mental health support via a telehealth-enabled network’ for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: the LISTEN pilot study
Authors: Holloway Edith E. , Gray Shikha , Halliday Jennifer , Harrap Benjamin , Hines Carolyn , Skinner Timothy C. , Speight Jane , Hendrieckx Christel
Published: July 2023

Background

This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of the low-intensity mental health support via telehealth-enabled network (LISTEN) intervention, for adults with diabetes, facilitated by diabetes health professionals (HPs).

Methods

LISTEN training. Three HPs participated in three half-day online workshops and applied their learnings during training cases (maximum four). Competency was assessed with a validated tool and achieved ‘satisfactory’ ratings for three consecutive sessions.LISTEN pilot.A single-group, pre-post study (up to four LISTEN sessions) with online assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up. Eligible participants were adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, with diabetes distress, but excluded if they had moderate/severe depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. Feasibility was assessed via recruitment and session completion rates. Acceptability was assessed with post-intervention self-report data. Changes in diabetes distress and general emotional well-being from baseline (T1) were explored at post-intervention (T2) and at 4-week follow-up (T3).

Results

Two HPs achieved competency (median training case sessions required: 7) and progressed to deliver LISTEN in the pilot study. In the pilot,N = 16 adults (Med[IQR] age: 60 [37–73] years; 13 women) with diabetes participated (median sessions per participant: 2). Twelve participants (75%) completed the post-intervention assessment (T2): 92% endorsed the number of sessions offered as ‘just right’, 75% felt comfortable talking with the HP, and 67% were satisfied with LISTEN. Perceived limitations were the structured format and narrow scope of problems addressed. Diabetes distress scores were lower post-intervention.

Conclusions

This pilot demonstrates the feasibility of training HPs to deliver LISTEN, and the acceptability and potential benefits of LISTEN for adults with diabetes. The findings highlight adaptations that may enhance the delivery of, and satisfaction with, LISTEN that will be tested in a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial.
The association between cholesterol/saturated fat index (CSI) and quality of sleep, and circadian rhythm among overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rasaei Niloufar , Samadi Mahsa , Khadem Alireza , Badrooj Negin , Hassan zadeh Mohadeseh , Ghaffarian-Ensaf Rasool , Gholami Fatemeh , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: July 2023

Background

The decline in sleep quality is one of the main public health problems affecting the global population. Some studies have shown that a high-fat diet may be linked to changes in circadian rhythm and sleep quality. The cholesterol/saturated fatty acid index (CSI) determines the amount of cholesterol and saturated fatty acid (SFA) in people's dietary patterns and can affect the quality of sleep and circadian rhythm. However, to date, no studies have investigated the effect of this index on these two variables. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the relationship between CSI on circadian rhythm and sleep quality in obese and overweight women.

Method

This cross-sectional study included 378 adult women who were obese or overweight. Using accepted techniques, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure readings, and biochemical variables were evaluated. A validated and trustworthy semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ 147 items) was used to gauge dietary intake. The CSI was measured to find out how much cholesterol and saturated fats were in the diet. Additionally, to assess circadian rhythm and sleep quality, respectively, the valid morning-evening questionnaire (MEQ) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaires were utilized.

Result

The results of the multinomial logistic regression model of our analysis showed that a significant association was observed between circadian rhythm status with CSI score, and participants with one higher unit of CSI had a 7.3% more chance of being in the eveningness group than being in morningness category in the crude model (OR: 1.07; 95% CI 1.00, 1.14; P = 0.026). This association remains marginally significant when adjusting for age, energy intake, BMI, job status, thyroid, and smoking status (OR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.00, 1.16; P = 0.051). The binary logistic regression model showed that after controlling for potentially confounding variables, there was no significant association between sleep quality with CSI score, however, those with one higher unit of CSI had 1.6% more chance of having sleep problems (OR: 1.01; 95% CI 0.96, 1.06; P = 0.503).

Conclusion

Our results indicated a direct marginally significant association between CSI with evening type in overweight and obese women. Future studies are needed to clarify the precise link between circadian rhythm and sleep behavior with fatty acid quality index.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Federated recognition mechanism based on enhanced temporal-spatial learning using mobile edge sensors for firefighters
Authors: Jamil Harun , Ali Khan Murad , Kim Do-Hyeun
Published: July 2023

Background

Interest in Human Action Recognition (HAR), which encompasses both household and industrial settings, is growing. HAR describes a computer system’s capacity to accurately recognize and evaluate human activities and behaviors, akin to what humans call perception. Real-time federated activity identification architecture is suggested in this work to monitor smartphone user behavior. The main aim is to decrease accidents happening in an indoor environment and assure the security of older individuals in an indoor setting. The idea lends itself to a multitude of uses, including monitoring the elderly, entertainment, and spying.

Results

In this paper, we present a new smartphone sensor-based human motion awareness federated recognition scheme using a temporal-spatial weighted BILSTM-CNN framework. We verify new federated recognition based on temporal-spatial data better than existing machine learning schemes in terms of activity recognition accuracy. Several methods and strategies in the literature have been used to attain higher HAR accuracy. In particular, six categories of typical everyday human activities are highlighted, including walking, jumping, standing, moving from one level to another, and picking up items.

Conclusion

Smartphone-based sensors are utilized to detect the motion activities carried out by elderly people based on the raw inertial measurement unit (IMU) data. Then, weighted bidirectional long short-term memory (BILSTM) networks are for learning about temporal motion features; they are swiftly followed by single-dimensional convolutional neural networks (CNN), which are built for reasoning about spatial structure features. Additionally, the awareness mechanism highlights the data segments to choose discriminative contextual data. Finally, a sizeable dataset of HDL activity datasets is gathered for model validation and training. The results confirm that the proposed ML framework performs 18.7% better in terms of accuracy, 27.9% for the case of precision, and 0.24.1% when evaluating based on the F1-score for client 1.

Similarly, for client 2 and client 3, the performance betterment in terms of accuracy is 18.4% and 10.1%, respectively.
Iterative imaging method based on Tikhonov regularized downward continuation and its unmanned aerial vehicle aeromagnetic application: A case study from a Sijiaying iron deposit in eastern Hebei Province, China
Authors: Zhou Wenna , Zhang Chong , Tang Hai , Li Qiang , Tang Shuiliang
Published: July 2023

Ore prospecting in the regions under cover has become increasingly significant due to the depletion of open-pit mines and the growing demand for mineral resources. We use a case study of the Sijiaying iron deposit in the eastern Hebei Province, China, to introduce the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aeromagnetic survey as a solution to this challenge. To further enhance the effectiveness of UAV aeromagnetic in ore prospecting in the regions under cover, we develop a new iterative imaging technique based on the Tikhonov regularized downward continuation (TRDC) method. This technique aims to achieve high-resolution imaging results and to improve the identification of weak anomalies. The new method involves obtaining the depth and the magnetic values of the sources using the TRDC at different depths. The magnetic values are then converted into magnetization distribution imaging using a forward calculation in the wavenumber domain. Finally, an iterative cycle calculation is performed to focus on the imaging result and produce the compact magnetization solution. Synthetic models are used to evaluate and compare the new proposed method with the traditional iterative compact depth from extreme point method. The newly proposed method demonstrates higher resolution and better capability in capturing weak information of deeper or smaller sources because it leverages the advantages of downward continuation. Two iterative imaging methods are applied to UAV aeromagnetic data acquired from the Sijiaying iron deposit in the eastern Hebei Province. These methods display the possibility of deep ore body and are consistent with geologic inference. The new method outperforms in describing the weak sources, identifying the trend, and the extension of ore bodies. Based on the results and UAV aeromagnetic data, we recommend that it is necessary to strengthen the verification of weaker anomalies and deep prospecting in Sijiaying, Hebei, China.
Hope: a tool for working with families affected by dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pepper Amy , Aldridge Zena , Harrison Dening Karen
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the challenges faced by families affected by dementia, leading to an immediate increase in both the number of calls received by Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline and the levels of distress and complexity of the calls. Consequently, Admiral nurses experienced feelings of helplessness, echoed in the experiences of other health professionals. One of the approaches that enabled Admiral nurses to cope during this time was ‘hope’, and this article explores the use of hope-based approaches as tools for working therapeutically with families during the pandemic. Although written from the perspective of Admiral nurses, the approaches described are transferable to others working across health and social care. The article provides an overview of one of the main models of hope in the healthcare literature, Snyder's hope model, and explores the literature on hope more widely. Fictitious case vignettes, drawn from clinical practice during the pandemic, are used to illustrate how hope-based approaches can be applied to practice.
Efficacy and Safety of Burosumab in X-linked Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Wang Sen , Wang Xiaoqin , He Miao , Li Yuanfen , Xiao Minghui , Ma Houxun
Published: July 2023

Context

Burosumab is approved for the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of burosumab in XLH patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science for studies on the use of burosumab in patients with XLH. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and single-arm trials (SATs) was done to explore burosumab treatment on the efficacy and safety of XLH.

Results

Of the 8 eligible articles, 5 were from RCTs and 3 were from SATs. Compared with the control group in RCTs, serum phosphorus level was significantly increased in the burosumab group (0.52 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.24-0.80 mg/dL). A meta-analysis of the burosumab arms in all trials revealed significant increase in serum phosphorus levels (0.78 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.61-0.96 mg/dL), TmP/GFR (0.86 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.60-1.12 mg/dL), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D level (13.23 pg/mL, 95% CI 4.82-21.64 pg/mL) as well. Changes in secondary events also validated the effects of burosumab treatment. Compared with the control group, in RCTs, the safety profile of burosumab is not much different from the control group. Data of the single-arm combined group demonstrated the incidence of any treatment emergency adverse event (TEAE) and the related TEAE rate were high, but the severity of most adverse events is mild to moderate, and the rate of serious TEAE is low.

Conclusion

This study suggests that burosumab can be an option for patients with XLH and did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse events.
Unusual Pheochromocytoma Presentation: From Dysuria to Catecholamine Crisis
Authors: Sun John , Senashova Olga , Brinkerhoff Brian , Lim James
Published: July 2023

Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumors that can present as a surgical emergency, with a mortality rate as high as 15%. When these lesions present as a crisis, diagnosis and management can be very challenging, given the profound physiologic consequences, such as cardiovascular collapse or multiple organ failure, occurring over a rapid time frame. We describe an unusual case of a pheochromocytoma presenting with urinary frequency and subsequent shock and tumor hemorrhage following a urological procedure. Our patient was successfully managed with resuscitation and appropriate blood pressure control to stabilize hemodynamics prior to proceeding with open adrenalectomy. Furthermore, our patient presented initially with urinary symptoms, which has not been described as an initial presentation of pheochromocytoma. This case brings important learning points regarding unusually presenting pheochromocytomas and emergency management to improve patient survival.
Gore Vidal's Live from Golgotha and the Limits of Historical Fiction
Authors: Booth Nathanael T.
Published: July 2023

Over the course of his long career, Gore Vidal produced works in multiple genres: the essay, the screenplay, the novel. His fictional output is most often associated with his massive chronicle of American history, Narratives of Empire. Vidal claimed a pedagogical purpose, seeking to remedy American ignorance of the past. However, Vidal's practice suggests a deep awareness of the limitations of the genre. His late-career novel Live from Golgotha (1992) faces the limitations of historical fiction directly. Reading this novel alongside Linda Hutcheon's concept of “historiographical metafiction,” this article analyzes Vidal's own grappling with the ironies latent in his own project. Golgotha delights in sudden narrative shifts and tonal dissonance. And yet, the novel demonstrates a deep awareness of its setting and attempts to make that setting legible to readers. Live from Golgotha is, thus, a late-career synthesis in which Vidal parodies his own work as a historical novelist, thereby exposing the limitations of the form and its relationship to history.
“The CDC Won't Let Me Be”: The Opinion Dynamics of Support for CDC Regulatory Authority
Authors: Motta Matthew , Callaghan Timothy , Lunz Trujillo Kristin
Published: July 2023

Context: The CDC's ability to respond to communicable disease threats has recently met significant political and legal opposition. The authors unpack the influence of political ideology on support for CDC authority, and they experimentally assess whether highlighting ideology's role in responding to health threats might bolster CDC support.

Methods: The authors fielded a demographically representative online survey experiment to 5,483 US adults. They assessed the sociopolitical correlates of CDC attitudes via multivariate regression analyses limited to a study-wide treatment group. Additionally, they tested the effectiveness of their experimental treatments via multivariate models that interact indicators of stimulus exposure with political ideology.

Findings: Although most Americans support the CDC's role in responding to health crises, self-identified conservatives are significantly less likely to do so. This effect holds when accounting for respondents' limited government and anti-expert attitudes, which the authors replicated in nationally representative data. Encouragingly, though, emphasizing the CDC's role in combating the spread of COVID-19 is associated with significantly stronger levels of support on the ideological right.

Conclusions: Efforts to communicate the CDC's importance in responding to health threats can help bridge existing ideological divides and might create an incentive for policy makers to codify the agency's regulatory powers.