bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attention and Meaning in the Democratic Group Life
Authors: Yeoman Ruth
Published: December 2021

Bringing Simone Weil into conversation with Roberto Frega’s Pragmatism and the Wide View of Democracy
Whence Orycteropus? The correct authorship and date for the generic name of the aardvark (Mammalia, Tubulidentata, Orycteropodidae)
Authors: WOODMAN NEAL
Published: December 2021

All else being equal, the principle of priority in zoological taxonomic nomenclature gives precedence to the earliest name for a particular taxon. Determining the origin of some late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century taxonomic names, however, can be vexing, particularly when the history of a name was never completely documented in contemporary synonymies. The authorship and date for Orycteropus Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1796: 102, the genus-group name for the African aardvark, Orycteropus afer (Pallas, 1766), has been variously ascribed to at least four authors other than É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. Using digitally imaged publications now available in a variety of internet-accessible libraries, I traced the comprehensive history of the name and show how and, to some extent, why its origin became obscured. É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire’s original description was re-published twice, most likely to make the description more widely available. Rather than reinforce his authorship for the name, however, the surprising consequence of the multiple publications was to cast doubt on it.
A review on the huntsman spider genus Spariolenus Simon, 1880 (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae) in Iran with description of four new species
Authors: MORADMAND MAJID , JÄGER PETER
Published: December 2021

Four new species of the huntsman spider genus Spariolenus Simon, 1880 are described from Iran: S. aratta spec. nov. (female) from Jebal Barez mountains in Kerman Province, S. iranomaximus spec. nov. (male, female) from Khofash cave in Ilam Province, S. manesht spec. nov. (female) from Manesht mountain in Ilam and S. zagros spec. nov. (male, female) from Kenesht cave, Kermanshah Province. We present an extended diagnosis for the genus and information on the natural history of the new species. This is the first record of the subfamily Heteropodinae in Iran. Females of S. iranomaximus spec. nov. are larger than any spider ever found in the Middle East. All the species occurred in caves and rock crevices of the Zagros mountain range in Iran. According to the geographical distribution of currently known Spariolenus species, palaeontology perspectives and geological history of the area an evolutionary scenario of speciation associated with Zagros orogeny is proposed.
A new record of Zatypota albicoxa (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Indonesia, with description of a new species of its host spider (Araneae: Theridiidae)
Authors: TAKASUKA KEIZO , YOSHIDA HAJIME , NUGROHO PUTRA , MATSUMOTO RIKIO
Published: December 2021

Zatypota albicoxa (Walker) is newly recorded from Mt. Merapi, Java Is., Indonesia. This is the first record of Z. albicoxa from this part of the Oriental region and from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first record of the genus Zatypota from Southeast Asia. The Indonesian population of Z. albicoxa attacks a theridiid spider of the genus Parasteatoda, as do populations of Z. albicoxa in other regions. The spider is a new species, and is described under the name of Parasteatoda merapiensis.
Ablechroiulus spelaeus sp. n. and A. dudichi Andrássy, 1970 from Andalucía Oriental, Spain, with a discussion of the taxonomy of the genus Ablechroiulus Andrássy, 1966 (Nematoda, Rhabditida, Rhabditidae)
Authors: ABOLAFIA JOAQUÍN , PEÑA-SANTIAGO REYES
Published: December 2021

One new and one known (but uncommon) species of the genus Ablechroiulus are described and illustrated from natural areas in the Iberian Peninsula. Ablechroiulus spelaeus sp. n. is characterized by having body length 0.81–1.48 mm in females and 0.74–1.20 mm in males, lip region nearly continuous and 9–13 μm wide, stoma 23–29 µm long or 1.8–2.7 times the lip region width, neck 166-265 μm long, metacorpus well differentiated, oviduct with a small sac, V = 55–59, female tail (51–60 µm, c = 14–25, c' = 1.9–2.7) with two marked sections, male tail (52, 58 µm, c = 14.3, 20.7, c' = 2.0) with filiform posterior part, bursa leptoderan and with nine pairs of papillae (1+2/1+2+1+2), spicules 40, 44 µm long having a terminal protuberance, and gubernaculum 20, 24 µm long. Furthermore, one female of A. dudichi Andrássy, 1970 is described from the north of the Iberian Peninsula. Descriptions, measurements and illustrations are presented for the two species, and SEM pictures are provided for A. spelaeus sp. n. The identity of Ablechroiulus is discussed, including a historical outline, its morphological characterization, and a discussion on the status of several of its species. An emended diagnosis of the genus is provided as well as a list of its species and a key to their identification.
Pipeline for the treatment of distal cerebral circulation aneurysms: A multicenter study focusing on periprocedural Complications
Authors: Ma Chao , Zhu Haoyu , Liang Shikai , Liang Fei , Han Jintao , Jia Zichang , Zhang Yupeng , Jiang Chuhan
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim

Distal cerebral circulation aneurysms (DCCAs) remain treatment challenges for neurointervention. The off-label use of the pipeline embolization device (PED) for these aneurysms remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PED for DCCAs in a multicenter cohort of patients.

Methods

Between March 2016 and June 2021, we retrospectively analyzed the neurointerventional data on the clinical and radiological records of all patients undergoing PED treatment of DCCAs at three medical centers.

Results

A total of 53 consecutive patients with 53 DCCAs were treated with PED. The mean aneurysm size was 12.3 ± 5.7 mm. In total, 75.4% (40/53) were fusiform and 24.5% (13/53) were saccular. Of these, 17.0% (9/53) were recurrent aneurysms that were previously treated with endovascular or microsurgical approaches. The technical success rate was 100%, among which 81.1% (43/53) procedures were completed with a single PED, and the rest (10/53, 18.8%) required telescoping with two devices. Angiographic follow-up data were available for 51 patients, with a median follow-up time of 12 months. At the latest follow-up, 46/51 (90.2%) aneurysms showed complete obliteration, and 4/51 (7.8%) showed reduced filling. Periprocedural complications such as hemorrhage were observed in two patients with MCA aneurysms (3.8%, 2/53), and ischemic events occurred in six patients (11.3%, 6/53). The overall mortality and morbidity rates were 7% (4/53).

Conclusions

PED is a viable option for treating DCCAs, especially for recurrent aneurysms. Coverage of bifurcation branches and perforator may increase the risk of complications.
An Adaptive, Algorithm-based Text Message Intervention to Promote Health Behavior Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes: Treatment Development and Proof-of-Concept Trial
Authors: Celano Christopher M. , Massey Christina , Long Jessica , Kim Sonia , Velasquez Olivia , Healy Brian C. , Wexler Deborah J. , Madva Elizabeth N. , Huffman Jeff C.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Most individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) struggle to adhere to one or more health behaviors. Text message interventions (TMIs) have the potential to improve adherence but have had mixed effects on diet and activity in T2D. We developed an eight-week, adaptive, algorithm-driven TMI to promote physical activity, diet, self-care, and well-being. Then, in a single-arm trial, we assessed its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy in 15 individuals with T2D and suboptimal adherence.

Methods:

Participants received daily text messages and were asked to rate the utility of each message (0=not helpful, 10=very helpful). These ratings were used by an algorithm to select subsequent messages based on each participant’s prior ratings. We assessed intervention feasibility by rates of message transmission/response and acceptability through ratings of message utility and burden. Finally, we examined pre-post changes in diabetes self-care, diet, physical activity, and psychological outcomes and calculated effect sizes (Cohen’s d).

Results:

All text messages were delivered, and participants provided ratings for 79% of messages, above our a priori thresholds for feasibility. Participants rated the individual messages and overall TMI as subjectively useful (utility: 8.1 [SD=2.1] and 7.8 [SD=2.0], respectively) and not burdensome (burden: 0.8 [SD=1.8]). The intervention led to significant, medium- to large-sized improvements in self-care ( d=0.77), diet ( d=0.99), and activity ( d=0.61) but minimal change in psychological outcomes.

Conclusions:

The TMI was feasible and well-accepted, and it led to promising improvements in adherence-related outcomes. These findings should be confirmed in a larger randomized controlled trial.
Transcriptome revealed the molecular mechanism of Glycyrrhiza inflata root to maintain growth and development, absorb and distribute ions under salt stress
Authors: Xu Ying , Lu Jia-hui , Zhang Jia-de , Liu Deng-kui , Wang Yue , Niu Qing-dong , Huang Dan-dan
Published: December 2021

Background

Soil salinization extensively hampers the growth, yield, and quality of crops worldwide. The most effective strategies to counter this problem are a) development of crop cultivars with high salt tolerance and b) the plantation of salt-tolerant crops. Glycyrrhiza inflata, a traditional Chinese medicinal and primitive plant with salt tolerance and economic value, is among the most promising crops for improving saline-alkali wasteland. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for the adaptive response of G. inflata to salinity stress remain largely unknown.

Result

G. inflata retained a high concentration of Na+ in roots and maintained the absorption of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ under 150 mM NaCl induced salt stress. Transcriptomic analysis of G. inflata roots at different time points of salt stress (0 min, 30 min, and 24 h) was performed, which resulted in 70.77 Gb of clean data. Compared with the control, we detected 2645 and 574 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 30 min and 24 h post-salt-stress induction, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses revealed that G. inflata response to salt stress post 30 min and 24 h was remarkably distinct. Genes that were differentially expressed at 30 min post-salt stress induction were enriched in signal transduction, secondary metabolite synthesis, and ion transport. However, genes that were differentially expressed at 24 h post-salt-stress induction were enriched in phenylpropane biosynthesis and metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, glycerol metabolism, hormone signal transduction, wax, cutin, and cork biosynthesis. Besides, a total of 334 transcription factors (TFs) were altered in response to 30 min and 24 h of salt stress. Most of these TFs belonged to the MYB, WRKY, AP2-EREBP, C2H2, bHLH, bZIP, and NAC families.

Conclusion

For the first time, this study elucidated the salt tolerance in G. inflata at the molecular level, including the activation of signaling pathways and genes that regulate the absorption and distribution of ions and root growth in G. inflata under salt stress conditions. These findings enhanced our understanding of the G. inflata salt tolerance and provided a theoretical basis for cultivating salt-tolerant crop varieties.
Genomics of maize resistance to kernel contamination with fumonisins using a multiparental advanced generation InterCross maize population (MAGIC)
Authors: Gesteiro Noemi , Cao Ana , Santiago Rogelio , Malvar Rosa Ana , Butrón Ana
Published: December 2021

Maize kernel is exposed to several fungal species, most notably Fusarium verticillioides, which can contaminate maize kernels with fumonisins. In an effort to increase genetic gains and avoid the laborious tasks of conventional breeding, the use of marker-assisted selection or genomic selection programs was proposed. To this end, in the present study a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) was performed on 339 RILs of a Multiparental Advanced Generation InterCross (MAGIC) population that had previously been used to locate Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) for resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot (FER). Six QTLs for fumonisin content were detected in the bins 3.08, 4.07, 4.10, 7.03-7.04, 9.04-9.05 and 10.04-10.5. Five of the six QTLs collocate in regions where QTLs for FER were also found. However, the genetic variation for fumonisin content in kernel is conditioned by many other QTLs of small effect that could show QTL x environment interaction effects. Although a genomic selection approach to directly reduce fumonisin content in the kernel could be suitable, improving resistance to fumonisin content by genomic selection for FER would be more advisable.
Clinical and psychological factors in coronary heart disease patients with statin associated muscle side-effects
Authors: Peersen Kari , Munkhaugen John , Sverre Elise , Kristiansen Oscar , Fagerland Morten , Vethe Nils Tore , Perk Joep , Husebye Einar , Dammen Toril
Published: December 2021

Background

To compare clinical and psychological factors among patients with self-perceived statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), confirmed SAMS, and refuted SAMS in coronary heart disease patients (CHD).

Methods

Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study of 1100 CHD outpatients and a study of 71 CHD outpatients attending a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study to test effects of atorvastatin 40 mg/day on muscle symptom intensity. Clinical and psychosocial factors were compared between patients with and without SAMS in the cross-sectional study, and between patients with confirmed SAMS and refuted SAMS in the randomized study.

Results

Bilateral, symmetric muscle symptoms in the lower extremities during statin treatment were more prevalent in patients with confirmed SAMS compared to patients with refuted SAMS (75% vs. 41%, p = 0.01) in the randomized study. No significant differences in psychological factors (anxiety, depression, worry, insomnia, type D personality characteristics) were detected between patients with and without self-perceived SAMS in the cross-sectional study, or between patients with confirmed SAMS and refuted SAMS, in the randomized study.

Conclusions

Patients with confirmed SAMS more often present with bilateral lower muscle symptoms compared to those with refuted SAMS. Psychological factors were not associated with self-perceived SAMS or confirmed SAMS. A careful pain history and a search for alternative causes of muscle symptoms are likely to promote communication in patients with SAMS, and may reduce the risk for statin discontinuation.
Long-term hospital-based secondary prevention of coronary artery disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kaldal Anete , Tonstad Serena , Jortveit Jarle
Published: December 2021

Background and aims

Despite established guidelines on secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, practical implementation of treatment targets is deficient even in high-income countries. This study compared long-term hospital-based treatment with follow-up at primary health care regarding new cardiovascular events and achievement of treatment targets.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial at Sørlandet Hospital, Norway 2007–2021 included patients hospitalized due to myocardial infarction (n = 760) or after scheduled percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n = 677) or coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 103). Patients were randomized to hospital-based secondary preventive care with consultations 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the index event and annually for up to 5 years, or follow-up at primary health care. Final data was collected after 10 years and hazard ratios were calculated using Cox regression analyses.

Results

Composite endpoint-free survival due to a lower rate of PCI improved in patients with hospital-based follow-up (n = 788) compared to patients followed-up at primary health care (n = 752) (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.96; p = 0.02) but all-cause mortality was not reduced (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.59–1.56; p = 0.86). At 1 year, LDL-cholesterol (2.1 [SD 0.7] versus 2.3 [SD 0.8] mmol/l; p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (132 [SD 16] versus 142 [SD 20] mm/Hg; p < 0.001) were lower in the hospital-based group, and the differences remained significant during the first 5 years. Other secondary preventive measures (smoking cessation, physical activity, body weight, glucose control, drug adherence) did not differ.

Conclusions

Long-term hospital-based secondary preventive follow-up improved composite endpoint-free survival, but not mortality. Substantial risk factors remained unaddressed. The beneficial effects on blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol disappeared after annual consultations ceased.

Trial registration: The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00679237) May 16, 2008.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of anti-alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazolepropionic acid receptor encephalitis
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Fan Siyuan , Ren Haitao , Zhou Lixin , Guan Hongzhi
Published: December 2021

Background

Encephalitis associated with antibodies against alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) is an extremely rare type of antibody-mediated encephalitis. This research aims to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of anti-AMPAR encephalitis.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled nine patients with anti-AMPAR encephalitis. Demographic information, clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiological findings, treatment and response were collected and analyzed. These patients were followed up with an average period of 72 weeks to gather prognostic information.

Results

Nine patients (7 females and 2 males) were enrolled with a mean age at disease onset of 59 years old. Three clinical pictures, including limbic encephalitis (n = 7; 78%), pure amnesia (n = 1; 11%) and fulminant encephalitis (n = 1; 11%) were identified. New symptoms of dysphagia and deafness were identified in the clinical spectrum of anti-AMPAR encephalitis. All patients had positive blood AMPAR antibodies, and six of them (67%) had paired positive antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was abnormal in 75% of the patients with no specific patterns recognized. Six patients (67%) had tumors, including lung cancers and thymomas. After immunotherapy and oncotherapy, partial improvement of neurological symptoms was observed among all 6 patients with available records during their hospitalization. After a mean follow-up of 72 weeks, 3 patients had marked decrease of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, 1 patient had unchanged mRS score, 4 patients died and the other one was lost.

Conclusions

Anti-AMPAR encephalitis mainly presents as limbic encephalitis, and is paraneoplastic in 67% of cases. Thus, intensive screening for tumors is recommended for all anti-AMPAR patients. Although patients showed a good short-term therapeutic response, the overall prognosis was not satisfactory.
A predictive and prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion based TCGA database genomics
Authors: Wang Jin , Ding Zhi-Wen , Chen Kuang , Liu Yan-Zhe , Li Nan , Hu Ming-Gen
Published: December 2021

Background

Microvascular invasion (MVI) adversely affects postoperative long-term survival outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is no study addressing genetic changes in HCC patients with MVI. We first screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patients with and without MVI based on TCGA data, established a prediction model and explored the prognostic value of DEGs for HCC patients with MVI.

Methods

In this paper, gene expression and clinical data of liver cancer patients were downloaded from the TCGA database. The DEG analysis was conducted using DESeq2. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, MVI-status-related genes were identified. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed using these genes. Finally, we validated two genes, HOXD9 and HOXD10, using two sets of HCC tissue microarrays from 260 patients.

Results

Twenty-three MVI-status-related key genes were identified. Based on the key genes, we built a classification model using random forest and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC), which reached 0.814. Then, we performed a survival analysis and found ten genes had a significant difference in survival time. Simultaneously, using two sets of 260 patients’ HCC tissue microarrays, we validated two key genes, HOXD9 and HOXD10. Our study indicated that HOXD9 and HOXD10 were overexpressed in HCC patients with MVI compared with patients without MVI, and patients with MVI with HOXD9 and 10 overexpression had a poorer prognosis than patients with MVI with low expression of HOXD9 and 10.

Conclusion

We established an accurate TCGA database-based genomics prediction model for preoperative MVI risk and studied the prognostic value of DEGs for HCC patients with MVI. These DEGs that are related to MVI warrant further study regarding the occurrence and development of MVI.
An analysis of the selection criteria for postgraduate physician assistant residency and fellowship programs in the United States
Authors: Kidd Vasco Deon , Vanderlinden Sarah , Spisak Jennifer M.
Published: December 2021

Background

This study aims to investigate the admission criteria used by physician assistant postgraduate education programs in selecting licensed PA applicants for postgraduate training in the United States. To our knowledge, there have been no previously published reports on selection criteria and/or other factors influencing postgraduate PA admission decisions.

Method

A non-experimental, descriptive research study was designed to obtain information from members of the Association of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Programs (APPAP).

Results

Twenty-three out of 73 postgraduate programs (31.5%) responded to the survey. The study reported that applicant PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs) are largely selected on the basis of several factors. The most heavily weighted factor is the interview itself; other selection criteria perceived to be extremely/very important included board certification/eligibility, letters of recommendation, advanced degree, and personal essay. Survey data suggest that publications, undergraduate transcripts, and class rankings are not considered to be of high importance in applicant selection.

The number of PA applicants applying to each postgraduate training program averages around 26 and total number of enrollees is about 3.6 per program. Additionally, some programs reported furloughing of trainees (temporary suspension of didactic and clinical training) during the pandemic, whereas the vast majority of postgraduate PA programs remained operational and some even experienced an increase in application volume. The total cost of training a PA resident or fellow in postgraduate programs is currently $93,000 whereas the average cost of training a categorical physician resident is estimated at $150,000 per year when considering both salary and benefits.

Conclusions

This novel study examined criteria and other factors used by postgraduate PA programs in selecting candidates for admission. Results can be used by postgraduate programs to improve or modify current selection criteria to enhance the quality of trainee selection. Further research is needed to examine correlations between applicant attributes, selection criteria, and trainee success in completing postgraduate training.
Exploring the implementation and underlying mechanisms of centralized referral systems to access specialized health services in Quebec
Authors: Spagnolo Jessica , Breton Mylaine , Sasseville Martin , Sauvé Carine , Clément Jean-François , Fleet Richard , Tremblay Marie-Claude , Rodrigue Cloé , Lebel Camille , Beauséjour Marie
Published: December 2021

Background

In 2016, Quebec, a Canadian province, implemented a program to improve access to specialized health services (Accès priorisé aux services spécialisés (APSS)), which includes single regional access points for processing requests to such services via primary care (Centre de répartition des demandes de services (CRDS)). Family physicians fill out and submit requests for initial consultations with specialists using a standardized form with predefined prioritization levels according to listed reasons for consultations, which is then sent to the centralized referral system (the CRDS) where consultations with specialists are assigned. We 1) described the APSS-CRDS program in three Quebec regions using logic models; 2) compared similarities and differences in the components and processes of the APSS-CRDS models; and 3) explored contextual factors influencing the models’ similarities and differences.

Methods

We relied on a qualitative study to develop logic models of the implemented APSS-CRDS program in three regions. Semi-structured interviews with health administrators (n = 9) were conducted. The interviews were analysed using a framework analysis approach according to the APSS-CRDS’s components included in the initially designed program, Mitchell and Lewis (2003)’s logic model framework, and Chaudoir and colleagues (2013)’s framework on contextual factors’ influence on an innovation’s implementation.

Results

Findings show the APSS-CRDS program’s regional variability in the implementation of its components, including its structure (centralized/decentralized), human resources involved in implementation and operation, processes to obtain specialists’ availability and assess/relay requests, as well as monitoring methods. Variability may be explained by contextual factors’ influence, like ministerial and medical associations’ involvement, collaborations, the context’s implementation readiness, physician practice characteristics, and the program’s adaptability.

Interpretation

Findings are useful to inform decision-makers on the design of programs like the APSS-CRDS, which aim to improve access to specialists, the essential components for the design of these types of interventions, and how contextual factors may influence program implementation. Variability in program design is important to consider as it may influence anticipated effects, a next step for the research team. Results may also inform stakeholders should they wish to implement similar programs to increase access to specialized health services via primary care.
Implementing a digital human resources management tool in the government health sector in Bangladesh: a policy content analysis
Authors: Bhattacharyya Dipika Shankar , Dutta Goutam Kumar , Nowrin Iffat , Shafique Sohana , Islam Md. Zahidul , Riazul Islam B. M. , Anwar Iqbal
Published: December 2021

Introduction

In Bangladesh, to address the challenges of ensuring adequate human resources for health (HRH), the government began implementing a digital tool for HRH management in 2017. However, evidence suggests institutionalizing such tools in low-and-middle-income countries is impeded by policy aspects like implementation strategy and poor regulatory framework. Therefore, we aimed to explore factors in the current policy landscape that might facilitate and challenge the implementation of the tool in Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted a review of policies related to ICT implementation and human resources management in the health sector in Bangladesh using qualitative content analysis method. Ten policies have been identified, and extensive reading was done to ascertain common themes and patterns. A document analysis matrix was developed to synthesize and help interpret the findings.

Results

Regarding facilitators, strong upstream level commitments were reflected in the content of policies in terms of setting out specific objectives, targets, timelines, and budget allocation. However, the lack of explicit monitoring strategy and extent of stakeholders’ engagement was not well-defined, ultimately creating chances for impeding downstream implementation. In addition, effective coordination among stakeholders and different HRH and ICT policies could be strengthened.

Discussion

Findings support the current discourse that national commitment plays a vital role in the integration of ICTs in health services. However, well-defined monitoring strategy and inter-ministry and intra-ministry policy coordination are crucial.
Expectations, concerns and experiences of rehabilitation patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: a qualitative analysis of online forum posts
Authors: Altinok Kübra , Erdsiek Fabian , Yilmaz-Aslan Yüce , Brzoska Patrick
Published: December 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as efforts to prevent its spread, have had a strong impact on the delivery of rehabilitative services in Germany. While several studies have addressed the impact of these developments on health service providers and COVID-19 patients, little is known about its impact on patients in need of rehabilitative treatment because of other conditions. This study aims to identify expectations, concerns and experiences of rehabilitation patients related to service delivery in this situation.

Methods

Using a qualitative study design, user posts from six German online forums between March and Mid-November 2020 were systematically searched with respect to experiences, concerns and expectations of health care users toward receiving rehabilitative treatment. We used qualitative content analysis with inductive coding as our methodological approach.

Results

Users fearing physical or psychological impairment were concerned about not receiving timely or effective treatment due to closed hospitals, reduced treatments and limited admissions. In contrast, patients more concerned about getting infected with COVID-19 worried about the effectiveness of protective measures and being denied postponement of treatment by the funding bodies. During their stay, some patients reported feeling isolated due to contact restrictions and did not feel their treatment was effective, while others reported being satisfied and praised hospitals for their efforts to ensure the safety of the patients. Many patients reported communication problems before and during their treatment, including concerns about the safety and effectiveness of their treatment, as well as financial concerns and worries about future treatments. Several users felt that their concerns were disregarded by the hospitals and the funding bodies, leaving them feeling distressed, insecure and dissatisfied.

Conclusions

While some users report only minor concerns related to the pandemic and its impact on rehabilitation, others report strong concerns relating not only to their own health and safety, but also to financial aspects and their ability to work. Many users feel ignored and disregarded, showing a strong need for more coordinated strategies and improved communication specifically with funding bodies like health insurance companies and the German pension funds.
Competitive and/or cooperative interactions of graphene-family materials and benzo[a]pyrene with pulmonary surfactant: a computational and experimental study
Authors: Yue Tongtao , Lv Rujie , Xu Dongfang , Xu Yan , Liu Lu , Dai Yanhui , Zhao Jian , Xing Baoshan
Published: December 2021

Background

Airborne nanoparticles can be inhaled and deposit in human alveoli, where pulmonary surfactant (PS) molecules lining at the alveolar air–water interface act as the first barrier against inhaled nanoparticles entering the body. Although considerable efforts have been devoted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-PS interactions, our understanding on this important issue is limited due to the high complexity of the atmosphere, in which nanoparticles are believed to experience transformations that remarkably change the nanoparticles’ surface properties and states. By contrast with bare nanoparticles that have been extensively studied, relatively little is known about the interactions between PS and inhaled nanoparticles which already adsorb contaminants. In this combined experimental and computational effort, we investigate the joint interactions between PS and graphene-family materials (GFMs) with coexisting benzo[a]pyrene (BaP).

Results

Depending on the BaP concentration, molecular agglomeration, and graphene oxidation, different nanocomposite structures are formed via BaPs adsorption on GFMs. Upon deposition of GFMs carrying BaPs at the pulmonary surfactant (PS) layer, competition and cooperation of interactions between different components determines the interfacial processes including BaP solubilization, GFM translocation and PS perturbation. Importantly, BaPs adsorbed on GFMs are solubilized to increase BaP’s bioavailability. By contrast with graphene adhering on the PS layer to release part of adsorbed BaPs, more BaPs are released from graphene oxide, which induces a hydrophilic pore in the PS layer and shows adverse effect on the PS biophysical function. Translocation of graphene across the PS layer is facilitated by BaP adsorption through segregating it from contact with PS, while translocation of graphene oxide is suppressed by BaP adsorption due to the increase of surface hydrophobicity. Graphene extracts PS molecules from the layer, and the resultant PS depletion declines with graphene oxidation and BaP adsorption.

Conclusion

GFMs showed high adsorption capacity towards BaPs to form nanocomposites. Upon deposition of GFMs carrying BaPs at the alveolar air–water interface covered by a thin PS layer, the interactions of GFM-PS, GFM-BaP and BaP-PS determined the interfacial processes of BaP solubilization, GFM translocation and PS perturbation.
Social determinants of diabetes‐related foot disease among older adults in New South Wales, Australia: evidence from a population‐based study
Authors: Ahmed Moin Uddin , Tannous Wadad Kathy , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore , Henshaw Frances , Turner Deborah , Simmons David
Published: December 2021

Background

Diabetes‐related foot is the largest burden to the health sector compared to other diabetes‐related complications in Australia, including New South Wales (NSW). Understanding of social determinants of diabetes‐related foot disease has not been definitive in Australian studies. This study aimed to investigate the social determinants of diabetes‐related foot disease in NSW.

Methodology

The first wave of the 45 and Up Study survey data was linked with NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection, Emergency Department Data Collection, and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data resulting in 28,210 individuals with diabetes aged 45 years and older in NSW, Australia. Three outcome variables were used: diabetes‐related foot disease (DFD), diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), and diabetic foot infection (DFI). They were classified as binary, and survey logistic regression was used to determine the association between each outcome measure and associated factors after adjusting for sampling weights.

Results

The prevalence of DFD, DFU and DFI were 10.8%, 5.4% and 5.2%, respectively, among people with diabetes. Multivariate analyses revealed that the common factors associated with DFD, DFU and DFI were older age (75 years or more), male, single status, background in English speaking countries, and coming from lower‐income households (less than AUD 20,000 per year). Furthermore, common lifestyle and health factors associated with DFD, DFU, and DFI were low physical activity (< 150 min of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity per week), history of diabetes for over 15 years, and having cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

Our study showed that about 1 in 10 adults with diabetes aged 45 years and older in NSW reported DFD. Interventions, including the provision of related health services aimed at reducing all forms of DFD in NSW, are recommended to target older individuals with a long history of diabetes, and coming from lower‐income households.
A tailored Internet-delivered modular intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy for depressed older adults: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eimontas Jonas , Pakalniškienė Vilmantė , Biliunaite Ieva , Andersson Gerhard
Published: December 2021

Background

Depression is most common among the elderly and is associated with major impairment. With limited accessible treatments available, remotely provided interventions are needed. Internet-based interventions have been proven effective for a number of mental and somatic health problems. However, the elderly population has received relatively limited attention in previous studies. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the effectiveness of a tailored Internet-delivered modular intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Methods

A minimum of 60 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to groups in a two-armed parallel controlled trial with a waiting list. The intervention group will have access to an 8-week therapist-supported modular intervention. The waiting list group will be instructed to wait for 8 weeks and then granted access to the intervention for 8 weeks. Pre, post, and 3-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up assessments are planned for measuring changes in depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and psychological well-being using PHQ-9, GDS, GAD-7, and WHO-5. Primary outcomes of all the participants will be analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle, and within- and between-group effect sizes will be calculated.

Discussion

Internet-based interventions could help address the existing treatment gap for depressed older adults. However, to date, the effectiveness of Internet-based CBT (ICBT) for depressed older adults has only been tested in a few studies. This trial will demonstrate if Internet-based CBT is effective for this population when compared to a waiting list control. Further analysis of secondary outcomes and participant behavior in the intervention will potentially reveal effectiveness moderating factors.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04728204. Registered on 15 January 2021. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04728204?term=NCT04728204&draw=2&rank=1
Association between female reproductive factors and gout: a nationwide population-based cohort study of 1 million postmenopausal women
Authors: Eun Yeonghee , Kim In-Young , Han Kyungdo , Lee Kyu Na , Lee Dong-Yun , Shin Dong Wook , Kang Seonyoung , Lee Seulkee , Cha Hoon-Suk , Koh Eun-Mi , Lee Jaejoon , Kim Hyungjin
Published: December 2021

Background

Previous studies have shown that the incidence and risk factors of gout differs according to sex. However, little research has been done on the association between reproductive factors and gout. We conducted an analysis of a large nationwide population-based cohort of postmenopausal women to determine whether there is an association between reproductive factors and the incidence of gout.

Methods

A total of 1,076,378 postmenopausal women aged 40–69 years who participated in national health screenings in 2009 were included in the study. The outcome was the occurrence of incident gout, which was defined using the ICD-10 code of gout (M10) in the claim database. Cox proportional hazard models were used for the analyses and stratified analyses according to body mass index (BMI) and the presence/absence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) were performed.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 8.1 years, and incident cases of gout were 64,052 (incidence rate 7.31 per 1000 person-years). Later menarche, earlier menopause, and a shorter reproductive span were associated with a high risk of gout. No association between parity and gout incidence was observed. Use of oral contraceptives (OC) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were associated with an increased risk of gout. The association between reproductive factors and gout was not statistical significant in the high BMI group. The effects of OC and HRT usage on gout were not significant in the CKD group.

Conclusion

Shorter exposure to endogenous estrogen was associated with a high risk of gout. Conversely, exposure to exogenous estrogen such as OC and HRT was associated with an increased risk of gout.
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid-induced organic delirium complicated by polydrug use successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy: a case report
Authors: Kjærgaard Mads F. , Videbech Poul , Nørbæk Jens J. , Ebdrup Bjørn H.
Published: December 2021

Background

Patients with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid withdrawal symptoms are at high risk of developing organic delirium, which can be fatal. The recommended first-line treatment is benzodiazepines, but treatment-resistant cases are frequent. Here we describe a case of successful bilateral electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with severe and highly agitated acute organic delirium induced by gamma-hydroxybutyric acid withdrawal and complicated by polydrug use resistant to first-line treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of electroconvulsive therapy on treatment-resistant delirium caused by gamma-hydroxybutyric acid withdrawal.

Case presentation

A 21-year-old Danish man diagnosed with untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder developed severely agitated acute organic delirium caused by gamma-hydroxybutyric acid withdrawal in a Danish psychiatric ward. The patient was subjected to physical restraints and transferred to the intensive care unit for treatment. During the next 10 days, the patient showed no clinical improvement despite first-line, high-dose benzodiazepines along with intense supportive treatment with propofol, phenobarbital, and antipsychotics. On day 11, bilateral frontotemporal electroconvulsive therapy treatment was initiated and full clinical recovery was obtained after four sessions.

Discussion

The full clinical remission after four electroconvulsive therapy sessions, strongly supports that electroconvulsive therapy may be an effective treatment when severe delirium induced by gamma-hydroxybutyric acid withdrawal is resistant to conventional first-line treatment with benzodiazepines. Moreover, this case illustrates that clinically effective seizures were achieved despite intensive concurrent exposure to anticonvulsive drugs. Therefore, this case report encourages consideration of electroconvulsive therapy in patients with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid delirium who are resistant to psychopharmacological treatment.
Spatial prediction of soil acidity and nutrients for site-specific soil management in Bedele district, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Sori Gedefa , Iticha Birhanu , Takele Chalsissa
Published: December 2021

Background

Understanding the spatial variability of soil properties is useful to tailor site-specific agricultural inputs to enhance crop production on a sustainable basis. This study was aimed to assess and map the spatial patterns of soil acidity and nutrients using geostatistical methods and support site-specific lime and fertilizer recommendations in Bedele district, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Methods

Soil samples were collected from agricultural land at a depth of 20 cm using grid sampling technique. The semivariogram analysis was performed for accurate spatial prediction and the kriging technique was used for interpolation of soil parameters.

Results

Soil pH varied between 4.5 and 6.8. Soil organic carbon (OC) content ranged from 0.3 to 5.6% and the mean soil OC density was 0.81 kg m−2. Available phosphorus (AvP) ranged from 0.8 to 38.6 mg kg−1and nearly 80.23% of the soils exhibited very low to low AvP that could be due to fixation by strong acidity. Soils of the study area exhibited very high exchangeable potassium (K), but very low exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). The potassium to magnesium ratio (K:Mg) ranged from 0.2:1 to 10.9:1, while the values of calcium to magnesium ratio (Ca:Mg) varied between 0.3 and 3.4. Among the soil parameters, exchangeable Ca (CV = 54%) and K:Mg ratio (CV = 57.62%) were more variable than other soil parameters. Spatial variability was lowest for soil pH (CV = 10%).

Conclusions

Major portions of the study site were affected by strong acidity (pH ≤ 5.5). Accordingly, about 89% of the soils require lime that varied between 0.09 and 3.6 tons ha−1. In addition to soil acidity, deficiency of available P, Ca, and Mg were the major liming factors affecting crop production in the study area. Digital soil mapping was used to show the spatial variability of soil acidity and nutrients across agricultural land and applied for efficient lime and nutrients advisory works.
Green chitosan: thiourea dioxide cleaning gel for manganese stains on granite and glass substrates
Authors: Campos Bruno , Marco Alexandra , Cadeco Guilhermina , Freire-Lista David M. , Silvestre-Albero Joaquin , Algarra Manuel , Vieira Eduarda , Pintado Manuela , Moreira Patrícia
Published: December 2021

The cleaning or removal of manganese stains on Cultural Heritage has not been much tested or successful so far. The aim of this article was to assess a new green cleaning gel for Mn-rich black-blue stains on different substrates. The black-blue stains were characterized at optical and chemical level through colour-related data, optical microscope, FTIR, XRF and XPS. Mn-stained granite found on historical churches at Vila Real (North of Portugal) and glass jars of Leclanché cells, belonging to the ISEP’s Museum (Portugal) collection, were the ideal case studies to test the efficiency of chitosan: thiourea dioxide (TD) cleaning gel. TD proved to be the best candidate to reduce insoluble manganese oxides, over Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride and Hydroxymethanesulfinic Acid. Cleaning assays performed on stained granite samples collected at a historical quarry and in situ application on stained granite churches allowed removal of the stains to a satisfactory level. Similar results were obtained on stained glass jars.
Simulation study on parametric dependence of whistler-mode hiss generation in the plasmasphere
Authors: Liu Yin , Omura Yoshiharu , Hikishima Mitsuru
Published: December 2021

We conduct electromagnetic particle simulations to examine the applicability of nonlinear wave growth theory to the generation process of plasmaspheric hiss. We firstly vary the gradient of the background magnetic field from a realistic model to a rather steep gradient model. Under such variation, the threshold amplitude in the nonlinear theory increases quickly and the overlap between threshold and optimum amplitude disappears correspondingly, the nonlinear process is suppressed. In the simulations, as we enlarge the gradient coefficient of the background magnetic field, waves generated near the equator do not grow through propagation. By examining the range of suitable values of inhomogeneity factorS(i.e.,$$|S|<2$$|S|<2), we find the generation of wave packets is limited to the equatorial region when the background field is steep, showing a good agreement with what is indicated by critical distance in the theory. We then check the dependence of generation of hiss emissions on different hot electron densities. Since the overlap between threshold and optimum amplitude vanishes, the nonlinear process is weakened when hot electron density becomes smaller. In the simulation results, we find similar wave structures in all density cases, yet with different magnitudes. The existence of suitableSvalues implies that the nonlinear process occurs even at a low level of hot electron density. However, by examining$$J_E$$JEthat closely relates to the wave growth, we find energy conveyed from particles to waves is much limited in small density cases. Therefore, the nonlinear process is suppressed when hot electron density is small, which agrees with the theoretical analysis.

Graphical Abstract