bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptive Analysis of Mental and Physical Wellness in Collegiate Dancers
Authors: Michaels Chris , Holman Anna , Teramoto Masaru , Bellendir Trina , Krautgasser-Tolman Sabine , Willick Stuart E.
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Understanding the physical and mental health of collegiate dancers is important for developing appropriate screening protocols and treatment interventions. This study aims to provide descriptive data on the overall health, injury burden, and well-being of a group of collegiate dancers, including the interactions between injury, nutrition, and mental health, to provide insight for wellness screening and interventions in collegiate dance programs.

Methods:

Members of the School of Dance at the University of Utah were sent an electronic general health survey. The survey included questions regarding medical history, family history, injuries, diet, sleep quality, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and history of eating disorders.

Results:

Of the 231 dancers who received the survey, 198 responded (response rate = 85.7%). Fifty 2% of respondents had an active injury. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were common (35.4%), and 37.4% of the dancers were interested in receiving mental health support. Symptoms of depression and anxiety had a significant association with both a history of injury and active injuries ( P = .033 and .039, respectively). History of eating disorder was also significantly associated with active injuries ( P = .005). The most commonly injured body area was ankle or foot (n = 144, 72.7%), followed by lower leg or shin (n = 76, 38.4%), and knee (n = 61, 30.8%). Over a quarter of the dancers (n = 54, 27.3%) reported having trouble sleeping, and 9.1% reported having a history of eating disorder.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the important interplay between mental health, sleep, nutrition, and injury. These results show that in a group of collegiate dancers, active injuries and mental health concerns are common, and that there are statistically significant associations between injury, nutrition, and mental health. These data provide insight into factors that affect dancer wellness and help inform future screening and intervention protocols for dance programs.
Instruments to Assess Evidence-Based Practice Among Health Care Professionals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Silva Anderson Martins da , Valentim Daniela Pereira , Martins Adriana Leite , Padula Rosimeire Simprini
Published: June 2023

Background

The use of measurement instruments to assess the use of Evidence-Based Practice by health professionals has been frequently reported in studies.

Aims

This systematic review aimed to summarize, describe, and evaluate the measurement properties of the instruments that evaluate the use of Evidence-Based Practice in health professionals.

Methods

The search was carried out in four databases considering three groups of search terms: evidence-based practice, evaluation, and measurement proprieties. Studies were included that described the use of instruments to assess Evidence-Based Practice in health professionals, with the full-text publication, which analyzed the measurement properties, in English. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments.

Results

In total, 6,429 were found and only 92 were eligible for data analysis. Forty new instruments were identified most were developed for nursing and physical therapist. The investigators performed at least 1 type of validity test on 73% of the instruments. Reliability was tested at 90%, through internal consistency. Responsiveness was tested on less than half of the instruments (30%). Most of the instruments identified are reliable and valid to measure evidence-based practice in health professionals.

Conclusion

Although the Fresno Test remains the most complete instrument, and adequate for use. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist classified 7 (seven) instruments as suitable for the target audience.
Muscular Weakness with Calcinosis Cutis_A Case of Juvenile Dermatomyositis in a South Asian Male
Authors: Khan Qaisar Ali , Hadi Faiza Amatul , Khan Tahmina , Anthony Michelle , Farkouh Christopher , Abdi Parsa , Pande Harshawardhan , Singh Harsimran
Published: June 2023

Background:

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by an inflammation of proximal muscles of both upper and lower limbs in children below the age of 18 years. The condition mainly involves the proximal muscles and skin but extra-muscular involvement such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and heart are also common.

Case presentation:

We present a case of a 12-year-old south Asian male who developed weakness and muscular pain in all 4 extremities at 3 years of age. The condition gradually worsened recently, and the patient developed tender ulcerated skin nodules. Power in all 4 limbs was decreased and the patient was not able to perform his routine work such as combing of hair, closing a shirt button, and walking. Laboratory investigations revealed raised total leukocyte count (TLC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and biopsy of the proximal muscles and skin lesions showed focal mild necrotic infiltrate involving nonnecrotic muscle fibers and calcinosis cutis respectively. A diagnosis of JDM was made and the patient was started on immunosuppressive therapy (steroids) and diltiazem.

Conclusion:

JDM shares clinical features with other autoimmune, genetic, and inflammatory conditions. Proper history, thorough clinical examination, and laboratory workup is needed to rule out other masquerading conditions. This case report also highlighted the importance of diltiazem in the treatment of calcinosis cutis which is more commonly seen in patients with dermatomyositis.
Intravesical injections of botulinum neurotoxin A to treat overactive bladder and/or detrusor overactivity related to multiple sclerosis: 5-Year continuation rate and specific risk factors for discontinuation—A study from the neuro-urology committee of the French Association of Urology
Authors: Delaval Stéphanie , Dequirez Pierre-Luc , Hentzen Claire , Baron Maximilien , Mille Eva , Tariel François , Peyronnet Benoit , Perrouin-Verbe Marie-Aimée , Pierache Adeline , Chartier-Kastler Emmanuel , Capon Grégoire , Cornu Jean-Nicolas , Castel-Lacanal Evelyne , Gamé Xavier , Karsenty Gilles , Ruffion Alain , Denys Pierre , Even Alexia , Joussain Charles , Amarenco Gérard , Phé Véronique , Biardeau Xavier
Published: June 2023

Background:

While intravesical injections of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) are currently recommended for patients experiencing refractory neurogenic overactive bladder and/or detrusor overactivity (OAB/DO), it is unclear how much this therapy is effective and sustainable in the long-term in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

To assess the mid-term continuation rate of BoNT-A injections to treat neurogenic OAB/DO in MS patients and to investigate MS-specific risk factors for discontinuation.

Methods:

This retrospective study involved 11 French university hospital centers. All MS patients who received BoNT-A to treat neurogenic OAB/DO between 2008 and 2013 and were subsequently followed up for at least 5 years were eligible.

Results:

Of the 196 MS patients included, 159 (81.1%) were still under BoNT-A 5 years after the first injection. The combination of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS < 6 or ⩾ 6) and of the MS type (relapsing–remitting vs progressive) predicted the risk of discontinuation. This risk was 5.5% for patients with no risk factor, whereas patients presenting with one or two risk factors were 3.3 and 5.7 times more likely to discontinue, respectively.

Conclusion:

BoNT-A is a satisfying mid-term neurogenic OAB/DO therapy for most MS patients. Combining EDSS and MS type could help predict BoNT-A discontinuation.
Workplace gender composition and sickness absence: A register-based study from Sweden
Authors: Haukenes Inger , Hammarström Anne
Published: June 2023

Aims:

This study aimed to examine the association between gender composition in the workplace and sickness absence days during a one-year period.

Methods

The study population was drawn from the Northern Swedish Cohort (wave 3; 2007) by Statistics Sweden and consisted of all participants belonging to a specific workplace ( n=837) as well as all co-workers at the workplace of the participants ( n=132,464; 67,839 women and 64,625 men). Exposure was the gender composition of the workplace, and outcome was cumulative sickness absence days ( ⩾90 days or not) during 2007, provided through a link to the Database for Health Insurance and Labour Marked Studies of Statistics Sweden. Covariates were gender, age, educational level and branch of industry from the same data source. We performed descriptive analyses and multivariable regression analyses.

Results:

Workers in extremely female-dominated workplaces had a significantly higher risk of cumulative sickness absence days (⩾90 days) compared with gender-equal workplaces (fully adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.48), whereas those working in extremely and moderately male-dominated workplaces had a significantly lower sickness absence risk (OR=0.62 and 0.66, respectively). Stratified by gender, the higher absence risk at female-dominated workplaces was fully explained by variation in branches of industry. Women working in extremely male-dominated workplaces had a significantly lower absence risk (OR=0.75), as did men working in moderately male-dominated workplaces (OR=0.78).

Conclusions:

Workplaces dominated by women had a significantly higher risk of days lost to sickness absence compared to gender-equal workplaces. Stratified by gender, this higher risk was explained by branch of industry.
Structure-borne noise of steel and concrete box girders in an urban metro system: A hybrid evaluation and parametric study
Authors: Hsu W.L.
Published: June 2023

Metro systems provide an efficient, convenient, and expeditious way to travel around crowded routes. Because these systems are established in cities, residential buildings close to metro viaducts are significantly affected by structure-borne noise (SBN). Although most previous studies developed SBN prediction with a focus on the accuracy and computational efficiency of a specific bridge type, only limited studies on parameters for the SBN on bridges were carried out. Thus, eliminating SBN is still a challenging task for both the design and operation phases of bridge design. Therefore, this study integrates simplified experiments with numerical analyses to evaluate the influential parameters on the structure-borne noise level (SBNL) for two types of bridge girders, that is, the double-box pre-stressed concrete girder and the double-box steel girder. The present study also proposes an optimization method for reducing the SBNL in the bridge design and operation phases and identifies the sources of SBN for these two types of bridges. In this paper, the solutions to mitigating SBN are first reviewed and briefly introduced. Theories associated with SBN are then derived and experimentally verified using a concrete or steel plate with a unit area. A hybrid evaluation method is developed to integrate transient finite-element simulation with experimental results, and the main sources (e.g., plate thickness, train speed, fastener stiffness, and track irregularity) that induce SBN are examined by this hybrid method. Consequently, the approach to resolving the SBN problem can be optimally determined. As demonstrated in the results from the hybrid evaluation method, the track condition dominates the SBNL for both types of bridges, and the relationship between train speed and plate eigenfrequency should be carefully investigated to avoid the effect of plate resonance. The pre-stressed concrete box girder is the recommended bridge type for use in urban areas from the viewpoint of minimizing the SBNL.
Cross-national variations in postdoc precarity: An inquiry into the role of career structures and research funding models
Authors: O’Connor Pat , Le Feuvre Nicky , Sümer Sevil
Published: June 2023

Insecurity and intense competition for permanent academic positions appear to be common experiences for early career researchers across the globe. With academic precarity now firmly on the international research and policy agenda, this article looks comparatively at postdoc precarity in three European countries: Ireland, Norway and Switzerland. It suggests that the career prospects and status of these early career stage researchers depend to a large extent on societal variations in academic career structures and research funding models. The article underlines the implications of an increasingly competitive academic labour market on postdoc precarity and identifies both common and specific (national and/or disciplinary) challenges facing postdocs in these different contexts.
Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Diabetic Foot Infections and Osteomyelitis
Authors: Aragón-Sánchez Javier , Víquez-Molina Gerardo , López-Valverde María Eugenia , Rojas-Bonilla José María
Published: June 2023

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) was significantly higher in patients with severe infections, those with necrosis, and in those requiring admission, postoperative antibiotics, and any amputation. However, SII was significantly lower in patients with osteomyelitis compared to those with soft tissue infections. The correlation coefficients (rho) between SII and other inflammatory markers were as follows: WBC (Moderate correlation, 0.64, P < .001), ESR (Weak correlation, 0.34, P < .001), and CRP (Moderate correlation, 0.56, P < .001). The correlation coefficient (rho) between SII and the number of days admitted was moderate, 0.42 ( P < .001). Based on a previous experience, SII may be an additional marker to diagnose osteomyelitis in the feet of patients with diabetes. Now, we need further research including SII, a low-cost and easy-to-measure index, in well-designed controlled studies to definitively clarify its role.
Now is the time to fix the clinical research workforce crisis
Authors: Freel Stephanie A , Snyder Denise C , Bastarache Kara , Jones Carolynn Thomas , Marchant Mark B , Rowley Laura A , Sonstein Stephen A , Lipworth Karen M , Landis Susan P
Published: June 2023

The clinical and translational research enterprise is recognized by many as the “evidence generation system.” While there have been several calls to revolutionize this enterprise to more effectively deliver the fruits of biomedical science to patients and society, significant issues across the clinical research workforce are pervasive. Perhaps the most visible sign is the widening gap between supply and demand for competent staff. Underpinning this, is a perfect storm of complex issues. Now reaching crisis point, this problem is far bigger than a staffing issue and ultimately jeopardizes the “engine” of drug and device development. With the current perilous state of the workforce, proposed enterprise fixes are likely to languish far out of reach, given that even “business as usual” is under threat. In fact, a glaring disconnect is evident between the visionary discourse on how to revolutionize the clinical research enterprise and the sober recognition that operationalization of any such vision rests on the shoulders of a workforce that’s in dire straits. In this article, we provide a brief forensic analysis of the workforce problem and an initial indication of where solutions may lie.
Current Perspective on the Potential Benefits of Smart Insulin Pens on Glycemic Control in Patients With Diabetes: Spanish Delphi Consensus
Authors: Moreno-Fernandez Jesús , Díaz-Soto Gonzalo , Girbes Juan , Arroyo Francisco Javier
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality, and glycemic control is key to avoiding complications. Technological innovations have led to the development of new tools to help patients with DM manage their condition.

Objective:

This consensus assesses the current perspective of physicians on the potential benefits of using smart insulin pens in the glycemic control of patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1) in Spain.

Methods:

The Delphi technique was used by 110 physicians who were experts in managing patients with DM1. The questionnaire consisted of 94 questions.

Results:

The consensus obtained was 95.74%. The experts recommended using the ambulatory glucose profile report and the different time-in-range (TIR) metrics to assess poor glycemic control. Between 31% and 65% of patients had TIR values less than 70% and were diagnosed based on glycosylated hemoglobin values. They believed that less than 10% of patients needed to remember to administer the basal insulin dose and between 10% and 30% needed to remember the prandial insulin dose.

Conclusions:

The perception of physicians in their usual practice leads them to recommend the use of ambulatory glucose profile and time in range for glycemic control. Forgetting to administer insulin is a very common problem and the actual occurrence rate does not correspond with clinicians’ perceptions. Technological improvements and the use of smart insulin pens can increase treatment adherence, strengthen the doctor–patient relationship, and help improve patients’ education and quality of life.
Adverse Event Causes From 2022 for Four Continuous Glucose Monitors
Authors: Krouwer Jan S.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Adverse events for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) represent a significant issue for people with diabetes with 281 963 CGM adverse events occurring in 2022. The process to obtain adverse events and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database that contains them are reviewed.

Methods:

Tables were created in SQL Server for four CGM products (Dexcom G6, all versions of Abbott Libre, Medtronic Guardian 3, and Senseonics Eversense) containing either malfunction or injury adverse events sorted by the manufacturer’s chosen product code. As the product code is not always clear (or appropriate), the causes of the events were determined from the text description of the adverse event. The resulting causes were listed in decreasing order in tables for each product and event type.

Results:

A common effect of several event causes prevented the user from obtaining a result. Inaccuracy was also a frequent complaint. Other causes were specific to that device.

Conclusions:

Creating tables based on manufacturer problem codes for their CGMs, followed by analysis of the adverse event text, facilitates the analysis of event causes. Analyzing adverse event data is the first step in trying to reduce the number of adverse events.
Compassion in Hotels: Does Person–Organization Fit Lead Staff to Engage in Compassion-Driven Citizenship Behavior?
Authors: Zoghbi-Manrique-de-Lara Pablo , Ruiz-Palomino Pablo , Linuesa-Langreo Jorge
Published: June 2023

Existing research on person–organization (P-O) fit (POF) has ignored other-centered mechanisms in explaining why high levels of fit with the work environment increase employee’s organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Using four factors involved in the compassion process (common humanity, empathic concern, kindness, mindfulness), this article investigates employee compassion as a mediator that explains why POF affects OCB directed toward individuals (OCBI) and the organization (OCBO). Our structural equation modeling analysis on 280 Spanish hotel employees reveals that compassion mediates the relationship between POF and OCBs. However, considering the employment contract of the sample (temporary, permanent), the mediation for OCBO was partial and full among permanent and temporary staff, respectively. These findings suggest that staff who fit their hotel are more likely to be sensitive to others’ setbacks and misfortunes, lessening or alleviating them (compassionately) by performing OCBs. However, compared with permanent staff, temporary staff’s OCBO response to POF is more compassion-driven.
Clinical Outcomes of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Full-versus Partial-Thickness Cartilage Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ma Jinhui , Yan Yan , Wang Bailiang , Wang Weiguo , Yue Debo , Guo Wanshou
Published: June 2023

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare postoperative patient-reported outcomes and reoperation rates following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) between patients with full-thickness cartilage loss (FTCL) and partial-thickness cartilage loss (PTCL).

Design

Multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI, were searched until October 2019 for studies comparing the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), American Knee Society (AKS) score, and reoperation rates between patients with FTCL and PTCL following UKA. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager software.

Results

A total of 613 UKA cases from 5 retrospective cohort studies were included. The mean difference in postoperative OKSs was significantly higher by 2.92 in FTCL group than in PTCL group (95% confidence interval [CI] = −5.29 to −0.55; P = 0.02). Improvement in OKS was significantly higher by 2.69 in FTCL group than in PTCL group (95% CI = −4.79 to −0.60; P = 0.01). However, the differences in OKSs were not clinically significant. The mean difference in AKS knee scores was similar between the 2 groups (95% CI = −9.14 to −3.34; P = 0.36), whereas the pooled mean difference in AKS function scores was higher by 5.63 in FTCL group than in PTCL group (95% CI = −9.27 to −1.98; P = 0.002), which was clinically relevant. The reoperation rates were statistically higher in PTCL group than in FTCL group (odds ratio = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.15 to 4.38; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Patients with FTCL achieved superior postoperative patient-reported outcomes and lower reoperation rates following UKA compared with those with PTCL. Thus, we believe this procedure should only be applied to end-stage medial osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
A school-wide digital programme has context specific impacts on self-regulation but not social skills
Authors: McNaughton Stuart , Rosedale Naomi Alexandra , Zhu Tong , Teng Lin Sophie , Jesson Rebecca , Oldehaver Jacinta , Hoda Rashina , Williamson Rachel
Published: June 2023

It is assumed that digital tools with ubiquitous classroom use have affordances for student agency and a range of social skills. However, few studies have explored the generalised impact of everyday digital classrooms on self-regulation and empathy, perspective taking and prosocial skills. Ten and 11 year old students’ ( n = 115) ratings of self-regulation, social skills and personality were examined in relationship to school-wide practices and instructional foci in two groups of schools ( n = 9) involved in a digital innovation serving low-SES culturally diverse communities. In an early adopting group, students had received a high dosage of three or 4 years of 1:1 digital pedagogy, and in a later adopting group of schools, students had received a low dosage of only 6 months . This natural experiment revealed a context specific effect where high dosage students rated their regulation in digital contexts higher, but not in more general non-digital contexts. However, personality scores particularly those related to self-regulation, were higher for the high dosage students. There were no differences in social skills. The differences were related to the strong focus in the digital innovation on aspects of self-regulation. There was less focus on social skills in the digital innovation. More deliberate teacher augmentation and instructional designs for social skills may be required to capitalise on the affordances of digital tools. School-wide practices, while necessary may not be sufficient to enable the generalisation of skills without this deliberate teacher focus.
User-centered design of feedback regarding health-related behaviors derived from wearables: An approach targeting older adults and persons living with neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Van Ooteghem Karen , Godkin F Elizabeth , Thai Vanessa , Beyer Kit B , Cornish Benjamin F , Weber Kyle S , Bernstein Hannah , Kheiri Soha O , Swartz Richard H , Tan Brian , McIlroy William E , Roberts Angela C
Published: June 2023

Objective

There has been tremendous growth in wearable technologies for health monitoring but limited efforts to optimize methods for sharing wearables-derived information with older adults and clinical cohorts. This study aimed to co-develop, design and evaluate a personalized approach for information-sharing regarding daily health-related behaviors captured with wearables.

Methods

A participatory research approach was adopted with: (a) iterative stakeholder, and evidence-led development of feedback reporting; and (b) evaluation in a sample of older adults (n  =  15) and persons living with neurodegenerative disease (NDD) (n  =  25). Stakeholders included persons with lived experience, healthcare providers, health charity representatives and individuals involved in aging/NDD research. Feedback report information was custom-derived from two limb-mounted inertial measurement units and a mobile electrocardiography device worn by participants for 7–10 days. Mixed methods were used to evaluate reporting 2 weeks following delivery. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics for the group and stratified by cohort and cognitive status.

Results

Participants (n  =  40) were 60% female (median 72 (60–87) years). A total of 82.5% found the report easy to read or understand, 80% reported the right amount of information was shared, 90% found the information helpful, 92% shared the information with a family member or friend and 57.5% made a behavior change. Differences emerged in sub-group comparisons. A range of participant profiles existed in terms of interest, uptake and utility.

Conclusions

The reporting approach was generally well-received with perceived value that translated into enhanced self-awareness and self-management of daily health-related behaviors. Future work should examine potential for scale, and the capacity for wearables-derived feedback to influence longer-term behavior change.
Does Social Media Use Mitigate or Exacerbate Loneliness among Korean Older Adults? Focusing on the Moderating Role of Media Literacy
Authors: Kim Yesolran , Lee Mina
Published: June 2023

As older adult populations rapidly increase worldwide, loneliness among older adults is emerging as a societal burden. Whether social media use can increase or decrease older adults’ loneliness remains debated in the literature. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of social media use on loneliness among older adults by examining the moderating role of media literacy on the relationship between social media use and loneliness. Considering that Korea is facing the most rapid population aging among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and that two-thirds of Korean older adults use social media, Korean data can provide international insights into the impact of social media use on older adults. Responses from 554 Korean respondents aged 60 to 79, extracted from the 2021 Korea Media Panel Survey, were analyzed using the PROCESS Macro Model 1. The results of this study showed that the effect of social media use on loneliness among older adults was moderated by their level of media literacy. As the amount of time spent using social media increased, loneliness increased for respondents with low-to-middle media literacy. This study’s findings emphasize the importance of educational interventions to increase older adults’ digital media literacy and expand scholarly understanding of the impact of social media use in non-Western countries.
Multiple Adaptive Attention-Bias-Modification Programs to Alter Normative Increase in the Error-Related Negativity in Adolescents
Authors: Amir Nader , Holbrook Amanda , Kallen Alex , Santopetro Nicholas , Klawohn Julia , McGhie Shaan , Bruchnak Alec , Lowe Magen , Taboas William , Brush C. J. , Hajcak Greg
Published: June 2023

In the current article, we examined the impact of two home-delivered attentional-bias-modification (ABM) programs on a biomarker of anxiety (i.e., the error-related negativity [ERN]). The ERN is sensitivity to ABM-related changes; however, it is unclear whether ABM exerts its influence on the ERN and anxiety by increasing general attentional control or by disengaging spatial allocation of attention. In this study, we measured the ERN, anxiety, attention bias, and attention control before and after two versions of ABM training and a waitlist control group in 546 adolescents. An ABM designed to increase attention control modulated the ERN but had no impact on anxiety. An ABM designed to reduce attentional bias changed bias and self-reported anxiety in youths but had no impact on the ERN or parent-reported anxiety. These results suggest that the ERN and normative anxiety may be modified using attention training.
Machine-Learning-Based Prediction of Client Distress From Session Recordings
Authors: Kuo Patty B. , Tanana Michael J. , Goldberg Simon B. , Caperton Derek D. , Narayanan Shrikanth , Atkins David C. , Imel Zac E.
Published: June 2023

Natural language processing (NLP) is a subfield of machine learning that may facilitate the evaluation of therapist–client interactions and provide feedback to therapists on client outcomes on a large scale. However, there have been limited studies applying NLP models to client-outcome prediction that have (a) used transcripts of therapist–client interactions as direct predictors of client-symptom improvement, (b) accounted for contextual linguistic complexities, and (c) used best practices in classical training and test splits in model development. Using 2,630 session recordings from 795 clients and 56 therapists, we developed NLP models that directly predicted client symptoms of a given session based on session recordings of the previous session (Spearman’s ρ = .32, p < .001). Our results highlight the potential for NLP models to be implemented in outcome-monitoring systems to improve quality of care. We discuss implications for future research and applications.
Evaluation of Spin in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques and Standard Microdiscectomies for Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Abu-Zahra Maya S. , Mayfield Cory K. , Thompson Ashley A. , Garcia Oswaldo , Bashrum Bryan , Hwang N. Mina , Liu Joseph N. , Petrigliano Frank A. , Alluri Ram K.
Published: June 2023

Study Design

Systematic review.

Objectives

Spin in scientific literature is defined as bias that overstates efficacy and/or underestimates harms of procedures undergoing review. While lumbar microdiscectomies (MD) are considered the gold standard for treating lumbar disc herniations (LDH), outcomes of novel procedures are being weighed against open MD. This study identifies the quantity and type of spin in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of LDH interventions.

Methods

A search was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases for systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the outcomes of MD against other LDH interventions. Each included study’s abstract was assessed for the presence of the 15 most common types of spin, with full texts reviewed during cases of disagreement or for clarification. Full texts were used in the assessment of study quality per AMSTAR 2.

Results

All 34 included studies were observed to have at least 1 form of spin, in either the abstract or full text. The most common type of spin identified was type 5 (“The conclusion claims the beneficial effect of the experimental treatment despite a high risk of bias in primary studies”), which was observed in ten studies (10/34, 29.4%). There was a statistically significant association between studies not registered with PROSPERO and the failure to satisfy AMSTAR type 2 ( P < .0001).

Conclusion

Misleading reporting is the most common category of spin in literature related to LDH. Spin overwhelmingly tends to go in the positive direction, with results inappropriately favoring the efficacy or safety of an experimental intervention.
Changing Answers in Multiple-Choice Exam Questions: Patterns of TOP-Tier Versus BOTTOM-Tier Students in Podiatric Medical School
Authors: Yonemoto Grant , Kashani Milad , Benoit Erica B , Weiss Jeffrey J , Barbosa Peter
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES

Students often express uncertainty regarding changing their answers on multiple choice tests despite multiple studies quantitatively showing the benefits of changing answers.

METHODS

Data was collected from 86 first-year podiatric medical students over one semester for the course of Biochemistry, as shown in electronic testing data collected via ExamSoft's® Snapshot Viewer. Quantitative analysis was performed comparing frequency of changing answers and whether students changed their answers from incorrect-to-correct, correct-to-incorrect, or incorrect-to-incorrect. A correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the frequency of each type of answer change and class rank. Independent-sample t-tests were used to assess differences in the pattern of changing answers amongst the top and bottom performing students in the class.

RESULTS

The correlation between total changes made from correct-to-incorrect per total answer changes and class rank yielded a positive correlation of r = 0.218 ( P = .048). There was also a positive correlation of r = 0.502 ( P < .000) observed in the number of incorrect-to-incorrect answer changes per total changes made compared to class rank. A negative correlation of r = −0.382 ( P < .000) was observed when comparing class rank and the number of changed answers from incorrect-to-correct. While most of the class benefited from changing answers, a significant positive correlation of r = 0.467 ( P < .000) for percent ultimately incorrect (regardless of number of changes) and class rank was observed.

CONCLUSION

Analysis revealed that class rank correlated to likelihood of a positive gain from changing answers. Higher ranking students were more likely to gain points from changing their answer compared to lower ranking. Top students changed answers less frequently and changed answers to an ultimately correct answer more often, while bottom students changed answers from an incorrect answer to another incorrect answer more frequently than top students.
Barriers and enablers to implementing intranasal ketamine for Primary Care Paramedics in Canada – A parallel convergent mixed methods study
Authors: Johnston Tania , Beaumont-Boileau Roxane , Acker Joe , Batt Alan M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

British Columbia Emergency Health Service trialled the use of intranasal (IN) ketamine given by Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs). Prior to this practice change, the PCPs had not performed weight-based drug calculations, given medications intranasally, nor been responsible for controlled and targeted substances. This study aimed to use the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model and Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF) to identify enablers and barriers to implementing IN paramedic administered ketamine analgesia (iPAKA) for PCPs.

Methods

This was a parallel convergent mixed methods study with two phases. The quantitative phase consisted of longitudinal staff surveys to assess PCP knowledge and perceptions of ketamine and controlled and targeted substances policies. The qualitative phase involved staff focus groups on programme implementation. Descriptive statistics of survey results were integrated with coded focus group data and analysed using the COM-B model and TDF. Evidence-based behavioural change techniques were mapped to each TDF domain.

Findings

Our analysis revealed barriers and enablers across several TDF domains. Implementing ketamine was enabled by quality education, strong organisational support and the availability of cognitive aides. Trial success was attributed in part to participant's feelings of optimism and their increased job satisfaction. Key barriers included a knowledge gap involving drug dosage calculations, negative emotions associated with performance anxiety and a lack of field education and supervision to monitor paramedic practice.

Conclusion

The use of theoretical frameworks and models like COM-B/TDF serves to improve the sustainable implementation of behaviour and clinical practice change in paramedicine. When project teams use theory to guide design and implementation, they can systematically identify and target individual and organisational enablers and barriers to adopting routine practices. The iPAKA study reveals key barriers and facilitators in several TDF domains and presents theory-linked targeted behavioural techniques to support on-going implementation of PCP-administered IN ketamine for analgesia.
Comment on van Knippenberg and Lee (2023): SOE is walking the talk of the organization
Authors: González-Morales M. Gloria , Stinglhamber Florence , Neves Pedro , Becker Thomas E.
Published: June 2023

In issue 1 of 2023 of this journal, van Knippenberg and Lee argued that leader group prototypicality (LGP) and supervisor's organizational embodiment (SOE) are redundant constructs. With this commentary, we provide a historical timeline about the conceptualization of SOE within organizational support theory to explain the lack of construct redundancy at the theoretical level. We offer the metaphor of SOE as the supervisor “ walking the talk of the organization.” In contrast, LGP is a construct developed using Social Identity Theory that refers to the leader “ walking like other organizational members walk.” We offer alternative explanations to the redundancy arguments and evidence presented by van Knippenberg and Lee. We suggest that given the untested construct validity and reliability of both SOE and LGP operationalizations, using a single sample of cross-sectional self-report data is an incomplete methodological approach to provide empirical evidence and make theoretical-level decisions about construct redundancy. We conclude by providing some preliminary ideas that may help address the construct operationalization confusion in future research.
Limited plasticity of monocyte fate and function associated with epigenetic scripting at the level of progenitors
Authors: Rhee Catherine , Scadden Elizabeth W. , Wong Lai Ping , Schiroli Giulia , Mazzola Michael C. , Chea Phillip L. , Kato Hiroki , Hoyer Friedrich F. , Mistry Meeta , Lee Bum-Kyu , Kim Jonghwan , Nahrendorf Matthias , Mansour Michael K. , Sykes David B. , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Scadden David T.
Published: June 2023

Myeloid cell heterogeneity is known, but whether it is cell-intrinsic or environmentally-directed remains unclear. Here, an inducible/reversible system pausing myeloid differentiation allowed the definition of clone-specific functions that clustered monocytes into subsets with distinctive molecular features. These subsets were orthogonal to the classical/nonclassical categorization and had inherent, restricted characteristics that did not shift under homeostasis, after irradiation, or with infectious stress. Rather, their functional fate was constrained by chromatin accessibility established at or before the granulocyte-monocyte or monocyte-dendritic progenitor level. Subsets of primary monocytes had differential ability to control distinct infectious agents in vivo. Therefore, monocytes are a heterogeneous population of functionally restricted subtypes defined by the epigenome of their progenitors that are differentially selected by physiologic challenges with limited plasticity to transition from one subset to another.
A mixed-effects stochastic model reveals clonal dominance in gene therapy safety studies
Authors: Del Core Luca , Pellin Danilo , Wit Ernst C. , Grzegorczyk Marco A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Mathematical models of haematopoiesis can provide insights on abnormal cell expansions (clonal dominance), and in turn can guide safety monitoring in gene therapy clinical applications. Clonal tracking is a recent high-throughput technology that can be used to quantify cells arising from a single haematopoietic stem cell ancestor after a gene therapy treatment. Thus, clonal tracking data can be used to calibrate the stochastic differential equations describing clonal population dynamics and hierarchical relationships in vivo.

Results

In this work we propose a random-effects stochastic framework that allows to investigate the presence of events of clonal dominance from high-dimensional clonal tracking data. Our framework is based on the combination between stochastic reaction networks and mixed-effects generalized linear models. Starting from the Kramers–Moyal approximated Master equation, the dynamics of cells duplication, death and differentiation at clonal level, can be described by a local linear approximation. The parameters of this formulation, which are inferred using a maximum likelihood approach, are assumed to be shared across the clones and are not sufficient to describe situation in which clones exhibit heterogeneity in their fitness that can lead to clonal dominance. In order to overcome this limitation, we extend the base model by introducing random-effects for the clonal parameters. This extended formulation is calibrated to the clonal data using a tailor-made expectation-maximization algorithm. We also provide the companion  package , publicly available for download athttps://cran.r-project.org/package=RestoreNet.

Conclusions

Simulation studies show that our proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art. The application of our method in two in-vivo studies unveils the dynamics of clonal dominance. Our tool can provide statistical support to biologists in gene therapy safety analyses.
KATZNCP: a miRNA–disease association prediction model integrating KATZ algorithm and network consistency projection
Authors: Chen Min , Deng Yingwei , Li Zejun , Ye Yifan , He Ziyi
Published: June 2023

Background

Clinical studies have shown that miRNAs are closely related to human health. The study of potential associations between miRNAs and diseases will contribute to a profound understanding of the mechanism of disease development, as well as human disease prevention and treatment. MiRNA–disease associations predicted by computational methods are the best complement to biological experiments.

Results

In this research, a federated computational model KATZNCP was proposed on the basis of the KATZ algorithm and network consistency projection to infer the potential miRNA–disease associations. In KATZNCP, a heterogeneous network was initially constructed by integrating the known miRNA–disease association, integrated miRNA similarities, and integrated disease similarities; then, the KATZ algorithm was implemented in the heterogeneous network to obtain the estimated miRNA–disease prediction scores. Finally, the precise scores were obtained by the network consistency projection method as the final prediction results. KATZNCP achieved the reliable predictive performance in leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) with an AUC value of 0.9325, which was better than the state-of-the-art comparable algorithms. Furthermore, case studies of lung neoplasms and esophageal neoplasms demonstrated the excellent predictive performance of KATZNCP.

Conclusion

A new computational model KATZNCP was proposed for predicting potential miRNA–drug associations based on KATZ and network consistency projections, which can effectively predict the potential miRNA–disease interactions. Therefore, KATZNCP can be used to provide guidance for future experiments.
Comparative plastomes of Pueraria montana var. lobata (Leguminosae: Phaseoleae) and closely related taxa: insights into phylogenomic implications and evolutionary divergence
Authors: Zhou Yun , Shang Xiao-Hong , Xiao Liang , Wu Zheng-Dan , Cao Sheng , Yan Hua-Bing
Published: June 2023

Background

Pueraria montanavar.lobata(kudzu) is an important food and medicinal crop in Asia. However, the phylogenetic relationships betweenPueraria montanavar.lobataand the other two varieties (P. montanavar.thomsoniiandP. montanavar.montana) remain debated. Although there is increasing evidence showing thatP. montanavar.lobataadapts to various environments and is an invasive species in America, few studies have systematically investigated the role of the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns of plastomes betweenP. montanavar.lobataand its closely related taxa.

Results

26 newly sequenced chloroplast genomes ofPuerariaaccessions resulted in assembled plastomes with sizes ranging from 153,360 bp to 153,551 bp. Each chloroplast genome contained 130 genes, including eight rRNA genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 85 protein-coding genes. For 24 newly sequenced accessions of these three varieties ofP. montana, we detected three genes and ten noncoding regions with higher nucleotide diversity (π). After incorporated publically available chloroplast genomes ofPuerariaand other legumes, 47 chloroplast genomes were used to construct phylogenetic trees, including sevenP. montanavar.lobata, 14P. montanavar.thomsoniiand sixP. montanavar.montana. Phylogenetic analysis revealed thatP. montanavar.lobataandP. montanavar.thomsoniiformed a clade, while all sampledP. montanavar.montanaformed another cluster based on cp genomes, LSC, SSC and protein-coding genes. Twenty-six amino acid residues were identified under positive selection with the site model. We also detected six genes (accD, ndhB, ndhC, rpl2, rpoC2, andrps2) that account for among-site variation in selective constraint under the clade model between accessions of thePueraria montanavar.lobataclade and thePueraria montanavar.montanaclade.

Conclusion

Our data provide novel comparative plastid genomic insights into conservative gene content and structure of cp genomes pertaining toP. montanavar.lobataand the other two varieties, and reveal an important phylogenetic clue and plastid divergence among related taxa ofP. montanacome from loci that own moderate variation and underwent modest selection.
A cisplatin conjugate with tumor cell specificity exhibits antitumor effects in renal cancer models
Authors: Mrdenovic Stefan , Wang Yanping , Yin Lijuan , Chu Gina Chia-Yi , Ou Yan , Lewis Michael S. , Heffer Marija , Posadas Edwin M. , Zhau Haiyen E. , Chung Leland W. K. , Edderkaoui Mouad , Pandol Stephen J. , Wang Ruoxiang , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2023

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer and is notorious for its resistance to both chemotherapy and small-molecule inhibitor targeted therapies. Subcellular targeted cancer therapy may thwart the resistance to produce a substantial effect.

Methods

We tested whether the resistance can be circumvented by subcellular targeted cancer therapy with DZ-CIS, which is a chemical conjugate of the tumor-cell specific heptamethine carbocyanine dye (HMCD) with cisplatin (CIS), a chemotherapeutic drug with limited use in ccRCC treatment because of frequent renal toxicity.

Results

DZ-CIS displayed cytocidal effects on Caki-1, 786-O, ACHN, and SN12C human ccRCC cell lines and mouse Renca cells in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited ACHN and Renca tumor formation in experimental mouse models. Noticeably, in tumor-bearing mice, repeated DZ-CIS use did not cause renal toxicity, in contrast to the CIS-treated control animals. In ccRCC tumors, DZ-CIS treatment inhibited proliferation markers but induced cell death marker levels. In addition, DZ-CIS at half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) sensitized Caki-1 cells to small-molecule mTOR inhibitors. Mechanistically, DZ-CIS selectively accumulated in ccRCC cells’ subcellular organelles, where it damages the structure and function of mitochondria, leading to cytochrome C release, caspase activation, and apoptotic cancer cell death.

Conclusions

Results from this study strongly suggest DZ-CIS be tested as a safe and effective subcellular targeted cancer therapy.