bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Taylor Alexandra , Singh Rohan , Feldman Steven R.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To review the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of recently approved calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate (C-BD) cream.

Data sources

A literature review was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2002 to mid-May 2022.

Study selection and data extraction

Articles in English discussing the use of C-BD cream in the treatment of psoriasis were included.

Data synthesis

In 2 phase I trials, there was no phototoxic or photoallergic skin reaction at irradiated C-BD cream sites at baseline, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours postirradiation. In 2 phase III trials, after 8 weeks of treatment, more subjects treated with C-BD cream achieved Physician’s Global Assessment treatment success (37.4%), compared to C-BD topical suspension (TS) (22.8%, P < 0.0001) and vehicle (3.7%, P < 0.0001). More subjects had greater mean percentage decline in Modified Psoriasis Area Severity Index (Trial 1: 52.9% and Trial 2: 64.6%), when compared to C-BD TS (Trial 1: 51.3%, P < 0.0001 and Trial 2: 56.4%, P < 0.0001) and vehicle (Trial 1: 22.9%, P < 0.0001 and Trial 2: 20.0%, P < 0.0001).

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice

Psoriasis has a multifactorial pathogenesis and topical treatments are considered first line. Poor adherence is a major hurdle in management; the combination of 2 separate first-line drugs may address this by decreasing the complexity of treatment regimens. A cream formulation can be preferred, and C-BD is now Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved as one.

Conclusions

Newly FDA-approved C-BD cream with novel polyaphron dispersion (PAD) technology provides a safe efficacious combination therapy for mild-to-moderate psoriasis which may be preferred by some patients.
Tamoxifen induced maculopathy presenting like macular telangiectasia type 2 in a patient with breast cancer
Authors: Ansari Astaneh Mohammad Reza , Shokoohi Rad Saeed , Ghavami Shahri Seyed Hossein , Heidarzadeh Hamid Reza
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Drug-induced crystalline maculopathy has been reported secondary to tamoxifen use for breast cancer treatment. It could be misdiagnosed as macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel type 2).

Case Report

A 56-year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus and breast cancer was referred to our clinic with painless, bilateral, gradual onset of central vision loss for several months. The fundus examination showed the macular pigmentary change in both eyes and a few refractile crystalline deposits in the parafoveal area in the left eye. However, the rest of the retina was normal in both eyes.

Management and Outcome

With the diagnosis of tamoxifen-induced maculopathy, the drug was discontinued and supplementary treatment was started.

Discussion

In this report, patient medical and drug history was an important and powerful measure. Due to the side effects of long-term use of tamoxifen, we need further studies on the need for retinal screening in these patients.
Study of the acoustic performance of composites made from recycled cellulose acetate and polymer waste
Authors: Maderuelo-Sanz Rubén , García-Cobos Francisco José , Sánchez-Delgado Francisco José
Published: June 2022

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the acoustic behaviour of composites made by mixing cellulose acetate, from recycled cigarette butts, with polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, from recycled plastic containers and surgical masks, respectively. For this purpose, the spectra of the measured sound absorption coefficients and the calculated NRC and SAA indices of samples with thicknesses of 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6 and 7.5 cm are analysed. The results of both experiments reveal that the studied composites present a sound absorption capacity comparable to that of fibre glass and rock wool, being even more efficient for thicknesses greater than 4.5 cm. Moreover, the acoustical properties of the composites are predicted using the Miki model over the frequency range from 100 to 6400 Hz, showing very accurate predictions of the sound absorption spectrum at normal incidence.
Socioeconomic status largely explains integrase inhibitors-related body composition differences in chronically infected men living with HIV
Authors: Wisch Julie K. , Cooley Sarah A. , Yarasheski Kevin E. , Cade W. Todd , Reeds Dominic N. , Nelson Brittany , Alemu Ruth , Burdo Tricia H. , Ances Beau M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Substantial body composition alterations have been reported after starting combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). We characterized a cohort of chronically infected and virologically suppressed (VL < 50 copies/ml) men (≥50 years old) living with HIV (MLWH) who were switched to integrase inhibitors (INSTI), and compared their body composition parameters and proinflammatory/endocrine profiles to age-matched MLWH on integrase inhibitor free (non-INSTI) regimens, taking into account neighborhood-level measures of socioeconomic status (SES). In addition, we used previously published HIV-seronegative men of the same age as controls.

Methods

We used dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to quantify body composition parameters, and measured plasma proinflammatory/endocrine markers in 56 MLWH. We compared body composition to a publicly available dataset of 450 HIV-seronegative men of similar age. Within the MLWH group, body composition and plasma proinflammatory/endocrine markers were compared between individuals on INSTI and non-INSTI regimens, accounting for SES.

Results

Men living with HIV tended to have a greater android/gynoid ratio compared to HIV-seronegative men ( p < 0.001). INSTI usage in MLWH was associated with lower adiposity measures when compared to non-INSTI, although these differences largely disappeared after controlling for SES. Proinflammatory/endocrine markers were similar for INSTI and non-INSTI MLWH.

Conclusions

Among cART-experienced MLWH, those receiving INSTI-containing regimens had modestly lower adiposity compared to non-INSTI MLWH, although these differences were explained by SES. Future studies examining the relationship between INSTI use and body composition should consider the impact of SES.
Flexible minds make more moderate views: Subtractive counterfactuals mitigate strong views about immigrants’ trustworthiness
Authors: Winter Kevin , Scholl Annika , Sassenberg Kai
Published: June 2022

Public discourse on immigration has seemed to polarize over recent years—with some people strongly trusting, but others strongly distrusting immigrants. We examined whether a cognitive strategy could mitigate these biased outgroup judgments. Given that subtractive counterfactual thoughts (“If only I had not done X. . .”) facilitate cognitive flexibility and especially a relational processing style, we hypothesized that these thoughts (vs. additive counterfactuals “If only I had done X. . .” and no counterfactuals) would weaken the relationship between people’s political orientation and the perceived trustworthiness of immigrants. In five experiments (two preregistered; total N = 1,189), we found that inducing subtractive (but not additive) counterfactuals—either via rhetorical questions in a political speech or via mindset priming—had the predicted debiasing effect. Taken together, subtle means such as using subtractive counterfactual questions in political communication seem to be a promising way to reduce biased outgroup judgments in heated public debates.
Digitally dispersed, remotely engaged: Interrogating participation in virtual photovoice
Authors: Chen Jinwen
Published: June 2022

In recent years, pushed particularly by COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, virtual photovoice studies have emerged as an alternative modality of photovoice. Alongside this trend are questions about virtual photovoice practice and methodological questions of participation. This paper interrogates these questions using an Australian photovoice research with LGBTQ+ multicultural older people. Threading through the photovoice stages of conceptualisation, recruitment, photovoice production and discussions, it discusses participation in relation to both in-person and virtual photovoice literatures, highlights challenges and new opportunities. Reflecting on virtual photovoice as a method and a methodology, it positions virtual photovoice as a comparable choice that researchers can make.
Only Human: Mental-Health Difficulties Among Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology Faculty and Trainees
Authors: Victor Sarah E. , Devendorf Andrew R. , Lewis Stephen P. , Rottenberg Jonathan , Muehlenkamp Jennifer J. , Stage Dese’Rae L. , Miller Rose H.
Published: June 2022

How common are mental-health difficulties among applied psychologists? This question is paradoxically neglected, perhaps because disclosure and discussion of these experiences remain taboo within the field. This study documented high rates of mental-health difficulties (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) among faculty, graduate students, and others affiliated with accredited doctoral and internship programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology. More than 80% of respondents ( n = 1,395 of 1,692) reported a lifetime history mental-health difficulties, and nearly half (48%) reported a diagnosed mental disorder. Among those with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental-health difficulties, the most common reported concerns were depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Participants who reported diagnosed mental disorders endorsed, on average, more specific mental-health difficulties and were more likely to report current difficulties than were undiagnosed participants. Graduate students were more likely to endorse both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental-health difficulties than were faculty, and they were more likely to report ongoing difficulties. Overall, rates of mental disorders within clinical, counseling, and school-psychology faculty and trainees were similar to or greater than those observed in the general population. We discuss the implications of these results and suggest specific directions for future research on this heretofore neglected topic.
Teachers’ motivation to choose teaching and remain in the profession: A comparative mixed methods study in Jamaica, Poland and Turkey
Authors: Onyefulu Cynthia , Madalinska-Michalak Joanna , Bavli Bunyamin
Published: June 2022

The comparative, mixed methods international and cross-cultural study aimed to determine the factors that motivated teachers in Jamaica, Poland and Turkey to choose teaching as a career and ascertain what motivated the teachers at different stages to remain in teaching. Data were collected through the use of the questionnaire, which experts validated and had an overall reliability coefficient of 0.77 and focus group interviews. A total of 186 teachers participated in the quantitative phase of the study, whilst 75 participated in the qualitative phase. The findings showed that extrinsic, intrinsic, and altruistic motivation, roles and responsibilities, and opportunities were the main reasons teachers in the three countries chose the teaching profession. Teachers in the different stages of their careers remain in the profession because of a strong sense of vocation, a passion for teaching, a need to make a positive difference in students’ life, job satisfaction, and connected with its rewards of being a teacher. It was recommended that researchers interested in this area could use a more representative sample size to generalize the findings.
The relationship between e-health literacy and health-promoting behaviors of Turkish hospital nurses
Authors: Yoğurtcu Huri , Ozturk Haney Meryem
Published: June 2022

The increase in information technologies has made it easy to access much health information online. In this context, e-health literacy emerges as a skill for acquiring health information. Obtaining health information through information technology for health promotion requires e-health literacy. The aim of this study was to examine the e-health literacy and the health-promoting behaviors of Turkish hospital nurses directly involved in patient care. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with 451 nurses working in two large training and research hospitals in Izmir between June and August 2019. Data were collected using the Turkish version of the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale II and the Turkish version of the e-Health Literacy Scale. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. Nurses were found to have moderate levels of healthy lifestyle behaviors (130.56 ± 21.90) and e-health literacy (29.87 ± 5.39). There was significant relationship between the e-health literacy levels of the nurses and their overall health-promoting behaviors (R = .349; F = 12,381; p = 0.013), health responsibility (R = .326; F = 10,567; p = 0.014), spiritual development (R = .242; F = 5.276; p = 0.001) and interpersonal relations (R = .343; F = 9.896; p = 0.001) scores. The results of this study showed that the development of strategies to improve the e-health literacy of nurses may contribute to the maintenance of health-promoting behaviors of both nurses and their patients.
Resveratrol Protects Against Nicotine-Induced Apoptosis by Enhancing Autophagy in BEAS-2B Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: He Li , Tong Jin
Published: June 2022

Background: Nicotine (Nic), the major component of tobacco products, can induce apoptosis in lung epithelial cells, and the resulting damage contributes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Apoptosis is closely related to autophagy. Resveratrol (Res) can induce autophagy and inhibit apoptosis. Therefore, the present study investigated whether Nic induces apoptosis of lung epithelial cells by regulating autophagy and the effect of Res on apoptosis of Nic-exposed lung epithelial cells. Methods: The BEAS-2B lung epithelial cell line was used to study the harmful effects of Nic and the potential benefits of Res as well as the underlying mechanisms. Viability and apoptosis were examined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and annexin V-propidium iodide staining, respectively. The expression of levels of apoptosis-related proteins, autophagy-related proteins, and members of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was measured by western blotting. Autophagic flux was detected via mRFP-GFP-LC3 double-labeled adenovirus transfection and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Nic significantly reduce the viability and increased the apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Nic treatment also increased the numbers of autophagosomes in BEAS-2B cells and upregulated LC3II and p62 expression. Moreover, Res at concentration of 2, 10, and 50 μM protected BEAS-2B cells from Nic apoptosis, and the expression of LC3II increased further and p62 decreased in Res pretreatment group. Apart from this, Res reduced Akt and mTOR phosphorylation. Subsequently, upon inhibiting PI3K phosphorylation by PI3K inhibitors, BEAS-2B cell autophagy induced by Res was obviously abolished. Conclusions: Nic-induced BEAS-2B cell apoptosis by inhibiting the late-stage autophagic flux, but Res could protect BEAS-2B cells from the detrimental effects of nicotine by enhancing autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. These results will provide an experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of COPD.
Central Variant Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Pregnant Woman With Eclampsia: A Case Report
Authors: John Kevin John , Pillai Deep P , Roy Rhea Anne , Mathew Philip , Chacko Kuruvilla P , John John K
Published: June 2022

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiological diagnosis characterized by acute or subacute neurological symptoms. A 27-year-old woman at 35 weeks of pregnancy, who presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures had persistently low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score after delivery of the baby. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain showed T-2 Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensities in the brainstem, bilateral medial cerebellar hemispheres, bilateral medial temporal lobes, bilateral thalami, lentiform and caudate nuclei, and bilateral fronto-parieto-occipital lobes. There was diffusion restriction in bilateral caudate nuclei, left thalamus and right frontal lobe, and microhemorrhages in the left thalamus. These findings were suggestive of central variant PRES. She improved with strict blood pressure control and anti-edema measures. A repeat MRI brain on day 10 showed significant improvement, and she had no residual neurological deficits. The central variant of PRES is a rare entity that has to be considered in a patient presenting with neurological deficits in the setting of uncontrolled blood pressure, eclampsia, immunomodulatory medication use, or renal failure. While most patients with PRES fully recover with timely therapy targeted at reversing the primary cause, some may have residual neurological deficits or rarely, die.
Role of Social Support in Lessening Expatriate Turnover Intention
Authors: Karunarathne R. A. I. C.
Published: June 2022

Research has long recognised that employee withdrawal cognition is a critical issue for organisations due to the direct and indirect costs associated with that. Drawing upon social support theory, we examine the influence of three distinct types of support expatriates can receive, that is, organisation, co-workers and partner, on an expatriate’s turnover intention. Furthermore, we investigate if the effects of support types differ depending on the expatriate’s employment status. This study is based upon positivism research philosophy, and the research approach is deductive. Moreover, we used the survey method as the research strategy and used hierarchical linear regression to analyse the data. Results of a time-lagged (two-wave) study of 167 expatriates show that perceived organisational support (POS), co-worker support and partner support are negatively related to expatriates’ turnover intention. Moreover, results show that expatriates’ employment status interacts with POS and co-worker support in predicting turnover intention, implying that social support is more pronounced with expatriates with fewer resources. Thus, the present study enhances our understanding of the effects of different support types on expatriates’ turnover intention and elucidates the role of individual-level boundary conditions. The results of this study emphasize that social support is a stronger predictor of expatriate turnover intent, in particular, individuals with fewer resources. We suggest that managers of the companies should make a serious effort in creating a supportive culture and positive employee relationships.
Book review: Dilip Hiro, Cold War in the Islamic World: Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Struggle for Supremacy
Authors: Mir Tawseef Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Dilip Hiro, Cold War in the Islamic World: Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Struggle for Supremacy. Hurst, 2020, pp. 432. (Paperback). ISBN: 9781787384088.
Biofeedback and Health Evidence-Based Biofeedback and Neurofeedback for People with Epilepsy and Seiz
Authors: Turner Robert P.
Published: June 2022

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder worldwide despite many anti-seizure medications. Biofeedback (BFB) and neurofeedback (NFB) have shown significant promise since the 1960s to improve seizure control, abnormalities in electroencephalography (EEG) and quantitative-EEG, and quality of life. Epilepsy is a disease of brain networks and BFB/NFB is a non-invasive, brain-centered, low-risk, low-cost, and reliable treatment for people with seizures/epilepsy and especially since standard seizure medications and epilepsy surgery often do not result in complete seizure control. Neuroscience healthcare clinician experience and a 60-year literature foundation show that BFB/NFB to improve brain dysregulation and abnormal network dynamics are known to be at the root of seizures/epilepsy. BFB/NFB trains individuals to self-regulate brain activity through real-time performance feedback. An exhaustive literature review for NFB/BFB and seizures/epilepsy (1960s–present) yielded 150 articles documenting improvements in seizures and EEG/QEEG abnormalities. Clinicians, insurers, and the public should support BFB/NFB as a first-line intervention for seizures/epilepsy.
Mineralogy of the Marepalli lamproite dyke from the Nalgonda district, Telangana, Southern India
Authors: Saini Jaspreet , Kaur Parminder , Mitchell Roger H. , Kaur Gurmeet
Published: June 2022

The Marepalli dyke of the Vattikod cluster of the Ramadugu Lamproite Field, Nalgonda district, Telangana, India consists of pseudomorphed leucite, phlogopite (Al-poor, Ti-rich zoned phlogopite micas), pseudomorphed olivine, fluorapatite and Al-poor diopside embedded in groundmass consisting mainly of poikilitic Fe-rich titanian phlogopite and potassic amphibole. Other groundmass minerals are Al-Na-poor diopside, Al-poor spinels (titanian magnesian chromites to titanian chromites), Sr-rich fluorapatite and late-stage interstitial anhedral crystals of titanite and K-feldspar. The late-stage deuteric minerals present are REE-rich allanite, pyrite, magnetite, chalcopyrite, galena, hydro-zircon, carbonates (calcite, witherite and strontianite), baryte and cryptocrystalline SiO2. Apatite is an early crystallising phase and is present as inclusions in phlogopite and pyroxene. Phlogopite and amphibole occur as inclusions in titanite and K-feldspar. The compositional trends of phlogopite are of almost constant Al2O3 content with FeOT and TiO2 enrichment, and are typical of lamproitic micas. The FeOT enrichment is accompanied additionally by MgO depletion (reflecting VIFe2+ enrichment) from core to rim together with a slight increase in the tetraferric iron component. Diopside is characterised by <0.4 wt.% alumina and <0.6 wt.% sodium contents and exhibits typical lamproitic affinity. The spinels are alumina-poor with un-evolved titanian magnesian chromite to titanian chromite compositions. The presence of K-richterite, as an abundant amphibole, indicates a lamproite affinity, and on the basis of the typomorphic mineralogy, this rock is classified as a ‘pseudoleucite-amphibole-phlogopite lamproite’. The Marepalli lamproite shows significant difference in compositional ranges of phlogopite, amphibole, pyroxene and spinel in comparison to those reported from the Vattikod, Gundrapalli, Ramadugu, Somavarigudem and Yacharam lamproites of Ramadugu Lamproite Field. These lamproites are considered to form from a common parent magma under reducing conditions as evidenced from: (1) low tetraferric iron content in phlogopite; (2) low Fe3+# and Ti# in spinels; and (3) high F content in phlogopite and apatite.
Identification of hub genes and pathways in colitis-associated colon cancer by integrated bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Huang Yongming , Zhang Xiaoyuan , PengWang  , Li Yansen , Yao Jie
Published: June 2022

Background

Colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) patients have a younger age of onset, more multiple lesions and invasive tumors than sporadic colon cancer patients. Early detection of CAC using endoscopy is challenging, and the incidence of septal colon cancer remains high. Therefore, identifying biomarkers that can predict the tumorigenesis of CAC is in urgent need.

Results

A total of 275 DEGs were identified in CAC. IGF1, BMP4, SPP1, APOB, CCND1, CD44, PTGS2, CFTR, BMP2, KLF4, and TLR2 were identified as hub DEGs, which were significantly enriched in the PI3K-Akt pathway, stem cell pluripotency regulation, focal adhesion, Hippo signaling, and AMPK signaling pathways. Sankey diagram showed that the genes of both the PI3K-AKT signaling and focal adhesion pathways were upregulated (e.g., SPP1, CD44, TLR2, CCND1, and IGF1), and upregulated genes were predicted to be regulated by the crucial miRNAs: hsa-mir-16-5p, hsa-mir-1-3p, et al. Hub gene-TFs network revealed FOXC1 as a core transcription factor. In ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, KLF4, CFTR, BMP2, TLR2 showed significantly lower expression in UC-associated cancer. BMP4 and IGF1 showed higher expression in UC-Ca compared to nonneoplastic mucosa. Survival analysis showed that the differential expression of SPP1, CFRT, and KLF4 were associated with poor prognosis in colon cancer.

Conclusion

Our study provides novel insights into the mechanism underlying the development of CAC. The hub genes and signaling pathways may contribute to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CAC.
Construction and validation of molecular subtypes of coronary artery disease based on ferroptosis-related genes
Authors: Ding Lina , Long Fei , An Dan , Liu Jing , Zhang Guannan
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aims to construct a reliable diagnostic model for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and explore its potential mechanism by consensus molecular subtypes of ferroptosis-related genes.

Methods

GSE12288 and GSE20680 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. CAD patients were divided into different molecular subtypes according to the expression level of ferroptosis-related genes. Then, the distribution of differentially expressed genes, functional annotations and immune infiltration cells between the two subtypes were compared. Finally, a prognostic model of ferroptosis-related genes in CAD was constructed and verified.

Results

Two different molecular subtypes of CAD were obtained according to the expression level of ferroptosis-related genes. Then, a total of 1944 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found, among which, 236 genes were up-regulated and 1708 genes were down-regulated. In addition, 43 DEGs were ferroptosis-related genes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs between two subtypes of CAD were mainly enriched in immune-related pathways and processes, such as T cell receptor, mTOR, NOD-like receptor and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. We also found that 21 immune cells were significantly changed between two subtypes of CAD. The LASSO method was performed to identify and construct the 16 ferroptosis-related genes-based diagnostic signature. Diagnostic efficiency of diagnostic signature measured by AUC in the training set and validation cohort was 0.971 and 0.899, respectively.

Conclusions

This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of ferroptosis-related genes in CAD.
Facilitators and barriers influencing utilization of services provided by community midwives in district Thatta, Pakistan: a qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Khowaja Bakhtawar M. Hanif , Feroz Anam Shahil , Saleem Sarah
Published: June 2022

Background

To address the issue of high maternal mortality, the Government of Pakistan initiated a community midwifery program in 2006 to provide skilled birth attendance to women living in rural areas. Despite a large investment in the community midwifery program, research evidence from rural districts of Pakistan suggests that the utilization of maternal and newborn services through community midwives is very low. This exploratory study aimed to understand the facilitators and barriers influencing community midwives’ services utilization in district Thatta.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in the rural district Thatta, Pakistan. Key-informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with district officials of the Health department (Thatta), Maternal and Newborn Child Health Program, and Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP). In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted with midwifery students who were currently enrolled in the midwifery program of the district; trained community midwives providing services in district Thatta, and trained community midwives not continuing their profession. IDIs were also conducted with community women to explore their views about the scope of midwifery practice and the factors influencing the utilization of community midwives’ services in district Thatta, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 25 interviews (KIIs = 5; IDIs = 20) were conducted. Two overarching themes were identified: (I) community midwives’ skills and competencies; and (II) ownership and supportive supervision. The major hindering factors for community midwives’ service utilization included deficiencies in community midwives’ training particularly in clinical hands-on training, lack of ownership of community midwifery program, and lack of service structure by the CMWs regulatory body.

Conclusion

The study has identified serious gaps in the CMWs program at the level of training and supervision of midwives in Pakistan. The study has also identified factors related to the training of CMWs that could facilitate the program in the context of Pakistan and similar settings.
A systematic review comparing caregiver burden and psychological functioning in caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorders
Authors: Karambelas George J. , Filia Kate , Byrne Linda K. , Allott Kelly A. , Jayasinghe Anuradhi , Cotton Sue M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Informal primary caregivers provide crucial supports to loved ones experiencing serious mental illnesses with profound outcomes for the caregivers themselves. A comprehensive understanding of how different serious mental illnesses change the caregiving experience may provide important insight into the ways in which caregivers can be better supported in their role. The aim of this review was to synthesize the comparative literature examining caregiver burden and psychological functioning (anxiety, depression, distress, and psychological wellbeing) between caregivers of people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder.

Methods

Studies were included if they compared caregivers across both diagnostic groups and used measures assessing either caregiver burden or psychological functioning of caregivers. Databases searched up until 11th of January 2022 included: Medline COMPLETE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL. Reference list scans and grey literature searches across government, organisational and dissertation databases were also conducted.

Results

Twenty-eight studies comprising 6166 caregivers were included. Fourteen studies suggested that caregiving burden was comparable across both groups. The effects of caring on caregiver mental health and stress were comparable across both groups. However, methodological limitations were noted, including a reliance on cross-sectional studies, multiple and sometimes competing definitions of caregiving burden, variable sample sizes, and variation in measures used.

Conclusion and implications

The experience of providing care is multidimensional and complex. Symptoms and functional difficulties experienced by people being cared for may affect caregivers more so than diagnosis. Caregivers play a vital role in helping people with serious mental illness. Supporting caregivers by reducing their burden and improving their psychological functioning may help them to continue to provide support, and cope with, the challenges of providing care.
Willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination among people living with HIV in a high HIV prevalence community
Authors: Govere-Hwenje Sabina , Jarolimova Jana , Yan Joyce , Khumalo Anele , Zondi Gugulami , Ngcobo Marcia , Wara Nafisa J. , Zionts Dani , Bogart Laura M. , Parker Robert A. , Bassett Ingrid V.
Published: June 2022

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) may have a poorer prognosis with COVID-19 infection and are an important population for COVID-19 vaccination. We assessed the willingness and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance or hesitancy among PLWH in South Africa.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of telephone interviews with a randomly selected subset of participants enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study evaluating a decentralized antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery program in South Africa. Questions assessed willingness to accept a future COVID-19 vaccine, concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination, and overall vaccine confidence. Interviews were conducted between September 2020 and January 2021. We evaluated participant demographics, sources of COVID-19 information, stigma and medical mistrust, uptake of non-pharmaceutical interventions, and socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as potential covariates of willingness to accept vaccination.

Results

We completed interviews with 213 participants; 153 (72%) were female, median age 35y, and 100 (47%) had completed secondary school. Among the participants, 121 (57%) were willing to accept future vaccination, 46 (22%) were unsure, and 45 (21%) stated they did not intend to be vaccinated. Fear of side effects, reported by 42 (20%), was the most common concern about COVID-19 vaccination. Older age was associated with willingness to accept vaccination (aOR 1.75 for every 10-year increase in age, 95% CI 1.10–2.78, p = 0.02), while higher medical mistrust related to COVID-19 (aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.093–0.45, p < 0.001) and use of social media for COVID-19 information (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.84, p = 0.02) were associated with lower willingness to accept vaccination.

Conclusions

In this cohort of PLWH in South Africa, over half were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination, although a substantial proportion remained unsure or were not willing to be vaccinated. Public health messaging should emphasize the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination and address misinformation and medical mistrust among PLWH. Ongoing efforts to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines for vulnerable populations are crucial.
A case of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 1 due to CASR p.Pro55Leu mutation
Authors: Sumida Akira , Iizuka Katsumi , Kato Takehiro , Liu Yanyan , Kubota Sodai , Kubota-Okamoto Saki , Sakurai Teruaki , Imaizumi Toshinori , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Mizuno Masami , Takao Ken , Hirota Takuo , Suwa Tetsuya , Horikawa Yukio , Yamamoto Mayumi , Seino Yusuke , Suzuki Atsushi , Yabe Daisuke
Published: June 2022

Background

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a rare autosomal dominant disease, which requires differential diagnosis from relatively common primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in order to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Case presentation

A 16-year-old female had been followed by the department of psychosomatic medicine at our institution. Throughout the follow-up period, her plasma calcium levels were high, plasma Pi levels were relatively low, and plasma intact PTH was relatively high. She was referred to our department to determine the cause of her hypercalcemia. Her 24 h urinary calcium excretion was as low as 100 mg/day, and calcium creatinine clearance ratio was below 0.01. Moreover, she had a family history of hypercalcemia (proband, her brother, and her father). The genetic testing for her family revealed that she, her brother, and her father were definitively diagnosed with FHH type 1 due to the heterozygous calcium-sensing receptor mutation (NM_00388:4:c.164C > T:p.Pro55Leu).

Conclusion

We experienced a 16-year-old female with FHH, in whom genetic testing identified the heterozygous calcium-sensing receptor mutation (NM_00388:4:c.164C > T:p.Pro55Leu) as pathogenic, permitting a definitive diagnosis of FHH type 1. The genetic testing for calcium sensing receptor is beneficial to distinguish asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism from FHH.
Forsythiaside A improves Influenza A virus infection through TLR7 signaling pathway in the lungs of mice
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Chen Ziqi , Shi Shanshan , Yan Huijun , Zhou Junmei , Jiang Lifang , Wang Hongli , Hou Guanghui , Jiang Zhenyou
Published: June 2022

Background

Influenza A virus infection due to drug resistance and side effects of the conventional antiviral drugs yet remains a serious public health threat for humans and animals. Forsythiaside A is an effective ingredient isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine forsythia. It has various pharmacological effects and has a good therapeutic effect against a variety of infectious diseases. This study aimed to further explore the immunological mechanism of Forsythiaside A in the treatment of influenza virus-infected mice and its effect on the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) signaling pathway in the lungs of these mice.

Methods

C57/BL6J mice and TLR7−/− mice were infected with the FM1 strains (H1N1 and A/FM/1/4) of the Influenza A virus. Each group of experimental mice were divided into the mock, virus, oseltamivir, and Forsythiaside A groups. Weight change, lung index change, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of key factors in the TLR7 signaling pathway were detected. Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios.

Results

After infection with the Influenza A virus, the weight loss of C57/BL6J mice treated with forsythoside A and oseltamivir decreased, and the pathological tissue sections showed that the inflammatory damage was reduced. The expression levels of the key factors, TLR7, myeloid differentiation factor 88(Myd88), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the TLR7 signaling pathway were significantly reduced. Flow cytometry showed that Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios decreased after Forsythiaside A treatment. In the TLR7−/− mice, there was no significant change after Forsythiaside A treatment in the virus group.

Conclusions

Forsythiaside A affects the TLR7 signaling pathway in mouse lung immune cells and reduces the inflammatory response caused by the Influenza A virus FM1 strain in mouse lungs.
Effect of peer videorecording feedback CPR training on students’ practical CPR skills: a randomized controlled manikin study
Authors: Lin Lian , Ni Shaozhou , Liu Yaqi , Xue Jingyi , Ma Binyu , Xiong Dan , Zhao Yan , Jin Xiaoqing
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to compare one-month acquisition and half-a-year quality retention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills after initial training of medical students between peer videorecording feedback training (PVF) and traditional peer verbal feedback training (TVF).

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to the PVF group (n = 62) and the TVF group (n = 65). All participants received a 45-min CPR training program performed by an American Heart Association basic life support-certified instructor, and then they began two hours of practice in groups. During interactive peer learning, students cooperated in couples of a doer and a helper to realize maximization of each other’s learning. In the PVF group, training performance feedback came from peers based on practice videorecording. In the TVF group, feedback came from peers verbally without videorecording. CPR quality was tested at 1 and 6 months after training.

Results

After 1 month of initial training, the PVF group had a better presentation of CPR skills acquisition than the TVF group. Compared to the TVF group, the PVF group had significantly higher total scores, compression depth, appropriate compression depth, and complete chest recoil (p < 0.05). Moreover, compression interruption was a significantly positive change in the PVF group compared to the TVF group (p < 0.05). However, after 6 months, proportions of appropriate compression depth in the PVF group were better than those in the TVF group (p < 0.05). The differences in total scores, compression depth, appropriate compression depth, complete chest recoil and compression interruption were non-significant (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared to TVF, PVF is more effective in enhancing CPR skill acquisition at 1 month. After half a year, CPR skill quality was obviously reduced in both groups, and no difference in CPR quality was found between the two groups.
Developing tailored theoretically informed goal-setting interventions for rehabilitation services: a co-design approach
Authors: Baker Amanda , Cornwell Petrea , Gustafsson Louise , Stewart Claire , Lannin Natasha A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Several active ingredients contribute to the purposes and mechanisms of goal-setting in rehabilitation. Active ingredients in the goal-setting process include, interdisciplinary teamworking, shared decision-making, having meaningful and specific goals, and including action planning, coping planning, feedback, and review. Clinicians have expressed barriers and enablers to implementing these active ingredients in rehabilitation teams. Interventions designed to improve goal-setting practices need to be tailored to address context specific barriers and enablers. Attempts to understand and enhance goal-setting practices in rehabilitation settings should be supported using theory, process models and determinant frameworks. Few studies have been undertaken to enhance goal-setting practices in varied case-mix rehabilitation settings.

Methods

This study is part of a larger program of research guided by the Knowledge to Action (KTA) framework. A multisite, participatory, codesign approach was used in five sites to address three stages of the KTA. (1) Focus groups were conducted to understand barriers and enablers to implementing goal-setting at each site. Following the focus groups three staff co-design workshops and one consumer workshop were run at each site to (2) adapt knowledge to local context, and to (3) select and tailor interventions to improve goal-setting practices. Focus groups were analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and informed the selection of behaviour change techniques incorporated into the implementation plan.

Results

Barriers and enablers identified in this study were consistent with previous research. Clinicians lacked knowledge and understanding of the differences between a goal and an action plan often confusing both terms. Clinicians were unable to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of comprehensive action planning and review processes that extended beyond initial goal-setting. Interventions developed across the sites included staff training modules, a client held workbook, educational rehabilitation service flyers, interdisciplinary goal-based case conference templates, communication goal boards and a key worker model. Implementation plans were specifically established for each site.

Conclusions

Rehabilitation teams continue to struggle to incorporate a truly client-centred, interdisciplinary model of goal-setting in rehabilitation. Whilst clinicians continue to lack understanding of how they can use aspects of goal-setting to enhance client outcomes and autonomy in rehabilitation settings.
Evaluation of safety and anti-obesity effects of DWP16001 in naturally obese dogs
Authors: Rhee Beomseok , Mahbubur Rahman Md , Jin Changfan , Choi Ji-Soo , Lim Hyun-Woo , Huh Wan , Park Joon Seok , Han Jumi , Kim Sokho , Lee Youngwon , Park Jinho
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of DWP16001, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2 inhibitor), in naturally obese dogs. A total of 20 dogs were divided into four equal groups: one obese control (OC group), and three treated groups; DWP0.2 group, DWP0.5 group, and DWP1 group. OC group fed with food for maintenance and treated groups were fed with food for maintenance with 0.2 mg/kg DWP16001, 0.5 mg/kg DWP16001 and 1 mg/kg DWP16001, respectively. The food for maintenance was provided to dogs as 2 RER (Resting energy requirement) in kcal and DWP16001-supplemented food was administered once a day for 8 weeks.

Results

Body condition score, body weight, and fat thickness were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the DWP0.2 group compared with the OC group, respectively without affecting the food consumption. At the 10th week the food consumption rate was 101.35 ± 2.56, 166.59 ± 4.72, 98.47 ± 1.44 and 123.15 ± 2.45% compared with initial food consumption rate. Body fat percentage, chest and waist circumference, blood glucose, and insulin were reduced compared to OC group but not significantly different from those of the OC group during experimental period. Serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine phosphokinase, and creatinine were significantly reduced in DWP0.2 group on 8 weeks. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced but not significantly. No specific adverse effects were observed throughout the experiment, and hematological parameters were unchanged. The results indicate that DWP16001 was not harmful to the dogs in our study and might have anti-obesity effects in naturally obese dogs.

Conclusions

The above results and discussion suggest that DWP16001 is safe and might have anti-obesity effects in naturally obese dogs.
Fucoidan with three functions extracted from Sargassum aquifolium integrated rice-husk synthesis dual-imaging mesoporous silica nanoparticle
Authors: Lee Zui-Harng , Lee Meng-Feng , Chen Jung-Huang , Tsou Min-Hsuan , Wu Zhi-Yuan , Lee Cheng-Zhang , Huang Yu-Ya , Lin Showe-Mei , Lin Hsiu-Mei
Published: June 2022

In this study, we used the nanoparticle delivery system to reduce the side effect of conventional cancer treatment- radiation therapy and chemotherapy. We used rice husk silicon source mesoporous silica nanoparticle doped in Eu3+and Gd3+as the carrier in the delivery system and to enable fluorescence and MRI dual-imaging functions for follow-up therapy. In addition, we choose a popular seaweed extract—fucoidan was extracted from the same brown algae—Sargassum aquifoliumcollected from Taiwan-Pingtung-Kenting-Chuanfan Rock. In this research, we used acid hydrolysis to prepared two different molecular weight fucoidan, the small molecular fucoidan (Fus) as drug, and the molecular weight approximately 1 kDa fucoidan (Ful) as the nanoparticle gatekeeper, and as targeting molecule for overexpressed P-selectin on the surface of the metastatic tumors. The results of the cell cytotoxicity experiment showed that HCT116 cancer cells have a survival rate of approximately 58.12% when treated with 200 μg/mL fucoidan. Dual-imaging rice husk mesoporous silica nanoparticles (rMSN-EuGd) were modified with 1 kDa fucoidan (Ful) as the gatekeeper and target, and the small molecule fucoidan (Fus) was loaded into nanoparticles (Ful-Fus@rMSN-EuGd) at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. The HCT116 cancer cells had a survival rate of approximately 55.56%. The cell cytotoxicity experiment results show that Ful-Fus@rMSN-EuGd can improve the anticancer effect of fucoidan, and the nanoparticle drug delivery system using fucoidan as a drug, target, and gatekeeper was successfully synthesized.