bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The validity and reliability of a portable device (ADR-Jumping) to estimate vertical jump performance
Authors: González-Conde Adrián , González-Devesa Daniel , Suárez-Iglesias David , Ayán Carlos
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the relative, absolute reliability, and concurrent validity of the ADR-Jumping system. Fifty-two participants performed three countermovement jumps (CMJ) and three squat jumps (SJ) with a 1-week interval for test and retest reliability; Chronojump contact-mat was used while simultaneously measuring with the ADR-Jumping system for validity. Very strong correlations were observed between both devices for all types of jumps (CMJ: r = 0.98, p = 0.01; SJ: r = 0.97, p = 0.01). Regardless of the jump modality (CMJ and SJ), greater jumping heights were observed for ADR-Jumping compared to Chronojump, but these were trivial differences. Test-retest reliability was high (ICC = 0.89) for CMJ, and very high for SJ (ICC = 0.91). Absolute reliability was excellent for CMJ and SJ, with SEM and MDC percentage values of 2.99% and 4.77% for CMJ, and 2.71% and 4.11% for SJ, respectively. The ADR-Jumping is a valid, reliable, and useful tool for measuring jump height.
RCA Revision
Authors: Kotecha Anish , Chawathey Kunal
Published: October 2022

Welcome to the new Recorded Consultation Assessment (RCA) revision section of the journal developed to provide focus for GP trainees preparing for the RCA. This section includes a ‘Doctor’s sheet’ and a ‘Patient’s sheet’ to facilitate practicing consultations with your trainer and colleagues. An ‘Examiner’s sheet’ describes the areas trainees need to display in each of the marking domains and ﬁnishes with key points and tips for the trainee. It is important that trainees are familiar with the RCA pages on the RCGP website as this provides further highly relevant information and guidance.
Crammer's Corner
Authors: Chawathey Kunal
Published: October 2022

Good medical practice reiterates that we treat all patients equally. However, when we are faced with doctors as patients, how do we approach the consultations? Do we consult doctor-patients akin to other patients – ignoring the differing perspective they may have to their illness compared with a lay person? Or do we give in to their expectations of specific treatments without developing ‘shared’ management plans? These consultations require a tailored approach that resonates with both facets of this patient group. In this article, GP trainer, Dr Kunal Chawathey provides his insights on treating doctor-patients.
Pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protects against chemotherapy-induced testicular damage in mice
Authors: Levi Mattan , Shalgi Ruth , Ben-Aharon Irit
Published: October 2022

Background:

Testicular toxicity following chemotherapy is of increasing importance with the continuous improvement of survival rates. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was suggested to protect testis against such toxicity; however, its suppressive quality and mechanism of action are still unclear. We examined whether and how pretreatment with GnRH antagonist protects against the testicular damage caused by chemotherapy.

Methods:

Mature male mice were injected subcutaneously eight times in 2-day intervals with either saline or GnRH antagonist (Cetrotide; 1 g/mg), followed by an intraperitoneal injection with either saline or cyclophosphamide (CTX;100 mg/kg BW) and sacrificed 2 weeks or 3 months later. Testicular weight, epididymis weight, epididymal sperm count and sperm motility were measured. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry (Ki-67), immunofluorescence (PCNA, CD34), terminal transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and computerized analysis were performed to examine testicular proliferation, apoptosis and vascularization. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the amount of spermatogonial reserve (Id4 and Gfra1 mRNAs).

Results:

Pretreatment with GnRH antagonist transiently reduced testicular weight, epididymal weight, germinal proliferation and sperm count; it also abolished the permanent long-term effect of CTX on these parameters and prevented cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity characterized by apoptosis and serum AMH increase and irreversible loss of spermatogonial reserve.

Conclusions:

Our findings imply that pretreatment with GnRH antagonist temporarily reduces spermatogenesis and may be used as pretreatment for reducing chemotherapeutic testicular toxicity.
Complex Flavonoids of Pityrogramma trifoliata: Absolute Configuration, Antifungal Effects, and Localization in the Plant
Authors: Rodriguez Ana M. , Derita Marcos , Cartagena Elena , Hernández Marcela A. , Bardón Alicia
Published: October 2022

Chemical investigation of the fern Pityrogramma trifoliata (L.) R. M. Tryon (Pteridaceae) yielded a new complex flavonoid, here named trifoliatol, and 4 known complex flavonoids in addition to known chalcones and flavanones. The absolute configuration of the complex flavonoids is proposed, based on circular dichroism (ECD), crystal x-ray diffraction, and [α]D measurements. White and yellow farinas, as well as 10 flavonoids were tested for antifungal activity against a panel of clinically important fungi, including yeast and dermatophytes. Both farinas and 2 of the flavonoids were notably active against Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes (MICs and MFCs between 7.8 and 31.2 μg/mL). The localization of flavonoids in the plant trichomes was accomplished by use of scanning electron microscopy and histochemical methods.
In Vivo Effect of Nano NO Plus Capsules on Hypertensive and Atherosclerotic rat Models
Authors: Nguyen Van Nguyen , Luu Hai Minh , Nguyen Hoang Ngan , Nguyen Manh Hung , Thi Thu Huong Bui , Son Pham Truong
Published: October 2022

Hypertension is a significant public health issue that is increasing in prevalence and can have dangerous complications. This atherosclerotic disease occurs due to lifestyle choices, such as being sedentary, eating fast foods, and a lack of physical exercise. Atherosclerosis has gradually become the leading cause of death worldwide. Currently, the trend of using natural products to supplement and replace synthetic drugs is being considered in many places. This study evaluated the antihypertensive and anti-atherosclerosis effects of Nano NO plus capsules on hypertensive and atherosclerotic rat models. The results showed that Nano NO plus given to rats at doses of 420 mg/kg and 840 mg/kg lowered systolic, diastolic, and average blood pressure (BP) without affecting heart rate. Nano NO plus capsules also increased nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rats’ plasma. All of these effects were comparable to those of Losartan at 25 mg/kg. Furthermore, doses of 420 mg/kg and 840 mg/kg reduced blood lipid test indexes, including triglyceride (TG) levels, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and atherogenic index (AI). At the same time, Nano NO plus capsules increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) in the blood and protected against atherosclerotic lesions of the abdominal aorta in the studied rats. These results indicate that Nano NO plus is a potential product to treat hypertension and atherosclerotic.
Network Pharmacology Analysis of Bioactive Components and Mechanisms of Action of Qi Wei Wan Formula for Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Minghe , Wang Ye , Amin Aftab , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Yu Zhiling , Liang Chun
Published: October 2022

Astragali Radix (AR) and Schisandrae chinensis Fructus (SCF) have been used individually and in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas for treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Qi Wei Wan (QWW), a 2-herb TCM formula composed of AR and SCF, is used to treat blood deficiency, fatigue, and metabolic abnormalities. We speculate that QWW may be more effective in treating NSCLC than AR or SCF alone. We identified 28 bioactive compounds in QWW and 322 targets of these compounds from databases. Network pharmacology analysis was used to identify 248 putative NSCLC-related gene targets of the bioactive compounds in QWW. Common target genes were analyzed to build protein–protein interaction networks. Implicated biological functions and pathways (p53, PI3K-Akt, etc) were identified by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses. Molecular docking of core target proteins with the key active compounds was also performed. This study identified the potential gene targets and mechanisms involved in the anti-NSCLC effects of QWW.
Carvacrol Ameliorates DSS-Induced Intestinal Inflammation in Rats by Suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Liu Miao , Mao Gang , Zhou Xuelei , Wan Xuemei , Zhang Fan , Dai Li , Chen Ya , Dai Ning , Zhang Yan , Du Qiang
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of carvacrol on the ulcerative colitis (UC) inflammation model induced by DSS (dextran sulfate sodium) in rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into the blank, model, low-, middle-, and high-dose carvacrol groups. The rats drank 4.5% DSS for 5 consecutive days to induce the UC model, except for the blank group. Different concentrations of either carvacrol or purified water were supplied by intragastric administration for 7 consecutive days to assess the protective effect of carvacrol on inflammation in UC rats involving the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In vivo administration of carvacrol was found to ameliorate the symptoms of colitis in rats. Carvacrol significantly improved the pathological symptoms of colitis in the model group and reduced the DAI and pathological scores of rats. At the same time, carvacrol can reduce the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α induced by DSS, inhibit the activation of TLR4, hinder the nuclear translocation of NF-κB (P65), reduce the cleavage of the apoptosis-related protein cleaved-caspase 3, and protect colon cell apoptosis. The results of in vitro experiments showed that carvacrol has a significant inhibitory effect on cell apoptosis caused by the activation of TLR4 induced by LPS and pcDNA3.1tlr4. Research results revealed that carvacrol has a certain protective effect against inflammation-induced injury in ulcerative colitis rats via inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Sport Specialization Classification and Injury Risk in Female Athletes
Authors: Okoruwa Ehiamen T. , Abbott Alexandra , Stamm Michaela , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Description of possible detrimental effects of sport specialization specific to adolescent female athletes is limited in current literature with no consensus on sport specialization classification.

Hypothesis:

Specialized female athletes will have higher rates of injury, body image issues, and menstrual dysfunction, regardless of the specialization classification utilized.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Retrospective data was obtained from questionnaires from female athletes in local high schools (n = 229; 13–18 years of age). The 3-point specialization scale was used to analyze differences in injury rates, body image issues, and menstrual dysfunction within low, moderate, and highly specialized athletes. When comparing accuracy of specialization scales in identifying high risk athletes, three peer-reviewed specialization classification scales were utilized—a 3-point scale, a 6-point scale, and a binary self-selection scale. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for studied variables (a priori p ≤ 0.05).

Results:

Of 229 athletes surveyed, 219 (95.6%) completed the 3-point specialization classification questions and were included in the study. 91 athletes (41.6%) were categorized as low specialization (LS), 59 (26.9%) were moderately specialized (ModS), and 69 (31.5%) were highly specialized (HS). ModS athletes were more likely to have a history of stress fractures (SFx) compared to LS athletes ( p = 0.02; OR 3.62; 95% CI 1.27–10.26). Compared to LS athletes, HS athletes were more likely to have injury history ( p = 0.01; OR 2.93; 95% CI 1.38–6.24) and a history of concussion ( p < 0.01; OR 5.00; 95% CI 1.86–13.42).

Conclusion:

Among female high school athletes, higher levels of specialization are associated with greater risk of injuries overall, and greater risk of concussions and SFx. This study did not demonstrate significant associations between specialization and body image issues or menstrual dysfunction.

Clinical Relevance:

This study further strengthens the association between injury and sport specialization and suggests that combining specialization scales better improves risk stratification which overall aids in preventing athlete injury.
Early Sport Specialization and Long-term Throwing Arm Health in College Baseball Players
Authors: Wilkins Samuel J. , Bell David R. , Kahanov Leamor , Martin Malissa , Post Eric G.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Early sport specialization is associated with increased risk of overuse injuries in several sports, including baseball. However, limited evidence exists evaluating how early sport specialization affects patient-reported outcome measures as they age. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow Scores among collegiate baseball players based on the grade when a participant first reported high specialization behaviors.

Hypothesis:

Baseball players who were highly specialized at a younger age will have worse throwing arm health while participating in college.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 752 college baseball players was contacted through their institution’s athletic trainer. We measured baseball specialization and KJOC scores using the validated Baseball and Sport Experience survey. Data were summarized using means and SDs, medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs), and frequencies and percentages. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine differences in mean KJOC scale scores based on the earliest time the participant reported high-level specialization.

Results:

A total of 294 baseball players completed the survey (response rate: 39.1%). Of the 294 participants, 280 completed the KJOC scale questions to generate a total KJOC score (median: 90.5; IQR: 76.6-97.2). No significant differences in KJOC total scores ( P = 0.78) existed based on the grade period in which the athlete was first highly specialized.

Conclusion:

Early baseball specialization as a youth baseball player may not impact throwing arm health in college baseball athletes.

Clinical Relevance:

Early specialization has been linked to increased risk for overuse injuries in certain sports, but may not lead to poorer throwing arm health in college baseball players. Sports medicine clinicians and researchers may use this information to educate various stakeholders about the benefits and risks associated with early sport specialization.
Bias in Self-Reports: An Initial Elevation Phenomenon
Authors: Anvari Farid , Efendić Emir , Olsen Jerome , Arslan Ruben C. , Elson Malte , Schneider Iris K.
Published: October 2022

Researchers have long worried about a phenomenon where study participants give higher ratings on self-report scales the first time they take a survey compared to subsequent times, particularly for negative subjective experiences. Recent experimental evidence, using samples of U.S. college students, suggests that this initial elevation phenomenon is due to an upward bias in people’s initial responses. Such bias potentially undermines the validity of many research findings. However, more recent studies have found little evidence in support of the phenomenon. To investigate the robustness of the initial elevation phenomenon, we conducted the largest experiments to date in diverse online samples ( N = 5,285 across three studies, from Prolific.co). We observed an initial elevation on self-reports of negative subjective experiences such as mood and mental and physical health symptoms. Our findings show that the threats to validity posed by the phenomenon are real and need to be reckoned with.
Impact of metformin on the clinical and metabolic parameters of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Abdalla Mohammed Altigani , Shah Najeeb , Deshmukh Harshal , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Östlundh Linda , Al-Rifai Rami H. , Atkin Stephen L. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat
Published: October 2022

Context:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the commonest endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age, and metformin is a widely used medication in managing this condition.

Aim:

To review the available literature comprehensively on the therapeutic impact of metformin on the clinical and metabolic parameters of women with PCOS.

Data source:

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library and the Web of Science and selected sources for grey literature from their inception to April 2020. An updated search in PubMed was performed in June 2022.

Data synthesis:

Two reviewers selected eligible studies and extracted data, and the review is reported following the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Results:

In 24 eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 564 participants who received metformin therapy, metformin was associated with significant reduction in body weight by 3.13 kg (95% CI: −5.33, −0.93), body mass index (BMI) by 0.82 kg/m² (95% CI: −1.22, −0.41), fasting blood glucose [standardised mean difference (SMD): −0.23; 95% CI: −0.40, −0.06], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD: −0.41; 95% CI: −0.85, 0.03), total testosterone (SMD: −0.33; 95% CI: −0.49, −0.17), androstenedione (SMD: −0.45; 95% CI: −0.70, −0.20), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) (SMD: −0.58; 95% CI: −1.16, 0.00) and increase the likelihood of clinical pregnancy rate [odds ratio (OR): 3.00; 95% CI: 1.95, 4.59] compared with placebo.

Conclusion:

In women with PCOS, metformin use has shown a positive impact in reducing body weight, BMI, total testosterone, androstenedione, 17-OHP, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose and increasing the likelihood of pregnancy in women with PCOS.
(Im)mobility and performance of emotions: Chinese international students’ difficult journeys to home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: He Guanqin , Zhang Yijia
Published: October 2022

This article examines mediated performances of emotions by Chinese international students in their transnational journeys returning to China during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on the role of mobile media in helping students cope with their cross-border (im)mobility and symbolic immobility. By thematically analyzing 36 self-representational videos produced by returning Chinese students on a burgeoning mobile media platform Douyin, we identify 5 overarching themes of emotional performance: fear, pride, gratitude, shame, and solidarity. We propose that mobile media has the potential to create a hybrid space that witnesses and elicits empathy for the hardship experienced by marginalized mobile groups during the global pandemic. Mobile media, by enabling simultaneous communication, amplifies the sensation of belonging in times of isolation and ambiguity and offers dialogic venues for disparate groups across geographical and socioemotional distances. Our findings suggest the vulnerability of mobile communities in the event of a global pandemic, and the affordances of mobile media in confronting and resolving such precarity. We call attention to the intersections of mobile communities and mobile media amid the global pandemic, particularlyon the experiences and performances of emotions in hybrid spaces.
A cost analysis of ankle fractures treated by orthopedic surgeons with or without foot and ankle fellowship training at ambulatory surgery centers and hospitals
Authors: Barfield Matthew , Jackson J Benjamin , Gonzalez Tyler
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Ankle fractures are commonly treated by orthopedic surgeons. Fellowship versus non-fellowship training often adds a different perspective, use of specialty-specific implants, comfort with outpatient procedures, and may contribute to cost differences between surgeons. To assess the impact of fellowship training on the value of care provided, the difference in cost of ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation procedures between foot and ankle trained orthopedic surgeons and non-foot and ankle trained orthopedic surgeons over the past 10 years was retrospectively evaluated. We additionally evaluated the cost differences of ankle fracture open reduction internal fixations between hospitals, hospital-owned ambulatory surgery centers, and physician-owned ambulatory surgery centers. The study also assessed the costs effects of inpatient versus outpatient procedures and ankle open reduction internal fixation procedure volume of the surgeon observed within the timeframe of the study.

Methods:

Patient data was collected from electronic medical records and billing documents for patients who underwent an ankle open reduction internal fixation procedure performed by an orthopedic surgeon in our hospital system and local hospital-owned ambulatory surgery centers between the years 2010 and 2020. Data were also collected from a physician-owned ambulatory surgery center for patients who underwent an ankle open reduction internal fixation procedure performed by an orthopedic surgeon between the years 2015 and 2020. Statistical analyses were performed to observe potential cost differences among all variables.

Results:

Procedures performed by fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons were significantly less costly than those performed by non-foot and ankle trained orthopedic surgeons when performed at ambulatory surgery centers but not at hospitals. Procedures performed at ambulatory surgery centers were found to be significantly less costly than those performed at hospitals. In addition, it was noted that procedures performed at hospital-owned ambulatory surgery centers were less costly than physician-owned ambulatory surgery centers. It was also found that procedure cost decreased with an increase in surgeon volume.

Conclusion:

An ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation performed by a foot and ankle trained orthopedic surgeon in a hospital-owned ambulatory surgery center is the lowest cost option available, and an increase in volume of open reduction internal fixations is associated with a further decrease in cost when within our hospital system between the years 2010 and 2020.
Feasibility of using activity trackers and apps to increase physical activity in whole families: The Step it Up Family intervention
Authors: Schoeppe Stephanie , Salmon Jo , Williams Susan , Power Deborah , Waters Kim , Alley Stephanie , Rebar Amanda L. , Hayman Melanie , Duncan Mitch J , Vandelanotte Corneel
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study examined the feasibility of an activity tracker and app intervention to increase physical activity in whole families.

Methods

This was a single-arm feasibility study with pre–post-intervention measures. Between 2017 and 2018, 40 families (58 children aged 6–10 years, 39 mothers, 33 fathers) participated in the 6-week Step it Up Family programme in Queensland, Australia. It was delivered using Garmin activity trackers and apps, weekly motivational text messages and an introductory session. Online surveys and semi-structured interviews conducted with parents assessed intervention usage, acceptability, usability, perceived usefulness, use of physical activity self-management strategies and programme influence. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and qualitative content analysis.

Results

Overall, 38 families completed the post-intervention survey (95% family retention; 90% children, 95% mothers, 88% fathers). Garmin activity tracker usage was high (i.e. nearly 24/7 during the 6 weeks intervention). Families also used the Garmin apps regularly (i.e. mostly 2–6 times per week). Further, 80% of mothers and 52% of fathers read the motivational mobile text messages. Usability and perceived usefulness of the Garmin activity trackers and apps were rated high. Both parents significantly increased their use of physical activity self-management strategies from pre to post-intervention. Parents expressed that the intervention had increased awareness of physical (in)activity in the family, encouraged to be active and promoted outdoor family activities.

Conclusions

Using activity trackers and apps to increase physical activity in the whole family was well received by children and parents which suggests that this intervention approach is feasible. However, further testing is needed amongst more diverse family populations. These early findings support the implementation of a randomised controlled trial to examine intervention efficacy.
Reclaiming the Periphery in the Age of Social Media: Power and Narrative of Rural China in My People, My Homeland (2020) and Coffee or Tea? (2020)
Authors: Lu Weiwei , Li Han
Published: October 2022

China’s industrial development and accompanying urbanization since the 1970s established an urban-rural power dichotomy. However, in recent years, this “urban-rural” as “center-periphery” binary has been constantly re-examined and re-imagined. The emergence of rural short videos since 2016 has arguably led the “voices” of periphery to be heard. However, along with these seemingly heteroglossic and de-centralizing narratives of rural China, it is also observed that the state seeks to reclaim the ownership of rural storytelling. This paper looks into My People, My Homeland (2020) and Coffee or Tea? (2020) and examines how these two (quasi-) “main melody” films depict rural revitalization in the social media age. By unpacking the two films’ narrative strategies in portraying Chinese countryside as well as the intertextual relations they form with other macro cinematic texts and micro grassroot storytelling of the “periphery,” this article demonstrates how the state re-establishes the discursive power in representing and interpreting the countryside.
Psychological Factors Associated With Return to Play After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Aaron Z. , Greaves Kaylre M. , Fortney Thomas A. , Saltzman Bryan M. , Trofa David P. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: October 2022

Background:

The role of psychological factors in return to play (RTP) after ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction remains unclear.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review of the literature to (1) identify the specific psychological factors that affect RTP after UCL reconstruction and (2) determine the proportion of failures to RTP after UCL reconstruction because of psychological factors.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was conducted. We queried the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid/Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases to identify studies examining psychological factors and RTP after UCL reconstruction. Data pertaining to study characteristics and design, clinical and demographic characteristics, and psychological factors were collected. Patients were pooled across included studies, weighted means were calculated, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

A total of 8 studies consisting of 378 patients were included for analysis. The mean time to RTP was 12.2 months, and the overall RTP rate was 89.4%. Psychological factors affecting RTP included loss of interest, fear of reinjury, individual personality traits, personal reasons, and psychological concerns. While clinical factors accounted for 46.2% (n = 24) of failures to RTP, psychological factors comprised 40.4% (n = 21) of the reasons for failure to RTP. The most commonly cited psychological factors affecting RTP were loss of interest (n = 15 [28.8%]) and fear of reinjury (n = 3 [5.8%]).

Conclusion:

Psychological factors represented a substantial proportion of failures to RTP after UCL reconstruction, especially in adolescent athletes. Future prospective studies and multicenter initiatives are needed to more thoroughly evaluate the psychological concerns of patients before and after UCL reconstruction.
Conducting User Experience Interviews during a Clinical Trial
Authors: Loring Beth A.
Published: October 2022

Over the course of two years, the author and colleagues conducted user experience (UX) research as part of two clinical trials. This paper describes the research methodology, the challenges encountered, the rewards, and the lessons learned from the experience. The subject of the clinical trials was a novel treatment for a degenerative disease that has no cure and few successful treatments. The trials involved pairs of patients and caregivers and lasted up to 12 months. The ability to compare the perceived effectiveness of the treatment and changes in quality of life with the clinical endpoints helped guide the design of the treatment regimen, and the experience was rewarding for the UX researchers themselves.
Can Behavioural Science Be the Key to Unlocking Patient Adherence? Evidence-Led Development of an Engaging Digital Health Solution
Authors: Fosker Natasha , Anderson Alejandra , Morton Laura , Pisa Andrea
Published: October 2022

Patient self-management of illnesses place a greater responsibility on the patient, as they administer or track their own treatment. This amplifies the impact of adherence on outcomes – any missed or incorrect actions have the potential to reduce treatment efficacy. However, adherence is often lower than expected (e.g., around 50% for chronic conditions; WHO, 2003), making it a crucial aspect to address for effective patient centered management. This work created and evaluated a digital health concept (the Abily app) to increase patient adherence. Crux’s behavioural design methodology was used to integrate behavioural insights with design, developing the Abily app, which: (1) increased user attention, (2) increased task comprehension, and (3) reduced use problems. The results give promising evidence for using digital health solutions to raise adherence.
Bridging Conversation Islands to Connect Healthcare: Introducing Unique Co-occurring Word Networks to Find Distinct Themes
Authors: Arnold Tim
Published: October 2022

A common step in any modeling, study, or design project is gathering, reviewing, and making sense of relevant information. Common themes and variation are unearthed from text documents and shaped into usable forms to support the information needs of the project team. It can be a challenge to gather needed information from large numbers of texts and documents necessary to inform design decisions. Computational approaches can be useful in filtering and interpreting information. Unsupervised learning approaches like topic modeling can help to group similar texts and visualize potential themes. Just like grouping texts into similar themes, identifying distinctions can be helpful. This paper describes an approach for finding distinctions across texts and examples of using this information to inform decisions. Finding distinct themes can help to identify gaps and opportunities while guiding decisions and next steps. Identifying and bridging conversation islands across information sources and professions is another step towards managing complexity and connecting the dots of healthcare.
Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance through Collaborative Computational Design
Authors: Platt Lisa Sundahl , Cai Hui , Zeinali Arezoo , Green Krystle , Harvey Jordan , Mcintosh Tanya
Published: October 2022

Hand sanitization by healthcare staff remains one of the most effective ways for controlling infection in healthcare settings. However, predicting faithful adherence to Hand Hygiene Compliance (HHC) is difficult in complex environments such as inpatient hospital settings. The main challenge is understanding how different components of human and built systems interact to achieve specific goals such as HHC at the critical moments of care delivery. The aim of this explorative study was to evaluate how Human Factors derived visual salience cues and proximity-compatibility principles might be used in the design of healthcare spaces to support nurse moments of HHC through increased perceived behavioral control and intention. The investigative team used a Collaborative Computational Scenario Planning (CCSP) Model approach to determine the integrative effects of reinforcing and detracting operational and environmental factors on discrete moments of HHC behavior. Supervised Machine Learning analysis was conducted on data collected by a large academic medical center that included HHC observance in clinical staff spanning from 2017 to 2021 in two inpatient hospital units. The probabilistic outcomes of unit based HHC observance likelihood were used to compute Fuzzy Cognitive Model Edge Probabilities between Hand Hygiene (HH) cues and detected HHC at key moments. Hospital infection control experts were then engaged to identify the weight of various reinforcing and detracting operational and environmental factors contributing to HHC observance. Combining the quantitative and qualitative methods, allowed the team to then develop integrative CCSP models which facilitated predictive insight into the development of targeted environmental improvements that might contribute to HHC control and intention to support safer patient care.
Wearable Devices’ Use in Geriatric Care between Patient-Centeredness and Psychology of Patients
Authors: Elkefi Safa , Asan Onur
Published: October 2022

Wearable devices have potentials for monitoring elderly patients’ health. Many efforts have been made to encourage its use among this population. However, not all of them are succeeding in improving the wearables’ use. In this study, we explored the impact of patient-centered practice in healthcare on wearable devices’ use and the role of this technology use in improving patients’ mental health.

We found that a majority of 84.96% of the elderly people who responded to the surveys reported using wearable devices in the last 12 months to monitor or track health activity. For the patient-centered care impact, making sure patients understand next steps and standing by their feelings improve the use of wearable devices (OR=5.95 P=0.011, OR=1.04 P=0.028). However, people who were involved in decision making did not use wearable devices (OR=0.77 P=0.014). For the impact of technology use, wearable users were less likely to experience severe depression and anxiety levels (P=0.0038, OR=0.436). Designers of wearable devices need to create patient-centered features that go with the patients’ needs to ensure the acceptability of this technology.
Technological and Rehabilitative Concerns: Perspectives of Cochlear Implant Recipients Who Are Musicians
Authors: Gfeller Kate , Veltman Joke , Mandara Robert , Napoli Mary Beth , Smith Sarah , Choi Yoon , McCormick Gaelen , McKenzie Tim , Nastase Anamaria
Published: October 2022

In these perspectives, we share the experiences of eight cochlear implant (CI) recipients who are musicians, and their efforts within and outside of audiological appointments to achieve satisfying music experiences. Their experiences were previously shared in a panel discussion as part of the 3rd Music and Cochlear Implant Symposium hosted at The University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Following the symposium, the panel members and moderator developed and completed a follow-up questionnaire to facilitate a formal analysis of the following questions: (a) What forms of support for optimizing music exist within clinical CI appointments, including counseling, mapping, assessment, and rehabilitation? (b) What forms of support do CI users who are interested in music desire? (c) What self-initiated approaches can be used to improve music perception, enjoyment, and participation? Using qualitative methodology, the questionnaire data were coded, aggregated into themes, and then into core categories. The primary themes that emerged from the data were (a) limited levels of support for optimizing music outcomes within normal clinical appointments, (b) difficulties in current mapping and assessment in relation to music perception, and (c) limited availability of clinically sponsored training/rehabilitation for music. These CI recipients then recommended clinical protocol changes and described self-initiated rehabilitation. These findings were examined in relation to literature on clinical practices for CI users, auditory rehabilitation, and patient-centered care, emphasizing best practices and barriers to audiological care. The data as related to healthcare trends were conceptualized and developed into a proposed Reciprocal Model for Music Rehabilitation (RMMR).
Tele-Rehabilitation Service from the Patient's Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Algarni Fahad Saad , Alshammari Majed O , Sidimohammad Umkalthoum , Khayat Sarah A , Aljabbary Abdullah , Altowaijri Abdulrahman Mohammed
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to describe patients’ perceptions of tele-rehabilitation (TR) and investigate the association between TR-related factors and both the patients’ age and type of rehabilitation services. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to obtain data about patients’ demographic and medical information, technological familiarity as well as patients’ experience and opinions about TR. The 227 patients completing the survey reported a mean ± SD age of 40.7 ± 13.9 years and musculoskeletal disorders as the most common condition treated by TR. The majority of patients expressed satisfaction and confidence with their therapists’ ability to assess and treat their problems using TR. Approximately 75.3% of participants stated that therapists demonstrated a strong understanding of their health conditions, while 82% reported that TR entailed a convenient service during COVID-19. The study found associations between age and patient's ability and confidence to use technology as well as a relationship between the type of treatment received and participants’ overall opinions. Patients demonstrated acceptance, confidence, and satisfaction with TR during COVID-19. Patient age and treatment type fulfill a major role in patients’ perceptions of TR.
Identifying hidden visits from sparse call detail record data
Authors: Zhao Zhan , Koutsopoulos Haris N , Zhao Jinhua
Published: October 2022

Despite many studies on trip inference using call detail record (CDR) data, a fundamental understanding of their limitations is lacking. In particular, because of the sparse nature of CDR data, users may travel to a location without being revealed in the data, which we refer to as a hidden visit. The existence of hidden visits hinders our ability to extract reliable information about human mobility and travel behavior from CDR data. In this study, we propose a data fusion approach to obtain labeled data for statistical inference of hidden visits. In the absence of complementary data, this can be accomplished by extracting labeled observations from more granular cellular data access records, and extracting features from voice call and text messaging records. The proposed approach is demonstrated using a real-world CDR dataset of 3 million users from a large Chinese city. Different machine learning models are used to infer whether a hidden visit exists during an observed displacement. The test results show significant improvement over the naive no-hidden-visit rule, which is an implicit assumption adopted by most existing studies. Based on the proposed model, we estimate that over 10% of the displacements extracted from CDR data involve hidden visits.
PRL2 phosphatase enhances oncogenic FLT3 signaling via dephosphorylation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase CBL at tyrosine 371
Authors: Chen Hongxia , Bai Yunpeng , Kobayashi Michihiro , Xiao Shiyu , Cai Wenjie , Barajas Sergio , Chen Sisi , Miao Jinmin , Meke Frederick Nguele , Vemula Sasidhar , Ropa James P. , Croop James M. , Boswell H. Scott , Wan Jun , Jia Yuzhi , Liu Huiping , Li Loretta S. , Altman Jessica K. , Eklund Elizabeth A. , Ji Peng , Tong Wei , Band Hamid , Huang Danny T. , Platanias Leonidas C. , Zhang Zhong-Yin , Liu Yan
Published: October 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer with poor prognosis. FMS-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 (FLT3) is one of the major oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases aberrantly activated in AML. Although protein tyrosine phosphatase PRL2 is highly expressed in some subtypes of AML compared with normal human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, the mechanisms by which PRL2 promotes leukemogenesis are largely unknown. We discovered that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PRL2 significantly reduce the burden of FLT3-internal tandem duplications–driven leukemia and extend the survival of leukemic mice. Furthermore, we found that PRL2 enhances oncogenic FLT3 signaling in leukemia cells, promoting their proliferation and survival. Mechanistically, PRL2 dephosphorylates the E3 ubiquitin ligase CBL at tyrosine 371 and attenuates CBL-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of FLT3, leading to enhanced FLT3 signaling in leukemia cells. Thus, our study reveals that PRL2 enhances oncogenic FLT3 signaling in leukemia cells through dephosphorylation of CBL and will likely establish PRL2 as a novel druggable target for AML.
A single administration of hIL-7-hyFc induces long-lasting T-cell expansion with maintained effector functions
Authors: Kim Sojeong , Lee Sang Won , Koh June-Young , Choi Donghoon , Heo Minkyu , Chung Jae-Yong , Lee Byung Ha , Yang Se Hwan , Sung Young Chul , Lee Howard , Shin Eui-Cheol , Park Su-Hyung
Published: October 2022

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is an essential cytokine for T-cell homeostatic proliferation and maintenance. Clinical studies have shown the potential benefits of IL-7 therapy in various diseases associated with lymphopenia. However, the kinetics of the T-cell response to a single administration of IL-7 in humans have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of Fc-fused long-acting recombinant human IL-7 (hIL-7-hyFc, efineptakin alfa) on lymphocytes in healthy adults after a single subcutaneous or intramuscular administration. Administration of hIL-7-hyFc increased the CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell numbers up to 2.5-fold, with corresponding upregulation of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression, peaking at day 3 or 7. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) did not expand. Among CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, all T-cell subsets (TN, TEM, TCM, TEMRA, and TSCM) increased for 56 days. The T-cell receptor repertoire diversity of naive CD8+ and CD4+ T cells was increased by hIL-7-hyFc, whereas the memory T-cell subsets did not differ between day 56 and day 0. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that hIL-7-hyFc induced robust T-cell expansion without changes in gene expression profiles associated with T-cell functions or genes related to T-cell exhaustion, senescence, and anergy. The effector functions of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells were preserved after hIL-7-hyFc administration. Our results suggest that hIL-7-hyFc administration induced a sustained increase in the numbers of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, but not Tregs, without qualitative changes. These results support the potential of hIL-7-hyFc as a treatment for patients with compromised T-cell immunity or as a vaccine adjuvant.
Comprehensive ceRNA network for MACF1 regulates osteoblast proliferation
Authors: Jiang Shanfeng , Yin Chong , Dang Kai , Zhang Wenjuan , Huai Ying , Qian Airong
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown that microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) can regulate osteoblast proliferation and differentiation through non-coding RNA (ncRNA) in bone-forming osteoblasts. However, the role of MACF1 in targeting the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to regulate osteoblast differentiation remains poorly understood. Here, we profiled messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and long ncRNA (lncRNA) expression in MACF1 knockdown MC3TC‑E1 pre‑osteoblast cells.

Results

In total, 547 lncRNAs, 107 miRNAs, and 376 mRNAs were differentially expressed. Significantly altered lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were primarily found on chromosome 2. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed using a bioinformatics computational approach. The network indicated that mir-7063 and mir-7646 were the most potent ncRNA regulators and mef2c was the most potent target gene. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, p53 signaling, and focal adhesion pathways were highly enriched and contributed to osteoblast proliferation. Importantly, the fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis pathway was co-regulated by lncRNAs and miRNAs. In this pathway, Dusp1 was regulated by AK079370, while Arhgef2 was regulated by mir-5101. Furthermore, Map3k5 was regulated by AK154638 and mir-466q simultaneously. AK003142 and mir-3082-5p as well as Ak141402 and mir-446 m-3p were identified as interacting pairs that regulate target genes.

Conclusion

This study revealed the global expression profile of ceRNAs involved in the differentiation of MC3TC‑E1 osteoblasts induced by MACF1 deletion. These results indicate that loss of MACF1 activates a comprehensive ceRNA network to regulate osteoblast proliferation.
PMEL p.Leu18del dilutes coat color of Kumamoto sub-breed of Japanese Brown cattle
Authors: Kimura Satoshi , Hatakeyama Touko , Koutaka Takashi , Kubo Kazuhiro , Morita Satoru , Eguchi Keiko , Saitoh Kohji , Yamauchi Kenji , Imai Saki , Kashimura Atsushi , Inenaga Toshiaki , Matsumoto Hirokazu
Published: October 2022

Background

Coat color is important for registration and maintenance of livestock. Standard coat color of Kumamoto sub-breed of Japanese Brown cattle is solid brown, but individuals with diluted coat color have been observed recently. In this study, we attempted to identify polymorphism(s) responsible for coat color dilution by whole genome analysis.

Results

One of the diluted cattle possessed 7302 exonic polymorphisms which could affect genes’ function. Among them, 14 polymorphisms in 10 coat color-related genes were assumed to be specific for the diluted cattle. Subsequent genotyping with three diluted cattle and 74 standard cattle elucidated that PMEL p.Leu18del was the causative polymorphism for coat color dilution in this sub-breed. Individuals with del/del type of this polymorphism showed diluted coat color, but coat color of heterozygotes were intermediate with various dilution rates.

Conclusions

Coat color dilution of Kumamoto sub-breed was caused by PMEL p.Leu18del. The causative del allele has been detected in several genetically distant cattle breeds, suggesting that PMEL p.Leu18del can be used as a DNA marker to control cattle coat color.