bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of arachidonic acid metabolism in breast cancer by integrated bioinformatics
Authors: Li Wenge , Guo Xiaoyu , Chen Changzheng , Li Juanjuan
Published: October 2022

Background

As the second cause of cancer death in women, breast cancer has become a worldwide priority. Previous studies based on tumour cell lines demonstrated that arachidonic acid (AA) and its metabolites promote cancer development. However, recent studies based on the tumour microenvironment revealed the antitumour effect of AA metabolism. Therefore, it is essential to reevaluate and elucidate the effect of AA metabolism on breast cancer.

Methods

Raw data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The AA metabolic score of each sample, enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune infiltration were analysed by bioinformatics. Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were performed to establish an AA metabolism prognostic signature. An AA metabolism related nomogram for predicting the survival probability of patients was built.

Result

AA metabolism was related to good prognosis in the TCGA-BRCA and METABRIC cohort. DEGs enrichment suggested that the upregulated DEGs of the high AA metabolism group were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways. The high AA metabolism group was infiltrated with more CD8+ T cells and activated NK cells. An AA metabolic signature (SPINK8, KLRB1, APOD and PIGR) was constructed for breast cancer prognosis.

Conclusion

The study indicated that a high level of AA metabolism may be a biomarker for good prognosis in breast cancer, providing a possible explanation for the discouraging effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitors in cancer therapy. Moreover, a novel AA metabolic prognostic signature was constructed in the study, providing a novel strategy for breast cancer.
In vivo fluorescence imaging: success in preclinical imaging paves the way for clinical applications
Authors: Refaat Ahmed , Yap May Lin , Pietersz Geoffrey , Walsh Aidan Patrick Garing , Zeller Johannes , del Rosal Blanca , Wang Xiaowei , Peter Karlheinz
Published: October 2022

Advances in diagnostic imaging have provided unprecedented opportunities to detect diseases at early stages and with high reliability. Diagnostic imaging is also crucial to monitoring the progress or remission of disease and thus is often the central basis of therapeutic decision-making. Currently, several diagnostic imaging modalities (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography, among others) are routinely used in clinics and present their own advantages and limitations. In vivo near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging has recently emerged as an attractive imaging modality combining low cost, high sensitivity, and relative safety. As a preclinical tool, it can be used to investigate disease mechanisms and for testing novel diagnostics and therapeutics prior to their clinical use. However, the limited depth of tissue penetration is a major challenge to efficient clinical use. Therefore, the current clinical use of fluorescence imaging is limited to a few applications such as image-guided surgery on tumors and retinal angiography, using FDA-approved dyes. Progress in fluorophore development and NIR imaging technologies holds promise to extend their clinical application to oncology, cardiovascular diseases, plastic surgery, and brain imaging, among others. Nanotechnology is expected to revolutionize diagnostic in vivo fluorescence imaging through targeted delivery of NIR fluorescent probes using antibody conjugation. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in in vivo fluorescence imaging technologies, NIR fluorescent probes, and current and future clinical applications.

Graphical Abstract
Exosomal miR-140-5p inhibits osteogenesis by targeting IGF1R and regulating the mTOR pathway in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Tang Yifan , Sun Yanqing , Zeng Junkai , Yuan Bo , Zhao Yin , Geng Xiangwu , Jia Lianshun , Zhou Shengyuan , Chen Xiongsheng
Published: October 2022

Background

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a disabling disease whose pathogenesis is still unclear, and there are no effective cures or prevention methods. Exosomal miRNA plays an important role in the osteogenesis of ectopic bone. Therefore, we focused on the downregulation of miR-140-5p in OPLL cell-derived exosomes to explore the mechanism by which exosomal miR-140-5p inhibits osteogenesis in OPLL.

Results

Exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and exosomal markers. Exosomal RNA was extracted to perform miRNA sequencing and disclose the differentially expressed miRNAs, among which miR-140-5p was significantly downregulated. Confocal microscopy was used to trace the exosomal miR-140-5p delivered from OPLL cells to human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In vitro, we verified that exosomal miR-140-5p inhibited the osteoblast differentiation of hMSCs by targeting IGF1R and suppressing the phosphorylation of the IRS1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In vivo, we verified that exosomal miR-140-5p inhibited ectopic bone formation in mice as assessed by micro-CT and immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions

We found that exosomal miR-140-5p could inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs by targeting IGF1R and regulating the mTOR pathway, prompting a further potential means of drug treatment and a possible target for molecular therapy of OPLL.
TiSe2-mediated sonodynamic and checkpoint blockade combined immunotherapy in hypoxic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chen Libin , Xue Wang , Cao Jing , Zhang Shengmin , Zeng Yiqing , Ma Ling , Qian Xuechen , Wen Qing , Hong Yurong , Shi Zhan , Xu Youfeng
Published: October 2022

Background

Pancreatic cancer remains among the most prevalent and aggressive forms of cancer. While immunotherapeutic treatment strategies have shown some promise in affected patients, the benefits of these interventions have been limited by insufficient tumor infiltration by activated T cells.

Results

Here, Titanium diselenide (TiSe2) nanosheets were synthesized with good stability. When exposed to ultrasound (US), the TiSe2 nanosheets served as a reliable nano-sensitizer capable of inducing large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediating sonodynamic therapy (SDT) under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. The tumor-released TAAs induced by TiSe2 nanosheet-mediated SDT promoted immunogenic cell death (ICD) conducive to the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), and cytokine secretion and the subsequent activation and infiltration of T cells into the tumor. Combining TiSe2-mediated SDT with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade treatment led to the efficient suppression of the growth of both primary tumor and distant tumor, while simultaneously preventing lung metastasis. These improved immunotherapeutic and anti-metastatic outcomes were associated with activated systematic antitumor immune responses, including the higher levels of DC maturation and cytokine secretion, the increased levels of CD8+ T cells and the decreased levels of Treg cells infiltrated in tumors.

Conclusion

TiSe2 can be used as a sonosensitizer with good efficacy and high safety to mediate efficient SDT. The combination treatment strategy comprised of TiSe2-mediated SDT and PD-1 blockade activate anti-tumor immune responses effectively thorough inducing ICD, resulting in the inhibition the growth and metastasis of tumor. The combination therapy holds promise as a novel immunotherapy-based intervention strategy for pancreatic cancer patients.
Antigenic molecular mimicry in viral-mediated protection from cancer: the HIV case
Authors: Manolio Carmen , Ragone Concetta , Cavalluzzo Beatrice , Mauriello Angela , Tornesello Maria Lina , Buonaguro Franco M. , Salomone Megna Angelo , D’Alessio Giovanna , Penta Roberta , Tagliamonte Maria , Buonaguro Luigi
Published: October 2022

Background

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) show a reduced incidence for three cancer types, namely breast, prostate and colon cancers. In the present study, we assessed whether a molecular mimicry between HIV epitopes and tumor associated antigens and, consequently, a T cell cross-reactivity could provide an explanation for such an epidemiological evidence.

Methods

Homology between published TAAs and non-self HIV-derived epitopes have been assessed by BLAST homology. Structural analyses have been performed by bioinformatics tools. Immunological validation of CD8+ T cell cross-reactivity has been evaluated ex vivo by tetramer staining.

Findings

Sequence homologies between multiple TAAs and HIV epitopes have been found. High structural similarities between the paired TAAs and HIV epitopes as well as comparable patterns of contact with HLA and TCR α and β chains have been observed. Furthermore, cross-reacting CD8+ T cells have been identified.

Interpretation

This is the first study showing a molecular mimicry between HIV antigens an TAAs identified in breast, prostate and colon cancers. Therefore, it is highly reasonable that memory CD8+ T cells elicited during the HIV infection may play a key role in controlling development and progression of such cancers in the PLWHA lifetime. This represents the first demonstration ever that a viral infection may induce a natural “preventive” anti-cancer memory T cells, with highly relevant implications beyond the HIV infection.
Radiomics features for assessing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes correlate with molecular traits of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Su Guan-Hua , Xiao Yi , Jiang Lin , Zheng Ren-Cheng , Wang He , Chen Yan , Gu Ya-Jia , You Chao , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: October 2022

Background

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have become a promising biomarker for assessing tumor immune microenvironment and predicting immunotherapy response. However, the assessment of TILs relies on invasive pathological slides.

Methods

We retrospectively extracted radiomics features from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to develop a radiomic cohort of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (n = 139), among which 116 patients underwent transcriptomic sequencing. This radiomic cohort was randomly divided into the training cohort (n = 98) and validation cohort (n = 41) to develop radiomic signatures to predict the level of TILs through a non-invasive method. Pathologically evaluated TILs in the H&E sections were set as the gold standard. Elastic net and logistic regression were utilized to perform radiomics feature selection and model training, respectively. Transcriptomics was utilized to infer the detailed composition of the tumor microenvironment and to validate the radiomic signatures.

Results

We selected three radiomics features to develop a TILs-predicting radiomics model, which performed well in the validation cohort (AUC 0.790, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.638–0.943). Further investigation with transcriptomics verified that tumors with high TILs predicted by radiomics (Rad-TILs) presented activated immune-related pathways, such as antigen processing and presentation, and immune checkpoints pathways. In addition, a hot immune microenvironment, including upregulated T cell infiltration gene signatures, cytokines, costimulators and major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs), as well as more CD8+ T cells, follicular helper T cells and memory B cells, was found in high Rad-TILs tumors.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the feasibility of radiomics model in predicting TILs status and provided a method to make the features interpretable, which will pave the way toward precision medicine for TNBC.
Prediction of osteoporosis and osteopenia by routine computed tomography of the lumbar spine in different regions of interest
Authors: Yang Guangyue , Wang Hansong , Wu Zhufeng , Shi Yinyu , Zhao Yongfang
Published: October 2022

Background

We aimed to investigate the utility of Hounsfield units (HU) obtained from different regions of interest in opportunistic lumbar computed tomography (CT) to predict osteoporosis coupling with data of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Methods

A total of 100 patients who attended a university hospital in Shanghai, China, and had undergone CT and DXA tests of the lumbar spine within 3 months were included in this retrospective review. Images were reviewed on axial sections, and regions of interest (ROI) markers were placed on the round, oval, anterior, left, and right of the L1–L4 vertebra to measure the HU. The mean values of CT HU were then compared to the bone mineral density (BMD) measured by DXA. Receiver operator characteristic curves were generated to determine the threshold for diagnosis and its sensitivity and specificity values.

Results

The differences in CT HU of different ROI based on DXA definitions of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal individuals were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The HU values of the different ROI correlated well with the BMD values (Spearman coefficient all > 0.75, p < 0.01). The threshold for diagnosing osteoporosis varies from 87 to 111 HU in different ROIs, and the threshold for excluding osteoporosis or osteopenia is 99–125 HU.

Conclusion

This is the first study on osteoporosis diagnosis of different ROI with routine CT lumbar scans. There is a strong correlation between CT HU of different ROI in the lumbar spine and BMD, and HU measurements can be used to predict osteoporosis.
The relationship between glycated hemoglobin A1c levels and exacerbation status in the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Motamed Behrang , Alavi Foumani Ali , Tangestaninezhad Azita , Almasi Mohammad , Faraji Niloofar , Jafarinezhad Alireza
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study was performed in Razi Hospital, Rasht, Iran, between March 2016 and August 2018 on a population of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (56 as COPD exacerbation group and 56 as COPD stable group). Study variables include age, sex, occupation, body mass index (BMI), cigarette consumption, duration of COPD, annual hospitalization, dyspnea, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), FEV1, and FEV1/FVC indices.

Result

The mean age of the participants was 63.92 ± 10.75 years. There was a significant difference in the hospitalization between the patients with both exacerbation and normal state of COPD (P ≤ 0.001). HbA1c in the patients with exacerbation of COPD was significantly higher than stable status (P = 0.001). Logistic regression showed that HbA1c levels and hospitalization were predictors of exacerbation of COPD. HbA1c levels were statistically significant in terms of hospitalization in patients with COPD exacerbation. There was a significant difference between the HbA1c levels and MMRC in patients with COPD. The percentage of HbA1c was associated with exacerbation of COPD and HbA1c is a good predictor of disease severity in patients with COPD. It also shows that patients with COPD exacerbation and severe COPD are at the higher risk of hyperglycemia.
Characterisation of ethnic differences in DNA methylation between UK-resident South Asians and Europeans
Authors: Elliott Hannah R. , Burrows Kimberley , Min Josine L. , Tillin Therese , Mason Dan , Wright John , Santorelli Gillian , Davey Smith George , Lawlor Deborah A. , Hughes Alun D. , Chaturvedi Nishi , Relton Caroline L.
Published: October 2022

Ethnic differences in non-communicable disease risk have been described between individuals of South Asian and European ethnicity that are only partially explained by genetics and other known risk factors. DNA methylation is one underexplored mechanism that may explain differences in disease risk. Currently, there is little knowledge of how DNA methylation varies between South Asian and European ethnicities. This study characterised differences in blood DNA methylation between individuals of self-reported European and South Asian ethnicity from two UK-based cohorts: Southall and Brent Revisited and Born in Bradford. DNA methylation differences between ethnicities were widespread throughout the genome (n = 16,433 CpG sites, 3.4% sites tested). Specifically, 76% of associations were attributable to ethnic differences in cell composition with fewer effects attributable to smoking and genetic variation. Ethnicity-associated CpG sites were enriched for EWAS Catalog phenotypes including metabolites. This work highlights the need to consider ethnic diversity in epigenetic research.
Syrian females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a case series
Authors: Dehneh Nada , Jarjour Rami , Idelbi Sahar , Alibrahem Assad , Al Fahoum Sahar
Published: October 2022

Background

One of the most common types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an autosomal recessive disorder with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The classical form, defined by cortisol insufficiency, is accompanied by prenatal androgen excess causing variable masculinization degrees of external genitalia in babies with a 46, XX karyotype.

Cases presentation

These five case reports highlight the management of Syrian females aged between 0 and 32 years with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Two of the patients have been raised as males, while two had reconstructive surgery and one had hormonal therapy. Becoming mother was achieved by two patients

Conclusion

The integrated treatment of females with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia CAH, which includes appropriate surgical procedures and controlled hormonal therapy, gives these females the opportunity to live as they are, and perhaps as mothers in the future.
Species identification by MALDI-TOF MS and gap PCR–RFLP of non-aureus Staphylococcus, Mammaliicoccus, and Streptococcus spp. associated with sheep and goat mastitis
Authors: Rosa Nives Maria , Penati Martina , Fusar-Poli Sara , Addis Maria Filippa , Tola Sebastiana
Published: October 2022

Staphylococci and streptococci are common causes of intramammary infection in small ruminants, and reliable species identification is crucial for understanding epidemiology and impact on animal health and welfare. We applied MALDI-TOF MS and gap PCR–RFLP to 204 non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) and mammaliicocci (NASM) and to 57 streptococci isolated from the milk of sheep and goats with mastitis. The top identified NAS was Staphylococcus epidermidis (28.9%) followed by Staph. chromogenes (27.9%), haemolyticus (15.7%), caprae, and simulans (6.4% each), according to both methods (agreement rate, AR, 100%). By MALDI-TOF MS, 13.2% were Staph. microti (2.9%), xylosus (2.0%), equorum, petrasii and warneri (1.5% each), Staph. sciuri (now Mammaliicoccus sciuri, 1.0%), arlettae, capitis, cohnii, lentus (now M. lentus), pseudintermedius, succinus (0.5% each), and 3 isolates (1.5%) were not identified. PCR–RFLP showed 100% AR for Staph. equorum, warneri, arlettae, capitis, and pseudintermedius, 50% for Staph. xylosus, and 0% for the remaining NASM. The top identified streptococcus was Streptococcus uberis (89.5%), followed by Strep. dysgalactiae and parauberis (3.5% each) and by Strep. gallolyticus (1.8%) according to both methods (AR 100%). Only one isolate was identified as a different species by MALDI-TOF MS and PCR–RFLP. In conclusion, MALDI-TOF MS and PCR–RFLP showed a high level of agreement in the identification of the most prevalent NAS and streptococci causing small ruminant mastitis. Therefore, gap PCR–RFLP can represent a good identification alternative when MALDI-TOF MS is not available. Nevertheless, some issues remain for Staph. haemolyticus, minor NAS species including Staph. microti, and species of the novel genus Mammaliicoccus.
Generation of mitochondria-rich kidney organoids from expandable intermediate mesoderm progenitors reprogrammed from human urine cells under defined medium
Authors: Yuan Yapei , Chen Huan , Ou Sihua , Cai Baomei , Zhang Ruifang , Qin Yue , Pan Mengjie , Cao Shangtao , Pei Duanqing , Hou Fan Fan
Published: October 2022

Background

The kidneys require vast amounts of mitochondria to provide ample energy to reabsorb nutrients and regulate electrolyte, fluid, and blood pressure homeostasis. The lack of the human model hinders the investigation of mitochondria homeostasis related to kidney physiology and disease.

Results

Here, we report the generation of mitochondria-rich kidney organoids via partial reprogramming of human urine cells (hUCs) under the defined medium. First, we reprogrammed mitochondria-rich hUCs into expandable intermediate mesoderm progenitor like cells (U-iIMPLCs), which in turn generated nephron progenitors and formed kidney organoids in both 2D and 3D cultures. Cell fate transitions were confirmed at each stage by marker expressions at the RNA and protein levels, along with chromatin accessibility dynamics. Single cell RNA-seq revealed hUCs-induced kidney organoids (U-iKOs) consist of podocytes, tubules, and mesenchyme cells with 2D dominated with mesenchyme and 3D with tubule and enriched specific mitochondria function associated genes. Specific cell types, such as podocytes and proximal tubules, loop of Henle, and distal tubules, were readily identified. Consistent with these cell types, 3D organoids exhibited the functional and structural features of the kidney, as indicated by dextran uptake and transmission electron microscopy. These organoids can be further matured in the chick chorioallantoic membrane. Finally, cisplatin, gentamicin, and forskolin treatment led to anatomical abnormalities typical of kidney injury and altered mitochondria homeostasis respectively.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that U-iKOs recapitulate the structural and functional characteristics of the kidneys, providing a promising model to study mitochondria-related kidney physiology and disease in a personalized manner.
Accuracy of clinicians’ ability to predict the need for renal replacement therapy: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Sitbon Alexandre , Darmon Michael , Geri Guillaume , Jaubert Paul , Lamouche-Wilquin Pauline , Monet Clément , Le Fèvre Lucie , Baron Marie , Harlay Marie-Line , Bureau Côme , Joannes-Boyau Olivier , Dupuis Claire , Contou Damien , Lemiale Virginie , Simon Marie , Vinsonneau Christophe , Blayau Clarisse , Jacobs Frederic , Zafrani Lara
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Identifying patients who will receive renal replacement therapy (RRT) during intensive care unit (ICU) stay is a major challenge for intensivists. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of physicians in predicting the need for RRT at ICU admission and at acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnosis.

Methods

Prospective, multicenter study including all adult patients hospitalized in 16 ICUs in October 2020. Physician prediction was estimated at ICU admission and at AKI diagnosis, according to a visual Likert scale. Discrimination, risk stratification and benefit of physician estimation were assessed. Mixed logistic regression models of variables associated with risk of receiving RRT, with and without physician estimation, were compared.

Results

Six hundred and forty-nine patients were included, 270 (41.6%) developed AKI and 77 (11.8%) received RRT. At ICU admission and at AKI diagnosis, a model including physician prediction, the experience of the physician, SOFA score, serum creatinine and diuresis to determine need for RRT performed better than a model without physician estimation with an area under the ROC curve of 0.90 [95% CI 0.86–0.94, p < 0.008 (at ICU admission)] and 0.89 [95% CI 0.83–0.93, p = 0.0014 (at AKI diagnosis)]. In multivariate analysis, physician prediction was strongly associated with the need for RRT, independently of creatinine levels, diuresis, SOFA score and the experience of the doctor who made the prediction.

Conclusion

As physicians are able to stratify patients at high risk of RRT, physician judgement should be taken into account when designing new randomized studies focusing on RRT initiation during AKI.
Identifying existing approaches used to evaluate the sustainability of evidence-based interventions in healthcare: an integrative review
Authors: Flynn Rachel , Stevens Bonnie , Bains Arjun , Kennedy Megan , Scott Shannon D.
Published: October 2022

Background

There is limited evidence to evaluate the sustainability of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for healthcare improvement. Through an integrative review, we aimed to identify approaches to evaluate the sustainability of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) and sustainability outcomes.

Methods

Following Whittemore and Knafl’s methodological process: (1) problem identification; (2) literature search; (3) data evaluation; (4) data analysis; and (5) presentation, a comprehensive search strategy was applied across five databases. Included studies were not restricted by research design; and had to evaluate the sustainability of an EBI in a healthcare context. We assessed the methodological quality of studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

Of 18,783 articles retrieved, 64 fit the inclusion criteria. Qualitative designs were most commonly used for evaluation (48%), with individual interviews as the predominant data collection method. Timing of data collection varied widely with post-intervention data collection most frequent (89%). Of the 64 studies, 44% used a framework, 26% used a model, 11% used a tool, 5% used an instrument, and 14% used theory as their primary approach to evaluate sustainability. Most studies (77%) did not measure sustainability outcomes, rather these studies focused on sustainability determinants.

Discussion

It is unclear which approach/approaches are most effective for evaluating sustainability and what measures and outcomes are most commonly used. There is a disconnect between evaluating the factors that may shape sustainability and the outcomes approaches employed to measure sustainability. Our review offers methodological recommendations for sustainability evaluation research and highlights the importance in understanding mechanisms of sustainability to advance the field.
A service composition method using improved hybrid teaching learning optimization algorithm in cloud manufacturing
Authors: Zeng Jun , Yao Juan , Gao Min , Wen Junhao
Published: October 2022

In the cloud manufacturing process, service composition can combine a single service into a complex service to meet the task requirements. An efficient service composition strategy is crucial, as it affects the efficiency of resource and capacity sharing in the cloud manufacturing system. However, in the face of a large-scale environment, the existing methods have the problems of slow convergence and instability. To solve the problems above, we propose an improved optimization method, named improved-TC. Specifically, we are inspired by the horizontal crossover of CSO in the hybrid-TC teaching phase, the Hybrid-TC is proposed in our previous work, which is a hybrid of the teaching-learning-based optimization algorithm (TLBO) and the crisscross optimization algorithm (CSO). Improved-TC is an improvement on the learning phase of hybrid-TC algorithm, we change the search method of hybrid-TC in the learning phase to a one-dimensional search, thereby some dimensions in the population that are trapped in the local optimum have the chance to jump out of the iteration. Experiments show that our proposed method has a faster convergence speed and more stability in the face of service composition in large-scale environments.
Assessment of prescribing errors reported by community pharmacy professionals
Authors: Simegn Wudneh , Weldegerima Berhanemeskel , Seid Mohammed , Zewdie Ayal , Wondimsigegn Dawit , Abyu Chilot , Kasahun Asmamaw Emagn , Seid Abdulwase Mohammed , Sisay Gashaw , Yeshaw Yigizie
Published: October 2022

Background

Medication errors have serious consequences for patients’ morbidity and mortality. The involvement of pharmacy professionals in the prescribing and dispensing procedure allowed the detection of a range of drug-related problems in addition to identification by prescribers. They are often the first point of contact in the healthcare system in identifying prescribing errors and intervening in these errors by dealing with the prescribers and the patients.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess prescribing errors reported by community pharmacy professionals in Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia.

Methods

A self-administered cross-sectional survey was employed from February 29 to June 23, 2020, to collect data on prescribing errors reported by community pharmacy professionals. All community pharmacy professionals found in Gondar town were included. Community pharmacy professionals who were ill at the time of study and who had less than 6 months of work experience were excluded.

Results

Seventy-four pharmacy professionals participated in the study with a response rate of 93.6%. The overall prevalence of prescribing errors was 75.1% (95% CI 71.08–78.70). Of these errors, drug selection was the most common (82.4%), followed by errors of commission (79.7%) and errors of omission (78.4%). Antibiotics (63.5%) were commonly involved in prescribing errors, followed by analgesics (44.5%) and antipsychotics (39.5%).

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed a high prevalence of prescribing errors in Gondar, Ethiopia. Drug selection was the most prescribed error, followed by errors of commission. Stakeholders should design interventions such as training, integrating prescribers with clinical pharmacists and supervising interns by seniors. Large-scale studies that include potential factors of prescribing problems are recommended for future researchers.
Potential of UK and US newspapers for shaping patients' knowledge and perceptions about antidiabetic medicines: a content analysis
Authors: Syafhan Nadia Farhanah , Chen Gaoyun , Parsons Carole , McElnay James C.
Published: October 2022

Background

Information about how newspapers portray antidiabetic medicines to readers is lacking. This study investigated the reporting on antidiabetic medicines in the most widely circulated newspapers published in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) over a 10-year period.

Methods

The Nexis UK database was used to identify and select relevant articles. Systematic content analysis of the articles which met the inclusion criteria (articles of any format that contained reference to antidiabetic medicines) within the highest circulated newspapers in the UK and US between 2009 and 2018 was conducted. Inter-rater reliability of coding was established using a 10% sample of the identified articles.

Results

A total of 560 (369 UK and 191 US) relevant newspaper articles were retrieved. In the UK, the number of relevant articles showed a slightly increasing trend over the study period, while in the US, article numbers declined over the study period. Safety/risk of antidiabetic medicines was the most frequent theme covered by the articles (34.6%). Over one-third of the newspaper articles were written from a clinical perspective (37.7%). Insulin was the most commonly discussed class of antidiabetic medicine (23.1%). Control of blood sugar levels (53.1%) and side effects/toxicity (92.7%) were the most frequently reported benefit and risk of antidiabetic medicines, respectively. The most frequently reported organ systems harmed by antidiabetic medicines were the cardiovascular, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. The UK newspapers were more likely to report the benefits of antidiabetic medicines (p = 0.005), while the US articles were more likely to report on harms/risks (p = 0.001). The majority of relevant articles (91.8%) were judged as having a balanced judgement, while 8.2% of the articles were rated as exaggerated.

Conclusions

This study has revealed that antidiabetic medicines are indeed reported on by UK and US newspapers. As media portrayal has the potential to negatively or positively influence patients’ views of their medication for diabetes, healthcare professionals should check on patients’ beliefs and knowledge about their medication and proactively provide objective and balanced information (including promotion of medication adherence).
Bispectral index: the current tool for monitoring unintended awareness and depth of anesthesia
Authors: Chhanwal Heena , Kheskani Divya , Gandhi Parita , Shah Meet Bhadresh , Makwana Devendra , Rathod Vasu
Published: October 2022

Background

Awareness under general anesthesia is an unpleasant phenomenon that usually goes unnoticed and neglected. Numerous incidences of intraoperative awareness are not reported. Reasons for awareness might be the inadequate depth of anesthesia, less effective drugs, lack of proper anesthesia monitoring equipment, and untrained medical staff.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate intraoperative awareness during general anesthesia and titrate the amount of anesthetic agents according to BIS values among patients and monitor hemodynamic parameters throughout the surgery.

Results

The intraoperative awareness reported was 2% in the BIS group and 8% in the non-BIS group. The total propofol consumption in the BIS group was significantly less as compared to the non-BIS group (P value<0.0001).

Conclusions

The incidence of definite awareness with postoperative recall and propofol consumption was reduced in the BIS group as compared to the non-BIS group.
Design and implementation of a simple and inexpensive respiratory synchronization control platform
Authors: Doyle John
Published: October 2022

Background

In a number of clinical and research settings, it is desirable to have an individual breathe in a particular fixed pattern (respiratory synchronized breathing). The purpose of this brief technical report is to show how a control system for this purpose can be easily and inexpensively developed using an Arduino UNO microcontroller platform.

Results

We programmed an Arduino UNO microcontroller to develop a respiratory timing system with selectable respiratory rate and inspiratory to expiratory ratio. Test subjects are instructed to breathe in when the light-emitting diode (LED) is illuminated and breathe out when the LED is dark. Both the duration of inspiration and that of expiration can be easily adjusted by the user to meet various requirements. The system was tested and found to function satisfactorily.

Conclusions

An Arduino UNO microcontroller was used to develop a respiratory timing system. This platform is likely to be of value to clinicians and investigators looking for a simple and inexpensive system for respiratory synchronized breathing.
Impact of older age at Fontan completion on mid-term survival
Authors: Aurora Ruth Grace , Prakoso Radityo , Fakhri Dicky , Sakidjan Indriwanto , Siagian Sisca Natalia , Almazini Prima , Lilyasari Oktavia
Published: October 2022

Background

The optimum age of Fontan completion remains unknown. Currently, the majority of centers worldwide are performing Fontan completion at 2–4 years of age. In Indonesia, lack of awareness and limited resources probably explain why patients seek treatment at advanced stage. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of older age at Fontan completion on mid-term survival.

Results

A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed on 261 patients who underwent Fontan completion between 2008 and 2019 and survived to discharge. The patients were followed up until April 2020, with a median follow-up period of 3 years (range 0–12 years). The median age was 5 years (range 2–24 years). The survival rates of patients with the age at operation ≤ 6 years and > 6 years were 92.1% and 82.8%, respectively. A subgroup analysis showed that the survival rates for age < 4 years, 4–6 years (reference age), 6–8 years, 8–10 years, 10–18 years, and > 18 years were 85.7%, 94.8%, 85.4%, 78.8%, 85.7%, and 66.7%, respectively. Age at Fontan completion of > 6 years (HR 3.84; p = 0.020) was associated with a lower 12-year survival rate. The age at operation of 8–10 years (HR 6.79; p = 0.022) and > 18 years (HR 15.30; p = 0.006) had the worst survival rates.

Conclusions

An older age at Fontan completion (> 6 years) significantly reduced mid-term survival rate. The age at Fontan of 8–10 years and > 18 years had higher risk of mid-term death than age of 4–6 years.
Diet-induced insulin resistance altered cardiac GLUT4 and FATP/CD36 expression in rats
Authors: Afolabi Oladele Ayobami , Alabi Babatunde Adebola , Oluranti Olufemi
Published: October 2022

Background

Altered substrate transport protein expression is central to the effect of insulin resistance on cardiac metabolism. The present study was thus designed to investigate the comparative effects of high fat, high sucrose and salt-induced IR on cardiac expression of fatty acid transporter (FATP) and glucose transporter (GLUT4) in rats.

Results

Rats fed with high fat, high sucrose and salt diets developed impaired glucose tolerance (p > 0.05) and hyperinsulinemia (p < 0.05) compared with control group. Myocardial glucose transporter expression was significantly increased (p < 0.001 for salt-induced IR; p < 0.01 for sucrose-induced IR; p < 0.01 for fat-induced IR) across all IR groups compared with control. Fatty acid transporter expression was also increased (p < 0.001) in high salt diet-induced IR rats, and high fat diet-induced IR rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that salt and not caloric excess has a potential role in IR alteration of myocardial substrate transport protein expression in the rat.
Comparison of serum IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP1-6 concentration in the children with different stages of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Mashayekhi Farhad , Shabani Somayeh , Salehi Zivar
Published: October 2022

Aim of the study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition considered by early-onset difficulties in social communication. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) play crucial roles in synapse formation. Most of circulating IGFs are bound to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) that modify IGF action. IGFBPs prolong the plasma half-life of IGFs. In this project we studied the association of IGF1/2 and IGFBP1-6 serum concentration with the severity of ASD (Levels 1-3; Mild, Moderate and severe, respectively).

Subject or material and methods

A hundred and eighty patients with ASD (Mild; n=69, Moderate; n=58 and Severe; n=53) and 118 controls age matched were used in this project and IGF1/2 and IGFBP1-6 serum concentration were measured by ELISA.

Results

The results demonstrated that IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP1-6 were present in all serum samples. The results showed that the concentration of IGF1 and IGF2 was significantly higher in ASD patients when compared to controls, starting from stages I to III ASD, a significant increase of IGF1 and IGF2 serum concentration was observed. Results obtained also showed that IGFBP1-6 concentration in the ASD group were lower when compared to controls and low serum IGFBP1-6 concentration is associated with advanced stages of ASD.

Discussion

IGFs plays important role in synapse formation and changes in IGFs expression may be important in the pathogenesis of ASD.

Conclusions

It is suggested that IGFs and IGFBPs may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Therefore, the detection of serum soluble IGFs and IGFBPs may be useful in classifying ASD.
Temperament and character as a predictor of response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in patients with Major depressive disorder
Authors: Nadi Sakhvidi Mohammad , Namdari Mahshid , Shayegh Samira , Hosseini Fatemeh , Kholaseh zadeh Golrasteh , Bozorg Bonnie , Salimi Zanireh , Amini Fariba , Bidaki Reza
Published: October 2022

Aim of the study

Personality is one of the most important factors affecting the treatment course of patients with psychiatric disorders. The present study aimed to find the possible relationship between personality factors and response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors treatment for major depression.

Subject or material and methods

In the present prospective study, one hundred and seven patients with mild or moderate depression treated with citalopram, sertraline or fluoxetine for two months. Every patients were evaluated by Hamilton depression test (as pre-test and post-test) and Temperament and Character Inventory (as pre-test) and their response to treatment evaluated base on their Hamilton depression test. The collected data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi- square, Pearson's correlation coefficients tests and logistic regression.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 39.7 years and most of the population were female (71.9%). The results showed that decrease in RD (OR=0.85, P=0.05) and age (OR=0.93, P=0.003), and increase in CO score (OR=1.32, P<0.001) had a significant effect on the likelihood of being responsive to the treatment.

Discussion

The present study demonstrated that the cooperativeness could be considered as an appropriate predictor of treatment response among responders and non-responders. The investigation of four groups revealed that those with complete response had higher cooperativeness and lower novelty seeking while the non-responsive group had higher Persistence and self-transcendence.

Conclusions

Temperament and character or at least some of their traits may predispose response to depression treatment.
Clinical Recommendations for Addressing Impasses in Long-Term Psychotherapy
Authors: Hernandez Silvia , Overholser James , McCarthy Kevin
Published: October 2022

Many clients benefit from psychotherapy sessions that extend across months or years. However, there is a risk for therapeutic impasse in long-term psychotherapy in which the work can become repetitive or with limited gains over time. The current paper provides five transtheoretical principles to increase the impetus in long-term therapy. The five principles include: planful spontaneity, habitual creativity, pushing the limits of the therapeutic alliance, guided discovery, and specific broad goals. The therapist is encouraged to share responsibility for creative flexibility with the client in each session, including within the therapeutic alliance and the real relationship. The therapist can use a series of questions to promote a process of guided discovery. A clear focus on principles of psychology and goals that reflect maintenance of gains, development of strengths, and promotion of enrichment can ensure that the therapy continues to produce change over the length of the relationship.
The role of the attachment relation in the pathogenesis of auditory hallucinations – literature overview
Authors: Subocz Dawid
Published: October 2022

Objective: The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of the attachment relation in the pathogenesis of auditory hallucinations. The article holistically integrates the knowledge about the attachment relation with cognitive and biological factors.
Materials and method: The literature overview was compiled using the following databases: EBSCO, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar. The databases were searched using the following keywords: „secure”, „disorganized”, „epigenetic”, „genetic”, „auditory hallucinations” and the term „monoaminergic system”. These words were combined with the term „attachment style”.
Results: The literature analysis suggests that neurobiological and cognitive factors mediate in the pathomechamism affiliating traumatic experience in the attachment relation with auditory hallucinations These include: dysregulation within the monoaminergic systems, atrophy of the temporal areas and cognitive distortions such as source monitoring errors and negative automatic thoughts.
Discussion and conclusions: Cognitive dysfunctions along with hereditary genetic susceptibility to auditory hallucinations may constitute factors distorting the correct interpretation of traumatic intrusions of relational experience. Future research should verify to what extent auditory hallucinations are the memory marks of a relational trauma. Verification of these hypotheses will enable better understanding of the role of the attachment styles in the development of auditory hallucinations and the formation of convictions about them.
Editorial
Authors: Cyranka Katarzyna
Published: October 2022

The autumn aura confronts us with the passing of time. The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has become a symbol of transition for all of us, uniting billions of people around the world in reflection and wistfulness. Changes and integration have been topics that psychiatry and psychotherapy have been facing for centuries. Ability to deal with suffering and pain, illness and loss, but also to be open to changes and novelty, to search for hope and renovation. In our autumn issue of APP, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the set of as always interesting and innovative publications, in which the authors try to take on these challenges.
Sylwia Michałowska discusses essential and sensitive topic of sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and body image in patients with BRCA mutation after prophylactic mastectomy and/or adnexectomy. She shows that there are relationships between body assessment and sexual satisfaction as well as between body assessment and relationship satisfaction, and that there are differences in these areas between the groups of women who performed preventive mastectomy, adnexectomy, both procedures or non.
An identity on automorphisms of Lie ideals in prime rings
Authors:   Aligarh Muslim University, Rehmam N.
Published: October 2022

In the present paper it is shown that a prime ring R with center Z satisfies s4, the standard identity in fourvariables if R admits a non-identity automorphismσsuch that [u, v]−um[uσ,u]nuσ∈Z for all u in some noncentral ideal L of R, whenever char (R)>n+m or char(R)=0, where n and m are fixed positive integer.
A virtually 2-step nilpotent group with polynomial geodesic growth
Authors:   University of Technology Sydney, Bishop Alex , Elder Murray ,   University of Technology Sydney
Published: October 2022

A direct consequence of Gromov's theorem is that if a group has polynomial geodesic growth with respect to some finite generating set then it is virtually nilpotent. However, until now the only examples known were virtually abelian. In this note we furnish an example of a virtually 2-step nilpotent group having polynomial geodesic growth with respect to a certain finite generating set.
A note on modular group algebras with upper Lie nilpotency indices
Authors:   M. M. M. University of Technology, Bhatt Suchi , Chandra Harish ,   M. M. M. University of Technology
Published: October 2022

Let KG be the modular group algebra of anarbitrary group G over a field K of characteristic p>0. In thispaper we give some improvements of upper Lie nilpotency indext L(KG) of the group algebra KG. It can be seen that if KG is Lie nilpotent, then its lower as well as upper Lie nilpotency index is atleast p+1. In this way the classification of group algebras KG with next upper Lie nilpotency indext L(KG) up to 9p−7 have alreadybeen classified. Furthermore, we give a complete classification ofmodular group algebraKGfor which the upper Lie nilpotency index is 10p−8.
Conjugate Laplacian eigenvalues of co-neighbour graphs
Authors:   Tezpur University, Paul Somnath
Published: October 2022

Let G be a simple graph of order n. A vertex subset is called independent if its elements are pairwise non-adjacent. Two vertices in G are co-neighbour vertices if they share the same neighbours. Clearly, if S is a set of pairwise co-neighbour vertices of a graph G, then S is an independent set of G. Let c=a+b√m and c=a−b√m, where a and b are two nonzero integers and m is a positive integer such that m is not a perfect square. In [M. Lepovic, On conjugate adjacency matrices of a graph, Discrete Mathematics, 307, 730-738, 2007], the author defined the matrix Ac(G)=[cij]n to be the conjugate adjacency matrix of G, if cij=c for any two adjacent vertices i and j, cij=c for any two nonadjacent vertices i and j,and cij= 0 if i=j. In [S. Paul, Conjugate Laplacian matrices of a graph, Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms and Applications, 10, 1850082, 2018], the author defined the conjugate Laplacian matrix of graphs and described various properties of its eigenvalues and eigenspaces. In this article, we determine certain properties of the conjugate Laplacian eigenvalues and the eigenvectors of a graph with co-neighbour vertices.