bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of turbulent diffusion and back-reaction on the dust distribution around two resonant planets
Authors: Marzari Francesco , D’Angelo Gennaro
Published: January 2023

In evolved and dusty circumstellar discs, two planets with masses comparable to Jupiter and Saturn that migrate outwards while maintaining an orbital resonance can produce distinctive features in the dust distribution. Dust accumulates at the outer edge of the common gas gap, which behaves as a dust trap, where the local dust concentration is significantly enhanced by the planets’ outward motion. Concurrently, an expanding cavity forms in the dust distribution inside the planets’ orbits, because dust does not filter through the common gaseous gap and grain depletion in the region continues via inward drifting. There is no cavity in the gas distribution because gas can filter through the gap, although ongoing gas accretion on the planets can reduce the gas density in the inner disc. Such behaviour was demonstrated by means of simulations neglecting the effects of dust diffusion due to turbulence and of dust backreaction on the gas. Both effects may alter the formation of the dust peak at the gap outer edge and of the inner dust cavity, by letting grains filter through the dust trap. We performed high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations of the coupled evolution of gas and dust species, the latter treated as pressureless fluids, in the presence of two giant planets. We show that diffusion and backreaction can change some morphological aspects of the dust distribution but do not alter some main features, such as the outer peak and the expanding inner cavity. These findings are confirmed for different parametrizations of gas viscosity.
Introduction
Authors: De Castro Juan E. , López-Calvo Ignacio
Published: January 2023

The Introduction to The Oxford Handbook to the Latin American Novel presents a historical and critical frame to the essays included in the volume. It begins with a brief overview of anglophone responses to the region’s narrative: from the indifference of influential critics like Edmund Wilson and Lionel Trilling during the first half of the twentieth century; to the enthusiasm of the 1960s, under the spell of the Cuban Revolution and the novels of the so-called Boom, such as One Hundred Years of Solitude; to the cooling off of this interest after the 1970s with the Post-Boom. The Introduction also looks at the history of the region’s novel, highlighting its relationship with the earlier Peninsular narrative of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, as well as with the historical texts written by Spaniard, Criollos, and Mestizos. It finally looks at the divisions and traditions that are included in the Latin American novel, such as that between Lusophone Brazil and the rest of the region, as well as that of the novel written by women and the traditions established by indigenous, Afro-Latin American, Asian-Latin American, Arab-Latin American. LGBTQ+ authors, among other groups.
The Latin American Novel in the 1960s and Early 1970s
Authors: De Castro Juan E.
Published: January 2023

This chapter reviews the Latin American novel written in Spanish during the 1960s and 1970s, a period often known as the Boom. In particular, it studies the relationship between the main Boom authors—Julio Cortázar, Carlos Fuentes, Gabriel García Márquez, and Mario Vargas—and their contemporaries with the region’s modernist narrative, which began in the 1920s. It also looks at the connections between this literary Boom, acclaimed worldwide, with the economic, commercial, and political realities that made it possible. It also considers some of the authors that were excluded from the Boom, such as José María Arguedas. Elena Garro, or Rosario Castellanos, and the reasons underlying these exclusions. Finally, it looks at some of the narrative trends that arose during the 1970s and that signaled the passing of the high-modernist Boom aesthetic.
An Interventional Response Phenotyping Study in Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for a Mechanistic Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hassett Afton L , Williams David A , Harris Richard E , Harte Steven E , Kaplan Chelsea M , Schrepf Andrew , Kratz Anna L , Brummett Chad M , Kidwell Kelley M , Tsodikov Alexander , Shaikh Sana , Murphy Susan L , Lobo Remy , King Anthony , Favorite Todd , Fisher Laura , Golmirzaie Goodarz M , Kohns David J , Schneiderhan Jill R , Mawla Ishtiaq , Ichesco Eric , McAfee Jenna , Wasserman Ronald A , Banner Elizabeth , Scott Kathy A , Cole Courtney , Clauw Daniel J
Published: January 2023

Evidence-based treatments for chronic low back pain (cLBP) typically work well in only a fraction of patients, and at present there is little guidance regarding what treatment should be used in which patients. Our central hypothesis is that an interventional response phenotyping study can identify individuals with different underlying mechanisms for their pain who thus respond differentially to evidence-based treatments for cLBP. Thus, we will conduct a randomized controlled Sequential, Multiple Assessment, Randomized Trial (SMART) design study in cLBP with the following three aims. Aim 1: Perform an interventional response phenotyping study in a cohort of cLBP patients (n = 400), who will receive a sequence of interventions known to be effective in cLBP. For 4 weeks, all cLBP participants will receive a web-based pain self-management program as part of a run-in period, then individuals who report no or minimal improvement will be randomized to: a) mindfulness-based stress reduction, b) physical therapy and exercise, c) acupressure self-management, and d) duloxetine. After 8 weeks, individuals who remain symptomatic will be re-randomized to a different treatment for an additional 8 weeks. Using those data, we will identify the subsets of participants that respond to each treatment. In Aim 2, we will show that currently available, clinically derived measures, can predict differential responsiveness to the treatments. In Aim 3, a subset of participants will receive deeper phenotyping (n = 160), to identify new experimental measures that predict differential responsiveness to the treatments, as well as to infer mechanisms of action. Deep phenotyping will include functional neuroimaging, quantitative sensory testing, measures of inflammation, and measures of autonomic tone.
The Fokker–Planck formalism for closed bosonic strings
Authors: Ishibashi Nobuyuki
Published: January 2023

Every Riemann surface with genus g and n punctures admits a hyperbolic metric, if 2g − 2 + n > 0. Such a surface can be decomposed into pairs of pants whose boundaries are geodesics. We construct a string field theory for closed bosonic strings based on this pants decomposition. In order to do so, we derive a recursion relation satisfied by the off-shell amplitudes, using Mirzakhani’s scheme for computing integrals over the moduli space of bordered Riemann surfaces. The recursion relation can be turned into a string field theory via the Fokker–Planck formalism. The Fokker–Planck Hamiltonian consists of kinetic terms and three-string vertices. Unfortunately, the worldsheet BRST symmetry is not manifest in the theory thus constructed. We will show that the invariance can be made manifest by introducing auxiliary fields.
Consequences of coronavirus disease in women with breast cancer
Authors: Cvetkovic Jovana Lj
Published: January 2023

Background

The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic produces widespread concerns, fear and stress throughout the world, and our country is no exception in that regard, which is a natural and normal human reaction to this inconsistent and uncertain situation for us all.

Methods

For the purpose of this study a sociodemographic questionnaire was devised as well as a Serbian version of the self-reported Depression, anxiety and stress scale-21.

Results

The average age ± [standard deviation (SD)] of the participants in the study was 49.20 ± 11.2 years. Regarding the depression score, 55/93 examinees (59.13%) had a normal score in the first examination, whereas in the second it rose to 57/93 (61.29%) and in the third it was 52/93 (58.06%). A normal anxiety score in March 2020 was seen in 52/93 (55.91%), whereas in September that year it was 53/93 (56.98%) and in March 2021 it was 39/93 (41.93%). The average value of stress score at the measurement in March 2020 was 5.51, lower in September (4.92) and in March 2021 it was 5.63.

Conclusion

The results of this study refer to the process of clinical assessment and monitoring of breast cancer patients with evident symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Adequate counseling about COVID-19 is therefore a priority in an attempt to alleviate its psychological impact in these patients.
Trust, Transparency, and Complexity
Authors: Thakor Richard T , Merton Robert C
Published: January 2023

This paper develops a theory that generates an equilibrium relationship between product complexity, transparency, and trust in firms. Complexity, transparency, and the evolution of trust are all endogenous, and equilibrium transparency is nonmonotonic. The least-trusted firms choose the lowest product complexity, remain opaque, and substitute ex ante third-party verification for information disclosure and trust. Firms with an intermediate level of trust choose an intermediate level of complexity and transparency through disclosure, with more trusted firms choosing greater complexity and lower transparency. The most-trusted firms choose maximum complexity while remaining opaque, eschewing both verification and disclosure.
Reduced digestion of circulating genomic DNA in systemic sclerosis patients with the DNASE1L3 R206C variant
Authors: Skaug Brian , Guo Xinjian , Li Yuanteng Jeff , Charles Julio , Pham Kay T , Couturier Jacob , Lewis Dorothy E , Bracaglia Claudia , Caiello Ivan , Mayes Maureen D , Assassi Shervin
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Polymorphism in a coding region of deoxyribonuclease I-like III (DNASE1L3), causing amino acid substitution of Arg-206 to Cys (R206C), is a robustly replicated heritable risk factor for SSc and other autoimmune diseases. DNASE1L3 is secreted into the circulation, where it can digest genomic DNA (gDNA) in apoptosis-derived membrane vesicles (AdMVs). We sought to determine the impact of DNASE1L3 R206C on digestion of circulating gDNA in SSc patients and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

The ability of DNASE1L3 to digest AdMV-associated gDNA was tested in vitro. The effect of R206C substitution on extracellular secretion of DNASE1L3 was determined using a transfected cell line and primary monocyte-derived dendritic cells from SSc patients. Plasma samples from SSc patients and HCs with DNASE1L3 R206C or R206 wild type were compared for their ability to digest AdMV-associated gDNA. The digestion status of endogenous gDNA in plasma samples from 123 SSc patients and 74 HCs was determined by measuring the proportion of relatively long to short gDNA fragments.

Results

The unique ability of DNASE1L3 to digest AdMV-associated gDNA was confirmed. Extracellular secretion of DNASE1L3 R206C was impaired. Plasma from individuals with DNASE1L3 R206C had reduced ability to digest AdMV-associated gDNA. The ratio of long: short gDNA fragments was increased in plasma from SSc patients with DNASE1L3 R206C, and this ratio correlated inversely with DNase activity.

Conclusion

Our results confirm that circulating gDNA is a physiological DNASE1L3 substrate and show that its digestion is reduced in SSc patients with the DNASE1L3 R206C variant.
Factors Associated with Chinese Migrant Children’s Social Engagement during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in Guangzhou City, China
Authors: Huang Dan , Lin Wenyi , Luo Yingting
Published: January 2023

This study aims to examine whether social work services can improve migrant children’s social engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic in urban China. Valid questionnaires of 416 migrant children in Guangzhou were obtained as the samples. Two regression models were employed to analyze the factors associated with social engagement. The results show that during the pandemic, migrant children with higher self-efficacy, higher community social capital, and better social inclusion tended to have higher social engagement. Among the three dimensions of social capital, only community social capital has a significant positive effect on migrant children’s social engagement. The degree of social inclusion of migrant children affects their social engagement. Social work services are beneficial to promoting the social engagement of migrant children. The research has implications for the practice of child social workers. First, it is important to cultivate migrant children’s self-efficacy to promote social engagement. Second, social workers should build the social capital of the communities where migrant children live to promote the social engagement of this group. Third, social workers should strengthen support for migrant children’s learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using precision tools to manage and evaluate the effects of mineral and protein/energy supplements fed to grazing beef heifers
Authors: McCarthy Kacie L , Underdahl Sarah R , Undi Michael , Dahlen Carl R
Published: January 2023

Our objectives were to develop a Mobile Cow Command Center (MCCC) capable of precision monitoring of grazing heifers to 1) examine the relationship between supplement intake on concentrations of liver mineral and blood metabolites and 2) examine activity, reproductive, and health behavior. Yearling crossbred Angus heifers (N = 60; initial BW = 400.4 ± 6.2 kg) were fitted with radio frequency identification ear tags that allowed access to electronic feeders (SmartFeed system; C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD), and with activity monitoring tags (CowManager B.V., the Netherlands) that monitored reproductive, feeding, and health-associated behaviors. Heifers were assigned randomly to one of three treatments for a 57-day monitoring period: 1) no supplement (CON; N = 20), 2) free choice mineral (MIN; Purina Wind and Rain Storm [Land O’Lakes, Inc.], N = 20), or 3) free choice energy and mineral supplement (NRG; Purina Accuration Range Supplement 33 with added MIN [Land O’Lakes, Inc.], N = 20). Consecutive day body weights, blood, and liver biopsies were collected at pasture turnout and final day of monitoring. By design, mineral intake was greatest in MIN heifers (49 ± 37 g/d) and energy supplement intake was greatest in NRG heifers (1,257 ± 37 g/d). Final BW and ADG were similar among treatments (P > 0.42). Concentrations of glucose on day 57 were greater (P = 0.01) in NRG compared with CON and MIN heifers. Liver concentrations of Se and Fe on day 57 were greater (P < 0.05) in NRG heifers than CON, with MIN being intermediate. Activity tags reported NRG heifers spent less time eating (P < 0.0001) and more time (P < 0.0001) being “highly active” than MIN with CON heifers being intermediate. Data retrieved from activity tags identified 16 of 28 pregnant heifers exhibiting some type of estrus-associated behavior even after confirmation of established pregnancy. The activity monitoring system triggered a total of 146 health alerts from 34 of the 60 heifers monitored, but only 3 heifers of the heifers initiating an electronic health alert needed clinical treatment. However, animal care staff identified nine additional heifers that required treatment for which no electronic health alert was generated. The electronic feeders successfully controlled intake of individual heifers managed in groups pastures; however, the activity monitoring system misrepresented estrus and health events.
Using heat plumes to simulate post-fire effects on cambial viability and hydraulic performance in Sequoia sempervirens stems
Authors: Salladay Ryan A , Pittermann Jarmila
Published: January 2023

Injury to the xylem and vascular cambium is proposed to explain mortality following low severity fires. These tissues have been assessed independently, but the relative significance of the xylem and cambium is still uncertain. The goal of this study is to evaluate the xylem dysfunction hypothesis and cambium necrosis hypothesis simultaneously. The hot dry conditions of a low severity fire were simulated in a drying oven, exposing Sequoia sempervirens (Lamb. ex D. Don) shoots to 70 and 100 °C for 6–60 min. Cambial viability was measured with Neutral Red stain and water transport capacity was assessed by calculating the loss of hydraulic conductivity. Vulnerability curves were also constructed to determine susceptibility to drought-induced embolism following heat exposure. The vascular cambium died completely at 100 °C after only 6 min of heat exposure, while cells remained viable at 70 °C temperatures for up to 15 min. Sixty minutes of exposure to 70 °C reduced stem hydraulic conductivity by 40%, while 45 min at 100 °C caused complete loss of conductivity. The heat treatments dropped hydraulic conductivity irrecoverably but did not significantly impact post-fire vulnerability to embolism. Overall, the damaging effects of high temperature occurred more rapidly in the vascular cambium than xylem following heat exposure. Importantly, the xylem remained functional until the most extreme treatments, long after the vascular cambium had died. Our results suggest that the viability of the vascular cambium may be more critical to post-fire survival than xylem function in S. sempervirens. Given the complexity of fire, we recommend ground-truthing the cambial and xylem post-fire response on a diverse range of species.
Ring- and diffuse-porous tree species from a cold temperate forest diverge in stem hydraulic traits, leaf photosynthetic traits, growth rate and altitudinal distribution
Authors: Yin Xiao-Han , Hao Guang-You , Sterck Frank
Published: January 2023

In cold and humid temperate forests, low temperature, late frost and frequent freeze–thaw cycles are the main factors limiting tree growth and survival. Ring- and diffuse-porous tree species differing in xylem anatomy coexist in these forests, but their divergent adaptations to these factors have been poorly explored. To fill this knowledge gap, we compared four ring-porous and four diffuse-porous tree species from the same temperate forest in Northeast China by quantifying their leaf and stem functional traits, their stem growth rates using tree ring analysis and their resistance to cold represented by upper altitude species distribution borders from survey data. We found that the ring-porous trees were characterized by traits related to more rapid water transport, carbon gain and stem growth rates than those of the diffuse-porous species. Compared with the diffuse-porous species, the ring-porous species had a significantly higher shoot hydraulic conductance (Ks-shoot, 0.52 vs 1.03 kg m−1 s−1 MPa−1), leaf photosynthetic rate (An, 11.28 vs 15.83 μmol m−2 s−1), relative basal area increment (BAIr, 2.28 vs 0.72 cm year−1) and stem biomass increment (M, 0.34 vs 0.09 kg year−1 m−1). However, the observed upper elevational distribution limit of the diffuse-porous species was higher than that of the ring-porous species and was associated with higher values of conservative traits, such as longer leaf life span (R2 = 0.52). Correspondingly, BAIr and M showed significant positive correlations with acquisitive traits such as Ks-shoot (R2 = 0.77) and leaf photosynthetic rate (R2 = 0.73) across the eight species, with the ring-porous species occurring at the fast-acquisitive side of the spectrum and the diffuse-porous species located on the opposite side. The observed contrasts in functional traits between the two species groups improved our understanding of their differences in terms of growth strategies and adaptive capabilities in the cold, humid temperate forests.
Red pigments in autumn leaves of Norway maple do not offer significant photoprotection but coincide with stress symptoms
Authors: Mattila Heta , Tyystjärvi Esa
Published: January 2023

The reasons behind autumn colors, a striking manifestation of anthocyanin synthesis in plants, are poorly understood. Usually, not all leaves of an anthocyanic plant turn red or only a part of the leaf blade turns red. In the present study, we compared green, red and yellow sections of senescing Norway maple leaves, asking if red pigments offer photoprotection, and if so, whether the protection benefits the senescing tree. Green and senescing maple leaves were illuminated with strong white, green or red light in the absence or presence of lincomycin which blocks photosystem II (PSII) repair. Irrespective of the presence of anthocyanins, senescing leaves showed weaker capacity to repair PSII than green leaves. Furthermore, the rate of photoinhibition of PSII did not significantly differ between red and yellow sections of senescing maple leaves. We also followed pigment contents and photosynthetic reactions in individual leaves, from the end of summer until abscission of the leaf. In maple, red pigments accumulated only during late senescence, but light reactions stayed active until most of the chlorophyll had been degraded. PSII activity was found to be lower and non-photochemical quenching higher in red leaf sections, compared with yellow sections of senescing leaves. Red leaf sections were also thicker. We suggest that the primary function of anthocyanin synthesis is not to protect senescing leaves from excess light but to dispose of carbohydrates. This would relieve photosynthetic control, allowing the light reactions to produce energy for nutrient translocation at the last phase of autumn senescence when carbon skeletons are no longer needed.
Clinical Effects and Adverse Events Associated With Desflurane Use in Adult Patients Undergoing Supratentorial Craniotomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gkantinas Georgios , Tataki Eleni Ι. , Lykoudis Panagis M. , Lelekaki Eleftheria , Kouki Pinelopi
Published: January 2023

Desflurane is an inhalational anesthetic agent with an appealing recovery profile. The present systematic review investigates the clinical effects and adverse events associated with desflurane use during supratentorial craniotomy for brain tumor resection in adults in comparison with other inhalational and intravenous anesthetic agents. A literature search was conducted across the MEDLINE, Library of Congress and LISTA (EBSCO) databases from January 2001 to January 2021. Twelve studies published between 2003 and 2020 were included in this systematic review. Desflurane was compared with either isoflurane, sevoflurane, or propofol for anesthesia maintenance. Brain relaxation scores showed no statistically significant difference between desflurane and the other anesthetic agents. Recovery timepoints, such as time to recovery, time to eye opening, time to extubation, time to follow commands, and time to reach a modified Aldrete score ≥9 were significantly shorter with desflurane in the majority of studies. Systemic hemodynamic variables (mean arterial pressure and heart rate) and cerebral hemodynamics (intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure) were comparable between desflurane and other anesthetic agents in each study. The results of this systematic review demonstrate that desflurane is associated with few adverse events when used for anesthesia maintenance in adult patients undergoing supratentorial brain tumor surgery. Large, prospective, comprehensive studies, utilizing standardized parameter evaluation could provide higher levels of evidence to support these findings.
Ability of clock drawing errors on Mini-Cog test to predict development of delirium after major urological cancer surgery
Authors: Yajima Shugo , Nakanishi Yasukazu , Matsumoto Shunya , Okubo Naoya , Tanabe Kenji , Kataoka Madoka , Masuda Hitoshi
Published: January 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the clock drawing test (CDT) on postoperative delirium and compare the abilities of the mini-cognitive (Mini-Cog) test and the CDT for predicting postoperative delirium after major urological cancer surgery.

Materials and methods

In this single-center retrospective observational study, we collected the medical records of patients who underwent major urologic cancer surgery and preoperative cognitive screening based on the Mini-Cog test consisting of the CDT and the 3-word recall task at our department in 2020–2021 (n = 387). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the clinical risk factors for postoperative delirium. We also compared the ability of the CDT alone and the Mini-Cog test consisting of the CDT and 3-word recall task to predict postoperative delirium.

Results

A total of 117 patients (30%) had abnormal CDT results. Postoperative delirium occurred in 29 patients (7%). On multivariate analysis, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ≥3 (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; p = 0.01), abnormal CDT (OR, 4.8; p < 0.001), preoperative benzodiazepine use (OR, 4.9; p < 0.001), and operative time ≥237 minutes (OR, 3.0; p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for postoperative delirium. The area under the curve for predicting postoperative delirium was 0.709 for CDT alone and 0.743 for the Mini-Cog test. No significant intergroup difference was observed (p = 0.43).

Conclusions

The CDT served as a formal but simple tool with adequate predictive power to identify the risk of postoperative delirium among patients undergoing major urological cancer surgery. Effective screening using the CDT might help provide optimal urological care for older patients.
Adipose Tissue Transfer in Dynamic Definition Liposculpture Part II. The Lower Limb: Gastrocnemius, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, and Rectus Femoris Muscles
Authors: Hoyos Alfredo E. , Stefanelli Matt , Perez Mauricio E. , Padilla Mauricio , Dominguez-Millan Rodrigo
Published: January 2023

Background:

One big challenge of body contouring surgery is the liposculpture of the lower limbs, probably because of the imperative symmetry and the risk of contour irregularities. We are reporting our experience in fat grafting of the thighs and calves for men and women undergoing dynamic definition liposculpture.

Methods:

We did cadaveric dissections of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles and identified each of their primary pedicles. We also performed fat grafting of these muscles in the contralateral virgin cadaveric specimen. We searched our records for patients who underwent fat grafting of the lower extremity in addition to dynamic definition liposculpture, from January 2016 to May 2022 at a single center in Bogotá, Colombia.

Results:

Seventy-three consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria (26 men and 47 women). We grafted 102 gastrocnemius muscles, 86 vastus medialis muscles, 98 vastus lateralis muscles, and 22 rectus femoris muscles. Mean age was 34 and 41 years for men and women, respectively. Range of the fat graft volume was 50–200 mL. No complications were recorded related to fat grafting. Almost all patients were satisfied with the procedure (89%). Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 36 months.

Conclusions:

Fat grafting of the lower limb muscles should be considered an alternative operative technique to enhance volume and athletic appearance of this body segment. Based on cadaveric dissections and clinical evidence, our technique is considered reliable and reproducible with remarkable outcomes and a very low complication rate.
Needs evaluation questionnaire for liver disease: a novel assessment of unmet needs in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Bonacchi Andrea , Chiesi Francesca , Marunic Georgia , Campani Claudia , Gitto Stefano , Lau Chloe , Tagliaferro Carlotta , Forte Paolo , Tarocchi Mirko , Marra Fabio
Published: January 2023

Patients with chronic liver disease face debilitating complications in their daily living and constantly report several types of unmet needs, but there is a paucity of validated questionnaires to assess these needs. In this study, we present the development of the Needs Evaluation Questionnaire for Liver Diseases (NEQ-LD) for the assessment of unmet needs in patients with chronic liver disease. Two hundred eighty-six outpatients with chronic liver diseases from a single tertiary referral center completed the NEQ-LD and related validity measures. Item response theory analyses were performed and demonstrated the strong psychometric properties of the questionnaire. Differential item functioning analyses showed that the scale functions equally across groups differing for age, sex, and presence of cirrhosis, suggesting the large applicability of the NEQ-LD for the assessment of unmet needs and between-group comparisons. Criterion validity measures provided evidence that unmet needs were positively associated with measures of depression and anxiety and negatively associated with measures of subjective well-being and physical and mental health. Unmet needs were expressed by a high percentage of patients, especially in the areas of information and dialogue with clinicians. One third of the sample reported material needs. Most of the items describing unmet needs were reported more frequently by patients with cirrhosis. Conclusion: We developed a reliable, valid, and largely employable instrument that can promote patient-centered care and facilitate support services in Hepatology.
Systematic Review of Online Interventions to Reduce Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Underserved Populations
Authors: Canfield Shannon M. , Canada Kelli E.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Online health interventions increase access to care, are acceptable to end users and effective for treating mental and physical health disorders. However, less is known about interventions to prevent and treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). This review synthesizes existing research on PMAD prevention and treatment by exploring the treatment modalities and efficacy of online interventions and examining the inclusion of underserved populations in PMAD research.

Methods:

Using PRISMA guidelines, authors conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2008 and 2018 on online interventions aimed to prevent or treat PMADs. The authors also assessed quality. Eligible articles included perinatal women participating in preventive studies or those aimed to reduce symptoms of PMADs and utilized a Web-based, Internet, or smartphone technology requiring an online component. This study excluded telephone-based interventions that required one-on-one conversations or individualized, text-based responses without a Web-based aspect.

Results:

The initial search yielded 511 articles, and the final analysis included 23 articles reporting on 22 interventions. Most studies used an experimental design. However, no study achieved an excellent or good quality rating. Psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs) were most common. Several interventions using CBT strategies significantly decreased depression or anxiety. Four studies recruited and enrolled mainly people identifying as low-income or of a racial or ethnic minority group. Attrition was generally high across studies.

Discussion:

More research using rigorous study designs to test PMAD interventions across all perinatal times is needed. Future research needs to engage diverse populations purposefully.
Positive hepatitis B core antibody is associated with advanced fibrosis and mortality in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Pengyan , Liu Zhenqiu , Fan Hong , Shi Tingting , Han Xinyu , Suo Chen , Chen Xingdong , Zhang Tiejun
Published: January 2023

Objective

Concomitant hepatitis B virus infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are relatively common, while little is known about the impact of anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) on NAFLD individuals. We aimed to investigate the association of positive anti-HBc with advanced fibrosis and mortality in NAFLD.

Methods

We analyzed data from 3268 NAFLD participants who underwent abdominal ultrasonography during the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). The fibrosis 4 index (FIB-4) score >2.67, NAFLD fibrosis score >0.676, or aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index >1.5 were defined as advanced fibrosis. All-cause and cause-specific mortality were obtained from the NHANES III-linked follow-up file through 31 December 2015.

Results

A total of 242 (7.4%) patients had positive anti-HBc. Patients with positive anti-HBc had a higher percentage of advanced fibrosis than those with negative anti-HBc (12.2% vs. 5.8%). Positive anti-HBc was significantly associated with advanced fibrosis [adjusted odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–2.72]. During a median follow-up of 22 years, the cumulative all-cause and cancer-related mortalities were higher in participants with positive anti-HBc than in their counterparts (log-rank test P < 0.001). When demographic and metabolic risk factors were considered, NAFLD cases with positive anti-HBc had a significantly higher cancer-related mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.54, 95% CI, 1.05–2.25).

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that NAFLD cases with positive anti-HBc had higher risks for liver fibrosis and long-term mortality, justifying the medical importance of testing anti-HBc in NAFLD patients.
Clinical remission in paired phase two and three studies in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Tandon Parul , Natt Navneet , Malhi Gurpreet , Wong Emily CL , Matthews Priscilla , Reinisch Walter , Narula Neeraj
Published: January 2023

Discrepancies in phase two and three studies can result in significant patient and financial burden, as well as the nonapproval of potentially efficacious drugs. We aimed to determine whether this discrepancy exists for clinical trials in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Electronic databases (MEDLINE and Embase) and clinical trial repositories were searched from 1 January 1946 to 12 March 2021, for paired phase two and three studies of advanced therapies for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The primary outcome was to compare clinical remission rates between paired phase two and three studies for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Multivariable mixed-model meta-analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to grade the risk of bias. Of 2642 studies, 29 were included. Fifteen were phase three, 11 were phase two, one was phase one/two, and two were phase two/three. There were no differences in clinical remission rates between phase two and three studies for Crohn’s disease (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.86–1.34; P = 0.54) and ulcerative colitis (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.48–1.36; P = 0.43). Furthermore, there was a lack of any appreciable differences in study characteristics, inclusion criteria and patient demographics among paired phase two and three studies. Most studies were considered low risk of bias. Overall, paired phase two and three studies demonstrate similar clinical remission rates for advanced therapies in IBD. Whether this applies to newer outcomes, such as endoscopic and mucosal healing remains to be determined.
Development and validation of the Adult cirrhosiS Knowledge Questionnaire
Authors: Leung Hak Keith , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Rajaram Ruveena Bahavani , Lai Pauline Siew Mei
Published: January 2023

Background

Assessing a patient’s knowledge regarding liver cirrhosis is important to improve patient outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate the Adult cirrhosiS Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) to assess patients’ knowledge regarding liver cirrhosis from multiple aspects.

Methods

A 24-item ASK-Q with four domains: self-understanding (5 items), aetiology (5 items), complications (5 items) and management (9 items) of liver cirrhosis was developed based on literature review and expert panel input. It was then piloted in five English-speaking patients with liver cirrhosis. These patients commented that the font size was too small. Hence, the font was enlarged and the final version of the ASK-Q was administered to English-speaking patients with liver cirrhosis, aged ≥18 years, with or without decompensation, at a tertiary hospital, from September 2020 to November 2021, at baseline and fortnight later. Patients with encephalopathy were excluded.

Results

120/135 patients agreed to participate (response rate = 88.9%). The overall median score was 59.1 (45.6–68.2). A total of 7/22 (31.8%) items were “easy”, 14/22 (63.6%) items were “moderately easy” and 1/22 (4.5%) items were “difficult”. Exploratory factor analysis extracted nine factors, and two items were omitted. The ASK-Q was able to discriminate the knowledge level of patients with and without tertiary education [59.1 (50.0–72.7) vs. 54.5 (36.4–63.6); P < 0.05]. The overall Kuder-Richardson coefficient was 0.760, indicating adequate internal consistency. At retest, 77/120 patients participated (response rate = 64.2%) and 15/22 items were not statistically significant, indicating adequate reliability.

Conclusions

The ASK-Q was found to be a valid and reliable questionnaire for evaluating the knowledge of liver cirrhosis among English-speaking adult patients.
Post-endoscopy colorectal cancer after colectomy in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a population-based register study
Authors: Stjärngrim Jessica , Widman Linnea , Schmidt Peter T , Ekbom Anders , Forsberg Anna
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) colitis is an indication for endoscopic surveillance. Postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC), cancer detected after a negative colonoscopy, is a quality indicator for colonoscopy. In analogy with PCCRC, we aimed to assess postendoscopy CRC (PECRC) in individuals with IBD who had undergone colectomy.

Methods

This register study included Swedish adults with an IBD diagnosis who had undergone colectomy and later were examined by either colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy during 2001–2012. The final study population had a CRC diagnosis within 36 months of the index examination. Poisson regression was used to assess the relative risks (RR) of PECRC.

Results

A total of 33 individuals, 12 with an ileorectal anastomosis and 21 with a rectal remnant, had a CRC diagnosis within 36 months of the index endoscopy. Eleven cancers were detected as CRCs, and 22 (67%) were PECRCs. Compared with individuals aged >70 years, individuals aged <30 years had an RR of 3.1 (P = 0.054) and individuals aged 30–50 years had a RR of 2.6 (P = 0.030). A longer interval between colectomy and index endoscopy (>10 vs. <10 years) was associated with a lower risk of PCCRC (RR = 0.5; P = 0.007). There was no significant difference between the risk for Crohn’s disease vs. ulcerative colitis, or between ileorectal anastomosis and rectal remnant risks.

Conclusions

Continuous surveillance of IBD patients after colectomy is important. In the postcolectomy context, PECRC may be used as a quality indicator.
A Pediatric Case of Treatment-related Myelodysplastic Syndrome While on Therapy for Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: McElroy Sara , Myers G. Doug , Flatt Terrie
Published: January 2023

Background:

Treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) is a rare late effect of cancer therapy. After alkylating agents, this typically occurs years after completion of therapy. Treatment of t-MDS in pediatrics is an allogeneic stem cell transplant, however, the prognosis remains poor.

Observations:

This case demonstrates t-MDS developing in a patient receiving treatment for pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This patient was treated with a combination of hematopoietic stem cell transplant and hypomethylating agents.

Conclusions:

These agents should be considered for use in patients with t-MDS, before transplant to limit additional chemotherapy and as maintenance therapy post-transplant to reduce the risk of relapse.
Strategies for the Treatment of Infantile Soft Tissue Sarcomas With BCOR Alterations
Authors: Merjaneh Nawal , Kim Hee , Escoto Heather , Metts Jonathan , Ray Anish , Bukowinski Andrew , LeBlanc Zachary , Fair Douglas , Watanbe Masayo , Alva Elizabeth , Todd Kevin , Daley Jessica , Hartt Duncan , Cramer Stuart L. , Szabo Sara , Pressey Joseph G.
Published: January 2023

BCOR alterations are described in ultra-rare infantile soft tissue sarcomas including primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy and undifferentiated round cell sarcoma (URCS). Previous reports often describe dismal outcomes. Thus, we undertook a retrospective, multi-institutional study of infants with BCOR-rearranged soft tissue sarcomas. Nine patients aged 6 weeks to 15 months were identified. One tumor carried a BCOR::CCNB3 fusion, whereas 7 tumors harbored internal tandem duplication of BCOR, including 4 cases classified as primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy, 1 case as URCS, and 2 cases characterized by a “hybrid morphology” in our evaluation. Four patients underwent upfront surgery with residual disease that progressed locally after a median of 2.5 months. Locoregional recurrences were observed in hybrid patients, and the URCS case recurred with brain metastases. Complete radiographic responses after chemotherapy were achieved in patients treated with vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide/etoposide, vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide alternating with cyclophosphamide/etoposide (regimen I), and ifosfamide/carboplatin/etoposide. Seven patients received radiotherapy. With a median of 23.5 months off therapy, 8 patients are with no evidence of disease. In our study, observation was inadequate for the management of untreated postsurgical residual disease. Tumors demonstrated chemosensitivity with anthracycline-based regimens and ifosfamide/carboplatin/etoposide. Radiotherapy was required to achieve durable response in most patients.
Investigating the Expression Pattern of the SETMAR Gene Transcript Variants in Childhood Acute Leukemia: Revisiting an Old Gene
Authors: Boroumand-Noughabi Samaneh , Pashaee Ali , Montazer Mehdi , Rahmati Atefe , Ayatollahi Hossein , Sadeghian Mohammad Hadi , Keramati Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2023

Background:

The chimeric enzyme SETMAR (or Metnase) has been associated with several DNA processes, including DNA damage repair through the non-homologous joining pathway and suppression of chromosomal translocation in mouse fibroblasts. SETMAR overexpression has been reported in certain cancers suggesting that it might contribute to the establishment or progression of these cancers. In leukemia, the SETMAR gene transcript variants have not been widely studied. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify 3 predominant SETMAR variants in 2 types of childhood acute leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods:

In this study, using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the relative expression of 3 SETMAR transcript variants (Var 1, Var 2, and Var A) were evaluated in the bone marrow samples collected from 30 newly diagnosed patients with AML, 65 newly diagnosed patients with ALL, and 15 healthy individuals.

Results:

The expression of SETMAR variants 1 and A were significantly higher in AML patients compared with controls (P=0.02, and P=0.009, respectively). Variant A expression was significantly higher in ALL compared with controls (P=0.003). When comparing the expression in translocation-positive and negative subgroups, the expression of variant 1 was significantly higher in translocation-positive ALL patients (P=0.03). The variants’ distribution patterns differed concerning translocation status (P=0.041), as variants 1 and A were dominant in the translocation-positive ALL group, and variant 2 was more prevalent in translocation-negative ones.

Conclusions:

According to the results, SETMAR showed increased expression in pediatric acute leukemia’s bone marrow samples, indicating a role for this molecule in leukemia pathogenesis. As this is the first report of SETMAR expression in pediatric leukemias, further studies are needed to investigate the causality of this association.
Analyzing Twitter for Community-Level Public Health Messaging
Authors: Mayberry Kalie M. , Scaccia Jonathan P. , Mitsdarffer Mary Louise
Published: January 2023

Funded in 2021 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Communities RISE Together (RISE) aims to increase the reach and effectiveness of messages to address vaccine hesitancy to further health equity. Twitter is a predominant social media source used by communities to share messaging and factual local information with constituents. We looked at the Twitter accounts of the organizations in 10 regional communities to examine social media communication patterns to guide how to increase messaging engagement. Specifically, we focused on Twitter post content, likes, and retweets. Our findings identified certain words—such as “food,” “older adults,” “equity,” and “covid”—that were most associated with increased likes and retweets on the platform. However, the strongest predictor of receiving likes and retweets is the number of followers. Sentiment was a significant, but not meaningful, predictor of tweet engagement.
Preparing for the Next Pandemic: An After-Action Review of Infection Prevention and Control Audit Strategies Within Airport and Hotel Quarantine Program
Authors: Jain Susan , Dempsey Kathy , Clezy Kate , Bradd Patricia
Published: January 2023

Background:

Effective infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices within the New South Wales (NSW) Airport Operations and Hotel Quarantine Program (Quarantine Program) were required to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 being transmitted to staff, other guests, contractors, and the community.

Method:

The Quarantine Program relied on complex logistical arrangements and an end-to-end process that included all steps from the time travelers boarded the returning flight until completion of the quarantine period. This required compliance with relevant IPAC standards historically reserved for health care and the implementation of a quality assurance audit framework.

Results:

The Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) as the NSW Health Pillar for quality and safety and the lead in IPAC provided training and resources coupled with an IPAC quality audit framework after program commencement.

Conclusion:

This approach ensured a clear governance structure and a regular review process to minimize risk and support continuous improvement within the program.
Nurses' Knowledge and Practice of Nasogastric Tube Placement: A Descriptive Research Study
Authors: Sancar Behire , Surmeli Yagmur , Dogan Ayse Buket , Ozcanarslan Fugen
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study is to examine nurses' knowledge and behaviors about nasogastric tube placement according to current standards. This descriptive study was conducted in a private hospital in Turkey with the participation of 184 nurses. Data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of two parts: “Personal Information Form” and “NGT Placement Information Form.” About half of the nurses (45.6%) did not read current information about nasogastric tubes, though 36.5% were aware of the auscultation method as the best method for nasogastric tube placement confirmation and approximately half (48.9%) of them used this method. Nurses who participated in our study did not use a pH test, capnography, or radiography methods to confirm nasogastric tube placement. As a result, it is recommended that nurses follow current evidence about nasogastric tube placement and maintain or improve their education on this topic.