bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisando o impacto psicológico nos filhos adolescentes de pais com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis
Authors: Penatti Carlos Alberto Avellaneda , De Lara Danilo , Flaborea Rodolfo Santos
Published: July 2022

Objetivo: investigar o quanto as doenças crônicas nos pais podem interferir na qualidade de vida e na saúde psicológica dos filhos adolescentes. Metodologia: levantamento bibliográfico de artigos indexados em plataformas de bancos de dados como PubMed e SciELO entre 1990 e 2021. Resultados: filhos adolescentes de pais com neoplasias sem sucesso de tratamento ou com evolução prolongada, algumas doenças psiquiátricas e estados de dor crônica intensa são mais propensos a terem ansiedade, depressão e a abusarem do álcool, tabaco e drogas. Tal relevância à saúde psicológica dos filhos depende de qual doença acomete os pais, se afeta o pai ou a mãe, da gravidade da doença e do sexo do filho adolescente. Conclusão: este estudo serve de alavanca no alerta aos familiares e profissionais de saúde sobre o risco de disfunção na vida dos filhos em meio a doenças crônicas.
Influência do consumo de álcool na percepção gustativa aos gostos doce e salgado em universitários
Authors: Brazil Jamille Marinho , Ribeiro Ícaro José Santos , Lima Evely Rocha , Milagres Maria Patricia , Matos Talita Batista , Duarte Ana Cristina Santos
Published: July 2022

Objetivo: avaliar a influência do consumo de álcool na percepção gustativa aos gostos doce e salgado em estudantes universitários. Método: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, transversal e analítico realizado com 330 estudantes universitários. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se um questionário sobre as informações pessoais, acadêmicas e sociodemográficas, o Alcohol Use Disorder Identification, com a mensuração de dados antropométricos, e foi aplicado o teste de limiar gustativo. Foram realizados o teste de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov, utilizando-se o teste de Mann Whitney para a comparação das médias dos limiares entre os grupos, e a análise de correlação estratificada para avaliar o efeito do uso de álcool sob o limiar gustativo. Adotou-se o nível de significância de 0,05 para as análises estatísticas. Resultados: foram encontradas as médias do limiar gustativo aos gostos doce 2,98 (dp±2,20) e salgado 0,22 (dp±0,23). Ao comparar os grupos em estudo, evidenciou-se que o consumo de álcool esteve negativamente correlacionado (r= -0,205; p= 0,004) ao limiar salgado entre os indivíduos dos cursos de saúde. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre o consumo de álcool, a atividade física e o risco cardiovascular segundo a circunferência da cintura nos grupos avaliados. Conclusão: notou-se uma correlação entre o consumo de álcool e percepção gustativa; quanto maior o consumo de álcool, menor a sensibilidade gustativa ao gosto salgado.
Policy Feedback and the Politics of Teacher Trainee Allowance Reform in Ghana
Authors: Kpessa-Whyte Michael , Béland Daniel , Tsekpo Kafui
Published: July 2022

Teacher trainee allowance, a statutory cash transfer support to persons training to become professional teachers in Ghana has been on the social policy reform agenda of successive governments. Notwithstanding the saliency of the policy in recent political campaigns, there is presently no original research that explains why the policy has been resistant to change. Drawing on historical institutionalist literature, this paper explains why attempts by successive governments to reform teacher trainee allowance in Ghana has been unsuccessful. The inability of policy makers to undertake planned reforms is puzzling because Africa is perceived as a place where policies are less resistant to change due to strong presidencies as well as the influential role of powerful and resourceful transnational actors. Drawing on insights from the literature on policy feedback, the paper analyzes the specific mechanisms that have reinforced the original institutional logic of the trainee allowance policy, and it shares ideas about options for endogenous path departing policy change.
Exploiting generative self-supervised learning for the assessment of biological images with lack of annotations
Authors: Mascolini Alessio , Cardamone Dario , Ponzio Francesco , Di Cataldo Santa , Ficarra Elisa
Published: July 2022

Motivation

Computer-aided analysis of biological images typically requires extensive training on large-scale annotated datasets, which is not viable in many situations. In this paper, we present Generative Adversarial Network Discriminator Learner (GAN-DL), a novel self-supervised learning paradigm based on the StyleGAN2 architecture, which we employ for self-supervised image representation learning in the case of fluorescent biological images.

Results

We show that Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks enable high-throughput compound screening based on raw images. We demonstrate this by classifying active and inactive compounds tested for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in two different cell models: the primary human renal cortical epithelial cells (HRCE) and the African green monkey kidney epithelial cells (VERO). In contrast to previous methods, our deep learning-based approach does not require any annotation, and can also be used to solve subtle tasks it was not specifically trained on, in a self-supervised manner. For example, it can effectively derive a dose-response curve for the tested treatments.

Availability and implementation

Our code and embeddings are available at https://gitlab.com/AlesioRFM/gan-dl StyleGAN2 is available at https://github.com/NVlabs/stylegan2.
Lack of Nck1 protein and Nck-CD3 interaction caused the increment of lipid content in Jurkat T cells
Authors: Nuiyen Aussanee , Rattanasri Araya , Wipa Piyamaporn , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Wangteeraprasert Apirath , Pongcharoen Sutatip , Ngoenkam Jutaporn
Published: July 2022

Background

The non-catalytic region of tyrosine kinase (Nck) is an adaptor protein, which is ubiquitously expressed in many types of cells. In T cells, the Nck1 isoform promotes T cell receptor signalling as well as actin polymerisation. However, the role of Nck1 in the lipid metabolism in T cells is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the Nck1 protein and Nck–CD3 interaction on lipid metabolism and on the physical and biological properties of Jurkat T cells, using a newly developed holotomographic microscope.

Results

Holotomographic microscopy showed that Nck1-knocked-out cells had membrane blebs and were irregular in shape compared to the rounded control cells. The cell size and volume of Nck1-deficient cells were comparable to those of the control cells. Nck1-knocked-out Jurkat T cells had a greater lipid content, lipid mass/cell mass ratio, and lipid metabolite levels than the control cells. Interestingly, treatment with a small molecule, AX-024, which inhibited Nck–CD3 interaction, also caused an increase in the lipid content in wild-type Jurkat T cells, as found in Nck1-deficient cells.

Conclusions

Knockout of Nck1 protein and hindrance of the Nck–CD3 interaction cause the elevation of lipid content in Jurkat T cells.
Surgical outcomes associated with sleep apnea syndrome in Stanford A aortic dissection patients
Authors: Luo Zeng-Rong , Yu Ling-Li , Chen Liang-Wan
Published: July 2022

Background

Patients suffering from aortic dissection (AD) often experience sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), which aggravates their respiratory function and aortic false lumen expansion.

Methods

We analyzed the peri-operative data of Stanford A AD patients, with or without SAS, between January 2017 and June 2019. Subjects were separated into SAS positive (SAS+) and SAS negative (SAS−) cohorts, based on the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and the Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI). We next analyzed variables between the SAS+ and SAS− groups.

Results

155, out of 198 AAD patients, were enlisted for this study. SAS+ patients exhibited higher rates of pneumonia (p < 0.001), heart failure (HF, p = 0.038), acute kidney injury (AKI, p = 0.001), ventilation time (p = 0.009), and hospitalization duration (p < 0.001). According to subsequent follow-ups, the unstented aorta false lumen dilatation (FLD) rate increased markedly, with increasing degree of SAS (p < 0.001, according to AHI and ODI). The SAS+ patients exhibited worse cumulative survival rate (p = 0.025). The significant risk factors (RF) for poor survival were: severe (p = 0.002) or moderate SAS (p = 0.008), prolonged ventilation time (p = 0.018), AKI (p = 0.015), HF New York Heart Association (NYHA) IV (p = 0.005) or III (p = 0.015), pneumonia (p = 0.005), Marfan syndrome (p = 0.010), systolic blood pressure (BP) upon arrival (p = 0.009), and BMI ≥ 30 (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

SAS+ Stanford A AD patients primarily exhibited higher rates of complications and low survival rates in the mid-time follow-up. Hence, the RFs associated with poor survival must be monitored carefully in SAS patients. Moreover, the FLD rate is related to the degree of SAS, thus treating SAS may mitigate FLD.
Risk probability and influencing factors of stroke in followed-up hypertension patients
Authors: Li An-le , Ji Ying , Zhu Shuai , Hu Zhi-hao , Xu Xue-jin , Wang Ya-wei , Jian Xin-zhi
Published: July 2022

Objective

To explore the risk probability and main influencing factors of stroke in followed-up hypertension patients through the analysis of long-term followed-up cohort data.

Methods

The method of followed-up observation cohort was used to collect the information of 168,417 followed-up hypertension patients from 2002 to 2020 in Jiading District in Shanghai. Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze the risk probability of stroke complications in long-term followed-up HTN patients, and the influencing factors were analyzed by Cox proportional risk model.

Results

Among 168,417 followed-up hypertension patients, 11,143 cases had suffered stroke, and the cumulative incidence rate of stroke was 6.62% (male was 6.87%, female was 6.37%). With the extension of the hypertension years, the cumulative risk probability of stroke in HTN patients would continue to increase and the interval was not equidistant. The total cumulative risk probability of stroke in HTN patients was 78.9% (male was 91.0%, female was 70.7%). During the period of hypertension, the risk occurring probability of stroke was not fixed, but fluctuating. There were 4 onset peaks, which were in 8 years (probability was 4.2%), 15 years (probability was 14.0%), 22 years (probability was 6.0%) and 26 years (probability was 13.9%). The highest risk probability of male patients was in 26 years (probability was 23.1%), and the second peak was in 15 years (probability was 15.6%). The highest risk probability of female patients was in 15 years (probability was 12.9%), and the second peak was in 26 years (probability was 8.7%). The risk probability of different gender, BP grade and BMI was different, the male were at higher risk than the female, stage 3 HTN was higher than stage 2 and stage 1 HTN, obese people and underweight people were at higher risk than those who have normal weight. The main factors closely related to the occurrence of stroke complications were age (RR = 2.917, p < 0.001), body mass index (RR = 1.654, p < 0.001), family history of stroke (RR = 1.386, p < 0.001) and blood pressure grade (RR = 1.148, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The risk probability of stroke among hypertension patients was high in followed-up hypertension patients (total 78.9%, male 91.0%, female 70.7%), and would continue to increase disproportionately during period of hypertension (4 different onset peaks). With the persistence of hypertension, the risk probability of stroke would increase continuously. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that male patients, patients with HBP, abnormal BMI and positive family history were main factors closely related to the occurrence of stroke complications.
Prediction of rehospitalization in patients with acute heart failure using point-of-care lung ultrasound
Authors: Rattarasarn I. , Yingchoncharoen T. , Assavapokee T.
Published: July 2022

Background

More than 50% of patients admitted for acute heart failure are discharged with residual pulmonary congestion. Residual pulmonary congestion at discharge is associated with rehospitalization and death within 6 months after discharge. B-lines detected by lung ultrasound are the sonographic manifestation of pulmonary congestion, a major predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. The present study was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of B-lines at discharge for prediction of rehospitalization and death at 6 months in patients with acute heart failure.

Methods

This study involved a prospective cohort of 126 patients admitted to Ramathibodi Hospital for acute heart failure (mean age, 69 ± 15 years). B-lines and the size of the inferior vena cava were assessed within 24 h before discharge. The patients were followed up for 6 months after discharge.

Results

The mean number of B-lines at discharge was 9 ± 9, and the rate of rehospitalization within 6 months was significantly higher in patients with a significant number of B-lines (≥ 12) than in patients with a non-significant number of B-lines (< 12) (log rank χ2 = 7.74, P = 0.004). In the univariable analysis, the presence of ≥ 12 B-lines before discharge (hazard ratio = 2.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.27–3.63) was an independent predictor of events at 6 months.

Conclusions

Residual pulmonary congestion before discharge as detected by point-of-care lung ultrasound predicts rehospitalization for heart failure at 6 months. The presence of non-significant B-lines identifies a subgroup at low risk of rehospitalization for heart failure.
Current status of and barriers to the treatment of advanced-stage liver cancer in China: a questionnaire-based study from the perspective of doctors
Authors: Wei Qiaoxin , Zhou Haiyang , Hou Xinhui , Liu Xiaoping , Chen Sisi , Huang Xueying , Chen Yu , Liu Mei , Duan Zhongping
Published: July 2022

Background

Liver cancer is a severe public health problem worldwide, and it creates a relatively higher disease burden in China than in the Western world. Despite achieving notable progress in China, potential differences in some aspects of medical services for liver cancer may persist across different regions and hospitals. This warrants serious consideration of the actual status of and barriers to liver cancer treatment. We intended to explore the present status of and obstacles in liver cancer treatment especially for advanced-stage liver cancer.

Methods

In February 2021, a national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 1500 doctors from 31 provinces of mainland China using a self-administered online questionnaire. Participants completed the questionnaire about their general information, perspectives on the current status of liver cancer treatment, and expectations for future treatment. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the differences associated with the regions, doctors’ professional ranks, and hospital levels.

Results

Treatment conditions, medications, and treatment strategies were inconsistent across different economic regions and hospital of different levels. With respect to obstacles in treatment, 76.6% of the doctors were unsatisfied with the current treatment for liver cancer. Important factors that influenced their satisfaction with the treatment for liver cancer included early diagnosis and the disclosure of true conditions to patients.

Conclusions

There persists differences in the treatment of liver cancer in China, besides barriers to treatment. More attention should be paid to the detection and treatment of liver cancer and the propagation of novel progress among doctors in underdeveloped areas.
Dignity in bodily care at the end of life in a nursing home: an ethnographic study
Authors: Holmberg Bodil , Godskesen Tove
Published: July 2022

Background

Nursing homes (NHs) are populated by the frailest older people who have multiple physical or mental conditions and palliative care needs that may convey the violation of dignity. Although dignity is a commonly used concept and a core value of end-of-life care, it is assumed to be complex, ambiguous, and multivalent. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore aspects of dignity in older persons’ everyday lives in a NH.

Design

A focused ethnographic study design.

Methods

Data consisted of 170 h of fieldwork, including observations (n = 39) with residents (n = 19) and assistant nurses (n = 22) in a Swedish NH. Interviews were undertaken with residents several times (in total, n = 35, mean 70 min/resident). To study dignity and dignity-related concerns, we used the Chochinov model of dignity to direct the deductive analysis.

Results

The study showed that residents suffered from illness-related concerns that inhibited their possibilities to live a dignified life at the NH. Their failing bodies were the most significant threat to their dignity, as loss of abilities was constantly progressing. Together with a fear of becoming more dependent, this caused feelings of agony, loneliness, and meaninglessness. The most dignity-conserving repertoire came from within themselves. Their self-knowledge had provided them with tools to distinguish what was still possible from what they just had to accept. Socially, the residents’ dignity depended on assistant nurses’ routines and behaviour. Their dignity was violated by long waiting times, lack of integrity in care, deteriorating routines, and also by distanced and sometimes harsh encounters with assistant nurses. Because the residents cherished autonomy and self-determination, while still needing much help, these circumstances placed them in a vulnerable situation.

Conclusions

According to residents’ narratives, important dignity-conserving abilities came from within themselves. Dignity-conserving interventions did occur, such as emphatic listening and bodily care, performed in respect for residents’ preferences. However, no strategies for future crises or preparing for death were observed. To protect residents’ dignity, NHs must apply a palliative care approach to provide holistic care that comprises attention to personal, bodily, social, spiritual, and psychological needs to increase well-being and prevent suffering.
Incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis under the regular COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control in China
Authors: Wu Ziwei , Chen Ziyi , Long Siyu , Wu Aiping , Wang Hongsheng
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven public health intervention strategies, including keeping social distance, wearing masks in crowded places, and having good health habits, to prevent the transmission of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). However, it is unknown whether the use of these intervention strategies influences morbidity in other human infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.

Methods

In this study, three prediction models were constructed to compare variations in PTB incidences after January 2020 without or with intervention includes strict and regular interventions, when the COVID-19 outbreak began in China. The non-interventional model was developed with an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model that was trained with the monthly incidence of PTB in China from January 2005 to December 2019. The interventional model was established using an ARIMA model with a continuing intervention function that was trained with the monthly PTB incidence in China from January 2020 to December 2020.

Results

Starting with the assumption that no COVID-19 outbreak had occurred in China, PTB incidence was predicted, and then the actual incidence was compared with the predicted incidence. A remarkable overall decline in PTB incidence from January 2020 to December 2020 was observed, which was likely due to the potential influence of intervention policies for COVID-19. If the same intervention strategy is applied for the next 2 years, the monthly PTB incidence would reduce on average by about 1.03 per 100,000 people each month compared with the incidence predicted by the non-interventional model. The annual incidence estimated 59.15 under regular intervention per 100,000 in 2021, and the value would decline to 50.65 with strict interventions.

Conclusions

Our models quantified the potential knock-on effect on PTB incidence of the intervention strategy used to control the transmission of COVID-19 in China. Combined with the feasibility of the strategies, these results suggested that continuous regular interventions would play important roles in the future prevention and control of PTB.
Predictors of accurate intrapedicular screw placement in single-level lumbar (L4-5) fusion: robot-assisted pedicle screw, traditional pedicle screw, and cortical bone trajectory screw insertion
Authors: Zhang Hua-Qing , Wang Can-Can , Zhang Ren-Jie , Zhou Lu-Ping , Jia Chong-Yu , Ge Peng , Shen Cai-Liang
Published: July 2022

Background

The superiorities in proximal facet joint protection of robot-assisted (RA) pedicle screw placement and screw implantation via the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) have rarely been compared. Moreover, findings on the screw accuracy of both techniques are inconsistent. Therefore, we analyzed the screw accuracy and incidence of facet joint violation (FJV) of RA and CBT screw insertion in the same study and compared them with those of conventional pedicle screw (PS) insertion. The possible factors affecting screw accuracy and FJV were also analyzed.

Methods

A total of 166 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases requiring posterior L4-5 fusion were retrospectively included and divided into the RA, PS, and CBT groups from March 2019 to December 2021. The grades of intrapedicular accuracy and superior FJV were evaluated according to the Gertzbin–Robbins scale and the Babu scale based on postoperative CT. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess the possible risk factors associated with intrapedicular accuracy and superior FJV.

Results

The rates of optimal screw insertion in the RA, PS, and CBT groups were 87.3%, 81.3%, and 76.5%, respectively. The difference between the RA and CBT groups was statistically significant (P = 0.004). Superior FJVs occurred in 28.2% of screws in RA, 45.0% in PS, and 21.6% in CBT. The RA and CBT groups had fewer superior FJVs than the PS group (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively), and no significant difference was observed between the RA and CBT groups (P = 0.267). Multivariable analysis revealed that the CBT technique was an independent risk factor for intrapedicular accuracy. Furthermore, older age, the conventional PS technique and a smaller facet angle were independently associated with the incidence of superior FJVs.

Conclusions

The RA and CBT techniques were associated with fewer proximal FJVs than the PS technique. The RA technique showed a higher rate of intrapedicular accuracy than the CBT technique. The CBT technique was independently associated with screw inaccuracy. Older age, conventional PS technique and coronal orientation of the facet join were independent risk factors for superior FJV.
The pattern of mandibular third molar impaction and its relationship with the development of distal caries in adjacent second molars among Emiratis: a retrospective study
Authors: Alsaegh Mohammed Amjed , Abushweme Dana Ayed , Ahmed Khadeija Othman , Ahmed Salhah Othman
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of mandibular third molar (MTM) impaction and associated carious lesions in adjacent mandibular second molars (MSMs) in a sample of Emirati individuals.

Methods

This retrospective study assessed 2000 orthopantomograms of Emirati patients who visited the Specialized Fujairah Dental Center between 2015 and 2020. The depth, ramus relation and angulation of the impacted MTMs were assessed according to the Pell and Gregory classification and Winter’s classification. In addition, carious lesions in adjacent MSMs associated with the evaluated parameters were identified.

Results

A total of 461 (23.05%) of the patients had at least one impacted MTM. The mean age of the study population was 26.24 years. Mesioangular, level B, and class II impactions were the most common, at 47.37% (χ2 = 382.134;p < 0.001), 45.48% (χ2 = 56.889;p < 0.001), and 74.05% (χ2 = 513.099;p < 0.001), respectively. There was a higher percentage of level C impaction among females than among males (χ2 = 19.178;p < 0.001). A total of 126 impacted teeth (18.36%) had associated carious lesions. These carious lesions were predominantly found in teeth with mesioangular impactions (χ2 = 59.430;p < 0.001), level A and B impactions (χ2 = 23.301;p < 0.001), and class II and I impactions (χ2 = 17.918;p = 0.006).

Conclusions

It is imperative to raise awareness of soft tissue mesioangular-impacted MTMs, as they are the most frequently associated with the development of carious lesions in adjacent MSMs. Approximately one quarter of evaluated Emiratis had at least one impacted MTM, with the most prevalent pattern being class II, level B, and mesioangular impactions. Furthermore, surgical removal is expected to be more challenging for females than for males.
The central role of peers facilitators in the empowerment of breast cancer patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Lognos Béatrice , Boulze-launay Isabelle , Élodie Million , Bourrel Gérard , Amouyal Michel , Gocko Xavier , Bernard Clary , Ninot Grégory , Oude Engberink Agnès
Published: July 2022

Background

In 2020, the number of new cancer cases was estimated at 20 490 862 worldwide up from 18.1 million in 2018 and 14.1 million in 2012. Since the 2000s, cancer treatments have significantly improved, allowing either a cure or control of the disease. Patients share their experience of the disease and use supportive care solutions through involvement in patient associations and online forums. All the associations were built on the principle of “peer support,” which is based on mutual aid between people who suffer or have suffered from the same somatic or psychological illness or had the same life experience.

This experiential knowledge can be explored to understand the role of peers and associations in the appropriation of their cancer.

Methods

A qualitative phenomenological study was undertaken through semi-structured interviews with 12 participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, then analyzed by means of triangulation up to the point of theoretical saturation by a semio-pragmatic method.

Results

Four categories emerged: (1) “Transforms a painful experience into a positive one. It mobilizes the human values of sharing, love, and humility, which facilitates resilience”; (2) “The characteristics of the association, a non-medical place between people sharing a common destiny, resonates with patients’ needs and improves their well-being”; (3) “The association transforms the patients’ experiences by facilitating engagement that leads to a patient-expert (empowerment)”; and (4) “Understanding what is happening to them is soothing, reassuring, because patients’ concerns need to be heard and their care understood”.

Conclusions

This study highlights patient associations can serve as the mediator of NPI and facilate the empowerment of breast cancer patients.

Practice implications

Educating health professionals in initial and continuing education about non-pharmacological interventions will be a major issue. Teaching the patient-centred approach to health professionals is one of the priorities in initial and continuing medical education.
Factors influencing the elderly’s adoption of mHealth: an empirical study using extended UTAUT2 model
Authors: Palas Jahir Uddin , Sorwar Golam , Hoque Md Rakibul , Sivabalan Achchuthan
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite the high usage of mobile phones in daily life in developing countries like Bangladesh, the adoption and usage of mHealth services have been significantly low among the elderly population. When searching previous studies, the researchers have found that no studies have empirically investigated whether the quality of life and service quality are significant for mHealth adoption by elderlies in Bangladesh. Hence,this study aimed to extend the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology by adding service quality and the quality of life to empirically find the key factors that influence elderlies’ intention to adopt and use mHealth services in Bangladesh.

Methods

A face-to-face structured questionnaire survey method was used to collect data from 493 elderlies (aged 60 years and above) in Bangladesh. The data were analyzed with the Structural Equations Modelling (SEM) and Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA).

Results

SEM results suggested that Social Influence, Hedonic Motivation, Price Value, Habit, and Service Quality had significant impact (p < 0.05) on the elderlies’ behavioral intention to adopt mHealth services. Service Quality, Quality of Life, and elderlies’ Habit were found significant in explaining the Use Behavior of mHealth services. Quality of Life did not show significant (p > 0.05) effect on Behavioral Intention, which is inconsistent with existing literature. In addition, fsQCA findings suggest how the intensity of the influencers may contribute to high versus low m-health behavioral outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings have significant implications for theory, practice and future research as explained in the paper. The originality of this study is the integration of quality of life and service quality into UTUAT2 to explain the users’ behavioural intention and use behaviour. Overall, the findings may contribute to shaping appropriate policies for designing and implementing mHealth services effectively for elderlies in developing countries.
Application of machine learning models based on decision trees in classifying the factors affecting mortality of COVID-19 patients in Hamadan, Iran
Authors: Moslehi Samad , Rabiei Niloofar , Soltanian Ali Reza , Mamani Mojgan
Published: July 2022

Background

Due to the high mortality of COVID-19 patients, the use of a high-precision classification model of patient’s mortality that is also interpretable, could help reduce mortality and take appropriate action urgently. In this study, the random forest method was used to select the effective features in COVID-19 mortality and the classification was performed using logistic model tree (LMT), classification and regression tree (CART), C4.5, and C5.0 tree based on important features.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the data of 2470 COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals in Hamadan, west Iran, were used, of which 75.02% recovered and 24.98% died. To classify, at first among the 25 demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings, features with a relative importance more than 6% were selected by random forest. Then LMT, C4.5, C5.0, and CART trees were developed and the accuracy of classification performance was evaluated with recall, accuracy, and F1-score criteria for training, test, and total datasets. At last, the best tree was developed and the receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) value were reported.

Results

The results of this study showed that among demographic and clinical features gender and age, and among laboratory findings blood urea nitrogen, partial thromboplastin time, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate had more than 6% relative importance. Developing the trees using the above features revealed that the CART with the values of F1-score, Accuracy, and Recall, 0.8681, 0.7824, and 0.955, respectively, for the test dataset and 0.8667, 0.7834, and 0.9385, respectively, for the total dataset had the best performance. The AUC value obtained for the CART was 79.5%.

Conclusions

Finding a highly accurate and qualified model for interpreting the classification of a response that is considered clinically consequential is critical at all stages, including treatment and immediate decision making. In this study, the CART with its high accuracy for diagnosing and classifying mortality of COVID-19 patients as well as prioritizing important demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings in an interpretable format, risk factors for prognosis of COVID-19 patients mortality identify and enable immediate and appropriate decisions for health professionals and physicians.
Hesperetin promotes longevity and delays aging via activation of Cisd2 in naturally aged mice
Authors: Yeh Chi-Hsiao , Shen Zhao-Qing , Wang Tai-Wen , Kao Cheng-Heng , Teng Yuan-Chi , Yeh Teng-Kuang , Lu Chung-Kuang , Tsai Ting-Fen
Published: July 2022

Background

The human CISD2 gene is located within a longevity region mapped on chromosome 4q. In mice, Cisd2 levels decrease during natural aging and genetic studies have shown that a high level of Cisd2 prolongs mouse lifespan and healthspan. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using a Cisd2 activator as an effective way of delaying aging.

Methods

Hesperetin was identified as a promising Cisd2 activator by herb compound library screening. Hesperetin has no detectable toxicity based on in vitro and in vivo models. Naturally aged mice fed dietary hesperetin were used to investigate the effect of this Cisd2 activator on lifespan prolongation and the amelioration of age-related structural defects and functional decline. Tissue-specific Cisd2 knockout mice were used to study the Cisd2-dependent anti-aging effects of hesperetin. RNA sequencing was used to explore the biological effects of hesperetin on aging.

Results

Three discoveries are pinpointed. Firstly, hesperetin, a promising Cisd2 activator, when orally administered late in life, enhances Cisd2 expression and prolongs healthspan in old mice. Secondly, hesperetin functions mainly in a Cisd2-dependent manner to ameliorate age-related metabolic decline, body composition changes, glucose dysregulation, and organ senescence. Finally, a youthful transcriptome pattern is regained after hesperetin treatment during old age.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that a Cisd2 activator, hesperetin, represents a promising and broadly effective translational approach to slowing down aging and promoting longevity via the activation of Cisd2.
CircPDSS1 promotes the proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT of breast cancer cell via regulating miR-320c/CKAP5 axis
Authors: Liu Xia , Song Jingyong , Kang Yu , Wang Yaojia , Chen Anyue
Published: July 2022

Background

Breast cancer (BC) poses serious threats to women’s health. A large number of reports have proved that circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert vital functions in human cancers, including BC.

Methods

The function of circPDSS1 in BC cells was tested by CCK-8, colony formation, TUNEL, transwell-invasion, wound healing, and IF assays. RNA pull down, luciferase reporter and RIP assays were employed to verify the relationship among circPDSS1, miR-320c and CKAP5.

Results

CircPDSS1 was upregulated in BC cells, and circPDSS1 knockdown repressed BC cell malignant behaviors. Further, circPDSS1 was found to bind to miR-320c in BC cells, and miR-320c overexpression suppressed malignant processes of BC cells. MiR-320c could also bind to CKAP5. Moreover, miR-320c inhibition increased the level of CKAP5, but circPDSS1 downregulation decreased the level of CKAP5. Finally, rescue experiments indicated that CKAP5 knockdown countervailed the promoting effect of miR-320c inhibition on the malignant behaviors of circPDSS1-depleted BC cells.

Conclusions

CircPDSS1 promotes proliferation, invasion, migration as well as EMT of BC cells by modulating miR-320c/CKAP5 axis. Our finding may be useful for researchers to find new potential therapeutic or diagnostic targets for BC.
Are you tripping comfortably? Investigating the relationship between harm reduction and the psychedelic experience
Authors: Palmer Madelene , Maynard Olivia M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Alongside a recent revival in the use of psychedelics in clinical settings, there have been increases in the prevalence of recreational use, with many using psychedelics to deal with difficult emotions or to improve well-being. While clinical research is conducted in carefully controlled settings, this is not necessarily the case for recreational use. In this mixed methods online survey study, we aimed to develop an understanding of frequently used psychedelic harm reduction practices in recreational settings and how their use relates to the psychedelic experience. We also aimed to characterise users’ first and most recent psychedelic trips to understand how harm reduction changes with experience.

Methods

Participants (n = 163) recounted their first and most recent psychedelic experience by providing details about the harm reduction practices they employed and completing the Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and Emotional Breakthrough Inventory (EBI). We also asked open-ended questions for a more in-depth qualitative understanding of their views on psychedelic harm reduction.

Results

Using ANOVA, we observe greater use of harm reduction practices for participants’ most recent versus first psychedelic experience and that use of these practices is positively associated with EBI scores and negatively associated with CEQ scores (particularly for the first experience). Participants engaged in a wide range of harm reduction practices and we provide details of those which are most commonly used and those which are deemed most important by experienced users. Our qualitative analysis indicated that participants were largely positive about psychedelics and many recounted profound positive experiences. While specifics of the drug they were taking was important for aspects of harm reduction, participants largely focused on the importance of ensuring a good “set and setting” for enhancing positive effects.

Conclusions

Our research helps us understand how engagement in harm reduction may increase with experience. Our mixed methods data shed light on the perceived importance of different harm reduction practices and examine their association with the psychedelic experience itself. Together, our research has important implications for the development of psychedelic harm reduction advice and provides opportunities for future research to explore the importance of these different practices in more detail.
Unveiling of brain transcriptome of masked palm civet (Paguma larvata) with chronic infection of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Yuan Hao , Zhang Xiu-Xiang , Yang Zi-Peng , Wang Xiao-Hu , Mahmmod Yasser S. , Zhang Pian , Yan Zi-Jing , Wang Yan-Yun , Ren Zhao-Wen , Guo Qing-Yong , Yuan Zi-Guo
Published: July 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the transcriptomic changes that occur in a wild species when infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The masked palm civet, an artifically domesticated animal, was used as the model of a wild species. Transcriptome analysis was used to study alterations in gene expression in the domesticated masked palm civet after chronic infection with T. gondii.

Methods

Masked palm civets were infected with 105 T. gondii cysts and their brain tissue collected after 4 months of infection. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to gain insight into the spectrum of genes that were differentially expressed due to infection. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was also used to validate the level of expression of a set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) obtained by sequencing.

Results

DEGs were screened from the sequencing results and analyzed. A total of 2808 DEGs were detected, of which 860 were upregulated and 1948 were downregulated. RNA-Seq results were confirmed by qRT-PCR. DEGs were mainly enriched in cellular process and metabolic process based on gene ontology enrichment analysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that transcriptional changes in the brain of infected masked palm civets evolved over the course of infection and that DEGs were mainly enriched in the signal transduction, immune system processes, transport and catabolic pathways. Finally, 10 essential driving genes were identified from the immune signaling pathway.

Conclusions

This study revealed novel host genes which may provide target genes for the development of new therapeutics and detection methods for T. gondii infection in wild animals.

Graphical Abstract
Shoulder biomechanics of para-table tennis: a case study of a standing class para-athlete with severe leg impairment
Authors: Kong Pui Wah , Yam Jia Wen
Published: July 2022

Background

Both able-bodied and Class 7 para-table tennis players compete while standing, but do they use the same techniques to hit the ball? This case study examined the shoulder joint kinematics of a highly skilled para-table tennis player with severe leg impairment.

Methods

One international level Class 7 male para-table tennis player was compared with a control group of 9 male, competitive university team players. Participants performed 15 trials of forehand and 15 trials of backhand topspin drives. Shoulder abduction/adduction angles and joint range of motion (ROM) were measured using an inertial measurement system.

Results

The joint ROM of the para-player was comparable to the control group in the forehand [para-player 38°, controls 32 (15)°] and slightly larger in backhand [para-player 35°, controls 24 (16)°]. Waveform analysis revealed significant differences in the entire forehand drives (p < .001) and the preparation (p < .001) and follow-through phases (p = .014) of the backhand drives.

Conclusions

Coaches should not simply instruct para-table tennis players to replicate the characteristics of able-bodied players. Depending on the nature of the physical impairment, para-players should optimise their movement strategies for successful performance.
Acute effects of a 60-min time trial on power-related parameters in trained endurance runners
Authors: Cartón-Llorente Antonio , Roche-Seruendo Luis E. , Mainer-Pardos Elena , Nobari Hadi , Rubio-Peirotén Alberto , Jaén-Carrillo Diego , García-Pinillos Felipe
Published: July 2022

Background

The advent of power meters for running has raised the interest of athletes and coaches in new ways of assessing changes in running performance. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in power-related variables during and after a strenuous endurance running time trial.

Methods

Twenty-one healthy male endurance runners, with a personal record of 37.2 ± 1.2 min in a 10-km race, completed a 1-h run on a motorized treadmill trying to cover as much distance as they could. Before and after the time trial the athletes were asked to perform a 3-min run at 12 km h−1. Normalized mean power output, step frequency, form power and running effectiveness were calculated using the Stryd™ power meter. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored, and data averaged every 5 min.

Results

Despite high levels of exhaustion were reached during the time trial (HRpeak = 176.5 ± 9.8 bpm; RPE = 19.2 ± 0.8), the repeated measures ANOVA resulted in no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05), between each pair of periods for any of the power-related variables. The pairwise comparison (T test) between the non-fatigued and fatigued constant 3-min runs showed an increase in step frequency (p = 0.012) and a decrease in form power (p < 0.001) under fatigue conditions, with no meaningful changes in normalized mean power output and running effectiveness.

Conclusions

Trained athletes are able to maintain power output and running effectiveness during a high demanding extended run. However, they preferred to reduce the intensity of vertical impacts under fatigue conditions by increasing their step frequency.
Pseudoprogression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with combination chemoimmunotherapy: a case report
Authors: Gonugunta Amrit S. , von Itzstein Mitchell S. , Gerber David E.
Published: July 2022

Background

Pseudoprogression, the initial apparent worsening of cancer prior to eventual improvement, is a documented feature of immune checkpoint inhibitor administration and presents a challenge to clinicians distinguishing true progression from pseudoprogression. This phenomenon does not typically occur with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. We present a case in which a patient treated with combination carboplatin-pemetrexed plus pembrolizumab experienced transient radiographic worsening of disease with subsequent regression.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old never-smoking white male with advanced sarcomatoid non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring a MET exon 14 skipping mutation and with PD-L1 tumor proportion score of 80% was initiated on combination chemotherapy plus immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy after progression on a MET inhibitor. After two cycles of carboplatin-pemetrexed plus pembrolizumab, repeat imaging suggested disease progression. Following discontinuation of the carboplatin-pemetrexed plus pembrolizumab regimen, the patient reported improved symptoms and energy levels, which were attributed to the waning of treatment-associated toxicities. On the day prior to initiation of the next planned line of therapy, repeat imaging was preformed to provide a baseline for treatment efficacy. Imaging revealed improvement compared to the prior imaging. Chemotherapy with carboplatin-pemetrexed plus pembrolizumab was resumed, with response ongoing 8 months later.

Conclusions

Pseudoprogression is a documented feature of ICI administration. Pseudoprogression is not typically observed in patients treated with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy and has not yet been documented in patients treated with combination cytotoxic chemotherapy plus immunotherapy. At this time, there are no reliable means to predict or diagnose these rare events; therefore, more studies should be conducted to understand which patients are predisposed to developing this phenomenon and to increase clinical recognition.
Short measures of youth psychopathology: psychometric properties of the brief problem monitor (BPM) and the behavior and feelings survey (BFS) in a Norwegian clinical sample
Authors: Rognstad Kristian , Helland Siri Saugstad , Neumer Simon-Peter , Baardstu Silje , Kjøbli John
Published: July 2022

Background

Tracking clinical outcomes during therapy can be useful for improving both clinical practice and research. For repeated data collection, short, reliable, and valid measures of central aspects of psychopathology are necessary. The current paper investigates the psychometric properties of two short surveys for measuring central dimensions of psychopathology in youth.

Methods

We investigated the factor structure and validity of the Norwegian translations of the Behavior and Feelings Survey (BFS) and the Brief Problem Monitor (BPM). The BFS has previously shown a two-factor structure and indications of validity as a measure of internalizing and externalizing problems in youth. The BPM has support for a three-factor structure of internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems. In our sample of 503 patients (56% female, age 6 to 18) in a Norwegian outpatient clinic, we conducted confirmatory factor analyses to test the assumed measurement models and further considered the concurrent validity of the measures.

Results

Internal reliability of both measures were good. The results suggest that the assumed measurement models for both questionnaires only partly fit our data but that subscales of the BFS and BPM still indicate convergent validity. Scores on subscales (internalizing and externalizing problems) on both measures converged with relevant subscales as well as with relevant groups of diagnoses.

Conclusions

Alternative measurement models, and the usefulness and limitations of these short-form questionnaires for internalizing and externalizing problems, are discussed.