bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fog and coffee: a new species of Tridimeris (Annonaceae) endemic to the mountain cloud forest of Mexico
Authors: ORTIZ RODRÍGUEZ ANDRÉS ERNESTO , MARINERO-SOBAL ESTEBAN JOSÉ
Published: May 2022

Tridimeris is the only genus of Annonaceae endemic to Mexico. Despite this, the genus has been largely ignored and very little is known about it; specifically its diversity and distribution in Mexico are not well studied. Here a new species of Tridimeris, T. huatuscoana, is described and illustrated. The most general characteristics of the new species confirm that dimerous flowers (two sepals and four petals) and the large, and fleshy fruits are the most obvious synapomorphies for the Mexican genus Tridimeris. With respect to the other two species described so far (Tridimeris hahniana and T. chiapensis), the new species can be easily distinguished by the unique combination of 2-flowered inflorescences, large petals pubescent outside, food bodies present at the base of its inner petals, setose leaf domatia, and fruits shortly pedunculate and stipitate. The new species expands the richness of the genus to three species, all endemic to Mexico and restricted to montane cloud forests.
THE GENUS BERTOLONIA (MELASTOMATACEAE) IN THE STATE OF BAHIA, BRAZIL
Authors: BISEWSKI GESSICA C.A. , F. BACCI LUCAS , AMORIM ANDRÉ M. , GOLDENBERG RENATO
Published: May 2022

Bertolonia has 35 taxa, all endemic to the Atlantic Forest, among which many are microendemic or have restricted distribution. The plants are herbaceous, with scorpioid inflorescences and obtriquetrous (bertolonidium-type) capsules. The state of Bahia is one of the major diversity centers of Bertolonia, with 15 species, from which 12 are endemic. We present here a taxonomic treatment for the genus in the state of Bahia, with identification key, complete descriptions, distribution maps and illustrations for all the 15 species, all based on herbarium specimens, collections made by the authors, online databases and literature. We also provide here a lectotypification for B. violacea. Within the Bahian Atlantic Rainforest Bertolonia is distributed in three vegetation subtypes: ten species occur in montane rainforests, six in lowland rainforests and one in cloud forests. Of the 15 species of Bertolonia that occur in Bahia, eight were classified as Critically Endangered (CR), four as Endangered (EN), one as Vulnerable (VU) and two as Least Concern (LC), according to IUCN criteria.
Eurypollinic pollen of the Anacardiaceae differentiates taxa
Authors: TINOCO-DOMÍNGUEZ EURÍDICE , CASTILLO-CAMPOS GONZALO , VOVIDES ANDREW P. , TERRAZAS TERESA , PALACIOS-WASSENAAR OLIVIA
Published: May 2022

The pollen morphology of 11 Anacardiaceae species from the Mexican State of Veracruz was studied. Pollen grains were acetolyzed and examined under light and scanning electron microscopy to determine whether their morphological characteristics are useful to differentiate taxa in this family. Photomicrographs were obtained with both types of microscopes and used as the basis for describing the pollen. Pollen descriptions included traits such as shape, the type and number of apertures, exine ornamentation, size of the polar and equatorial axes, and diameter in polar view. Most species have isopolar pollen grains, with tricolpate or tricolporate apertures. Only Pistacia mexicana has pentaporate pollen. Pollen grains exhibit a triradial or radial symmetry in polar view; their shape in equatorial view can be prolate-spheroidal, subprolate, or prolate. The size of axes in equatorial view, diameter in polar view, and the exine ornamentation show distinctive characteristics in each species. However, the most common ornamentation types are microreticulate and microstriate. Ten pollen types were identified based on combinations of traits such as the type and number of apertures, shape in equatorial and polar view, and exine ornamentation. The results confirm that the eurypollinic pollen of Anacardiaceae is valuable for differentiating taxa, highlights the importance of studying pollen morphology and contributes to increasing the knowledge about the pollen morphology of this family in Mexico.
Phyllactinia himalayensis, a new species on Juglans regia from Pakistan
Authors: ZAFAR IRSA , AFSHAN NAJAM-UL-SEHAR , KHALID ABDUL NASIR , LIU SHU-YAN , TANG SHU-RONG
Published: May 2022

A powdery mildew fungus of the genus Phyllactinia was found on leaves of Juglans regia in Pakistan. This species is well characterized by having large-sized chasmothecia, rather short appendages and small ascospores. Sequences retrieved from this species formed a separate clade distant from the clade constituted by Phyllactinia juglandis, a common species on different hosts of the Juglandaceae in Asia. On account of biological and morphological differences from phylogenetically related species, the new species is described and illustrated as Phyllactinia himalayensis sp. nov.
Inheritance of NSAID‐Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Suikkila Anna , Lyly Annina , Hafrén Lena , Saarinen Riitta , Klockars Tuomas
Published: May 2022

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)–exacerbated respiratory disease (N‐ERD) has been considered an acquired condition. Positive first‐degree family history has been reported in 1% of cases. The geographic and genetic isolation of the Finnish population offers exceptional opportunities for inheritance studies. In this questionnaire study, we explored the familial aggregation of N‐ERD in 66 Finnish families of patients with N‐ERD. The majority of patients (67%) had a positive family history of NSAID intolerance, asthma, nasal polyposis, or N‐ERD. Furthermore, 55% had a positive first‐degree family history of asthma, 21% nasal polyposis, 20% NSAID intolerance, and 11% N‐ERD. The prevalence of asthma, nasal polyposis, NSAID intolerance, and N‐ERD among first‐degree relatives was 13%, 5%, 4%, and 2%, respectively. We present the pedigrees of the 44 affected families. According to our findings, Finnish patients with N‐ERD seem to have a genetic susceptibility to it.
Multi-shaker shock response spectra replication control
Authors: Zheng Ronghui , Ma Yi , Wei Xiaohui , Chen Huaihai
Published: May 2022

Shock vibration environments frequently occur and threaten the reliability of products in aerospace engineering. This work deals with the shock response spectra replication control method for multi-shaker vibration test systems. Two synthetic methods for reconstitution of shock response signals with specified shock response spectra are presented. One is the random delay superposition method and the other is the filtering superposition method. The former utilizes a random time delay vector satisfying a normal distribution to simulate a shock response signal with symmetrical attenuated oscillation features while the latter is employed when the measured shock records are available. A time-domain inverse system method is formulated to obtain the multi-input drive signals based on a finite-difference equation. The multi-input multi-output frequency response functions are estimated first and then used to construct the inverse system. The multi-output shock response spectra are calculated by response signals from control sensors. A closed-loop iteration control procedure is provided to correct the drive signals according to the deviations between the responses and corresponding reference values. A numerical simulation and a triaxial vibration test are carried out and the results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Periodic Versus Aggregate Donations: Leveraging Donation Frequencies to Cultivate the Regular Donor Portfolio
Authors: Minguez Ana , Sese F. Javier
Published: May 2022

Charitable organizations play a key role in society but face the recurrent challenge of obtaining sufficient resources to accomplish their missions. The regular donor portfolio becomes a critical element in providing stable and long-lasting funding, and its effective management has emerged as a key research area. This study investigates the impact of the donation frequency by regular donors on their donation amount over time. Drawing from temporal reframing literature, we provide an understanding of these effects as well as the moderating role of the motivations to donate (self- vs other-oriented). The study also investigates the extent to which frequency choices are influenced by the motivations to donate and by the donation options presented during registration. Using a sample of regular donors from 2013 to 2019 and applying dynamic panel data techniques, the findings reveal that higher frequencies lead to higher donations, though this effect is strengthened by self-oriented motivations and weakened by other-oriented motivations. Our study shows that motivations to donate and donation options jointly explain donation frequencies. This study provides useful guidance for charities on how to increase regular donors’ perceived value and their contributions to help these organizations provide essential services to the most vulnerable groups in society.
Efficacy and safety of avapritinib in previously treated patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Reiter Andreas , Schwaab Juliana , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Gotlib Jason , Deininger Michael W. , Pettit Kristen M. , Alvarez-Twose Iván , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Panse Jens , Platzbecker Uwe , Hermine Olivier , Dybedal Ingunn , Lin Hui-Min , Rylova Svetlana N. , Ehlert Katrin , Dimitrijević Saša , Radia Deepti H.
Published: May 2022

Advanced systemic mastocytosis (AdvSM) is a rare myeloid neoplasm, driven by the KIT D816V mutation in >90% of patients. Avapritinib, a potent, highly selective D816V-mutant KIT inhibitor, is approved for treatment of adults with AdvSM by the US Food and Drug Administration, regardless of prior therapy, and the European Medicines Agency for patients with prior systemic therapy, based on EXPLORER (#NCT02561988; clinicaltrials.gov) and PATHFINDER (#NCT03580655; clinicaltrials.gov) clinical studies. We present latest pooled efficacy and safety analyses from patients who received ≥1 systemic therapy prior to avapritinib in EXPLORER/PATHFINDER. Overall response rate in response-evaluable patients (n = 31) was 71% (95% confidence interval: 52% to 86%; 22/31), including 19% (6/31) with complete remission (CR)/CR with partial recovery of peripheral blood counts (CRh). Median time to response was 2.3 months, median time to CR/CRh was 7.4 months, and median duration of response (DOR) was not reached. Reductions ≥50% in bone marrow mast cell infiltration (89%), KIT D816V variant allele fraction (66%), serum tryptase (89%), and reductions ≥35% in spleen size (70%) occurred in most patients. Median OS was not reached (median follow-up 17.7 months). Avapritinib was effective in all AdvSM subtypes, regardless of number/type of prior therapies or poor prognostic somatic mutations. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were observed in 94% of patients, most commonly grade 1/2; 57% had TRAEs of at least grade 3; 81% remained on treatment at 6 months. Avapritinib in adults with AdvSM who received prior systemic therapy was generally well tolerated, with high response rates regardless of prior systemic therapy.
Statistical power for cluster analysis
Authors: Dalmaijer Edwin S. , Nord Camilla L. , Astle Duncan E.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cluster algorithms are gaining in popularity in biomedical research due to their compelling ability to identify discrete subgroups in data, and their increasing accessibility in mainstream software. While guidelines exist for algorithm selection and outcome evaluation, there are no firmly established ways of computing a priori statistical power for cluster analysis. Here, we estimated power and classification accuracy for common analysis pipelines through simulation. We systematically varied subgroup size, number, separation (effect size), and covariance structure. We then subjected generated datasets to dimensionality reduction approaches (none, multi-dimensional scaling, or uniform manifold approximation and projection) and cluster algorithms (k-means, agglomerative hierarchical clustering with Ward or average linkage and Euclidean or cosine distance, HDBSCAN). Finally, we directly compared the statistical power of discrete (k-means), “fuzzy” (c-means), and finite mixture modelling approaches (which include latent class analysis and latent profile analysis).

Results

We found that clustering outcomes were driven by large effect sizes or the accumulation of many smaller effects across features, and were mostly unaffected by differences in covariance structure. Sufficient statistical power was achieved with relatively small samples (N = 20 per subgroup), provided cluster separation is large (Δ = 4). Finally, we demonstrated that fuzzy clustering can provide a more parsimonious and powerful alternative for identifying separable multivariate normal distributions, particularly those with slightly lower centroid separation (Δ = 3).

Conclusions

Traditional intuitions about statistical power only partially apply to cluster analysis: increasing the number of participants above a sufficient sample size did not improve power, but effect size was crucial. Notably, for the popular dimensionality reduction and clustering algorithms tested here, power was only satisfactory for relatively large effect sizes (clear separation between subgroups). Fuzzy clustering provided higher power in multivariate normal distributions. Overall, we recommend that researchers (1) only apply cluster analysis when large subgroup separation is expected, (2) aim for sample sizes of N = 20 to N = 30 per expected subgroup, (3) use multi-dimensional scaling to improve cluster separation, and (4) use fuzzy clustering or mixture modelling approaches that are more powerful and more parsimonious with partially overlapping multivariate normal distributions.
Characteristics of dementia-friendly hospitals: an integrative review
Authors: Manietta Christina , Purwins Daniel , Reinhard Anneke , Knecht Christiane , Roes Martina
Published: May 2022

Background/Objectives

Dementia-friendly initiatives are becoming common in society, politics, and research, including health care. Regarding efforts to improve care for patients with dementia in hospitals, the term dementia-friendly hospital is being used increasingly. However, a theoretical understanding of this term and the underlying concept are missing. This integrative review aims to identify current descriptions of dementia-friendly hospitals and to analyze their characteristics.

Methods

An integrative review was conducted. The databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, and additional resources were searched. Two reviewers independently screened publications for inclusion. We extracted data from the included publications and analyzed the descriptions of dementia-friendly hospitals using inductive content analysis in an iterative process.

Results

We identified 4191 records and included 34 publications on 17 descriptions of dementia-friendly hospitals. These were found in the context of practice projects (n = 8), recommendations (n = 6) and research (n = 3). Our analysis resulted in six characteristics of dementia-friendly hospitals. Characteristics related to the patients and their care are continuity, person-centeredness, consideration of phenomena within dementia and environment. Additional characteristics are valuing relatives and knowledge and expertise within the hospital.

Conclusion

Dementia-friendly hospitals are currently characterized more by healthcare practices and professional dementia experts than by the results of empirical studies. Additionally, the perspective of people with dementia is underrepresented in current descriptions. Accordingly, further research is needed that involves people with dementia in order to develop a theoretical understanding and suitable concepts of dementia-friendly hospitals, since their perspective is essential.
Usability and acceptability of oral-based HCV self-testing among key populations: a mixed-methods evaluation in Tbilisi, Georgia
Authors: Fajardo Emmanuel , Watson Victoria , Kumwenda Moses , Usharidze Dali , Gogochashvili Sophiko , Kakhaberi David , Giguashvili Ana , Johnson Cheryl C. , Jamil Muhammad S. , Dacombe Russell , Stvilia Ketevan , Easterbrook Philippa , Ivanova Reipold Elena
Published: May 2022

Background

Hepatitis C virus self-testing (HCVST) is an additional approach that may expand access to HCV testing. We conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional observational study to assess the usability and acceptability of HCVST among people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) people in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Methods

The study was conducted from December 2019 to June 2020 among PWID at one harm reduction site and among MSM/TG at one community-based organization. We used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Usability was assessed by observing errors made and difficulties faced by participants. Acceptability was assessed using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. A subset of participants participated in cognitive and in-depth interviews.

Results

A total of 90 PWID, 84 MSM and 6 TG were observed performing HCVST. PWID were older (median age 35 vs 24) and had a lower level of education compared to MSM/TG (27% vs 59%). The proportion of participants who completed all steps successfully without assistance was 60% among PWID and 80% among MSM/TG. The most common error was in sample collection and this was observed more often among PWID than MSM/TG (21% vs 6%; p = 0.002). More PWID requested assistance during HCVST compared to MSM/TG (22% vs 8%; p = 0.011). Acceptability was high in both groups (98% vs 96%; p = 0.407). Inter-reader agreement was 97% among PWID and 99% among MSM/TG. Qualitative data from cognitive (n = 20) and in-depth interviews (n = 20) was consistent with the quantitative data confirming a high usability and acceptability.

Conclusions

HCVST was highly acceptable among key populations in Georgia of relatively high educational level, and most participants performed HCVST correctly. A significant difference in usability was observed among PWID compared to MSM/TG, indicating that PWID may benefit from improved messaging and education as well as options to receive direct assistance when self-testing for HCV.
Trauma exposure and depression among frontline health professionals during COVID-19 outbreak in China: the role of intrusive rumination and organizational silence
Authors: Li Chaofan , Wu Qiaobing , Gu Debin , Ni Shiguang
Published: May 2022

Background

Healthcare professionals bared particularly high risk and stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. Previous studies have demonstrated that healthcare professionals exposed to COVID-19 incurred various affective disorders including depressive symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, and distress. However, the mechanism underlying the relationship between trauma exposure and depressive symptom among frontline hospital staff has yet to be investigated. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms among frontline healthcare professionals in Shenzhen, China, and elucidate the complex relationship among trauma exposure, intrusive rumination, and organizational silence.

Methods

The data of this study were collected through a time-lagged panel questionnaire survey with three rounds of measurements from February 2020 to May 2020 at an infectious disease hospital in Shenzhen, in which all the confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients were accommodated. Based on cluster sampling design, a total of 134 frontline healthcare professionals directly involved in providing diagnosis, treatment, and nursing services for COVID-19 patients completed three times of web survey. The depressive symptom and trauma exposure were measured via the 12-items General Health Questionnaire and the Explosion Exposure Questionnaire respectively. A moderated mediation model examined the complex interplay among the major study variables. Gender and working year were included as control variables.

Results

Trauma exposure was significantly associated with depression in frontline healthcare professionals. Intrusive rumination mediated the effect of trauma exposure on the depressive symptom, which was moderated by organizational silence. Intrusive rumination presented a more substantial impact on depression while organization silence was lower.

Conclusions

This research demonstrates that intrusive rumination and organizational silence are imperative for predicting the depressive symptoms among the frontline healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Explaining interpersonal differences in COVID-19 disease prevention behavior based on the health belief model and collective resilience theory: a cross-sectional study from Bolivia
Authors: Herbas-Torrico Boris Christian , Frank Björn
Published: May 2022

Background

Governments have attempted to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by issuing guidelines for disease prevention behavior (e.g., wearing masks, social distancing, etc.) and by enforcing these guidelines. However, while some citizens have complied with these guidelines, others have ignored them or have even participated in large-scale protests. This research aims both to understand the causes of such variation in citizens’ adherence to government guidelines on disease prevention behavior and to extend the scientific literature on disease prevention to account for the collective resilience of a society to diseases. Thus, this research draws on the health belief model and collective resilience theory to develop hypotheses about the determinants of a citizen’s disease prevention behavior. These hypotheses deal with how citizens’ vulnerability, attitudes toward disease prevention, and social orientation are associated with COVID-19 prevention behaviors.

Methods

From March 24 to April 4, 2020, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Bolivia. It included questions on demographic characteristics, chronic health problems, emotional burden, attitudes towards preventive behaviors, trust in public institutions, and culture. Among 5265 participants who clicked on the survey, 1857 at least partially filled it out. After removing data with missing responses to any variable, the final sample consists of 1231 respondents. The collected data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling.

Results

Regarding a citizen’s vulnerability, chronic health problems have a U-shaped association with disease prevention behavior. Moreover, age, female gender, and worries have positive associations with disease prevention behavior, whereas depression showed a negative association. Regarding attitudes toward disease prevention, trust in public institutions, and attitudes toward social distancing, a government-imposed lockdown and the enforcement of this lockdown showed positive associations with disease prevention behavior. Regarding social orientation, individualism and collectivism both have positive relationships with disease prevention behavior.

Conclusions

In the COVID-19 pandemic, a citizen’s low vulnerability, weak social orientation, and beliefs about low benefits of disease prevention behavior are associated with poor compliance with guidelines on disease prevention behavior. More research on these associations would help generalize these findings to other populations and other public health crises.
Prevalence and correlates of periodontitis among Kenyan women planning to conceive
Authors: Oyaro Brenda , Lokken Erica , Alumera Hudson , Hussein Shahid , Richardson Barbra , Mandaliya Kishorchandra , Jaoko Walter , Kinuthia John , Dimba Elizabeth , Kemoli Arthur , McClelland R. Scott
Published: May 2022

Background

Periodontitis has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Little is known about the burden and risk factors for periodontitis among reproductive age women in sub-Saharan Africa. This analysis aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of periodontitis among Kenyan women planning to conceive.

Methods

HIV-seronegative, reproductive-age women who were planning to conceive were enrolled and underwent a periodontal examination. Following the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clinical case definitions, the presence and severity of periodontitis was determined by establishing the level of clinical periodontal attachment loss and graded in three categories: no/mild, moderate, and severe. Secondary outcomes included the scores on the Gingival Index and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index. Correlates of periodontitis were examined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Of the 647 women in the study, 84% (n = 541) had no/mild periodontitis, 15% (n = 97) had moderate periodontitis, and 1% (n = 9) had severe periodontitis. Mild gingivitis was present in 61% (n = 396) of women, while 27% (n = 176) had moderate gingivitis, and 1% (n = 9) had severe gingivitis. The majority (75%, n = 487) of women had a DMFT index in the very low range (score < 5). Periodontitis was observed in 12% (12/101) of nulliparous women compared to 13% (36/286) of women with one prior delivery (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.57–1.96), 21% (36/170) of women with two prior deliveries (PR 1.78, 95% CI 0.97–3.26), and 24% (22/90) of women with 3 or more prior deliveries (PR 2.06, 95% CI 1.08–3.92).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a substantial prevalence of moderate-severe periodontitis among women planning to conceive in Kenya. These results highlight the need to address the oral care needs of reproductive age women, particularly those with multiple prior pregnancies.
Income-related inequality and decomposition of edentulism among aged people in China
Authors: Du Shuo , Cheng Menglin , Zhang Chunzi , Xu Mengru , Wang Sisi , Wang Wenhui , Wang Xing , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Xu Tao , Si Yan
Published: May 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the income-related inequality of edentulism among the aged in China and identify the contributing factors.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data from the 4th National Oral Health Epidemiology Survey in China was conducted, and 65–74 years old were selected for the analysis of income-related inequality of edentulism. The concentration curve, Concentration index (CI) and Erreygers-corrected concentration index (EI) were used to represent inequality and its degree qualitatively and quantitatively, respectively. A decomposition method based on probit model was employed to determine the contributors of inequality, including demographic factors, income status, oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices and self-perceived general health status.

Results

In China, aged people with edentulism were concentrated in the poor. The CI was − 0.2337 (95% CIs: − 0.3503, − 0.1170). The EI was − 0.0413 (95% CIs: − 0.0619, − 0.0207). The decomposition results showed that income (75.02%) and oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices (15.52%) were the main contributors to the inequality.

Conclusion

This study showed that pro-poor inequality among the elderly with edentulism existed in China. Corresponding policies against the contributors could be considered to promote the health equality of the elders.
The association between stress attributed to information systems and the experience of workplace aggression: a cross-sectional survey study among Finnish physicians
Authors: Urnberg Heidi , Gluschkoff Kia , Saukkonen Petra , Elovainio Marko , Vänskä Jukka , Heponiemi Tarja
Published: May 2022

Background

Physicians commonly suffer from workplace aggression and its negative consequences. Previous studies have shown that stressors such as job demands increase the risk of inappropriate treatment at workplace. Poorly functioning, and constantly changing information systems form a major work stressor for physicians. The current study examined the association between physicians’ stress attributed to information systems (SAIS) and their experiences of workplace aggression. Workplace aggression covered physical and non-physical aggression, perpetrated by coworkers, patients, patient’s relatives, or supervisors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted. The participants included 2786 physicians (67.4% women) who were sampled randomly from the registry of Finnish Medical Association, which covers almost all of the Finnish physician population. First, bivariate associations were studied among participant characteristics, SAIS and workplace aggression. Logistic regression analysis was then used to further determine how SAIS was associated with the likelihood of experiencing different types of aggression.

Results

Higher levels of SAIS were associated with higher likelihood of aggression with regard to all types of aggression, except non-physical aggression perpetrated by patients or relatives. The demographic factors (work-sector, gender, age) did not have a noticeable influence on the association between SAIS and aggression.

Conclusions

The present results build on previous evidence on the prevalence of SAIS and its negative effects on healthcare workers. Since SAIS may increase the risk of experiencing aggression, it is possible that SAIS also endangers the wellbeing of physicians and thereby the quality of patient care. Resourcing time and training during introduction of a new IS could alleviate time pressure and thus stress attributed to managing new information systems. The role of organizational climate and general workload in arousing SAIS and aggression should be examined in future studies.
Prognostic value of triglyceride glucose (TyG) index in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Huang Rong , Wang Ziyan , Chen Jianzhou , Bao Xue , Xu Nanjiao , Guo Simin , Gu Rong , Wang Weimin , Wei Zhonghai , Wang Lian
Published: May 2022

Background

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index has been proposed as a reliable marker of insulin resistance (IR) and an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. However, its prognostic value in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 932 hospitalized patients with ADHF from January 1st, 2018 to February 1st, 2021 were included in this retrospective study. The TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride level (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose level (mg/dL)/2]. Patients were divided into tertiles according to TyG index values. The primary endpoints were all-cause death, cardiovascular (CV) death and major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCEs) during follow-up. We used multivariate adjusted Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline analysis to investigate the associations of the TyG index with primary endpoints.

Results

During a median follow-up time of 478 days, all-cause death, CV death and MACCEs occurred in 140 (15.0%), 103 (11.1%) and 443 (47.9%) cases, respectively. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, the risk of incident primary endpoints was associated with the highest TyG tertile. After adjustment for confounding factors, hazard ratios (HRs) for the highest tertile (TyG index ≥ 9.32) versus the lowest tertile (TyG index < 8.83) were 2.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–3.55; p = 0.006) for all-cause death, 2.31 (95% CI, 1.26–4.24; p = 0.007) for CV death and 1.83 (95% CI, 1.18–3.01; p = 0.006) for MACCEs. Restricted cubic spline analysis also showed that the cumulative risk of primary endpoints increased as TyG index increased. When the TyG index was used as a continuous variable, the hazard ratios of the three primary endpoints rapidly increased within the higher range of the TyG index (all cause death, TyG > 9.08; CV death, TyG > 9.46; MACCEs, TyG > 9.87).

Conclusions

The elevated TyG index was independently associated with poor prognosis, and thus would be useful in the risk stratification in patients with ADHF.
YOD1 serves as a potential prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhishuo , Zhao Wenxia , Li Yiming , Li Yang , Cheng Hanzeng , Zheng Liyun , Sun Xiaoyu , Liu Hao , Shao Rongguang
Published: May 2022

Background

Ubiquitination is a basic post-translational modification of intracellular proteins and can be reversed enzymatically by DUBs (deubiquitinating enzymes). More than 90 DUBs have been identified. Among them, the deubiquitinating enzyme YOD1, a member of the ovarian tumor domain protease (OTUs) subfamily, is involved in the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-related degradation pathways. In fact, it is reported that YOD1 is an important proliferation and metastasis-inducing gene, which can stimulate the characteristics of cancer stem cells and maintain circulating tumor cells (CTC). However, the expression level, prognostic effect and biological functional mechanism of YOD1 in pancreatic cancer are still unclear.

Results

In the GEO and TCGA databases, YOD1 mRNA expression is significantly up regulated in a variety of human pancreatic cancer tissues. Survival analysis showed that the up regulation of YOD1 can predict poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Cox analysis showed that high YOD1 expression is an independent prognostic factor of pancreatic cancer. ROC analysis shows that YOD1 has significant diagnostic value. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) results showed that the protein expression level of YOD1 in pancreatic cancer tissue was higher than that in neighboring non-pancreatic cancer tissues (P < 0.001). In addition, we found that YOD1 expression is negatively correlated with the infiltration level of CD8 + T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells (DC) in pancreatic cancer. The expression of YOD1 has a strong correlation with the different immune marker sets in PAAD. Co-expression network and functional enrichment analysis indicate that YOD1 may participate in the development of pancreatic cancer through cell adhesion molecules, p53, Hippo, TGF-β and other pathways. The experimental results of EDU, Transwell, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot and Flow Cytometry indicate that YOD1 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic cancer tissues, and its overexpression can promote the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells and affect the immune microenvironment.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that YOD1 may be a useful biomarker for the prognosis of human pancreatic cancer, and it may also be a potential molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
The unvirtuous cycle of discrimination affecting people with hepatitis B: a multi-country qualitative assessment of key-informant perspectives
Authors: Freeland Catherine , Mendola Lindsay , Cheng Vivian , Cohen Chari , Wallace Jack
Published: May 2022

Background

An estimated 296 million individuals live with chronic hepatitis B worldwide, most have not been diagnosed and remain at risk of liver disease and cancer. People with hepatitis B often face discrimination that denies them employment or education opportunities, results in unfair treatment at work or in school, limits their ability to emigrate to certain countries, and in some cases prohibits them from serving in the military. Discrimination specific to hepatitis B has not been widely documented within the literature. This study aims to investigate and describe hepatitis B related discrimination, document discrimination occurring around the globe, and provide initial recommendations for addressing discrimination using key informant interviews.

Methods

Purposive and snowball sampling were used to identify potential key informants for qualitative interview. Key informants identified as community health leaders, public health scientists, doctors, and researchers, many of whom were also living with hepatitis B. Using a semi-structured guide, participants were asked to describe their experience and any challenges for people living with hepatitis B including marginalization and its’ consequences. A codebook was used to guide the organization of data for analysis, and all transcripts N = 17 were double coded.

Results

The overarching themes identified from interviews demonstrate explicit experiences with discrimination of those directly affected, the psychological responses, and the negative health outcomes associated with the unvirtuous cycle of discrimination. All key informants reported on the substantial quality of life implications and often poorer health outcomes resulting from hepatitis B discrimination. Participants also identified the significant impact of hepatitis B discrimination occurring within a range of education-based services across several countries as well as military exclusion or removal if individuals are found to have hepatitis B.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that hepatitis B discrimination has a significant impact. Discrimination can occur at various points in life from education, to seeking employment, to marriage, to restrictions on entry, travel and stay in other countries. This study demonstrates the impact of discrimination and the need for future research that can lead to policy change and protections for people living with and impacted by hepatitis B.
Advances of nano drug delivery system for the theranostics of ischemic stroke
Authors: Lv Wei , Liu Yijiao , Li Shengnan , Lv Lingyan , Lu Hongdan , Xin Hongliang
Published: May 2022

From the global perspective, stroke refers to a highly common cause of disability and death. Ischemic stroke (IS), attributed to blood vessel blockage, preventing the flow of blood to brain, acts as the most common form of stroke. Thus far, thrombolytic therapy is the only clinical treatment for IS with the approval from the FDA. Moreover, the physiology barrier complicates therapeutically and diagnostically related intervention development of IS. Accordingly, developing efficient and powerful curative approaches for IS diagnosis and treatment is urgently required. The advent of nanotechnology has brought dawn and hope to better curative and imaging forms for the management of IS. This work reviews the recent advances and challenges correlated with the nano drug delivery system for IS therapy and diagnosis. The overview of the current knowledge of the important molecular pathological mechanisms in cerebral ischemia and how the drugs cross the blood brain barrier will also be briefly summarized.

Graphical Abstract
Targeted delivery of fat extract by platelet membrane-cloaked nanocarriers for the treatment of ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Cheng , Yang Xuewei , Jiang Yixu , Qi Lin , Zhuge Deli , Xu Tongtong , Guo Yiyan , Deng Mingwu , Zhang Wenjie , Tian Dongyan , Yin Qingqing , Li Li , Zhang Zhijun , Wang Yongting , Yang Guo-Yuan , Chen Yijie , Tang Yaohui
Published: May 2022

Background

Our previous studies suggest that human fat extract (FE) contains a variety of angiogenic factors and may provide an alternative treatment option for stroke. However, the therapeutic effect is largely limited due to its short half-life, and inaccurate targeting.

Results

Herein, we leverage the targeting abilities of platelets (PLTs) to the lesion area of stroke and Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides to the angiogenic blood vessels to develop a biomimetic nanocarrier that capable of delivering FE precisely to treat stroke. The biomimetic nanocarriers are comprised of FE-encapsulated PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) core enclosed by RGD peptides decorated plasma membrane of PLTs, namely RGD-PLT@PLGA-FE. We found that RGD-PLT@PLGA-FE not only targeted damaged and inflamed blood vessels but also achieved rapid accumulation in the lesion area of ischemic brain. In addition, RGD-PLT@PLGA-FE kept a sustained release behavior of FE at the lesion site, effectively increased its half-life and promoted angiogenesis and neurogenesis with delivering neurotrophic factors including BDNF, GDNF and bFGF to the brain, that ultimately resulted in blood flow increase and neurobehavioral recovery.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study provides a new strategy to design a biomimetic system for FE delivery and it is a promising modality for stroke therapy.

Graphical Abstract
Natural antisense RNA Foxk1-AS promotes myogenic differentiation by inhibiting Foxk1 activity
Authors: Li Chun , Shen Hao , Liu Meng , Li Siguang , Luo Yuping
Published: May 2022

Background

Natural antisense RNAs are RNA molecules that are transcribed from the opposite strand of either protein-coding or non-protein coding genes and have the ability to regulate the expression of their sense gene or several related genes. However, the roles of natural antisense RNAs in the maintenance and myogenesis of muscle stem cells remain largely unexamined.

Methods

We analysed myoblast differentiation and regeneration by overexpression and knockdown of Foxk1-AS using lentivirus and adeno-associated virus infection in C2C12 cells and damaged muscle tissues. Muscle injury was induced by BaCl2 and the regeneration and repair of damaged muscle tissues was assessed by haematoxylin–eosin staining and quantitative real-time PCR. The expression of myogenic differentiation-related genes was verified via quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

We identified a novel natural antisense RNA, Foxk1-AS, which is transcribed from the opposite strand of Foxk1 DNA and completely incorporated in the 3′ UTR of Foxk1. Foxk1-AS targets Foxk1 and functions as a regulator of myogenesis. Overexpression of Foxk1-AS strongly inhibited the expression of Foxk1 in C2C12 cells and in tibialis anterior muscle tissue and promoted myoblast differentiation and the regeneration of muscle fibres damaged by BaCl2. Furthermore, overexpression of Foxk1-AS promoted the expression of Mef2c, which is an important transcription factor in the control of muscle gene expression and is negatively regulated by Foxk1.

Conclusion

The results indicated that Foxk1-AS represses Foxk1, thereby rescuing Mef2c activity and promoting myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells and regeneration of damaged muscle fibres.
Transcriptomic datasets of cancer patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review
Authors: Kovács Szonja Anna , Győrffy Balázs
Published: May 2022

The availability of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in the last decade has resulted in a paradigm shift in certain areas of oncology. Patients can be treated either by a monotherapy of anti-CTLA-4 (tremelimumab or ipilimumab), anti-PD-1 (nivolumab or pembrolizumab), or anti-PD-L1 (avelumab or atezolizumab or durvalumab) or as combination therapy of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1. To maximize the clinical treatment benefit of cancer immunotherapy, the prediction of the actual immune response by the identification and application of clinically useful biomarkers will be required. Whole transcriptomic datasets of patients with ICI treatment could provide the basis for large-scale discovery and ranking of such potential biomarker candidates. In this review, we summarize currently available transcriptomic data from different biological sources (whole blood, fresh-frozen tissue, FFPE) obtained by different methods (microarray, RNA-Seq, RT-qPCR). We directly include only results from clinical trials and other investigations where an ICI treatment was administered. The available datasets are grouped based on the administered treatment and we also summarize the most important results in the individual cohorts. We discuss the limitations and shortcomings of the available datasets. Finally, a subset of animal studies is reviewed to provide an overview of potential in vivo ICI investigations. Our review can provide a swift reference for researchers aiming to find the most suitable study for their investigation, thus saving a significant amount of time.
Periappendiceal fluid collection on preoperative computed tomography can be an indication for interval appendectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Kanaka Shintaro , Mizutani Satoshi , Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Matsutani Takeshi , Chihara Naoto , Katsuno Akira , Takata Hideyuki , Nakata Ryosuke , Mishima Keisuke , Wada Yudai , Shimizu Takao , Yamagiwa Ryo , Haruna Takahiro , Nakamura Yuka , Hamaguchi Akira , Taniai Nobuhiko , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

Background

The treatment strategies for acute appendicitis, such as emergency appendectomy (EA), interval appendectomy (IA), and repeating nonoperative management (NOM), are controversial. In this study, we examined the preoperative factors that can be used to distinguish which patients should undergo IA.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 902 patients who underwent surgery for appendicitis in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2021. Of these patients, 776 were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: those with a periappendiceal fluid collection (PAFC) on preoperative computed tomography (PAFC-positive group, n = 170) and those without a PAFC (PAFC-negative group, n = 606). In each group, we compared patients who underwent EA and IA.

Results

In the PAFC-positive group, patients who underwent EA had a significantly higher postoperative complication rate than those who underwent IA (40.5% vs. 24.0%, p = 0.037). In the multivariate analysis, only the presence of PAFC was significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications (odds ratio, 7.11; 95% confidence interval, 2.73–18.60; p < 0.001). The presence of PAFC alone was not significantly associated with an increased risk of IA or NOM failure (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.19–11.7; p = 0.71). The rate of neoplasia on pathologic examination was significantly higher in the PAFC-positive than PAFC-negative group (7.6% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001); the rate of carcinoma was also higher in the PAFC-positive group (2.4% vs. 0.17%, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The presence of PAFC on preoperative computed tomography was found to be a risk factor for postoperative complications but not IA or NOM failure. It was also correlated with neoplasia as the etiology of appendicitis. Therefore, PAFC positivity is useful as an indication for IA.
Quality of life following cardiac rehabilitation in cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Lourens Ernest Christian , Baker Robert Ashley , Krieg Bronwyn M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Undergoing cardiac surgery often result in perioperative loss of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Although participation rates in Australia is low, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been demonstrated to improve patient HRQOL in cardiac patients. Literature is unclear regarding the role of CR and HRQOL in the cardiac surgery (CS) patient population.

Methods

A prospective non-randomised study was conducted on eligible cardiac surgery patients between December 2009 and March 2015. HRQOL was assessed using the Short Form 12 at baseline and post-operatively at 30 days and 180 days. CR participation was recorded and barriers to CR uptake was assessed using the Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrolment Obstacles (CREO) scale.

Results

At 180 days, 107 patients participated in CR and 111 did not participate in CR. A significant improvement from baseline mental and physical HRQOL was observed in both groups at 30 days and 180 days (p < 0.002). No significant difference between group characteristics or HRQOL was observed at any time. A trend of superior improvement in mental QOL was observed in the CR group. The study is limited by poor initial uptake (218/1772 of eligible) and may be underpowered to observe a clinical difference. A significant difference in CREO scores were observed between the two groups at 30 days (13 out of 16 questions, p < 0.001) and 180 days (11 out of 16 questions, p < 0.011).

Conclusion

Literature has shown that CR may improve numerous health outcomes in cardiac and CS patients, however CR uptake in Australia is low. Mental and Physical QOL is demonstrated to improve following CS, however further research is required to delineate the role of CR and QOL in CS patients. The CREO tool utilised in this study identified numerous potentially modifiable barriers to CR uptake. Specific strategies related to the survey are suggested to improve awareness, uptake, and adherence to CR, including advocacy of home-based and telehealth services.