bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Everolimus-Eluting Stents or Bypass Surgery for Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: Extended Follow-Up Outcomes of Multicenter Randomized Controlled BEST Trial
Authors: Ahn Jung-Min , Kang Do-Yoon , Yun Sung-Cheol , Ho Hur Seung , Park Hun-Jun , Tresukosol Damras , Chol Kang Woong , Moon Kwon Hyuck , Rha Seung-Woon , Lim Do-Sun , Jeong Myung-Ho , Lee Bong-Ki , Huang He , Hyo Lim Young , Ho Bae Jang , Ok Kim Byung , Kiam Ong Tiong , Gyun Ahn Sung , Chung Cheol-Hyun , Park Duk-Woo , Park Seung-Jung , Ahn Jung-Min , Kang Do-Yoon , Yun Sung-Cheol , Park Duk-Woo , Chung Cheol-Hyun , Park Seung-Jung , Ho Hur Seung , Park Hun-Jun , Tresukosol Damras , Kang Woong Chol , Kwon Hyuck Moon , Lim Do-Sun , Rha Seung-Woon , Jeong Myung-Ho , Lee Bong-Ki , Huang He , Lim Young Hyo , Bae Jang Ho , Kim Byung Ok , Ong Tiong Kiam , Ahn Sung Gyun , Yang Tae-Hyun , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Jang Ji-Yong , Park Jong-Seon , Ge JunBo , Lee Sung Yun , Kim Jun-Hong , Cho Jang-Hyun , Choi Yun Seok , Park Gyung-Min , Zambahari Robaaya
Published: September 2022

Background:

Long-term comparative outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with everolimus-eluting stents and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are limited in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.

Methods:

This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 27 international heart centers and was designed to randomly assign 1776 patients with angiographic multivessel coronary artery disease to receive PCI with everolimus-eluting stents or CABG. After inclusion of 880 patients (438 in the PCI group and 442 in the CABG group) between July 2008 and September 2013, the study was terminated early because of slow enrollment. The primary end point was the composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 11.8 years (interquartile range, 10.6–12.5 years; maximum, 13.7 years), the primary end point occurred in 151 patients (34.5%) in the PCI group and 134 patients (30.3%) in the CABG group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18 [95% CI, 0.88–1.56];
P
=0.26). No significant differences were seen in the occurrence of a safety composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke between groups (28.8% and 27.1%; HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.75–1.53];
P
=0.70), as well as the occurrence of death from any cause (20.5% and 19.9%; HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.65–1.67];
P
=0.86). However, spontaneous myocardial infarction (7.1% and 3.8%; HR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.06–3.27];
P
=0.031) and any repeat revascularization (22.6% and 12.7%; HR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.58–2.32];
P
<0.001) were more frequent after PCI than after CABG.

Conclusions:

In patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, there were no significant differences between PCI and CABG in the incidence of major adverse cardiac events, the safety composite end point, and all-cause mortality during the extended follow-up.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT05125367 and NCT00997828.
The monotypic genus Nephelobotys Munroe & Mutuura, 1970 (Lepidoptera, Crambidae, Pyraustinae): two new species from Laos and a newly combined species from Korea
Authors: KO JAE-HO , BAYARSAIKHAN ULZIIJARGAL , LEE TAK-GI , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: September 2022

The genus Nephelobotys is newly recorded from Laos and two new species Nephelobotys denticulatus sp. nov. and Nephelobotys forcipatus sp. nov. are newly described. Nephelobotys evenoralis (Walker, 1859) comb. nov., is also newly reported from Korea. Illustrations of adults and genitalia are provided. The differences with related genus Torulisquama Zhang & Li, 2010 are briefly discussed.
Redescription of Bagauda avidus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) with notes on other species of the genus in India
Authors: JOSHI NIKHIL U. , BOYANE SWAPNIL S. , GHATE HEMANT V.
Published: September 2022

The thread-legged assassin bug Bagauda avidus Bergroth, 1903 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae: Leistarchini), the type species of the genus Bagauda Bergroth, 1903, is redescribed based on light microscopic observations and scanning electron microscopy images. Additional five species of Bagauda occurring in India are briefly reviewed.
On the Relative Importance of Stratospheric and Tropospheric Drivers for the North Atlantic Jet Response to Sudden Stratospheric Warming Events
Authors: Afargan-Gerstman Hilla , Jiménez-Esteve Bernat , Domeisen Daniela I. V.
Published: September 2022

Roughly two-thirds of the observed sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events are followed by an equatorward shift of the tropospheric jet in the North Atlantic, while the other events generally show a poleward shift. It is however not resolved which drivers lead to the large inter-event variability in the surface impact. Using an intermediate complexity atmospheric model, we analyze the contribution of different factors to the downward response: polar cap geopotential height anomalies in the lower stratosphere, downstream influence from the northeastern Pacific, and local tropospheric conditions in the North Atlantic at the time of the initial response. As in reanalysis, an equatorward shift of the North Atlantic jet is found to occur for two-thirds of SSWs in the model. We find that around 40% of the variance of the tropospheric jet response after SSW events can be explained by the lower stratosphere geopotential height anomalies, while around 25% can be explained by zonal wind anomalies over the northeastern Pacific region. Local Atlantic conditions at the time of the SSW onset are also found to contribute to the surface response. To isolate the role of the stratosphere from tropospheric variability, we use model experiments where the zonal mean stratospheric winds are nudged toward climatology. When stratospheric variability is suppressed, the Pacific influence is found to be weaker. These findings shed light on the contribution of the stratosphere to the diverse downward impacts of SSW events, and may help to improve the predictability of tropospheric jet variability in the North Atlantic.
Preparation and properties of benzoxazine precursors containing siloxane units and their epoxy copolymers
Authors: Liu Lele , Wang Fan , Zhu Yaping , Qi Huimin
Published: September 2022

Four siloxane benzoxazines containing different rigid segments were successfully synthesized and characterized herein, including a benzene ring, a biphenyl, a naphthalene ring, and a diphenyl sulfone group. Different rigid segments had different effects on polymer properties. The introduction of the naphthalene ring and sulfone group considerably reduced the curing temperature of benzoxazine. Although the benzoxazine with the naphthalene ring exhibited low heat resistance, all the four samples showed a high char yield at 800°C under nitrogen atmosphere. In addition, during copolymerization with AG-80 epoxy, the introduction of epoxy promoted the curing of the benzoxazines containing the naphthalene ring and sulfone group. The heat resistance of all copolymers was considerably improved, especially for the copolymer containing the naphthalene ring, whose 5% thermal weight loss temperature ( Td5) increased from 248°C to 321°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The copolymer containing the biphenyl structure had the highest glass transition temperature, reaching 259.1°C. Copolymerization with epoxy also considerably improved the tensile strength and elongation at break of the copolymers, which were much higher than those of traditional bisphenol A-aniline based benzoxazine (BA-a). Compared with the neat benzoxazine prepared using siloxane and bisphenol A, the developed copolymers also had better tensile properties, and the copolymer containing the sulfone group showed the greatest improvement (from 49 to 69 MPa, from 3.1% to 9.12%).
A re-audit of individuals with a late diagnosis of HIV in 2016 and 2019 in Greater Manchester
Authors: Boardman Emily , Tomkins Andrew , Babu Chitra
Published: September 2022

Background

New late HIV diagnosis (CD4 count <350cells/mm3) are higher in North West England compared to the UK average. A Greater Manchester-wide audit into individuals diagnosed with late or very late HIV was conducted in 2016 and re-audited in 2019. Our aim was to gain intelligence into key demographics of late diagnosed individuals across Greater Manchester, review opportunities for earlier diagnosis and determine if key recommendations from the 2016 audit were followed.

Methods

Individuals were identified from locally kept data or HIV and AIDS Reporting System (HARS) data. A retrospective case note review was performed for each patient using data from local notes, General Practice summary of care records and relevant clinical letters. Data was collected for 2019 and compared to 2016 results.

Results

In 2016, nine departments contributed data and 104 individuals were identified as having been diagnosed late. In 2019, seven departments contributed data and 65 individuals were identified as having been diagnosed late. In both years, a greater proportion of males diagnosed late were White British and for females Black African. A greater proportion of late diagnosis occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM) and in heterosexual females. In 2019, a greater proportion of patients had an AIDS-defining illness at time of diagnosis. Whilst in 2016, most patients were asymptomatic. Over one third of patients had a clinical indicator disease in their past medical history, which is an increase in proportion from 2016. The proportion of cases where clinicians felt that there had been probable missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis also increased in 2019.

Conclusions

There are continued missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis. We recommend targeted interventions for groups at higher risk of late presentation, education in primary/secondary care regarding clinical indicator conditions, a formal review process for all late diagnosed cases, communication with primary/secondary care if missed opportunities are identified and broader HIV testing especially in high prevalence areas.
Long term endurance analysis of the effects on ring wear and lubrication oil of biofuel used in a DI diesel engine
Authors: Temizer İlker , Arı Ayşegül
Published: September 2022

In this study, the long-term endurance tests were carried out in an engine that was used 100% diesel and 90% diesel −10% bioethanol blend. The lubricating oil and ring wear were investigated in the direct injection diesel engine using two different fuels under partial load and for 110 h. As a result of long-term endurance tests, ash content, density, viscosity, acid number determination, and flash point values of engine lubricating oil were detected. Moreover, the metal residues (Fe, Al, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mg, Mn, Ni) were signs of wear in the lubricating oil were observed. Samples were taken from the lubricating oil at 55 and 110 h and examined by the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer method. Also, tribological and morphological analyses of the replaced piston rings were made for each fuel mixture. The piston rings (first ring, second ring and third ring) had been examined by using the Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. As a result, it was observed that the metal residues in the oil changed over time. Metal residues were showed that after the 55th hour there were more metal residues in the lubricating oil with B10, compared to diesel. While the TAN value of lubricating oil was measured as 3.08 mg KOH/g in the D100 operation, this value was 3.29 mg KOH/g in the B10 operation.
Remembering through fragmented narratives: Third generations and the intergenerational memory of the 1965 anti-leftist violence in Indonesia
Authors: Leksana Grace , Subekti Arif
Published: September 2022

This article focuses on the intergenerational memory within families directly implicated by the 1965 anti-leftist violence in Indonesia. Under the culture of impunity, the violence remains at the margins of Indonesia’s history and collective memory, creating taboo and suppressing open talk about the event. However, taking a critical approach, we perceive this social silence as a conscious strategy of survival, rather than a fear of state repression. This strategy implicates the ways memories of violence are transferred to the following generations – when, what and how narratives are delivered or muzzled. It is also silence that actually catalyses the preservation of those memories within the families. Through the lens of the third generations in three different families of survivors, we examine how they undergo and sustain silences and narratives of violence in the family, including how they maintain those memories in the present and for the future. In relation to that, our study supports the prevailing notions that argue against interpreting silence as absence. Instead, these case studies show that in silence, memories of violence seep through what we call fragmented narratives – the incomplete, incomprehensible, irrational and sometimes mythical knowledge or experiences related to 1965 violence. In other cases, silence in the family takes the form of depoliticising figures of the first generation – detaching all their political activities and ideologies from recollection of activism.
Can the Leadership Sense of Duty of Gen Z Be Bought? Evidence from Malaysian Gen Z Students
Authors: Toh Seong-Yuen , Lim Shue-Li , Kaur Ranita , Too Choon-Teng
Published: September 2022

Gen Z constitutes 29% of Malaysia’s population and a growing proportion of the workforce in the near future. Very little is known about their leadership potential. This study investigates whether Gen Z’s sense of duty to lead can be influenced by rewards. Extant literature characterizes Gen Z as convenience-oriented, reward-seeking, calculative, independent, idealistic, and optimistic. An anonymous online questionnaire was used to survey students in schools and universities in Malaysia, targeting respondents 25 years old and below to represent the Gen Z cohort. A total of 153 valid cases were used for statistical analysis. Contrary to their purported self-serving and entitled sentiments, the evidence in this study suggests that Malaysian Gen Z’s sense of duty to lead cannot be easily swayed by rewards. We further found that they do not necessarily dislike working in groups as claimed by past studies; instead, they avoid conflict and discord in teamwork if possible and therefore prefer to work independently if team disharmony is inevitable. While the literature on Gen Z indicates that they prefer convenience, comfort, and are self-interested, this study suggests that their sense of duty to lead can be sacrificial and selfless.
Commentary: The Changing Face of Dentistry
Authors: LeResche L.
Published: September 2022

The articles in this issue represent the final reports of 4 panels convened for the 2021 Arcora Distinguished Professorship in Dentistry Symposium at the University of Washington under the theme, “The Changing Face of Dentistry.” The articles provide a range of perspectives on broad social, economic, and technological trends that have implications for the future of dentistry, defined as including not only dental practice but also dental education, organized dentistry, and dental research. Some common trends were identified in multiple groups, but the perspectives on these trends differed from group to group and sometimes even among panel members in the same group. In this Commentary, I briefly summarize and comment on the findings of each panel, then discuss and provide perspectives on 7 common themes addressed by multiple groups: acceleration of technological change; remote care/teledentistry; disparities and inequities in health and access to health care; the aging population and increased number of persons with multiple chronic conditions; convergence of data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning; integration of dental and medical primary care; and changing payment systems, including value-based care. Finally, the implications of these findings for translational research are discussed.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This article reviews social, economic, and technological trends affecting the future of dentistry. These trends have important implications for the training of dentists and the organization of dental care with the aim of improving the oral health of the public. Clinical and translational research has an essential role to play in developing the interventions and evidence base for these improvements.
An Assessment of LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency and Attitudes of US Otolaryngologists
Authors: Patel Anuj Umesh , Moyer Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2022

Otolaryngologists can play a significant role in the care of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) patients through gender‐affirming care and routine care in everyday practice. To avoid stigmatizing LGBTQ+ patients, otolaryngologists should maintain high levels of LGBTQ+ cultural competency; however, US otolaryngology programs offer limited amounts of LGBTQ+ topics in didactic curricula, and the LGBTQ+ cultural competency of otolaryngologists remains unknown. A cross‐sectional survey of demographics, attitude questions, and the 7‐point Likert LGBT–Development of Clinical Skills Scale was distributed to otolaryngologists across the United States. Otolaryngologists (n = 176) had moderately high Overall LGBTQ+ cultural competency (mean, 5.82; range, 3.83‐7.00), moderately high Basic Knowledge (mean, 5.43; range, 1.53‐7.00), moderately high Clinical Preparedness (mean, 5.34; range, 2.00‐7.00), and high Attitudinal Awareness (mean, 6.51; range, 2.42‐7.00). Attending otolaryngologists had significantly lower LGBTQ+ Basic Knowledge than residents and fellows (P =. 002). Further education at all levels of practice, including attendings, is necessary to improve LGBTQ+ cultural competency among otolaryngologists.
Optimization of differentiation protocols of dental tissues stem cells to pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Aly Riham M. , Aglan Hadeer A. , Eldeen Ghada Nour , Ahmed Hanaa H.
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite the recent progress in the differentiation strategies of stem cells into pancreatic beta cell lineage, current protocols are not optimized for different cell types. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the ability of stem cells derived from dental pulp (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament (PDLSCs) as two anatomically different dental tissues to differentiate into pancreatic beta cells while assessing the most suitable protocol for each cell type.

Methods

DPSCs & PDLSCs were isolated and characterized morphologically and phenotypically and then differentiated into pancreatic beta cells using two protocols. Differentiated cells were assessed by qRT-PCR for the expression of pancreatic related markers Foxa-2, Sox-17, PDX-1, Ngn-3, INS and Gcg. Functional assessment of differentiation was performed by quantification of Insulin release via ELISA.

Results

Protocol 2 implementing Geltrex significantly enhanced the expression levels of all tested genes both in DPSCs & PDLSCs. Both DPSCs & PDLSCs illustrated improved response to increased glucose concentration in comparison to undifferentiated cells. Moreover, DPSCs demonstrated an advanced potency towards pancreatic lineage differentiation over PDLSCs under both protocols.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current study reports the promising potential of dental derived stem cells in differentiating into pancreatic lineage through selection of the right protocol.
Drug-related problems and its predictors among hospitalized heart failure patients at Jimma Medical Center, South West Ethiopia: prospective interventional study
Authors: Sefera Birbirsa , Getachew Mestawet , Babu Yadeta , Bekele Firomsa , Fanta Korinan
Published: September 2022

Background

Drug-related problems are associated with high mortality, complications, prolonged hospital stay, compromised quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. This problem is high in patients hospitalized with chronic conditions such as heart failure. However, there are limited studies conducted on this area, particularly in Ethiopia.

Objective

To evaluate drug-related problems, their predictors, and clinical pharmacist intervention among hospitalized heart failure patients at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia.

Methods and participants

A prospective interventional study was conducted among hospitalized heart failure patients from September 30, 2020, to May 28, 2021, at Jimma Medical Center. Drug-related problems were sorted based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe drug classification tool version 9.0. Patient's specific data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using statistical software package version 23.0. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of drug-related problems occurrence and statistical significance was considered at a p value < 0.05.

Results

A total of 237 heart failure patients were included in this study. The mean (SD) age was 49.06 + 17.79. About two-thirds (66.2%) of study patients had at least one drug-related problem during their hospital stay. A total of 283 drug-related problems were identified among 157 patients. Treatment effectiveness-related problem (55.48%) was the most common observed drug-related problem. The independent predictors of drug-related problems were khat chewing [AOR = 3.25, 95% CI = (1.46–7.23)], hospital stay > 18 days [AOR = 3.77, 95% CI = (1.93–7.37)]; presence of comorbid condition [AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = (1.35–4.96)] and polypharmacy [AOR = 2.94, 95% CI = (1.54–5.61)].

Conclusion

The prevalence of drug-related problems was high among hospitalized heart failure patients in the study area. Chewing khat, prolonged hospital stay, comorbidity, and polypharmacy were the predictors of drug-related problems. Hence, to overcome these problems, clinical pharmacists, physicians, and other health professionals have to work in collaboration.
Predictors of unsuppressed viral load among adults on follow up of antiretroviral therapy at selected public and private health facilities of Adama town: unmached case-control study
Authors: Jaleta Fraol , Bekele Bayissa , Kedir Soriya , Hassan Jemal , Getahun Asnakech , Ligidi Tadesse , Garoma Getinet , Itefa Kiflu , Gerenfes Tadesse , Botore Abera , Kenate Berhanu , Dagafa Gutu , Muleta Daba
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite the scale up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), unsuppressed viral load among population taking ART in private and public health facilities is still a public health concern increasing the risk of treatment failure. Studies comprehensively assessing significant predictors of non-suppressed viral load among patients on follow up of AR in public and private health facilities are limited. The objective of the study was to identify predictors of unsuppressed viral load among adult patients taking antiretroviral therapy at selected public and private health facilities of Adama town, East shewa zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

An unmatched case-control study was conducted from April 15 /2021 to May 20/2021. A total sample size of 347 patients consisting 116 cases and 231 controls was selected from electronic database among patients who started ART from September 2015 to August 2020. Data were collected using checklist from patient medical records and analyzed by SPSS. The association of dependent and independent variables was determined using multivariate analysis with 95% confidence interval andP- value in logistic regression model to identify independent predictors.

Result

From the total 347 participants,140 (40.3%) of them were males and 207 (59.7%) were females. In multivariate logistic regression, CD4 count < 100 [(AOR:1.22, 95% CI: 1.4-7.3)], CD4 100-200[(AOR: 2.58 95% CI: 1.06-8.28)], Fair Adherence [(AOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.67-4.82)], poor adherence [(AOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.7-6.73)], History of Cotrimoxazole Therapy (CPT) use and not used [(AOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.23-5.48)] and History of drug substitution [(AOR:. 361, 95% CI: .145-.897)] were independent predictors of unsuppressed viral load with thep-value less than 0.05.

Conclusion and commendation

In this study,Baseline CD4, adherence, History of CPT used and history of drug substitution was predictors of unsuppressed viral load. Monitoring immunological response through scheduled CD4 tests is essential to maintain immunity of the patients preventing diseases progression. Intensive adherence support and counseling should conclusively be provided through effective implementation of ART programs by providers would enhance viral suppression ensuring the quality of care and treatment.
EPHA5 mutation was associated with adverse outcome of atezolizumab treatment in late-stage non-small cell lung cancers
Authors: Li Zhenxiang , Zhou Qing , Wang Qi , Wang Haiyong , Yue Weiming
Published: September 2022

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate predictive value of gene mutation for atezolizumab treatment response from OAK and POPLAR cohorts.

Methods

Several public databases were used for analyzing gene mutation type of EPHA5 and association with alterations of other genes. Survival analysis was performed for patients receiving atezolizumab from OAK and POPLAR cohorts.

Results

EPHA5 mutation have high frequency to harbor TP53 and KEAP1 mutations. The bTMB value has significant difference between EPHA5 mutant and wild-type cases. Patients with EPHA5 mutation got worse survival compared to those without gene mutations receiving atezolizumab (P = 0.0186).

Conclusions

EPHA5 mutant NSCLC may represent a subpopulation which showed worse response after treatment of atezolizumab compared to wild-type ones.
A scoping review on the impact of hydrophilic versus non-hydrophilic intermittent catheters on UTI, QoL, satisfaction, preference, and other outcomes in neurogenic and non-neurogenic patients suffering from urinary retention
Authors: Barken Kim Bundvig , Vaabengaard Rikke
Published: September 2022

Background

For patients suffering from urinary retention due to neurogenic [e.g., spinal cord injury (SCI), spina bifida (SB), multiple sclerosis (MS)] or non-neurogenic [e.g., cancer, benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH)] causes, intermittent catheterization is the primary choice for bladder emptying. This scoping review compared hydrophilic-coated intermittent catheters (HCICs) with non-hydrophilic (uncoated) catheters in neurogenic and non-neurogenic patients with respect to satisfaction, preference, adverse events, urinary tract infection (UTI), quality of life (QoL), cost effectiveness, pain, and discomfort.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, and available clinical practice guidelines and was limited to systematic reviews/meta-analysis and clinical studies (randomized trials, cohort and case–control studies) published in English between 2000 and 2020. A narrative synthesis was performed, comparing HCIC with non-hydrophilic catheters in each pathology. The articles where critically appraised and weighted according to their level of evidence based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence grading.

Results

Thirty seven original articles and 40 reviews were included. The comparison of HCICs versus non-hydrophilic catheters was well-documented in patients with mixed pathology, SCI, and to some extent SB. The available evidence predominantly indicates better outcomes with HCICs as reported by study authors, particularly, greater UTI reduction and improved satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, and QoL. However, SB studies in children did not report reduction in UTIs. Children complained about slippery catheters, indicating possible touching of the surface during insertion, which may compromise cleanliness of the procedure and affect outcomes such as UTI. Limited studies were available exclusively on BPH and none on MS; however, most studies performed on mixed pathologies, including BPH and MS, indicated strong preference for HCICs compared to non-hydrophilic catheters.

Conclusions

The findings generally support HCICs over non-hydrophilic catheters; however, most studies were fairly small, often used a mix of pathologies, and the conclusions were often based on studies with high drop-out rates that were therefore underpowered. Larger studies are needed to support the general finding that HCICs are the preferred choice in most populations. Additional training in children or redesigned catheters may be necessary for this age-group to fully benefit from the advantages of HCICs.
Evaluation of the food effect on a drospirenone only contraceptive containing 4 mg administered with and without high-fat breakfast in a randomised trial
Authors: Regidor P.-A. , Richter W. H. , Koytchev R. , Kirkov V. , Colli E.
Published: September 2022

Background

The objective of the present trial was to assess the difference in pharmacokinetics (PK) of an oral test preparation containing 4 mg drospirenone (DRSP) under fasting conditions compared to PK upon food intake after single dose administration.

Methods

Open label, single centre, two-treatment, two-sequence, crossover study in 24 healthy female volunteers, with duration of 1 day per sequence and with a real wash-out period of 14 days to investigate the relative bioavailability of DRSP with both forms of administration. The 90% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the intra-individual ratio (test with food vs. without food) of the PK endpoints Area under the curve; 0–72 h [AUC(0-72 h)] and maximal plasma concentration [Cmax] of DRSP.

Results

The 90% CI calculated by analysis of variance using logistic transformation (ANOVA-log) for the endpoint, intra-individual ratio (Test ‘A’ = with food intake) vs. Test ‘B’ = without food intake) of AUC(0-72 h) of drospirenone was between 104.72 and 111.36%. The 90% CI calculated by means of ANOVA- log for the endpoint intra-individual ratio (Test ‘A’ vs. Test ‘B’) of Cmax of DRSP was between 118.58 and 141.10%. The mean relative bioavailability of the test with food ‘A’ compared to the Test without food ‘B’ after single dose administration based on the endpoints AUC(0-72 h)was 107.99%; for the endpoint Cmax it was 129.35%.

Conclusions

The rate of absorption, based on the endpoint Cmax of DRSP was increased by about 30% under fed conditions. With respect to consumer habits, this may represent a relevant benefit for contraceptive safety, as the time span between food consumption and pill intake does not play a role.

Implications

Our results suggest that the food intake has no impact on the absorption of 4 mg DRSP in the management of contraception. This increases the contraceptive efficacy as no interference with food is expected when consuming the oral formulation under real life conditions.

Trail registration: Trial registration number: EudraCT-No: 2012–004,309-28.
Effects of nursing support workers participation on negative emotions, quality of life and life satisfaction of patients with cerebral hemorrhage: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Luo Qinglian , Luan Xingzhao , Xia Chengling , Hou Liming , Wang Qisheng , Zhao Mingkuan , Tang Hua , Zheng Haowen , He Haiping , Xiang Wei , Wang Jianmei , Zhou Jie
Published: September 2022

Background

Due to the high nursing pressure of patients with cerebral hemorrhage and the general shortage of clinical nurses, nursing support workers often participate in clinical nursing work, but the influence of nursing support workers' participation on the negative emotion, quality of life and life satisfaction of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage is unknown.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest–posttest design. A total of 181 ICH patients admitted to our hospital from January 2022 to April 2022 were enrolled, including 81 patients receiving conventional care (CG control group) and 80 patients receiving nursing support worker participation (RG research group). All patients were recorded with self-perceived Burden Scale (SPBS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Quality of Life Scale (SF-36), Somatic Self rating Scale (SSS), Patient self-care ability assessment scale (Barthel) and Satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) scores.

Results

Patients with high negative emotion were more willing to participate in clinical nursing work (p < 0.05). Nursing support workers involved in cerebral hemorrhage patients can alleviate negative emotions, improve life quality, improve life satisfaction (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The participation of nursing support workers can alleviate the negative emotions of ICH patients, enhance their self-management ability, and improve their life quality.
Effectiveness of flipped teaching on the knowledge and self-efficacy of nursing personnel in non-pharmacological pain management-aromatherapy: a quasi-experiment
Authors: Chiu Ching-Wen , Liu Chieh-Hsing
Published: September 2022

Background

Aromatherapy is effective in treating pain; however, aromatherapy is not offered in formal nursing education in Taiwan. This study designed aromatherapy training courses for nurses using the flipped teaching approach and explored the effectiveness of the method, which can serve as a reference for future aromatherapy courses.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design and convenience sampling were adopted. The participants were nurses who had been employed for over one year in two hospitals in Taiwan. Forty nurses were included in the experimental and control groups. The intervention of this study was performed in February 2020. Nurses in the control group received one hour of introduction to the use of aromatherapy in pain management. This class was delivered using the traditional teaching method, during which a researcher served as the lecturer. Nurses in the experimental group received a 2.5-h flipped teaching course on aromatherapy. Two weeks before classroom activities, the nurses in the experimental group watched a 30-min aromatherapy concept video on an e-learning teaching platform. Thereafter, the nurses participated in two hours of classroom teaching in both groups. The course design included group discussions, mind mapping, case discussion, practice with essential oils, and do-it-yourself essential oil preparation.

Results

Pre- and post-test knowledge and self-efficacy in aromatherapy were assessed. There were no significant differences in the pre-test knowledge and self-efficacy scores between the two groups. The test was analyzed using a generalized estimating equation. Post-test knowledge and self-efficacy results showed that the change in scores in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group, indicating that flipped teaching improved the participants’ knowledge and self-efficacy in aromatherapy.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that flipped teaching was effective in helping nursing personnel learn aromatherapy. Implementation of aromatherapy by nurses in clinical practice and its impact on patient care should be further assessed.
Norwegian health personnel’s compliance with new legislation on children of ill parents: an exploratory cross-sectional multicentre study
Authors: Stavnes Kristin , Ruud Torleif , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Hanssen-Bauer Ketil , Weimand Bente M. , Solantaus Tytti , Hilsen Marit , Skogøy Bjørg Eva , Kallander Ellen Katrine , Kufås Elin , Peck Gro Christensen , Birkeland Bente , Hagen Kristine Amlund
Published: September 2022

Background

In 2010 the Norwegian Parliament introduced amendments to the Health Personnel Act requiring all health personnel to inform and offer help to their patients’ children and families. We evaluated whether health personnel adhered to their obligations outlined in the Act and investigated whether family and health services characteristics were associated with the degree of compliance with the legislation. Our study was part of a larger Norwegian multi-site study conducted in five health trusts across Norway, assessing the situation for families living with parental illness.

Method

A cross-sectional study using quantitative data obtained from 518 patients 246 children and 278 health personnel was performed. All informants completed a questionnaire, including an instrument corresponding to the obligations in the legislation. Descriptive analyses, factor analysis and logistic regression analysis were used.

Results

The legislation was only partially implemented in the clinics of the health trusts. Compared to estimates prior to the introduction of the new legislation, the situation had improved somewhat, but much work remains to be done to fulfil the obligations decreed by law. The more time-consuming the obligations were, the less often they were met. The substance abuse and mental health services followed up on their obligations to a greater extent than did the physical health services. Conversely, children of physically ill parents were better informed by their families than were children of parents with mental health and substance abuse disorders. When asked the same questions, reports from health personnel were more positive compared to those of children and patients regarding the legislation’s fulfillment.

Conclusion

Data suggest that there has been a change in the support offered to children of ill parents. Additional work is required, however, for the Health Personnel Act to function as fully intended.
Recent advances in vitamin D implications in chronic respiratory diseases
Authors: Gaudet Mellissa , Plesa Maria , Mogas Andrea , Jalaleddine Nour , Hamid Qutayba , Al Heialy Saba
Published: September 2022

Chronic airway inflammatory and infectious respiratory diseases are the most common medical respiratory conditions, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) deficiency has been shown to be highly prevalent in patients with chronic airway inflammatory and infectious diseases, correlated with increased disease severity. It has been established that vitamin D modulates ongoing abnormal immune responses in chronic respiratory diseases and is shown to restrict bacterial and viral colonization into the lungs. On the contrary, other studies revealed controversy findings regarding vitamin D efficacy in respiratory diseases. This review aims to update the current evidence regarding the role of vitamin D in airway inflammation and in various respiratory diseases. A comprehensive search of the last five years of literature was conducted using MEDLINE and non-MEDLINE PubMed databases, Ovid MEDLINE, SCOPUS-Elsevier, and data from in vitro and in vivo experiments, including clinical studies. This review highlights the importance of understanding the full range of implications that vitamin D may have on lung inflammation, infection, and disease severity in the context of chronic respiratory diseases.
Effect of timing of bronchodilator therapy initiation on exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamada Hideyasu , Matsumoto Isao , Makita Naoyuki , Arita Yoshifumi , Hayashi Nobuya , Mitsuoka Kurena , Tashiro Naoki , Hizawa Nobuyuki
Published: September 2022

Background

The benefit of prompt vs delayed treatment initiation with inhaled long-acting bronchodilators in reducing exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate if long-acting bronchodilator therapy initiation within 30 days of COPD diagnosis reduces exacerbation risk in patients with COPD.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with COPD based on claims and electronic medical records data extracted from the Real World Data database. The index date (day 0) was the date of the first confirmed inpatient or outpatient COPD diagnosis between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2018. Patients with COPD without an asthma diagnosis and aged ≥ 40 years at the index date were included. Patients who initiated inhaled long-acting bronchodilator therapy within the first 30 days (day 0 to day 29) were categorized into the “prompt therapy” group and the rest into the “delayed therapy” group. Time from day 30 post-diagnosis to the first exacerbation and annual exacerbation rate (AER) were evaluated for the overall population and those stratified by COPD phenotype, including chronic bronchitis (CB) and emphysema.

Results

Compared with the delayed therapy group (n = 1516), time to first exacerbation was prolonged (hazard ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.70, 0.87]) and annual rates of moderate or severe exacerbations were lower (rate ratio 0.74; 95% CI [0.65, 0.84]) in the prompt therapy group (n = 1466). Similarly, time to first exacerbation was prolonged and AERs were lower in the prompt therapy group in the subgroups of patients with CB or emphysema.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate a prolonged time to first exacerbation upon initiation of long-acting bronchodilators within 30 days of COPD diagnosis. A beneficial effect was also observed in patients with CB and emphysema. Our data support advising patients to initiate long-acting bronchodilators soon after COPD diagnosis.
Combining a nanoparticle-mediated immunoradiotherapy with dual blockade of LAG3 and TIGIT improves the treatment efficacy in anti-PD1 resistant lung cancer
Authors: Hu Yun , Paris Sébastien , Bertolet Genevieve , Barsoumian Hampartsoum B. , He Kewen , Sezen Duygu , Chen Dawei , Wasley Mark , SILVA Jordan DA , Mitchell Joylise A. , Voss Tiffany A. , Masrorpour Fatemeh , Leyton Claudia Kettlun , Yang Liangpeng , Leuschner Carola , Puebla-Osorio Nahum , Gandhi Saumil , Nguyen Quynh-Nhu , Cortez Maria Angelica , Welsh James W.
Published: September 2022

Background

While improvements in immunoradiotherapy have significantly improved outcomes for cancer patients, this treatment approach has nevertheless proven ineffective at controlling the majority of malignancies. One of the mechanisms of resistance to immunoradiotherapy is that immune cells may be suppressed via the myriad of different immune checkpoint receptors. Therefore, simultaneous blockade of multiple immune checkpoint receptors may enhance the treatment efficacy of immunoradiotherapy.

Methods

We combined NBTXR3-enhanced localized radiation with the simultaneous blockade of three different checkpoint receptors: PD1, LAG3, and TIGIT, and tested the treatment efficacy in an anti-PD1-resistant lung cancer model in mice. 129 Sv/Ev mice were inoculated with fifty thousand αPD1-resistant 344SQR cells in the right leg on day 0 to establish primary tumors and with the same number of cells in the left leg on day 4 to establish the secondary tumors. NBTXR3 was intratumorally injected into the primary tumors on day 7, which were irradiated with 12 Gy on days 8, 9, and 10. Anti-PD1 (200 µg), αLAG3 (200 µg), and αTIGIT (200 µg) were given to mice by intraperitoneal injections on days 5, 8, 11, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42.

Results

This nanoparticle-mediated combination therapy is effective at controlling the growth of irradiated and distant unirradiated tumors, enhancing animal survival, and is the only one that led to the destruction of both tumors in approximately 30% of the treated mice. Corresponding with this improved response is robust activation of the immune response, as manifested by increased numbers of immune cells along with a transcriptional signature of both innate and adaptive immunity within the tumor. Furthermore, mice treated with this combinatorial therapy display immunological memory response when rechallenged by the same cancer cells, preventing tumor engraftment.

Conclusion

Our results strongly attest to the efficacy and validity of combining nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy and simultaneous blockade of multiple immune checkpoint receptors and provide a pre-clinical rationale for investigating its translation into human patients.

Graphical Abstract
Understanding injecting drug use in Afghanistan: A scoping review
Authors: Nafeh Frishta , Fusigboye Sufiat , Sornpaisarn Bundit
Published: September 2022

Background

Several reports have described a growing prevalence of illicit drug use in Afghanistan, with recognition of a recent shift from traditional modes of consumption involving inhalation and oral ingestion to injecting drug use.

Objective

Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature to map the injecting drug use situation in Afghanistan. The review intends to describe risk factors and impacts of injecting drug use, drug use characteristics and risk behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID), and access to harm reduction and treatment.

Methods

We searched Embase, Global Health, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and grey literature to identify English language publications up to March 26th, 2022. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they explicitly targeted PWID or injecting drug use in Afghanistan and provided information relevant to the review questions. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts for inclusion and extracted information based on the review objectives.

Results

A total of 25 articles were identified representing 15 studies (11 quantitative, 2 qualitative, 2 mixed methods). All but one studies were cross-sectional. In majority of the studies, over 95% of the participants were male and most were conducted over a decade ago, in urban settings, mainly Kabul. Only one study examined risk factors of injecting drug use. Eleven studies described drug use characteristics and 9 reported risk behaviours among PWID. Health and social burden of injecting drug use were reported by 8 and 5 studies, respectively. Nine studies described access to harm reduction and treatment. Afghan PWID had high levels of injecting and sexual risk behaviours compared to global estimates. They reported high prevalence of incarceration and displacement. Access to harm reduction and treatment was very limited. This scoping review revealed important knowledge gaps including a gender gap in research with serious implications for drug policy and substance use care.

Conclusions

Development of a national public health-oriented drug policy and substance use care programme is warranted along with efforts to develop health research capacity to address the need for epidemiological data. The current humanitarian crisis necessitates continued access to evidence-based harm reduction and treatment in Afghanistan.
ZEB1 regulates bone metabolism in osteoporotic rats through inducing POLDIP2 transcription
Authors: Zhu Xianwei , Yan Fei , Liu Lipeng , Huang Qun
Published: September 2022

Background

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common metabolic bone disease mainly involving bone remodeling and blood vessels. The current study aimed to explore the role of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in OP.

Methods

First, gene expression microarrays for OP were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and analyzed to screen for potential targets. Subsequently, a rat OP model was constructed using ovariectomy (OVX), and osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation and alterations in osteoporotic symptoms were observed upon intraperitoneal injection of oe-ZEB1 lentiviral vectors. DNA polymerase delta interacting protein 2 (POLDIP2) was predicted to be a downstream target of ZEB1, which was validated by ChIP-qPCR and dual-luciferase experiments. RAW264.7 cells were subjected to lentiviral vector infection of oe-ZEB1 and/or sh-POLDIP2, followed by RANKL treatment to induce osteoclast differentiation.

Results

ZEB1 was poorly expressed in blood samples of postmenopausal patients with OP and in bone tissues of OVX-treated rats. Overexpression of ZEB1 or POLDIP2 in OVX rats promoted osteoblastogenesis and inhibited osteoclast differentiation. In RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells, the transcription factor ZEB1 enhanced the expression of POLDIP2, and silencing of POLDIP2 attenuated the inhibitory effect of oe-ZEB1 on the differentiation of macrophages RAW264.7 to osteoclasts.

Conclusions

ZEB1 promotes osteoblastogenesis and represses osteoclast differentiation, ultimately reducing the occurrence of postmenopausal OP by elevating the expression of POLDIP2.