bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nigella sativa supplementation on kidney function, glycemic control, oxidative stress, inflammation, quality of life, and depression in diabetic hemodialysis patients: study protocol for a double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rahmani Alireza , Maleki Vahid , Niknafs Bahram , Tavakoli-Rouzbehani Omid Mohammad , Tarighat-Esfanjani Ali
Published: February 2022

Background and objectives

The kidney is probably the most crucial target of microvascular damage in diabetes, which can ultimately eventuate end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Hemodialysis is the most usual way of renal replacement therapy in ESRD. Patients receiving hemodialysis are susceptible to many complications like hyperglycemia, inflammation, depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life. So, they are constrained to consume many drugs. Medicinal herbs are used in different cultures as a reliable source of natural remedies. This study aims to determine the efficacy of Nigella sativa (NS) oil supplementation on blood glucose, kidney function tests, inflammation, oxidative stress, quality of life, and depression in hemodialysis patients.

Methods and analysis

This double-blind, randomized controlled trial will enroll 46 patients with diabetes mellitus who give hemodialysis thrice a week. Patients who have an inflammatory or infectious disease and who are receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will be excluded. Patients will be randomized to the treatment and control group, which will be recommended using two soft gels of NS and paraffin oil, respectively. Laboratory tests will be assessed at baseline and end of the study, including fasting blood sugar, glycated albumin, insulin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urea, uric acid, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, high sensitive C reactive protein, and 24-h urine volume. Also, the kidney disease and quality of life and hospital anxiety and depression scale questionnaires will be evaluated.

Discussion

Previous studies have reported a positive effect of Nigella sativa supplementation in chronic kidney disease, but there is no evidence that this plant is safe in hemodialysis patients. The results of this study can be helpful in better control of blood sugar and kidney function and reduce complications in diabetic hemodialysis patients.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials . Registered on 31 May 2020
DNA-based quantification and counting of transmission stages provides different but complementary parasite load estimates: an example from rodent coccidia (Eimeria)
Authors: Jarquín-Díaz Víctor Hugo , Balard Alice , Ferreira Susana Carolina Martins , Mittné Vivian , Murata Julia Mari , Heitlinger Emanuel
Published: February 2022

Background

Counting parasite transmission stages in faeces is the classical measurement to quantify “parasite load”. DNA-based quantifications of parasite intensities from faecal samples are relatively novel and often validated against such counts. When microscopic and molecular quantifications do not correlate, it is unclear whether oocyst counts or DNA-based intensity better reflects biologically meaningful concepts. Here, we investigate this issue using the example ofEimeria ferrisi(Coccidia), an intracellular parasite of house mice (Mus musculus).

Methods

We performed an infection experiment of house mice withE. ferrisi, in which the intensity of infection correlates with increased health impact on the host, measured as temporary weight loss during infection. We recorded the number of parasite transmissive stages (oocysts) per gram of faeces (OPG) and, as a DNA-based measurement, the number ofEimeriagenome copies per gram of faeces for 10 days post-infection (dpi). We assessed weight loss relative to the day of experimental infection as a proxy of host health and evaluated whether DNA or oocyst counts are better predictors of host health.

Results

Absolute quantification ofEimeriaDNA and oocyst counts showed similar but slightly diverging temporal patterns during 10 dpi. We detectedEimeriaDNA earlier than the first appearance of oocysts in faeces. Additionally,EimeriaOPGs within each dpi did not explain parasite DNA intensity. Early dpi were characterized by high DNA intensity with low oocyst counts, while late infections showed the opposite pattern. The intensity ofEimeriaDNA was consistently a stronger predictor of either maximal weight loss (1 value per animal during the infection course) or weight loss on each day during the experiment when controlling for between-dpi and between-individual variance.

Conclusions

Eimeria ferrisioocyst counts correlate weakly with parasite intensity assessed through DNA quantification. DNA is likely partially derived from life-cycle stages other than transmissive oocysts. DNA-based intensities predict health outcomes of infection for the host more robustly than counts of transmissive stages. We conclude that DNA-based quantifications should not necessarily require validation against counts of transmissive stages. Instead, DNA-based load estimates should be evaluated as complementary sources of information with potential specific biological relevance for each host-parasite system.

Graphical Abstract
Challenges at the APOE locus: a robust quality control approach for accurate APOE genotyping
Authors: Belloy Michael E. , Eger Sarah J. , Le Guen Yann , Damotte Vincent , Ahmad Shahzad , Ikram M. Arfan , Ramirez Alfredo , Tsolaki Anthoula C. , Rossi Giacomina , Jansen Iris E. , de Rojas Itziar , Parveen Kayenat , Sleegers Kristel , Ingelsson Martin , Hiltunen Mikko , Amin Najaf , Andreassen Ole , Sánchez-Juan Pascual , Kehoe Patrick , Amouyel Philippe , Sims Rebecca , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Lambert Jean-Charles ,   for the European Alzheimer & Dementia BioBank (EADB), He Zihuai , Han Summer S. , Napolioni Valerio , Greicius Michael D.
Published: February 2022

Background

Genetic variants within the APOE locus may modulate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk independently or in conjunction with APOE*2/3/4 genotypes. Identifying such variants and mechanisms would importantly advance our understanding of APOE pathophysiology and provide critical guidance for AD therapies aimed at APOE. The APOE locus however remains relatively poorly understood in AD, owing to multiple challenges that include its complex linkage structure and uncertainty in APOE*2/3/4 genotype quality. Here, we present a novel APOE*2/3/4 filtering approach and showcase its relevance on AD risk association analyses for the rs439401 variant, which is located 1801 base pairs downstream of APOE and has been associated with a potential regulatory effect on APOE.

Methods

We used thirty-two AD-related cohorts, with genetic data from various high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism microarrays, whole-genome sequencing, and whole-exome sequencing. Study participants were filtered to be ages 60 and older, non-Hispanic, of European ancestry, and diagnosed as cognitively normal or AD (n = 65,701). Primary analyses investigated AD risk in APOE*4/4 carriers. Additional supporting analyses were performed in APOE*3/4 and 3/3 strata. Outcomes were compared under two different APOE*2/3/4 filtering approaches.

Results

Using more conventional APOE*2/3/4 filtering criteria (approach 1), we showed that, when in-phase with APOE*4, rs439401 was variably associated with protective effects on AD case-control status. However, when applying a novel filter that increases the certainty of the APOE*2/3/4 genotypes by applying more stringent criteria for concordance between the provided APOE genotype and imputed APOE genotype (approach 2), we observed that all significant effects were lost.

Conclusions

We showed that careful consideration of APOE genotype and appropriate sample filtering were crucial to robustly interrogate the role of the APOE locus on AD risk. Our study presents a novel APOE filtering approach and provides important guidelines for research into the APOE locus, as well as for elucidating genetic interaction effects with APOE*2/3/4.
N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 suppresses osteoblast differentiation through inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Shi Xiaoli , Cen Yunzhu , Shan Liying , Tian Lijie , Zhu Endong , Yuan Hairui , Li Xiaoxia , Liu Ying , Wang Baoli
Published: February 2022

Background

N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) plays a role in a variety of biological processes including differentiation of osteoclasts. However, it is not known if and how NDRG1 regulates osteogenic differentiation of marrow stromal progenitor cells.

Methods

Gene expression profiling analysis was performed to study the expression level of Ndrg1 during osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Gain-of-function and/or loss-of function experiments were carried out to study the role of NDRG1 in the proliferation and differentiation of marrow stromal progenitor cells and the mechanism underlying the function was investigated. Finally, in vivo transfection of Ndrg1 siRNA was done and its effect on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in mice was explored.

Results

Gene expression profiling analysis revealed that NDRG1 level was regulated during osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. The functional experiments demonstrated that NDRG1 negatively regulated the cell growth, and reciprocally modulated the osteogenic and adipogenic commitment of marrow stromal progenitor cells, driving the cells to differentiate toward adipocytes at the expense of osteoblast differentiation. Moreover, NDRG1 interacted with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) in the stromal progenitor cells and inactivated the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. Furthermore, the impaired differentiation of progenitor cells induced by Ndrg1 siRNA could be attenuated when β-catenin was simultaneously silenced. Finally, in vivo transfection of Ndrg1 siRNA to the marrow of mice prevented the inactivation of canonical Wnt signaling in the BMSCs of ovariectomized mice, and ameliorated the reduction of osteoblasts on the trabeculae and increase of fat accumulation in the marrow observed in the ovariectomized mice.

Conclusion

This study has provided evidences that NDRG1 plays a role in reciprocally modulating osteogenic and adipogenic commitment of marrow stromal progenitor cells through inactivating canonical Wnt signaling.
Long-chain glucomannan supplementation modulates immune responsiveness, as well as intestinal microbiota, and impacts infection of broiler chickens with Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis
Authors: Meijerink Nathalie , de Oliveira Jean E. , van Haarlem Daphne A. , Lamot David M. , Velkers Francisca C. , Smidt Hauke , Stegeman J. Arjan , Rutten Victor P. M. G. , Jansen Christine A.
Published: February 2022

The zoonotic pathogen Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE) causes severe disease in young chickens. Restriction on antibiotic use requires alternative SE control strategies such as nutritional solutions to improve the resistance of chickens. In this study, chickens were fed long-chain glucomannan (GM) or standard diet and challenged with SE at seven days of age. During 21 days post-infection (dpi), we determined numbers and responsiveness of natural killer (NK) and T cells in ileum and spleen, and SE-specific antibody titers in serum. Microbiota compositions in ileum and caeca were determined, as well as correlations of these with numbers and function of immune cells. Some of the samples in the control group had numerically higher CFUs than the GM-treated group. In addition, the relative abundance of SE based on DNA assessment was significantly lower at 21 dpi upon GM supplementation. At 3 dpi, numbers of intraepithelial NK cells were significantly higher, while activation of intraepithelial NK cells (7 dpi), numbers of intraepithelial cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (14 dpi) and SE-specific antibodies (14 dpi) were numerically higher. Furthermore, relative abundance of the commensal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) significantly increased with GM supplementation post-infection. Higher relative abundance of streptococci was associated with reduced SE in ileal and caecal contents at 21 dpi. Relative abundance of streptococci negatively correlated with SE counts and positively correlated with NK cell activation and SE-specific antibodies, which suggests involvement of the commensal LAB in NK cell responsiveness. These results indicate that GM supplementation modulates the immune system, intestinal microbiota and impacts SE infection of young chickens.
Practices in sedation, analgesia, mobilization, delirium, and sleep deprivation in adult intensive care units (SAMDS-ICU): an international survey before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Luz Mariana , Brandão Barreto Bruna , de Castro Roberta Esteves Vieira , Salluh Jorge , Dal-Pizzol Felipe , Araujo Caio , De Jong Audrey , Chanques Gérald , Myatra Sheila Nainan , Tobar Eduardo , Gimenez-Esparza Vich Carolina , Carini Federico , Ely Eugene Wesley , Stollings Joanna L. , Drumright Kelly , Kress John , Povoa Pedro , Shehabi Yahya , Mphandi Wilson , Gusmao-Flores Dimitri
Published: February 2022

Background

Since the publication of the 2018 Clinical Guidelines about sedation, analgesia, delirium, mobilization, and sleep deprivation in critically ill patients, no evaluation and adequacy assessment of these recommendations were studied in an international context. This survey aimed to investigate these current practices and if the COVID-19 pandemic has changed them.

Methods

This study was an open multinational electronic survey directed to physicians working in adult intensive care units (ICUs), which was performed in two steps: before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

We analyzed 1768 questionnaires and 1539 (87%) were complete. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we received 1476 questionnaires and 292 were submitted later. The following practices were observed before the pandemic: the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (61.5%), the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) (48.2%), the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) (76.6%), and the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) (66.6%) were the most frequently tools used to assess pain, sedation level, and delirium, respectively; midazolam and fentanyl were the most frequently used drugs for inducing sedation and analgesia (84.8% and 78.3%, respectively), whereas haloperidol (68.8%) and atypical antipsychotics (69.4%) were the most prescribed drugs for delirium treatment; some physicians regularly prescribed drugs to induce sleep (19.1%) or ordered mechanical restraints as part of their routine (6.2%) for patients on mechanical ventilation; non-pharmacological strategies were frequently applied for pain, delirium, and sleep deprivation management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the intensive care specialty was independently associated with best practices. Moreover, the mechanical ventilation rate was higher, patients received sedation more often (94% versus 86.1%, p < 0.001) and sedation goals were discussed more frequently in daily rounds. Morphine was the main drug used for analgesia (77.2%), and some sedative drugs, such as midazolam, propofol, ketamine and quetiapine, were used more frequently.

Conclusions

Most sedation, analgesia and delirium practices were comparable before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the intensive care specialty was a variable that was independently associated with the best practices. Although many findings are in accordance with evidence-based recommendations, some practices still need improvement.
Effects of logging on the trade-off between seed and sprout regeneration of dominant woody species in secondary forests of the Natural Forest Protection Project of China
Authors: Li Rong , Yan Qiaoling , Xie Jin , Wang Jing , Zhang Ting , Zhu Jiaojun
Published: February 2022

Background

Promoting natural regeneration (including seed and sprout regeneration) of dominant woody species is essential for restoring secondary forests. However, such restoration processes have been decelerated by the enclosure under Natural Forest Protection Project of China (NFPP). It remains unclear how to implement appropriate management measures (e.g., whether to apply logging and the suitable intensity) to facilitate natural regeneration according to the responses of two regeneration modes to management measures. We monitored the early stages of seed regeneration (seed rain, soil seed bank, and 1–3-year-old seedlings) and sprout regeneration (stump sprout rate, stump survival rate, probability of sprouting, and number of sprouts per stump) over the first 3 years (2017–2019) after logging under three intensity regimes (control [0%], 25%, and 50% logging intensity) in secondary forests.

Results

The seed rain density decreased markedly, seedling density increased insignificantly after logging, and logging promoted seedling survival at an increasing conversion rate of 3-year-old seedlings (37.5% under 0%, 100% under 25%, and 80.95% under 50% logging) compared to those of the control. The proportion of 3-year-old seedlings increased with logging intensity and was the highest (16.2%) at 50% logging intensity. Sprout density was not affected by logging intensity, however, under 25% and 50% logging, it decreased by 27% and 6% in 2018, and by 37% and 33% in 2019, respectively. Seedling density was 41.65- and 15.31-fold higher than that of sprouts in the 50% and 25% logging treatments, respectively. Based on the relative contributions of the two regeneration modes after logging, three groups of natural regeneration patterns were classified for dominant woody species in temperate secondary forests, i.e., seed regeneration preference (Betula dahurica, Carpinus cordata and Fraxinus mandshurica), sprout regeneration preference (Acer mono and Acer pseudosieboldianum) and no preference (Quercus mongolica, Fraxinus rhynchophylla, and Juglans mandshurica).

Conclusion

In addition to enclosure, appropriate logging can be applied according to the responses of various natural regeneration patterns of dominant woody species to logging in temperate secondary forests under the NFPP.
Entrepreneurship in Jordan: the eco-system of the Social Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (SESOs)
Authors: Jarrar Amani
Published: February 2022

This study aims at assessing the Social Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (SESOs) in Jordan with an updated eco-system reflecting the better resourced Social Entrepreneurship eco-system characterized with comprehensive information; covering the stakeholders’ identification data, ongoing projects and initiatives, work scope, and their targeted groups, accurate data based on a well-developed survey and analysis of the survey data by the authors’ experience in this filed. This study also aims at assessing the SESOs capacity by coincide their desired needs and their actual needs and limit the social innovation concept variation among the different institutions in the ecosystem. This study also provides a survey analysis for the Social Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (SESOs); as an attempt to identify their characteristics and roles in Jordan by adopting the methodology of qualitative and quantitative analysis approach. Results show that (57.89%) of the SESO’s in Jordan have dedicated programs that focus on women's inclusion, and that (68.42%) are hiring more than 50% in their staff. Besides that, results also show that (59.65%) of the SESO’s in Jordan did not dedicate programs for people with disabilities (PWD); which is a high portion in neglecting this segment of people. Besides that (54.39%) do not have designed facilities friendly using for people with disabilities. Moreover, results show that (73.68%) had dedicated programs for youth with different age groups, and (77.19%) of the SESO’s in Jordan had attempted to identify, understand, and actively removing barriers that exist for certain groups of young people in society. Moreover, (70.18%) of the SESO’s in Jordan had organized specific outreach mechanisms to identify, meet, engage, and/or serve different population groups. Finally, results show that (38.60%) of the SESO’s in Jordan had dedicated programs for refugees.
Relationship between faculty characteristics and their entrepreneurial orientation in higher education institutions in Kuwait
Authors: Abidi Oualid , Nimer Khalil , Bani-Mustafa Ahmed , Toglaw Sam
Published: February 2022

Considering intrapreneurship theory, this study aims to examine the extent to which the entrepreneurial orientation of faculty employed at Kuwaiti higher education institutions differ across their individual-level attributes. Faculty entrepreneurial orientation will be assessed at three levels, i.e., innovativeness, risk-taking, and proactivity. For this purpose, we surveyed a sample of 291 faculty from Kuwaiti colleges and universities. The core constructs were operationalized using scales validated in previous studies. The hypothesized relationships were tested using the structural equation modeling method. Our findings indicate that while female faculty are more proactive than men, males are innovative and risk-takers to some extent. Moreover, Ph.D. holders are more proactive and innovative than Master’s degree holders. The relationship between specialization and both innovativeness and risk-taking is significant only for business, but not for engineering. Teaching experience is more positively correlated with faculty proactivity. The number of scientific publications is negatively associated with faculty risk-taking propensity. Additionally, faculty who cumulated significant industry experience are proactive in identifying long-term opportunities and threats for their institutions. Having earned professional certifications is positively related to some aspects of innovativeness and proactivity. Finally, faculty who received their latest degree from a non-accredited institution are more active in realizing ideas at work.
What are the outcomes of marine site protection on poverty of coastal communities in Southeast Asia? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Zain Mohd Aizat , Suhaimi Julia , Dahlui Maznah , Goh Hong Ching , Then Amy Yee-Hui , Yakub Nur Asyikin , Noor Mohd Iqbal Mohd , Garside Ruth , Eales Jacqualyn , Jose Edgar , Kari Fatimah
Published: February 2022

Background

Many conservation management interventions have been set up to bring win–win outcomes for both biodiversity conservation and the well-being of the local communities. Nevertheless, the implementation process of marine protected areas (MPAs) can generate unexpected outcomes and fail to reach its objectives in addressing communities’ challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to have a better understanding of how MPAs influence the socioeconomic aspects of the coastal communities. This paper describes the protocol to conduct a systematic review which aims to explore and review the evidence that reflects the outcomes of marine site protection on poverty reduction in terms of economic and material living standards among the coastal communities in Southeast Asia. The review question is “What are the outcomes of marine site protection implementation on poverty in terms of material and economic living standards of coastal communities in Southeast Asia?”.

Methods

The systematic review uses rigorous search strategies and selection methods based on pre-defined eligibility criteria to identify and examine published journal articles and grey literature that are available on the review topic. Relevant studies and grey literature will be extracted from a recent systematic map of the evidence documenting the effect of marine or coastal nature conservation or natural resource management activities on human well-being in Southeast Asia. We will search online databases including Web of Science Core Collection, Ovid Medline®, Environmental Complete, Scopus, as well as Google Scholar and sources of grey literature for any additional literature available since the evidence map was created. For this review, the populations of interest are from coastal communities in the Southeast Asia region. Comparators to marine site protection will be no intervention and/or pre-MPA implementation. The economic and material living standards, which are the poverty domains, will be evaluated as outcomes. Once we have identified relevant literature, we will perform a critical appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis appropriate to the type of literature found, to investigate the effect of marine site protection on poverty reduction.
Geographical differences of carbapenem non-susceptible Enterobacterales and Acinetobacter spp. in Germany from 2017 to 2019
Authors: von Laer Anja , Eckmanns Tim , Zacher Benedikt , Pfennigwerth Niels , Gatermann Sören G. , Reichert Felix , Diercke Michaela , Steffen Gyde , Altmann Doris , Reuss Annicka
Published: February 2022

Background

Since May 2016, infection and colonisation with carbapenem non-susceptible Acinetobacter spp. (CRA) and Enterobacterales (CRE) have to be notified to health authorities in Germany. The aim of our study was to assess the epidemiology of CRA and CRE from 2017 to 2019 in Germany, to identify risk groups and to determine geographical differences of CRA and CRE notifications.

Methods

Cases were notified from laboratories to local public health authorities and forwarded to state and national level. Non-susceptibility was defined as intermediate or resistant to ertapenem, imipenem, or meropenem excluding intrinsic bacterial resistance or the detection of a carbapenemase gene. We analysed CRA and CRE notifications from 2017, 2018 and 2019 per 100,000 inhabitants (notification incidence), regarding their demographic, clinical and laboratory information. The effect of regional hospital-density on CRA and CRE notification incidence was estimated using negative binomial regression.

Results

From 2017 to 2019, 2278 CRA and 12,282 CRE cases were notified in Germany. CRA and CRE cases did not differ regarding demographic and clinical information, e.g. proportion infected. The notification incidence of CRA declined slightly from 0.95 in 2017 to 0.86 in 2019, whereas CRE increased from 4.23 in 2017 to 5.72 in 2019. The highest CRA and CRE notification incidences were found in the age groups above 70 years. Infants below 1 year showed a high CRE notification incidence, too. Notification incidences varied between 0.10 and 2.86 for CRA and between 1.49 and 9.99 for CRE by federal state. The notification incidence of CRA and CRE cases increased with each additional hospital per district.

Conclusion

The notification incidence of CRA and CRE varied geographically and was correlated with the number of hospitals.The results support the assumption that hospitals are the main driver for higher CRE and CRA incidence. Preventive strategies and early control measures should target older age groups and newborns and areas with a high incidence.
A new short version of the Cognitive Therapy Scale Revised (CTSR-4): preliminary psychometric evaluation
Authors: Alfonsson Sven , Karvelas Georgios , Linde Johanna , Beckman Maria
Published: February 2022

Background

The value of using comprehensive but cumbersome coding instruments to assess therapeutic competency is unclear. Shorter, more general instruments may enable more research in this important area. The aim of this study was therefore to psychometrically evaluate a shorter version of the Cognitive Therapy Scale-Revised (CTSR) and to compare it with the full-length version.

Methods

A four-item coding instrument (the CTSR-4) was derived from the CTSR. Four experienced psychotherapists used the CTSR-4 to assess 50 fifteen-minutes samples from audio-recorded CBT sessions. The criterion validity of the CTSR-4 was analyzed by comparing the results with previously expert-rated CTSR scores from the same sessions, and the inter-rater agreement between the three coders was calculated.

Results

The CTSR-4 showed good criterion validity (ICC = .71–.88) when compared to the expert ratings of the complete CTSR, and the inter-rater agreement was adequate (ICC = .64–.79).

Conclusions

A condensed version of the CTSR, used to assess CBT competence from shorter samples of therapy sessions, is moderately reliable and may provide similar results as the full-length version. According to preliminary analyses, the CTSR-4 has potential as a low-cost alternative to assess CBT competency in both research and psychotherapist training.
Patients’ experiences treated with open-label placebo versus double-blind placebo: a mixed methods qualitative study
Authors: Haas Julia W. , Ongaro Giulio , Jacobson Eric , Conboy Lisa A. , Nee Judy , Iturrino Johanna , Rangan Vikram , Lembo Anthony , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Ballou Sarah
Published: February 2022

Background

There is increasing evidence suggesting that open-label placebo (OLP) is an effective treatment for several medical conditions defined by self-report. However, little is known about patients’ experiences with OLP, and no studies have directly compared patients’ experiences in double-blind placebo (DBP) conditions.

Methods

This study was nested in a large randomized-controlled trial comparing the effects of OLP and DBP treatments in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We randomly selected 33 participants for interviews concerning their experiences in the parent trial. The data were qualitatively analyzed using an iterative immersion/crystallization approach. We then compared the qualitative interview data to the quantitative IBS severity data assessed during the parent trial, using a mixed methods approach.

Results

Two prominent interview themes were identified: (1) the participants’ feelings about their treatment allocation and (2) their reflections about the treatment. Both OLP and DBP participants mentioned hope and curiosity as major feelings driving them to engage with their treatment. However, while DBP participants tended to be more enthusiastic about their allocation, OLP participants were more ambivalent. Furthermore, OLP participants reflected more on their treatment, often involving noticeable cognitive and emotional processes of self-reflection. They offered a variety of explanations for their symptom improvement and were significantly less likely to attribute it to the treatment itself than DBP participants (Χ2 [3] = 8.28; p = .041). Similarly, the participants’ retrospective narratives of symptom improvement were significantly correlated with their corresponding quantitative IBS severity scores only in DBP (p’s ≤ .006) but not in OLP (p’s ≥ .637).

Conclusion

OLP and DBP participants share feelings of hope, uncertainty and curiosity but differ in the extent of conscious reflection. The counter-intuitive OLP prompts more self-examination, ambivalent feelings and active engagement compared to DBP. At the same time, OLP participants are more reluctant to attribute symptom improvement to their treatment. Our findings substantially add to the emerging picture of factors that distinguish OLP and DBP and their potential mechanisms.
Which mental model for inclusive cities that are learning
Authors: Tagliagambe Silvano
Published: February 2022

the complex dynamics engendered by distributive asymmetry, climate change, and the effects of mass movement of people and cultures, in the context of transformations informed by processes of shifting and permanency, pose a question of a political and social but also cultural and epistemological nature. The promotion of learning processes focusing on these problems and on pertinent solutions emerges as a central aspect for the construction of a plural and inclusive city and it implies the cognizance of what can be referred to as citizenship. The article discusses a different approach to the crucial concepts of learning, intersubjectivity, and the relationship between our body and the environment of which it is part. The objective is the formulation of a definition of the concept of mind different from those still dominant, which can support new mindfulness of the range of problems affecting urban territories and the type of solution that needs to be adopted.
Development of a patient reported outcome instrument for chronic sialadenitis
Authors: Ramazani Fatemeh , Hamour Amr , Jeffery Caroline C. , Biron Vincent , Alrajhi Yaser , O'Connell Daniel , Côté David W. J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Sialendoscopy assisted treatments are a minimally invasive management modality for chronic sialadenitis. Clinicians report improved patient quality of life (QoL) following sialendoscopy assisted treatments, but there exist gaps in current literature about patient reported outcomes (PROs). PROs are outcome measures developed based on patient perceptions.

Objective

The objective of this study was to create a PRO instrument for chronic sialadenitis, to assess the efficacy of sialendoscopy assisted treatments in improve patients’ QoL.

Design

This four-phase qualitative study employed grounded theory methodology and a modified Delphi technique. In Phase I, ten patients were interviewed to identify the QoL domains impacted by chronic sialadenitis. In Phase II, these QoL domains were presented to a focus group of different chronic sialadenitis patients, who were asked to rank them by order of importance. A conceptual framework of QoL domains impacted by chronic sialadenitis was created based on patient consensus. Itemization of the PRO questionnaire was done by a focus group of four Otolaryngologists in phase III. Lastly, the questionnaire was completed in Phase IV by cognitive interviewing of five new chronic sialadenitis patients; ensuring ease of understanding and clarity.

Results

Patients identified 15 domains of QoL impacted by chronic sialadenitis, divided into three sub-scales: physical symptoms, psychosocial symptoms, and activity restriction. These domains provided the basis for creation of a 22-item PRO questionnaire, with a Likert-type response scale.

Conclusion

Clinical application of the novel questionnaire produced by this study will allow for a patient-centered assessment of the patient reported effectiveness of sialendoscopy assisted therapies for management of chronic sialadenitis. Level of evidence Level V.

Graphical Abstract
Deep learning-assisted PET imaging achieves fast scan/low-dose examination
Authors: Xing Yan , Qiao Wenli , Wang Taisong , Wang Ying , Li Chenwei , Lv Yang , Xi Chen , Liao Shu , Qian Zheng , Zhao Jinhua
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a deep learning (DL)-based denoising method on the image quality and lesion detectability of 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) images.

Methods

Fifty-two oncological patients undergoing an 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging with an acquisition of 180 s per bed position were retrospectively included. The list-mode data were rebinned into four datasets: 100% (reference), 75%, 50%, and 33.3% of the total counts, and then reconstructed by OSEM algorithm and post-processed with the DL and Gaussian filter (GS). The image quality was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, and FDG-avid lesions were counted to measure lesion detectability. Standardized uptake values (SUVs) in livers and lesions, liver signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and target-to-background ratio (TBR) values were compared between the methods. Subgroup analyses compared TBRs after categorizing lesions based on parameters like lesion diameter, uptake or patient habitus.

Results

The DL method showed superior performance regarding image noise and inferior performance regarding lesion contrast in the qualitative assessment. More than 96.8% of the lesions were successfully identified in DL images. Excellent agreements on SUV in livers and lesions were found. The DL method significantly improved the liver SNR for count reduction down to 33.3% (p < 0.001). Lesion TBR was not significantly different between DL and reference images of the 75% dataset; furthermore, there was no significant difference either for lesions of > 10 mm or lesions in BMIs of > 25. For the 50% dataset, there was no significant difference between DL and reference images for TBR of lesion with > 15 mm or higher uptake than liver.

Conclusions

The developed DL method improved both liver SNR and lesion TBR indicating better image quality and lesion conspicuousness compared to GS method. Compared with the reference, it showed non-inferior image quality with reduced counts by 25–50% under various conditions.
Modeling and predicting individual tacit coordination ability
Authors: Mizrahi Dor , Laufer Ilan , Zuckerman Inon
Published: February 2022

Background

Previous experiments in tacit coordination games hinted that some people are more successful in achieving coordination than others, although the variability in this ability has not yet been examined before. With that in mind, the overarching aim of our study is to model and describe the variability in human decision-making behavior in the context of tacit coordination games.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a large-scale experiment to collect behavioral data, characterized the distribution of tacit coordination ability, and modeled the decision-making behavior of players. First, we measured the multimodality in the data and described it by using a Gaussian mixture model. Then, using multivariate linear regression and dimensionality reduction (PCA), we have constructed a model linking between individual strategic profiles of players and their coordination ability. Finally, we validated the predictive performance of the model by using external validation.

Results

We demonstrated that coordination ability is best described by a multimodal distribution corresponding to the levels of coordination ability and that there is a significant relationship between the player’s strategic profile and their coordination ability. External validation determined that our predictive model is robust.

Conclusions

The study provides insight into the amount of variability that exists in individual tacit coordination ability as well as in individual strategic profiles and shows that both are quite diverse. Our findings may facilitate the construction of improved algorithms for human–machine interaction in diverse contexts. Additional avenues for future research are discussed.
The Relationship Between Visual Function and Performance in Para Swimming
Authors: Fortin-Guichard Daniel , Ravensbergen H. J. C. , Krabben Kai , Allen Peter M. , Mann David L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Paralympic swimmers with vision impairment (VI) currently compete in one of the three classes depending on their visual acuity (VA) and/or visual field. However, there is no evidence to suggest that a three-class system is the most legitimate approach for classification in swimming, or that the tests of VA and visual field are the most suitable. An evidence-based approach is required to establish the relationship between visual function and performance in the sport. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the relationship between visual function and performance in VI Para swimming. The swimming performance of 45 elite VI swimmers was evaluated during international competitions by measuring the total race time, start time, clean swim velocity, ability to swim in a straight line, turn time, and finish time. Visual function was measured using a test battery that included VA, contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity, depth perception, visual search, and motion perception.

Results

Results revealed that VA was the best predictor of total race time (r = 0.40, p < 0.01), though the relationship was not linear. Decision tree analysis suggested that only two classes were necessary for legitimate competition in VI swimming, with a single cut-off between 2.6 and 3.5 logMAR. No further significant association remained between visual function and performance in either of the two resulting classes (all |rs|< 0.11 and ps > 0.54).

Conclusions

Results suggest that legitimate competition in VI swimming requires one class for partially sighted and another for functionally blind athletes.
Wave-equation migration velocity analysis via the optimal-transport-based objective function
Authors: Tang Yongjie , Sun Bingbing , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: February 2022

Wave-equation migration velocity analysis builds a kinematically accurate macrovelocity model containing the large-scale structures of the model for seismic imaging or full-waveform inversion (FWI). Differential semblance optimization formulates the misfit function in the subsurface domain by applying a penalty to the unfocused subsurface-offset gathers or the nonflattened angle gathers. Such a penalty leads to gradients with strong artifacts and spurious oscillations, which then leads to slow convergence. We formulate the misfit function using the optimal transport (OT) among neighboring traces in angle-domain common-image gathers (CIGs). Specifically, we measure the unflatness of the gathers by comparing the Wasserstein distance of adjacent traces. Because CIGs are ideal to form a probability distribution, which is required by OT, it is natural to use OT to measure the time shifts between two distributions. Our objective function exhibits well-behaved convex and unimodal properties in a simple model with a single interface, and it is expected to be minimum for the correct velocity when the angle gathers are flat. A synthetic data set example on the Marmousi model indicates the ability of our method to provide an initial model for FWI that allows FWI to converge. We also apply the approach on a marine field data set to further demonstrate its effectiveness in estimating the macrovelocity model.
Improving reservoir characterization and time-lapse seismic through joint inversion of PP- and PS-wave seismic data
Authors: Tura Ali , Simmons James , Daneshvar Sima , Copley Matthew , Stitt Joseph
Published: February 2022

Using synthetic and field data examples, we find that joint prestack amplitude variation with angle (AVA) inversion of PP- and PS-wave data can significantly improve estimation of P-impedance, S-impedance, and density. For reservoir characterization, improvements in these parameters can better identify reservoir rock and fluid properties. For reservoir monitoring, time-lapse (4D) changes in P-impedance, S-impedance, and density can lead to inversion of saturation and pressure changes. We see that in the joint inversion, 4D S-impedance is better estimated and not coupled to 4D P-impedance. These claims are first demonstrated on synthetic data, and then shown on an onshore unconventional play from Colorado and offshore 4-D-4C data set from the North Sea. Joint inversion of PP- and PS-wave data requires a higher level of care compared with PP-waves because the two wave modes need to be acquired, processed, and merged properly. This has diminished the use of converted waves in the past. However, modern acquisition and processing on land and offshore data make this technology quantitatively more accurate and realizable. As such, we also provide best practices for a successful project. We indicate that joint inversion can lead to a larger chance of success in placing exploration and development wells.
Accelerating core characterization and interpretation through deep learning with an application to legacy data sets
Authors: Solum J. G. , Auchter N. C. , Falivene O. , Cilona A. , Kleipool L. , Zarian P.
Published: February 2022

Core descriptions provide an essential element of ground truth to subsurface reservoir characterizations, but adequate core characterization and interpretation require a significant time commitment from geoscientists because they are usually done manually. Moreover, core characterizations and interpretations often are inconsistent because they are made at different times by different people. We have used deep-learning segmentation networks, trained using worldwide data sets labeled by specialists, to infer lithofacies and structural features on core images. These networks are not intended to provide perfect core descriptions, but rather to provide high-level fully digital characterizations that can be quickly checked for quality and manually fixed if needed. This ensures that all available and relevant data can be used and relieves geoscientists from the most repetitive characterization tasks to allow them to focus on more complex and value-adding integration and interpretation. We test the previously trained networks in legacy public data from a UK field as an example. There are more than 1300 m of released core images in the field, together with multiple vintages of fault interpretations, that significantly differ from one another. Integrating core and seismic-scale structural characterizations is critical because the best reservoir facies are the most prone to deform via permeability-reducing processes. Detailed structural characterization and identification of individual structural features achieved through deep learning provide an unprecedented amount of data to highlight areas where the seismic-scale fault interpretations and core-scale structural interpretations are inconsistent, yielding valuable insights to validate fault interpretation.
Exploring barriers and facilitators for mental health professionals delivering behavioural activation to young people with depression: qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Whittenbury Kate , Kroll Leopold , Dubicka Bernadka , Bull Eleanor R.
Published: February 2022

Background

Depression prevalence among young people is increasing, with growing pressures on specialist mental health services. Manualised behavioural activation therapy may be effective for young people, and can be delivered by a range of mental health professionals (MHPs). This study explored clinician perspectives of barriers and facilitators to implementing behavioural activation with young people in routine practice.

Aims

We conducted a qualitative study with individual semi-structured interviews with MHPs, as part of a wider feasibility study.

Method

Participants were mental health professionals (therapists and supervisors) from two UK NHS sites delivering manualised behavioural activation for young people. Data were analysed with an inductive followed by deductive approach, applying the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to understand key influences on practice change. Identified domains were mapped onto possible behaviour change techniques (BCTs) to support implementation, using the Theory and Techniques Tool (TTT).

Results

Nine MHPs were interviewed. Thirteen of fourteen TDF domains were relevant, including perceived professional identity, beliefs about own capabilities and perceived positive or negative consequences of using manualised behavioural activation, social influences, memory and attention, and environmental resources. Fourteen theory-linked BCTs were identified as possible strategies to help clinicians overcome barriers (e.g. integrating behavioural practice/rehearsal, prompts and persuasive communications within training, and supervision).

Conclusions

Behavioural science approaches (TDF, TTT) helped conceptualise key barriers and facilitators for MHPs delivering manualised behavioural activation with young people. Interventions using BCTs to address identified barriers could help the implementation of new therapies into routine practice, working to bridge the research–practice gap in clinical psychology.
Judging Freedom and Loyalty in Venezuela during the War of Spanish Independence
Authors: Gonzalez-Silen Olga
Published: February 2022

This essay examines the legal inquest of José María Gonzales, a peninsular vassal of African descent whom in 1809 the authorities in the Captaincy General of Venezuela accused of being a fugitive from slavery and a traitor to the crown. In form, procedure, and outcome, this case is similar to others from the late Bourbon period. The context, however, was radically different. Following the Napoleonic invasion of Spain, Venezuela was governed by the Junta Suprema Central y Gubernativa de España e Indias. This legal inquest thus offers a point of entry to examine the transformations of the Spanish monarchy at this unique juncture. Using a microhistorical lens, this essay contextualizes Gonzales, the system of justice, and the intervening officials in the milieu of the War of Spanish Independence to illuminate significant changes to the notions of freedom and loyalty in Spain and Venezuela.