bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility Meets Implementation Science: Narrowing the Research-To-Practice Gap for Exercise Activity in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Smith James , van der Groen Onno , Learmonth Yvonne
Published: June 2023

Background

There is a need to identify why multiple sclerosis exercise research is not translating into real-world participation. To lay the foundations of strong clinical research, considering the translational element of implementation science at the feasibility phase of a trial is vital.

Methods

Document analysis was used to examine document sources on exercise activity interventions designed for people living with multiple sclerosis. Document sources focused on multiple sclerosis research that incorporated exercise prescription elements and behaviour change and were feasibility studies incorporating aspects of implementation science.

Results

Implementation science should come much earlier than the efficacy or effectiveness research pipeline. An alternate view is outlined where feasibility and implementation science should meet based on case examples that have not yet shown strong efficacy or effectiveness. Findings from our key themes indicate a need for a cyclical iterative approach to the translational process. Multiple aspects of feasibility and how it can be assessed using an implementation science lens to support more successful interventions are provided. The determination of feasibility in behaviour change should involve implementation science as feasibility is drawn on for theory development, optimising the intervention design and quality of implementation strategies, and identifying those delivering the intervention before conducting efficacy and effectiveness research.

Conclusions

Document analysis methodology is underused in qualitative research and was appropriate to use as it was a very resource, time-efficient and an unobtrusive process that could track change and development to explore the integration of implementation science at the feasibility phase, with the findings indicating the earlier implementation science is introduced into multiple sclerosis exercise interventions the better.
Conducting Online Focus Group Interviews With Two Generations: Methodological Experiences and Reflections From the Pandemic Context
Authors: Bolin Göran , Kalmus Veronika , Figueiras Rita
Published: June 2023

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many research projects were forced to adapt their design and conduct interviews online. This paper discusses the benefits and challenges of using online focus groups with participants representing different generations and cultural and social backgrounds. Based on the researchers’ experiences and field notes from a three-country comparative project, aiming at analysing the extent to which previous experience of state surveillance impacted attitudes to commercial monitoring and tracking of online behaviour among two generational cohorts, the paper identifies seven aspects where the move from offline to online interviewing interfered with the original research design. The paper suggests that most of these interferences resulted in a need to adjust the methodology to better fit the online setting. We reflect critically upon the issues of technological preconditions and digital skills, recruitment, group size, degrees of previous acquaintance, the role of the interviewer, participants’ household status and media environment, and ethical considerations concerning privacy and data management. Based on these methodological insights, we conclude that future online focus group research would benefit from using smaller groups and adjusted moderation, flexibility in interviewing tools and channels, and new, online-specific ethical considerations when planning, executing, and analysing interviews. The paper advocates the complementarity between in-person and online focus groups as two modalities of data collection and argues for the normalization of hybrid methods.
Contact reliability modeling and assessment of electrical connectors with multi-aperture slotted leaf spring contacts
Authors: Qian Ping , Ma Zhen , Chen Wenhua , Zhang Tong , Wang Zhe
Published: June 2023

Multi-aperture electrical connectors are widely used in the aerospace system to provide high-reliability and high-quality connections. The existing reliability assessment methods only focus on the single-aperture electrical connectors, and ignored the influence of the aperture difference on the reliability of electrical connectors, which may lead to errors in the evaluation results. In order to assess the contact reliability of multi-aperture electrical connectors at storage environment, this paper build a mathematical relationship between structure parameter of contact pairs and contact force by analyzing the slotted leaf spring jack reed structure of the contact pair and using the cantilever beam model. Based on the growth law of the oxide layer on the surface of the contact pair, the degradation trajectory model of the contact pair performance was set up which incorporating the structure parameters of contact pairs, such as pin diameter, reed length, radius of curvature of the inner and outer surfaces, and the acceleration model was established by combining the Arrhenius equation. Then based on the established degradation trajectory model, the degradation failure distribution model of contact pairs was derived, and the contact reliability evaluation model of multi-aperture electrical connectors was established by using the weakest ring model. The test scheme of constant stress accelerated degradation of electrical connectors was formulated and carried out. Finally, this paper verified the correctness of the model through analyzing the test data, and obtained the reliable life of multi-aperture electrical connectors under the storage environment temperature, which realized the contact reliability assessment of multi-aperture electrical connectors.
Remote delivery of self-management education workshops for adults with chronic pain, 2020–2021
Authors: Brunner Wendy M , Pullyblank Kristin , Scribani Melissa B , Krupa Nicole , Wyckoff Lynae
Published: June 2023

Objectives

We intended to assess changes in pain-related outcomes among rural adults who completed 6-week self-management programs offered remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We offered the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program between May 2020 and December 2021. Delivery mode options included 2½-hour weekly videoconference, mailed toolkit plus 1-hour weekly conference call, and mailed toolkit alone. We conducted pre- and post-workshop surveys including questions on patient activation, self-efficacy, depression and pain disability. We used paired t-tests to compare pre-post differences in outcomes among participants completing 4 or more sessions.

Results

Among 218 adults reporting chronic pain, mean age was 57; 83.6% were female; and 49.5% participated via videoconference, 23.4% by phone and 27.1% via mailed toolkit alone. Completion rates were higher among phone (88.2%) versus videoconference (60.2%) workshop participants. Among completers, patient activation (mean change  =  3.61, p  =  0.01) and self-efficacy (mean change  =  3.72, p < 0.0001) increased while depression scores (mean change  =  -1.03, p  =  0.01), pain disability (mean change  =  -0.93, p  =  0.003) and pain symptoms (mean change  =  -0.61, p  =  0.001) decreased over the 6-week period.

Discussion

Self-management programs offered remotely during the pandemic were successful in improving patient activation, self-efficacy, depression, pain disability, and pain symptoms among rural adults experiencing chronic pain.
News packaging during a pandemic: A computational analysis of news diffusion via Facebook
Authors: Hendrickx Jonathan , Van Remoortere Annelien , Opgenhaffen Michael
Published: June 2023

Facebook remains the most important platform where social media editors package and try to ‘sell’ media outlets’ online news articles to audiences. In one of the first studies of its kind, we assess how this practice was effectuated during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We use computational analysis to determine the polarity, subjectivity and use of some linguistics features in the status messages of 140,359 Facebook posts of 17 mainstream and alternative news titles from Flanders (Belgium) between March 2020 and 2021. Among other things, we find that status messages score considerably higher than headlines in terms of polarity and subjectivity, and that they, along with the use of question and interrogation marks, peaked in the first months of the pandemic. We contextualise our findings within existing scholarship and wider trends in increasingly digitised and globalised media societies.
Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of Monocryl versus nylon sutures on patient- and observer-assessed outcomes following carpal tunnel surgery
Authors: Wu Edward , Allen Robert , Bayne Christopher , Szabo Robert
Published: June 2023

Controversy remains regarding the optimal technique and suture type for wound closure after carpal tunnel surgery. Adult patients undergoing open carpal tunnel release were prospectively randomized to receive either interrupted, buried Monocryl sutures or traditional nylon horizontal mattress sutures for their wound closures. At the 2-week and 6-week postoperative visits, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale questionnaires were completed. At 2 weeks, patients and observers had a significantly better opinion of incisions closed with Monocryl. By 6 weeks, neither patients nor observers found a difference between suture types in any category. Scars of wounds closed with Monocryl did not change appreciably in appearance between 2 and 6 weeks. However, patients and observers noted significant improvement in scar appearance in the nylon group over time. Monocryl suture represents an effective method for carpal tunnel closure that leads to improved patient- and observer-reported outcome scores in the early postoperative period compared with nylon.

Level of evidence: II
Neurodiversity in the general practice workforce
Authors: Bell Dr Catherine
Published: June 2023

Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the variation in how our brains process information and how we experience the world around us. It is estimated that 15–20% of the population are neurodivergent. This includes individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, as well as a range of specific learning differences, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia, and other associated conditions, including epilepsy and Tourette syndrome. As awareness of neurodiversity is increasing, so are the numbers of healthcare workers who are recognising their own neurodivergence. The general practice workforce is no exception.
Two-Way Crossover Phase 1 Bioequivalence and Safety Studies in Healthy Adults for a Ready-to-Use, Room-Temperature, Liquid-Stable Glucagon Administered by Autoinjector, Prefilled Syringe, or Vial and Syringe
Authors: Junaidi M. Khaled , Krecic Matthew R. , Close Nicole C. , Conoscenti Valentina
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To demonstrate bioequivalence and safety for a ready-to-use room-temperature liquid-stable glucagon administered subcutaneously (SC) through a glucagon autoinjector (GAI) or a glucagon vial and syringe kit (GVS), versus a glucagon prefilled syringe (G-PFS).

Methods:

Healthy adults (N = 32) were randomly assigned to receive 1-mg glucagon as GAI or G-PFS, and then as the alternative three to seven days later. Other healthy adults (N = 40) were randomly assigned to receive 1-mg glucagon as GVS or G-PFS, and then as the alternative two days later. Samples for plasma glucagon were obtained through 240 minutes after glucagon injection. Bioequivalence was declared when the geometric mean estimate ratio of the area under-the-concentration-versus-time curve from 0 to 240 minutes (AUC0-240) and maximum concentration ( Cmax) for plasma glucagon between treatment groups was contained within the bounds of 80% and 125%. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded.

Results:

The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for AUC0-240 and Cmax geometric mean ratios for G-PFS to GAI and GVS to G-PFS were contained within the bounds 80% to 125% (G-PFS:GAI AUC0-240 95.05%, 119.67% and Cmax 88.01%, 120.24%; GVS:G-PFS AUC0-240 87.39%, 100.66% and Cmax 89.08%, 106.08%). At least one AE occurred in 15.6% (5/32) participants with GAI, 25% (18/72) with G-PFS, and 32.5% (13/40) with GVS. Sixty-nine of 73 (94.5%) AEs were mild, and none were serious. Nausea was the most common (33/73 [45%]).

Conclusions:

Bioequivalence and safety were established after 1 mg of this ready-to-use room-temperature liquid-stable glucagon, administered SC to healthy adults, by autoinjector, prefilled syringe, or vial and syringe kit.
Integrated Serum Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Approach to Reveal the Potential Mechanisms of Diwuyanggan Prescription in the Prevention of Acute Liver Injury
Authors: Xu Jinlin , Zou Feng , Lin Yuqi , Zeng Zhaoxiang , Liu Yukun , Zhang Lijun , Huang Rongzeng , Li Xugui , Song Chengwu , Tang Yinping , Jin Shuna
Published: June 2023

Objective: Acute liver injury (ALI) has become a major reason for emergency liver transplantation mortality worldwide. Diwuyanggan (DWYG), a hospital preparation of traditional chinese medicine, does a satisfactory job of treating liver disease, but its pharmacological mechanisms should be further investigated. Thus, we aimed to unravel the mechanisms of DWYG against ALI through a comprehensive approach integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis in this study. Methods: An untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography together with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry was applied to identify differential metabolites between normal mice and thioacetamide (TAA)-induced ALI mice. By utilizing network pharmacology, potential targets against ALI caused by TAA were excavated. Subsequently, the key targets were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Results: DWYG alleviated TAA-induced ALI. Furthermore, 28 differential metabolites were identified with an association between ALI pathological processes and DWYG effects. The pathways involved in bile acid, glycerophospholipid, fatty acid, sphingolipid, tryptophan, and tyrosine metabolism. Then, we found 127 active compounds in DWYG and 26 hub genes associated with the treatment of ALI according to network pharmacology. Besides, according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis, sphingolipid signaling pathway was deemed as one of the main signaling pathways involved in DWYG anti-ALI, which was in agreement with the metabolomics findings. Further, a combined analysis was performed focusing on 7 key targets, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, mitogen-activated protein kinase 8, caspase 3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, albumin, carboxylesterase 1 and glucocerebrosidase, along with their related core metabolites and pathways. Confirmatory experiment further showed that DWYG could reverse the abnormal mRNA expression of these targets in TAA mice. Conclusion: This study revealed direct evidence for the preventive effect of DWYG against ALI and the related pharmacological mechanisms.
The switching glare illusion: Appearance and disappearance of glare effect due to figure-ground reversal
Authors: Yamagata Risa , Fukuda Kazuho
Published: June 2023

The glare illusion is an illusory perception of brightness enhancement and self-luminosity from a glare pattern, which consists of a central white area and surrounding areas with radial darkening luminance gradients. Here, we report a phenomenon we call “the switching glare illusion.” In this phenomenon, observers experience perceptual alternation in which the glare effect repeatedly appears and disappears or attenuates when the multiple glare patterns are arranged in a grid pattern. This perceptual alternation is caused by a figure-ground reversal in the grid pattern. Since such a phenomenon has not been reported for a single glare pattern, this is caused by arranging multiple glare patterns in a grid. This new finding is worthy for further studies for understanding the mechanisms underlying the glare effect and brightness perception.
Voters don’t care too much about policy: How politicians conceive of voting motives
Authors: Soontjens Karolin
Published: June 2023

Politicians’ perceptions of how citizens decide which party to vote for matter for how they behave in between elections. Yet, except for three older studies, a systematic assessment of how political actors today conceive of citizens’ voting motives is non-existent. This study’s goal is to fill the empirical lacuna by asking a large number of Belgian Members of Parliament what they believe determines citizens’ party choice. It shows that few politicians believe that citizens do their democratic duty and vote for a party because of its policy profile. In politicians’ conception, voters hardly take into account the party’s policy promises for the future nor the party’s past behavior when casting their vote. Instead, most MPs believe that citizens are seduced to vote for a party because of individual candidates on the party list, and because of the party’s campaign communications. These findings matter for substantive representation.
Needs of patients with multi-morbidity and heart failure for the development of a mHealth to improve their self-management: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Bas-Sarmiento Pilar , Fernández-Gutiérrez Martina , Poza-Méndez Miriam , Carrasco-Bernal Mª Ángeles , Cuenca-García Magdalena , Díaz-Rodríguez Mercedes , Gómez-Jiménez Mª Paz , Paloma-Castro Olga , Torres-Castaño Alezandra , Marín-Paz Antonio-Jesús
Published: June 2023

Objective

To provide practical information regarding needs, preferences of content and format of an app to assist the self-management in patients with multi-morbidity and heart failure (HF).

Methods

The three-phase study was conducted in Spain. Six integrative reviews, a qualitative methodology based on Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenology through semi-structured interviews and user stories were used. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached. All data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework approach. Thematic analysis technique following the methods of Braun and Clarke was used for emerging themes.

Results

Integrative reviews conducted included practical recommendations to include in the content and format of the App and helped create the interview guide. Interviews revealed 15 subthemes that captured the meaning of narratives offering contextual insights into the development of the App. The main effective mechanisms of multicomponent interventions for patients with HF must contain (a) components that increase the patient's understanding of HF, (b) self-care, (c) self-efficacy and participation of the family/informal caregiver, (4) psychosocial well-being and (5) professional support and use of technology. User stories revealed that patients prioritized improvements in direct contact with health services in case of emergency (90%), nutritional information (70%), type of exercises in order to improve their physical condition (75%) and information about food and drug interaction (60%). The importance of motivation messages (60%) was highlighted by transversal way.

Conclusions

The three-phase process integrating theoretical basis, evidence from integrative reviews and research findings from target users has been considered a guide for future app development.
Which are the vital factors of mobile personal health records applications that promote continued usage? A perspective on technology fit and social capital
Authors: Liu Yao-Yuan , Lu Hsi-Peng , Chen Chiao-Shan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

With the widespread use of mobile devices and the rapid development of mobile networks, connecting mobile personal health record (mPHR) apps to wearable devices to collect personal health data for analysis and community activities has become a trend for health promotion. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the vital factors that impact the sustained usage of mPHR apps.

Objective

In this study, we identified social lock-in as a major research gap in the current era of social media and the Internet. Therefore, to explore the effects of mPHR apps on continued app usage intention, we combined technology fit (individual-technology, synchronicity-technology, and task-technology fit) and social capital (structural, relational, and cognitive capital) to develop a novel study model.

Methods

The purpose of this research is to investigate the willingness to participate in the mPHR apps. It collected 565 valid users’ responses through the online questionnaire with a structural equation modeling approach.

Results

That technology and social lock-in significantly affected the willingness of users to continue using mPHR apps ( β  =  0.38, P < 0.001) and that the effects of social lock-in ( β  =  0.38, P < 0.001) were more pronounced than those of technology lock-in ( β  =  0.22, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The technology and social lock-in generated by technology fit and social capital had positive effects on continued app usage and the effects of both types of lock-in on continued app usage varied among different participant groups.
Trustworthiness Over Time on Twitter: Three Critical Periods for the Norwegian Health Authorities and Political Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fiskvik Jannicke Thinn , Bjarkø Andrea Vik , Ihlen Øyvind
Published: June 2023

Public health authorities and political leaders need to come across as trustworthy in their handling of a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. There is, however, little knowledge about how the affordances and dynamics of social media influence perceptions of trustworthiness, especially during a protracted crisis. In this article, we study how Twitter users were discussing the trustworthiness of the Norwegian health authorities and political leadership throughout three periods of partial lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across all the periods, there was a substantial number of positive comments, but these were outweighed by negative ones. Ability was clearly the most discussed factor for trustworthiness, and many users offered up their lay expertise. Discussions of integrity and benevolence were less frequent and mostly negative when they occurred. An increase in negative comments during the last period might be read as an expression of fatigue, and there was a noted dissatisfaction with the ability of the political leadership. Taken together, the study suggests Twitter to be an arena where users are exposed to arguments and counterarguments in negotiations over ability in particular. Such discussions can intensify as a crisis drags on and are important to grasp for health authorities and political leadership alike. Thus, the study sheds light on the contribution that a socio-technical platform like Twitter makes to the discursive formation of trustworthiness over time, which in turn might function to strengthen or erode public trust in public authorities and political leadership.
Job Satisfaction and Self-Perceptions Among Ecuadorian Medical Doctors During Their Compulsory Rural Community Social Service: A Countrywide Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Izquierdo-Condoy Juan S. , Morales-Lapo Estefanía , Hidalgo Marlon , Tello-De-la-Torre Andrea , Ruiz-Sosa Carlos , Guerrero-Castillo Galo S. , Sánchez Ordoñez David , Puglla Alexander , Vasconez-Gonzáles Jorge , Carrington Sarah J. , Ortiz-Prado Esteban
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Job satisfaction has been shown to have important effects at the organizational level. In various corners of the world, physicians are obliged to perform a period of social service, generally at the first level of care in rural or remote areas.

Objective:

To describe the level of job satisfaction and perceptions of Ecuadorian rural physicians regarding compulsory social service.

Methodology:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted based on a self-administered online questionnaire from February to March 2022, in Ecuadorian rural physicians who were performing their compulsory social service. Participants were invited through official outreach groups. A total of 247 surveys were included in this study. We assessed job satisfaction by means of the S20/23 job satisfaction questionnaire and compared these results with sociodemographic variables and job characteristics of the participants. We performed the reliability test (Cronbach’s alpha) to find the validity of the S20/23 questionnaire in physicians performing compulsory social service.

Results:

The majority of participants were women (61.0%), and overall job satisfaction was 4.1/7.0 pts. “indifferent.” The only satisfaction factor in which a predominance of dissatisfaction was found related to benefits/remuneration (43.3%). Participants’ perceptions of wrong academic guidance during training, insufficient induction, and negative experiences during work were related to higher levels of dissatisfaction ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

The level of job satisfaction of Ecuadorian rural physicians during their compulsory social service was low and graduates indicated a neutral attitude toward job satisfaction in general. Negative perceptions with respect to training and expectation formation prior to and during the mandatory social service generated greater dissatisfaction. The Ministry of Health of Ecuador, as an organizational entity, should implement improvements to increase the job satisfaction of recently graduated physicians, given the implications that this experience may have for their professional future.
Not Your Parents’ Dorm Room: Changes in Universities’ Residential Housing Privacy Levels and Impacts on Student Success
Authors: McCartney Shelagh , Rosenvasser Ximena
Published: June 2023

New student residence halls are being built to meet students’ demands and needs, creating complex living units that prioritize private spaces over social group spaces despite potential negative impacts on student success and well-being. This study examines all university residences located in a large urban center in Northern America, quantifying students’ different levels of privacy in living units classified by the Housing Unit Classification (HUC). Using the Hierarchy of Isolation and Privacy in Architecture Tool (HIPAT), this study measures the level of privacy in residence units typologies and analyzes the possible effects on the experiences of students, crowding and isolation, academic performance detriment, or success in various residence units. Increased private space in units is typically in apartments or suites. Increases in privacy levels of residences’ living units reflect possible lowering of students’ socialization in the built space, with probable negative consequences on grade point average (GPA), program completion, feelings of isolation, and overall well-being.
An Empirical Study of the Numerical Proportions of Women Academics in Selected Universities in Nigeria: A Study of Federal University Gusau and Umaru Musa Yar’adua University
Authors: Bello Bashir , Bello Mansur Muhammad
Published: June 2023

The paper provided an empirical analysis of the numerical proportions of women academics in the Nigerian University system. It assessed the challenges confronting women academics as a result of the numerical proportions and it examined their responses and reactions to the challenges that arises as a result of the numerical proportions. It focused on two universities namely Umaru Musa Yar’adua University and Federal University Gusau in Katsina State and Zamfara State of Nigeria respectively. The study was an exploratory research design. It was conducted using Key Informant and In-depth Interview. The data collected were analyzed using Nvivo, version 10. The study found that women also contribute to their numerical proportions in the Nigerian University system. The study suggested the need to encourage women generally to apply for academic career. It also suggested that the Nigeria universities’ management should prioritize the incorporation and recruitment of women in the Nigeria University system.
University Students’ Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help for Psycho-Social Problems in Two Selected Public Universities in Tanzania: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Daudi Emmanuel , Lyakurwa Suitbert Emil , Amani Jaquiline
Published: June 2023

Universities worldwide have established psychological help services to help students deal with ever-growing psycho-social problems. However, evidence shows that students do not prefer using the available services. Nevertheless, the available evidence offers limited information about university students’ attitudes toward seeking psychological help in Tanzania. Thus, the present study examined university students’ attitudes toward seeking psychological help for psycho-social problems. Data were collected from 740 students using questionnaires and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze students’ help-seeking attitudes. The independent sample t-test was used to determine the difference in students’ attitudes by age, sex, and year of study. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of attitudes by students’ field of study. Thematic analysis technique guided the analysis of FGDs data. The findings revealed that most university students had positive attitudes toward seeking psychological help for the studied psycho-social problems. The FGDs findings revealed that students had positive attitudes mainly because they could get relief from the problems they faced, the presence of confidentiality to information shared, and the perceived competence of help service providers. Furthermore, the findings indicated a statistically significant difference in attitude scores for female students ( M = 40.56, SD = 3.78) and male students ( M = 39.64, SD = 4.62; t (723) = 2.9, p = 0.004, two-tailed). Moreover, university students’ attitudes differed significantly by fields of study, F (3, 723) = 8.12, p < .001. Promoting positive help-seeking attitudes among students might improve their utilization of psychological help services.
Does Central Sensitization Influence Outcomes of Lumbar Discectomy Surgery in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation? A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Yamada Junichi , Akeda Koji , Takegami Norihiko , Fujiwara Tatsuhiko , Murata Koichiro , Kono Toshibumi , Sudo Takao , Imanishi Takao , Kurata Tatsuya , Kawakita Eiji , Sakakibara Toshihiko , Kondo Tetsushi , Takegami Kenji , Sato Masayoshi , Sudo Akihiro
Published: June 2023

Study Design

Multicenter prospective study.

Objective

Patients with central sensitization (CS) are reported to be at high risk of poor outcomes after spinal surgery. However, the influence of CS on surgical outcomes for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) remains unknown. This study aimed to examine the association between preoperative CS and surgical outcomes in LDH patients.

Methods

A total of 100 consecutive patients with LDH (mean age 51.2) who underwent lumbar surgery were included in this study. The extent of CS was evaluated using the central sensitization inventory (CSI), a screening tool for CS-related symptoms. The patients completed the following CSI and clinical outcome assessments (COAs) preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively: the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for back pain, JOA back pain evaluation questionnaire (JOABPEQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The association between preoperative CSI scores, and preoperative and postoperative COAs was analyzed, and the postoperative changes were statistically evaluated.

Results

The preoperative CSI score significantly decreased 12 months postoperatively. Preoperative CSI scores showed a significant correlation with most COAs; however, a significant correlation was only identified in the social function and mental health domains of JOABPEC postoperatively. Higher preoperative CSI showed worse preoperative COAs; however, all COAs significantly improved regardless of CSI severity. There were no significant differences in any COAs among the CSI severity groups 12 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that lumbar surgeries significantly improved the COAs regardless of preoperative severity of CS in patients with LDH.
Stitching the Social World: The Processing of Multiple Social Structures in Communication
Authors: Fuhse Jan A.
Published: June 2023

Sociological theory has rarely engaged with the processing of multiple social and cultural structures in communication. The concept of “stitching” is suggested to capture this coprocessing of contexts. In line with the metaphor, communication is always imprinted by multiple social and cultural structures, thereby stitching them together. This makes communication quite complex, and it brings irritations into the structures involved. In “cross-field effects,” these have to deal with the communicative imprint of other structures and adapt to it. As a result, “structural couplings” between contexts can develop: patterns of expectations about their regular interplay. This includes the emergence of institutions spanning multiple fields (rather than springing only from one field, as in neoinstitutionalism). The construction of individual actors with multiple involvements serves as another mechanism facilitating the interplay of social structures. The social world houses various “publics” (from councils and talk shows to Twitter) that foster stitching communication between different contexts.
What Makes Pro-poor Public Policy Dysfunctional? Evidence from the Select Public Policies in Odisha, India
Authors: Nanda Deepak Kumar , Jojo Bipin
Published: June 2023

As a welfare state, India brought many pro-poor reformist public policies and programmes now and then, but some got dysfunctional or produced little outcomes. In this context, this article addresses the issues with implementation by critically examining the land reform legislation, the Other Backword Classes reservation policy and the idea of making Odisha an industrially viable state. It uses a mixed-method research approach and draws on both primary and secondary data. The analysis shows the conflict between an upper caste and feudal-dominated state power and socially marginalised groups over access to and distribution of resources. Thus, it argues that the dysfunctional land reform legislation, under-utilised agriculture and forest resources and the tokenism in OBC reservation policy are embedded with the nature of state power and leadership, posing a conflict of interest in the creation, utilisation and distribution of resources. The study has implications for social development and public policy in India and South Asia.
Psychosexual Health and Sexuality: Multidisciplinary Considerations in Clinical Practice
Authors: Tandon Abhinav
Published: June 2023

Sexual functioning is a bio-psycho-social process. Sexuality is at the core of social interactions, couple relationships, intimacy, and reproduction. General medical conditions are commonly associated with sexual problems. Erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and dyspareunia are commonly associated with general medical illness. ED precedes the development of chronic coronary artery disease by a minimum of 3 years. Massachusetts Male Aging Study concluded that both type 1 and type 2 diabetics are at 3 times greater risk of ED. Sexual disorders in females involve aspects of desire, arousal, and orgasm. Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction is more common in diabetes which is mainly linked to psychosocial factors. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and hyperprolactinemia are commonly associated with ED. Various medications are also associated with sexual problems.
BRD4 inhibition sensitizes diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells to ferroptosis
Authors: Schmitt Anja , Grimm Melanie , Kreienkamp Nina , Junge Hannah , Labisch Jan , Schuhknecht Laurentz , Schönfeld Caroline , Görsch Elsa , Tibello Alessia , Menck Kerstin , Bleckmann Annalen , Lengerke Claudia , Rosenbauer Frank , Grau Michael , Zampieri Mattia , Schulze-Osthoff Klaus , Klener Pavel , Dolnikova Alexandra , Lenz Georg , Hailfinger Stephan
Published: June 2023

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is characterized by an aggressive clinical course. In approximately one-third of patients with DLBCL, first-line multiagent immunochemotherapy fails to produce a durable response. Molecular heterogeneity and apoptosis resistance pose major therapeutic challenges in DLBCL treatment. To circumvent apoptosis resistance, the induction of ferroptosis might represent a promising strategy for lymphoma therapy. In this study, a compound library, targeting epigenetic modulators, was screened to identify ferroptosis-sensitizing drugs. Strikingly, bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors sensitized cells of the germinal center B-cell–like (GCB) subtype of DLBCL to ferroptosis induction and the combination of BET inhibitors with ferroptosis inducers, such as dimethyl fumarate or RSL3, synergized in the killing of DLBCL cells in vitro and in vivo. On the molecular level, the BET protein BRD4 was found to be an essential regulator of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 expression and thus to protect GCB-DLBCL cells from ferroptosis. Collectively, we identified and characterized BRD4 as an important player in ferroptosis suppression in GCB-DLBCL and provide a rationale for the combination of BET inhibitors with ferroptosis-inducing agents as a novel therapeutic approach for DLBCL treatment.
Safety and efficacy of an anti–human APC antibody for prophylaxis of congenital factor deficiencies in preclinical models
Authors: Jiang Miao , Yang Fei , Jiang Yizhi , Cheng Lu , Han Jingjing , Yi Jiawei , Zuo Bin , Huang Lulu , Ma Zhenni , Li Tianyi , Cao Lijuan J. , Xia Zhisong , Bai Xia , Jia Chenjun , Yang Teddy Tat Chi , Esmon Naomi L. , Ruan Changgeng , Xia Lijun , Esmon Charles T. , Han Yue , Wu Depei , Xu Jun
Published: June 2023

Rebalance of coagulation and anticoagulation to achieve a hemostatic effect has recently gained attention as an alternative therapeutic strategy for hemophilia. We engineered a humanized chimeric antibody, SR604, based on a previously published murine antibody, HAPC1573, which selectively blocks the anticoagulant activity of human activated protein C (APC). SR604 effectively blocked the anticoagulation activities of APC in human plasma deficient in various coagulation factors in vitro with affinities ∼60 times greater than that of HAPC1573. SR604 exhibited prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in the tail-bleeding and knee-injury models of hemophilia A and B mice expressing human APC (humanized hemophilic mice). SR604 did not interfere with the cytoprotection and endothelial barrier function of APC, nor were there obvious toxicity effects in humanized hemophilic mice. Pharmacokinetic study showed a high bioavailability (106%) of subcutaneously injected SR604 in cynomolgus monkeys. These results demonstrate that SR604 is expected to be a safe and effective therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent with a prolonged half-life for patients with congenital factor deficiencies including hemophilia A and B.
Possibility for detecting 14 typical odorants occurring in drinking water by employing human odor-binding protein OBP2a
Authors: Chang Xinying , Qiu Fuguo , Wang Chunmiao , Qian Yaohan , Zhang Yongxin , Guo Qingyuan , Wang Qi , Wang Shihao , Yang Min , Yu Jianwei
Published: June 2023

Odor issues occurring in drinking water have been a big challenge to face for water suppliers globally, which highly commend to develop quick or on-site odor detection tools for the management of odor problems. Olfactory sensors based on odor-binding proteins (OBPs) have been utilized to analyze pollutants in food and air samples, while their application for the detection of typical odor-causing compounds in drinking water is rarely reported, partly due to the lack of knowledge about the binding properties of odorants. In this study, the binding affinity and mechanism of human odor-binding protein OBP2a to 14 typical odorants in water were first assessed using fluorescent competitive binding assays and molecular docking techniques. The 14 odorants include 7 aldehydes, 2 terpenes, 2 thioethers, bis(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) ether (DCIP), 2-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane (2E4MDL), and 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IBMP). The results showed that OBP2a could bind to 9 odorants (Ki = 29.91 μmol/L–48.36 μmol/L), including IBMP, 2-MIB, and six aldehydes (hexanal, heptanal, benzaldehyde, 2-octenal, decanal, and β-cyclocitral), among which stronger binding affinity for aldehydes is observed (Ki = 29.91 μmol/L–43.87 μmol/L). Molecular docking confirmed that Lys112 and Phe97 are major amino acid residues involved in the binding of the most target odorants. To be specific, IBMP and aldehydes can form hydrogen bonds with Lys112; aromatic ring-containing odorants such as IBMP and benzaldehyde can also form pi–pi stacking with Phe97. The binding affinity of OBP2a to fatty aldehydes including hexanal, heptanal, 2-octenal, decanal, and β-cyclocitral increased with the increase of hydrophobicity of aldehydes. The valuable information to the binding of OBP2a to typical odorants in this study would provide a theoretical foundation for the development of OBP-based odor detection biosensors to achieve quick detection in drinking water, further helping the improvement of water treatment processes in the water industry.

Graphical Abstract
Early child care and the employment potential of mothers: evidence from semi-parametric difference-in-differences estimation
Authors: Zimmert Franziska
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the effect of an expansion of subsidized early child care on maternal labor market outcomes. It contributes to the literature by analyzing, apart from the employment rate, the adjustment of agreed working hours and especially of preferred working hours. Semi-parametric difference-in-differences estimation based on survey data from the German Microcensus results in positive effects on the employment rate, as well as on agreed and preferred working hours by up to 20% of the pre-reform mean. As agreed and preferred working hours adjust in line with each other, the expansion of early child care can tap labor market potentials beyond those of currently underemployed mothers. Moreover, conditional effects show that especially better educated and non-single mothers respond to the reform.
3DVizSNP: a tool for rapidly visualizing missense mutations identified in high throughput experiments in iCn3D
Authors: Sierk Michael , Ratnayake Shashikala , Wagle Manoj M. , Chen Ben , Park Brian , Wang Jiyao , Youkharibache Philippe , Meerzaman Daoud
Published: June 2023

Background

High throughput experiments in cancer and other areas of genomic research identify large numbers of sequence variants that need to be evaluated for phenotypic impact. While many tools exist to score the likely impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on sequence alone, the three-dimensional structural environment is essential for understanding the biological impact of a nonsynonymous mutation.

Results

We present a program, 3DVizSNP, that enables the rapid visualization of nonsynonymous missense mutations extracted from a variant caller format file using the web-based iCn3D visualization platform. The program, written in Python, leverages REST APIs and can be run locally without installing any other software or databases, or from a webserver hosted by the National Cancer Institute. It automatically selects the appropriate experimental structure from the Protein Data Bank, if available, or the predicted structure from the AlphaFold database, enabling users to rapidly screen SNPs based on their local structural environment. 3DVizSNP leverages iCn3D annotations and its structural analysis functions to assess changes in structural contacts associated with mutations.

Conclusions

This tool enables researchers to efficiently make use of 3D structural information to prioritize mutations for further computational and experimental impact assessment. The program is available as a webserver at https://analysistools.cancer.gov/3dvizsnp or as a standalone python program at https://github.com/CBIIT-CGBB/3DVizSNP.
Effects of new hypoglycemic drugs on cardiac remodeling: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Yi-lin , Xu Xiao-zhuo , Liu Jing , Wang Pin-yao , Wang Xue-li , Feng Hong-lin , Liu Cheng-jiang , Han Xu
Published: June 2023

Background

In recent years, the incidence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing annually, and cardiovascular complications secondary to diabetes mellitus have become the leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Considering the high incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) combined with cardiovascular disease (CVD), some new hypoglycemic agents with cardiovascular protective effects have attracted extensive attention. However, the specific role of these regimens in ventricular remodeling remains unknown. The purpose of this network meta-analysis was to compare the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) on ventricular remodeling in patients with T2DM and/or CVD.

Methods

Articles published prior to 24 August 2022 were retrieved in four electronic databases: the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a small number of cohort studies. The differences in mean changes of left ventricular ultrasonic parameters between the treatment and control groups were compared.

Results

A total of 31 RCTs and 4 cohort studies involving 4322 patients were analyzed. GLP-1RA was more significantly associated with improvement in left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) [MD = -0.38 mm, 95% CI (-0.66, -0.10)] and LV mass index (LVMI) [MD = -1.07 g/m2, 95% CI (-1.71, -0.42)], but significantly decreased e' [MD = -0.43 cm/s 95% CI (-0.81, -0.04)]. DPP-4i was more strongly associated with improvement in e' [MD = 3.82 cm/s, 95% CI (2.92,4.7)] and E/e'[MD = -5.97 95% CI (-10.35, -1.59)], but significantly inhibited LV ejection fraction (LVEF) [MD = -0.89% 95% CI (-1.76, -0.03)]. SGLT-2i significantly improved LVMI [MD = -0.28 g/m2, 95% CI (-0.43, -0.12)] and LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) [MD = -0.72 ml, 95% CI (-1.30, -0.14)] in the overall population, as well as E/e' and SBP in T2DM patients combined with CVD, without showing any negative effect on left ventricular function.

Conclusion

The results of the network meta-analysis provided high certainty to suggest that SGLT-2i may be more effective in cardiac remodeling compared to GLP-1RA and DPP-4i. While GLP-1RA and DPP-4i may have a tendency to improve cardiac systolic and diastolic function respectively. SGLT-2i is the most recommended drug for reversing ventricular remodeling in this meta-analysis.