bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The antibiofilm activity of selected substances used in oral health prophylaxis
Authors: Dudek-Wicher R. , Junka A. F. , Migdał P. , Korzeniowska-Kowal A. , Wzorek A. , Bartoszewicz M.
Published: November 2022

Oral health is a window to a patient’s general well-being. Balance in oral microbiome functions is crucial for health maintenance. A state of oral dysbiosis may lead to a variety of local and systemic pathological conditions. The presence of dental plaque is related to the majority of oral infections. Proper oral hygiene is crucial and the most economic practice contributing to oral health prophylaxis. Aside from prophylactic treatments provided by dental practitioners, mouth rinses, containing antimicrobial agents, are one of the possible tools used for oral care. Our study was to determine whether available mouth rinses and selected products dedicated for professional use are efficient to eradicate biofilm formed by reference and clinical strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mitis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Candida albicans on the surface of hydroxyapatite – major mineral component of a tooth. Therefore, such antimicrobials as chlorhexidine, cetylpyridine chloride, polyhexanide, silver nanoparticles, sulphonated phenolics, and natural antiplaque essential oils and coconut oil were analyzed. Applied experimental settings in in vitro models were designed to reflect accurately the recommended use of the tested substances, therefore four types of eradication procedure were conducted. Sialorrhea simulation was also performed to evaluate antibiofilm potential of diluted mouth rinses. Biofilm was investigated with quantitative method where absorbance values were measured. Statistical differences were assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with a post-hoc Dunnett’s analysis. Results have shown that biofilms displayed a diversified sensitivity to the tested antimicrobials. The highest antibiofilm activity was detected for cetylpyridine chloride while the lowest for chlorhexidine. However the differences in E. faecalis biofilm reduction observed after the use of these two compounds were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), whereas all observed differences in S. aureus survival after exposure to the examined antimicrobial agents were statistically significant (p < 0.5). The PHMB, both in standard and in sialorrhea simulated conditions had the highest potential against streptococci. The coconut oil reduced C. albicans fungus biofilm by 65.48% but low eradication level was observed in case of bacterial biofilms. The dehydrating mechanism of action of sulfonated phenolics turned out to be ineffective against streptococcal biofilm which in turn was effectively eradicated by silver nanoparticles. The implementation of Antibiofilm Dressing's Activity Measurement method allowed to observe strain-related differences in terms of antimicrobial sensitivity. The obtained results may be introduced in everyday out-patient dental plaque prophylaxis as well as clinical environment.
Intervening on impostor phenomenon: prospective evaluation of a workshop for health science students using a mixed-method design
Authors: Chang Shine , Lee Hwa Young , Anderson Cheryl , Lewis Kava , Chakraverty Devasmita , Yates Melinda
Published: November 2022

Background

Unaddressed impostor feelings that impede developing interest in science and self-efficacy in conducting research have a dispiriting effect that perpetuates unsatisfactory diversity in the health science workforce when such feelings are experienced more by those historically underrepresented in the workforce. This warrants effective interventions to reduce the impact of impostor feelings and related factors that diminish career resilience. We examined the effects of a 90-minute workshop on impostor perceptions and growth mindset to raise awareness of impostor phenomenon (IP) and develop skills to manage IP successfully for students attending a 10-week summer research experience program.

Methods

Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data were analyzed from 51 racially and ethnically diverse students who participated in an interactive IP workshop. Using students’ half-way and final progress reports about their summer experiences and pre- and post-summer online surveys, we identified how the workshop changed awareness of IP and helped students develop coping strategies.

Results

Students strongly endorsed the workshop, remarking that its content and personal stories from peers validated their own IP experiences and relieved anxiety by revealing how common the experience was. Many reported applying mindset-changing solutions, including positive self-talk, focusing their thinking on facts about themselves and situation, and grounding themselves firmly against potentially persuasive and confidence-eroding impostor feelings. While students reported end-of-summer impostor feelings at levels similar to before the program, they described being able to manage their feelings better and persist towards goals and challenging tasks. One measure of IP appeared to be addressed through students’ activation of a growth mindset, potentially explaining a specific mechanism for intervention. Discrepancies between qualitative responses and quantitative IP measures demand additional work on IP instruments.

Conclusions

A brief, theory-based IP workshop administered by research training programs, including those as short as 10-weeks, can have positive impact on subsequent IP experience and its successful management, with potential long-term impact on retention of a diverse biomedical research workforce.
Social needs screening and referral in pediatric primary care clinics: a multiple case study
Authors: Massar Rachel E. , Berry Carolyn A. , Paul Margaret M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Unmet social risks such as housing, food insecurity and safety concerns are associated with adverse health outcomes in adults and children. Experimentation with social needs screening in primary care is currently underway throughout the United States. Pediatric primary care practices are well-positioned to amplify the effects of social needs screening and referral programs because all members of the household have the potential to benefit from connection to needed social services; however, more research is needed to determine effective implementation strategies.

Methods

To describe common implementation barriers and facilitators, we conducted 48 in-depth qualitative interviews with leadership, providers and staff between November 2018 and June 2019 as part of a multiple case study of social needs screening and referral programs based out of four pediatric ambulatory care clinics in New York City. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded using a protocol-driven, template-based rapid analysis approach designed for pragmatic health services research. In addition to analyzing content for our study, we delivered timely findings to each site individually in order to facilitate quality improvement changes in close-to-real time.

Results

Effective implementation strategies included tailoring screening tools to meet the needs of families seen at the clinic and reflect the resources available in the community, hiring dedicated staff to manage the program, building strong and lasting partnerships with community-based organizations, establishing shared communication methods between partners, and utilizing technology for efficient tracking of screening data. Respondents were enthusiastic about the value of their programs and the impact on families, but remained concerned about long-term sustainability after the grant period.

Conclusion

Implementation of social needs screening and referral interventions is dependent on contextual factors including the nature of family needs and the availability of intraorganizational and community resources to address those needs. Additional research is needed to prospectively test promising implementation strategies that were found to be effective across sites in this study. Sustainability of programs is challenging, and future research should also explore measurable outcomes and payment structures to support such interventions in pediatric settings, as well as aim to better understand caregiver perspectives to improve engagement.
The effect of emergency department pharmacists on drug overuse and drug underuse in patients with an ADE-related hospitalisation: a controlled intervention study
Authors: Rahman R. N. , Nikolik B. , de Ridder M. A. J. , Hoek A. E. , Janssen M. J. A. , Schuit S. C. E. , Karapinar-Çarkit F. , van den Bemt P. M. L. A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Drug overuse or drug underuse are the most common causes of adverse drug events and can lead to hospital admissions. Using clinical pharmacists in the emergency department may improve patient safety as they are specialised in recognising of adverse drug events and tackling drug overuse and drug underuse. This study tested the effect of an emergency department pharmacist on the number of medication changes for drug overuse and drug underuse taking place in patients with an adverse drug event-related hospitalisation following an emergency department visit.

Methods

A multicenter prospective non-randomized controlled intervention study was conducted in a university hospital and a general teaching hospital. Trained emergency department pharmacists included patients in the intervention group with a hospital admission related to an adverse drug event. The interdisciplinary intervention consisted of a pharmacist-led medication review, patient counselling regarding medication, and information transmission to general practitioners and community pharmacies after discharge. The control patients were also admitted after an emergency department visit and received the usual care. The primary outcome was the number of medication changes for drug overuse and drug underuse that took place during hospital admission and persisted 6 months thereafter. Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate the difference in these medication changes between the intervention group and the control group.

Results

A total of 216 patients were included (intervention group 104, control group 112). In the intervention group, 156 medication changes for drug overuse and drug underuse persisted 6 months after admission compared to 59 in the control group (adjusted rate ratio 1.22 [95%CI 1.01-1.49] p = 0.039).

Conclusion

Emergency department pharmacists do contribute to reduction of drug overuse and drug underuse of medication in patients with a hospitalisation related to adverse drug events after an emergency department visit.
Longitudinal risk of maternal hospitalization for mental illness following preterm birth
Authors: Côté-Corriveau Gabriel , Paradis Gilles , Luu Thuy Mai , Ayoub Aimina , Bilodeau-Bertrand Marianne , Auger Nathalie
Published: November 2022

Background

Preterm birth may affect maternal mental health, yet most studies focus on postpartum mental disorders only. We explored the relationship between preterm delivery and the long-term risk of maternal hospitalization for mental illness after pregnancy.

Methods

We performed a longitudinal cohort study of 1,381,300 women who delivered between 1989 and 2021 in Quebec, Canada, and had no prior history of mental illness. The exposure was preterm birth, including extreme (<28 weeks), very (28-31 weeks), and moderate to late (32-36 weeks). The outcome was subsequent maternal hospitalization for depression, bipolar, psychotic, stress and anxiety, personality disorders, and self-harm up to 32 years later. We used adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between preterm birth and mental illness hospitalization.

Results

Compared with term, women who delivered preterm had a higher rate of mental illness hospitalization (3.81 vs. 3.01 per 1000 person-years). Preterm birth was associated with any mental illness (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.35-1.41), including depression (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.32-1.41), psychotic disorders (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.25-1.44), and stress and anxiety disorders (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.38-1.46). Delivery at any preterm gestational age was associated with the risk of mental hospitalization, but risks were greatest around 34 weeks of gestation. Preterm birth was strongly associated with mental illness hospitalization within 2 years of pregnancy, although associations persisted throughout follow-up.

Conclusions

Women who deliver preterm may be at risk of mental disorders in the short and long term.
Endothelial biomarkers and platelet reactivity on ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in patients after acute coronary syndrome with and without concomitant type 2 diabetes: a preliminary observational study
Authors: Chyrchel Bernadeta , Kruszelnicka Olga , Surdacki Andrzej
Published: November 2022

Background

Pleiotropic effects have been implicated in clinical benefits of ticagrelor compared to thienopyridine P2Y12 antagonists. There are conflicting data regarding effects of ticagrelor vs. thienopyridine P2Y12 blockers on endothelial function. Our aim was to compare endothelial biomarkers and their relations with platelet reactivity in real-world patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on maintenance dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ticagrelor or clopidogrel stratified by diabetes status.

Methods

Biochemical indices of endothelial dysfunction/activation and platelet reactivity by multiple electrode aggregometry were compared in 126 stable post-ACS subjects (mean age: 65 ± 10 years, 92 men and 34 women), including patients with (n = 61) or without (n = 65) coexistent type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on uneventful maintenance DAPT with either ticagrelor (90 mg b.d.) or clopidogrel (75 mg o.d.) in addition to low-dose aspirin. Exclusion criteria included a complicated in-hospital course, symptomatic heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% and relevant coexistent diseases except for well-controlled diabetes, mild renal insufficiency or hypertension.

Results

Clinical characteristics were similar in patients on ticagrelor (n = 62) and clopidogrel (n = 64). The adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation and circulating soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) were decreased in ticagrelor users irrespective of T2DM status (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 for platelet reactivity and sP-selectin, respectively). Plasma levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were lower in T2DM subjects on ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel (758 ± 162 vs. 913 ± 217 µg/L, p < 0.01). In contrast, plasma sVCAM-1 was similar in non-diabetic patients on ticagrelor and clopidogrel (872 ± 203 vs. 821 ± 210 µg/L, p > 0.7). The concentrations of sE-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and asymmetric dimethylarginine did not differ according to the type of P2Y12 antagonist regardless of T2DM status. Platelet reactivity was unrelated to any endothelial biomarker in subjects with or without T2DM.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings may suggest an association of ticagrelor-based maintenance DAPT with favorable endothelial effects compared to clopidogrel users in stable post-ACS patients with T2DM. If proven, this could contribute to more pronounced clinical benefits of ticagrelor in diabetic subjects.
Skipping breakfast during pregnancy and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Japanese women: the Tohoku medical megabank project birth and three-generation cohort study
Authors: Aizawa Misato , Murakami Keiko , Takahashi Ippei , Onuma Tomomi , Noda Aoi , Ueno Fumihiko , Matsuzaki Fumiko , Ishikuro Mami , Obara Taku , Hamada Hirotaka , Iwama Noriyuki , Saito Masatoshi , Sugawara Junichi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Kuriyama Shinichi
Published: November 2022

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) adversely affect the prognosis of mother and child, and the prognosis depends on the subtype of HDP. Skipping breakfast may be associated with increased blood pressure due to disruption of the circadian clock, but the association with the development of HDP has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between skipping breakfast and the development of HDP and HDP subtypes in Japanese pregnant women.

Methods

Of the pregnant women who participated in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Three-Generation Cohort Study, 18,839 who answered the required questions were included in the analysis. This study had a cross-sectional design. The breakfast intake frequency from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy was classified into four groups: daily, 5–6 times per week, 3–4 times per week, and 0–2 times per week. HDP was classified into gestational hypertension (GH), chronic hypertension (CH), preeclampsia (PE), and severe preeclampsia (SuPE). Multiple logistic regression analysis and multinomial logistic analysis were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for breakfast intake frequency and development of HDP or HDP subtypes. We performed a stratified analysis based on energy intake.

Results

Of the participants, 74.3% consumed breakfast daily, and 11.1% developed HDP. Women who consumed breakfast 0–2 times per week had a higher risk of HDP (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.14–1.56), CH (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.21–2.19), and PE (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.27–2.21) than those who consumed breakfast daily. No association was found between skipping breakfast and the risk of developing GH (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.99–1.61) and SuPE (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.55–1.49). Stratified analysis showed that the risk of developing HDP due to skipping breakfast was highest in the group with the highest daily energy intake.

Conclusions

Skipping breakfast during pre-to early pregnancy is associated with the development of HDP. Further longitudinal studies are required to clarify the causal association between skipping breakfast and HDP.
The long-term survival of the doublet regimen of concurrent chemoradiation therapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Zhi-Qiang , Feng Xu-Dong , Ge Chun-Lei , Yang Yi , Liang Na , Ye Qing , Fu Yang , Wei Jian , Zhang Yong , Li Rong-Qing
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study introduces innovative strategies, the doublet regimen of concurrent chemoradiotherapy, to ensure longer survival for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 104 locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who underwent taxane combined platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy in our center between January 2013 and December 2018. All statistical analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method (SPSS 23.0). Different groups were compared with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

Results

Ultimately, 104 patients were selected for this study, including 18 and 86 who received either concurrent chemoradiation therapy alone or concurrent chemoradiation therapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. The median follow-up time for progression free survival was 53.0 months (IQR 48.5–57.5). The 3-years progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), local–regional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates of the doublet regimen of concurrent chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma were 85.9%, 96.0%, 96.0% and 90.8%, respectively. Additionally, we analyzed the subgroups and found that the 3-years PFS, OS, LRRFS and DMFS rates for stage III versus stage IVa were 97.8% versus 75.5% (P = 0.000), 100% versus 92.5% (P = 0.004), 100% versus 92.4% (P = 0.015) and 97.8% versus 82.8% (P = 0.002), respectively. During concurrent chemotherapy, acute chemotherapy adverse events of grade 3 or 4 was only 18.3%. Leukopenia was the most common acute chemotherapy adverse event (in 10 patients [9.6%]), followed by neutropenia (in 8 patients [7.6%]).

Conclusion

The doublet regimen of taxane plus platinum concurrent chemoradiotherapy resulted in improved long-term survival of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, especially for local control rate and warrants further prospective evaluation.
Early and late recurrence after hepatectomy in patients with low-level HBV-DNA hepatocellular carcinoma under antiviral therapy
Authors: Li Ziqiang , Tan Chengpeng , Liu Xiaohong , Feng Zhe , Li Kun
Published: November 2022

Background

Antiviral therapy has been shown to benefit long-term survival after curative hepatectomy in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high levels of HBV-DNA, but the impact of antiviral therapy on patient recurrence in patients with low levels of HBV-DNA remains less clear.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing 296 patients with HBV-associated HCC with HBV-DNA levels < 2000 IU/mL who underwent hepatectomy at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between March 2013 and December 2017, of whom 157 patients received antiviral therapy (antiviral group) and 139 patients did not receive antiviral therapy (non-antiviral group), propensity score matching was used for survival analysis of patients in both groups, and subgroup analysis of major risk factors was performed.

Results

The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. At a median follow-up of 54 months, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates after propensity score matching (PSM) were 94.9%, 80.8%, 66.5%, and 90.9%, 64.6%, 49.4% for the antiviral and non-antiviral groups, respectively, p = 0.009, and the corresponding 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS for the two groups were 81.8%, 76.8%, 76.8%, and 67.7%, 55.6%, 55.6%, respectively. p = 0.001, and the overall survival and recurrence-free survival were significantly better in the antiviral group than in the non-antiviral group. Multi-factor COX regression analysis showed that prothrombin time ≥ 13 s, methemoglobin level ≥ 20 ng/ml, platelet count ≥ 100 × 109/L, tumor size > 5 cm, tumor multiplicity was associated with early recurrence, and antiviral treatment was an independent protective factor for early recurrence of HCC (HR, 0.431; 95% CI 0.274–0.679; p < 0.001), but not associated with a low risk of late relapse (HR, 0.822; 95% CI 0.526–1.284; p = 0.389), and the main risk factors for late relapse included AST levels > 40 IU/ml, ALP levels > 130 IU/L, and the presence of satellite nodules, and subgroup analysis showed that compared to HBeAg-positive patients, antiviral therapy could significantly prolonged the recurrence-free survival of HBeAg-negative patients.

Conclusion

Antiviral therapy reduces early tumor recurrence after hepatectomy in patients with low levels of HBV-DNA.
Prognostic factors for continence after surgical correction of ectopic ureters of 51 dogs with long-term follow-up
Authors: Visser Judith , Fieten Hille , van Velzen Hannah Wikje , Zaal Marjanne Duke , Kummeling Anne
Published: November 2022

Background

An ectopic ureter is a congenital malformation characterized by caudal displacement of one or both ureteral orifices and is the most common cause of urinary incontinence in young dogs. Complete resolution of incontinence after surgery has been reported in 25–82% of dogs. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative prognostic factors for continence after surgical treatment of dogs with an ectopic ureter. Dogs were included if surgical correction of an ectopic ureter was performed and at least 1 year follow-up was available.

Results

Fifty-one dogs met the inclusion criteria. The ectopic ureters were either intramural (91%) or extramural (9%). The ectopic ureters were bilateral in 49% of cases. Overall median follow-up time after surgery was 6.5 years (range 1–13 years). Surgical correction alone resolved urinary incontinence in 47% of cases. Low grade pre-operative incontinence, male sex and pre-operative presence of ureteral or renal pyelum dilation were significantly associated with urinary continence after surgery.

Conclusions

Dogs with severe preoperative incontinence were less likely to become completely continent after surgery, whereas male sex and preoperative dilation of the ureter or renal pyelum were positive prognostic indicators for continence. These results may assist in predicting outcome after surgical correction of ectopic ureters and suggest assessment of pre-operative urethral pressure profiling in future studies.
Dopamine-induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling in mPFC is mediated by MAO-B in young mice, but by dopamine receptors in adult mice
Authors: Kim Sunpil , Kwon Jea , Park Mingu Gordon , Lee C. Justin
Published: November 2022

Dopamine (DA) plays a vital role in brain physiology and pathology such as learning and memory, motor control, neurological diseases, and psychiatric diseases. In neurons, it has been well established that DA increases or decreases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) through D1-like or D2-like dopamine receptors, respectively. In contrast, it has been elusive how astrocytes respond to DA via Ca2+ signaling and regulate synaptic transmission and reward systems. Previous studies suggest various molecular targets such as MAO-B, D1R, or D1R–D2R heteromer to modulate astrocytic Ca2+ signaling. However, which molecular target is utilized under what physiological condition remains unclear. Here, we show that DA-induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling pathway switches during development: MAO-B is the major player at a young age (5–6 weeks), whereas DA receptors (DARs) are responsible for the adult period (8–12 weeks). DA-mediated Ca2+ response in the adult period was decreased by either D1R or D2R blockers, which are primarily known for cyclic AMP signaling (Gs and Gi pathway, respectively), suggesting that this Ca2+ response might be mediated through Gq pathway by D1R–D2R heterodimer. Moreover, DAR-mediated Ca2+ response was not blocked by TTX, implying that this response is not a secondary response caused by neuronal activation. Our study proposes an age-specific molecular target of DA-induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling: MAO-B in young mice and DAR in adult mice.
Pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Denmark
Authors: Holgersen Mathias Geldermann , Jensen Theo W. , Breindahl Niklas , Kjerulff Julie L. B. , Breindahl Sara H. , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj Fasmer , Wolthers Signe Amalie , Andersen Lars Bredevang , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Mikkelsen Søren , Lippert Freddy , Christensen Helle Collatz ,   Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry Group
Published: November 2022

Background

Pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (POHCA) has received limited attention. All causes of POHCA and outcomes were examined during a 4-year period in a Danish nationwide register and prehospital medical records. The aim was to describe the incidence, reversible causes, and survival rates for POHCA in Denmark.

Methods

This is a registry-based follow-up cohort study. All POHCA for a 4-year period (2016–2019) in Denmark were included. All prehospital medical records for the included subjects were reviewed manually by five independent raters establishing whether a presumed reversible cause could be assigned.

Results

We identified 173 cases within the study period. The median incidence of POHCA in the population below 17 years of age was 4.2 per 100,000 persons at risk. We found a presumed reversible cause in 48.6% of cases, with hypoxia being the predominant cause of POHCA (42.2%). The thirty-day survival was 40%. Variations were seen across age groups, with the lowest survival rate in cases below 1 year of age. Defibrillators were used more frequently among survivors, with 16% of survivors defibrillated bystanders as opposed to 1.9% in non-survivors and 24% by EMS personnel as opposed to 7.8% in non-survivors. The differences in initial rhythm being shockable was 34% for survivors and 16% for non-survivors.

Conclusion

We found pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrests was a rare event, with higher incidence and mortality in infants compared to other age groups of children. Use of defibrillators was disproportionally higher among survivors. Hypoxia was the most common presumed cause among all age groups.
Characteristics and therapeutic profile of TBI patients who underwent bilateral decompressive craniectomy: experience with 151 cases
Authors: Zhao Jian-Lan , Song Jie , Yuan Qiang , Bao Yi-Feng , Sun Yi-Rui , Li Zhi-Qi , Xi Cai-Hua , Yao Hai-Jun , Wang Mei-Hua , Wu Gang , Du Zhuo-Ying , Hu Jin , Yu Jian
Published: November 2022

Background

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring are common approaches to reduce the death rate of Traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, but the outcomes of these patients are unfavorable, particularly those who receive bilateral DC. The authors discuss their experience using ICP and other potential methods to improve the outcomes of TBI patients who receive bilateral DC.

Methods

Data from TBI patients receiving bilateral DC from Jan. 2008 to Jan. 2022 were collected via a retrospective chart review. Included patients who received unplanned contralateral DC after initial surgery were identified as unplanned secondary surgery (USS) patients. Patients’ demographics and baseline medical status; pre-, intra-, and postoperative events; and follow-up visit outcome data were analyzed.

Results

A total of 151 TBI patients were included. Patients who underwent USS experienced more severe outcomes as assessed using the 3-month modified Rankin Scale score (P = 0.024). In bilateral DC TBI patients, USS were associated with worsen outcomes, moreover, ICP monitoring was able to lower their death rate and was associated with a lower USS incidence. In USS patients, ICP monitoring was not associated with improved outcomes but was able to lower their mortality rate (2/19, 10.5%, vs. 10/25, 40.0%; P = 0.042).

Conclusion

The avoidance of USS may be associated with improved outcomes of TBI patients who underwent bilateral DC. ICP monitoring was a potential approach to lower USS rate in TBI patients, but its specific benefits were uncertain.
How do trial teams plan for retention during the design stage of the trial? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Murphy Ellen , Gillies Katie , Shiely Frances
Published: November 2022

Background

Retention remains a major challenge for many clinical trials. The SPIRIT guidelines state the following information on retention should be included in the trial protocol “Plans to promote participant retention and complete follow-up, including list of any outcome data to be collected for participants who discontinue or deviate from intervention protocols”. This guidance shows the importance of planning retention methods and handling missing data as this can impact how the results of the trial are interpreted. The most recent Cochrane review of strategies to improve retention in clinical trials highlighted that some trials implemented multiple retention strategies and we questioned whether the use of multiple strategies was planned at the design stage and included in the protocol or are strategies implemented when retention becomes an issue within the trial. The purpose of our scoping review is to establish if and how trial teams prepare for retention at the design phase of clinical trials.

Methods and analysis

We will follow the methodological framework and guidelines for scoping reviews outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We will search MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Web of Science. A comprehensive search strategy for PubMed was developed in collaboration with an experienced research librarian. We will include protocols for phase 2, 3, and 4 RCTs as well as pilot and feasibility studies. The screening process will involve two reviewers. EM will independently screen all titles and abstracts. FS will screen 10% of the overall search output, and where necessary full protocol texts will be screened to determine eligibility. We will randomly sample eligible protocols to ensure the protocols represent a variety of trial and intervention types. Data will be extracted from each protocol and the results will be synthesised. The analysis will be qualitative using a narrative summary and descriptive statistics where appropriate.

Discussion

The scoping review will help trial methodologists better understand if retention strategies are planned for during the design stage of the trial contributing to the PRioRiTy II unanswered question “How should people who run trials plan for retention during their funding application and creation of the trial (protocol development)?”.
Precursor prioritization for p-cymene production through synergistic integration of biology and chemistry
Authors: Lin Hsi-Hsin , Mendez‐Perez Daniel , Park Jimin , Wang Xi , Cheng Yan , Huo Jiajie , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Lee Taek Soon , Shanks Brent H.
Published: November 2022

The strategy of synergistic application of biological and chemical catalysis is an important approach for efficiently converting renewable biomass into chemicals and fuels. In particular, the method of determining the appropriate intermediate between the two catalytic methods is critical. In this work, we demonstrate p-cymene production through the integration of biosynthesis and heterogenous catalysis and show how a preferred biologically derived precursor could be determined. On the biological side, we performed the limonene and 1,8-cineole production through the mevalonate pathway. Titers of 0.605 g/L and a 1.052 g/L were achieved, respectively. This difference is in agreement with the toxicity of these compounds toward the producing microorganisms, which has implications for subsequent development of the microbial platform. On the heterogeneous catalysis side, we performed the reaction with both biological precursors to allow for direct comparison. Using hydrogenation/dehydrogenation metals on supports with acid sites, both limonene and 1,8-cineole were converted to p-cymene with similar yields under equivalent reaction conditions. Thus, we could determine that the most promising strategy would be to target 1,8-cineole, the higher titer and lower toxicity bio-derived precursor with subsequent catalytic conversion to p-cymene. We further optimized the biological production of 1,8-cineole via fed-batch fermentation and reached the titer of 4.37 g/L which is the highest known 1,8-cineole titer from microbial production. This work provides a valuable paradigm for early stage considerations to determine the best route for the high-efficiency production of a target biobased molecule using an integration of biology and chemistry.
Multi-platform proteomic analysis of Alzheimer’s disease cerebrospinal fluid and plasma reveals network biomarkers associated with proteostasis and the matrisome
Authors: Dammer Eric B. , Ping Lingyan , Duong Duc M. , Modeste Erica S. , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Lah James J. , Levey Allan I. , Johnson Erik C. B.
Published: November 2022

Robust and accessible biomarkers that can capture the heterogeneity of Alzheimer’s disease and its diverse pathological processes are urgently needed. Here, we undertook an investigation of Alzheimer’s disease cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma from the same subjects (n=18 control, n=18 AD) using three different proteomic platforms—SomaLogic SomaScan, Olink proximity extension assay, and tandem mass tag-based mass spectrometry—to assess which protein markers in these two biofluids may serve as reliable biomarkers of AD pathophysiology observed from unbiased brain proteomics studies. Median correlation of overlapping protein measurements across platforms in CSF (r~0.7) and plasma (r~0.6) was good, with more variability in plasma. The SomaScan technology provided the most measurements in plasma. Surprisingly, many proteins altered in AD CSF were found to be altered in the opposite direction in plasma, including important members of AD brain co-expression modules. An exception was SMOC1, a key member of the brain matrisome module associated with amyloid-β deposition in AD, which was found to be elevated in both CSF and plasma. Protein co-expression analysis on greater than 7000 protein measurements in CSF and 9500 protein measurements in plasma across all proteomic platforms revealed strong changes in modules related to autophagy, ubiquitination, and sugar metabolism in CSF, and endocytosis and the matrisome in plasma. Cross-platform and cross-biofluid proteomics represents a promising approach for AD biomarker development.
Sex—the most underappreciated variable in research: insights from helminth-infected hosts
Authors: Wesołowska Agnieszka
Published: November 2022

The sex of a host affects the intensity, prevalence, and severity of helminth infection. In many cases, one sex has been found to be more susceptible than the other, with the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections being generally higher among male than female hosts; however, many exceptions exist. This observed sex bias in parasitism results primarily from ecological, behavioural, and physiological differences between males and females. Complex interactions between these influences modulate the risk of infection. Indeed, an interplay among sex hormones, sex chromosomes, the microbiome and the immune system significantly contributes to the generation of sex bias among helminth-infected hosts. However, sex hormones not only can modulate the course of infection but also can be exploited by the parasites, and helminths appear to have developed molecules and pathways for this purpose. Furthermore, host sex may influence the efficacy of anti-helminth vaccines; however, although little data exist regarding this sex-dependent efficacy, host sex is known to influence the response to vaccines. Despite its importance, host sex is frequently overlooked in parasitological studies. This review focuses on the key contributors to sex bias in the case of helminth infection. The precise nature of the mechanisms/factors determining these sex-specific differences generally remains largely unknown, and this represents an obstacle in the development of control methods. There is an urgent need to identify any protective elements that could be targeted in future therapies to provide optimal disease management with regard to host sex. Hence, more research is needed into the impact of host sex on immunity and protection.
Nonstandard competing anisotropic $(p,q)$-Laplacians with convolution
Authors: Razani A.
Published: November 2022

A competing anisotropic $(p,q)$
(
p
,
q
)
-Laplacian $$ -\overset{N}{\underset{i=1}{\sum}}\frac{\partial }{\partial x_{i}} \biggl( \biggl\vert \frac{\partial u}{\partial x_{i}} \biggr\vert ^{p_{i}-2}- \mu \biggl\vert \frac{\partial u}{\partial x_{i}} \biggr\vert ^{q_{i}-2} \biggr) \frac{\partial u}{\partial x_{i}} =f \bigl(x, \phi \star u,\nabla (\phi \star u)\bigr) $$
−

∑

i
=
1

N

∂

∂

x
i

(
|

∂
u

∂

x
i

|

p
i

−
2

−
μ
|

∂
u

∂

x
i

|

q
i

−
2

)

∂
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x
i

=
f

(
x
,
ϕ
⋆
u
,
∇
(
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)

as a nonstandard Dirichlet problem with convolutions on a bounded smooth domain in $\mathbb{R}^{N}$

R
N

, $N\geq 3$
N
≥
3
is considered. Assume $f:\Omega \times \mathbb{R}\times \mathbb{R}^{N}\to \mathbb{R}$
f
:
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×
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×

R
N

→
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is a Carathéodory function and $\phi \in L^{1}(\mathbb{R}^{N})$
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∈

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1

(

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)
. If $\mu >0$
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>
0
, the existence of a generalized solution is proved. By the Galerkin basis for the space, a sequence that converges strongly to the solution is constructed. If $\mu \leq 0$
μ
≤
0
, it is proved that any generalized solution is a weak solution.
Correction of severe lower extremity deformity with digital hexapod external fixator based on CT data
Authors: Lu Yufeng , Li Jinfeng , Qiao Feng , Xu Zhaochen , Zhang Baogang , Jia Bin , He Jinlong , Qi Liang , Wang Min , Fei Chen , Cao Xiaoming
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Our goal was to examine the therapeutic effect of a self-designed digital six-axis external fixator technique for the correction of severe lower extremity deformities.

Patients and methods

Between January 2017 and December 2020, our institution employed self-developed digital hexapod external fixator technology (QSF), based on CT data, to gradually correct 28 severe tibial deformities, and 15 femurs underwent osteotomy and internal fixation. The mean patient age was 32.6 ± 14.3 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 27.4 ± 16.1 months. We also recoded and analyzed the values of preoperative and final follow-up MAD, mFTA, MPTA, LLD, mLDFA, LEFS, KSS, and functional score.

Results

The QSF adjustment duration was 21.4 ± 10.8 days, and the healing duration of the tibial osteotomy site was 17.6 ± 7.0 weeks. The preoperative MAD, mFTA, and MPTA were 54.1 ± 26.2 mm, 167.7 ± 15.7°, and 75.2 ± 12.0°, respectively. At the last follow-up, the MAD was 8.2 ± 9.9 mm, mFTA was 177.6 ± 3.4°, and MPTA was 87.6 ± 2.4°. Based on these data, we achieved significant improvement post operation. The preoperative LLD and mLDFA values were 13.8 ± 18 mm and 83.7 ± 10.8°, respectively, and the values were 7.6 ± 7.6 mm and 87.8 ± 2.6°, respectively, at the last follow-up. This indicated no significant difference in these values before and after the operation. Finally, the LEFS, KSS, and functional scores improved from preoperative 51.6 ± 11.2, 68.5 ± 11.7, and 67.8 ± 11.2 to postoperative 72.3 ± 6.1, 92.9 ± 3.4, and 94.2 ± 6.3, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on our analyses, the QSF technique accurately corrected severe multiplanar tibial deformities in adults. When combined with femoral osteotomy, satisfactory lower extremity alignment was obtained while correcting for femoral deformity. This technology has the advantages of simple operation, reliable fixation, less trauma, and less complications.
Relationships between personality traits and disordered eating among Chinese female exercisers: the role of symptoms of exercise dependence and obsessive-compulsiveness
Authors: Yang Peiying , Wang Ting , Herold Fabian , Müller Notger G. , Taylor Alyx , Szabo Attila , Granziol Umberto , Cook Brian , Landolfi Emilio , Solmi Marco , Zou Liye
Published: November 2022

Background

Although numerous studies have examined associations between personality traits and eating disorders in females, few studies have been conducted on female exercisers. Given the high risk of disordered eating in female exercisers, this study investigated the associations between the Big Five personality traits and disordered eating in female exercisers, and further explored the potential mediators, namely exercise dependence symptoms, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms underlying this association.

Methods

A total of 295 female exercisers aged between 18 to 67 years (M =  22.11, SD =  6.65) participated in this study.

Results

Negative and statistically significant correlations between conscientiousness (r = − 0.17, p < 0.01), emotional stability (r = − 0.27, p < 0.001) and agreeableness (r = − 0.18, p < 0.01) and disordered eating were observed in our sample of female exercisers. The multiple mediation analyses revealed that exercise dependence symptoms and obsessive–compulsive symptoms mediate the relationship between conscientiousness (β = 0.016, CI = [0.003, 0.031]), emotional stability (β = -0.012, CI = [− 0.028, − 0.002]), and disordered eating in female exercisers, whereas obsessive–compulsive symptoms (β = − 0.041, CI = [− 0.088, − 0.001]) but not exercise dependence symptoms are a mediator of the relationship between agreeableness and disordered eating.

Conclusions

Our findings can be used to improve the screening procedures for eating disorders in female exercisers as they contribute to a better understanding of the psychological mechanisms that underlie the associations between the Big Five personality traits and disordered eating.
Multiple time series database on microservice architecture for IoT-based sleep monitoring system
Authors: Simanjuntak Eko , Surantha Nico
Published: November 2022

Monitoring health status requires collecting a large amount of data from the human body. The sensor can be used to collect data from the human body. The sensor transmits data for almost every second across the internet. The challenge of the health monitoring system is the massive amount of incoming data. Therefore, a system capable of sending, storing, analyzing, and visualizing vast amounts of data is required for health monitoring. A previous study proposed microservice and event-driven architecture. It also proposed a single database for all services and a relational database management system (RDBMS) for storing time series data, which might reduce the data transmission performance and reliability. This research intends to improve the monitoring system from the previous study to accommodate a greater throughput, faster database read and write operations, and a more reliable system design. The improvement consists of multiple changes in system architecture and technology. A multi-database is proposed in the system architecture to improve system reliability. Time series database and Message Queue Telemetry Protocol (MQTT) server are proposed as an upgrade on technology. As a result, the proposed system throughput is 2.43 times faster than the old system. On database performance, the new system's database write speed is 20.95 times faster and the database read speed is 1.64 times faster than the old system. The proposed system also achieves better scalability, resilience, and independence.
Arduino-based wireless spectrometer: a practical application
Authors: Shin Jaeseong , Choi Han-Kyu
Published: November 2022

We provide a technical report on designing an Arduino-based wireless spectrometer using an old spectrometer. The designed spectrometer is environmentally friendly and cost-effective and can be used in physical and analytical laboratories. The Arduino-based wireless spectrometer enables students to understand the fundamental theory of spectroscopy and wireless communication among instruments. The rotating motions of the mirror and grating turret inside the spectrometer are controlled by a pre-written source code based on the Arduino program. This procedure can give an insight into spectroscopic analysis and telecommunication skills using computer-based software. Using our customized spectrometer, we measure Raman spectra from a silicon wafer, 4-nitrobenzenethiol, and rhodamine 6G, which serve as representative Raman probe molecules. From our results, we conclude that our approach provides intuitions for wide applications of Arduino-based chemical instruments.

Graphical Abstract
Imaging features associated with H3 K27-altered and H3 G34-mutant gliomas: a narrative systematic review
Authors: Lasocki Arian , Abdalla Gehad , Chow Geoffrey , Thust Stefanie C.
Published: November 2022

Background

Advances in molecular diagnostics accomplished the discovery of two malignant glioma entities harboring alterations in the H3 histone: diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27-altered and diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3 G34-mutant. Radiogenomics research, which aims to correlate tumor imaging features with genotypes, has not comprehensively examined histone-altered gliomas (HAG). The aim of this research was to synthesize the current published data on imaging features associated with HAG.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in March 2022 using PubMed and the Cochrane Library, identifying studies on the imaging features associated with H3 K27-altered and/or H3 G34-mutant gliomas.

Results

Forty-seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, the majority on H3 K27-altered gliomas. Just under half (21/47) were case reports or short series, the remainder being diagnostic accuracy studies. Despite heterogeneous methodology, some themes emerged. In particular, enhancement of H3 K27M-altered gliomas is variable and can be less than expected given their highly malignant behavior. Low apparent diffusion coefficient values have been suggested as a biomarker of H3 K27-alteration, but high values do not exclude this genotype. Promising correlations between high relative cerebral blood volume values and H3 K27-alteration require further validation. Limited data on H3 G34-mutant gliomas suggest some morphologic overlap with 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendrogliomas.

Conclusions

The existing data are limited, especially for H3 G34-mutant gliomas and artificial intelligence techniques. Current evidence indicates that imaging-based predictions of HAG are insufficient to replace histological assessment. In particular, H3 K27-altered gliomas should be considered when occurring in typical midline locations irrespective of enhancement characteristics.