bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A statewide mixed-methods study of provider knowledge and behavior administering Expedited Partner Therapy for chlamydia and gonorrhea
Authors: Groene Emily A , Boraas Christy , Smith Kumi , Lofgren Sarah , Rothenberger Megan , Enns Eva
Published: July 2022

Background

Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) refers to the practice of having patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea deliver medication directly to their partner(s) to treat them presumptively for infection. While EPT facilitates timely treatment and prevents reinfection, it remains underutilized. We used findings from key informant interviews to design and implement a statewide survey to estimate knowledge and utilization of EPT and to identify barriers and facilitators to EPT among Minnesota providers.

Methods

From November to December 2020, we carried out 15 interviews with health providers who currently provide EPT and coded interviews by recurring themes. We then conducted a statewide online survey on sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment and barriers to EPT, from December 2020 to March 2021. We disseminated the survey to all licensed Minnesota health providers, and those who reported treating bacterial STIs in the past year were included in the study.

Results

Interview themes included the importance of direct provision of partner medication, administrative/pharmacy barriers to treatment, inclusive EPT eligibility, and patient counseling. Of the 623 health providers who completed the online survey, only 70% thought EPT was legal and only 37% currently offer EPT. Of those who did not provide EPT, 78% said they would under certain circumstances. Barriers included concerns about safety/liability of prescribing without a medical exam, administrative concerns about prescriptions, and patient acceptance.

Conclusions

Given that over a quarter of respondents did not know EPT’s legal status, improving provider education may increase EPT provision. More research is needed on system-level barriers and patient acceptance of solutions identified in this study.
Use of Gay Chatlines and Online Dating Platforms as Potential Mediators or Moderators in the Relationship Between Loneliness, Self-Rated Attractiveness and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Acquisition Risk Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Fonseca-Cuevas Alejandra , Nanditha Ni Gusti Ayu , Shen Tian , Moore David M. , Lachowsky Nathan J. , Card Kiffer G. , Sang Jordan M. , Wang Lu , Chia Jason , Duailibe Felipe , Hogg Robert S. , Lima Viviane D.
Published: July 2022

Background

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) remain disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Interaction between psychosocial factors likely plays a role in HIV acquisition risk. We aimed to analyze the association of loneliness and self-rated attractiveness with HIV acquisition risk, and determine whether these associations were mediated by gay telephone chatlines or online dating platforms.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included HIV-negative gbMSM 16 years or older enrolled into the Momentum Health Study from February 2012 to February 2015. Loneliness, self-rated attractiveness (exposures) and use of gay chatlines or online dating platforms (mediators) were assessed through self-interviews. Human immunodeficiency virus acquisition risk (outcome) was assessed by the HIV Incidence Risk Index. Weighted logistic regression modeled the association and moderation effect between exposures and outcome. Mediation models estimated 3-way direct effect among exposures, mediators, and outcome.

Results

Of 542 gbMSM, those who were lonely (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.54; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.04–2.28) and attractive (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.04–2.76) had increased odds for HIV acquisition risk. Our moderation analysis demonstrated a heightened joint effect among lonely and attractive participants (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.08–2.65). Use of gay telephone chatlines or online dating platforms mediated 30.5% of the association between loneliness and HIV acquisition risk, but did not mediate attractiveness and HIV acquisition risk.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the provision of interventions focusing on mental health support and safer sex practices through gay telephone chatlines or online dating platforms is promising to help alleviate the HIV burden among gbMSM.
Sarcopenia Determined by Skeletal Muscle Index Predicts Overall Survival, Disease-free Survival, and Postoperative Complications in Resectable Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Jogiat Uzair M. , Sasewich Hannah , Turner Simon R. , Baracos Vickie , Eurich Dean T. , Filafilo Heather , Bédard Eric L.R.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Sarcopenia has been identified as a prognostic factor among certain types of cancer. In esophageal cancer, patients are at increased risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia, ultimately contributing to poor outcomes. A systematic review was conducted to determine whether sarcopenia, defined by the skeletal muscle index, is predictive of overall survival, disease-free survival, and postoperative complications in resectable esophageal cancer.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines up until January 2021. The primary outcome was overall survival; secondary outcomes included disease-free survival, pulmonary complications, and anastomotic leak.

Results:

Twenty-one studies (4 prospective; 17 retrospective; 3966 patients) were included. Sarcopenia was present in 1940 (48.1%) patients and was associated with lower overall survival [hazard ratio (HR): 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25–1.95; P<0.00001; I
2=71%] and disease-free survival (HR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.04–2.87; P=0.03; I
2=51%). A decrease in skeletal muscle index, independent of sarcopenia status, was associated with lower overall survival (HR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.20–2.73; P=0.005; I
2=92%). Sarcopenia was associated with increased odds of pulmonary complications (odds ratio: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.29–2.66; P=0.0008; I
2=41%) and increased odds of anastomotic leak (odds ratio: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11–1.93; P=0.008; I
2=0%).

Conclusions:

Sarcopenia is a predictor of overall survival, disease-free survival, and postoperative complications in patients with resectable esophageal cancer. Studies on the modifiability of sarcopenia in the preoperative period will help determine the utility of nutritional interventions.
Postoperative Overtriage to an Intensive Care Unit Is Associated With Low Value of Care
Authors: Loftus Tyler J. , Ruppert Matthew M. , Ozrazgat-Baslanti Tezcan , Balch Jeremy A. , Shickel Benjamin , Hu Die , Efron Philip A. , Tighe Patrick J. , Hogan William R. , Rashidi Parisa , Upchurch Gilbert R. , Bihorac Azra
Published: July 2022

Objective:

We test the hypothesis that for low-acuity surgical patients, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission is associated with lower value of care compared with ward admission.

Background:

Overtriaging low-acuity patients to ICU consumes valuable resources and may not confer better patient outcomes. Associations among postoperative overtriage, patient outcomes, costs, and value of care have not been previously reported.

Methods:

In this longitudinal cohort study, postoperative ICU admissions were classified as overtriaged or appropriately triaged according to machine learning-based patient acuity assessments and requirements for immediate postoperative mechanical ventilation or vasopressor support. The nearest neighbors algorithm identified risk-matched control ward admissions. The primary outcome was value of care, calculated as inverse observed-to-expected mortality ratios divided by total costs.

Results:

Acuity assessments had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92 in generating predictions for triage classifications. Of 8592 postoperative ICU admissions, 423 (4.9%) were overtriaged. These were matched with 2155 control ward admissions with similar comorbidities, incidence of emergent surgery, immediate postoperative vital signs, and do not resuscitate order placement and rescindment patterns. Compared with controls, overtraiged admissions did not have a lower incidence of any measured complications. Total costs for admission were $16.4K for overtriage and $15.9K for controls (P=0.03). Value of care was lower for overtriaged admissions [2.9 (2.0–4.0)] compared with controls [24.2 (14.1–34.5), P<0.001].

Conclusions:

Low-acuity postoperative patients who were overtriaged to ICUs had increased total costs, no improvements in outcomes, and received low-value care.
Queen Charlotte's scientific collections and natural history networks
Authors: Hansen Mascha
Published: July 2022

In 1781, the first issue of The Lady's Poetical Magazine lauded Queen Charlotte (1744–1818) for her role in furthering the sciences, and indeed, to give but one example, the queen's interest in the geological researches of her reader, Jean André de Luc (1727–1817), induced him to write a treatise on his system for her perusal. Besides assembling a significant library containing volumes on all kinds of intellectual pursuits, she collected natural history specimens and scientific instruments, and employed, funded or corresponded with both male and female scientists, often by means of intermediaries. Like many other eighteenth-century women, the queen was aware of the significance of diligent networking, although she, too, as this article shows, faced particular difficulties when trying to assemble or access networks at court, despite her many connections to bluestockings, physicians, astronomers and botanists. Women's scientific interests have frequently been obscured by historiography's focus on the pursuits of male scientists: by uncovering female networks such as Queen Charlotte's, we get a chance to revise our notions of (elite) women's scientific pursuits in the eighteenth century.
Changes to the mtDNA copy number during yeast culture growth
Authors: Galeota-Sprung Ben , Fernandez Amy , Sniegowski Paul
Published: July 2022

We show that the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in growing cultures of the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
increases by a factor of up to 4, being lowest (approx. 10 per haploid genome) and stable during rapid fermentative growth, and highest at the end of the respiratory phase. When yeast are grown on glucose, the onset of the mtDNA copy number increase coincides with the early stages of the diauxic shift, and the increase continues through respiration. A lesser yet still substantial copy number increase occurs when yeast are grown on a nonfermentable carbon source, i.e. when there is no diauxic shift. The mtDNA copy number increase during and for some time after the diauxic shift is not driven by an increase in cell size. The copy number increase occurs in both haploid and diploid strains but is markedly attenuated in a diploid wild isolate that is a ready sporulator. Strain-to-strain differences in mtDNA copy number are least apparent in fermentation and most apparent in late respiration or stationary phase. While changes in mitochondrial morphology and function were previously known to accompany changes in physiological state, it had not been previously shown that the mtDNA copy number changes substantially over time in a clonal growing culture. The mtDNA copy number in yeast is therefore a highly dynamic phenotype.
An explicit Wiener–Hopf factorization algorithm for matrix polynomials and its exact realizations within ExactMPF package
Authors: Adukov V. M. , Adukova N. V. , Mishuris G.
Published: July 2022

We discuss an explicit algorithm for solving the Wiener–Hopf factorization problem for matrix polynomials. Byan exact solutionof the problem, we understand the one constructed by a symbolic computation. Since the problem is, generally speaking, unstable, this requirement is crucial to guarantee that the result following from the explicit algorithm is indeed a solution of the original factorization problem. We prove that a matrix polynomial over the field of Gaussian rational numbers admits the exact Wiener–Hopf factorization if and only if its determinant is exactly factorable. Under such a condition, we adapt the explicit algorithm to the exact calculations and develop the ExactMPF package realized within the Maple Software. The package has been extensively tested. Some examples are presented in the paper, while the listing is provided in the electronic supplementary material. If, however, a matrix polynomial does not admit the exact factorization, we clarify a notion of the numerical (or approximate) factorization that can be constructed by following the explicit factorization algorithm. We highlight possible obstacles on the way and discuss a level of confidence in the final result in the case of an unstable set of partial indices. The full listing of the package ExactMPF is given in the electronic supplementary material.
Contrasting coloured ventral wings are a visual collision avoidance signal in birds
Authors: Zheng Kaidan , Liang Dan , Wang Xuwen , Han Yuqing , Griesser Michael , Liu Yang , Fan Pengfei
Published: July 2022

Collisions between fast-moving objects often cause severe damage, but collision avoidance mechanisms of fast-moving animals remain understudied. Particularly, birds can fly fast and often in large groups, raising the question of how individuals avoid in-flight collisions that are potentially lethal. We tested the collision-avoidance hypothesis, which proposes that conspicuously contrasting ventral wings are visual signals that help birds to avoid collisions. We scored the ventral wing contrasts for a global dataset of 1780 bird species. Phylogenetic comparative analyses showed that larger species had more contrasting ventral wings than smaller species, and that in larger species, colonial breeders had more contrasting ventral wings than non-colonial breeders. Evidently, larger species have lower manoeuvrability than smaller species, and colonial-breeding species frequently encounter con- and heterospecifics, increasing their risk of in-flight collisions. Thus, more contrasting ventral wing patterns in these species are a sensory mechanism that facilitates collision avoidance.
Different phylogenomic methods support monophyly of enigmatic ‘Mesozoa’ (Dicyemida + Orthonectida, Lophotrochozoa)
Authors: Drábková Marie , Kocot Kevin M. , Halanych Kenneth M. , Oakley Todd H. , Moroz Leonid L. , Cannon Johanna T. , Kuris Armand , Garcia-Vedrenne Ana Elisa , Pankey M. Sabrina , Ellis Emily A. , Varney Rebecca , Štefka Jan , Zrzavý Jan
Published: July 2022

Dicyemids and orthonectids were traditionally classified in a group called Mesozoa, but their placement in a single clade has been contested and their position(s) within Metazoa is uncertain. Here, we assembled a comprehensive matrix of Lophotrochozoa (Metazoa) and investigated the position of Dicyemida (= Rhombozoa) and Orthonectida, employing multiple phylogenomic approaches. We sequenced seven new transcriptomes and one draft genome from dicyemids (
Dicyema
,
Dicyemennea
) and two transcriptomes from orthonectids (
Rhopalura
). Using these and published data, we assembled and analysed contamination-filtered datasets with up to 987 genes. Our results recover Mesozoa monophyletic and as a close relative of Platyhelminthes or Gnathifera. Because of the tendency of the long-branch mesozoans to group with other long-branch taxa in our analyses, we explored the impact of approaches purported to help alleviate long-branch attraction (e.g. taxon removal, coalescent inference, gene targeting). None of these were able to break the association of Orthonectida with Dicyemida in the maximum-likelihood trees. Contrastingly, the Bayesian analysis and site-specific frequency model in maximum-likelihood did not recover a monophyletic Mesozoa (but only when using a specific 50 gene matrix). The classic hypothesis on monophyletic Mesozoa is possibly reborn and should be further tested.
Philosophical Studies of Non-Pharmacological Pain Management with Transcultural Nursing Approach
Authors: Yunani  , Rumambo Pandin Moses Glorino
Published: July 2022

This article will discuss the philosophical study of non-pharmacological pain management by looking at perspectives in ontology, epistemology and axiology. Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with tissue damage. The impact of pain can generate tension that can stimulate the central nerve to release catecholamines that cause arterial and tachycardial constriction. This can increase the afterload and decrease the cardiac output. Pain is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors at varying degrees. Pain is a subjective experience of the patient so in the provision of nursing care to pain patients, it is necessary to pay attention to the factors that affect pain among other cultures. Understanding and knowledge of transcultural nursing theory, one of which is the Theory of Diversity-Based Diversity and Cultural Universality by Madeleine M. Leinenger with the sunrise model, must be owned by the nurse in conducting the assessment, making the diagnosis and arrange nursing intervention. Non-pharmacological pain management also needs to be done by nurses in overcoming pain problems in patients.
Interest of structured reporting and combined automated co-registration and lesion color-coding maps for longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging analysis in patients with multiple sclerosis : the MS-LOBI-SR study protocol
Authors: Kerdraon Sébastien , Mohtarif Ichem , Rose Kevin , Ben Salem Douraïed , Dissaux Brieg , Ognard Julien
Published: July 2022

MS is characterized by chronic and immune-mediated inflammatory lesions of the brain white matter, disseminated in time and space. As the technology improved over the next three decades, MRI quickly grew to become the single most important paraclinical diagnostic and monitoring tool available. A lesion will be defined as having a high T2/FLAIR signal ≥ 3 millimeters in diameter. The purpose of this study, witch includes 95 patients, was to investigate the benefit of a computer assisted detection reading using combined automated co-registration and lesion color-coding method approach, over a conventional reading approach in follow-up examinations of patients with MS, especially regarding diagnostic accuracy, inter/intra-reader agreement and required reading time. The impact of the use of a structured report on these variables will also be evaluated. The main judgment criteria will be : diagnostic accuracy (effectiveness) to assess the progression-activity of the disease based on the appearance of a T2w-FLAIR hyperintensity or a T1w enhancement on the follow-up examination, compared between consensus corrected CADR and CR readings.The reading of the examinations will be made by radiologists and radiology technician.
Learning alters neural activity to simultaneously support memory and action
Authors: Losey Darby M. , Hennig Jay A. , Oby Emily R. , Golub Matthew D. , Sadtler Patrick T. , Quick Kristin M. , Ryu Stephen I. , Tyler-Kabara Elizabeth C. , Batista Aaron P. , Yu Byron M. , Chase Steven M.
Published: July 2022

How are we able to learn new behaviors without disrupting previously learned ones? To understand how the brain achieves this, we used a brain-computer interface (BCI) learning paradigm, which enables us to detect the presence of a memory of one behavior while performing another. We found that learning to use a new BCI map altered the neural activity that monkeys produced when they returned to using a familiar BCI map, in a way that was specific to the learning experience. That is, learning left a “memory trace.” This memory trace co-existed with proficient performance under the familiar map, primarily by altering dimensions of neural activity that did not impact behavior. Such a memory trace could provide the neural underpinning for the joint learning of multiple motor behaviors without interference.
Four decades of image processing: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Khan Uzair , Khan Hikmat Ullah , Iqbal Saqib , Munir Hamza
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Image Processing is an emerging field that is used to extract information from images. In recent years, this field has received immense attention from researchers, especially in the research domains of object detection, Biomedical Imaging and Semantic segmentation. In this study, a bibliometric analysis of publications related to image processing in the Science Expanded Index Extended (SCI-Expanded) has been performed. Several parameters have been analyzed such as annual scientific production, citations per article, most cited documents, top 20 articles, most relevant authors, authors evaluation using y-index, top and most relevant sources (journals) and hot topics.

Design/methodology/approach

The Bibliographic data has been extracted from the Web of Science which is well known and the world's top database of bibliographic citations of multidisciplinary areas that covers the various journals of computer science, engineering, medical and social sciences.

Findings

The research work in image processing is meager in the past decade, however, from 2014 to 2019, it increases dramatically. Recently, the IEEE Access journal is the most relevant source with an average of 115 publications per year. The USA is most productive and its publications are highly cited while China comes in second place. Image Segmentation, Feature Extraction and Medical Image Processing are hot topics in recent years. The National Natural Science Foundation of China provides 8% of all funds for Image Processing. As Image Processing is now becoming one of the most critical fields, the research productivity has enhanced during the past five years and more work is done while the era of 2005–2013 was the area with the least amount of work in this area.

Originality/value

This research is novel in this regard that no previous research focuses on Bibliometric Analysis in the Image Processing domain, which is one of the hot research areas in computer science and engineering.
It takes a whole society: why Hong Kong’s ICAC cannot succeed alone
Authors: Johnston Michael
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To show that establishing an anti-corruption agency (ACA), by itself, is not likely to be a successful anti-corruption strategy. Instead, a solid base of social trust, participation, and support is just as essential as creating an ACA with significant powers and resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a historical review of the origins and development of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, and an assessment of its three-pronged approach strategy at both strategic and tactical levels.

Findings

An ACA requires broad and deep social support and participation if it is to succeed. That the ICAC remains nearly unique in developing such a base of support provides important lessons for those countries with ineffective ACAs.

Originality/value

A reassessment of the ICAC after a half-century shows that the Hong Kong case, despite its familiarity, has much to teach us if we understand it in its broadest implications.
Coherency analysis of polarity reversed diffracted wavefields using local semblance
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad , Khoshnavaz M. Javad , Siahkoohi Hamid Reza
Published: July 2022

Diffractions carry out important information about subsurface features. These features include small‐scale objects, fracture zones and faults. There have been several robust pre‐ and post‐stack diffraction imaging workflows in the literature to attribute diffraction locations and properties. Most of the traditional workflows are not fully capable of dealing with polarity reversals in the case of polarity reversed diffracted wavefields. This challenge causes null measures at the location of such diffractions. To overcome this issue, which is an ongoing subject of research, we propose to implement local semblance analysis along moveout curves. To do so, the global scanning window is subdivided into smaller windows followed by semblance analysis over each window. The final coherency measure in each image point is computed by averaging the semblance measures from all the subdivided windows. We demonstrated the proposed workflow on synthetic as well as field recorded datasets in the post‐stack domain. The results prove the capability of the proposed method in circumventing polarity reversals without any need to conduct polarity correction prior to imaging. At the end, we studied the seismic imaging resolution in the presence of white noise through the proposed approach.
Speech pathology prescribing in the outpatient setting: A review of requirements, considerations and barriers
Authors: Schwarz Maria , Ward Elizabeth C. , Seabrook Marnie , Coccetti Anne , Dunn Katrina , Whitfield Bernard C. S. , Bond Craig , Suliman Erin , Winckel Cal
Published: July 2022

Background

As health systems face increasing demands, non‐medical prescribing is a workforce redesign strategy adopted within some services. Despite successful implementation in other professional groups, non‐medical prescribing within speech pathology (SP) has not yet been described.

Aims

To provide a descriptive account of the development and planned implementation of two SP prescribing models.

Methods & Procedures

The evolution of two SP‐led prescribing models, including relevant training and credentialing, for use of (1) nystatin oral drops (100,000 units/mL); and (2) lidocaine (lignocaine) and phenylephrine nasal spray (5 mg/500 μg/spray), in the outpatient setting is detailed. Challenges to implementation are outlined.

Main Contribution

The development of relevant governance structures, a research evidenced‐based project evaluation framework, and an overview of training pathways and credentialing was successfully completed. However, implementation of the models was unable to be achieved. A thorough review of the requirements and a discussion of contextual considerations that had a negative influence on the implementation of SP‐led prescribing within this specific service context is provided.

Conclusions & Implications

The successful implementation of SP‐led prescribing is complex and highly context dependent. This work offers a discussion and review of the complexities of introducing a non‐medical prescribing model in an outpatient hospital
setting.

What this paper adds

What is already known on the subject

Allied Health prescribing is an emerging practice area aiming to reduce current pressures on health services. SP‐led prescribing has not been thoroughly investigated in the Australian context.

What this study adds to existing knowledge

This study describes the development of a SP‐led prescribing process in the outpatient setting, and a thorough review and discussion of the drivers and barriers to the model's implementation.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

The successful implementation of SP‐led prescribing was identified to be complex from a legislative and operational perspective, as well as being highly context dependent. This study further highlights the importance of a thorough context evaluation and workflow mapping prior to full‐scale implementation of SP prescribing trials.
‘To Recover His Reputation Among the People of God’: Sex, Religion and the Double Standard in Presbyterian Ireland, c.1700–1838
Authors: Calvert Leanne
Published: July 2022

This article explores how Presbyterian religious belief and practice shaped the operation of the sexual double standard in Ireland. It argues that reputation continued to have a public element into the nineteenth century and highlights the role of religion as a locus around which male reputation was validated, restored and safeguarded. Through a system of surveillance, and underpinned by the gossip network, the Presbyterian church courts in Ireland held men to account for lapses in sexual conduct. Presbyterian men, too, were concerned to maintain clear characters. In their efforts to keep sexual indiscretions private and silence their accusers, some men even resorted to bribery, threats of violence and extortion. Others turned to the church courts to validate their reputations, recognising the place and power of the church as a source of moral authority.
Wrinkles in Time: Old Age, Gender and Temporality in Nineteenth‐Century Germany
Authors: Chappel James
Published: July 2022

This article explores one of the classic questions in the history of old age: what happened to the status of the elderly in the nineteenth century? How do we explain the emergence of the modern notion of an old age defined by ‘declines’ of every sort (cognitive, physical, financial)? The article focuses on Germany, then and now a global leader on this issue, and it focuses on women, whose ageing was more widely discussed than that of men. It shows that the great nineteenth‐century debate about the elderly was not about industrialisation, labour, health or social policy. It was a debate about time. The cultural understanding of the elderly changed because the culture of temporality did. The focus on futurity and the youth around 1900 is well known, as modern Germany became convulsed with imperial fantasies and electric urban life. This had, it turns out, negative repercussions for older Germans. No longer the accretions of a long past of wisdom and experience, they were identified instead with their short future of corporeal decline and death. The social attitude towards older people is therefore related to the broader social attitude towards time, history and change: a finding that might apply in other times and places, including our own.
Osimertinib‐related liver injury with successful osimertinib rechallenge: A case report
Authors: Cheng Yuan‐Ling , Chang Wei‐Kuo , Yen Hao , Peng Yi‐Jen , Chang Wei‐Chou , Chang Ping‐Ying
Published: July 2022

Osimertinib is approved as the first‐line treatment for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients with epidermal growth factor (EGFR) mutation and for patients who develop EGFR T790M mutation during EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment and disease progression. Asymptomatic elevation of aminotransferase levels is commonly observed during TKI treatment; however, significant hepatotoxicity is infrequent. Here, we report a patient with osimertinib‐related drug‐induced liver injury who was successfully managed with osimertinib rechallenge.
Faecal incontinence is associated with an impaired rectosigmoid brake and improved by sacral neuromodulation
Authors: Lin Anthony Y. , Varghese Chris , Paskaranandavadivel Niranchan , Seo Sean , Du Peng , Dinning Phil , Bissett Ian P. , O'Grady Greg
Published: July 2022

Background

The rectosigmoid brake, characterised by retrograde cyclic motor patterns on high‐resolution colonic manometry, has been postulated as a contributor to the maintenance of bowel continence. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective therapy for faecal incontinence, but its mechanism of action is unclear. This study aims to investigate the colonic motility patterns in the distal colon of patients with faecal incontinence, and how these are modulated by SNM.

Methods

A high‐resolution fibreoptic colonic manometry catheter, containing 36 sensors spaced at 1‐cm intervals, was positioned in patients with faecal incontinence undergoing stage 1 SNM. One hour of pre‐ and post meal recordings were obtained followed by pre‐ and post meal recordings with suprasensory SNM. A 700‐kcal meal was given. Data were analysed to identify propagating contractions.

Results

Fifteen patients with faecal incontinence were analysed. Patients had an abnormal meal response (fewer retrograde propagating contractions compared to controls;p = 0.027) and failed to show a post meal increase in propagating contractions (mean 17 ± 6/h premeal vs. 22 ± 9/h post meal,p = 0.438). Compared to baseline, SNM significantly increased the number of retrograde propagating contractions in the distal colon (8 ± 3/h premeal vs. 14 ± 3/h premeal with SNM,p = 0.028). Consuming a meal did not further increase the number of propagating contractions beyond the baseline upregulating effect of SNM.

Conclusion

The rectosigmoid brake was suppressed in this cohort of patients with faecal incontinence. SNM may exert a therapeutic effect by modulating this rectosigmoid brake.
LRPPRC inhibits autophagy and promotes foam cell formation in atherosclerosis
Authors: Xu Zhou , Li Xinran , Ding Zhiquan , Zhang Yuyang , Peng Zhiwei , Yang Xin , Cao Wangsen , Du Ronghui
Published: July 2022

Lipid‐laden macrophages are considered as the main source of foam cells in atherosclerosis; however, the mechanism for macrophage foam cell formation remains unknown. Here, we explore the mechanism behind foam cell formation to potentially identify a novel treatment for atherosclerosis. Our data demonstrated that leucine‐rich pentatricopeptide repeat‐containing protein (LRPPRC) increased in the atherosclerotic plaques of LDLR−/− mice fed with a Western diet. LRPPRC was also upregulated in mice peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells treated with oxidative low density lipoprotein, whereas knockdown of LRPPRC by transfecting with small interfering (Si)‐LRPPRC in RAW 264.7 cells decreased foam cell formation. Furthermore, Si‐LRPPRC promoted autophagy and increased the expression of cholesterol efflux protein ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, intervention with MHY1485 in RAW 264.7 cells revealed that autophagy was inhibited by LRPPRC via the Akt‐mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway. Taken together, we confirm for the first time that LRPPRC is increased within the atherosclerotic plaques of mice and enhances the process of foam cell formation. The knockdown of LRPPRC inhibited foam cell formation by activating macrophage autophagy. Our findings indicate that the regulation of macrophage LRPPRC expression may be a novel strategy for ameliorating atherosclerosis.
National trends in gastrostomy in older adults between 2014 and 2019 in Japan
Authors: Hattori Yukari , Hamada Shota , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Sakata Nobuo , Iwagami Masao , Tamiya Nanako , Akishita Masahiro , Yamanaka Takashi
Published: July 2022

Aim

Previous studies have shown temporal trends in the number of gastrostomies until 2016, but the recent trend is yet to be analyzed. This study aimed to evaluate temporal trends in gastrostomy (mostly percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) in older adults in Japan in more recent years.

Methods

We extracted data on the numbers of gastrostomies and swallowing function assessment prior to gastrostomy, using the national aggregated open data (NDB Open Data) from 2014 to 2019.

Results

Adults in their 80s accounted for the largest portion of gastrostomy during the study period. A decreasing trend in the total number of gastrostomy was observed in older adults from 2014 to 2016, but became almost stable thereafter (57 103 in 2014, 47 228 in 2016, and 47 944 in 2019). The age group‐stratified numbers of gastrostomy per 100 000 individuals decreased by −33.9% (≥90 years group) to −6.1% (65–69 years group) from 2014 to 2019. The implementation rate of the swallowing function assessment remained relatively low, despite a slight increase (21.4% in 2015 to 23.7% in 2019).

Conclusion

We showed that the total number of gastrostomies remained almost stable after 2016 despite population aging. We considered that the avoidance of gastrostomy in frail or disabled older adults might explain the decrease, particularly for those aged over 80 years. Our findings would regain attention to appropriate decision‐making for gastrostomy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 648–652.
Low syntaxin 17 expression in donor liver is associated with poor graft prognosis in recipients of living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Tomiyama Takahiro , Shimokawa Masahiro , Harada Noboru , Toshida Katsuya , Morinaga Akinari , Kosai‐Fujimoto Yukiko , Tomino Takahiro , Kurihara Takeshi , Nagao Yoshihiro , Toshima Takeo , Morita Kazutoyo , Itoh Shinji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu
Published: July 2022

Aim

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative therapy for decompensated liver cirrhosis. For recipients of living donor LT (LDLT), restoration of liver function after transplantation is highly dependent on liver regenerative capacity, which requires large amounts of intracellular energy. Mitochondrial metabolism provides a stable supply of adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) for liver regeneration. Mitophagy is a selective process in which damaged, non‐functional mitochondria are degraded and replaced with new functional mitochondria. We investigated the relationship between expression of Syntaxin17 (STX17), a key protein in mitophagy regulation, in donor livers and graft survival.

Methods

We examined STX17 expression in grafts from 143 LDLT donors who underwent right lobe resection and investigated the relationship between STX17 expression and graft function. We investigated the correlations among STX17 expression, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell proliferation, using a STX17‐knockdown hepatocyte cell line.

Results

Recipients transplanted with low STX17‐expression grafts had significantly lower graft survival rates than recipients transplanted with high STX17‐expression grafts (88.9% vs. 100%, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that low STX17 expression (HR: 10.7, CI: 1.29–88.0, p < 0.05) and the absence of splenectomy (HR: 6.27, CI: 1.59–24.8, p < 0.01) were independent predictive factors for small‐for‐size graft syndrome, which is the severe complication in LDLT. In the vitro experiments, the percentage of depolarized damaged mitochondria was increased in the STX17‐knockdown hepatocyte cell line, suggesting decreased mitophagy and ATP synthesis. Cell proliferation was significantly decreased in the STX17‐knockdown hepatocyte cell line.

Conclusion

STX17 contributes to mitophagy and maintenance of mitochondrial function in hepatocytes and may be a predictor of graft dysfunction in LDLT patients.
PCR‐Fluo‐ASXL1‐FA: A fast, sensitive and inexpensive complementary method to detect ASXL1 mutations in haematological malignancies
Authors: Friedrich Chloé , Zalmaï Loria , Gay Juliette , Coude Marie Magdeleine , Bravetti Clotilde , Vazquez Romain , Temple Marie , Duroyon Eugénie , Darnige Luc , Decroocq Justine , Alary Anne Sophie , Kosmider Olivier
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The additional sex combs like 1 (ASXL1) gene is frequently mutated in a number of haematological neoplasms. The c.1934dupG, known to be the most common alteration in ASXL1, is associated with poor clinical outcome. A systematic determination of ASXL1 mutational status in myeloid malignancies is therefore necessary for prognostic stratification.

Methods

Because direct sequencing is not sensitive and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is time‐consuming, expensive and sometimes does not allow the detection of the c.1934dupG, we have developed a fragment analysis assay, complementary to NGS, that allows the detection of c.1934dupG mutation in addition to other nearby insertions/deletions of ASXL1 located close to it. We called this assay the “PCR‐Fluo‐ASXL1‐FA.”

Results

First, we evaluated the efficiency of our approach compared to NGS and Sanger. We showed that “PCR‐Fluo‐ASXL1‐FA” could detect all insertional mutations of ASXL1 located on its area, with a high sensitivity (1.5%). Then, we have illustrated the interest of this technique by three concrete cases.

Discussion

In summary, we have established a fragment analysis approach, which can detect most ASXL1 mutations, in particular the c.1934dupG, in a sensitive, fast and inexpensive manner. We therefore recommend the synchronous use of this method with NGS, to ensure complete detection of all clinically relevant ASXL1 mutations in patients suffering with myeloid neoplasms.
Insight of BaCe0.5Fe0.5O3−δ twin perovskite oxide composite for solid oxide electrochemical cells
Authors: Zhao Zeyu , Zou Minda , Huang Hua , Zhai Ximei , Wofford Harrison , Tong Jianhua
Published: July 2022

One‐pot synthesized twin perovskite oxide composite of BaCe0.5Fe0.5O3−δ (BCF), comprising cubic and orthorhombic perovskite phases, shows triple‐conducting properties for promising solid oxide electrochemical cells. Phase composition evolution of BCF under various conditions was systematically investigated, revealing that the cubic perovskite phase could be fully/partially reduced into the orthorhombic phase under certain conditions. The reduction happened between the two phases at the interface, leading to the microstructure change. As a result, the corresponding apparent conducting properties also changed due to the difference between predominant conduction properties for each phase. Based on the revealed phase composition, microstructure, and electrochemical properties changes, a deep understanding of BCF's application in different conditions (oxidizing atmospheres, reducing/oxidizing gradients, cathodic conditions, and anodic conditions) was achieved. Triple‐conducting property (H+/O2−/e−), fast open‐circuit voltage response (∼16–∼470 mV) for gradients change, and improved single‐cell performance (∼31% lower polarization resistance at 600°C) were comprehensively demonstrated. Besides, the performance was analyzed under anodic conditions, which showed that the microstructure and phase change significantly affected the anodic behavior.
National Parties as Multilevel Organizations in the EU. A Comparative Case Study of Flanders, Denmark and the Netherlands
Authors: Pittoors Gilles
Published: July 2022

This article scrutinizes national political parties' organizational linkages with the European level. Such linkages not only provide parties with information from the European level, but also provide the EU with a source of democratic legitimacy. By applying an inductive research design and qualitatively reconstructing the organizational linkages of 15 parties in Flanders, the Netherlands and Denmark, this article shows that not only national parties' concrete organizational practices, but also their underlying strategies for engaging the European level differ notably. Importantly, parties' multilevel organizational strategies differentiate between an ‘internal’ dimension (linkages with their ‘own’ EU‐level agents) and an ‘external’ dimension (linkages with their Europarty). Building on these case studies, the article presents an original typology of multilevel party organization in an EU context, providing researchers with an empirically grounded and ideal‐typical benchmark for understanding the organization and behaviour of national parties in the EU.
Cognitive Diagnostic Multistage Testing by Partitioning Hierarchically Structured Attributes
Authors: Kim Rae Yeong , Yoo Yun Joo
Published: July 2022

In cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs), a set of fine‐grained attributes is required to characterize complex problem solving and provide detailed diagnostic information about an examinee. However, it is challenging to ensure reliable estimation and control computational complexity when The test aims to identify the examinee's attribute profile in a large‐scale map of attributes. To address this problem, this study proposes a cognitive diagnostic multistage testing by partitioning hierarchically structured attributes (CD‐MST‐PH) as a multistage testing for CDM. In CD‐MST‐PH, multiple testlets can be constructed based on separate attribute groups before testing occurs, which retains the advantages of multistage testing over fully adaptive testing or the on‐the‐fly approach. Moreover, testlets are offered sequentially and adaptively, thus improving test accuracy and efficiency. An item information measure is proposed to compute the discrimination power of an item for each attribute, and a module assembly method is presented to construct modules anchored at each separate attribute group. Several module selection indices for CD‐MST‐PH are also proposed by modifying the item selection indices used in cognitive diagnostic computerized adaptive testing. The results of simulation study show that CD‐MST‐PH can improve test accuracy and efficiency relative to the conventional test without adaptive stages.
Young children's sleep patterns and problems in paediatric primary healthcare settings: a multicentre cross‐sectional study from a nationally representative sample
Authors: Boran Perran , Ergin Ahmet , Us Mahmut Caner , Dinleyici Meltem , Velipaşaoğlu Sevtap , Yalçın Siddika Songül , Barutçu Adnan , Gökçay Gülbin , Gür Emel , Çamurdan Duyan Aysu , Aydın Adem , Celep Gökce , Almış Habip , Savcı Gözdenur , Kondolot Meda , Nalbantoğlu Burçin , Ünver Korgalı Elif , Yendur Özge , Orhon Şimşek Filiz , Kara Uzun Aysun , Bağ Özlem , Koç Feyza , Bülbül Selda
Published: July 2022

Studies describing paediatric sleep patterns are needed by taking culture into consideration. The aim of this study was to identify parent‐reported sleep–wake patterns in young children and explore possible factors influencing sleep problems. The mothers of 2,434 young children enrolled from well‐child outpatient clinics in Turkey completed an online survey including sociodemographic variables, Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Generalised Anxiety Disorder scales. Overall, young children in Turkey go to bed late (10:00 p.m.), awaken twice per night for 30 min, and obtain 11.5 h of total sleep, showing no sex‐specific differences. Distinct night‐time sleep patterns emerged after 18 months of age. Importantly, although currently breastfed healthy children were 3.8‐times less likely to sleep through the night, total sleep duration and exclusive breastfeeding duration were higher in children who were not sleeping through the night. Overall, bedsharing was identified in 11.5%, and only room sharing was reported in 52.9%. Parental perception of a child's sleep as problematic was 35.8%. Mothers with higher educational attainment were more likely to perceive their children's sleep as a problem. Maternal depressive and anxious symptoms and a history of excessive infant crying were the determinants predicting the likelihood of both parent‐perceived sleep problems and poor sleepers. The present analysis of sleep structure in infancy and toddlerhood provides reference data for well‐child visits. These findings highlight the importance of considering maternal anxiety, depression and behaviour management techniques to cope with fussy infants in addressing childhood behavioural sleep problems.