bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notes on Halpe paupera Devyatkin, 2002 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
Authors: XUE GUOXI , ZENG TINGTING , LO YIK FUI PHILIP , WANG QIULING , LI MENG , YANG JINCHU
Published: January 2024

A series of specimens with some differences in wing patterns and male genitalia from different localities is recognized as Halpe paupera Devyatkin, 2002 by comparing the COI gene sequences. The morphological variability in male is discussed and illustrated. The intraspecific variation of the female of H. paupera walthewi Devyatkin, 2002 from the type locality is elucidated, and hence this subspecies is considered a synonym of H. paupera paupera. A distribution map and some bionomic information of the species are provided.
Key to species of the genus Riseveinus Li & Wang, 1995 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae) with description of a new species
Authors: GOU GUANGLI , XING JICHUN
Published: January 2024

A new evacanthine leafhopper species Riseveinus elongatus sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Yunnan Province, China. A key is given to distinguish all species of the genus. The type specimen of the new species is deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).
Effects of laying angles on stainless steel fabricated by selective laser melting
Authors: Ni Cong , Shi Yan , Zhang Weizhou , Wang Wen , Liu Chaojie
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of laying angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90°) on surface roughness, density behaviour, residual stress, and mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel components fabricated by selective laser melting. The findings revealed that the 15° samples exhibited the best surface quality, while the 90° samples had a roughness of up to 18μm due to the staircase effect and balling behaviour. The residual stress of the samples decreased gradually as the laying angle increased. The density of the 0° samples reached 99.92%, whereas the 90° samples were only 99.62%. The 90° components exhibited a good tensile strength of 678 MPa, while the 0° samples had lower tensile strength.
Plant-people Intimacies: Sugar Canes, Pineapples and the Memory of Migration in Hawai‘i
Authors: Bastos Cristiana
Published: January 2024

In this article, I use the concept of ‘plant-people intimacies’ for the social-mediated web of cognitions, rituals, affects and embodied memories that connect some human groups and some plant species. I test the concept in the transformed landscapes of plantation Hawai‘i, where sugar canes, pineapples and other crops replaced the traditional taro gardens and displaced their human gardeners while producing a multi-ethnic population with migrant workers-settlers. I will analyse how evocations of special bonds to some crops among diasporic persons express a vegetal nexus with ancestral geographies and act as a code to negotiate social and historical positionalities.
Effects of Ball Size and Weight on Throwing Kinematics and Kinetics in Youth Baseball Athletes
Authors: Moore Miles S. , Bullock Garrett S. , Arnold Charles J. , Hosmer Natalie A. , Nicholson Kristen F.
Published: January 2024

Background:

In baseball, youth athletes play on smaller fields with shorter distances between bases, shorter pitching distances, and smaller mounds. Despite this, youth athletes use baseballs weighing the same amount as those used at the professional level, possibly predisposing youth baseball players to injuries.

Purpose:

(1) To determine the effects of throwing a smaller, lighter, and both smaller and lighter baseball on throwing arm stress in youth athletes and (2) to also investigate how changing the ball size and weight would affect elbow varus torque, shoulder distraction force, and throwing arm internal rotation velocity during the throwing motion.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This cross-sectional cohort study analyzed the kinematics and kinetics of 38 youth baseball players (mean age, 8.3 ± 0.8 years) throwing a baseball modified in size and weight. Three-dimensional motion data were collected using a retroreflective marker set and a 12-camera motion analysis system. Full-body kinematics and kinetics were calculated using commercial software. Participants threw 5 different types of baseballs 3 times each, in random order, with full effort from a pitching mound to a target 14 m away. The balls used were a 5-oz regular baseball, 5-oz (0.142-kg) baseball with a 5% reduced circumference, 4-oz (0.113-kg) baseball, 4-oz baseball with a 5% reduced circumference, and 3-oz (0.085-kg) baseball. Analysis of variance was used to determine statistical differences in elbow varus torque, shoulder distraction force, and throwing arm internal rotation velocity among baseball types. The Tukey post hoc test was used to further investigate differences between the ball groups, considering P < .05 to be significant.

Results:

Analysis of variance detected a significant difference in elbow varus torque among ball groups ( P = .024). The Tukey post hoc test revealed a moderate difference in elbow varus torque between the 5-oz baseball (4.73 ± 1.06 percentage body weight × height [%BW × H]) and 3-oz baseball (4.06 ± 0.83 %BW × H) ( P = .017; d = 0.677 [95% CI, 0.08-1.27]). No significant differences were found in shoulder distraction force or throwing arm internal rotation velocity among ball groups.

Conclusion:

Compared with a 5-oz baseball, throwing a 3-oz baseball resulted in decreased elbow varus torque with a moderate effect size.
Mindfulness-based Interventions Across the Cancer Continuum in the United States: A Scoping Review
Authors: Emerson Brent , Reddy Menaka , Reiter Paul L. , Shoben Abigail B. , Klatt Maryanna , Chakraborty Subhankar , Katz Mira L.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To review mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) tested in randomized controlled trials (RCT) across the cancer continuum.

Data Source

Articles identified in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Two independent reviewers screened articles for: (1) topic relevance; (2) RCT study design; (3) mindfulness activity; (4) text availability; (5) country (United States); and (6) mindfulness as the primary intervention component.

Data Extraction

Twenty-eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Data was extracted on the following variables: publication year, population, study arms, cancer site, stage of cancer continuum, participant demographic characteristics, mindfulness definition, mindfulness measures, mindfulness delivery, and behavioral theory.

Data Synthesis

We used descriptive statistics and preliminary content analysis to characterize the data and identify emerging themes.

Results

A definition of mindfulness was reported in 46% of studies and 43% measured mindfulness. Almost all MBIs were tested in survivorship (50%) or treatment (46%) stages of the cancer continuum. Breast cancer was the focus of 73% of cancer-site specific studies, and most participants were non-Hispanic white females.

Conclusion

The scoping review identified 5 themes: (1) inconsistency in defining mindfulness; (2) differences in measuring mindfulness; (3) underrepresentation of racial/ethnic minorities; (4) underrepresentation of males and cancer sites other than breast; and (5) the lack of behavioral theory in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the MBI.
A survey of ethical sensitivity among nursing students and its influencing factors
Authors: Hu Juan , Chen Xi , Khoshnood Kaveh , Luo Esther , Muramatsu Taeko , Yang Min
Published: January 2024

Background

Nurses frequently experience ethical issues in their area of practice. In the challenging reality of today’s healthcare environment, nursing students need to be prepared to deal with ethical issues in their future roles. Nevertheless, Chinese nursing students’ ethical sensitivity status and the factors influencing it have not been described.

Objective

This study aims to explore the level of ethical sensitivity and its influencing factors among Chinese nursing students.

Research design

This was a cross-sectional study. We firstly cross-culturally adapted the Japanese version of the Ethical Sensitivity Questionnaire for Nursing Students (ESQ-NS) into a Chinese version. Then, we administered the Chinese version of ESQ-NS, the Caring Ability Inventory (CAI), and general information questionnaire to nursing undergraduates.

Participants and research context

The invitations were sent to 600 nursing undergraduates from four universities in Hunan, China.

Ethical considerations

The study was supported by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the lead university. The Approval No. was E202092.

Results

A total of 489 undergraduate nursing students participated in the study. The mean score for ethical sensitivity of the samples was 36.34 ± 4.90, and 187.99 ± 22.64 for their humanistic care ability. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test indicated a meaningful and positive relationship between the ethical sensitivity and humanistic care ability (r = 0.576 and p < .01). And regression analysis showed that age, school year, experience in studying nursing ethics, how much you like nursing major, and humanistic care ability were of relevance to nursing students' ethical sensitivity.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that the mean ethical sensitivity score of Chinese nursing students is 36.34 (13–52). The humanistic caring ability of Chinese nursing students is still at a low level.

Conclusion

Future interventions for improving the ethical sensitivity of the nursing students should consider general information of participants and their humanistic care ability.
Introduction: Materiality and Methodology: Ways of Knowing and Narrating
Authors: Lester Anne E.
Published: January 2024

Over the past 20 years, a renewed interest in material culture, materialism and materiality has shaped the practice of history in new ways moving the discipline ‘beyond words’ to consider the worlds within things. Attention to the dynamics of materials and production has expanded ways of knowing the past and begun to reshape the kinds of narratives that historians craft. Objects and things can be said to constitute an additional archival repertoire, but objects also require their own ways of reading, methods of analysis and theoretical orientations, especially as we integrate materiality into the robust ways of writing history that have traditionally relied upon the written record alone. Most historians agree that it is not possible to offer a materialist reading in the absence of written sources. Yet, how do the two work together? This special issue is dedicated to exploring the following related questions: What does materiality’s methodology entail? What modes of investigation and narration are deployed in a material analysis? How does a material focus shape and change the historian’s possibilities for narrative and argument? How does the study of objects and things in the medieval and the early modern periods open new ways of writing about and conceptualising a broader and more connected world? The essays gathered in this Special Issue contribute to an understanding of materiality that seeks to facilitate a more convergent understanding of our medieval and early modern pasts.
Chemotherapeutic metabolism presenting as a recalcitrant case of hand–foot syndrome and mucositis
Authors: Kwan Kevin R , Skokan Shayna , Blesh-Boren Tara , Vogel Jenilee , Harter Nicole , Ford James B
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Mercaptopurine (6MP) and methotrexate (MTX) are commonly used for maintenance chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These medications have been associated with various side effects such as myelosuppression, colitis, and thyroiditis in addition to numerous cutaneous adverse events. Cutaneous side-effects most reported include mucositis, alopecia, xerosis, and pruritus. We report an interesting case of hand–foot syndrome to 6MP in a child on maintenance therapy for B-cell ALL from an alteration in medication metabolism.

Case

We report a 10-year-old male on maintenance chemotherapy for pre-Bcell ALL who presented to the hospital with worsening oral lesions and erythematous, fissured plaques on the palms and soles. Maintenance therapy consisted of IV vincristine and 5-day pulse of steroids every 12 weeks, daily 6MP, and weekly MTX, which were increased to  ≥ 150% of standard dosing due to persistent absolute neutrophil counts  > 1500. Metabolites obtained on admission demonstrated elevated 6MMP metabolites at 35,761 (normal < 5700). TPMT and NUDT15 enzyme activity were normal and no alterations in genotyping were discovered.

Outcome

Patient's oral chemotherapy, including both 6MP and MTX, were stopped and allopurinol 100 mg daily was initiated, which lead to overall improvement.

Discussion

Clinical findings of acute mucositis and worsening of hand–foot syndrome, in the setting of inadequate myelosuppression in a child on maintenance therapy for ALL should raise concerns to consider altered metabolism pathway leading to toxic metabolite buildup. Allopurinol can play in improving cutaneous manifestation and chemotherapeutic dosing in patients with altered metabolism.
Returning to Evolved Nestedness, Wellbeing, and Mature Human Nature, an Ecological Imperative
Authors: Narvaez Darcia
Published: January 2024

Why is humanity destroying its wellbeing and its habitat, Earth? The suggestion here is that the dominant culture has unnested itself from humanity’s millions-year-old adaptive heritages, impairing evolved capacities and human potential in a feedback loop of greater disconnection and destruction. Humanity’s heritage is to be nested horizontally, respectful of deep history and future generations, nested developmentally with evolved ways of raising children to foster thriving, and nested vertically, consciously participating in Earth-cosmos dynamism. Nestedness fosters capacities that are often missing in westernized peoples: ecological relational consciousness and knowhow, which were central to human adaptation. The dominant culture undermines their development. Mainstream western scholarship has accepted the slippage in baselines, collaborated with industrialized-capitalism culture and its intentional divorce from Nature’s ways, and is now caught and caged in the limitations of its models and metaphors. Enmeshed in the dominant culture, modernist psychology largely ignores species-normal child raising, human nature and capacities found all over the world among nomadic foraging societies and other traditional societies. In order to reverse the dominant culture’s destruction of planetary integrity, biological and cultural diversity, psychology must transform itself to help reestablish evolved practices and support deep nestedness, thereby helping restore human and Earth wellbeing.
One Ring to Bind Them: The Annulus of GABAergic Inhibitory Restraint Fades at Seizure Emergence
Authors: Stern Matthew A. , Dingledine Raymond
Published: January 2024

[Box: see text]
The Interplay Between Epilepsy and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pas De Deux
Authors: Zawar Ifrah
Published: January 2024

[Box: see text]
Blockchain Potentials for the Game Industry: A Review
Authors: Jaferian Golshid , Ramezani Darya , Wagner Michael G.
Published: January 2024

In the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the adoption and recognition of blockchain technology. The increasing demand for blockchain technology has led to its swift development and widespread adoption across various sectors, including the gaming industry. The potential implications of this nascent technology in the realm of digital games are considerable, yet it is crucial to acknowledge the absence of scholarly investigations regarding blockchain games. To bridge the current research gap, this study's objective is to conduct an in-depth review of the potential uses of blockchain technology in gaming.
Development of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Blagov Alexander V. , Orekhova Varvara A. , Zhuravlev Alexander D. , Yakovlev Alexey A. , Sukhorukov Vasily N. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: January 2024

Finding new pathogenic factors that affect the progression of chronic diseases is an important step in the fight against these diseases. In this review, the causes and role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are considered. In this context, the importance of mitochondria for kidney cells in general and proximal tubule cells in particular, as well as the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of CKD, are also discussed. The causes of mitochondrial dysfunction in CKD and the consequences of the development of pathological conditions as a result of impaired mitochondrial activity are analyzed in detail.
Supervising Undergraduate Nursing Students on Their Bachelor's Thesis. A Qualitative Study
Authors: Karlsholm Guro , André Beate , Grønning Kjersti
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The bachelor's thesis (BT) in undergraduate education is often an autonomous and individual assignment. It aims to demonstrate knowledge gained through education, to be an assessment tool, and to give new learning outcomes through working on the thesis. The process of working with the BT most often includes individual supervision. There is an absence of support for teachers supervising undergraduate nursing theses, which includes a lack of national or institutional guidelines, role definitions and research material.

Objective

Given the lack of helpful guidelines, this study aims to explore what the teachers emphasize as important regarding their supervision of nursing students writing their BT.

Methods

The study has a qualitative approach, featuring individual semi-structured interviews with nursing teachers supervising nursing students on the BT. Reflexive thematic analysis is used as the method of analysis.

Results

The analyses resulted in two generated themes, each with two subthemes, describing the patterns the teachers emphasize as important aspects of their supervision of nursing students writing their BT. The themes were “The pedagogical approach to the supervision” and “The advantages of the bachelor's thesis to the nursing profession.”

Conclusions

The teachers balanced different roles in the supervision of the students. They wanted the students to grow through challenging them, grounded in a relationship of trust and confidence. They were role models for how to be critical thinkers and incorporated critical thinking as a pedagogical implement in supervision, wanting to raise the students to become nurses who think critically. The teachers sought to combine clinical relevance with academic literacy to secure a new generation of nurses able to be a part of the future development of the profession. They wanted to equip the students with knowledge, skills, and confidence to speak up and communicate nursing. Last, the teachers combined their clinical and academic identities in the supervision of the BT.
A comparative experimental study of different magnetic field intensities on electrical discharge turning of EN24 steel alloy
Authors: Varshney Roopak , Singh Param
Published: January 2024

This comparative study investigates the effect of various magnetic field (MF) intensities on the precision machining of cylindrical workpiece of EN24 Steel alloy in the electrical discharge turning configuration. EN24 steel is a high-strength alloy commonly employed in aerospace, automotive, and general engineering applications. The objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of MF intensity on the material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), overcut (OC), and surface roughness ( Ra). The rotational speed of the workpiece, peak current, and pulse-on time were kept constant machining parameters throughout the experiments. The experimental results reveal that increasing MF intensity enhances MRR, OC, and surface finish. However, it is observed that higher MF intensities lead to an elevate TWR which was a negative effect on machining performance. SEM analysis was conducted on the machined surface, revealing that higher magnetic intensity resulted in the formation of a reduced recast layer and remelted debris. The findings were further supported by energy-dispersive spectrum results, which indicated a lower presence of oxide and carbide formations on the machined surface when subjected to higher MF intensity.
Non-pharmacological interventions feasible in the nursing scope of practice for pain relief in palliative care patients: a systematic review
Authors: van Veen Suzan , Drenth Hans , Hobbelen Hans , Finnema Evelyn , Teunissen Saskia , de Graaf Everlien
Published: January 2024

Background:

Palliative care patients desire more symptom management interventions that are complementary to their medical treatment. Within the multi-professional team, nurses could help support pain management with non-pharmacological interventions feasible for their practice and adaptable to palliative care patients’ needs.

Objectives:

The objective was to identify non-pharmacological interventions feasible in the nursing scope of practice affecting pain in palliative care patients.

Design:

A systematic review.

Data sources and methods:

A defined search strategy was used in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase. Search results were screened double-blinded. Methodological quality was double-appraised with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were extracted from selected studies and the findings were summarized. The methodological quality, quantity of studies evaluating the same intervention, and consistency in the findings were synthesized in a best-evidence synthesis to rank evidence as strong, moderate, limited, mixed, or insufficient.

Results:

Out of 2385 articles, 22 studies highlighted non-pharmacological interventions in the nursing scope of practice. Interventions using massage therapy and virtual reality demonstrated most evidentiary support for pain management, while art therapy lacked sufficient evidence. Mindful breathing intervention showed no significant reduction in pain. Hypnosis, progressive muscle-relaxation-interactive-guided imagery, cognitive-behavioral audiotapes, wrapped warm footbath, reflexology, and music therapy exhibited promising results in pain reduction, whereas mindfulness-based stress reduction program, aromatherapy, and aroma-massage therapy did not.

Conclusion:

Despite not all studies reaching significant changes in pain scores, non-pharmacological interventions can be clinically relevant to palliative care patients. Its use should be discussed for its potential value and nurses to be trained for safe practice. Methodologically rigorous research for non-pharmacological interventions in nursing scope of practice for pain relief in palliative care patients is necessary.

Trial registration:

The protocol for this study is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020196781).
Embedded Insurance/Microinsurance in Financial Services: Key to Financial Inclusion
Authors: Bhatia Satinder
Published: January 2024

Financial inclusion is a goal vigorously followed by all governments the world over. Nowadays, due to technological progress, the interplay of technology with the provision of financial services is increasingly becoming quite common and yielding the desired results. The Indian technology landscape has moved fast facilitated by a huge amount of public investment. The ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI) moment’ has become a cliché in financial circles. From the UPI moment in payments, we are now experiencing high growth in lending and insurance. Partnerships between legacy insurers and InsurTech and e-commerce platforms/networks are leading to new competencies and new, innovative insurance products. The study suggests that embedded, personalised and customised insurance products must be experimented with and introduced in government marketplaces which attract many small buyers and suppliers.
The effect of data balancing approaches on the prediction of metabolic syndrome using non-invasive parameters based on random forest
Authors: Mohseni-Takalloo Sahar , Mohseni Hadis , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan , Mirzaei Masoud , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh
Published: January 2024

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities (including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia), which can be used to identify at-risk populations for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The achievement of a simple approach for diagnosing MetS without needing biochemical tests is so valuable. The present study aimed to predict MetS using non-invasive features based on a successful random forest learning algorithm. Also, to deal with the problem of data imbalance that naturally exists in this type of data, the effect of two different data balancing approaches, including the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) and Random Splitting data balancing (SplitBal), on model performance is investigated.

Results

The most important determinant for MetS prediction was waist circumference. Applying a random forest learning algorithm to imbalanced data, the trained models reach 86.9% and 79.4% accuracies and 37.1% and 38.2% sensitivities in men and women, respectively. However, by applying the SplitBal data balancing technique, the best results were obtained, and despite that the accuracy of the trained models decreased by 7.8% and 11.3%, but their sensitivity improved significantly to 82.3% and 73.7% in men and women, respectively.

Conclusions

The random forest learning method, along with data balancing techniques, especially SplitBal, could create MetS prediction models with promising results that can be applied as a useful prognostic tool in health screening programs.
Does a nurse-led interventional program improve clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation? A meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Xingcai , Xu Jun , Lei Min
Published: January 2024

Background

Being the most common type of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF) is progressively increasing with an annual rate of 5 million new cases. Recent guidelines highlight the importance of using collaborative multidisciplinary teams in order to improve outcomes during management of patients with AF. A nurse-led program including a nurse-directed education, counselling and intervention has shown to improve patients’ outcomes in candidates with AF. In this analysis, we aimed to systematically compare the clinical outcomes observed in patients with AF who were assigned to a nurse-led interventional program versus a usual care group.

Methods

EMBASE, MEDLINE, Http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science; Google Scholar and Cochrane databases were the data sources. The clinical outcomes were considered as the endpoints in this study. This is a meta-analysis, and the statistical analysis was conducted by the RevMan software (version 5.4). Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to represent the data after statistical analysis.

Results

Six studies with a total number 2916 participants were included whereby 1434 participants were assigned to a nurse-led intervention and 1482 participants were assigned to the usual care group. Our results showed that participants with AF who were assigned to the nurse-led interventional group had a significantly lower risk of composite endpoints (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70–0.96; P = 0.01), heart failure (RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47–0.92; P = 0.02), atrial fibrillation (RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63–0.94; P = 0.01) and re-admission (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62–0.99; P = 0.04). However, the risks of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.68–1.09; P = 0.21), cardiac death (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.33–1.39; P = 0.28), myocardial infarction (RR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.35–1.42; P = 0.33), stroke (RR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.44–1.26; P = 0.28), all bleeding events (RR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.81–1.53; P = 0.51) and major bleeding events (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.56–1.49; P = 0.71) were not significantly different.

Conclusions

The nurse-led interventional program significantly improved composite endpoints including heart failure and the recurrence of AF, resulting in a significantly lower admission rate compared to the usual care group. However, nurse-led interventional program did not affect mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction and bleeding events. Based on our current results, a nurse-led interventional programs apparently could be beneficial in patients with AF. Future larger trials would be able to confirm this hypothesis.
Comparison of effect estimates between preprints and peer-reviewed journal articles of COVID-19 trials
Authors: Davidson Mauricia , Evrenoglou Theodoros , Graña Carolina , Chaimani Anna , Boutron Isabelle
Published: January 2024

Background

Preprints are increasingly used to disseminate research results, providing multiple sources of information for the same study. We assessed the consistency in effect estimates between preprint and subsequent journal article of COVID-19 randomized controlled trials.

Methods

The study utilized data from the COVID-NMA living systematic review of pharmacological treatments for COVID-19 (covid-nma.com) up to July 20, 2022. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating pharmacological treatments vs. standard of care/placebo for patients with COVID-19 that were originally posted as preprints and subsequently published as journal articles. Trials that did not report the same analysis in both documents were excluded. Data were extracted independently by pairs of researchers with consensus to resolve disagreements. Effect estimates extracted from the first preprint were compared to effect estimates from the journal article.

Results

The search identified 135 RCTs originally posted as a preprint and subsequently published as a journal article. We excluded 26 RCTs that did not meet the eligibility criteria, of which 13 RCTs reported an interim analysis in the preprint and a final analysis in the journal article. Overall, 109 preprint–article RCTs were included in the analysis. The median (interquartile range) delay between preprint and journal article was 121 (73–187) days, the median sample size was 150 (71–464) participants, 76% of RCTs had been prospectively registered, 60% received industry or mixed funding, 72% were multicentric trials. The overall risk of bias was rated as ‘some concern’ for 80% of RCTs. We found that 81 preprint–article pairs of RCTs were consistent for all outcomes reported. There were nine RCTs with at least one outcome with a discrepancy in the number of participants with outcome events or the number of participants analyzed, which yielded a minor change in the estimate of the effect. Furthermore, six RCTs had at least one outcome missing in the journal article and 14 RCTs had at least one outcome added in the journal article compared to the preprint. There was a change in the direction of effect in one RCT. No changes in statistical significance or conclusions were found.

Conclusions

Effect estimates were generally consistent between COVID-19 preprints and subsequent journal articles. The main results and interpretation did not change in any trial. Nevertheless, some outcomes were added and deleted in some journal articles.
Inconsistencies in self-reported diabetes in a large panel study: the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
Authors: Kowall Bernd , Girschik Carolin , Stolpe Susanne
Published: January 2024

Background

The validity of self-reported chronic conditions has been assessed by comparing them with medical records or register data in several studies. However, the reliability of self-reports of chronic diseases has less often been examined. Our aim was to assess the proportion and determinants of inconsistent self-reports of diabetes in a long panel study.

Methods

SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) includes 140,000 persons aged ≥ 50 years from 28 European countries and Israel. We used data from waves 1 to 7 (except wave 3) collected between 2004 and 2017. Diabetes was assessed by self-report. An inconsistent report for diabetes was defined as reporting the condition in one wave, but denying it in at least one later wave. The analysis data set included 13,179 persons who reported diabetes, and answered the question about diabetes in at least one later wave. Log-binomial regression models were fitted to estimate crude and adjusted relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between various exposure variables and inconsistent report of diabetes.

Results

The proportion of persons with inconsistent self-reports of diabetes was 33.0% (95% CI: 32.2%—33.8%). Inconsistencies occurred less often in persons taking antidiabetic drugs (RR = 0.53 (0.53—0.56)), persons with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 versus BMI < 25 kg/m2 (RR = 0.70, (0.64—0.77)), and poor versus excellent subjective health (RR = 0.87 (0.75—1.01)). Inconsistencies occurred more often in older persons (RR = 1.15 (1.12—1.18) per 10 years increase of age), and persons not reporting their age at diabetes onset (RR = 1.38 (1.31—1.45)).

Conclusion

In SHARE, inconsistent self-report of diabetes is frequent. Consistent reports are more likely for persons whose characteristics make diabetes more salient, like intake of antidiabetic medication, obesity, and poor subjective health. However, lack of attention in answering the questions, and poor wording of the items may also play a role.
Levels of peripheral blood routine, biochemical and coagulation parameters in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and their relationship with prognosis: an observational cohort study
Authors: Chen Wen-jing , Du Hong , Hu Hai-feng , Lian Jian-qi , Jiang Hong , Li Jing , Chen Yan-ping , Zhang Ying , Wang Ping-zhong
Published: January 2024

Background

Hantaan virus (HTNV), Seoul virus (SEOV) and Puumala virus (PUUV) are major serotypes of the Hantavirus, which can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The pathophysiology of HFRS in humans is complex and the determinants associated with mortality, especially the coagulation and fibrinolysis disorders, are still not been fully elucidated. Severe patients usually manifest multiple complications except for acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to observe the levels of peripheral blood routine, biochemical and coagulation parameters during the early stage, so as to find independent risk factors closely related to the prognosis, which may provide theoretical basis for targeted treatment and evaluation.

Methods

A total of 395 HFRS patients from December 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. According to prognosis, they were divided into a survival group (n = 368) and a death group (n = 27). The peripheral blood routine, biochemical and coagulation parameters were compared between the two groups on admission. The relationship between the parameters mentioned above and prognosis was analyzed, and the dynamic changes of the coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters during the first week after admission were further observed.

Results

In addition to AKI, liver injury was also common among the enrolled patients. Patients in the death group manifested higher levels of white blood cell counts (WBC) on admission. 27.30% (107/392) of the patients enrolled presented with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) on admission and DIC is more common in the death group; The death patients manifested longer prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), higher D-dimer and fibrinogen degradation product (FDP), and lower levels of platelets (PLT) and fibrinogen (Fib) compared with those of the survival patients. The proportion of D-dimer and FDP abnormalities are higher than PT, APTT and Fib. Prolonged PT, low level of Fib and elevated total bilirubin (TBIL) on admission were considered as independent risk factors for prognosis (death).

Conclusions

Detection of PT, Fib and TBIL on admission is necessary, which might be benefit to early predicting prognosis. It is also important to pay attention to the dynamic coagulation disorders and hyperfibrinolysis during the early stage in the severe HFRS patients.
Associations between different body mass index and lung function impairment in Chinese people aged over 40 years: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Yumeng , Zhang Lan , Zhu Shuzhen , Shen Miaoyan , Cheng Maowei , Peng Fei
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the associations between different body mass index (BMI) levels and different lung function impairment (LFI) in Chinese people aged over 40 years.

Methods

We used a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method to investigate 3000 residents aged over 40 years from 5 areas in Hubei province of China in 2019-20. The data on questionnaire, physical measurements, and spirometry of the participants were collected. The associations of different BMI levels with different LFI were analyzed using multivariate logistic regressions after complex weighting. The spirometry data were analyzed using one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post-hoc was performed using the least significance difference (LSD)-t test.

Results

A total of 2860 subjects were included. The prevalence (95%CI) of obstructive lung disease (OLD), restrictive lung disease (RLD), mixed lung disease (MLD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), COPD mild, and COPD moderate/severe/very severe were 24.1% (95% CI: 22.2–26.2), 11.6% (95% CI: 10.3–12.9), 4.0% (95% CI: 3.3–4.8), 12.6% (95% CI: 11.0-14.1), 7.2% (95% CI: 6.0-8.4), and 5.3% (95% CI: 4.3–6.4) respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the risk of OLD, COPD, and COPD mild decreased with the increment of BMI levels (both P for trend < 0.05). When compared to the normal weight group, the overweight group and obese group were at lower risk of experiencing OLD than normal group, the ORs were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.59–0.99) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.40–0.86) respectively. The obese group was at lower risk for people with COPD mild (OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.21–0.85). Participants in underweight group were more likely to experience COPD and COPD moderate/severe/very severe, the ORs were 2.82 (95% CI: 1.07–7.39) and 3.89 (95% CI: 1.28–11.87) respectively.

Conclusion

Higher BMI levels were associated with an decreased risk of OLD and COPD. Obesity had a protective effect on lung function in OLD patients and COPD patients. However, there was no significant difference in RLD and MLD prevalence between different BMI groups.
Evaluation of 17 years of MERIN (Meningitis and Encephalitis register in Lower Saxony, Germany) surveillance system: participants acceptability survey, completeness and timeliness of data
Authors: Łuczyńska Anna , Beyrer Konrad , Holle Ina , Baillot Armin , Monazahian Masyar , Dreesman Johannes , Mertens Elke , Rettenbacher-Riefler Sophie
Published: January 2024

Background

A Meningitis and Encephalitis Surveillance (MERIN) was implemented in 2003 in Lower Saxony, Germany as an alternative to acute flaccid paralyses surveillance, as the latter did not reach WHO sensitivity criteria. The system provides information on circulating enterovirus (EV) serotypes by focussing on patients with suspected aseptic meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis and contributes to the national surveillance in documenting polio free status. MERIN is based on voluntary participation of hospitals. Therefore, our evaluation focusses on acceptability of the system’s objectives and performance, and identifying areas for improvement.

Methods

To assess acceptability, 32 contributing hospitals were invited to an online-based survey (11/2021 to 01/2022) to rate the MERIN objectives, laboratory’s performance, their workload, modes of processes and communication. Ideas for improvement were collected in open fields. In addition, data completeness and timeliness of laboratory diagnostics were assessed.

Results

Of 32 hospitals, 21 responded (66% response rate), sending 30 questionnaires, 25 from pediatric and 5 from neurological departments. High levels of satisfaction with the communication (≥ 96%), timeliness (≥ 81%), and distribution of the results (≥ 85%) were reported, 97% of participants judged the required workload as adequate. The median proportion of eligible patients included in MERIN was 75%. Participants gave rapid and reliable diagnostic testing the highest priority (96%), while monitoring of Germany’s polio-free status was rated the lowest (61%). Providing medical reports digitally as well as regular updates about circulating EV serotypes were identified as areas for improvement. Data completeness of selected variables ranged from 78.3 to 99.9%. Median time between sample collection and arrival at laboratory was 2 days [IQR 1–3], EV diagnostics via PCR took one day [IQR 0–6] and EV isolation on cell culture 11 days [IQR 10–13].

Conclusion

MERIN is a highly accepted surveillance system. Its quality was enhanced further by addressing the suggested improvements such as regular reports on circulating EV serotypes and facilitating digital access to laboratory results.

Our results emphasise the importance of recognizing and considering participants’ motivations and expectations, and addressing their priorities, even if this is not the surveillance system’s main focus.

This approach can be applied to surveillance systems of other non-mandatory notifiable diseases.
Identifying hub genes of sepsis-associated and hepatic encephalopathies based on bioinformatic analysis—focus on the two common encephalopathies of septic cirrhotic patients in ICU
Authors: Li Juan , Yang Dong , Ge Shengmei , Liu Lixia , Huo Yan , Hu Zhenjie
Published: January 2024

Background

In the ICU ward, septic cirrhotic patients are susceptible to suffering from sepsis-associated encephalopathy and/or hepatic encephalopathy, which are two common neurological complications in such patients. However, the mutual pathogenesis between sepsis-associated and hepatic encephalopathies remains unclear. We aimed to identify the mutual hub genes, explore effective diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the two common encephalopathies and provide novel, promising insights into the clinical management of such septic cirrhotic patients.

Methods

The precious human post-mortem cerebral tissues were deprived of the GSE135838, GSE57193, and GSE41919 datasets, downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Furthermore, we identified differentially expressed genes and screened hub genes with weighted gene co-expression network analysis. The hub genes were then subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway functional enrichment analyses, and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed. Receiver operating characteristic curves and correlation analyses were set up for the hub genes. Finally, we explored principal and common signaling pathways by using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and the association between the hub genes and immune cell subtype distribution by using CIBERSORT algorithm.

Results

We identified seven hub genes—GPR4, SOCS3, BAG3, ZFP36, CDKN1A, ADAMTS9, and GADD45B—by using differentially expressed gene analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis method. The AUCs of these genes were all greater than 0.7 in the receiver operating characteristic curves analysis. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis results demonstrated that mutual signaling pathways were mainly enriched in hypoxia and inflammatory response. CIBERSORT indicated that these seven hub genes were closely related to innate and adaptive immune cells.

Conclusions

We identified seven hub genes with promising diagnostic value and therapeutic targets in septic cirrhotic patients with sepsis-associated encephalopathy and/or hepatic encephalopathy. Hypoxia, inflammatory, and immunoreaction responses may share the common downstream pathways of the two common encephalopathies, for which earlier recognition and timely intervention are crucial for management of such septic cirrhotic patients in ICU.
Antigen surface display in two novel whole genome sequenced food grade strains, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus KW1 and KW2
Authors: Wiull Kamilla , Hagen Live Heldal , Rončević Jelena , Westereng Bjørge , Boysen Preben , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Mathiesen Geir
Published: January 2024

Background

Utilization of commensal bacteria for delivery of medicinal proteins, such as vaccine antigens, is an emerging strategy. Here, we describe two novel food-grade strains of lactic acid bacteria, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus KW1 and KW2, as well as newly developed tools for using this relatively unexplored but promising bacterial species for production and surface-display of heterologous proteins.

Results

Whole genome sequencing was performed to investigate genomic features of both strains and to identify native proteins enabling surface display of heterologous proteins. Basic characterization of the strains revealed the optimum growth temperatures for both strains to be 35–37 °C, with peak heterologous protein production at 33 °C (KW1) and 37 °C (KW2). Negative staining revealed that only KW1 produces closely bound exopolysaccharides. Production of heterologous proteins with the inducible pSIP-expression system enabled high expression in both strains. Exposure to KW1 and KW2 skewed macrophages toward the antigen presenting state, indicating potential adjuvant properties. To develop these strains as delivery vehicles, expression of the mycobacterial H56 antigen was fused to four different strain-specific surface-anchoring sequences.

Conclusion

All experiments that enabled comparison of heterologous protein production revealed KW1 to be the better recombinant protein production host. Use of the pSIP expression system enabled successful construction of L. pentosus strains for production and surface display of an antigen, underpinning the potential of these strains as novel delivery vehicles.
Longitudinal follow-up of mixed connective tissue disease and overlapping autoimmune diseases of childhood onset in the Afro-descendant population of the French West Indies
Authors: Felix Arthur , Osei Lindsay , Delion Frederique , Suzon Benoit , Abel Aurore , Drame Moustapha , Hatchuel Yves , Deligny Christophe , Louis-Sidney Fabienne
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Overlap autoimmune syndromes (OAS) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) are rare in children. We performed a retrospective, longitudinal and descriptive study of Afro-Caribbean patients from the French West Indies followed for MCTD and OAS to describe their characteristics and outcomes during childhood.

Methods

Retrospective study from January 2000 to 2023. Listings of patients were obtained from multiple sources: computerized hospital archives and national hospital-based surveillance system, registry of pediatricians and adult specialists in internal medicine and the national registry for rare diseases. MCTD was defined according to Kasukawa’s criteria. OAS was defined as overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and dermatomyositis/autoimmune myositis (DM/AM).

Results

Sixteen patients were included over a 23-year period (10 MCTD and 6 OAS). The incidence was 0.23 per 100,000 children-years. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.9 years old (2.4–17) with median follow up of 7.9 years (2.1–19.6). SLE phenotype was present in the highest, followed by SSc and DM/AM. Patients had an average of three flares during childhood (1–7). A quarter (25%) had symptomatic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Ninety-four percent received steroids during follow-up and 88% required a corticosteroid-sparing therapy. Three patients (19%) developed SLE after more than 10y of follow-up. There were no death and no chronic organ failure.

Conclusion

This is the largest pediatric cohort of MCTD and OAS in Afro-descendant patients treated in a country with a high standard of care. The clinical evolution did not differ between MCTD and OAS. The main complication was PAH, more frequent in our cohort.