bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of web-based information about the coronavirus disease 2019: a rapid systematic review of infodemiology studies published during the first year of the pandemic
Authors: Stern Jenny , Georgsson Susanne , Carlsson Tommy
Published: September 2022

Background

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019, adequate public information was of outmost importance. The public used the Web extensively to read information about the pandemic, which placed significant responsibility in, for many, an unfamiliar situation as the disease spread across the globe. The aim of this review was to synthesize the quality of web-based information concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 published during the first year of the pandemic.

Materials and methods

A rapid systematic review was undertaken by searching five electronic databases (CINAHL, Communication & Mass Media Complete, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus). Empirical infodemiology reports assessing quality of information were included (n = 22). Methodological quality and risk of bias was appraised with tools modified from previous research, while quality assessment scores were synthesized with descriptive statistics. Topics illustrating comprehensiveness were categorized with content analysis.

Results

The included reports assessed text-based content (n = 13) and videos (n = 9). Most were rated good overall methodological quality (n = 17). In total, the reports evaluated 2,654 websites or videos and utilized 46 assessors. The majority of the reports concluded that websites and videos had poor quality (n = 20). Collectively, readability levels exceeded the recommended sixth grade level. There were large variations in ranges of the reported mean or median quality scores, with 13 of 15 total sample scores being classified as poor or moderate quality. Four studies reported that ≥ 28% of websites contained inaccurate statements. There were large variations in prevalence for the six categories illustrating comprehensiveness.

Conclusion

The results highlight quality deficits of web-based information about COVID-19 published during the first year of the pandemic, suggesting a high probability that this hindered the general population from being adequately informed when faced with the new and unfamiliar situation. Future research should address the highlighted quality deficits, identify methods that aid citizens in their information retrieval, and identify interventions that aim to improve the quality of information in the online landscape.
A prediction model for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Huang Dong , Yang Huan , Yu He , Wang Ting , Chen Zhu , Yao Rong , Liang Zongan
Published: September 2022

Background

Emerging evidence shows that cardiovascular injuries and events in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should be considered. The current study was conducted to develop an early prediction model for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients from Wuhan city, Hubei Province and Sichuan Province, China, between January 14 and March 9, 2020, were randomly divided into a training set (70% of patients) and a testing set (30%). All baseline data were recorded at admission or within 24 h after admission to hospitals. The primary outcome was MACE during hospitalization, including nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke and cardiovascular death. The risk factors were selected by LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The nomogram was assessed by calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Ultimately, 1206 adult COVID-19 patients were included. In the training set, 48 (5.7%) patients eventually developed MACE. Six factors associated with MACE were included in the nomogram: age, PaO2/FiO2 under 300, unconsciousness, lymphocyte counts, neutrophil counts and blood urea nitrogen. The C indices were 0.93 (95% CI 0.90, 0.97) in the training set and 0.81 (95% CI 0.70, 0.93) in the testing set. The calibration curve and DCA demonstrated the good performance of the nomogram.

Conclusions

We developed and validated a nomogram to predict the development of MACE in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. More prospective multicenter studies are needed to confirm our results.
Comparison of the midterm result between locking plate and elastic intramedullary nail treating oblique ulnar fracture Bado type I acute monteggia fracture in pediatric patients
Authors: Vithran Djandan Tadum Arthur , Song Zhenqi , Wang Kongjian , Tang Zhongwen , Xiang Feng , Wen Jie , Xiao Sheng
Published: September 2022

Background

Acute Monteggia fracture (AMF) is defined as a fracture of the proximal ulna combined with a dislocation of the radial head, with less than 1 percent prevalence in pediatric patients with an elbow injury. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of two treatment methods for oblique ulnar fracture AMF Bado type I in children.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 28 children with oblique ulnar fracture acute Monteggia injury Bado I were included. Patients was divided into two groups: In the EIN group 16 patients were fixed with elastic intramedullary nail after reduction, and in the LCP group 12 patients were fixed with locking compression plate after reduction. Operation time and blood loss were recorded and the patients were assessed clinically by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of movement(ROM) and range of rotation(ROR).

Results

Twenty-eight patients were accessible for durable follow-up, with a mean age of 7.7 ± 1.3 years, follow up by 33.7 ± 5.1 months. The average operation time was 48.1 ± 9.2 min for the EIN group and 67.1 ± 7.2 min for the LCP group. The average blood loss was 8.2 ± 2.3 ml for the EIN group and 18.8 ± 3.8 ml for the LCP group. The average operation time and average blood loss in the EIN group are significant less than the LCP group. Mean MEPS, ROM, ROR in both group improved significantly before sugery to three months after surgery, and maintained very good results at last follow up. There is no significant difference between the EIN group and the LCP group in MEPS, ROM and ROR.

Conclusions

Oblique ulnar fracture Bado type I acute monteggia fracture in pediatric patients fixed by EIN and LCP can both get good mid-term results measured by MEPS, ROM and ROR, Fixed by EIN have shorter operation time and less blood loss than fixed by LCP.
♣Evaluation of clinicopathological profiles and development of a risk model in renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma patients: a large-scale retrospective cohort study
Authors: Anwaier Aihetaimujiang , Xu Wen-Hao , Tian Xi , Ding Tao , Su Jia-Qi , Wang Yue , Qu Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Hai-Liang , Ye Ding-Wei
Published: September 2022

Background

To identify the malignant potential and prognostic indicators of renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (eAML), clinicopathological and molecular features as well as the drug efficacy of 67 eAML cases were analyzed.

Materials and methods

Sixty-seven renal eAML patients were enrolled and the immunohistochemical features of these patients were examined. FFPE slides of all patients were re-examined. 21 patients with metastasis received Everolimus 10 mg orally once daily. Responses were evaluated with RECIST criteria by three authors. A risk stratification model was constructed using the following factors: pT3 and pT4, presence of necrosis, mitotic count ≥ 2; the presence of atypical mitoses; severe nuclear atypia, SMA negative, Ki-67 ≥ 10%.

Results

The average percentage of the epithelioid component was 85.6% (range 80–95%). Immunohistochemically, Ki-67 ≥ 10% and negative SMA staining were significantly correlated with malignant characteristics (Ki-67: p < 0.001; SMA: p = 0.001). Survival analysis suggested that pT3-pT4 stage, presence of necrosis, severe nuclear atypia, presence of atypical mitoses, mitotic count ≥ 2, Ki-67 ≥ 10% and negative SMA expression were significantly associated with poorer PFS and OS (p < 0.05). The risk model sufficiently discriminated recurrence/metastasis (AUC = 0.897) and cancer-specific mortality (AUC = 0.932) of renal eAML patients in different risk groups. 21 patients had received Everolimus targeted therapy after recurrence/metastasis. The best response for Everolimus treatment was 8/21 (38.1%) partial responses (PR), 9/21 (42.9%) stable disease (SD) and 4/21 (19.0%) progressive disease (PD).

Conclusion

The risk stratification model could well distinguish eAML patients at high risk of recurrence/metastasis. Everolimus targeted treatment showed good efficacy in patients with recurrence/metastasis.
Morphologic Analysis of Condyle among Different Disc Status in the Temporomandibular Joints by Three-dimensional Reconstructive Imaging: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Li Chen-xi , Liu Xu , Gong Zhong-cheng , Jumatai Sakendeke , Ling Bin
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Morphological study is a common approach in the field of anterior disc displacement (ADD) pathology; however, analysis based on three-dimensional reconstructive imaging has not been investigated. This study investigated the association between ADD and the status of the mandibular condyle and articular fossa.

Methods

Thirty-four patients were divided into three groups: normal articular disc position (NADP), anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR), and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR). Multiple grouped comparisons of three different disc statuses were performed by Kruskal–Wallis H test and variance analysis respectively. Receiver-operating characteristic curve was plotted to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the morphological parameters. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the interfering factors of ADD.

Results

The condylar volume (CV) and condylar superficial area (CSA) in the NADP, ADDwR, and ADDwoR groups exhibited obvious changes (P < 0.05). Both CV and superior joint space (SJS) presented a good diagnostic accuracy for NADP-ADDwoR [area under the curve (AUC)CV = 0.813; AUCSJS = 0.855)], and ADDwR-ADDwoR (AUCCV = 0.858; AUCSJS = 0.801). CSA presented a good diagnostic accuracy for ADDwR-ADDwoR (AUC = 0.813). A multivariate logistic ordinal regression model showed that the CV [odds ratio (OR) = 1.011; regression coefficient (RC) = 0.011, P = 0.018], SJS (OR, 8.817; RC = 2.177; P < 0.001), and medial joint space (MJS) (OR, 1.492; RC = 0.400; P = 0.047) had a significantly impact on the groups.

Conclusion

CV, CSA, SJS, and MJS were significantly associated with the different disc status, and the condyle in ADD exhibited 3-dimensionally altered dimensions. They could be considered as promising biometric markers to assess the ADD.
Associations between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and oral health symptoms in adolescents
Authors: Yoon Na-Young , Yun Il , Park Yu Shin , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: September 2022

Background

Oral health condition in adolescence impacts the oral well-being throughout life. This study aimed to determine the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and oral health in adolescents, using nationally representative data.

Methods

Using data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, we assessed self-reported data on ETS exposure and oral health symptoms in 37,591 non-smoking adolescents. The dependent variables were self-reported oral health symptoms of adolescents (tooth fracture, dental pain, and gum bleeding). ETS exposure was the primary independent variable. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine these relationships.

Results

ETS exposure was positively associated with oral symptoms compared to no-ETS exposure in adolescents [boys, odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41–1.60]; individuals with good oral health habits such as frequent tooth brushing [boys, three times or more a day, OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24–1.53] and less soda consumption [girls, less than once a day, OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.29–2.33] had a weaker association. ETS exposure was positively associated with dental pain [boys, OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.45–1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41–1.60] and gum bleeding [boys, OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.29–1.58; girls, OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.44]; however, tooth fracture was significantly associated only in girls [OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13–1.45].

Conclusions

ETS in various environments is negatively associated with oral health in adolescents. This association could vary depending on health habits. Sophisticated policies to protect South Korean adolescents from ETS can be developed from these findings.
Instructional design and educational satisfaction for virtual environment simulation in undergraduate nursing education: the mediating effect of learning immersion
Authors: Park So Young , Kim Jung-Hee
Published: September 2022

Background

Schools were closed after the onset of COVID-19, with non-face-to-face practices or distance education in nursing education replacing video learning or simulation classes in nursing education clinical practicum. This led to an increase in interest in virtual environment simulation education. While technology-based teaching methods might feel new and intriguing to learners, it is necessary to evaluate learner satisfaction with such an educational method beyond its novelty value. Therefore, this study examined the mediating effect of learning immersion on the relationships between instructional design and educational satisfaction, for virtual environment simulation.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. The study sample included students in the third or fourth year of the nursing curriculum in South Korea. The participants were 164 nursing students, who had an experience with virtual environment simulation practices during the past year, prior to September 2021. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed the characteristics of nursing students, instructional design, learning immersion, and educational satisfaction. The collected data were analyzed using path analysis.

Results

The indirect effect of the path between instructional design and educational satisfaction, mediated through learning immersion in virtual environment simulation was found to be significant. Furthermore, the direct path was also statistically significant.

Conclusion

Educational content, based on virtual environment simulation, should be implemented based on instructional design. It is necessary to recognize the importance of instructional design that can promote learning immersion in virtual environment simulation, as well as to prepare consistent standards for such design.
Barriers and facilitators when implementing family involvement for persons with psychotic disorders in community mental health centres – a nested qualitative study
Authors: Hansson Kristiane Myckland , Romøren Maria , Pedersen Reidar , Weimand Bente , Hestmark Lars , Norheim Irene , Ruud Torleif , Hymer Inger Stølan , Heiervang Kristin Sverdvik
Published: September 2022

Background

The uptake of family involvement in health care services for patients with psychotic disorders is poor, despite a clear evidence base, socio-economic and moral justifications, policy, and guideline recommendations. To respond to this knowledge-practice gap, we established the cluster randomised controlled trial: Implementation of guidelines on Family Involvement for persons with Psychotic disorders in community mental health centres (IFIP). Nested in the IFIP trial, this sub-study aims to explore what organisational and clinical barriers and facilitators local implementation teams and clinicians experience when implementing family involvement in mental health care for persons with psychotic disorders.

Methods

We performed 21 semi-structured focus groups, including 75 participants in total. Implementation team members were interviewed at the initial and middle phases of the intervention period, while clinicians who were not in the implementation team were interviewed in the late phase. A purposive sampling approach was used to recruit participants with various engagement in the implementation process. Data were analysed using manifest content analysis.

Results

Organisational barriers to involvement included: 1) Lack of shared knowledge, perceptions, and practice 2) Lack of routines 3) Lack of resources and logistics. Clinical barriers included: 4) Patient-related factors 5) Relative-related factors 6) Provider-related factors. Organisational facilitators for involvement included: 1) Whole-ward approach 2) Appointed and dedicated roles 3) Standardisation and routines. Clinical facilitators included: 4) External implementation support 5) Understanding, skills, and self-efficacy among mental health professionals 6) Awareness and attitudes among mental health professionals.

Conclusions

Implementing family involvement in health care services for persons with psychotic disorders is possible through a whole-ward and multi-level approach, ensured by organisational- and leadership commitment. Providing training in family psychoeducation to all staff, establishing routines to offer a basic level of family involvement to all patients, and ensuring that clinicians get experience with family involvement, reduce or dissolve core barriers. Having access to external implementation support appears decisive to initiate, promote and evaluate implementation. Our findings also point to future policy, practice and implementation developments to offer adequate treatment and support to all patients with severe mental illness and their families.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03869177. Registered 11.03.19.
Level of satisfaction and sexual and reproductive health needs of deaf persons in Ghana: a sequential explanatory mixed method study
Authors: Mprah Wisdom Kwadwo , Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Duorinaah Juventus , Nketsia William
Published: September 2022

Background

The intersection between deafness and culture in sub-Saharan African contexts such as Ghana has culminated in restricted access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. While some attention has been given to the barriers faced by deaf persons in accessing SRH services, discussion of their needs and satisfaction with SRH services is at an embryonic stage. This lends support to the use of sequential mixed-method study design to assess the level of satisfaction and SRH needs of deaf persons.

Methods

This study was guided by explanatory sequential mixed-method study design. Thus, a two-phase data collection approach was adopted. In Phase I, a 32-item questionnaire with 16 items each for satisfaction regarding SRH services and SRH needs, was used for data collection from 288 deaf persons recruited from 3 of the 16 regions in Ghana. The data were subjected to the following computations: means, t-tests, analysis of variance, correlations, and multiple regression. In Phase II, a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from 60 participants who were drawn from the earlier pool. The interviews were subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

The results showed of correlation and multiple analyses showed a small relationship and significant contribution of needs in the variance of satisfaction. Also, there was a convergence between both the qualitative and quantitative data as participants confirmed the lack of consideration given to the needs of deaf persons regarding SRH service provisions.

Conclusion

Deaf persons who took part in this study were unsatisfied with SRH services due to barriers such as sign language interpreters and inaccessible information. Consequently, they expressed the need for preferred mode of communication and expedition of awareness creation on SRH. The study findings warrant the need for policymakers to inculcate the needs of deaf person in SRH services to improve access and thus, enhance satisfaction. For instance, recommendations such as the training of health professionals in the use of sign language could be considered in future SRH policy and other implications, are discussed.
Children with idiopathic toe walking display differences in lower limb joint ranges and strength compared to peers: a case control study
Authors: Caserta Antoni , Morgan Prue , McKay Marnee J. , Baldwin Jennifer N. , Burns Joshua , Williams Cylie
Published: September 2022

Background

Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is an exclusionary diagnosis. There has been limited exploration of lower limb active range of motion and strength measures in children with ITW. This researched aimed to determine any differences in lower limb muscle active range of motion and strength in children who have ITW, compared to normative data collected from children who displayed typical gait.

Methods

Children were recruited with had a diagnosis of ITW, aged between 4 and 10 years, and no recent treatment. Data collected included parent reported data such as time spent toe walking, percentage of time spent toe walking, and clinician collected data such as age, height and weight. Joint ranges of motion and strength measures were collected by an experience clinician. Active and weight bearing joint ranges of motion were evaluated with a goniometer or digital inclinometer. Lower limb muscle strength measures were evaluated with a hand‐held dynamometer. Published normative data sets were used for comparison. Measures were analysed with regression analyses to determine differences between groups in different measures, considering measures known to impact range and strength. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p values were reported.

Results

Twenty‐six children with ITW participated. Reduced weight bearing ankle range of motion, when measured with the knee bent, was associated with being in the ITW group (p = 0.009), being older (p < 0.001) and weighing less (p < 0.001). Reduced ankle plantar flexion range was only associated with being in the ITW group (p = 0.015). For all lower limb strength measures, excluding hip external rotation, children who displayed greater strength, did not toe walk (p < 0.002), were older (p < 0.001) and weighed more (p < 0.014). with ITW.

Conclusion

Children with ITW displayed reduced overall plantar and dorsiflexion at the ankle, compared to non‐toe walking children. Reduced plantarflexion is children with ITW has not been described before, however reduced dorsiflexion is commonly reported. Children with ITW were weaker in many lower limb measures, even when age and weight were considered. This should lead clinicians and researchers to pay greater attention to lower limb strength measures in this population.
The glycocalyx as a permeability barrier: basic science and clinical evidence
Authors: Dull Randal O. , Hahn Robert G.
Published: September 2022

Preclinical studies in animals and human clinical trials question whether the endothelial glycocalyx layer is a clinically important permeability barrier. Glycocalyx breakdown products in plasma mostly originate from 99.6–99.8% of the endothelial surface not involved in transendothelial passage of water and proteins. Fragment concentrations correlate poorly with in vivo imaging of glycocalyx thickness, and calculations of expected glycocalyx resistance are incompatible with measured hydraulic conductivity values. Increases in plasma breakdown products in rats did not correlate with vascular permeability. Clinically, three studies in humans show inverse correlations between glycocalyx degradation products and the capillary leakage of albumin and fluid.
Relationship between ER expression by IHC or mRNA with Ki67 response to aromatase inhibition: a POETIC study
Authors: Lopez-Knowles Elena , Detre Simone , Hills Margaret , Schuster Eugene F. , Cheang Maggie C. U. , Tovey Holly , Kilburn Lucy S. , Bliss Judith M. , Robertson John , Mallon Elizabeth , Skene Anthony , Evans Abigail , Smith Ian , Dowsett Mitch
Published: September 2022

Background

In clinical practice, oestrogen receptor (ER) analysis is almost entirely by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ASCO/CAP recommends cut-offs of < 1% (negative) and 1–10% (low) cells positive. There is uncertainty whether patients with ER low tumours benefit from endocrine therapy. We aimed to assess IHC and mRNA cut-points for ER versus biological response of primary breast cancer to 2 weeks’ aromatase inhibitor treatment as measured by change in Ki67.

Methods

Cases were selected from the aromatase inhibitor treatment group of POETIC. We selected the 15% with the poorest Ki67 response (PR, < 40% Ki67 suppression, n = 230) and a random 30% of the remainder categorised as intermediate (IR, 40–79% Ki67 suppression, n = 150) and good-responders (GR, ≥ 80% Ki67 suppression, n = 230) from HER2 − group. All HER2 + cases available were selected irrespective of their response category (n = 317). ER expression was measured by IHC and qPCR.

Results

ER IHC was available from 515 HER2 − and 186 HER2 + tumours and ER qPCR from 367 HER2 − and 171 HER2 + tumours. Ninety-one percentage of patients with ER IHC < 10% were PRs with similar rates in HER2 − and HER2 + cases. At or above ER IHC 10% substantial numbers of patients showed IR or GR. Similar proportions of patients were defined by cut-points of ER IHC < 10% and ER mRNA < 5 units. In addition, loss of PgR expression altered ER anti-proliferation response with 92% of PgR − cases with ER IHC < 40% being PRs.

Conclusions

There was little responsiveness at IHC < 10% and no distinction between < 1% and 1–10% cells positive. Similar separation of PRs from IR/GRs was achieved by IHC and mRNA.
Comparative analyses of vertebrate CPEB proteins define two subfamilies with coordinated yet distinct functions in post-transcriptional gene regulation
Authors: Duran-Arqué Berta , Cañete Manuel , Castellazzi Chiara Lara , Bartomeu Anna , Ferrer-Caelles Anna , Reina Oscar , Caballé Adrià , Gay Marina , Arauz-Garofalo Gianluca , Belloc Eulalia , Mendez Raúl
Published: September 2022

Background

Vertebrate CPEB proteins bind mRNAs at cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements (CPEs) in their 3′ UTRs, leading to cytoplasmic changes in their poly(A) tail lengths; this can promote translational repression or activation of the mRNA. However, neither the regulation nor the mechanisms of action of the CPEB family per se have been systematically addressed to date.

Results

Based on a comparative analysis of the four vertebrate CPEBs, we determine their differential regulation by phosphorylation, the composition and properties of their supramolecular assemblies, and their target mRNAs. We show that all four CPEBs are able to recruit the CCR4-NOT deadenylation complex to repress the translation. However, their regulation, mechanism of action, and target mRNAs define two subfamilies. Thus, CPEB1 forms ribonucleoprotein complexes that are remodeled upon a single phosphorylation event and are associated with mRNAs containing canonical CPEs. CPEB2–4 are regulated by multiple proline-directed phosphorylations that control their liquid–liquid phase separation. CPEB2–4 mRNA targets include CPEB1-bound transcripts, with canonical CPEs, but also a specific subset of mRNAs with non-canonical CPEs.

Conclusions

Altogether, these results show how, globally, the CPEB family of proteins is able to integrate cellular cues to generate a fine-tuned adaptive response in gene expression regulation through the coordinated actions of all four members.
Control of immediate early gene expression by CPEB4-repressor complex-mediated mRNA degradation
Authors: Poetz Fabian , Lebedeva Svetlana , Schott Johanna , Lindner Doris , Ohler Uwe , Stoecklin Georg
Published: September 2022

Background

Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein 4 (CPEB4) is known to associate with cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements (CPEs) located in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of specific mRNAs and assemble an activator complex promoting the translation of target mRNAs through cytoplasmic polyadenylation.

Results

Here, we find that CPEB4 is part of an alternative repressor complex that mediates mRNA degradation by associating with the evolutionarily conserved CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex. We identify human CPEB4 as an RNA-binding protein (RBP) with enhanced association to poly(A) RNA upon inhibition of class I histone deacetylases (HDACs), a condition known to cause widespread degradation of poly(A)-containing mRNA. Photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP) analysis using endogenously tagged CPEB4 in HeLa cells reveals that CPEB4 preferentially binds to the 3′UTR of immediate early gene mRNAs, at G-containing variants of the canonical U- and A-rich CPE located in close proximity to poly(A) sites. By transcriptome-wide mRNA decay measurements, we find that the strength of CPEB4 binding correlates with short mRNA half-lives and that loss of CPEB4 expression leads to the stabilization of immediate early gene mRNAs. Akin to CPEB4, we demonstrate that CPEB1 and CPEB2 also confer mRNA instability by recruitment of the CCR4-NOT complex.

Conclusions

While CPEB4 was previously known for its ability to stimulate cytoplasmic polyadenylation, our findings establish an additional function for CPEB4 as the RNA adaptor of a repressor complex that enhances the degradation of short-lived immediate early gene mRNAs.
Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field as an intervention for patients with quadriceps weakness after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a double-blinded, randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Ong Michael Tim-Yun , Man Gene Chi-Wai , Lau Lawrence Chun-Man , He Xin , Qiu Jihong , Wang Qianwen , Chow Matthew Chun-Sing , Choi Ben Chi-Yin , Yu Mingqian , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang
Published: September 2022

Background

The ultimate goal of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLR) is to fulfil the return-to-play (RTP) criteria. Quadriceps muscle strength is one of the key determinants for a patient’s successful return-to-play after ACLR. Quadriceps muscle atrophy can persist beyond the completion of the rehabilitation program in almost half the patients and the reason behind this is still unknown. There are emerging evidences showing that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) can modulate mitochondrial activities for muscle gain. PEMF exposure on top of regular exercise training may promote muscle regeneration and tissue healing.

Methods

This is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of PEMF treatment during the postoperative period on quadriceps muscle strength in ACL injured patient. Adult patients (aged 18–30) with a unilateral ACL injury, total quadriceps muscle volume is equal or more than 7% deficit on involved leg compared with uninvolved leg, sporting injury with a Tegner score of 7+, and both knees without a history of injury/prior surgery will be recruited. To estimate the improvement of patients, isokinetic muscle assessment, ultrasound imaging and MRI for quadriceps muscle thickness, self-reported outcomes with questionnaires, KT-1000 for knee laxity and biomechanical analysis, and Xtreme CT for bone mineral density will be performed. To investigate the mechanism of PEMF therapy on increasing quadriceps strength, samples of blood serum will be drawn before and after intervention.

Discussion

This is the first trial evaluating the effects of PEMF on quadriceps muscle recovery after ACLR. The proposed study addresses a huge research gap by evaluating practical use of PEMF as part of rehabilitation. The proposed study will provide much needed scientific support in the use of this noninvasive treatment modality to facilitate recovery of quadriceps strength after PEMF.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT05184023. Registered on 5 January 2022
Autologous Protein Solution processing alters lymphoid and myeloid cell populations and modulates gene expression dependent on cell type
Authors: Peña Alexis N. , Sommerfeld Sven D. , Anderson Amy E. , Han Jin , Maestas David R. , Mejias Joscelyn C. , Woodell-May Jennifer , King William , Ganguly Sudipto , Elisseeff Jennifer H.
Published: September 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease associated with cartilage degradation, osteophyte formation, and fibrillation. Autologous Protein Solution (APS), a type of autologous anti-inflammatory orthobiologic, is used for pain management and treatment of OA. Various compositions of autologous PRP formulations are in clinical use for musculoskeletal pathologies, by nature of their minimal processing and source of bioactive molecules. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal composition of the complex mixture. In this study, we focused on elucidating the immune cell subtypes and phenotypes in APS. We identified the immune cell types in APS from healthy donors and investigated phenotypic changes in the immune cells after APS processing. Based on flow cytometric analysis, we found that neutrophils and T cells are the most abundant immune cell types in APS, while monocytes experience the largest fold change in concentration compared to WBCs. Gene expression profiling revealed that APS processing results in differential gene expression changes dependent on immune cell type, with the most significantly differentially regulated genes occurring in the monocytes. Our results demonstrate that the mechanical processing of blood, whose main purpose is enrichment and separation, can alter its protein and cellular composition, as well as cellular phenotypes in the final product.
Classification of forest fuels in selected fire-prone ecosystems of Alberta, Canada—implications for crown fire behaviour prediction and fuel management
Authors: Phelps Nathan , Beverly Jennifer L.
Published: September 2022

Key message

We used clustering to construct fuel classes from fuel inventory data based on three stand attributes relevant to crown fire behaviour: surface fuel load (SFL), canopy base height (CBH) and canopy bulk density (CBD). Resulting fuel classes explained more of the stand-to-stand variability in predicted crown fire behaviour than fuel types of the Canadian Forest Fire Behaviour Prediction (FBP) System.

Context

Wildfire behaviour is partly determined by stand structure and composition. Fuel characterization is essential for predicting fire behaviour and managing vegetation. Currently, categorical fuel types based on associations with major forested or open vegetated landcovers are used nationally in Canada for fire research and management applications.

Aim

To provide an alternative description of selected forest fuels in Alberta, Canada, using direct classification in which fuel categories are constructed from data using analytical methods.

Methods

Fuel inventory data for 476 stands were used to construct fuel classes with clustering. Potential crown fire behaviour was modelled for resulting fuel class clusters (FCCs) and FCCs were compared with assigned FBP System fuel types. Tree-based modelling was used to identify stand characteristics most influential on FCC membership. Fuel treatment effects on FCC and modelled crown fire behaviour were explored for the FCC most susceptible to crown fire.

Results

Four FCCs were identified: Red (low SFL, low CBH, low CBD); Green (high SFL, low-moderate CBH, low CBD); Blue (low SFL, high CBH, low-moderate CBD); and Black (low SFL, moderate CBH, high CBD). Stand density of live conifers and FBP System fuel type were the most important variables influencing FCC membership; however, FCCs did not align directly with assigned FBP System fuel types. Fuel reduction treatments in the Black FCC were effective at shifting the stand to a less flammable FCC.

Conclusion

FCCs explained more of the stand-to-stand variability in predicted crown fire behaviour than assigned FBP System fuel types, which suggests FCCs could be used to improve fire behaviour predictions and aid fire managers in prioritizing areas for fuel treatments. Future technological and remote sensing advances could enable mapping FCCs across large regions.
Youth Metacognitive Therapy (YoMeta): protocol for a single-blind randomised feasibility trial of a transdiagnostic intervention versus treatment as usual in 11–16-year-olds with common mental health problems
Authors: Wells Adrian , Carter Karin , Hann Mark , Shields Gemma , Wallis Paul , Cooper Beth , Capobianco Lora
Published: September 2022

Background

Mental health disorders in children and young people (CYP) are increasing but the provision of current evidence-based treatment for common mental health problems is limited. Treatment effects vary widely with no clear superiority of a single treatment approach. Further evaluation of contemporary and effective treatments in CYP is needed. Metacognitive therapy (MCT) has shown enhanced efficacy over ‘gold standard’ approaches in adult mental health, but so far has not been evaluated in a randomised trial of CYP. As such, we aim to assess the acceptability and feasibility of group-MCT for CYP with common mental health problems in comparison to usual treatment within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Method

YoMeta is a multicentre, two-arm, single-blind randomised feasibility trial comparing group-MCT to usual care in CYP with common mental health problems in CAMHS. CYP (target sample n = 100) with a common mental health problem will be recruited across at least three CAMHS services in the UK. Participants in the intervention arm will receive up to eight sessions of group-MCT delivered by a CAMHS mental health practitioner. The control arm will receive usual care in CAMHS which includes individual or group-based therapy. Feasibility will be assessed by the success of recruitment, retention, and data quality. Acceptability of the intervention will be assessed by the number of sessions attended and through qualitative interviews aimed at exploring CYP acceptability and understanding of the intervention. Symptoms of psychological distress will be assessed using the Revised Children Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) at 20 weeks. We will also assess psychological well-being, symptoms of depression, metacognitive beliefs, quality of life, and measures to support economic evaluation (health status and health and social care use). Qualitative interviews will be conducted to understand practitioner’s views on training and delivery of group-MCT.

Discussion

The trial is designed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of group-MCT for CYP with common mental health problems. Group-MCT may aid in improving access to treatment, reduce waiting times, and improve outcomes for CYP with common mental health disorders. The study will provide important information and data to evaluate future research potential and confirm sample size estimation for a definitive large-scale RCT to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of group-MCT in CYP.

Trial registration

NCT05260060; ISCTRN18335255
A combination of moderate and vigorous physical activities reduces the burden of multimorbidity: findings from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India
Authors: Behera Sasmita , Pradhan Jalandhar
Published: September 2022

Background

Physical inactivity is a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of this study is to examine the association between physical activity and multimorbidity among Indian adults aged 45 years and above by residence.

Methods

Data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) 2017–2018, wave 1, a nationally representative study, are used to examine the above objective. A total of 59,073 adults aged 45 years and above are enlisted in the study. Physical activities and other demographic and socioeconomic variables have been used to describe the distribution of multimorbidity and investigate their relationship. Logistic regression is employed to examine the adjusted impact of physical activity on multimorbidity among Indian adults (45 + years) by residence.

Results

The level of physical activity is inversely related to the prevalence of multimorbidity in India. The rate of multimorbidity ranges from 4 to 12% among moderately active individuals in rural areas, whereas it ranges from 9 to 34% in urban areas across the age groups of 45 to 75+ years. Notably, the individuals who engage in both moderate and vigorous activities have a lower prevalence of multimorbidity than those who engage in only moderate activities.

Conclusion

Our study shows that physical inactivity has an association with the rise in multimorbidity in both rural and urban areas; however, the intensity of multimorbidity is higher in urban areas. The policymakers should consider the influence of moderate and vigorous physical activity as a key prevention measure of non-communicable disease and multimorbidity.
A revised application of cognitive presence automatic classifiers for MOOCs: a new set of indicators revealed?
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Donald Claire , Giacaman Nasser
Published: September 2022

Automatic analysis of the myriad discussion messages in large online courses can support effective educator-learner interaction at scale. Robust classifiers are an essential foundation for the use of automatic analysis of cognitive presence in practice. This study reports on the application of a revised machine learning approach, which was originally developed from traditional, small-scale, for-credit, online courses, to automatically identify the phases of cognitive presence in the discussions from a Philosophy Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). The classifier performed slightly better on the MOOC discussions than similar previous studies have found. A new set of indicators to identify cognitive presence was revealed in the MOOC discussions, unlike those in the traditional courses. This study also cross-validated the classifier using MOOC discussion data from three other disciplines: Medicine, Education, and Humanities. Our results suggest that the cognitive classifier trained using MOOC data in only one discipline cannot yet be applied to other disciplines with sufficient accuracy.
Deep learning strategy for salt model building
Authors: Klatt Matheus , Faria Elisangela L. , Muller Ana Paula O. , Coelho Juliana M. , González Jorge L. , de Albuquerque Marcelo P. , de Albuquerque Marcio P. , Bom Clecio R. , Correia Maury Duarte
Published: September 2022

Velocity models are crucial intermediate products generated in seismic data processing, and the model’s accuracy is essential for constructing quality seismic images. Conventional approaches to velocity-model building (VMB) use a family of inversion methods, among which are ray-based tomography and full-waveform inversion. These methods have been highly optimized throughout the years but are still heavily dependent on continuous human curation of the results, which leads to an overall high time cost, especially in areas with high structural complexity, such as those containing salt tectonics. We have investigated a deep learning (DL) approach that accurately defines salt geometries for VMB. We train our convolutional neural network on synthetic shot gather data, explore a manner of leveraging information through summation of shot data, and determine the influence that the choice of loss function has on the quality and aspect of predicted velocity models. Our residual U-Net model trained on data containing only randomly shaped salt bodies can estimate geologically complex salt geometries such as those in 2D SEG/EAGE salt model slices. Our results find that deeper encoder-decoder models with shortcut connections resolve velocity model structures better than shallower models. Moreover, network models trained with a composite loss function — combining mean absolute error and the multiscale structural similarity index — better delineate the contours of areas with high-velocity contrast and better recover regions with a uniform velocity trend than network models trained with conventional loss functions like the mean squared error. The residual U-Net and loss functions that we use are not task-specific and can be extended to other DL approaches to VMB.
Distributed acoustic sensing time-lapse vertical seismic profiling during zipper-fracturing operations: Observations, modeling, and interpretation
Authors: Titov Aleksei , Jin Ge , Binder Gary , Tura Ali
Published: September 2022

Recent advances in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology allow active seismic monitoring of stimulated rock volume (SRV) development. We showcase an interstage DAS vertical seismic profiling survey acquired during a zipper-fracturing stimulation. Incident P waves scattered by the SRV and converted to S waves are observed in the data. The signals are associated not only with hydraulic fracturing stages of the instrumented well but also with the fracturing of an adjacent well in the zipper group. A workflow is developed to monitor and characterize the SRV, fracture closure time, and interactions between zipper wells. The 3D full-wavefield modeling confirms the data interpretation and provides additional insight. As a result, we have been able to estimate SRV properties, including SRV height, width, and the fracture closure time for all wells within the zipper group. Moreover, for adjacent wells, the length and azimuth of SRV can be constrained. Our work provides critical information for optimizing hydraulic fracturing operations.
Monochromatic wave-equation traveltime inversion in vertical transverse isotropic media: Theory and application
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Dong Liangguo , Wang Jianhua , Huang Chao , Liu Yuzhu
Published: September 2022

Wave-equation traveltime inversion (WTI) is a promising tool for reconstructing the intrinsic anisotropy properties of the earth’s interior. However, conventional time-domain implementation of anisotropic WTI involves crosscorrelation between source- and receiver-side time-domain wavefields for gradient calculation, which requires heavy memory consumption and computational cost for storing/recomputing the source-side time-domain wavefields. To overcome this problem, we develop a novel frequency-domain anisotropic WTI method using only monochromatic wavefields during inversion. Thus, the memory requirement and computational cost are significantly reduced, which makes the monochromatic anisotropic WTI practical for real large-size applications. We focus on transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI) and aim to invert the P-wave vertical velocity [Formula: see text] and anisotropic parameter [Formula: see text]. The subspace approach is adopted for calculating multiple step lengths to balance the updates of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] values in our VTI WTI method. Synthetic numerical examples based on an inclusion model and the BP 2007 model prove that the proposed monochromatic VTI WTI method can reconstruct background VTI models as accurately as VTI WTI with multiple frequencies. Then, we apply our method to an ocean-bottom seismic data set acquired at the Qiuyue field in the East China Sea. The inverted vertical velocity [Formula: see text] matches well with the long-wavelength component of the sonic well-logging velocity. Compared with the inverted isotropic velocity model, the inverted VTI model produces more focused seismic imaging reflectors throughout the section and more accurately positions the reflector depths, which is confirmed by the sonic well logging.