bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRISPR activation as a platform to identify interferon stimulated genes with anti-viral function
Authors: Kirby Emily N. , Montin Xavier B. , Allen Timothy P. , Densumite Jaslan , Trowbridge Brooke N. , Beard Michael R.
Published: January 2024

Interferon Stimulated Gene (ISG) expression plays a key role in the control of viral replication and development of a robust adaptive response. Understanding this dynamic relationship between the pathogen and host is critical to our understanding of viral life-cycles and development of potential novel anti-viral strategies. Traditionally, plasmid based exogenous prompter driven expression of ISGs has been used to investigate anti-viral ISG function, however there are deficiencies in this approach. To overcome this, we investigated the utility of CRISPR activation (CRISPRa), which allows for targeted transcriptional activation of a gene from its endogenous promoter. Using the CRISPRa-SAM system to induce targeted expression of a panel of anti-viral ISGs we showed robust induction of mRNA and protein expression. We then employed our CRISPRa-SAM ISG panel in several antiviral screen formats to test for the ability of ISGs to prevent viral induced cytopathic cell death (CPE) and replication of Dengue Virus (DENV), Zika Virus (ZIKV), West Nile Virus Kunjin (WNVKUN), Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E). Our CRISPRa approach confirmed the anti-viral activity of ISGs like IFI6, IFNβ and IFNλ2 that prevented viral induced CPE, which was supported by high-content immunofluorescence imaging analysis. This work highlights CRISPRa as a rapid, agile, and powerful methodology to identify and characterise ISGs and viral restriction factors.
The labor of strikes: Unions, workers, and the 2023 US strike wave
Authors: Rutherford Tod
Published: January 2024

This article examines the ongoing 2023 US strike wave while setting it within the institutional and historical context of the post-war American industrial relations paradigm. This paradigm was often challenged by workers, and after 1970, its decline also reflected deindustrialization, increasing employer attacks and state and legal shifts toward neoliberalism which contributed to the decline of unionization, strikes, and increasingly deteriorating work conditions. However, especially after the 2008–2009 crisis, these factors also laid the basis for increasing worker resistance. The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have shifted labor market conditions in the workers’ favor and contributed to the current strike wave, and some strikes such as those by the United Auto Workers have been framed within a wider political and class narrative. Nonetheless, the trajectory of these strikes is in question. Whether they can lead to a sustained increase in American workers’ power depends on their ability to scale up both through organizing and politically via the state.
The Andrew Carnegie Effect: Legacy Motives Increase the Intergenerational Allocation of Wealth to Collective Causes
Authors: Paek Jessica J. W. , Goya-Tocchetto Daniela , Wade-Benzoni Kimberly A.
Published: January 2024

Andrew Carnegie was known for proclaiming that people have an obligation to leave their wealth to collective causes that benefit society. Yet, people tend to think of legacy within the constraints of their familial circles. In our work, we show that a simple reflection task that activates legacy motives can lead people to overcome this restricted way of construing legacy, expanding their circle of moral concern when considering how to allocate their wealth between different types of beneficiaries. Across four preregistered studies ( N = 3,656), we found that when people are prompted to consider how their lives will impact future generations, they allocate more of their wealth to collectivistic beneficiaries (e.g., charities) and less of their wealth to relational beneficiaries (e.g., family members). We call this the “Andrew Carnegie Effect.”
How does the general population approach their pain? A cross-sectional study in Palestine
Authors: Hamdan Anas , Mosleh Rami
Published: January 2024

Background:

Pain perception and management vary across cultural contexts; yet, little is known about pain approaches in the general population of Palestine. Existing research lacks specific knowledge about how pain is coped with in this region.

Objective:

To explore pain management among Palestine’s general population, studying prevalence, characteristics, and sociodemographic influences. It aims to uncover treatment choices and understand cultural impacts on pain experiences, offering insights into Palestinian pain perception and coping strategies.

Methods:

Convenience and snowball sampling methods were employed to collect data from 646 adults in Palestine. Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, pain experiences, and pain management strategies were examined. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression followed by multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis.

Results:

A significant portion of participants reported experiencing pain, with chronic pain being predominant. Pain prevalence varied across age groups, with higher rates in the elderly, followed by middle-aged and younger participants. Marital status and education level were linked to pain prevalence. Participants employed diverse pain management strategies, such as self-medication, physician visits, complementary medicine, and physical therapy. Age, gender, marital status, and education level influenced choices in pain management approaches. For instance, the elderly favored traditional medical interventions, while higher education levels were associated with reduced inclination toward conventional treatments.

Conclusion:

This study underscores the complex interaction of sociodemographic factors, pain experiences, and treatment preferences in pain management. It emphasizes personalized strategies considering age, marital status, education, and gender. Integrating these aspects improves treatment and satisfaction. The findings empower healthcare providers to create precise strategies, enhancing patient experiences for better outcomes.
Analysis of digital capacity-related factors influencing health promotion participation and active aging of older adults residing in rural areas in South Korea: A structural equation model
Authors: Lee Hocheol , Nam Hae Kweun , Zhao Bo , Jeong Hee Ra , Lim Subean , Chun Ayoung , Kim Min Kyoung , Kim Dong Hyun , Aung Myo Nyein , Koyanagi Yuka , Nam Eun Woo
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to identify the correlation between digital capacity, health promotion participation, and active aging of older people living in rural areas in South Korea to assess the factors influencing participation in programs for health promotion and active aging.

Methods

Data were collected through a 1:1 face-to-face survey using a structured questionnaire from 13 February to 24 February 2023 during the older individuals’ visits in the senior citizen welfare centers and senior citizen centers in the region. The Measuring Digital Skills questionnaire used to assess the digital competence of South Korean individuals was employed in this study. To confirm the structural relationship between digital capacity and health promotion participation and active aging in the older population aged 65 years and older based on the collected data, a structural equation modeling analysis was performed.

Results

Active health promotion participation had a positive effect on active aging. The pathway that older adults in Korea can led to participation in health promotion and active aging in the current situation is not mainly through the digital competency whereas mobile internet skill showed positive influneces.

Conclusions

In the digital era and super-aged society, various programs are provided to older individuals to enhance the utilization of smartphones. However, education and programs for strengthening digital capacity should be organized to explain the advantages of digital use and to inform of the dangers of addiction to ensure healthy aging through social participation and exchange both online and offline.
When the tables turn: Parties in power, losers’ consent, and institutional trust in Taiwan
Authors: Rich Timothy S
Published: January 2024

How does vote choice and partisanship affect institutional trust in Taiwan? While the literature tackles institutional trust in democracies, analyses often focus on only one time period with aggregate measures of trust. Data from two waves from the Asian Barometer finds evidence consistent with losers’ consent of trust in electoral institutions corresponding with party support and vote choice, factors that remain after controlling for trust in non-electoral institutions and generalized trust. However, these factors do not seem to affect overall satisfaction with democracy, suggesting the public differentiates between support for the ideal of democracy and its constituent parts.
An Evolution of Hashtags: A Comparative Analysis of Hashtag Usage Following the Deaths of Michael Brown and George Floyd
Authors: Francisco Sara C. , McMillan Cassie
Published: January 2024

Recent instances of racial injustice and the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement have spurred conversations about police reform across the United States. Exposure to police aggression through the second-hand accounts of family members, friends, and the media is known to shape individuals’ perceptions of law enforcement. However, it remains unclear whether social media platforms can also facilitate vicarious exposure to racialized police violence. The current study addresses this gap by focusing on patterns of hashtag usage in a sample of over 350,000 tweets related to law enforcement. Tweets in our sample were posted following the murders of Michael Brown in 2014 and George Floyd in 2020, enabling us to make comparisons across the two sociotemporal contexts. We find that police-related hashtags were more common in 2020 than 2014. Additionally, from the reconceptualization of our data as hashtag co-occurrence networks, we find that Twitter conversations about law enforcement were more likely to occur in disconnected, polarized clusters during the latter period. Findings demonstrate that there is a polarization of online discourse around struggles for racial justice, which limits the ability for social media platforms to expose members to the public to new perspectives on police reform.
Bridging the Boundaries of Corporate Language Competence in Multinational Teams
Authors: Weinzierl Maria-Luisa
Published: January 2024

Few studies to date examined the emotional unrest that results from communication across cultures in multinational teams (MNTs). Through examination of 12 in-depth interviews and a focus group of respondents from MNTs, this study investigates the impact of language-induced emotions in MNTs resulting from a corporate language mandate. Even with highly proficient linguists, MNTs still experience collaborative difficulties caused by language differences and associated emotions. Issues identified include loss of information, ambiguity over equivalence of meaning, variability in sociolinguistic competence, and problems of adjustment to cultural norms. The research also pinpointed several lingua-culturally adaptive behavioral strategies relating to international leadership.
Are Medical School Curricula Adapting With Their Students? A Survey on How Medical Students Study and How it Relates to USMLE Step 1 Scores
Authors: Halperin Scott J. , Zhu Justin R. , Francis John S. , Grauer Jonathan N.
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES

Over the years, medical schools have evolved their curricula in response to the medical field, faculty, and students. The current study aims to examine how medical students study, what resources they most commonly use, and how it relates to United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study of United States medical students was distributed via social media, GroupMe school chats, and school listservs from September 8, 2020, to December 12, 2020. The survey gathered data including, demographic and school information, resources students, time spent using each resource, and USMLE Step 1 scores.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 560 students from 102 different United States medical schools. Study guides as online resources (83.2%) were mostly used, lecture (82.5%), Anki (spaced repetition flashcards, 68.3%), and school-organized sessions (workshops, labs, and small groups) (60.7%). Of the students surveyed, 90% attended schools with a recorded lecture option. Only 54% of these students watched their lectures live. When watched online, the average watching speed was 1.75 ± 0.4× with a mode of 2× speed. In examining different medical school styles, schools with a 1.5-year preclinical curriculum had higher USMLE Step 1 scores (244.5 ± 15.6 vs 236.9 ± 16.2, P-score = .024) compared to schools that did not (1- or 2-year preclinical curriculum).

CONCLUSION

Medical students seem to be using third-party resources in addition to their medical school curriculums. Because students are already broadly using these, medical schools could allow their curriculums to reference, require, or complement third-party online resources. Additionally, because of their increased cost, medical schools could consider ways to alleviate the cost on medical students as a means of equitable support. Lastly, Step 1 scores significantly correlated with schools with a 1.5-year preclinical curriculum, although the exact reasoning for this remains uncertain.
Numerical investigation of temperature distribution on a tunnel boring machine disc cutter affected by geomechanically and excavation parameters
Authors: Motamedi Mohammad-Hossein , Rahimi-Larki Mohsen , Arefian Amir , Nikoosokhan Saeid
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the thermal behavior of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) through an in-depth investigation into the temperature distribution of their disc cutters. Utilizing the differential quadrature method (DQM), the research conducts a comprehensive numerical analysis to assess the impact of excavation and geological parameters on disc cutter temperature and wear. The accuracy of the DQM model is validated against the finite difference method (FDM), demonstrating comparative results with reduced computational requirements. The findings indicate a significant correlation between disc cutter temperature and various factors, such as rotational speed, spacing, geological conditions, and material strength. Notably, increased spacing or cutter speed leads to higher temperatures and accelerated cutter wear. Moreover, geological factors, particularly rock strength, influence friction coefficients, affecting disc cutter temperatures significantly. For instance, even a slight increase in cutter spacing results in a substantial 65% rise in cutter consumption, underscoring the relevance of these findings for life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluations across diverse geological and environmental conditions in TBM operations.
Numerical analysis of dump slope stability using material properties obtained by parallel gradation method
Authors: Rudra Eeswara Sai Chaitanya Kumar , Gadepaka Prudhvi Raju , Rai Rajesh , Jaiswal Ashok
Published: January 2024

The stability of the dump slope depends on many parameters, mainly the shear strength of the dump material. Obtaining strength parameters of dump material is vital in dump stability analysis. Dump material consisting of particles of varying sizes, as large as 1000 mm, is typical. It is challenging to obtain the material strength properties of such large particles in the laboratory. Extrapolation of the material strength properties of the modelled samples prepared by parallel gradation technique is used to calculate the dump material strength properties in this study. A closer agreement is found between the predicted and calculated values of the angle of internal friction. Numerical modelling has been carried out with the obtained material properties using RS2 V9.0, a finite element package, to analyse the stability of a dump slope. It is observed from the results that FOS (factor of safety) increase with an increase in dmax (maximum particle size), keeping the shape of the PSD (particle size distribution) curve constant. The paper develops a slope stability analysis methodology considering particle size's effect on slope stability. The proposed method can be used for accuracy and reliable results for slope stability analysis.
The contribution of domestic and family violence death reviews in Australia: From recommendations to reform?
Authors: Buxton-Namisnyk Emma , Gibson Althea
Published: January 2024

A key aim of domestic violence death reviews (DVDRs) is to recommend improvements to domestic violence service responses, thereby preventing future domestic violence-related deaths. However, there is little scholarship examining the implementation of DVDR recommendations. This study analyses all recommendations made by two Australian DVDR bodies, from the time of each body's establishment until September 2023, alongside government responses and implementation information. Our findings show that despite high levels of initial government acceptance of DVDR recommendations there remains a considerable implementation gap. We consider implementation barriers, suggest improvements to recommendation monitoring and identify areas for future research.
Expressive narrative writing therapy with inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Gerson Jessica
Published: January 2024

This article describes a new, structured short-term psychotherapy approach to working with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) patients, based up on the integration of expressive writing therapy and narrative therapy. After reviewing the theoretical background and empirical literature on expressive writing and narrative therapy, a rationale for their integration, in particular with the IBD patient population, is made. A detailed description of the approach along with case materials follows.
The Lived Experiences of Pregnant and Parenting Women in Recovery Toward Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Titus-Glover Doris , Shaya Fadia T. , Welsh Christopher , Roane Lynnee
Published: January 2024

Background:

Maternal misuse of prescription opioids and illicit drugs such as, heroin and non-pharmaceutical fentanyl analogs has increased in the last 2 decades and one in 5 women reported misuse of opioids. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are recommended for treating pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD). MOUD is effective in reducing cravings and negative outcomes, yet treatment is underutilized and varies in integration and intensity of resources across health systems. Exploring perceptions of MOUD delivery among pregnant/parenting women promises to uncover and address the underlying challenges to treatment, a perspective that may be different for providers and stakeholders. Therefore, our main purpose is to elicit patients’ experiences and perceptions of MOUD, associated access to treatment, and availability of supportive resources during pregnancy/postpartum to inform OUD treatment.

Methods:

Through a qualitative research approach we gathered data from individual interviews/focus group discussions for this pilot study. Pregnant and postpartum parenting women ( n = 17) responded to questions related to perceptions of MOUD, access to treatment, and availability of social and psychosocial resources. Data were collected, transcribed, and coded (by consensus) and emerging themes were analyzed using grounded theory methodology.

Results:

Emerging themes revealed positive uptake and perceptions of MOUD, continuing gaps in knowledge, negative impact of stigmatization, and limited access to programs and resources. Supportive relationships from family, peers, healthcare providers and child welfare staff, and co-located services were perceived as positive motivators to recovery.

Conclusions:

Through the unique lenses of women with lived experience, this study revealed several themes that can be transformative for women. Overall perceptions of MOUD were positive and likely to facilitate uptake and promote positive recovery outcomes. Bridging knowledge gaps will reduce anxieties, fears about neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and adverse maternal outcomes. Additionally, a deeper understanding of stigmatization and relationships can inform an integrated patient-centered approach to OUD treatment.
The FASTER-BUP Study, Extended-Release Injectable Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Among Individuals at High Risk of Overdose: Protocol for an Observational Prospective Study
Authors: Langlois Jenna , Nolan Seonaid , Dickhout Piper , Cui Zishan , Paterson Josh , Fairbairn Nadia , Socías M. Eugenia
Published: January 2024

North America is facing an unprecedented public health emergency of opioid-related morbidity and mortality. The mortality benefits of oral medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as methadone or buprenorphine, are well documented. However, barriers to access and long-term engagement have prevented maximizing their benefits. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine formulations were developed to address some of the challenges associated with oral MOUD. The “Pilot study to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of extended-release injectable buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder among individuals at high risk of overdose” (FASTER-BUP) was developed to explore this treatment option in populations at high risk of overdose in a real-world Canadian setting. FASTER-BUP is a 24-week observational prospective study evaluating the feasibility and clinical utility of extended-release injectable buprenorphine (XR-BUP) for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) among 40 adults at high risk of overdose (ie, lifetime history of overdose or a positive urine drug test (UDT) for fentanyl within 30 days prior to screening) in Vancouver, BC. The primary outcome is retention in treatment and secondary outcomes include: use of unregulated opioids, safety, overdose events, treatment satisfaction, changes in drug-related problems, changes in quality of life, opioid cravings, health service utilization, and criminal activity. FASTER-BUP is the first study to explore XR-BUP among individuals at high risk of overdose in a real-world Canadian setting. This commentary provides a brief narrative about the study thus far and presents insights on key adaptations to the study protocol, including those adopted to mitigate recruitment challenges.
Preparing Physicians to Treat Addiction: Inclusion of Dedicated Addiction Training During Internal Medicine Residency
Authors: Canver Bethany , Liptak Alayna , Clark Katie , Tetrault Jeanette M. , Holt Stephen R.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Physicians in internal medicine lack comfort and skills required to diagnose and treat substance use disorder (SUD). Formal training in substance use treatment within primary care training has traditionally been inconsistent and sparse. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a longitudinal experiential addiction curriculum on the attitudes and experiences of graduates from a primary care/internal medicine residency program that included formal addiction didactics, rotations in an outpatient addiction clinic embedded within the resident primary care clinic, and exposure to addiction medicine faculty across treatment settings.

Methods:

A survey was emailed to all graduates from a single academic primary care residency program who graduated between 2016 and 2018 (n = 53). The survey assessed pharmacotherapy for SUD prescribing patterns, comfort with SUD pharmacotherapy, overall comfort treating SUD, experience correcting stigmatizing language, and providing guidance to colleagues on the care of patients with SUD. A subset of respondents (n = 14) were interviewed regarding their experience with the residency program’s addiction medicine curriculum and its impact on their current clinical practice.

Results:

Sixty percent (n = 28) of graduates responded to the survey. All respondents felt comfortable using medications to treat SUD. Eighty-four percent perceived themselves as more comfortable using pharmacotherapy to treat SUD than their colleagues. Qualitative interviews revealed that this addiction medicine training shaped participants’ attitudes toward patients with SUD and imparted them with the skills to address stigmatizing language. Participants described how they have become ambassadors of addiction medicine in their workplace and a resource to colleagues with less comfort in the management of SUD.

Conclusion:

Graduates of a primary care/internal medicine residency with a dedicated addiction medicine curriculum are comfortable prescribing pharmacotherapy for SUD, taking an active role in reducing SUD-related stigma, and serving as a resource for colleagues.
Childhood Aggressive Behavior and Adolescent Substance Use Initiation
Authors: Satybaldiyeva Nora , Delker Erin , Bandoli Gretchen
Published: January 2024

Background:

Drug and alcohol use before the age of 14 is associated with adverse outcomes over the life course. While previous studies have identified numerous sociodemographic characteristics associated with youth substance use initiation, few have examined the relationship between behavioral characteristics, such as childhood aggression, and substance use initiation in adolescence.

Methods:

This longitudinal study consisted of 2985 children from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Aggression was measured using primary caregiver report when the children were about the age of 9 and cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use was measured using the child report when the children were age 9 and age 15. Separate multivariable Poisson regression models were fitted for each substance use initiation outcome.

Results:

Childhood aggression was positively associated with the initiation of cigarette and marijuana use in adolescence (aRR = 2.3 [95% CI = 1.5,3.4] and aRR = 1.3 [95% CI = 1.1,1.6], respectively). Childhood aggression was not associated with adolescent alcohol use initiation (aRR = 1.2 [95% CI = 0.9,1.5]).

Conclusions:

The presence of aggressive behavior in childhood was associated with the initiation of cigarette and marijuana use in adolescence. These results may be used to identify children at higher risk of cigarette and marijuana use, who may benefit from additional monitoring for substance use initiation.
Molecular characterisation of Pinus sylvestris (L.) in Ireland at the western limit of the species distribution
Authors: Belton Samuel , Cubry Philippe , Roche Jenni R. , Kelleher Colin T.
Published: January 2024

Background

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) underwent significant population declines across much of northwest Europe during the mid-to-late Holocene and was thought to have become extirpated in Ireland from about 400 AD. However, most extant populations are plantations reintroduced from Scotland. Others are naturalised therefrom and one in Western Ireland is a putative relict. In this paper, Scots pine in Ireland are genetically described for the first time.

Results

Using two mitochondrial (mtDNA) loci, eight chloroplast (cpSSR) and 18 nuclear (nSSR) loci, the genetic composition and diversity of 19 Irish Scots pine populations is described and compared to other European populations. All trees sampled in Ireland were fixed for mitotypea, which is the most common across northwest Europe. By contrast, cpSSR (HCP= 0.967) and nSSR (He= 0.540) variation was high, and comparable with estimates for other regions across the species range. Differentiation at both sets of loci were similarly low (cpSSRFST= 0.019; nSSRFST= 0.018), but populations from continental Europe were significantly differentiated from all Irish populations based on nSSR variation.

Conclusions

All Irish Scots pine are likely part of a common Irish-Scottish gene pool which diverged from continental Scots pine following post-glacial recolonisation. A high genetic diversity and an absence of evidence of inbreeding suggests the regional decline of Scots pine did not critically reduce allelic variation. The post-glacial relationship between Irish and Scottish pine is discussed, and a suggestion from recent palaeoecological work that reintroduced Scots pine be managed as a native species is now further supported by genetic data.
Genome-wide identification, evolution, and role of SPL gene family in beet (Beta vulgaris L.) under cold stress
Authors: Xue Guoxing , Wu Weijiao , Fan Yue , Ma Chao , Xiong Ruiqi , Bai Qing , Yao Xin , Weng Wenfeng , Cheng Jianping , Ruan Jingjun
Published: January 2024

Background

SPL transcription factors play vital roles in regulating plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), one of the world’s main sugar-producing crops, is a major source of edible and industrial sugars for humans. Although the SPL gene family has been extensively identified in other species, no reports on the SPL gene family in sugar beet are available.

Results

Eight BvSPL genes were identified at the whole-genome level and were renamed based on their positions on the chromosome. The gene structure, SBP domain sequences, and phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis were analyzed for the sugar beet SPL gene family. The eight BvSPL genes were divided into six groups (II, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII). Of the BvSPL genes, no tandem duplication events were found, but one pair of segmental duplications was present. Multiple cis-regulatory elements related to growth and development were identified in the 2000-bp region upstream of the BvSPL gene start codon (ATG). Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the expression profiles of the eight BvSPL genes were examined under eight types of abiotic stress and during the maturation stage. BvSPL transcription factors played a vital role in abiotic stress, with BvSPL3 and BvSPL6 being particularly noteworthy.

Conclusion

Eight sugar beet SPL genes were identified at the whole-genome level. Phylogenetic trees, gene structures, gene duplication events, and expression profiles were investigated. The qRT-PCR analysis indicated that BvSPLs play a substantial role in the growth and development of sugar beet, potentially participating in the regulation of root expansion and sugar accumulation.
Impact of residual coronary lesions on outcomes of myocardial infarction patients with multi-vessel disease
Authors: Ahmed Tarek A. N. , Othman Amr A. A. , Demitry Salwa R. , Elmaghraby Khaled M.
Published: January 2024

Background

The residual burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) drew a growing interest. The residual SYNTAX Score (rSS) was a strong prognostic factor of adverse events and all-cause mortality in patients who underwent PCI. In addition, the SYNTAX Revascularization Index (SRI), a derivative of rSS, was used to figure out the treated proportion of CAD and could be used as a prognostic utility in PCI for patients with multi-vessel disease (MVD).

Purpose

We aimed at the assessment of the use of rSS and the SRI as predictors of in-hospital outcomes and up to two-year cumulative follow-up outcomes in patients with MVD who had PCI for the treatment of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or Non-STEMI (NSTEMI).

Methods

We recruited 149 patients who had either STEMI or NSTEMI while having MVD and received treatment with PCI. We divided them into tertiles based on their rSS and SRI values. We calculated baseline SYNTAX Score (bSS) and rSS using the latest version of the calculator on the internet, and we used both scores to calculate SRI. The study end-points were In-hospital composite Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and its components, in-hospital death, and follow-up cumulative MACE up to 2 years.

Results

Neither rSS nor SRI were significant predictors of in-hospital adverse events, while female sex, hypertension, and left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of in-hospital MACE. At the two-year follow-up, Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed a significantly increased incidence of MACE within the third rSS tertile (rSS > 12) compared to other tertiles (log rank p = 0.03). At the same time, there was no significant difference between the three SRI tertiles. Unlike SRI, rSS was a significant predictor of cumulative MACE on univariate Cox regression (HR = 1.037, p < 0.001). On multivariate Cox regression, rSS was a significant independent predictor of two-year cumulative MACE (HR = 1.038, p = 0.0025) along with female sex, hypertension, and left ventricular ejection fraction. We also noted that all patients with complete revascularization survived well throughout the entire follow-up period.

Conclusions

Neither rSS nor SRI could be good predictors of in-hospital MACE, while the rSS was a good predictor of MACE at two-year follow-up. Patients with rSS values > 12 had a significantly higher incidence of cumulative MACE after 2 years. The best prognosis was achieved with complete revascularization.
Investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiac arrhythmia after CABG surgery
Authors: Mohammadi Somayeh , Paryad Ezzat , Khanghah Atefeh Ghanbari , Leili Ehsan Kazemnezhad , Noveiri Marzieh Jahani Sayad
Published: January 2024

Background and objective

Heart rhythm disorder is one of the most common problems after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Various factors, such as the history of sleep apnoea before the operation, may aggravate the occurrence of this disorder. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between sleep apnoea before surgery and heart rhythm disorder after surgery in patients undergoing coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in 2019.

Methods

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 192 patients who were selected by sequential sampling. The research tool included demographic information, a checklist of heart rhythm disorders, and the Berlin sleep apnoea questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann–Whitney’s U-test, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 71.35% of the samples were male, and the mean age of the participants was 57.8 ± 7.5 years. Also, 46.0% of the samples had sleep pane and 21.35% had rhythm disorder. The most frequent heart rhythm disorder in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea was atrial fibrillation. There was a significant relationship between the occurrence of rhythm disorder and a history of smoking (P = 0.021), and the regression model showed that a history of smoking is the only variable related to the occurrence of rhythm disorder after coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (P = 0.005, CI 95%: 6.566–1.386, OR = 3.017).

Conclusions

The results showed that there is no statistically significant relationship between sleep apnea and rhythm disorder after coronary artery bypass surgery.
Randomized controlled trials on promoting self-care behaviors among informal caregivers of older patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Huanran , Lou Vivian W. Q. , Xu Shicheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Informal caregivers of older patients often neglect their self-care, despite the mental and physical health effects of caregiving. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on self-care interventions for informal caregivers are lacking, making it difficult to determine effective strategies. This systematic review explored the definition and categories of self-care RCTs for informal caregivers and a meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness of these interventions.

Methods

Seven databases (Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, ProQuest, CINAHL, and Embase) were searched for articles in English reporting on self-care intervention outcomes for informal caregivers of patients aged 60 years or older. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were conducted.

Results

Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review, of which fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. RCTs lacked a clear definition of self-care, mainly focused on promoting physical and mental health and individual capacity, and neglected disease prevention. The interventions focused on self-management for health and individual agency, with less attention on health literacy, decision-making capacity, self-monitoring for health status, and linkage to the health system. Meta-analysis results showed that RCTs had a small effect on reducing anxiety (SMD = -0.142, 95% CI [-0.302, 0.017], p = .081) but a significant effect on reducing depression (SMD = -0.214, 95% CI [-0.353, -0.076], p = .002). Country and type of caregiver significantly contributed to the effect of reducing caregivers’ depression in subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

Studies on caregiver-centered self-care interventions are limited, resulting in a lack of a clear definition and comprehensive intervention. RCTs indicated a small effect on informal caregivers’ mental health, and interventions should consider both mental and physical health. More evidence is needed on the effectiveness of self-care interventions for informal caregivers’ anxiety and physical health.
Long-term symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of hospital employees: duration and predictive factors
Authors: Gruber Rosalie , Montilva Ludewig María Verónica , Weßels Christina , Schlang Gerlinde , Jedhoff Svenja , Herbrandt Swetlana , Mattner Frauke
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the frequency, duration and patterns of long-term coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms and to analyse risk factors for long-lasting COVID-19 sequelae among a cohort of hospital employees (HEs).

Methods

We conducted a survey regarding persistent COVID-19 related symptoms with all HEs from three medical centres in Cologne, Germany, who were tested SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive from March 2020 until May 2021. Duration of symptoms and possible risk factors for protracted COVID-19 course were analysed.

Results

Of 221 included HEs, a number of 104 HEs (47.1%) reported at least one persisting symptom for more than 90 days after initial SARS-CoV-2 detection. Each one cycle higher initial Ct value significantly increased the chances of overcoming symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.01–1.09; p = 0.019). The occurrence of breathlessness within the first ten days (OR 7.89; 95%CI 1.87–41.43; p = 0.008), an initial Ct value under 30 (OR 3.36; 95%CI 1.22–9.94; p = 0.022) as well as the occurrence of anosmia or ageusia within the first ten days (OR 3.01; 95%CI 1.10–8.84; p = 0.037) showed a statistically significant association with increased odds of illness duration over 90 days.

Conclusion

About half of the HEs suffered from long lasting symptoms over 90 days after almost entirely mild acute COVID-19. Predictive factors could possibly be used for early treatment to prevent development of long-term symptoms after COVID-19 in future.
Study protocol: infectious diseases consortium (I3D) for study on integrated and innovative approaches for management of respiratory infections: respiratory infections research and outcome study (RESPIRO)
Authors: Ng Dorothy Hui Lin , Chia Travis Ren Teen , Young Barnaby Edward , Sadarangani Sapna , Puah Ser Hon , Low Jenny Guek Hong , Yan Gabriel Zherong , Mo Yin , Ngiam Nicholas Jinghao , Wang Samuel Sherng Young , Loo Yan Tong , Ong Faith Evangeline Jie Qi , Li Andrew Yunkai , Ho Sharlene , Ng Lisa , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Yeo Tsin Wen
Published: January 2024

Background

Community-acquired respiratory infections are a leading cause of illness and death globally. The aetiologies of community-acquired pneumonia remain poorly defined. The RESPIRO study is an ongoing prospective observational cohort study aimed at developing pragmatic logistical and analytic platforms to accurately identify the causes of moderate-to-severe community-acquired pneumonia in adults and understand the factors influencing disease caused by individual pathogens. The study is currently underway in Singapore and has plans for expansion into the broader region.

Methods

RESPIRO is being conducted at three major tertiary hospitals in Singapore. Adults hospitalised with acute community-acquired pneumonia or lower respiratory tract infections, based on established clinical, laboratory and radiological criteria, will be recruited. Over the course of the illness, clinical data and biological samples will be collected longitudinally and stored in a biorepository for future analysis.

Discussion

The RESPIRO study is designed to be hypothesis generating, complementary to and easily integrated with other research projects and clinical trials. The detailed clinical database and biorepository will yield insights into the epidemiology and outcomes of community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections in Singapore and the surrounding region and offers the opportunity to deeply characterise the microbiology and immunopathology of community-acquired pneumonia.
Classifications of anterior segment structure of congenital corneal opacity in infants and toddlers by ultrasound biomicroscopy and slit-lamp microscopic photographs: an observational study
Authors: Hong Jing , Xie Zijun , Wang Xin , Yu Ting , Ma Siyi , Ben Hanzhi , Gu Shao-feng
Published: January 2024

Background

The structural features have an impact on the surgical prognosis for congenital corneal opacity (CCO). The structural classification system of CCO, however, is lacking. Based on data from ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) findings in infants and toddlers with CCO, this research proposed a classification system for the anterior segment structure severity.

Methods

Medical records, preoperative UBM images and slit-lamp photographs of infants and toddlers diagnosed with CCO at University Third Hospital between December 2018 and June 2022 were reviewed. According to the anterior segment structural features observed in UBM images, eyes were classified as follows: U1, opaque cornea only; U2, central anterior synechia; U3, peripheral anterior synechia combined with angle closure; and U4, aniridia or lens anomaly. The opacity appearance and corneal vascularization density observed in slit-lamp photographs were assigned grades according to previous studies. The extent of vascularization was also recorded. The corresponding intraocular anomaly classifications and ocular surface lesion severity were analysed.

Results

Among 81 eyes (65 patients), 41 (50.6%) were right eyes, and 40 (49.4%) were left eyes. The median age at examination was 6.91 months (n = 81, 1.00, 34.00). Two (2.5%) of the 81 eyes were classified as U1, 20 (24.7%) as U2, 22 (27.2%) as U3a, 11 (13.6%) as U3b and 26 (32.1%) as U4. Bilateral CCO eyes had more severe UBM classifications (P = 0.019), more severe dysgenesis (P = 0.012) and a larger angle closure (P = 0.009). Eyes with more severe UBM classifications had higher opacity grades (P = 0.003) and vascularization grades (P = 0.014) and a larger vascularization extent (P = 0.001). Eyes with dysgenesis had higher haze grades (P = 0.012) and more severe vascularization (P = 0.003 for density; P = 0.008 for extent), while the angle closure range was related to haze grade (P = 0.013) and vascularization extent (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

This classification method based on UBM and slit-lamp photography findings in the eyes of CCO infants and toddlers can truly reflect the degree of abnormality of the ocular surface and anterior segment and is correlated with the severity of ocular surface anomalies. This method might provide meaningful guidance for surgical procedure design and prognostic determinations for keratoplasty in CCO eyes.
Moderating role of 1-minute abdominal test in the relationship between cardiometabolic risk factors and adiponectin concentration in adolescents
Authors: Tadiotto Maiara Cristina , Corazza Patricia Ribeiro Paes , de Menezes-Junior Francisco José , Tozo Tatiana Aparecida Affornali , de Moraes-Junior Frederico Bento , Brand Caroline , Purim Kátia Sheylla Malta , Mota Jorge , Leite Neiva
Published: January 2024

Background

Adiponectin is an anti-inflammatory cytokine secreted by adipose tissue, has been associated with adiposity and cardiometabolic risk, and has controversial results with muscular fitness. The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction of 1-minute abdominal test in the relationship between adiposity, body composition, cardiometabolic risk and adiponectin concentration in adolescents.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 62 adolescents of both sexes, aged 11 to 16 years, approved by the Ethics Committee of Research in Humans (CAEE: 62963916.0.0000.5223). Body mass, height, abdominal circumference (AC), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein (LDL-c), triglycerides (TG), adiponectin, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP), 1-minute abdominal test (ABD) were measured. Body mass index (BMI), z-score BMI (BMI-z), triponderal mass index (TMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. The macro PROCESS for SPSS v.24.0 was used for moderation analyses, with linear regression models.

Results

Inverse interactions were found for adiposity (BMI, BMI-z, TMI, AC, WC, WHtR), body composition (FM, FFM) and CMRF (SBP, DBP, MBP, TG) versus 1-minute abdominal test with adiponectin concentration, demonstrating that abdominal test is a moderator in these relationships.

Conclusion

We conclude that 1-minute abdominal test may play an important role in the relationship between obesity and cardiometabolic risk. We found that muscular fitness can confer a protective effect on adolescents with high levels of abdominal test.