bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Patterns in Parietal Cortex and Hippocampus Distinguish Retrieval of Start versus End Positions in Working Memory
Authors: Cristoforetti Giulia , Majerus Steve , Sahan Muhammet Ikbal , van Dijck Jean-Philippe , Fias Wim
Published: May 2022

Coding serial order of information is a fundamental ability of our cognitive system, and still, little is known about its neural substrate. This study examined the neural substrates involved in the retrieval of information that is serially stored in verbal working memory task using a sensitive multivariate analysis approach. We compared neural activity for memorized items stemming from the beginning versus the end of a memory list assessing the degree of neural pattern discordance between order positions (beginning vs. end). The present results confirmed and refined the role of the intraparietal sulcus in the processing of serial order information in working memory. An important finding is that the hippocampus showed sensitivity to serial order information. Our results indicate that the representation of serial order information relies on a broader set of neural areas and highlight the role of the intraparietal sulcus and the hippocampus, in addition to the supramarginal gyrus and the SMA. The contribution of different neural regions might reflect the involvement of distinct levels of serial order coding (i.e., spatial, attentional, temporal) that support the representation of serial order information.
What Happened When? Cerebral Processing of Modified Structure and Content in Episodic Cueing
Authors: Siestrup Sophie , Jainta Benjamin , El-Sourani Nadiya , Trempler Ima , Wurm Moritz F. , Wolf Oliver T. , Cheng Sen , Schubotz Ricarda I.
Published: May 2022

Episodic memories are not static but can change on the basis of new experiences, potentially allowing us to make valid predictions in the face of an ever-changing environment. Recent research has identified prediction errors during memory retrieval as a possible trigger for such changes. In this study, we used modified episodic cues to investigate whether different types of mnemonic prediction errors modulate brain activity and subsequent memory performance. Participants encoded episodes that consisted of short toy stories. During a subsequent fMRI session, participants were presented videos showing the original episodes, or slightly modified versions thereof. In modified videos, either the order of two subsequent action steps was changed or an object was exchanged for another. Content modifications recruited parietal, temporo-occipital, and parahippocampal areas reflecting the processing of the new object information. In contrast, structure modifications elicited activation in right dorsal premotor, posterior temporal, and parietal areas, reflecting the processing of new sequence information. In a post-fMRI memory test, the participants' tendency to accept modified episodes as originally encoded increased significantly when they had been presented modified versions already during the fMRI session. After experiencing modifications, especially those of the episodes' structure, the recognition of originally encoded episodes was impaired as well. Our study sheds light onto the neural processing of different types of episodic prediction errors and their influence on subsequent memory recall.
Effect of injection pain and withdrawal movement of propofol and rocuronium in the induction of anaesthesia on postoperative pain outcomes in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Lee Cheol , Yim Hyeonbin , Ham Hyangdo
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

The experience and perception of pain may vary among individuals.This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the impact of injection pain/withdrawal movement of propofol and rocuronium in the induction of anaesthesia on postoperative pain outcomes in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery.

Methods:

A total of 100 patients aged 19–60 years received propofol and rocuronium injections for the induction of anaesthesia. The incidence of propofol injection pain (PIP) and rocuronium-induced withdrawal movement (RIWM), postoperative pain scores and total opioid consumption were evaluated, and the associations between PIP/RIWM and postoperative pain outcomes were determined.

Results:

Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain after surgery and total opioid consumption after surgery were significantly higher in patients with PIP or RIWM than in patients without PIP or RIWM. The correlations of PIP/RIWM with VAS at 1 h, VAS at 24 h and total opioid consumption were significant and weakly positive (r = 0.249, r = 0.234, r = 0.22 and r = 0.234, respectively). The RIWM correlated more positively with pain score compared to PIP at 1 h (r = 0.408 vs. r = 0.234), PIP at 24 h (r = 0.398 vs. r = 0.227) and with total opioid consumption for 48 h after surgery (r = 0.457 vs. r = 0.234).

Conclusion:

During anaesthesia induction, the occurrence of PIP and RIWM may predict the severity of postoperative pain and total opioid consumption, with RIWM emerging as a stronger predictor than PIP.
Evaluation of the relationship between cardiac calcification and cardiovascular disease using the echocardiographic calcium score in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sin Ho-Kwan , Wong Ping-Nam , Lo Kin-Yee , Lo Man-Wai , Chan Shuk-Fan , Lo Kwok-Chi , Wong Yuk-Yi , Ho Lo-Yi , Kwok Wing-Tung , Chan Kai-Chun , Wong Andrew Kui-Man , Mak Siu-Ka
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

An echocardiographic calcium score (ECS) predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. Its utility in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is unknown.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study assessed 125 patients on PD. The ECS (range 0–8) was compared between subjects with CVD and those without.

Results:

Among the subjects, 54 had CVD and 71 did not. Subjects with CVD were older (69 years vs. 56 years, P < 0.001) and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (81.5% vs. 45.1%, P < 0.001). They had lower diastolic blood pressure (72 mmHg vs. 81 mmHg, P < 0.001), lower phosphate (1.6 mmol/L vs. 1.9 mmol/L, P = 0.002), albumin (30 g/L vs. 32 g/L, P = 0.001), parathyroid hormone (34.4 pmol/L vs. 55.8 pmol/L, P = 0.002), total cholesterol (4.5 vs. 4.9, P = 0.047), LDL cholesterol (2.4 mmol/L vs. 2.8 mmol/L, P = 0.019) and HDL cholesterol (0.8 mmol/L vs. 1.1 mmol/L, P = 0.002). The ECS was found to be higher in subjects with CVD than in those without (2 vs. 1, P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, only DM and age were independently associated with CVD.

Conclusion:

The ECS was significantly higher in PD patients with CVD than in those without, reflecting a higher vascular calcification burden in the former. It is a potentially useful tool to quantify vascular calcification in PD patients.
Improved population coverage of the human papillomavirus vaccine after implementation of a school-based vaccination programme: the Singapore experience
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Karuppiah , Goei Anne Hui Yi
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Cervical cancer has a high disease burden in Singapore, and it is strongly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Despite constant efforts to encourage vaccination, local HPV vaccine uptake remains low. Universal mass vaccination is a proven cost-effective method to reduce the cervical cancer disease burden. This paper reviews the newly implemented school-based HPV vaccination programme in Singapore and the factors that led to its success.

Methods:

Fully subsidised HPV vaccinations were offered to all Secondary 1 female students on an opt-in basis, starting as a rollout dose in 2019. One-time catchup vaccination was also offered to female students in Secondary 2–5. Eligible recipients were identified using enrolment data provided by Ministry of Education schools. A total of 19,144 students across 139 schools were offered the rollout dose, and 20,854 students across 140 schools were offered the catchup doses.

Results:

High vaccine uptake rates of 80.6%–87.3% were noted with the introduction of the school-based programme, translating to high vaccine coverage of 90.3%–93.4%. Only a small proportion of students (1.5%–1.9% per cohort) opted out. The rate of reported side effects, which were commonly known effects, was low at one in 1000. Among the students who reported side effects, those who received the second vaccine dose did so uneventfully.

Conclusion:

High HPV vaccine coverage was achieved after implementation of the school-based immunisation programme. Timely assessment of knowledge lapses and targeted intervention, strong partnerships with stakeholders, constant on-site adaptation and positive social influence contributed to its success. This model can be applied to future school health programmes.
Evaluation of IMERG Satellite Precipitation over the Land–Coast–Ocean Continuum. Part II: Quantification
Authors: Derin Yagmur , Kirstetter Pierre-Emmanuel , Brauer Noah , Gourley Jonathan J. , Wang Jianxin
Published: May 2022

To understand and manage water systems under a changing climate and meet an increasing demand for water, a quantitative understanding of precipitation is most important in coastal regions. The capabilities of the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) V06B product for precipitation quantification are examined over three coastal regions of the United States: the West Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the East Coast, all of which are characterized by different topographies and precipitation climatologies. A novel uncertainty analysis of IMERG is proposed that considers environmental and physical parameters such as elevation and distance to the coastline. The IMERG performance is traced back to its components, i.e., passive microwave (PMW), infrared (IR), and morphing-based estimates. The analysis is performed using high-resolution, high-quality Ground Validation Multi-Radar/Multi-Sensor (GV-MRMS) rainfall estimates as ground reference at the native resolution of IMERG of 30 min and 0.1°. IMERG Final (IM-F) quantification performance heavily depends on the respective contribution of PMW, IR, and morph components. IM-F and its components overestimate the contribution of light rainfall (<1 mm h−1) and underestimate the contribution of high rainfall rates (>10 mm h−1) to the total rainfall volume. Strong regional dependencies are highlighted, especially over the West Coast, where the proximity of complex terrain to the coastline challenges precipitation estimates. Other major drivers are the distance from the coastline, elevation, and precipitation types, especially over the land and coast surface types, that highlight the impact of precipitation regimes.
Goldhillite, Cu5Zn(AsO4)2(OH)6⋅H2O, a new mineral species, and redefinition of philipsburgite, Cu5Zn[(AsO4)(PO4)](OH)6⋅H2O, as an As–P ordered species
Authors: Ismagilova Rezeda M. , Rieck Branko , Kampf Anthony R. , Giester Gerald , Zhitova Elena S. , Lengauer Christian L. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Zolotarev Andrey A. , Ciesielczuk Justyna , Mikhailova Julia A. , Belakovsky Dmitry I. , Bocharov Vladimir N. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Vlasenko Natalia S. , Nash Barbara P. , Adams Paul M.
Published: May 2022

Philipsburgite has been redefined as the intermediate member of the goldhillite–philipsburgite–kipushite isomorphous series with the ideal formula Cu5Zn[(AsO4)(PO4)](OH)6⋅H2O due to the site-selective As–P substitution. The new mineral goldhillite, ideally Cu5Zn(AsO4)2(OH)6⋅H2O [or Cu5Zn(AsO4)(AsO4)(OH)6⋅H2O], is the arsenate end-member of this series. Goldhillite occurs on fracture surfaces in a rock comprised mostly of quartz with iron hydroxides in association with mixite, cornwallite and conichalcite. Goldhillite forms transparent, bright emerald-green, tabular crystals with vitreous lustre, flattened on {100}, up to 1 mm across and in rosettes up to 1.5 mm. The mineral is brittle with uneven fracture and perfect cleavage on {100}; the Mohs hardness is 3.5. The calculated density for the holotype is 4.199 g cm–3. The Raman spectrum is consistent with the presence of H2O-molecules, OH-groups, AsO4 tetrahedra and traces of PO4. Electron microprobe analyses of goldhillite (H2O content based on the crystal structure) provided: CuO 48.91, ZnO 13.18, As2O5 26.06, P2O5 3.25, H2O 8.97, total 100.37 wt.%. The empirical formula for goldhillite based on O = 15 apfu is (Cu4.69Zn1.23)Σ5.92(As0.86P0.18O4)2(OH)5.61⋅H2O. The crystal structures of goldhillite and philipsburgite were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and refined to R1 = 0.054 (for 2365 I > 2σI reflections) and 0.052 (for 2308 I > 2σI reflections), respectively. Goldhillite is monoclinic, P21/c, a = 12.3573(5), b = 9.2325(3), c = 10.7163(4) Å, β = 97.346(4)°, V = 1212.59(8) Å3 and Z = 4. Philipsburgite is monoclinic, P21/c, a = 12.3095(9), b = 9.2276(3), c = 10.7195(3) Å, β = 97.137(7)°, V = 1208.16(10) Å3 and Z = 4. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern of goldhillite [d, Å (I, %)(hkl)] are: 4.09 (28)(300), 3.41 (23)(12$\bar{2}$, 221, 311), 2.57 (100)(132, 11$\bar{4}$, 20$\bar{4}$), 2.17 (18)(42$\bar{3}$, 332), 1.95 (22)(432) and 1.54 (20)(13$\bar{6}$, 060). Goldhillite is named after its type locality, the Gold Hill mine, Tooele County, Utah, USA.
Medvedevite, KMn2+V5+2O6Cl⋅2H2O, a new fumarolic mineral from the Tolbachik fissure eruption 2012–2013, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Authors: Shablinskii Andrey P. , Avdontceva Margarita S. , Vergasova Lidiya P. , Filatov Stanislav K. , Avdontseva Evgenia Yu. , Povolotskiy Alexey V. , Moskaleva Svetlana V. , Kargopoltsev Anatoly A. , Britvin Sergey N. , Shorets Olga U.
Published: May 2022

Medvedevite, KMn2+V5+2O6Cl⋅2H2O, is a new mineral discovered in the Toludskoe lava field, formed during the 2012–2013 Tolbachik fissure eruption. The mineral occurs as thin acicular transparent bright red crystals up to 0.15 mm. Medvedevite is associated with thénardite, halite, aphthitalite, leonite, kieserite, eugsterite and syngenite. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 13+ positive charge units for the anhydrous part and 2H2O is (K1.02Na0.03)Σ1.05Mn2+0.95(V5+1.92S6+0.05Si0.04)Σ2.01O6.02Cl0.96⋅2H2O. The crystal structure of medvedevite was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data: monoclinic crystal system, the space group is P21/c, a = 7.1863(2), b = 10.1147(3), c = 12.7252(4) Å, β = 106.243(3)°, V = 888.04(5) Å3, Z = 4 and R1 = 0.029. The concept of ‘structural unit’ and ‘interstitial complex’ could be applied to the crystal structure of medvedevite. The structural units in medvedevite are based on the high bond-valence V5+O5 polyhedra which share edges and link into [V2O6] chains elongated along the a axis. The interstitial complexes consist of Mn2+, K+ cations and H2O groups and occupy the interstices between structural units. The mineral is optically biaxial (+), with α =1.782(2), β = 1.786(2), γ = 1.792(2), 2V(calc) = 41° (λ = 589 nm). The seven strongest lines of the powder XRD pattern are [d, Å (I, %) (hkl)]: 7.79(100)(011); 5.70(11)(110); 4.75(14)(11$\bar{2}$); 3.89(29)(022); 3.25(53)(031); 2.958(79)(21$\bar{3}$); and 2.850(33)(220). The mineral has been named in honour of the Russian geologist and chemist Robert Alexandrovich Medvedev (1939–2005).
Monoclonal and oligoclonal anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies mediate VITT
Authors: Kanack Adam J. , Bayas Antonios , George Gemlyn , Abou-Ismail Mouhamed Yazan , Singh Bandana , Kohlhagen Mindy C. , Splinter Noah P. , Christ Monika , Naumann Markus , Moser Karen A. , Smock Kristi J. , Grazioli Alison , Wen Renren , Wang Demin , Murray David L. , Padmanabhan Anand
Published: May 2022

Kanack and colleagues analyze anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies from 5 patients with vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) secondary to COVID-19 adenoviral vaccination and antibodies from patients with spontaneous heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and classical HIT. VITT antibodies are monoclonal or oligoclonal, similar to spontaneous HIT, whereas classical HIT antibodies are polyclonal. Heparin inhibits antibody-induced platelet activation in VITT, suggesting that heparin should be considered for the treatment of VITT.
Mutational landscape of nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on targeted next-generation sequencing: implications for predicting clinical outcomes
Authors: Zhou Zihan , Li Peifeng , Zhang Xianbin , Xu Juan , Xu Jin , Yu Shui , Wang Dongqing , Dong Wei , Cao Xiujuan , Yan Hongjiang , Sun Mingping , Ding Xiuping , Xing Jun , Zhang Peng , Zhai Limin , Fan Tingyong , Tian Shiyu , Yang Xinhua , Hu Man
Published: May 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to draw a comprehensive mutational landscape of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumors and identify the prognostic factors for distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS).

Methods

A total of forty primary nonkeratinizing NPC patients underwent targeted next-generation sequencing of 450 cancer-relevant genes. Analysis of these sequencing and clinical data was performed comprehensively. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multivariate Lasso-Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors that predict distant metastasis and construct a risk score model, and seventy percent of patients were randomly selected from among the samples as a validation cohort. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) were used to investigate whether the risk score was superior to the TNM stage in predicting the survival of patients. The survival of patients was determined by Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests.

Results

The twenty most frequently mutated genes were identified, such as KMT2D, CYLD, and TP53 et al. Their mutation frequencies of them were compared with those of the COSMIC database and cBioPortal database. N stage, tumor mutational burden (TMB), PIK3CA, and SF3B1 were identified as predictors to build the risk score model. The risk score model showed a higher AUC and C-index than the TNM stage model, regardless of the training cohort or validation cohort. Moreover, this study found that patients with tumors harboring PI3K/AKT or RAS pathway mutations have worse DMFS than their wild-type counterparts.

Conclusions

In this study, we drew a mutational landscape of NPC tumors and established a novel four predictor-based prognostic model, which had much better predictive capacity than TNM stage.
MAIT cell compartment characteristics are associated with the immune response magnitude to the BNT162b2 mRNA anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
Authors: Boulouis Caroline , Kammann Tobias , Cuapio Angelica , Parrot Tiphaine , Gao Yu , Mouchtaridi Elli , Wullimann David , Lange Joshua , Chen Puran , Akber Mira , Rivera Ballesteros Olga , Muvva Jagadeeswara Rao ,   COVAXID study group, Sällberg Chen Margaret , Healy Katie , Sobkowiak Michal , Söderdahl Gunnar , Blennow Ola , Österborg Anders , Mielke Stephan , Hansson Lotta , Ljungman Per , Norlin Anna-Carin , Wahren-Borgström Emilie , Bogdanovic Gordana , Muschiol Sandra , Hellgren Fredrika , Loré Karin , Smith C. I. Edvard , Vesterbacka Jan , Kieri Oscar , Nowak Piotr , Bergman Peter , Buggert Marcus , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Aleman Soo , Sandberg Johan K.
Published: May 2022

Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are unconventional T cells with innate-like capacity to rapidly respond to microbial infection via MR1-restricted antigen recognition. Emerging evidence indicate that they can also act as rapid sensors of viral infection via innate cytokine activation. However, their possible role in the immune response to mRNA vaccination is unknown. Here, we evaluated the involvement of MAIT cells in individuals vaccinated with the BNT162b2 mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. MAIT cell levels, phenotype and function in circulation were preserved and unperturbed through day 35 post-vaccination in healthy donor (HD) vaccinees, as well as people living with HIV (PLWH) or with primary immunodeficiency (PID). Unexpectedly, pre-vaccination and post-vaccination levels of MAIT cells correlated positively with the magnitude of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific CD4 T cell and antibody responses in the HD vaccinees. This pattern was largely preserved in the PID group, but less so in the PLWH group. Furthermore, in the HD vaccinees levels of MAIT cell activation and cytolytic potential correlated negatively to the adaptive antigen-specific immune responses. These findings indicate an unexpected association between MAIT cell compartment characteristics and the immune response magnitude to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine.
Testing particles using the algal growth inhibition test (OECD 201): the suitability of in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence measurements
Authors: Hund-Rinke Kerstin , Schlinkert Ruben , Schlich Karsten
Published: May 2022

Background

The freshwater algae and cyanobacteria growth inhibition test (OECD test guideline 201) is frequently used to assess the ecotoxicity of chemicals or particles. A central issue is the measurement of algal growth by quantifying algal biomass over time. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements are recommended for the testing of particles. The analysis of in vivo fluorescence is the simplest and fastest approach, but is only suitable if there is no interference with the materials. Therefore, in vitro fluorescence analysis is often preferred. We carried out a comprehensive comparison of chlorophyll fluorescence measurements in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the suitability of rapid in vivo testing for the determination of Raphidocelis subcapitata biomass in the presence of diverse particles.

Results

For the in vitro measurement, we applied a method that separates particles from chlorophyll using locust bean gum. We tested inorganic and organic particles (including alloys and polymers), ion-releasing and non-releasing materials, and particle sizes in the nanometer to micrometer range with a variety of shapes (spherical, flaky and fibrous). Some of the materials were nontoxic, whereas others showed varying degrees of toxicity (ErC50 = 0.2–100 mg/L in both methods). There were only minor differences between the methods in ErC50 values and the percent inhibition at various test concentrations, but the confidence intervals for the ErC50 values in vivo were narrower and were covered by the range observed in vitro. The in vivo approach showed no limitations, whereas the validity criteria listed in OECD test guideline 201 were not always fulfilled by the in vitro measurements.

Conclusion

The in vivo approach was a suitable and time-saving method for a wide range of particles, although we cannot completely exclude the possibility that some particles may interfere with fluorescence measurement. To avoid false assessments, pre-tests with simple measurements are therefore recommended.

Graphical abstract
Bayesian decision tables for estimation of risk of water management decisions based on uncertain surface water status: a case study of a Polish catchment
Authors: Loga Małgorzata , Piniewski Mikołaj , Marcinkowski Paweł
Published: May 2022

Background

Uncertain results of the status assessment performed as required by the Water Framework Directive can be responsible for misclassification of a water body’s status and may lead either to risk due to undertaking unnecessary remediation actions or risk of penalties for refraining from any action and not reaching environmental goals. Based on Bayesian decision theory, optimal decision tables are shown for two examples of water quality indicators, for a river catchment in central Poland. To overcome the problem of scarcity of publicly available monitoring data, the existing SWAT model for the studied catchment was used to generate nutrient concentration time series for the baseline conditions and under different scenarios. The status classes assessed based on annual mean concentrations of daily values for total phosphorus and total nitrogen were adopted as the ‘true’ status classes of the water bodies based on each indicator. SWAT simulation results enabled calculation of probability distributions of concentrations for the stochastic states of the water body, both for the period before and after the performance of corrective actions.

Results

Bayesian decision tables consisted of alternative management decisions including modernization of the existing wastewater treatment plants in the case of phosphorous and also of fallowing agricultural areas in the case of nitrogen. An example of a penalty calculation procedure is presented in the event that the subject of the case before the EU Court of Justice would be failure to achieve the environmental objectives by all water bodies belonging to the selected catchment.

Conclusions

Detailed discussion of this analysis indicates the potential benefits in terms of minimization of costs/losses that the proposed methodology may bring to the protection of surface waters.

The presented method of risk analysis for making decisions on remedial actions when uncertainty exists about the water status assessment, can be considered as a prototype of a general methodology prepared for implementation in water protection. Unfortunately paying fines instead of taking remediation measures might be optimal for uncertain status of water bodies.
QTc interval prolongation due to spinal anesthesia in patients with and without diabetes: an observational study
Authors: Song Jang-Ho , Yang Chunwoo , Lee Woojoo , Kim Hongseok , Kim Youngjun , Kim Hyunzu
Published: May 2022

Background

Spinal anesthesia and autonomic neuropathy (caused by diabetes) prolong the QTc interval. Changes in the duration of the QTc interval following subarachnoid blockade in patients with diabetes have not been evaluated. We hypothesized that after subarachnoid blockade, QTc interval prolongation would be greater in patients with diabetes than in those without. Accordingly, we compared the QTc interval, T wave peak-to-end interval (Tp-e interval), blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability before and after spinal anesthesia in patients with and without diabetes.

Methods

This prospective observational study (Clinical Research Information Service identifier: KCT0004897) was conducted in a tertiary university hospital and included 24 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM group) and 24 patients without it (control group) who were scheduled for spinal anesthesia. The QTc interval, Tp-e interval, heart rate variability, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured before (T1) and 1 (T2), 5 (T3), and 10 min (T4) following subarachnoid blockade.

Results

Ten minutes following subarachnoid blockade, the QTc intervals of patients in the DM group were significantly longer than the baseline values, whereas the change in the QTc interval in the control group was not significant (p < 0.0001 vs. p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Spinal anesthesia caused a more significant prolongation of the QTc interval in patients with diabetes than in those without.
Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan on biomarkers of fibrosis and inflammation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Bolla Giovanni Battista , Fedele Antonella , Faggiano Andrea , Sala Carla , Santangelo Gloria , Carugo Stefano
Published: May 2022

Aims

To evaluate the circulating levels of remodeling biomarkers procollagen type 1 C-terminal propeptide (PICP), human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (YKL-40), plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone (Aldo) as well as clinical and echocardiographic parameters in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), before and after treatment with Sacubitril/Valsartan (S/V).

Methods and results

A total of 26 consecutive patients with HFrEF on stable clinical conditions were studied. Clinical, echocardiographic parameters and circulating biomarkers were measured at baseline, after 30 and 60 days of S/V treatment. Both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased, from 126 ± 15 to 113 ± 4 mmHg (p < 0.001) and from 77 ± 11 to 72 ± 9 mmHg (p = 0.005), respectively, at the end of study. Concomitantly, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased by 22.8% from 29.5 ± 5% to 36.2 ± 5%, (p < 0.001) and indexed left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESVi) decreased by 12% from 38.6 ± 8.7 ml/m2 to 34.0 ± 10.0 ml/m2. (p = 0.007). Circulating levels of PICP, YKL-40, PRA and Aldo decreased by − 42.2%, − 46.8%, − 79.1% and − 76.7%, respectively (p < 0.001 for all), the decrements being already maximal within 30 days of S/V treatment. No significant changes of plasma electrolytes and creatinine were observed during the study (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

A decrease of circulating markers of inflammation and fibrosis during chronic treatment with S/V is associated with an improvement of hemodynamic and echographic parameters in patients with HRrEF. These data are compatible with an anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effect of S/V, that may contribute to the beneficial outcomes of the drug in this clinical setting.
Effects of bowel preparation on intestinal bacterial associated urine and faecal metabolites and the associated faecal microbiome
Authors: Powles Sam T. R. , Gallagher Kate I. , Chong Leo W. L. , Alexander James L. , Mullish Benjamin H. , Hicks Lucy C. , McDonald Julie A. K. , Marchesi Julian R. , Williams Horace R. T. , Orchard Timothy R.
Published: May 2022

Background

Urinary and faecal metabolic profiling have been extensively studied in gastrointestinal diseases as potential diagnostic markers, and to enhance our understanding of the intestinal microbiome in the pathogenesis these conditions. The impact of bowel cleansing on the microbiome has been investigated in several studies, but limited to just one study on the faecal metabolome.

Aim

To compare the effects of bowel cleansing on the composition of the faecal microbiome, and the urine and faecal metabolome.

Methods

Urine and faecal samples were obtained from eleven patients undergoing colonoscopy at baseline, and then at day 3 and week 6 after colonoscopy. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyse changes in the microbiome, and metabonomic analysis was performed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy.

Results

Microbiomic analysis demonstrated a reduction in alpha diversity (Shannon index) between samples taken at baseline and three days following bowel cleansing (p = 0.002), and there was no significant difference between samples at baseline and six weeks post colonoscopy. Targeted and non-targeted analysis of urinary and faecal bacterial associated metabolites showed no significant impact following bowel cleansing.

Conclusions

Bowel cleansing causes a temporary disturbance in bacterial alpha diversity measured in faeces, but no significant changes in the faecal and urine metabolic profiles, suggesting that overall the faecal microbiome and its associated metabolome is resistant to the effects of an induced osmotic diarrhoea.
Prevalence of dysphagia and risk of pneumonia and mortality in acute stroke patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Banda Kondwani Joseph , Chu Hsin , Kang Xiao Linda , Liu Doresses , Pien Li-Chung , Jen Hsiu-Ju , Hsiao Shu-Tai Shen , Chou Kuei-Ru
Published: May 2022

Background

Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) has been associated with high risk of aspiration pneumonia and mortality. However, limited evidence on pooled prevalence of post-stroke dysphagia and influence of individual, disease and methodological factors reveals knowledge gap. Therefore, to extend previous evidence from systematic reviews, we performed the first meta-analysis to examine the pooled prevalence, risk of pneumonia and mortality and influence of prognostic factors for PSD in acute stroke.

Methods

Our search was conducted in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Ovid-Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science an initial search in October 2020 and a follow-up search in May 2021. Data synthesis was conducted using the Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation model for the pooled prevalence rate and the DerSimonian-Lard random-effects model for prognostic factors and outcomes of PSD.

Results

The pooled prevalence of PSD was 42% in 42 studies with 26,366 participants. PSD was associated with higher pooled odds ratio (OR) for risk of pneumonia 4.08 (95% CI, 2.13–7.79) and mortality 4.07 (95% CI, 2.17–7.63). Haemorrhagic stroke 1.52 (95% CI, 1.13–2.07), previous stroke 1.40 (95% CI, 1.18–1.67), severe stroke 1.38 (95% CI, 1.17–1.61), females 1.25 (95% CI, 1.09–1.43), and diabetes mellitus 1.24 (95% CI, 1.02–1.51) were associated with higher risk of PSD. Males 0.82 (95% CI, 0.70–0.95) and ischaemic stroke 0.54 (95% CI, 0.46–0.65) were associated with lower risk of PSD. Haemorrhagic stroke, use of instrumental assessment method, and high quality studies demonstrated to have higher prevalence of PSD in the moderator analysis.

Conclusions

Assessment of PSD in acute stroke with standardized valid and reliable instruments should take into account stroke type, previous stroke, severe stroke, diabetes mellitus and gender to aid in prevention and management of pneumonia and thereby, reduce the mortality rate.

Trial registration

https://osf.io/58bjk/?view_only=26c7c8df8b55418d9a414f6d6df68bdb.
The effect of climatic factors on the number of malaria cases in an inland and a coastal setting from 2011 to 2017 in the equatorial rain forest of Cameroon
Authors: Nyasa Raymond Babila , Awatboh Fuanyi , Kwenti Tebit Emmanuel , Titanji Vincent P. K. , Ayamba Ndip Lucy M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Weather fluctuation affects the incidence of malaria through a network of causuative pathays. Globally, human activities have ultered weather conditions over time, and consequently the number of malaria cases. This study aimed at determining the influence of humidity, temperature and rainfall on malaria incidence in an inland (Muyuka) and a coastal (Tiko) settings for a period of seven years (2011–2017) as well as predict the number of malaria cases two years after (2018 and 2019).

Methods

Malaria data for Muyuka Health District (MHD) and Tiko Health District (THD) were obtained from the Regional Delegation of Public Health and Tiko District Health service respectively. Climate data for MHD was obtained from the Regional Delegation of Transport while that of THD was gotten from Cameroon Development Coorporation. Spearman rank correlation was used to investigate the relationship between number of malaria cases and the weather variables and the simple seasonal model was used to forecast the number of malaria cases for 2018 and 2019.

Results

The mean monthly rainfall, temperature and relative humidity for MHD were 200.38 mm, 27.050C, 82.35% and THD were 207.36 mm, 27.57 °C and 84.32% respectively, with a total number of malaria cases of 56,745 and 40,160. In MHD, mean yearly humidity strongly correlated negatively with number of malaria cases (r = − 0.811, p = 0.027) but in THD, a moderate negative yearly correlation was observed (r = − 0.595, p = 0.159). In THD, the mean seasonal temperature moderately correlated (r = 0.599, p = 0.024) positively with the number of malaria cases, whereas MHD had a very weak negative correlation (r = − 0.174, p = 0.551). Likewise mean seasonal rainfall in THD moderately correlated (r = − 0.559, p = 0.038) negatively with malaria cases, contrary to MHD which showed a very weak positive correlation (r = 0.425, p = 0.130). The simple seasonal model predicted 6,842 malaria cases in Muyuka, for 2018 and same number for 2019, while 3167 cases were observed in 2018 and 2848 in 2019. Also 6,738 cases of malaria were predicted for MHD in 2018 likewise 2019, but 7327 cases were observed in 2018 and 21,735 cases in 2019.

Conclusion

Humidity is the principal climatic variable that negatively influences malaria cases in MHD, while higher seasonal temperatures and lower seasonal rain fall significantly increase malaria cases in THD.
Labor dystocia and oxytocin augmentation before or after six centimeters cervical dilatation, in nulliparous women with spontaneous labor, in relation to mode of birth
Authors: Brüggemann Cecilia , Carlhäll Sara , Grundström Hanna , Blomberg Marie
Published: May 2022

Background

The effects of diagnosing and treating labor dystocia with oxytocin infusion at different cervical dilatations have not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether cervical dilatation at diagnosis of dystocia and initiation of oxytocin infusion at different stages of cervical dilatation were associated with mode of birth, obstetric complications and women’s birthing experience.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study, including 588 nulliparous term women with spontaneous onset of labor and dystocia requiring oxytocin augmentation. The study population was divided into three groups according to cervical dilatation at diagnosis of dystocia and initiation of oxytocin-infusion (≤ 5 cm, 6–10 cm, fully dilated) with mode of birth as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were obstetrical and neonatal complications and women´s experience of childbirth. Statistical comparison between groups using Chi-square and ANOVA was performed. The risk of operative birth (cesarean section and instrumental birth) was assessed using binary logistic regression with suitable adjustments (maternal age, body mass index and risk assessment on admission to the labor ward).

Results

The cesarean section rate differed between the groups (p < 0.001); 12% in the ≤ 5 cm group, 6% in the 6–10 cm group and 0% in the fully dilated group. There was no increased risk for operative birth in the ≤ 5 cm group compared to the 6–10 cm group, adjusted OR 1.28 95%CI (0.78–2.08). The fully dilated group had a decreased risk of operative birth (adjusted OR 0.48 95%CI (0.27–0.85). The rate of a negative birthing experience was high in all groups (28.5%, 19% and 18%) but was only increased among women in the ≤ 5 cm group compared with the 6–10 cm group, adjusted OR 1.76 95%CI (1.05–2.95).

Conclusions

Although no difference in the risk of operative birth was found between the ≤ 5 cm and 6-10 cm cervical dilatation-groups, the cesarean section rate was highest in women with dystocia requiring oxytocin augmentation at ≤ 5 cm cervical dilatation. This might indicate that oxytocin augmentation before 6 cm cervical dilatation could be contra-productive in preventing cesarean sections. Further, the increased risk of negative birth experience in the ≤ 5 cm group should be kept in mind to improve labor care.
A mobile health intervention to encourage physical activity in children: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ng Michelle , Wenden Elizabeth , Lester Leanne , Westgarth Carri , Christian Hayley
Published: May 2022

Background

Despite immense benefits of physical activity on health and developmental outcomes, few children achieve recommended daily levels of physical activity. Given more than half of families with children own a dog, we investigated the effect of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to encourage dog-facilitated physical activity through increased family dog walking and children’s active play with their dog.

Methods

The PLAYCE PAWS study was a three-armed randomised pilot trial conducted in Perth, Western Australia. Children aged 5-10 years with a family dog were randomised to 4 weeks of either 1) SMS-only intervention, 2) ‘SMS + pedometer’ intervention or 3) ‘usual care’ control. The mHealth intervention involved SMS messages to parents; the ‘SMS + pedometer’ group also received a dog pedometer and personalised dog steps diary. Parent-reported measures were collected at baseline, 1- and 3-months post intervention. The primary outcome was weekly frequency of family dog walking and dog play; secondary outcomes were child attachment to the dog and feasibility of the intervention.

Results

A total of 150 children were randomised in staggered blocks to SMS-only (n = 50), ‘SMS + pedometer’ (n = 50) or usual care (n = 50). No differences were observed in family dog walking and dog play at 1-month. SMS-only children (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.17, 5.83, P = 0.019) and all intervention children (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.01, 3.86, P = 0.048) were more likely to increase total dog-facilitated physical activity (sum of family dog walking and dog play responses) at 3-months. The positive associations with total dog-facilitated physical activity disappeared (all P > 0.05) after adjusting for socio-demographic factors.

Conclusions

The PLAYCE PAWS mHealth intervention did not significantly affect dog-facilitated physical activity in children. Given high levels of dog ownership in the community, SMS prompts could be a low-cost intervention to encourage more physical activity in children. Further research is needed to understand how increased interaction with the family dog impacts on children’s overall physical activity and other health and development outcomes.

Trial registration

ANZCTR, ACTRN12620000288921, retrospectively registered on 4/3/2020.
Perceived barriers to psychiatric help-seeking in South Korea by age groups: text mining analyses of social media big data
Authors: Seo Hwo Yeon , Song Gil Young , Ku Jee Won , Park Hye Yoon , Myung Woojae , Kim Hee Jung , Baek Chang Hyeon , Lee Nami , Sohn Jee Hoon , Yoo Hee Jeong , Park Jee Eun
Published: May 2022

Background

The psychiatric treatment gap is substantial in Korea, implying barriers in seeking help.

Objectives

This study aims to explore barriers of seeing psychiatrists, expressed on the internet by age groups.

Methods

A corpus of data was garnered extensively from internet communities, blogs and social network services from 1 January 2016 to 31 July 2019. Among the texts collected, texts containing words linked to psychiatry were selected. Then the corpus was dismantled into words by using natural language processing. Words linked to barriers to seeking help were identified and classified. Then the words from web communities that we were able to identify the age groups were additionally organized by age groups.

Results

97,730,360 articles were identified and 6,097,369 were included in the analysis. Words implying the barriers were selected and classified into four groups of structural discrimination, public prejudice, low accessibility, and adverse drug effects. Structural discrimination was the greatest barrier occupying 34%, followed by public prejudice (27.8%), adverse drug effects (18.6%), and cost/low accessibility (16.1%). In the analysis by age groups, structural discrimination caused teenagers (51%), job seekers (64%) and mothers with children (43%) the most concern. In contrast, the public prejudice (49%) was the greatest barriers in the senior group.

Conclusions

Although structural discrimination may most contribute to barriers to visiting psychiatrists in Korea, variation by generations may exist. Along with the general attempt to tackle the discrimination, customized approach might be needed.
Modular reactivation of Mexico City after COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: de Anda-Jáuregui Guillermo , García-García Lourdes , Hernández-Lemus Enrique
Published: May 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the slope of the epidemic curve in Mexico City has been quite unstable. Changes in human activity led to changes in epidemic activity, hampering attempts at economic and general reactivation of the city.

Methods

We have predicted that where a fraction of the population above a certain threshold returns to the public space, the negative tendency of the epidemic curve will revert. Such predictions were based on modeling the reactivation of economic activity after lockdown using an epidemiological model resting upon a contact network of Mexico City derived from mobile device co-localization. We modeled scenarios with different proportions of the population returning to normalcy. Null models were built using the Jornada Nacional de Sana Distancia (the Mexican model of elective lockdown). There was a mobility reduction of 75% and no mandatory mobility restrictions.

Results

We found that a new peak of cases in the epidemic curve was very likely for scenarios in which more than 5% of the population rejoined the public space. The return of more than 50% of the population synchronously will unleash a magnitude similar to the one predicted with no mitigation strategies. By evaluating the tendencies of the epidemic dynamics, the number of new cases registered, hospitalizations, and recent deaths, we consider that reactivation following only elective measures may not be optimal under this scenario.

Conclusions

Given the need to resume economic activities, we suggest alternative measures that minimize unnecessary contacts among people returning to the public space. We evaluated that “encapsulating” reactivated workers (that is, using measures to reduce the number of contacts beyond their influential community in the contact network) may allow reactivation of a more significant fraction of the population without compromising the desired tendency in the epidemic curve.

Graphical Abstract
A multisectoral approach to advance health equity in rural northern Arizona: county-level leaders’ perspectives on health equity
Authors: Jiménez Dulce J. , Sabo Samantha , Remiker Mark , Smith Melinda , Samarron Longorio Alexandra E. , Williamson Heather J. , Chief Carmenlita , Teufel-Shone Nicolette I.
Published: May 2022

Background

Multisectoral and public–private partnerships are critical in building the necessary infrastructure, policy, and political will to ameliorate health inequity. A focus on health equity by researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers prioritizes action to address the systematic, avoidable, and unjust differences in health status across population groups sustained over time and generations that are beyond the control of individuals. Health equity requires a collective process in shaping the health and wellbeing of the communities in which we live, learn, work, play, and grow. This paper explores multisectoral leaders’ understanding of the social, environmental, and economic conditions that produce and sustain health inequity in northern Arizona, a geographically expansive, largely rural, and culturally diverse region.

Methods

Data are drawn from the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative’s Regional Health Equity Survey (RHES). The RHES is a community-engaged, cross-sectional online survey comprised of 31 close-ended and 17 open-ended questions. Created to assess cross-sectoral regional and collective capacity to address health inequity and inform multisectoral action for improving community health, the RHES targeted leaders representing five rural northern Arizona counties and 13 sectors. Select open-ended questions were analyzed using an a priori coding scheme and emergent coding with thematic analysis.

Results

Although leaders were provided the definition and asked to describe the root causes of inequities, the majority of leaders described social determinants of health (SDoH). When leaders described root causes of health inequity, they articulated systemic factors affecting their communities, describing discrimination and unequal allocation of power and resources. Most leaders described the SDoH by discussing compounding factors of poverty, transportation, housing, and rurality among others, that together exacerbate inequity. Leaders also identified specific strategies to address SDoH and advance health equity in their communities, ranging from providing direct services to activating partnerships across organizations and sectors in advocacy for policy change.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that community leaders in the northern Arizona region acknowledge the importance of multisectoral collaborations in improving health equity for the populations that they serve. However, a common understanding of health equity remains to be widely established, which is essential for conducting effective multisectoral work to advance health equity.