bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and characterization of cerebral small vessel disease in young adults with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Periole Charlotte , Blanc Clémence , Calvière Lionel , Fontaine Louis , Viguier Alain , Albucher Jean-François , Chollet François , Bonneville Fabrice , Olivot Jean-Marc , Raposo Nicolas
Published: April 2022

Background and aims:

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is the main cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in older individuals but has not been systematically studied in younger people. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of CSVD in young adults with symptomatic ICH.

Methods:

We conducted a cohort study of consecutive adults aged 18–50 years with non-traumatic ICH. All patients were evaluated with brain and vascular imaging. Using validated imaging markers (cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), white matter hyperintensities and/or lacunes), patients were categorized as having CSVD-related ICH or non-CSVD-related ICH. Factors associated with CSVD were evaluated using multivariable analyses. CSVD subtypes were characterized using pre-specified criteria.

Results:

Of 146 young adults with ICH (mean age = 37.7), CSVD was present in 41 patients (28.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 21.0–36.1). In multivariable analysis, older age, male sex, and hypertension were independently associated with the presence of CSVD. Deep perforator arteriopathy (48.8%) and mixed CSVD (31.7%) were the most common CSVD subtypes.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that CSVD is a frequent cause of ICH in young adults and provide new insights into the characterization of the disease. These findings may have important implications since the treatment and management differ from other causes of ICH.
The value of qualitative methods to public health research, policy and practice
Authors: Stickley T , O’Caithain A , Homer C
Published: April 2022

This article reviews the role and use of qualitative methods in public health research.

‘Signs of quality’ are introduced to help guide potential authors to publish their qualitative research in public health journals. We conclude that high-quality qualitative research offers insights that quantitative research cannot. It is time for all public health journals to recognise the value of qualitative research and increase the amount that they publish.
A ten-year observational study of the use of two-way catheters post-transurethral resection of the prostate without the use of post-op irrigation
Authors: Kretzmer Leo , Damola Adebiyi , Sandher Manvir JS , Martin Wiliam , Ehsanullah Syed Ali , Jones Adam , Manirajan Sumi , Cakir Serkan , Gao Jo , Ginepri Andrea , Singh Sid , Apakama Ike
Published: April 2022

Background:

Over 15,000 transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP) are performed annually in the United Kingdom. It is therefore vital that every aspect of peri-operative care be optimised. Our centre favours the use of two-way catheters post-operatively without the use of continuous bladder irrigation (CBI).

Objectives:

To evaluate our practice of using two-way catheters without irrigation post-TURP and to determine impact on patient care compared with standard three-way catheterisation. Our primary outcome was duration of admission, but multiple secondary outcomes were also analysed. Design, setting, and participants: This was a prospective observational study. Every patient undergoing TURP at our centre from 2009 to 2019 was included. Following TURP patients were catheterised with two-way catheters. Prospective patient data were collected pertaining to peri-operative factors. These data were then compared with the data published in the literature.

Results:

687 patients underwent TURP at our centre between 2009 and 2019. The average age of patients was 71.42 (±7.89). 87.17% ( n = 598) had two-way catheters placed post-operatively. Average duration of admission was 1.61 (±1.35) days, increasing to 2.20 days if patients required three-way catheters or 2.53 days if requiring CBI. TWOC was successful in 97.71% of patients. Complication rate was 8.73% ( n = 60). When compared with other centres, our method reduced lengths of admission and transfusion rates (1.6 days versus 3.1 days and 0.87% versus 2.83%, respectively).

Conclusion:

Our method is safe and is associated with a reduced length of admission. We recommend this practice to the wider urological community.

Patient summary:

This study looked at whether there was any impact on patients if two-way catheters were used following TURP. We found that use of two-way catheters reduced length of admission and duration of catheterisation. We also found that it did not increase likelihood of peri-operative complications in comparison with other centres.
Exploring the psychosocial impact of simple robotic assistive technology on adolescents with neuromuscular disease
Authors: Oldford Laura , Hanson Natasha , Ross Isabelle , Croken Emma , Bleau Lise
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Adolescents with neuromuscular disease face significant challenges accessing social leisure activities. Assistive technology has provided new opportunities for those with neuromuscular disease to augment their social lives and leisure pursuits. However, there is limited research evaluating the impact of these technologies.

Methods

This study employed mixed methods to evaluate the potential impact of simple robotics on psychosocial factors and quality of life for those adolescents living with neuromuscular diseases. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were performed, as well as the adult Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Technology Device (PIADS) with 9 adolescents, ranging in age from 13 to 19 years old.

Results

Thematic analysis of the qualitative data resulted in five major themes: everyday lives and seasonality; socialization; leisure activities; robotics as a leisure activity; and ease of use of robotics. The PIADS found the individual scores demonstrated a range from very little yet positive perceived impact to maximum positive impact in each subscale (competence, adaptability, and self-esteem).

Conclusions

Simple mainstream robotics, paired with personalized access methods to control them, offer potential leisure and social integration opportunities to adolescents with neuromuscular diseases in a variety of settings, indoors and outdoors. The findings of this study suggest there are opportunities for this type of mainstream technology to be applied not just to adolescents, but potentially children of all ages with neuromuscular disease, across a variety of environments.
Analysis of Mechanical Failure Using the GAP Score After Surgery With Lateral and Posterior Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Hiyama Akihiko , Katoh Hiroyuki , Sakai Daisuke , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: April 2022

Study Design

A retrospective observational study.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Global Alignment and Proportion (GAP) score and mechanical failure (MF) following corrective fusion surgery with planned 2-stage surgery using lateral lumbar interbody fusion in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD).

Methods

Fifty-four patients (2 men, 52 females, aged 70.3 years) were included. MF, proximal junctional failure (PJF), and rod breakage (RB) occurred in 46.3% (25/54), 22.2% (12/54), and 29.6% (16/54) of patients, respectively. The immediate postoperative GAP scores were compared between patients with MF and without MF (MF+ and MF-, respectively). GAP scores in groups with and without PJF or RB were also compared.

Results

Patients were grouped according to the GAP score for spinopelvic alignment: 23 (42.6%) as proportioned, 22 (40.7%) as moderately disproportioned, and 9 (16.7%) as severely disproportioned. The pre- and postoperative spinopelvic parameters did not differ significantly between the MF- and MF+ groups except pelvic incidence. Postoperatively, the mean pelvic incidence—lumbar lordosis changed to <10° in both groups. The GAP score and 3 categories of GAP scores did not differ significantly between the PJF- and PJF+ groups or between the RB+ and RB- groups.

Conclusion

Multiple factors can cause PJF and RB, and the patient’s background may affect the ability to use the GAP score to predict MF. Further research may be needed in the future using modified GAP scores with additional factors in ASD patients.
Feeling difference: Race, migration, and the affective infrastructure of a Danish detention camp
Authors: Lindberg Annika
Published: April 2022

Migration-related detention, the administrative incarceration of people lacking legal authorisation to remain, has become a standardised technique used by states to violently regulate and discipline undesired mobility. As carceral junctions, migration detention camps serve to identify, confine, symbolically punish and expel people deemed ‘out of place’ in the national order of things. As bordering mechanisms, they are techniques of sorting and controlling populations, and sites where we can observe the enforcement of state racism. These processes of racialisation and expulsion operate corporally and affectively. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with prison officers working inside Denmark's migration-related detention camp, and engaging with the literature on race, emotion and border criminology, the article traces the role of racial affect in forging the identities of people interacting inside the camp. It demonstrates how prison officers’ racialised suspicion, compromised compassion, and passionate nationalism partake in making incarcerated migrants into expellable subjects, and in ordering them in accordance with matrices of racial differentiation. The officers’ emotions, I argue, should be understood as part of the camp's infrastructure, and productive for the border regime.
The Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI): an international validation study
Authors: Palmer Raymond F. , Rincon Rudy , Perales Roger B. , Walker Tatjana T. , Jaén Carlos R. , Miller Claudia S.
Published: April 2022

Background

Chemical intolerance (CI) is a condition that may result in multisystem symptoms triggered by low levels of exposure to xenobiotics such as chemical inhalants, foods, and/or drugs. The population prevalence of self-reported chemical intolerance is estimated to be between 4 and 25% across several countries. Clinicians and researchers require a brief, practical screening tool for identifying chemical intolerance.

Objectives

We investigated the validity of a three-item screening questionnaire for CI, the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI). The internationally validated, and widely used 50-item Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) was used as the reference standard.

Methods

Five thousand individuals (n = 1000 in each of five countries: the US, Japan, Italy, Mexico, and India) responded to both the QEESI and the BREESI using an online research survey platform. We determined the statistical performance metrics for the BREESI, comparing the number of items chosen on the BREESI with QEESI scores for chemical intolerance. Logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood of chemical intolerance based on endorsing 0, 1, 2, or 3 items on the BREESI. We report the BREESI's sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios.

Results

Compared to the QEESI reference standard, the BREESI had excellent sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and positive and negative predictive values for chemical intolerance in all countries except than in Japan, the negative predictive value was poor. Notwithstanding, logistic regression curves show that in all of the countries, for each one-unit increase in the number of BREESI items, there is a 4- to 5-fold increase in the odds of CI.

Discussion

This study confirms the results of two recently published validation papers in the US. The BREESI performs well as a screening tool for chemical intolerance. It is a practical screening tool for researchers, clinicians, and epidemiologists seeking to understand and address this important and prevalent condition.
High frequency of complex CFTR alleles associated with c.1521_1523delCTT (F508del) in Russian cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Petrova Nika V. , Kashirskaya Nataliya Y. , Vasilyeva Tatyana A. , Balinova Natalia V. , Marakhonov Andrey V. , Kondratyeva Elena I. , Zhekaite Elena K. , Voronkova Anna Y. , Kutsev Sergey I. , Zinchenko Rena A.
Published: April 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF, MIM# 219,700) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by pathogenic variants within the CFTR gene. It was shown that genetic variants located in cis can affect disease severity or treatment response because of additive or epistatic effects. Studies on the prevalence of complex alleles in Russian CF patients have just begun.

Aim

To evaluate frequencies and genetic background of complex alleles carrying c.1521_1523delCTT (F508del) and c.1399C>T (L467F), c.2562T>G (T854=) or c.4389G>A (Q1463=) in cis; to determine clinical consequences of complex allele c.[1399C>T;1521_1523delCTT] ([L467;F508del]) in Russian CF patients.

Methods

Sequencing of coding regions of CFTR gene and analysis of polymorphic markers in CF patients carrying F508del variant. Comparing of clinical features in two groups patients having genotypes [L467F;F508del];[F508del] (group 1) and [F508del];[F508del] (group 2).

Results

Frequency of [L467F;F508del] allele linked to 2–2–21–6–17–13 haplotype was 4.42%, of [F508del;T854=;Q1463=] allele linked to haplotype 1–2–21–6–17–13 – 2.2% in F508del chromosomes. No differences in disease severity in patients carrying complex allele [L467F;F508del] and patients homozygous for F508del was found.

Conclusion

The frequency of complex alleles associated with F508del was at least 6.6% in Russian CF patients, which should be taken into account for the decision on optimal treatment options with CFTR modulators.
LysX2 is a Mycobacterium tuberculosis membrane protein with an extracytoplasmic MprF-like domain
Authors: Boldrin Francesca , Cioetto Mazzabò Laura , Lanéelle Marie-Antoinette , Rindi Laura , Segafreddo Greta , Lemassu Anne , Etienne Gilles , Conflitti Marta , Daffé Mamadou , Garzino Demo Alfredo , Manganelli Riccardo , Marrakchi Hedia , Provvedi Roberta
Published: April 2022

Background

Aminoacyl-phosphatidylglycerol (aaPG) synthases are bacterial enzymes that usually catalyze transfer of aminoacyl residues to the plasma membrane phospholipid phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The result is introduction of positive charges onto the cytoplasmic membrane, yielding reduced affinity towards cationic antimicrobial peptides, and increased resistance to acidic environments. Therefore, these enzymes represent an important defense mechanism for many pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which are known to encode for lysyl-(Lys)-PG synthase MprF and LysX, respectively. Here, we used a combination of bioinformatic, genetic and bacteriological methods to characterize a protein encoded by the Mtb genome, Rv1619, carrying a domain with high similarity to MprF-like domains, suggesting that this protein could be a new aaPG synthase family member. However, unlike homologous domains of MprF and LysX that are positioned in the cytoplasm, we predicted that the MprF-like domain in LysX2 is in the extracytoplasmic region.

Results

Using genetic fusions to the Escherichia coli proteins PhoA and LacZ of LysX2, we confirmed this unique membrane topology, as well as LysX and MprF as benchmarks. Expression of lysX2 in Mycobacterium smegmatis increased cell resistance to human β-defensin 2 and sodium nitrite, enhanced cell viability and delayed biofilm formation in acidic pH environment. Remarkably, MtLysX2 significantly reduced the negative charge on the bacterial surface upon exposure to an acidic environment. Additionally, we found LysX2 orthologues in major human pathogens and in rapid-growing mycobacteria frequently associated with human infections, but not in environmental and non-pathogenic mycobacteria.

Conclusions

Overall, our data suggest that LysX2 is a prototype of a new class within the MprF-like protein family that likely enhances survival of the pathogenic species through its catalytic domain which is exposed to the extracytoplasmic side of the cell membrane and is required to decrease the negative charge on the bacterial surface through a yet uncharacterized mechanism.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the plant-specific PLATZ gene family in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum)
Authors: Li Jing , Feng Shan , Zhang Yuchuan , Xu Lei , Luo Yan , Yuan Yuhao , Yang Qinghua , Feng Baili
Published: April 2022

Background

Plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding (PLATZ) proteins belong to a novel class of plant-specific zinc-finger-dependent DNA-binding proteins that play essential roles in plant growth and development. Although the PLATZ gene family has been identified in several species, systematic identification and characterization of this gene family has not yet been carried out for Tartary buckwheat, which is an important medicinal and edible crop with high nutritional value. The recent completion of Tartary buckwheat genome sequencing has laid the foundation for this study.

Results

A total of 14 FtPLATZ proteins were identified in Tartary buckwheat and were classified into four phylogenetic groups. The gene structure and motif composition were similar within the same group, and evident distinctions among different groups were detected. Gene duplication, particularly segmental duplication, was the main driving force in the evolution of FtPLATZs. Synteny analysis revealed that Tartary buckwheat shares more orthologous PLATZ genes with dicotyledons, particularly soybean. In addition, the expression of FtPLATZs in different tissues and developmental stages of grains showed evident specificity and preference. FtPLATZ3 may be involved in the regulation of grain size, and FtPLATZ4 and FtPLATZ11 may participate in root development. Abundant and variable hormone-responsive cis-acting elements were distributed in the promoter regions of FtPLATZs, and almost all FtPLATZs were significantly regulated after exogenous hormone treatments, particularly methyl jasmonate treatment. Moreover, FtPLATZ6 was significantly upregulated under all exogenous hormone treatments, which may indicate that this gene plays a critical role in the hormone response of Tartary buckwheat.

Conclusions

This study lays a foundation for further exploration of the function of FtPLATZ proteins and their roles in the growth and development of Tartary buckwheat and contributes to the genetic improvement of Tartary buckwheat.
Cardiovascular health in pediatric heart transplant patients
Authors: Bogle Carmel , Marma Perak Amanda , Wilkens Sarah J. , Aljiffry Alaa , Rychlik Karen , Costello John M. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Pahl Elfriede
Published: April 2022

Background

Ideal “cardiovascular health” (CVH)–optimal diet, exercise, nonsmoking, BMI, BP, lipids, and glucose—is associated with healthy longevity in adults. Pediatric heart transplant (HT) patients may be at risk for suboptimal CVH.

Methods

Single-center retrospective study of HT patients 2003–2014 who survived 1 year post-transplant. Five CVH metrics were collected at listing, 1, 3 and 5 years post-transplant (diet and exercise were unavailable). CVH was scored by summing individual metrics: ideal = 2, intermediate = 1, and poor = 0 points; total scores of 8–10 points were considered high (favorable). CVH was compared between HT patients and the US pediatric population (GP) utilizing NHANES 2007–2016. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association of CVH 1 year post-transplant with a composite adverse outcome (death, re-listing, coronary vasculopathy, or chronic kidney disease) 3 years post-transplant.

Results

We included 110 HT patients (median age at HT: 6 years [range 0.1–21]) and 19,081 NHANES participants. CVH scores among HT patients were generally high at listing (75%), 1 (74%), 3 (87%) and 5 (76%) years post-transplant and similar to GP, but some metrics (e.g., glucose) were worse among HT patients. Among HT patients, CVH was poorer with older age and non-Caucasian race/ethnicity. Per 1-point higher CVH score, the demographic-adjusted OR for adverse outcomes was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.7–1.4).

Conclusions

HT patients had generally favorable CVH, but some metrics were unfavorable and CVH varied by age and race/ethnicity. No significant association was detected between CVH and adverse outcomes in this small sample, but study in a larger sample is warranted.
Exploring challenges among Iranian family caregivers of seniors with multiple chronic conditions: a qualitative research study
Authors: Malmir Sahar , Navipour Hassan , Negarandeh Reza
Published: April 2022

Background

It is believed that seniors with multiple chronic diseases are in dire need of support from their family caregivers; however, it can impose a significant burden on these caregivers. Therefore, it is imperative to take into account caregivers’ needs, as covert patients, along with the needs of patients; besides, it is necessary to develop supportive and health promotion programs for them. There is a critical gap in the knowledge about health problems related to family caregivers of the growing population of these senior citizens. The present study aimed to explain the challenges imposed on family caregivers of seniors with several chronic diseases in Iran.

Methods

This study was conducted based on the conventional qualitative content analysis method. For this purpose, 13 family caregivers of seniors with several chronic diseases were selected using the purposive sampling method. The study population included those referred to two health centers and outpatient clinics of two public hospitals in Khorramabad, Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed along with data collection using inductive thematic analysis proposed by Elo and Kyngäs. Besides, Guba and Lincoln’s criteria were used to ensure the trustworthiness of the data.

Results

The analysis of the obtained data led to the identification of challenges of family caregivers of the older patients with multiple chronic diseases; these challenges were classified into six main categories, including the impact of caregiving on family relationships, disruption of social relationships, disruption of personal and occupational plans, physical health-related issues, negative emotions, and dealing with the high costs of care.

Conclusions

Given that family caregivers may face several challenges while taking care of seniors with multiple chronic diseases, healthcare providers should design and plan various interventions based on such challenges using a caregiver-centered approach.
SARS-CoV-2 historical global testing and genomic variability
Authors: Tannous Halim , Akiki Shadi , E. Boulos Rasha , El Khoury Eid Charlene , El Hasbani Ghadi , Khoueiry Lea Maria , El Khoury Lynn , Tohme Rawan , Moussa Rim , Khazen Georges
Published: April 2022

The world has been dealing with the SARS-COV-2 pandemic since December 2019 and a lot of effort has focused on tracking the spread of the virus by gathering information regarding testing statistics and generating viral genomic sequences. Unfortunately, there is neither a single comprehensive resource with global historical testing data nor a centralized database with summary statistics of the identified genomic variants. We merged different pre-aggregated historical testing data and complemented them with our manually extracted ones, which consist of 6852 historical test statistics from 76 countries/states unreported in any other dataset, at the date of submission, making our dataset the most comprehensive to date. We also analyzed all publicly deposited SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences in GISAID and annotated their variants. Both datasets can be accessed through our interactive dashboard which also provides important insights on different outbreak trends across countries and states. The dashboard is available at https://bioinfo.lau.edu.lb/gkhazen/covid19. A daily updated version of the datasets can be downloaded from github.com/KhazenLab/covid19-data.
Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in English care homes: a modelling study
Authors: Rosello Alicia , Barnard Rosanna C. , Smith David R. M. , Evans Stephanie , Grimm Fiona , Davies Nicholas G. ,   Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases COVID-19 Modelling Working Group, Deeny Sarah R. , Knight Gwenan M. , Edmunds W. John
Published: April 2022

Background

COVID-19 outbreaks still occur in English care homes despite the interventions in place.

Methods

We developed a stochastic compartmental model to simulate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within an English care home. We quantified the outbreak risk with baseline non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) already in place, the role of community prevalence in driving outbreaks, and the relative contribution of all importation routes into a fully susceptible care home. We also considered the potential impact of additional control measures in care homes with and without immunity, namely: increasing staff and resident testing frequency, using lateral flow antigen testing (LFD) tests instead of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enhancing infection prevention and control (IPC), increasing the proportion of residents isolated, shortening the delay to isolation, improving the effectiveness of isolation, restricting visitors and limiting staff to working in one care home. We additionally present a Shiny application for users to apply this model to their facility of interest, specifying care home, outbreak and intervention characteristics.

Results

The model suggests that importation of SARS-CoV-2 by staff, from the community, is the main driver of outbreaks, that importation by visitors or from hospitals is rare, and that the past testing strategy (monthly testing of residents and daily testing of staff by PCR) likely provides negligible benefit in preventing outbreaks. Daily staff testing by LFD was 39% (95% 18–55%) effective in preventing outbreaks at 30 days compared to no testing.

Conclusions

Increasing the frequency of testing in staff and enhancing IPC are important to preventing importations to the care home. Further work is needed to understand the impact of vaccination in this population, which is likely to be very effective in preventing outbreaks.
Comparison and development of a metagenomic next-generation sequencing protocol for combined detection of DNA and RNA pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Jiang Hanfang , Xing Zhihao , Liu Xiaorong , Chai Qiang , Xin Zefeng , Zhu Chunqing , Lin Ruihong , Deng Xuwen , Cui Dong , Gao HongDan , Ma Dongli
Published: April 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate different pretreatment, extraction, amplification, and library generation methods for metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and to develop an efficient procedure for the simultaneous detection of DNA and RNA pathogens.

Methods

We generated thirteen mock CSF samples with four representative pathogens of encephalitis. Each sample was subjected to ten different methods by varying sample pretreatment/nucleic acid extraction (microbial DNA, total DNA, total NA, total RNA, Whole Transcriptome Amplification (WTA)) and library generation (Illumina or NEB). Negative extraction controls (NECs) were used for each method variation.

Results

We found that the quality of mNGS sequencing reads was higher from the NEB kit for library generation. Microbial DNA and total RNA increased microbial deposition by depleting the host DNA. Methods total NA and total RNA can detect gram-positive, gram-negative, RNA and DNA pathogens. We applied mNGS, including total NA and NEB library generation, to CSF samples from five patients diagnosed with infectious encephalitis and correctly determined all pathogens identified in clinical etiological tests.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that total nucleic acid extraction combined with NEB library generation is the most effective mNGS procedure in CSF pathogen detection. The optimization of positive criteria and databases can improve the specificity and sensitivity of mNGS diagnosis.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800015425 (29/03/2018), https://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=26292&htm=4.
Diagnostic accuracy of circulating microRNAs for hepatitis C virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Yicheng , Chen Yingsha , Tu Sheng , Zhang Jiajie , Qiu Yunqing , Yu Wei
Published: April 2022

Aims

The purpose of this study was to perform an assessment of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as promising biomarker for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCV-HCC) through a meta-analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive literatures search extended up to March 1, 2020 in PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Ovid databases. The collected data were analyzed by random-effects model, the pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were used to explore the diagnostic performance of circulating miRNAs. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were further carried out to explore the heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 16 articles including 3606 HCV-HCC patients and 3387 HCV patients without HCC were collected. The pooled estimates indicated miRNAs could distinguish HCC patients from chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and HCV-associated liver cirrhosis (HCV-LC), with a SEN of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79–0.87), a SPE of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71–0.82), a DOR of 17 (95% CI, 12–28), and an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84–0.90). The combination of miRNAs and AFP showed a better diagnostic accuracy than each alone. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs was better for plasma types, up-regulated miRNAs, and miRNA clusters. There was no evidence of publication bias in Deeks’ funnel plot.

Conclusions

Circulating miRNAs, especially for miRNA clusters, have a relatively high diagnostic value for HCV-HCC from CHC and HCV-LC.
Effects of high frequency rTMS of contralesional dorsal premotor cortex in severe subcortical chronic stroke: protocol of a randomized controlled trial with multimodal neuroimaging assessments
Authors: Li Jiali , Wang Hewei , Yuan Yujian , Fan Yunhui , Liu Fan , Zhu Jingjing , Xu Qing , Chen Lan , Guo Miao , Ji Zhaoying , Chen Yun , Yu Qiurong , Gao Tianhao , Hua Yan , Fan Mingxia , Sun Limin
Published: April 2022

Background

Previous studies have revealed that low frequency repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the contralesional primary motor cortex (cM1) is less effective in severe stroke patients with poor neural structural reserve than in patients with highly reserved descending motor pathway. This may be attributed to the fact that secondary motor cortex, especially contralesional dorsal premotor cortex (cPMd), might play an important compensatory role in the motor function recovery of severely affected upper extremity. The main purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of low frequency rTMS on cM1 and high frequency rTMS on cPMd in subcortical chronic stroke patients with severe hemiplegia. By longitudinal analysis of multimodal neuroimaging data, we hope to elucidate the possible mechanism of brain reorganization following different treatment regimens of rTMS therapy, and to determine the cut-off of stimulation strategy selection based on the degree of neural structural reserve.

Methods/design

The study will be a single-blinded randomized controlled trial involving a total of 60 subcortical chronic stroke patients with severe upper limb motor impairments. All patients will receive 3 weeks of conventional rehabilitation treatment, while they will be divided into three groups and receive different rTMS treatments: cM1 low frequency rTMS (n = 20), cPMd high frequency rTMS (n = 20), and sham stimulation group (n = 20). Clinical functional assessment, multimodal functional MRI (fMRI) scanning, and electrophysiological measurement will be performed before intervention, 3 weeks after intervention, and 4 weeks after the treatment, respectively.

Discussion

This will be the first study to compare the effects of low-frequency rTMS of cM1 and high-frequency rTMS of cPMd. The outcome of this study will provide a theoretical basis for clarifying the bimodal balance-recovery model of stroke, and provide a strategy for individualized rTMS treatment for stroke in future studies and clinical practice.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900027399. Registered on 12 Nov 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=43686.
Use of assessment instruments in forensic evaluations of criminal responsibility in Norway
Authors: Løvgren Pia Jorde , Laake Petter , Reitan Solveig Klæbo , Narud Kjersti
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Assessment instruments are often used to enhance quality and objectivity in therapeutic and legal settings. We aimed to explore the use of instruments in Norwegian reports of forensic evaluations of criminal responsibility; specifically, whether this use was associated with diagnostic and forensic conclusions.

Methods

Our study has an exploratory cross-sectional design. We examined 500 reports filed with the Norwegian Board of Forensic Medicine in 2009–2018 regarding defendants indicted for the most serious violent crimes. The first author coded data from all reports according to a registration form developed for this study. Two co-authors then coded a random sample of 50 reports, and inter-rater reliability measures were calculated. The first author coded 41 reports for calculation of intra-rater reliability. Descriptive statistics are presented for the use of assessment instruments, and a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to estimate associations between the use of instruments and diagnostic and forensic conclusions.

Results

Instruments were used in 50.0% of reports. The Wechler’s Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), Historical Clinical Risk-20 (HCR-20), and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM disorders (SCID I), were used in 15.8, 13.8, and 9.0% of reports, respectively. The use of instruments increased from 36% in 2009 to 58% in 2015; then decreased to 49% in 2018. Teams of two experts wrote 98.0% of reports, and 43.4% of these teams comprised two psychiatrists. In 20.0% of reports, the diagnostic conclusion was schizophrenia, and in 8.8% it was other psychotic disorders. A conclusion of criminal irresponsibility was given in 25.8% of reports. Instruments were more often used in reports written by teams that comprised both a psychiatrist and a psychologist, compared to reports by two psychiatrists. The use of instruments was strongly associated with both diagnostic and forensic conclusions.

Conclusion

Instruments were used in 50% of reports on forensic evaluations of criminal responsibility in Norway, and their use increased during the study period. Use of instruments was associated with diagnostic and forensic conclusions.
Internalizing symptoms in adolescence are modestly affected by symptoms of anxiety, depression, and neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood
Authors: Doering Sabrina , Larsson Henrik , Halldner Linda , Gillberg Christopher , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Lundström Sebastian
Published: April 2022

Background

Internalizing disorders, such as anxiety and depressive disorders, are common mental disorders in young people, but a detailed understanding of the symptom continuity from childhood to adolescence that additionally includes a variety of neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) symptoms is lacking. We therefore aimed to assess the extent to which parent-reported anxiety, depression, and NDD symptoms in childhood predict parent-reported internalizing symptoms in adolescence.

Methods

We used the nation-wide population-based Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden, comprising 4492 twins born in Sweden between 1998 and 2003 that were assessed at age 9, and then again at age 15. Linear regression in a structural equation modelling framework was used to analyze the data.

Results

Overall, our results indicate that 15.9% of the variance in internalizing symptoms at age 15 can be predicted by anxiety, depression, and NDD symptoms at age 9. Anxiety and NDD symptoms in childhood predicted the largest amount of internalizing symptoms in adolescence.

Conclusions

Adolescent internalizing symptoms are modestly affected by childhood symptoms of anxiety, depression, and NDDs, suggesting that they may represent different constructs across age. Future studies should further empirically investigate differences in etiology and trajectories of childhood versus adolescent internalizing symptoms.
Type and intensity distribution of structured and incidental lifestyle physical activity of students and office workers: a retrospective content analysis
Authors: Wallmann-Sperlich Birgit , Düking Peter , Müller Miriam , Froböse Ingo , Sperlich Billy
Published: April 2022

Background

Physical activity (PA) guidelines acknowledge the health benefits of regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) regardless of bout duration. However, little knowledge exists concerning the type and intensity distribution of structured and incidental lifestyle PA of students and office workers. The present study aimed to i) assess the duration and distribution of intensity of MVPAs during waking hours ≥50% of heart rate reserve (HRR), ii) to identify the type of PA through diary assessment, iii) to assign these activities into structured and lifestyle incidental PA, and iv) to compare this information between students and office workers.

Methods

Twenty-three healthy participants (11 students, 12 office workers) recorded heart rate (HR) with a wrist-worn HR monitor (Polar M600) and filled out a PA diary throughout seven consecutive days (i.e. ≥ 8 waking h/day). Relative HR zones were calculated, and PA diary information was coded using the Compendium of PA. We matched HR data with the reported PA and identified PA bouts during waking time ≥ 50% HRR concerning duration, HRR zone, type of PA, and assigned each activity to incidental and structured PA. Descriptive measures for time spend in different HRR zones and differences between students and office workers were calculated.

Results

In total, we analyzed 276.894 s (76 h 54 min 54 s) of waking time in HRR zones ≥50% and identified 169 different types of PA. The participants spend 31.9 ± 27.1 min/day or 3.9 ± 3.2% of their waking time in zones of ≥50% HRR with no difference between students and office workers (p > 0.01). The proportion of assigned incidental lifestyle PA was 76.9 ± 22.5%.

Conclusions

The present study provides initial insights regarding the type, amount, and distribution of intensity of structured and incidental lifestyle PA ≥ 50% HRR. Findings show a substantial amount of incidental lifestyle PA during waking hours and display the importance of promoting a physically active lifestyle. Future research could employ ambulatory assessments with integrated electronic diaries to detect information on the type and context of MVPA during the day.
Prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among refugees: a meta-analysis
Authors: Haase Elisa , Schönfelder Antje , Nesterko Yuriy , Glaesmer Heide
Published: April 2022

Background

Suicidal ideation and attempts are one of the most serious mental health problems affecting refugees. Risk factors such as mental disorders, low socio-economic status, and stressful life events all contribute to making refugees a high-risk group. For this reason, this meta-analysis aims to investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among refugees in non-clinical populations.

Method

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, PubPsych, and PsycInfo for articles reporting (period) prevalence rates of suicidal ideation and attempts. Inclusion criteria were the population of refugees or asylum seekers (aged 16 years and older), assessment of the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts in empirical studies in cross-sectional or longitudinal settings, written in English, and published by August 2020. Exclusion criteria were defined as a population of immigrants who have lived in the host country for a long time, studies that examined children and adolescents younger than 16 years, and research in clinical samples. Overall prevalence rates were calculated using Rstudio.

Results

Of 294 matches, 11 publications met the inclusion criteria. The overall period prevalence of suicidal ideation was 20.5% (CI: 0.11–0.32, I2 = 98%, n = 8), 22.3% (CI: 0.10–0.38, I2 = 97%, n = 5) for women, and 27.7% for men (CI: 0.14–0.45, I2 = 93%, n = 3). Suicide attempts had an overall prevalence of 0.57% (CI: 0.00–0.02, I2 = 81%, n = 4).

Conclusion

There is a great lack of epidemiological studies on suicidal ideation and attempts among refugees. The high prevalence of suicidal ideation indicates the existence of heavy psychological burden among this population. The prevalence of suicide attempts is similar to that in non-refugee populations. Because of the large heterogeneity between studies, the pooled prevalence estimates must be interpreted with caution. The results underline the need for systematic and standardized assessment and treatment of suicidal ideation and attempts.
The ROX index as a predictor of high-flow nasal cannula outcome in pneumonia patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyang , Liu Jiequan , Pan Jianneng , Xu Zhaojun , Xu Jianfei
Published: April 2022

Background

The respiratory rate-oxygenation (ROX) index has been increasingly applied to predict the outcome of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in pneumonia patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). However, its diagnostic accuracy for the HFNC outcome has not yet been systematically assessed. This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the predictive performance of the ROC index for the successful weaning from HFNC in pneumonia patients with AHRF.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on electronic databases through February 12, 2022, to retrieve studies that investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the ROC index for the outcome of HFNC application in pneumonia patients with AHRF. The area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUHSROC) was estimated as the primary measure of diagnostic accuracy due to the varied cutoff values of the index. We observed the distribution of the cutoff values and estimated the optimal threshold with corresponding 95% confidential interval (CI).

Results

Thirteen observational studies comprising 1751 patients were included, of whom 1003 (57.3%) successfully weaned from HFNC. The ROC index exhibits good performance for predicting the successful weaning from HFNC in pneumonia patients with AHRF, with an AUHSROC of 0.81 (95% CI 0.77–0.84), a pooled sensitivity of 0.71 (95% CI 0.64–0.78), and a pooled specificity of 0.78 (95% CI 0.70–0.84). The cutoff values of the ROX index were nearly conically symmetrically distributed; most data were centered between 4.5 and 6.0, and the mean and median values were 4.8 (95% CI 4.2–5.4) and 5.3 (95% CI 4.2–5.5), respectively. Moreover, the AUHSROC in the subgroup of measurement within 6 h after commencing HFNC was comparable to that in the subgroup of measurement during 6–12 h. The stratified analyses also suggested that the ROC index was a reliable predictor of HFNC success in pneumonia patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Conclusions

In pneumonia patients with AHRF, the ROX index measured within 12 h after HFNC initiation is a good predictor of successful weaning from HFNC. The range of 4.2–5.4 may represent the optimal confidence interval for the prediction of HFNC outcome.
Dentists’ situation and their needs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal: an online questionnaire survey
Authors: Harada Yuriko , Iwashita Hanako , Prajapati Dilip , Sugishita Tomohiko
Published: April 2022

Background

During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, ordinary dental services were sustained in Nepal. Because a dental practice is considered to involve a high risk of infection, the needs of dentists should be identified, and demand-driven support should be provided. The purpose of this study was to investigate the situation and needs of dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to guide demand-driven support. First, we investigated how the situation of Nepali dentists differed according to their types of practices between private clinics and university/government hospitals. Second, we assessed the characteristics of dentists demanding four types of support: financial, material, technical, and guidelines/guidance support.

Methods

A cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted between July 28th and August 7th 2020. Closed-ended questions were prepared regarding behavior, material availability, economic and psychological impacts, training, and the main support dentists wanted to receive. The situation of dentists between private clinics and university/government hospitals was determined using a chi-squared test for each variable. To examine the association between the characteristics of dentists and four types of support, multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each variable.

Results

There were 352 dentists (137 males and 215 females) included in the analysis. Private clinic dentists experienced a bigger economic impact and demanded financial support that 45.5% of them did not receive a salary, compared to 18.9% in university/government hospitals. On the contrary, university/government hospitals experienced lack of PPE and demanded material support that 79.8% had personal protective equipment, compared to 92.5% in private clinics. Financial support was demanded significantly more by male than female dentists (ORs = 5.56; 95% CI = 2.96–10.45). Material support was demanded significantly more by dentists who received training regarding COVID-19 management (ORs = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.01–3.81). Technical support was demanded significantly less by male dentists (ORs = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.23–0.83). Guideline/guidance support was demanded significantly more by dentists who answered that Nepal Dental Association provided appropriate support (ORs = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.25–3.91).

Conclusion

This study articulated the diverse needs of Nepali dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand-driven support should be provided in the future.