bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-dementia medication use in Aotearoa New Zealand: An exploratory study using health data from the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI)
Authors: Chan Amy Hai Yan , Hikaka Jo anna , To Edith , Cullum Sarah , Ma’u Etuini , Ryan Brigid , Rivera-Rodriguez Claudia , Cheung Gary
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Anti-dementia medications such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are an important part of the management pathway for dementia. However, there are limited data in New Zealand that have examined the rates and patterns of use of funded anti-dementia medication and how use differs with ethnicity, age and sex.

Methods:

This was a retrospective population-based descriptive study. Using the Integrated Data Infrastructure, we identified individuals of all ages coded for a diagnosis of dementia and estimated the proportion dispensed funded anti-dementia medication – donepezil tablets and rivastigmine patches – between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2020. Rates of medication use in five main ethnic groups (Māori, Pacific peoples, Asian, European, and Middle Eastern, Latin American and African) in the <65, 65–79 and 80 and over (80+) age groups were compared and also between males and females in all sub-groups. Log-binomial models were used to calculate relative risks to determine any differences in anti-dementia medication use in the five ethnic groups and the three age groups and between males and females in each of the four study years.

Results:

Overall, one-third of the dementia population received a funded anti-dementia medication in the total population (all ages) between 2016 and 2020. Donepezil tablets were dispensed in 31.6–34.0% and rivastigmine patches in 1.4–2.1% across the four study years. Compared to people of European ethnicity, Māori, Pacific peoples, and Middle Eastern, Latin American and African groups were less likely to be dispensed an anti-dementia medication (Māori: relative risk = 0.79–0.81, p < 0.0001; Pacific peoples: relative risk = 0.72–0.74, p < 0.0001; Middle Eastern, Latin American and African: relative risk = 0.73–0.78, p < 0.05). Compared to the age 80+ group, the 65–79 age group was more likely (relative risk = 1.50–1.54, p < 0.0001), while the age <65 group was less likely (relative risk = 0.67–0.71, p < 0.0001) to be dispensed an anti-dementia medication. There were no statistically significant differences in anti-dementia medication use between males and females.

Conclusion:

This study provides important information about funded anti-dementia medication use in New Zealand and how this differs by ethnicity, age and sex. Despite higher dementia prevalence in Māori and Pacific peoples, these groups were less likely to receive funded anti-dementia medication.
Building a Culture of Peace: The San José de Apartadó Peace Community
Authors: Linares Sánchez Malely , Postigo Gómez Inmaculada , Moreno Fernández Román D.
Published: September 2022

The case of the Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó (San José de Apartadó Peace Community) in the Urabá region of Antioquia, Colombia—a geostrategic territory disputed by various actors in conflict—calls attention to the importance of the transformation and handling of social and political conflicts and building a culture of peace.

El caso de la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó en la región de Urabá en Antioquia, Colombia, un territorio geoestratégico disputado por diversos actores en conflicto, nos remite a la importancia de la transformación y manejo de los conflictos sociales y políticos, así como la construcción de una cultura de paz.
Changes in vestibular and cochlear function following platinum-based chemotherapy: A preliminary report
Authors: Ehlert Katerina , Heinze Barbara , Graham Marien A , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study investigated the changes in vestibular and cochlear function in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.

Methods

A longitudinal study of 32 participants (10-70 years) receiving chemotherapy participated in the study. Baseline and exit vestibular and hearing assessments that included video head impulse (VHIT) testing, cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), dynamic visual acuity (DVA) and pure-tone audiometry were performed at the patient’s treatment venue.

Results

Half (50%) of the participants showed cochleotoxicity from baseline to exit testing, with left ears significantly more affected than right ears. There was no consistent relationship between hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. DVA yielded normal results at baseline and exit testing in all participants. VEMP responses were absent in 28.1% of participants at baseline, reflecting the challenges of using VEMP for monitoring. VEMP and VHIT results showed a statistically significant ( p < 0.05) decline in results from baseline to exit testing; however, participants did not report symptoms related to vestibular dysfunction. VHIT also showed left ears significantly ( p < 0.05) more affected than right ears.

Conclusion

VHIT proved to be a valuable measure of changes in vestibular function secondary to ototoxicity. Future investigations should determine vestibulotoxicity criteria and optimal protocols for vestibulotoxicity monitoring at the patient’s treatment venue.
Intersectional Criminalization: How Chicanas Experience and Navigate Criminalization through Interpersonal Relationships with Latino Men and Boys
Authors: Lerma Veronica
Published: September 2022

Recent work has begun to investigate how criminalization is mediated through interpersonal relationships. While this research emphasizes the importance of gender dynamics and cross-gender intimate relations for boys and men of color, little is known about how gendered and sexualized relationships matter for criminalized women and girls of color. This study seeks to fill this knowledge gap and asks: How do system-involved Chicanas’ relationships with men and boys shape their experiences of criminalization over the life course? How do they navigate criminalization through men and boys? While previous research suggests that young men of color may avoid criminalization through their relationships with young women of color, life-history interviews with formerly incarcerated and system-impacted Chicanas reveal that relationships with Latino men and boys exacerbated their experiences of criminalization. Utilizing an intersectional criminalization framework, I argue that racialized, gendered, and heteronormative assumptions about Latinas’ interpersonal relationships condition criminalization over the life course. Chicanas employed two strategies to navigate criminalization through men and boys, both of which came at a cost to their wellbeing.
Key Elements and Mechanisms of a Peer-Support Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Isolation among Low-Income Older Adults: A Qualitative Implementation Science Study
Authors: Fuller Shannon M. , Kotwal Ashwin A. , Tha Soe Han , Hill Daniel , Perissinotto Carla , Myers Janet J.
Published: September 2022

This paper describes the evaluation of a longitudinal peer-support program developed to address loneliness and isolation among low-income, urban community-dwelling older adults in San Francisco. Our objective was to determine barriers, challenges, and successful strategies in implementation of the program. In-depth qualitative interviews with clients ( n = 15) and peers ( n = 6) were conducted and analyzed thematically by program component. We identified barriers and challenges to engagement and outlined strategies used to identify clients, match them with peers, and provide support to both peers and clients. We found that peers played a flexible, non-clinical role and were perceived as friends. Connections to community resources helped when clients needed additional support. We also documented creative strategies used to maintain inter-personal connections during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study fills a gap in understanding how a peer-support program can be designed to address loneliness and social isolation, particularly in low-income, urban settings.
Economic Burden of Hearing Loss inMiddle‐Aged and Older Adults in China
Authors: Ye Xin , He Ping
Published: September 2022

Our study aimed to estimate the economic burden of hearing loss. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), hearing loss attributed fraction based on the rate of hearing loss was derived. Then, we calculated the direct and indirect economic burden of hearing loss. The base year for the monetary amounts shown was 2015. For middle-aged and older people aged 45+ in China, the economic burden of hearing loss in 2011, 2013, and 2015 was US$6.13 billion, US$7.39 billion, and US$8.50 billion, respectively. The direct economic burden of hearing loss accounted for 46.99%–50.24%, the indirect economic burden of premature death accounted for 49.41%–52.70%, and the indirect economic burden of productivity loss accounted for the least proportion of 0.31%–0.35%. Immediate measures such as hearing loss prevention, hearing screening, and hearing aid wearing should be taken, so as to reduce the economic burden of hearing loss.
Gluteal Reshaping Using a Simple Device for Collecting Fat
Authors: Mahgoub Mohamed Ali , Zeina Ahmed Mahmoud , Bahaa El-Deen Ahmed Mohamed , El-Sabbagh Ahmed Hassan
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Liposuction was popularized in the 80s of the previous century. Later, fat graft was widely used to augment different parts of the body especially the gluteal area. Fat collection is a part of the process of fat injection. Different methods have been described for fat collection. The objective is to address the outcome results of collecting large amount of fat using a chest tube canister for gluteal augmentation.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 20 females were operated for gluteal reshaping. Our choice was fat grafting for augmentation and correction of any depressed scars. The fat was collected using a canister of chest tube. Patients were assessed by measurement of hip circumference and by the usage of Likert scale with some modifications.

Results:

The mean amount of liposuction was about 4315 cm3 and the mean amount of fat injected was about 1250 cm3 per secession. After 6 months, hip circumference was increased by 4.045 cm. Actually, more than half of patients (65%) were strongly satisfied. One patient suffered from oily cyst that was excised surgically.

Conclusion:

The canister is safe, cheap, and effective method for collection and preparation of large volume of fat.
Long-Term Impacts of a Targeted Intervention in the Emergency Department on Inpatient Prescribing Practices
Authors: Negaard Briana J. , Vakkalanka J. Priyanka , Nugent Andrew S. , Faine Brett A.
Published: September 2022

Background: In 2009, researchers successfully implemented an intervention to decrease the inappropriate prescribing of multivitamin infusions (MVIs) in the emergency department (ED) for patients presenting with alcohol-related illnesses. Objective: The purposes of our study were to determine the impact of the 2009 intervention on hospital-wide prescribing practices of vitamin therapies for alcohol-related illnesses, and to evaluate its long-term sustainability. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at a 60,000-visit ED, 811-bed academically-affiliated tertiary referral hospital with an average census of 515 and 714 patients in 2009 and 2019, respectively. Patients were included if they presented to the ED from 2009 to 2019 with an alcohol-related illness as defined by ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. The primary outcome was the change in the monthly average of MVIs ordered inpatient within the first four months compared to the last four months of the study period. Secondary outcomes included changes in the mean distribution (MD) per month of thiamine administrations in the ED and inpatient setting, and MVIs ordered in the ED. Results: The MD of MVIs ordered per month decreased by 3.5% (95% CI −5.3, −1.7) in the inpatient setting and decreased by 1.4% (95% CI −2.5, −.3) in the ED from the beginning to the end of our study period. Conclusions: This study suggests the effects of an intervention made in the ED sustained impact over a 10-year timeframe, and decreased the use of MVIs in both the ED and hospital-wide.
Chasing complexity in metaphor research: A response to Thibodeau (2022)
Authors: Keefer Lucas A.
Published: September 2022

Thibodeau (2022) offers a thoughtful critique of my article (Keefer, 2022), attempting to bridge literatures on conceptual metaphor theory (CMT) and Lacan’s theory of metaphor. In this response, I specifically address issues about the extent to which cognitivist alternatives are able to effectively address concerns about the reductiveness of metaphors in CMT. My view is that these approaches either make untenable assumptions about semantic value or are better articulated in a Lacanian structuralism about language. Contra Thibodeau, I believe that a psychoanalytic approach to studying metaphor can be scientific, but that its methods must better capture the complexity of metaphoric thought. I close by addressing the Lacanian unconscious and pose the need for cognitive models of metaphor to better grapple with the intersubjective transmission of metaphor and motive.
Mothers, Domestic Violence, and Child Protection: The UK Response
Authors: Stewart Stacey , Arnull Elaine
Published: September 2022

Research highlights that mothers are often blamed for their child's exposure to domestic abuse and they are given a leave ultimatum. This article furthers discussion, guided by the question “how do (UK) mothers with violent partners experience social work interventions?” Nineteen mothers located around England and Wales were interviewed. Data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. The findings resonate with research from a decade earlier showing mothers felt blamed and were responsibilized for the violence they experienced and given the leave ultimatum by social workers. This article calls for a change in social work practice for mothers experiencing domestic abuse.
Bimodal length of stay in the accommodation sharing economy
Authors: Gómez–Déniz Emilio , Pérez–Rodríguez Jorge V , Hernández Juan M
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the determinants of tourist length of stay in sharing accommodation. Methodologically, the paper proposes a new approach to account for the observed bimodality of length of stay. More specifically, the determinants of length of stay are analyzed by modeling both the conditional mean and conditional modal frequencies, which represent shorter and longer tourist stays, unlike previous contributions on length of stay where modeling has been based exclusively on the conditional mean. The empirical analysis examines the length of stay in sharing accommodation lodgings (Airbnb and Homeaway) of tourists visiting the Canary Islands (Spain) before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show a bimodal distribution of length of stay: 1 and 7 nights in the pre-pandemic period, reduced to 1 and 2 nights in the pandemic period. The results also indicate that the model approach followed in this paper is preferable to other previous bimodality models in terms of estimation simplicity and fit. In addition, the model allows an analysis of the determinants of length of stay and differentiation of the influence of each determinant on shorter and longer stays.
Transnational families’ social spaces ‘in between’: Expectations, decision-making and belonging in light of educational choices in Norway
Authors: Purkarthofer Judith
Published: September 2022

Connections between linguistic heterogeneity, educational choices and (family) biographies are complex and ever shifting. With this paper, my aim is to explore the question how social spaces are constructed by multilingual families in migration societies and how they situate social spaces ‘in between’, thereby challenging both binary and national logics and creating third spaces. Especially in view of national educational institutions, family decisions on language transmission and use are reflected upon and at times re-evaluated.

Analysis of family interviews with German migrants in Norway shows how both continuity and change are relevant for the parents as they try to produce an uninterrupted family biography but at the same time need to be open to adaptations to new situations. Expectations, language ideologies and perspectives that transcend one’s own family spaces gain relevance while (national) institutions may call for changes in language regimes and practices.
Exploring Implementation of Animal-Assisted Interventions as Health Promotion Initiatives on University Campuses
Authors: Cooke Emily , Warner Elyse , Henderson-Wilson Claire
Published: September 2022

In this study, we aimed to inform implementation of an animal-assisted intervention (AAI) in an Australian university setting by exploring previously implemented university AAIs. Universities internationally have attempted to address growing concerns around student and staff stress and anxiety by adopting AAIs. However, despite stress and anxiety being common among Australian students and staff, studies are yet to investigate the implementation of an AAI as a strategy to promote health and well-being in this context. Twelve academics who had previously implemented AAIs were recruited via purposeful intensity sampling, with data collected via semistructured interviews. Our findings highlight several facilitators to successful implementation of an AAI, along with strategies used to overcome barriers. Understanding how to amplify strengths and minimize challenges will support Australian universities to implement successful AAIs on campus and, in turn, assist in promoting improved student and staff well-being.
Transcatheter Closure of a Paravalvular Leak After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With 3-Dimensional Printing Guidance: A Case Report
Authors: Mao Yu , Ma Yanyan , Liu Yang , Jin Ping , Li Lanlan , Yang Jian
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

Our goal was to report the transcatheter closure of a paravalvular leak after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using 3-dimensional (3D) printing.

Case Report:

A 66-year-old man who had undergone transapical and TAVR 2 years ago due to aortic regurgitation, presented with palpitations and shortness of breath owing to exacerbation of paravalvular regurgitation. Echocardiography suggested that the stented aortic valve was fixed securely in place and the valve leaflets moved normally after TAVR, but there was severe paravalvular regurgitation (3 bundles, volume 11.0 mL). Due to the high surgical risk, we closed the transcatheter paravalvular leak using preprocedural guidance with 3D printing and intraprocedural guidance with digital subtraction angiography. Postoperative echocardiography showed that the paravalvular leak was significantly reduced. 3D construction showed that the occluders and the stent valve were well placed.

Conclusion:

Transcatheter closure of a paravalvular leak of the aortic valve may be feasible with appropriate pre- and intraoperative 3D printing guidance.

Clinical Impact

3D printing technology may help surgeons to make accurate preoperative strategy before occlusion procedures.
The Value of College Athletics in the Labor Market: Results from a Resume Audit Field Experiment
Authors: Paul James D. , Cheng Albert A. , Greene Jay P. , McGee Josh B.
Published: September 2022

Employers may favor applicants who played college sports if athletics participation contributes to leadership, conscientiousness, discipline, and other traits that are desirable for labor-market productivity. We conduct a resume audit to estimate the causal effect of listing collegiate athletics on employer callbacks and test for subgroup effects by ethnicity, gender, and sport type. We applied to more than 450 jobs on a large, well-known job board. For each job listing, we submitted two fictitious resumes, one of which was randomly assigned to include collegiate varsity athletics. Overall, listing a college sport does not produce a statistically significant change in the likelihood of receiving a callback or interview request. We find no statistically significant differences within ethnicities or genders.
A Class Activation Map-Based Interpretable Transfer Learning Model for Automated Detection of ADHD from fMRI Data
Authors: Uyulan Caglar , Erguzel Turker Tekin , Turk Omer , Farhad Shams , Metin Baris , Tarhan Nevzat
Published: September 2022

Automatic detection of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) based on the functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) through Deep Learning (DL) is becoming a quite useful methodology due to the curse of-dimensionality problem of the data is solved. Also, this method proposes an invasive and robust solution to the variances in data acquisition and class distribution imbalances. In this paper, a transfer learning approach, specifically ResNet-50 type pre-trained 2D-Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was used to automatically classify ADHD and healthy children. The results demonstrated that ResNet-50 architecture with 10-k cross-validation (CV) achieves an overall classification accuracy of 93.45%. The interpretation of the results was done via the Class Activation Map (CAM) analysis which showed that children with ADHD differed from controls in a wide range of brain areas including frontal, parietal and temporal lobes.
Teaching Mixed Methods Using Active Learning Approaches
Authors: Zhou Yuchun
Published: September 2022

There is a paucity of empirical research on teaching mixed methods. To fill this gap in literature, this convergent mixed methods study explores the effectiveness of using active learning approaches in teaching a mixed methods course. The qualitative data, including 10 individual interviews, 29 students’ reflections, and 26 teaching evaluation surveys, were used to examine students’ learning experience and outcomes. Students’ presentations ( N = 29) and final papers ( N = 29) were transformed into numbers as the quantitative data. The converged results indicated that students were actively engaged in learning and achieved the expected learning outcomes. This study makes valuable contributions to the mixed methods pedagogical culture by providing details and suggestions on how to use active learning approaches in teaching mixed methods.
Hypoplastic Left Ventricle: Definition, Morphology, and Classification of the Cardiac Phenotypes
Authors: Jacobs Jeffrey P.
Published: September 2022

A prior manuscript provided information about hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and related malformations, including definitions, morphology, and classification, based on the 2021 International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code (IPCCC) and the Eleventh Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). This manuscript provides information about the related cardiac phenotypes associated with “hypoplastic left ventricle” that might be suitable for biventricular repair, including definitions, morphology, and classification of the cardiac phenotypes of the following four congenital cardiac malformations that can all include a hypoplastic left ventricle: (1) hypoplastic left heart complex (HLHC), (2) critical aortic stenosis with left ventricular hypoplasia, (3) aortic atresia + ventricular septal defect, and (4) hypoplastic left ventricle with severely unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect.
Management of the Borderline Left Heart and Alternatives to Fontan
Authors: Emani Sitaram M.
Published: September 2022

Management of borderline left heart can be divided into single ventricle and biventricular repair strategies. Recently, the strategy of left heart recruitment has been applied to select patients. Left heart recruitment strategies and alternatives to Fontan circulation are reviewed. The criteria utilized for decision-making include size and function of left heart structures as well as hemodynamics measured by cardiac catheterization.
The Ventricular Switch: An Alternative Strategy Toward Biventricular Repair in Moderately Hypoplastic Left Ventricles or Complex Connections
Authors: Najm Hani K. , Oh Nicholas A.
Published: September 2022

Hypoplastic left heart complex (HLHC) constitutes a spectrum of left ventricular hypoplasia and valvar disease and can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, management of these lesions involves single ventricle palliation (SVP). However, the SVP may be associated with substantial long-term consequences related to its physiology. Alternative management strategies have been employed to achieve biventricular circulation. We have proposed a novel technique, termed the “ventricular switch” procedure, in which the hypoplastic or unroutable left ventricle can be harnessed to function as the subpulmonic ventricle, and the right ventricle functions as the systemic ventricle. Herein, we describe our rationale for considering biventricular circulation and the ventricular switch procedure in HLHC and in other complex lesions.
External Locking Plate Fixation for Femoral Subtrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Chiu Yen-Chun , Wu Chin-Hsien , Tsai Kun-Ling , Jou I-Ming , Tu Yuan-Kun , Ma Ching-Hou
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Internal fixation is the treatment of choice for subtrochanteric fractures in most conditions. However, it may be an unsuitable procedure for patients with poor health status, osteomyelitis, and surrounding soft tissue compromise. This study aimed to ascertain the viability and reliability of using external locking plate fixation for these difficult cases.

Methods

Eleven patients with femoral subtrochanteric fractures who received external locking plate fixation in our institute from January 2014 to December 2019 were enrolled in our study. The bone union time, wound complication, alignment, and necessity for narcotic agents were evaluated.

Results

The average length of follow-up was 17.5 months (range, 14-26 months). The mean time for bone union was 17.7 weeks (range, 15-21 weeks). The indications included poor health condition, soft tissue compromise, and post-operative osteomyelitis. Pin tract infection was noted in two patients who were treated successfully with oral antibiotics administration and removal of the involved screws. Osseous union with varus deformity <10° was achieved in all patients except one. Three patients required an orally administered pain killer at the final visit. The average Harris Hip Score at one year post-operatively was 66.6 (range, 49-80).

Conclusions

Although the current study only involved 11 patients, we believe that our method may serve as a valuable alternative for the treatment of a femoral subtrochanteric fracture in selected cases.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, retrospective case series
Factors That Optimize Engagement for Diverse Learners at Arts Performances for Young Audiences
Authors: Glass Don , Schulz Begle Annie K. , Miller Jenelle M.
Published: September 2022

Field trips to museums and performing arts centers are not a frequent activity for most students, so how do cultural organizations learn to make the most of these limited but potentially valuable “gateway experiences” toward increased arts participation? This cross-sectional study examines the engagement of students during a performance at a performing arts center with data collected over three seasons of performances across art forms, grade levels, and student populations (students who attend Title I schools, English learners, and students with disabilities) under the umbrella of Positive Youth Development theory. The findings of regression analyses and analyses of variance feature three aspects that may optimize positive engagement in the arts experience for students: prior attendance to performances, lessons in the art form, and preparation prior to the performance. However, when the data is disaggregated by priority populations, not all the factors predict higher positive engagement in a statistically significant way. The feature that may have a consistent incidence across all populations, and exclusively for students with disabilities, is preparation prior to the performance. These results present practical implications for audience recruitment, accessibility supports, and learning design for diverse learners.
Does the Gender of Your Friends Matter for Sexist Attitudes About Women?
Authors: Jenkins Diana L. , Xiao Sonya Xinyue , Martin Carol Lynn
Published: September 2022

Building upon two complimentary theoretical frameworks related to group relations (i.e., Intergroup Contact Theory and Peer Exposure), we examined how emerging adults’ friendships with men and women were related to their hostile sexism, benevolent sexism, and sexual objectification attitudes. Participants were 212 college students ( M age = 20.20 years, SD = 2.08; 62% female; 58% White) from a large southwestern university. Results provided support for Intergroup Contact Theory and for a Peer Exposure effect, but only for men. Specifically, for men, having female friends was negatively associated with hostile sexism, and having male friends was positively related to hostile sexism; neither friendship type related to benevolent sexism. For women, no significant relations between friends and attitudes were found; this is likely due to the assessed attitudes being about women (their own group). The findings suggest a promising pathway to mitigate gender-based prejudice for men through cross-gender friendships.
Using environmental monitoring data from apex predators for chemicals management: towards harmonised sampling and processing of archived wildlife samples to increase the regulatory uptake of monitoring data in chemicals management
Authors: Badry Alexander , Slobodnik Jaroslav , Alygizakis Nikiforos , Bunke Dirk , Cincinelli Alessandra , Claßen Daniela , Dekker Rene W. R. J. , Duke Guy , Dulio Valeria , Göckener Bernd , Gkotsis Georgios , Hanke Georg , Jartun Morten , Movalli Paola , Nika Maria-Christina , Rüdel Heinz , Thomaidis Nikolaos S. , Tarazona Jose V. , Tornero Victoria , Treu Gabriele , Vorkamp Katrin , Walker Lee A. , Koschorreck Jan
Published: September 2022

Monitoring data from apex predators were key drivers in the development of early chemicals legislations due to the population declines of many species during the twentieth century, which was linked to certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Besides triggering the development of global treaties (e.g. the Stockholm Convention), chemical monitoring data from apex predators have been particularly important for identifying compounds with bioaccumulative properties under field conditions. Many apex predators are protected species and only a few environmental specimen banks (ESBs) regularly collect samples as many ESBs were established during the 1980–1990s when apex predators were scarce. Today, many POPs have been banned, which contributed to the recovery of many apex predator populations. As a consequence, apex predator samples are now available in research collections (RCs) and natural history museums (NHMs). These samples can be used for routine analysis as well as for screening studies using novel analytical techniques and advanced data treatment workflows, such as suspect and non-target screening. The LIFE APEX project has demonstrated how these samples can be used in a cost-efficient way to generate data on legacy compounds and contaminants of emerging concern. Furthermore, it has described quality assurance/control measures to ensure high quality and comparable data, with a view to uses in chemicals risk assessment and management. To increase the visibility of available sample collections and monitoring data from apex predators we developed accessible online database systems. Additionally, the acquired high-resolution mass spectrometric data were stored in a digital sample freezing platform that allows retrospective suspect screening in previously analysed samples for substances that may be of concern/under assessment in the future. These databases provide open access to a wide range of chemical data, for use by regulators, researchers, industry and the general public, and contribute to a stronger link between science and policy.
Organellar genome comparisons of Sargassum polycystum and S. plagiophyllum (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) with other Sargassum species
Authors: Zhang Shuangshuang , Liang Yanshuo , Zhang Jie , Draisma Stefano G. A. , Duan Delin
Published: September 2022

Background

Sargassum polycystum C. Agardh and Sargassum plagiophyllum C. Agardh are inhabitants of tropical coastal areas, their populations are negatively influenced by global warming and marine environment changes. The mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes of these species have not been sequenced.

Results

The mitochondrial genomes of S. polycystum and S. plagiophyllum were 34,825 bp and 34,862 bp, respectively, and their corresponding chloroplast genomes were 124,493 bp and 124,536 bp, respectively. The mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes of these species share conserved synteny, sequence regions and gene number when compared with the organellar genomes of other Sargassum species. Based on sequence analysis of 35 protein-coding genes, we deduced that S. polycystum and S. plagiophyllum were closely related with S. ilicifolium; these species diverged approximately 0.3 million years ago (Ma; 0.1–0.53 Ma) during the Pleistocene period (0.01–2.59 Ma). Rates of synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions in the mitochondrial genome of the Sargassum genus were 3 times higher than those in the chloroplast genome. In the mitochondrial genome, rpl5, rpl31 and rps11 had the highest synonymous substitution rates. In the chloroplast genome, psaE, rpl14 and rpl27 had the highest synonymous substitution rates.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic analysis confirms the close relationship between the two sequenced species and S. ilicifolium. Both synonymous and non-synonymous substitution rates show significant divergence between the group of mitochondrial genomes versus the group of chloroplast genomes. The deciphering of complete mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes is significant as it advances our understanding of the evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships between species of brown seaweeds.
Examining the role of paraoxonase 2 in the dopaminergic system of the mouse brain
Authors: Garrick Jacqueline M. , Dao Khoi , Costa Lucio G. , Marsillach Judit , Furlong Clement E.
Published: September 2022

Background

Paraoxonase 2 (PON2) is an intracellular antioxidant enzyme located at the inner mitochondrial membrane. Previous studies have found PON2 to be an important antioxidant in a variety of cellular systems, such as the cardiovascular and renal system. Recent work has also suggested that PON2 plays an important role in the central nervous system (CNS), as decreased PON2 expression in the CNS leads to higher oxidative stress and subsequent cell toxicity. However, the precise role of PON2 in the CNS is still largely unknown, and what role it may play in specific regions of the brain remains unexamined. Dopamine metabolism generates considerable oxidative stress and antioxidant function is critical to the survival of dopaminergic neurons, providing a potential mechanism for PON2 in the dopaminergic system.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the role of PON2 in the dopaminergic system of the mouse brain by comparing transcript and protein expression of dopaminergic-related genes in wildtype (WT) and PON2 deficient (PON2-def) mouse striatum, and exposing WT cultured primary neurons to dopamine receptor agonists.

Results

We found alterations in multiple key dopaminergic genes at the transcript level, however many of these changes were not observed at the protein level. In cultured neurons, PON2 mRNA and protein were increased upon exposure to quinpirole, a dopamine receptor 2/3 (DRD2/3) agonist, but not fenoldopam, a dopamine receptor 1/5 (DRD1/5) agonist, suggesting a receptor-specific role in dopamine signaling.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest PON2 deficiency significantly impacts the dopaminergic system at the transcript level and may play a role in mitigating oxidative stress in this system further downstream through dopamine receptor signaling.
“We’re already doing this work”: ethical research with community-based organizations
Authors: Fielding-Miller Rebecca , Kim Sarah , Bowles Jeanette , Streuli Samantha , Davidson Peter
Published: September 2022

Background

Public health research frequently relies on collaborations with community-based organizations, and these partnerships can be essential to the success of a project. However, while public health ethics and oversight policies have historically focused on ensuring that individual subjects are protected from unethical or unfair practices, there are few guidelines to protect the organizations which facilitate relationships with – and are frequently composed of – these same vulnerable populations. As universities, governments, and donors place a renewed emphasis on the need for community engaged research to address systematic drivers of health inequity, it is vital that the ways in which research is conducted does not uphold the same intersecting systems of gender, race, and class oppression which led to the very same health inequities of interest.

Methods

To understand how traditional notions of public health research ethics might be expanded to encompass partnerships with organizations as well as individuals, we conducted qualitative interviews with 39 staff members (executive directors and frontline) at community-based organizations that primarily serve people who use drugs, Black men who have sex with men, and sex workers across the United States from January 2016 – August 2017. We also conducted 11 in-depth interviews with professional academic researchers with experience partnering with CBOs that serve similar populations. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using emergent codes and a priori codes derived from the Belmont Report.

Results

The concepts of respect, beneficence, and justice are a starting point for collaboration with CBOs, but participants deepened them beyond traditional regulatory concepts to consider the ethics of relationships, care, and solidarity. These concepts could and should apply to the treatment of organizations that participate in research just as they apply to individual human subjects, although their implementation will differ when applied to CBOs vs individual human subjects.

Conclusions

Academic-CBO partnerships are likely to be more successful for both academics and CBOs if academic researchers work to center individual-level relationship building that is mutually respectful and grounded in cultural humility. More support from academic institutions and ethical oversight entities can enable more ethically grounded relationships between academic researchers, academic institutions, and community based organizations.
A comparative analysis of diagnostic values of high-frequency ultrasound and fiberoptic ductoscopy for pathologic nipple discharge
Authors: Yuan Hongmei , Tang Xuemei , Mou Xurong , Fan Yuhong , Yan Xiang , Li Jinsui , Hou Lingmi , Ren Min
Published: September 2022

Background

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) and fiberoptic ductoscopy (FDS) for pathologic nipple discharge (PND).

Methods

HFUS and FDS were conducted in 210 patients with PND (248 lesions) treated at our hospital. The diagnostic accuracy of these two methods was compared using pathological diagnosis as the standard.

Results

Among 248 lesions, 16 and 15 of 16 malignant lesions were accurately diagnosed by HFUS and FDS, respectively. Of 232 benign lesions, 183 and 196 cases were accurately diagnosed by HFUS and FDS, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of HFUS in diagnosis of intraductal lesions were 84.36% (95% CI 79.26–88.39%), 60% (95% CI 23.07–92.89%), 96.03% (95% CI 96.55–99.83%), and 7.31% (95% CI 2.52–19.4%) respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of FDS in diagnosis of intraductal lesions were 86.83% (95% CI 82.00–90.52%), 100% (95% CI 56.55–100%), 100% (95% CI 98.21–100%), and 13.51% (95% CI 5.91–27.98%) respectively. Diagnostic accuracy rates of HFUS and FDS were 83.87% (208/248) and 85.08% (211/248), respectively, exhibiting no statistically differences (χ2 = 0.80, P > 0.05). The accuracy of HFUS combined with FDS was 93.14% (231/248), showing statistically differences (χ2 = 10.91, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both HFUS and FDS demonstrated high diagnostic values for PND. HFUS has the advantage of non-invasive for nipple discharge with duct ectasia, exhibited good qualitative and localization diagnostic values. It is the preferred evaluation method for patients with nipple discharge. When HFUS cannot identify the cause of PND, FDS can be considered.
COVID Stress, socioeconomic deprivation, and intimate partner aggression during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hammett Julia F. , Halmos Miklós B. , Parrott Dominic J. , Stappenbeck Cynthia A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Intimate partner aggression (IPA) is a prevalent public health concern that is associated with multiple negative consequences. Rates of IPA in the U.S. have increased since the onset of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, likely due to stress associated with the pandemic. Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with COVID-19 outcomes as well as IPA. However, whether socioeconomic deprivation interacts with COVID-19 stress in predicting IPA remains unclear.

Methods

Using a sample of 510 individuals recruited via Qualtrics Research Services in April 2020, the present study tested whether socioeconomic deprivation moderates the association between COVID-19 stress and IPA perpetration and victimization. Participants completed a questionnaire battery that included measures of COVID-19 stressors and physical and psychological IPA perpetration and victimization. In addition, participants reported their residential zip codes, which were subsequently matched with scores on the Social Deprivation Index, a composite measure of seven demographic variables from the 5-year American Community Survey.

Results

Sequential generalized linear models in Mplus Version 8.7 showed that the effects of COVID-19 stress on physical IPA perpetration and psychological IPA victimization can be best understood through its interactive effects with socioeconomic deprivation. Higher COVID-19 stress was associated with higher levels of physical IPA perpetration and psychological IPA victimization when socioeconomic deprivation was low but not when socioeconomic deprivation was high. Importantly, however, overall rates of IPA were higher among individuals with higher socioeconomic deprivation than among individuals with lower socioeconomic deprivation, regardless of the amount of COVID-19 stress they experienced.

Conclusions

The present analyses implicate COVID-19 stress as a critical correlate of IPA and show that the association between this stress and physical IPA perpetration and psychological IPA victimization may be particularly salient among individuals who live in areas of lower socioeconomic deprivation. Furthermore, our results clearly pinpoint the detrimental effects of socioeconomic deprivation more broadly, showing that individuals who live in more deprived areas tend to have high levels of IPA regardless of their level of COVID-19 stress. These findings call for public health policies at the community and societal level that target not only COVID-related stress but also the impacts of socioeconomic inequality.
A student-led interprofessional virtual outreach program for people with HIV during the Covid-19 pandemic: a pilot program at an academic medical center in Boston
Authors: Solomon Daniel A. , Larrabee Susan , Ellis Joshua , Erfani Parsa , Johnson Shawn F. , Rich Katherine M. , Sandoval Raquel Sofia , Osman Nora Y.
Published: September 2022

Background

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic caused an abrupt disruption in clinical care and medical education, putting patients at increased risk for social stressors and displacing medical students from traditional clerkships. The pandemic also exposed the need for virtual tools to supplement clinical care and an opportunity to create meaningful roles for learners.

Methods

An interdisciplinary group designed a student-led virtual outreach program for patients with HIV whose care was limited by the pandemic. Patients were identified by clinicians and social workers using a clinic-based registry. Students called patients to conduct needs assessments, provide Covid-19 education, and to facilitate connection to services. Students participated in case-based didactics and workshops on motivational interviewing and patient engagement using virtual tools. Facilitated team meetings were held weekly during which themes of calls were identified.

Results

During a three-month period, five students participated in the outreach program. Two hundred sixteen patients were identified for outreach calls, of which 174 (75.9%) were successfully reached by telephone. Rate of completed phone call did not differ by age or gender. Sixty patients had a preferred language other than English of which 95.6% were reached in their preferred language.

Conclusions

Virtual proactive outreach can be used as a tool to support patients and engage students in clinical care when access to in-person care is limited. This model of care could be adapted to other ambulatory practices and integrated into pre-clerkship curriculum as an introduction to the social history and structural drivers of health (SDOH) (245/350).
The m6A demethylase ALKBH5-mediated upregulation of DDIT4-AS1 maintains pancreatic cancer stemness and suppresses chemosensitivity by activating the mTOR pathway
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liu Xiaomeng , Wang Yan , Lai Shihui , Wang Zhiqian , Yang Yudie , Liu Wenhui , Wang Hongquan , Tang Bo
Published: September 2022

Background

Chemoresistance is a major factor contributing to the poor prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer, and cancer stemness is one of the most crucial factors associated with chemoresistance and a very promising direction for cancer treatment. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of cancer stemness have not been completely elucidated.

Methods

m6A-RNA immunoprecipitation and sequencing were used to screen m6A-related mRNAs and lncRNAs. qRT-PCR and FISH were utilized to analyse DDIT4-AS1 expression. Spheroid formation, colony formation, Western blot and flow cytometry assays were performed to analyse the cancer stemness and chemosensitivity of PDAC cells. Xenograft experiments were conducted to analyse the tumour formation ratio and growth in vivo. RNA sequencing, Western blot and bioinformatics analyses were used to identify the downstream pathway of DDIT4-AS1. IP, RIP and RNA pulldown assays were performed to test the interaction between DDIT4-AS1, DDIT4 and UPF1. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models were generated to evaluate chemosensitivities to GEM.

Results

DDIT4-AS1 was identified as one of the downstream targets of ALKBH5, and recruitment of HuR onto m6A-modified sites is essential for DDIT4-AS1 stabilization. DDIT4-AS1 was upregulated in PDAC and positively correlated with a poor prognosis. DDIT4-AS1 silencing inhibited stemness and enhanced chemosensitivity to GEM (Gemcitabine). Mechanistically, DDIT4-AS1 promoted the phosphorylation of UPF1 by preventing the binding of SMG5 and PP2A to UPF1, which decreased the stability of the DDIT4 mRNA and activated the mTOR pathway. Furthermore, suppression of DDIT4-AS1 in a PDX-derived model enhanced the antitumour effects of GEM on PDAC.

Conclusions

The ALKBH5-mediated m6A modification led to DDIT4-AS1 overexpression in PDAC, and DDIT-AS1 increased cancer stemness and suppressed chemosensitivity to GEM by destabilizing DDIT4 and activating the mTOR pathway. Approaches targeting DDIT4-AS1 and its pathway may be an effective strategy for the treatment of chemoresistance in PDAC.