bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation on plastic deformation and nanomechanical properties of Cu60Zr40/ Ni80P20 amorphous nanolaminates
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Hongwei , Salameh Anas A , Malik Vinayak , Saxena Kuldeep K
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to investigate the nanomechanical properties of amorphous nanolaminates by using the molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of nanoindentation process. To achieve this goal, two metallic glass (MG) nanolaminates with the arrangement of Cu60Zr40/Ni80P20 (CN type) and Ni80P20/Cu60Zr40 (NC type) were constructed. The MD outcomes unveiled that the NC-type sample exhibited a weaker strength at the loading stage and experienced a sharper relaxation at the end of holding stage. The strain maps of samples also revealed that the plastic deformation in the CN type initiated at the interface of substrate/indenter and was generated into the depth of material with a pear-like shape. On the other hand, the NC-type sample showed an accumulation of strain at the top layer normal to the direction of indenting process. This result indicated that the plasticity evolution occurred with a homogenous mode in the bulk of CN-type nanolaminate.
Can People Use Party Cues to Assess Policymaker Positions? Ecological Rationality and Political Heuristics
Authors: Bergan Daniel E. , Finerty Caitlin , Harrison Jack , Ma Siyuan , Virtue Isabel
Published: January 2023

Scholars disagree about the ability of people to use heuristics to make political judgments, with some arguing that heuristics are easy-to-use pieces of information and others arguing that applying heuristics may require some degree of political expertise. We argue that these debates have been somewhat intractable because most prior work has not considered the ecological rationality of political judgments—that is, the potential for cues to yield accurate judgments about a clearly defined reference class. In this paper, we present the results of two studies exploring whether people use party labels to make judgments about a random sample of U.S. Representatives’ voting behaviors. We find that respondents consistently performed worse in guessing U.S. Representatives’ votes than if they had correctly used a simple partisan heuristic. There is also some evidence that people performed worse with the presence of more nonparty cues. Attention to politics had a positive relationship with accuracy in both studies, although the relationship was modest. The results suggest that party cues may be more difficult to apply than some research has suggested.
Understanding Ohio X-Waivered Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ Rate of Naltrexone Prescription for Alcohol Use Disordered Patients
Authors: Wiggins Morgan , Painter Susan , Burant Christopher , Juratovac Evanne , Alto Kathleen
Published: January 2023

Background:

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is overrepresented within the United States. Naltrexone, a recommended treatment for AUD, is underutilized. However, the prescribing behaviors of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) regarding naltrexone for AUD patients have not been studied. The purpose of our study was to explore the prescriptive practices of a sample of APRNs.

Aims:

To describe and analyze survey responses of a sample of Ohio APRNs with training in medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders (as evidenced by DEA x-waiver receipt) regarding prescribing practices of naltrexone for AUD patients.

Method:

Public information collected from the first author’s Nursing Board (list of APRNs in Ohio) was checked against the public information of x-waivered providers nationally from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) website. This generated a potential sample size of 824 APRNs, all of whom were sent email solicitations to complete a Qualtrics survey. After 3 weeks, 55 surveys were completed, and the data were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were generated as well as a logistic regression with five potential predictor variables against the outcome variable (defined as use of naltrexone for AUD patients).

Results:

Years practicing as an APRN was found to negatively predict naltrexone prescribing behavior for AUD patients. Practice setting and work experience with an addiction specialist physician were not found to predict naltrexone prescribing behavior for AUD patients.

Conclusion:

Implications for further study were discussed, with emphasis on regulatory variance between states.
The Role of Early Warning Scoring Systems NEWS and MEWS in the Acute Exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Triantafyllidou Christina , Effraimidis Petros , Vougas Konstantinos , Agholme Jonas , Schimanke Mirjam , Cederquist Karin
Published: January 2023

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are the most devastating events in the course of the disease. Our aim was to investigate the value of early warning scoring systems: National Early Warning Score (NEWS) and Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) in AECOPD. This is a prospective observational study of patients with AECOPD who were admitted at hospital. The NEWS and MEWS scores were registered at admission (NEWS-d1, MEWS-d1) and on the second day (NEWS-d2, MEWS-d2). A nasopharyngeal and sputum sample was taken for culture. Follow-up was done at 3 and 6 months after hospitalization. Any possible correlations between NEWS and MEWS and other parameters of COPD were explored. A cohort of 64 patients were included. In-hospital mortality was 4.7% while total mortality at 6 months was 26%. We did not find any significant correlation between in-hospital mortality and any of the scores but we could show a higher mortality and more frequent AECOPD at 6 months of follow-up for those with higher NEWS-d2. NEWS-d2 was associated with higher pCO2 at presentation and a more frequent use of NIV. Higher NEWS-d1 and NEWS-d2 were predictive of a longer hospital stay. The presence of pathogens in the nasopharyngeal sample was related with a higher reduction of both scores on the second day. We therefore support the superiority of NEWS in the evaluation of hospitalized patients with AECOPD. A remaining high NEWS at the second day of hospital stay signals a high risk of hypercapnia and need of NIV but also higher mortality and more frequent exacerbations at 6 months after AECOPD.
Coverage of Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in the international press: A perspective on indexing theory
Authors: Hussain Shabir , Jehangir Ayesha
Published: January 2023

This article tests the key arguments of indexing theory by analysing how the press of seven countries reported Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The seven countries represent a mix of democratic (US, UK, India and Pakistan) and authoritarian governments (Russia, China and Iran). In a marked similarity, we found that press of the two types of political systems mainly supported their governments’ policy towards the Taliban. Though the democratic press showed some critical coverage, it was of tactical nature. Moreover, most political and security events in Afghanistan were reported in neutral way, suggesting the democratic press compromised on their critical agenda to hold their governments responsible for their actions. In terms of news sources, the press of US and UK involved more foreign sources as compared to other countries. The findings suggest the security nature of events is an important determinant of whether official indexing will prevail or confronted in press coverage of international conflicts.
Japan’s Normative Power in Central Asia: Norms, Development Cooperation, and the Long-lasting Partnership
Authors: Insebayeva Sabina
Published: January 2023

The purposes of this research are threefold. First, it revisits the “normative powers in Central Asia” debate, which largely ignores an important stalwart supporter of the rule-based international order—Japan. The traditional exclusion of Japan often appears to be related to the belief that Japan plays second (if not third) fiddle at best and has limited power to influence developments in the region. While this thinking for the most part continues to organize much that is written about Japan–Central Asia relations, this article asserts that Japanese normative power should be taken more seriously than many studies understand. Second, using a combination of document analysis (in Japanese, Kazakh, Russian and English) and key stakeholder interviews, it examines how Japan socializes Kazakhstan into a set of norms of appropriate behavior in the field of foreign aid. Finally, highlighting that Kazakhstan embraces a hybrid identity as an official development assistance provider, this study asserts that Japan’s ODA has become a key reference model for Kazakhstan.
Is the Position and Union of the Tuberosities Assessable by Means of the Simple Radiograph After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Complex Proximal Humerus Fractures?
Authors: Cassart Masnou Elisa , Ruiz Macarrilla L , Mora Solé E , García Perdomo D , Pérez Andrés R
Published: January 2023

Background

The assessment of tuberosity position and union in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for complex proximal humerus fractures (PHF) has been carried out by means of routine simple radiographs. To evaluate the interobserver agreement and intraobserver reproducibility of the simple radiograph in comparison to the CT scan.

Methods

The position and consolidation of the tuberosities in 2 radiographic projections and in a CT scan of 32 consecutive patients operated on a RSA for PHF was assessed by 5 observers. Interobserver agreement and intraobserver reproducibility in both imaging tests were also assessed.

Results

The interobserver agreement for the greater tuberosity position was 0.52 in the simple radiograph and 0.45 in the CT scan. For the greater tuberosity union, agreement was moderate in the simple radiograph (0.52), but fair in the CT scan (0.35). For the lesser tuberosity position and union, the agreement was fair in the radiograph and poor in the CT scan.

Conclusion

Only moderate agreement was observed in the assessment of the position and union of the tuberosities in the RSA for PHF in the simple radiograph and no improvement in it was seen for the 2D CT scan.
Ground motion model for Peninsular India using an artificial neural network
Authors: Meenakshi Yellapragada , Vemula Sreenath , Alne Akshay , Raghukanth STG
Published: January 2023

Ground motion models (GMMs) are an essential tool for seismic hazard analysis. They are used for developing predictive relationships to estimate the expected levels of seismic ground shaking through the ground motion parameters (GMPs). There is limited recorded data on the stable continental regions (SCR) such as Peninsular India (PI), and Central and North Eastern America (CENA), and GMMs are developed either by hybrid or stochastic methods. In this study, an effort has been made to develop a GMM for the PI region by compiling the recorded data from the CENA and PI regions, as well as from the Near Source Strong (NESS) data. An artificial neural network coupled with the genetic algorithm is considered to develop GMMs. So, the GMP-1 model is developed for various GMPs for both RotD50 and vertical components, while the GMP-2 model is developed for RotD50 components of peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and the 5% damped pseudo-spectral acceleration (PSA) for periods between 0.01 and 3 s. The developed models are valid for magnitudes between 2–7.7 Mw and 0 to 1500 km Joyner–Boore distance. In addition, a parametric study is performed with the developed models for various combinations of predictor variables, and it is noticed that both the models capture the trend and attenuation pattern observed in the recorded data for all the GMPs. Moreover, the GMP-2 model predictions agree well with the recorded data compared with the candidate GMMs developed in the NGA-EAST project. A comparison of the GMP-2 models with the recorded data in the PI region indicates the robustness and effectiveness of the developed model in providing reasonable estimates of GMPs, implying its applicability to tectonic environments similar to the CENA region.
Genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of bovine mastitis-associated Staphylococcus aureus strains from India
Authors: Sivakumar Ramamoorthy , Pranav Parameswaran Sree , Annamanedi Madhavi , Chandrapriya S. , Isloor Shrikrishna , Rajendhran Jeyaprakash , Hegde Nagendra R.
Published: January 2023

Background

Bovine mastitis accounts for significant economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative agent of bovine mastitis. Investigating the prevalence of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance would provide insight into the molecular epidemiology of mastitis-associated S. aureus strains. The present study is focused on the whole genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of 41 mastitis-associated S. aureus strains isolated from India.

Results

The results elucidate explicit knowledge of 15 diverse sequence types (STs) and five clonal complexes (CCs). The clonal complexes CC8 and CC97 were found to be the predominant genotypes comprising 21 and 10 isolates, respectively. The mean genome size was 2.7 Mbp with a 32.7% average GC content. The pan-genome of the Indian strains of mastitis-associated S. aureus is almost closed. The genome-wide SNP-based phylogenetic analysis differentiated 41 strains into six major clades. Sixteen different spa types were identified, and eight isolates were untypeable. The cgMLST analysis of all S. aureus genome sequences reported from India revealed that S. aureus strain MUF256, isolated from wound fluids of a diabetic patient, was the common ancestor. Further, we observed that all the Indian mastitis-associated S. aureus isolates belonging to the CC97 are mastitis-associated. We identified 17 different antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes among these isolates, and all the isolates used in this study were susceptible to methicillin. We also identified 108 virulence-associated genes and discuss their associations with different genotypes.

Conclusion

This is the first study presenting a comprehensive whole genome analysis of bovine mastitis-associated S. aureus isolates from India. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the genome diversity, major genotypes, antimicrobial resistome, and virulome of clinical and subclinical mastitis-associated S. aureus strains.
Recurring episodes of bundle branch reentry ventricular tachycardia due to aortitis preceded by SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report
Authors: Melchior Simon E. , Schoos Mikkel M. , Gang Uffe , Jacobsen Peter K. , Wiese Lothar , Melchior Thomas Maria
Published: January 2023

Background

SARS-CoV-2 may trigger both vasculitis and arrhythmias as part of a multisystem inflammatory syndrome described in children as well as in adults following COVID-19 infection with only minor respiratory symptoms. The syndrome denotes a severe dysfunction of one or more extra-pulmonary organ systems, with symptom onset approximately 2–5 weeks after the COVID-19 infection. In the present case, a seemingly intractable ventricular tachycardia preceded by SARS-CoV2 infection was only managed following the diagnosis and management of aortitis.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old woman was hospitalized due to syncope, following a mild COVID-19 infection. She presented with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and intermittent ventricular tachycardia interpreted as a septum-triggered bundle branch reentry ventricular tachycardia, unaffected by amiodaron, lidocaine and adenosine. A CT-scan revealed inflammation of the aortic arch, extending into the aortic root. In the following days, the tachycardia progressed to ventricular storm with intermittent third-degree AV block. A temporary pacemaker was implanted, and radiofrequency ablation was performed to both sides of the ventricular septum after which the ventricular tachycardia was non-inducible. Following supplemental prednisolone treatment, cardiac symptoms and arrythmia subsided, but recurred after tapering. Long-term prednisolone treatment was therefore initiated with no relapse in the following 14 months.

Conclusion

We present a rare case of aortitis complicated with life-threatening ventricular tachycardia presided by Covid-19 infection without major respiratory symptoms. Given a known normal AV conduction prior to the COVID-19 infection, it seems likely that the ensuing aortitis in turn affected the septal myocardium, enabling the reentry tachycardia. Generally, bundle branch reentry tachycardia is best treated with radiofrequency ablation, but if it is due to aortitis with myocardial affection, long-term anti-inflammatory treatment is mandatory to prevent relapse and assure arrhythmia control. Our case highlights importance to recognize the existence of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) following COVID-19 infection in patients with alarming cardiovascular symptoms. The case shows that the early use of an CT-scan was crucial for both proper diagnosis and treatment option.
The influence of different glucose tolerance on QTc interval: a population-based study
Authors: Lin Ning , Zhang Hongmei , Li Xiaoyong , Niu Yixin , Gu Hongxia , Lu Shuai , Yang Zhen , Su Qing , Qin Li
Published: January 2023

Background

Corrected QT (QTc) interval has been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between different glucose tolerance and QTc intervals among middle-aged and older Chinese individuals.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis that included 9898 subjects (3194 men and 6704 women) in a Chinese population. Glucose tolerance was studied during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Insulin, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum lipids, hepatic transaminases and waist-to-hip ratio were assessed. The QTc interval was derived from ECG recordings, and the subjects were stratified based on different glucose tolerance.

Results

QTc interval levels were increased significantly in the subjects with abnormal glucose metabolism compared with the normal glucose regulation group. Multiple regression analyses showed that the QTc interval was significantly associated with fasting plasma glucose, 2-h OGTT plasma glucose and HbA1c. The odds ratio of prolonged QTc was 1.396 for impaired glucose regulation (IFG)/impaired fasting glucose (IGT) (95% CI 0.126–1.730), and 1.342 for type 2 diabetes (95% CI 0.142–1.577) after all potential confounders were adjusted.

Conclusions

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGR) and diabetes are associated with prolonged QTc intervals among middle-aged and older Chinese individuals. Abnormal glucose regulation can be used to monitor the QTc interval in the population.
Patients' perspectives on a patient-oriented electronic decision support tool to reduce overuse of proton pump inhibitors (arriba-PPI): a qualitative study in primary care
Authors: Schmidt Alexandra , Bücker Bettina , Maas Michaela , Löscher Susanne , Becker Annette , Viniol Annika , Heisig Julia , Wilm Stefan , Barzel Anne
Published: January 2023

Background

To evaluate patients’ perspectives and their experiences with a consultation involving a computer-assisted and patient-centered discontinuation strategy (arriba-PPI tool) as part of a German multicenter study on reducing the prescription of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Methods

Qualitative in-depth telephone interviews on proton pump inhibitors with patients who had received an arriba-PPI tool-based counseling by their general practitioner (GP). A random sample of 30 patients was taken from study participants. Interviews were conducted in 2020 and analyzed using a thematic qualitative text analysis.

Results

Although this was meant to be the key to shared decision making with regard to PPI reduction, study participants mostly did not recall the visual features of the tool. However, a few patients remembered them very clearly. Above all, patients appreciated a trustful relationship with the GP as well as comprehensive, individualized counseling.

Conclusion

Application of the arriba-PPI tool can support the decision process but can also hinder the consultation process if the tool is not properly embedded in the consultation. GPs using the arriba-PPI tool to support the shared decision-making process should consider the patients’ and their own expectations on the benefit of the visual representation of the tool.
Association of loneliness and social isolation with all-cause mortality among older Mexican adults in the Mexican health and aging study: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Kammar-García Ashuin , Ramírez-Aldana Ricardo , Roa-Rojas Paloma , Lozano-Juárez Luis Raymundo , Sánchez-García Sergio , Tella-Vega Pamela , García-Peña Carmen
Published: January 2023

Background

Plenty of evidence shows how social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased risk for numerous diseases and mortality. But findings about their interactive or combined effects on health outcomes and mortality remains inconclusive.

Objective

Analyze the longitudinal association of loneliness, social isolation and their interactions, with the all-cause mortality among older adults in Mexico.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted. Mexican adults older than 50 years were included. Data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) in the 2015 and 2018 waves were used. The subjects were classified according to their level of loneliness and the presence of social isolation. Multivariate logistic regression analyzes were performed to determine the degree of association between loneliness and social isolation with all-cause mortality at a 3-year follow-up.

Results

From the total sample of 11,713 adults aged 50 years or over, 707 (6%) did not survive, 42% presented loneliness, and 53% were classified as socially isolated. After multivariate adjustment only social isolation (OR = 1.30, 95%CI:1.03–1.64) was associated with all-cause mortality, loneliness (Mild: OR = 0.83, 95%CI:0.59–1.16; Severe: OR = 1.03, 95%CI:0.71–1.64), and the interaction between loneliness and social isolation were not associated with all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Social isolation, but not loneliness or their interaction, was associated with all-cause mortality in Mexican adults older than 50 years. This finding may help direct possible future interventions that help improve mental health in older adults from a highly collectivistic country.
The effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on hepcidin-25 and erythropoiesis in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Pistis Kristin Danielson , Westerberg Per-Anton , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Beshara Soheir , Sterner Gunnar , Bárány Peter , Linde Torbjörn
Published: January 2023

Background

Hepcidin is considered to play a central role in the pathophysiology of renal anemia. Recent studies in healthy individuals have demonstrated a suppressive effect of vitamin D (VD) on the expression of hepcidin. In this post-hoc analysis based on a randomized controlled study, we evaluated the effect of supplementing chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (stage G3-G4) with a high daily dose of native VD on serum levels of hepcidin-25, the hepcidin/ferritin ratio, as well as on markers of erythropoiesis.

Methods

Patients with CKD stage G3-G4 included in a double blind, randomized, placebo (PBO) controlled study with available hepcidin measurements were analyzed. Study subjects received either 8000 international units (IU) of cholecalciferol daily or PBO for 12 weeks. We evaluated the change in markers of hepcidin expression, erythropoiesis, and iron status from baseline to week 12 and compared the change between the groups.

Results

Eighty five patients completed the study. Calcitriol, but not 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D), was inversely correlated with serum levels of hepcidin-25 (rho = -0,38;p =  < 0, 01 and rho = -0,02;p = 0, 89, respectively) at baseline. Supplementation with VD significantly raised the serum concentration of serum 25(OH)D in the treatment group (from 54 (39–71) to 156 (120–190) nmol/L;p =  < 0, 01)) but had no effect on any of the markers of hepcidin, erythropoiesis, or iron status in the entire cohort. However, we did observe an increase in hemoglobin (HB) levels and transferrin saturation (TSAT) as compared to the PBO group in a subgroup of patients with low baseline 25(OH)D levels (< 56 nmol/L). In contrast, in patients with high baseline 25(OH)D values (≥ 56 nmol/L), VD supplementation associated with a decrease in HB levels and TSAT (p = 0,056) within the VD group in addition to a decrease in hepcidin levels as compared to the PBO group.

Conclusion

High-dose VD supplementation had no discernible effect on markers of hepcidin or erythropoiesis in the entire study cohort. However, in patients with low baseline 25(OH)D levels, high-dose VD supplementation associated with beneficial effects on erythropoiesis and iron availability. In contrast, in patients with elevated baseline 25(OH)D levels, high-dose VD supplementation resulted in a decrease in hepcidin levels, most likely due to a deterioration in iron status.
Brain arteriovenous malformations of the middle cerebral artery region: image characteristics and endovascular treatment based on a new classification system
Authors: Su Han , Yu Jinlu
Published: January 2023

Background

To date, few studies have investigated the use of endovascular treatment (EVT) for brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) in the supplying area of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Moreover, no suitable classification was aimed at EVT for MCA-BAVMs. Therefore, this study proposed a new classification.

Methods

This study retrospectively collected 135 MCA‑BAVMs. They were classified into four types: Type I BAVMs located above the M1 segment; Type II BAVMs located in the region around the Sylvian fissure; and Type III BAVMs located in the supplying region of the M4 segment and subdivided into types IIIa and IIIb. The relevance of various types of MCA-BAVMs and their imaging characteristics and EVT outcomes was analyzed by ordinary one-way ANOVA, Tukey's multiple comparisons test and the chi-square test.

Results

The 135 patients averaged 33.8 ± 14.7 years and included 75 females (55.6%, 75/135). Among them, 15 (11.1%, 15/135), 16 (11.9%, 16/135), 54 (40%, 54/135), and 50 (37%, 50/135) MCA-BAVMs were type I, II, IIIa and IIIb, respectively. After EVT, a good outcome was achieved in 97% of patients. Statistical analysis showed that type I BAVMs were smaller than type II and IIIb BAVMs (P value < 0.05), and type IIIb BAVMs were larger than type I and IIIa BAVMs (P value < 0.05). Deep vein involvement in type I and IIIb BAVMs was more common than in other types (P value < 0.05), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) was also more common (P value < 0.05). The normal morphology in type IIIb was less than that in the other types (P value < 0.05). Type IIIa BAVMs had a higher degree than other types (P value < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that the new classification of MCA-BAVMs can be used to evaluate imaging characteristics and EVT outcomes in different types. In addition, EVT may be a safe treatment modality for MCA‑BAVMs.
MYEOV overexpression induced by demethylation of its promoter contributes to pancreatic cancer progression via activation of the folate cycle/c-Myc/mTORC1 pathway
Authors: Tange Shoichiro , Hirano Tomomi , Idogawa Masashi , Hirata Eishu , Imoto Issei , Tokino Takashi
Published: January 2023

Background

While molecular targeted drugs and other therapies are being developed for many tumors, pancreatic cancer is still considered to be the malignant tumor with the worst prognosis. We started this study to identify prognostic genes and therapeutic targets of pancreatic cancer.

Methods

To comprehensively identify prognostic genes in pancreatic cancer, we investigated the correlation between gene expression and cancer-specific prognosis using transcriptome and clinical information datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). In addition, we examined the effects of the suppression of candidate prognostic genes in pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Result

We found that patients with high expression levels of MYEOV, a primate-specific gene with unknown function, had significantly shorter disease-specific survival times than those with low expression levels. Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that high expression of MYEOV was significantly associated with poor survival and was an independent prognostic factor for disease-specific survival in pancreatic cancer patients. Analysis of multiple cancer samples revealed that the MYEOV promoter region is methylated in noncancer tissues but is demethylated in tumors, causing MYEOV overexpression in tumors. Notably, the knockdown of MYEOV suppressed the expression of MTHFD2 and other folate metabolism-related enzyme genes required for the synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids and also restored the expression of c-Myc and mTORC1 repressors.

Conclusion

There is a significant correlation between elevated MYEOV expression and poor disease-specific survival in pancreatic cancer patients. MYEOV enhances the activation of several oncogenic pathways, resulting in the induction of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Overall, MYEOV acts as an oncogene in pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, MYEOV may be a prognostic biomarker and serve as an ‘actionable’ therapeutic target for pancreatic cancers.
PCDH17 gene promoter methylation status in a cohort of Egyptian women with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Elsharkawi Sherif Mohamed , Elkaffash Dalal , Moez Pacint , El-Etreby Nour , Sheta Eman , Taleb Raghda Saad Zaghloul
Published: January 2023

Background and objective

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of female mortality. Epigenetic changes occur in early stages of carcinogenesis and represent a marker for cancer diagnosis. Protocadherin 17 (PCDH17) is a tumor suppressor gene involved in cell adhesion and apoptosis. The methylation of PCDH17 gene promoter has been described in several cancers including ovarian cancer. The aim of the study was to compare the methylation status of PCDH17 gene promoter between females diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer and a control group composed of normal and benign ovarian lesions.

Methods

Fifty female subjects were included in our study (25 ovarian cancer patients and 25 controls). DNA was extracted from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues of the subjects. Methylation levels for six CpG sites in the PCDH17 gene promoter were assessed by pyrosequencing.

Results

The methylation levels at five out of six sites were significantly higher in females with epithelial ovarian cancer compared to the control group. Moreover, the same applies for the mean methylation level with p value 0.018.

Conclusion

Methylation of PCDH17 gene promoter plays a role in ovarian carcinogenesis and can be used for diagnosis and early detection.
CYP2C19-rs4986893 confers risk to major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder in the Han Chinese population whereas ABCB1-rs1045642 acts as a protective factor
Authors: Zhang Ting , Rao Qingmin , Lin Kangguang , He Yongyin , Cai Jintai , Yang Mengxin , Xu Ying , Hou Le , Lin Yulong , Liu Haiying
Published: January 2023

Background

Genetic risks may predispose individuals to major mood disorders differently. This study investigated the gene polymorphisms of previously reported candidate genes for major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BPD) in the Han Chinese population.

Methods

Twenty loci of 13 candidate genes were detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in 439 patients with MDD, 600 patients with BPD, and 464 healthy controls. The distribution of genotypes in alleles, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and genetic association were analyzed using the PLINK software. The linkage of disequilibrium and haplotype analyses were performed using the Haploview software.

Results

Out of the 20 loci analyzed, CYP2C19-rs4986893, ABCB1-rs1045642, and SCN2A-rs17183814 passed Bonferroni correction; their statistical powers were > 55%. The minor allele frequencies (MAF) of CYP2C19-rs4986893 in the MDD group (0.0547) and BPD group (0.0533) were higher than that of the control group (0.0259, P < 0.05), leading to the odds ratios (ORs) of MDD (2.178) and BPD (2.122), respectively. In contrast, the lower MAFs of ABCB1-rs1045642 were observed in both MDD (0.3599, OR = 0.726) and BPD (0.3700, OR = 0.758) groups than controls (0.4364, P < 0.05). The MDD group had a higher MAF of SCN2A-rs17183814 than controls (0.1743 vs. 0.1207, OR = 1.538, P < 0.05). Moreover, a G-A haplotype composed by CYP2C19-rs4986893 and -rs4244285 was associated with BPD (OR = 1.361, P < 0.01), and the A-G haplotype increased the risks to both MDD (OR = 2.306, P < 0.01) and BPD (OR = 2.332, P < 0.001). The CYP2C19 intermediate metabolizer and poor metabolizer (IM&PM) status was related to the raised risk of both MDD (OR = 1.547, P < 0.01) and BPD (OR = 1.808, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that the impaired CYP2C19 metabolism caused by the haplotypes integrated by CYP2C19 alleles might confer the risk to MDD and BPD, whereas the ABCB1-rs1045642 T allele serves as a protective factor.
Mental health-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in a cross-sectional sample of australian university students: a comparison of domestic and international students
Authors: LaMontagne Anthony D. , Shann Clare , Lolicato Erin , Newton Danielle , Owen Patrick J , Tomyn Adrian J. , Reavley Nicola J.
Published: January 2023

Background

There are growing concerns about the mental health of university students in Australia and internationally, with universities, governments and other stakeholders actively developing new policies and practices. Previous research suggests that many students experience poor mental health while at university, and that the risk may be heightened for international students. Mental health-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours are modifiable determinants of mental health and thus suitable targets for intervention. This study assessed the mental health-related knowledge, stigmatising attitudes, helping behaviours, and self-reported experiences of mental health problems in the student population of a large multi-campus Australian university, and conducted a comparative assessment of international and domestic students.

Methods

Participants were 883 international and 2,852 domestic students (overall response rate 7.1%) who completed an anonymous voluntary online survey that was sent to all enrolled students in July 2019 (n = ~ 52,341). Various measures of mental health-related knowledge, attitudes and helping behaviours were assessed. A comparative analysis of international and domestic students was conducted, including adjustment for age and sex.

Results

Overall, there was evidence of improvements in mental health-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours relative to previous studies, including higher depression recognition, intentions to seek help, and reported help-seeking behaviour. Comparative analysis indicated that international students scored predominantly lower on a range of indicators (e.g., depression recognition, awareness of evidence-based forms of help); however, differences were narrower difference between the two groups compared to what has been reported previously. Finally, some indicators were more favourable among international students, such as higher help-seeking intentions, and lower prevalence of self-reported mental health problems compared to domestic students.

Conclusion

Though there were some important differences between domestic and international students in this study, differences were narrower than observed in previous studies. Study findings are informing the on-going implementation and refinement of this university’s student mental health strategy, and may be used to inform evolving policy and practice in the university sector.
Bleeding after endobronchial biopsy: sometimes frightening, often safe, always careful
Authors: Wang Saibin , Ye Qian
Published: January 2023

We explain to Dr. Govindasaami’s several comments on our published article “Association between blood pressure and the risk of biopsy-induced endobronchial hemorrhage during bronchoscopy”.
Three-dimensional microscopic comparison of wear behavior between immature and mature enamel: an in vitro study
Authors: Wada Kanae , Ijbara Manhal , Salim Nesreen A. , Wada Junichiro , Iwamoto Tsutomu
Published: January 2023

Background

Dental enamel, the hardest outermost layer of a human tooth, is subjected to occlusal forces throughout life during different oral function as talking, mastication etc. Due to this continuous stress, wear causes the loss of this protective shell. This study aimed to detect microscopic differences in enamel’s wear behavior among different age groups of adolescents and adults.

Aims and methods

Enamel specimens from immature open-apex and mature closed-apex premolars were subjected to simulated occlusal wear of impact and sliding wear test ISWT. Upper and lower enamel specimens were made to come in contact under controlled conditions. The enamel specimens’ surfaces were examined using different microscopes. The upper and lower specimens were subjected to the following tests; pre-test light microscopy examination, enamel specimens’ preparation for ISWT, scanning laser confocal microscopy of upper specimens, three-dimensional (3D) colored laser microscope and a Profilometer imaging of the lower specimens.

Results

Wear characteristics, including wear areas, crater depths, and relation to enamel microstructures, differed among different age groups. Immature enamel from the upper specimens was more resistant to chipping than mature enamel with no statistically significant wear area difference. The immature enamel craters from the lower specimens were wider and deeper than those in the mature enamel; the wear areas in the mature enamel in the lower specimens were almost flat and smooth. The wear areas in the immature enamel in the lower specimens were significantly larger than those in the mature enamel.

Conclusions

Wear characteristics of the immature enamel are different from those of the mature enamel. Hence, it should be repaired using restorative materials with compatible wear properties.
Risk of eating disorders and the relationship with interest in modern culture among young female students in a university in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahasan Md Monjurul , Patwari Md Shahidul Quadir , Yamaguchi Masahiro
Published: January 2023

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) emerge most often in adolescent girls. While the basic neural and psychiatric mechanisms of ED development remain unknown, their incidence has increased with sociocultural modernization. To determine what aspects of modern culture are related to EDs, we examined the relationship between predisposition to EDs and interest in several modern cultural factors among young female university students in Bangladesh.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of 196 female students aged 18–29 years in a university in Bangladesh. Their predisposition to EDs was examined using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and their interest in modern culture was evaluated by grading interest in fashionable clothes, Indian TV shows/serials, luxury food and social network activities, and by examining involvement in cultural activities such as playing, dancing, parties and singing. The relationship between predisposition to EDs and interest in modern culture was then examined. The relation between EAT-26 score and body mass index (BMI) was also examined.

Results

The EAT-26 revealed that 37% of the participants were at risk of developing an ED. Correlation analyses showed that a high EAT-26 score was correlated with a high interest in fashionable clothes and Indian TV shows/serials, but not with a high interest in luxury food or social network activities, or involvement in cultural activities, such as playing, dancing, parties and singing. Further, EAT-26 questions in the dieting category and oral control category, but not the bulimia and food preoccupation category, were correlated with interest in cultural factors. EAT-26 score showed no significant correlation with BMI.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that the risk of EDs is related to an interest in several facets of modern culture. Monitoring the cultural interests of adolescent females, who are continually exposed to modern culture and highly susceptible to EDs, will contribute to the prevention of EDs.
Implementation strategies for telemental health: a systematic review
Authors: Appleton Rebecca , Barnett Phoebe , Vera San Juan Norha , Tuudah Elizabeth , Lyons Natasha , Parker Jennie , Roxburgh Emily , Spyridonidis Spyros , Tamworth Millie , Worden Minnie , Yilmaz Melisa , Sevdalis Nick , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Needle Justin J. , Johnson Sonia
Published: January 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid shift from traditional face-to-face care provision towards delivering mental health care remotely through telecommunications, often referred to as telemental health care. However, the manner and extent of telemental health implementation have varied considerably across settings and areas, and substantial barriers are encountered. There is, therefore, a need to identify what works best for service users and staff and establish the key mechanisms for efficient integration into routine care.

Objective

We aimed to identify investigations of pre-planned strategies reported in the literature intended to achieve or improve effective and sustained implementation of telemental health approaches (including video calls, telephone calls, text messaging platforms or a combination of any of these approaches with face-to-face care), and to evaluate how different strategies influence implementation outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted, with five databases searched for any relevant literature published between January 2010 and July 2021. Studies were eligible if they took place in specialist mental health services and focused on pre-planned strategies to achieve or improve the delivery of mental health care through remote communication between mental health professionals or between mental health professionals and service users, family members, unpaid carers, or peer supporters. All included studies were quality-assessed. Data were synthesised using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation of implementation strategies and the taxonomy of implementation outcomes.

Results

A total of 14 studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria from a total of 14,294 records of which 338 were assessed at full text. All ERIC implementation strategies were used by at least one study, the most commonly reported being ‘Train and educate stakeholders’. All studies reported using a combination of several implementation strategies, with the mean number of strategies used per study of 3.5 (range 2–6), many of which were reported to result in an improvement in implementation over time. Few studies specifically investigated a single implementation strategy and its associated outcomes, making conclusions regarding the most beneficial strategy difficult to draw.

Conclusions

Using a combination of implementation strategies appears to be a helpful method of supporting the implementation of telemental health. Further research is needed to test the impact of specific implementation strategies on implementation outcomes.
Distinct COPD subtypes in former smokers revealed by gene network perturbation analysis
Authors: Buschur Kristina L. , Riley Craig , Saferali Aabida , Castaldi Peter , Zhang Grace , Aguet Francois , Ardlie Kristin G. , Durda Peter , Craig Johnson W. , Kasela Silva , Liu Yongmei , Manichaikul Ani , Rich Stephen S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Smith Josh , Taylor Kent D. , Tracy Russell P. , Lappalainen Tuuli , Graham Barr R. , Sciurba Frank , Hersh Craig P. , Benos Panayiotis V.
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) varies significantly in symptomatic and physiologic presentation. Identifying disease subtypes from molecular data, collected from easily accessible blood samples, can help stratify patients and guide disease management and treatment.

Methods

Blood gene expression measured by RNA-sequencing in the COPDGene Study was analyzed using a network perturbation analysis method. Each COPD sample was compared against a learned reference gene network to determine the part that is deregulated. Gene deregulation values were used to cluster the disease samples.

Results

The discovery set included 617 former smokers from COPDGene. Four distinct gene network subtypes are identified with significant differences in symptoms, exercise capacity and mortality. These clusters do not necessarily correspond with the levels of lung function impairment and are independently validated in two external cohorts: 769 former smokers from COPDGene and 431 former smokers in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Additionally, we identify several genes that are significantly deregulated across these subtypes, including DSP and GSTM1, which have been previously associated with COPD through genome-wide association study (GWAS).

Conclusions

The identified subtypes differ in mortality and in their clinical and functional characteristics, underlining the need for multi-dimensional assessment potentially supplemented by selected markers of gene expression. The subtypes were consistent across cohorts and could be used for new patient stratification and disease prognosis.
Tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Mei Shuangshuang , Chen Xing , Wang Kai , Chen Yuxin
Published: January 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. The peritoneum is one of the most common metastatic sites in ovarian cancer, involving large amounts of ascites. However, its mechanism is unclear. The peritoneal microenvironment composed of peritoneal effusion and peritoneum creates favorable conditions for ovarian cancer progression and metastasis. Here, we reviewed the peritoneal metastasis patterns and molecular mechanisms of ovarian cancer, as well as major components of the peritoneal microenvironment, peritoneal effusion, and immune microenvironment, and investigated the relationship between the peritoneal microenvironment and ovarian cancer metastasis.