bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes following switching antipsychotic treatment due to market withdrawal: a retrospective naturalistic cohort study of pipotiazine palmitate injection (Piportil Depot) discontinuation, subsequent acute care use and effectiveness of medication to which patients switched
Authors: Sheldon Rollo J.G. , Pereira Marco , Aldersley George , Sales Tim , Hewitt Jed , Lyon Ray , Whale Richard
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Pipotiazine palmitate depot injection (Piportil) was withdrawn from the UK marketplace in 2015. Few studies exist on the clinical impact of such market withdrawal.

Purpose:

We aimed to identify a cohort of patients switching from pipotiazine following this withdrawal and explore factors associated with effectiveness of the medication switched to and subsequent acute service use.

Methods:

A naturalistic retrospective cohort study was conducted in Sussex, United Kingdom. Those discontinuing pipotiazine solely due to market withdrawal were identified from electronic patient database and manual searching. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and survival analyses were performed to explore associations between available baseline variables and dichotomous all-cause discontinuation of the next prescribed medication and admission to acute mental health services over the subsequent year.

Results:

Of 205 patients identified as receiving pipotiazine in October 2014, 137 switched from this due to market withdrawal. Over the subsequent year, 31.5% discontinued the medication to which they were switched and 19% required acute care. Drug class switched to (typical depot vs atypical long acting injection (LAI) vs atypical oral) had no significant association with discontinuation. Switch to atypical LAI was significantly associated with acute care in comparison to typical depot. Those with a schizophrenia diagnosis were significantly less likely to discontinue switched medication or to receive acute care in comparison to those with schizoaffective disorder. Women were significantly more likely to discontinue switched medication than men. Of those requiring acute care, only 38% had required this in the previous 2 years.

Conclusions:

Antipsychotic market withdrawal has demonstrable negative clinical implications and requires careful clinical management. Increased acute care rates in those receiving an atypical LAI versus a typical depot following pipotiazine suggests lower effectiveness or possible withdrawal effects. No significant difference between depots, LAIs and oral medications on discontinuation supports the importance of a collaborative, fully informed approach when deciding next treatment options.
A qualitative study to understand patients’ experiences of their post-operative outcomes following forefoot surgery
Authors: Dismore Lorelle Louise , van Wersch Anna , Critchley Rebecca , Murty Aradhyula , Swainston Katherine
Published: January 2022

Background

Hallux valgus and hallux rigidus are two common forefoot conditions causing deformity, pain, functional limitations, disability and deteriorating health status resulting in the requirement for surgery. Even when surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon, there remains a potential for patients to experience dissatisfaction and unfavourable outcomes. Adverse results are moderated by psychosocial variables; however, there is a paucity of qualitative research providing insight into how patients perceive their outcomes and the factors affecting their recovery.

Objective

The study aimed to qualitatively explore patients’ experiences of their surgical outcomes following forefoot surgery and factors associated with their recovery. Semi-structured interviews with 15 patients who received surgery for hallux valgus and/or hallux rigidus were conducted.

Results

Thematic analysis generated five themes: physical limitations, the psychosocial impact of surgical recovery, regaining normality, patients’ expectations for physical recovery and an altered body-image. Physical and psychosocial factors were inter-related. Patients experiencing problematic outcomes were functionally limited, had low mood and were unable to return to a normal life post-surgery. The women reported weight related issues and were limited in their footwear and clothing choices, negatively impacting on their self-esteem.

Conclusion

A forefoot condition is multifaceted, with patients experiencing a range of physical and psychological factors that may influence their outcomes and recovery from surgery. Patients need to be supported holistically with the use of a biopsychosocial model. A multidisciplinary approach to care and treatment within the forefoot surgical pathway with the inclusion of allied health professionals will enable to better support patients to enhance their outcomes.
Prevalence of occult hepatitis B among HIV-positive individuals in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kajogoo Violet Dismas , Swai Sylivia Sarah , Gurung Sanyukta
Published: January 2022

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus among HIV-seropositive individuals is believed to be high, and yet the disease remains neglected in many areas of the continent. Little is known about occult hepatitis in HIV individuals. This review assessed occult hepatitis B infection and its prevalence in the different regions of the African continent. It also determines its prevalence in the HIV population which is endemic in the region. Studies were searched from the Cochrane, google scholar, PubMed/Medline, and African Journals online. Authors included cross-sectional studies, case controls, and cohorts, from 2010 to January 2021, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Participants, Interventions, Comparisons, Outcomes, and Study design frameworks to develop the search strategy. All studies had participants who were HIV-positive, covering different regions of the continent. Risk ratio was used to measure effect size, and Stata 14 software was used for analysis. Eleven studies met the eligibility criteria, with 2567 participants. Overall prevalence of occult hepatitis B was 11.2%. Regional prevalence was 26.5% for the south, 11% for the north, 9.1% for the east, and 8.5% for the western region. Approximately 10% of HIV-seropositive individuals were co-infected with occult hepatitis B virus. Regionally, the prevalence was highest in the southern region and lowest in the west. The prevalence of occult HBV infection was compared between the southern region and the other regions. It was higher in the south compared to the east (risk ratio = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (0.83–0.91)). It was also higher in the south compared to the north (risk ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (0.79–0.85)), and it was also higher in the south compared to the west (risk ratio = 0.85, 95% confidence interval (0.82–0.87)). Public health measures and interventions are required to raise awareness, increase prevention, and reduce spread of the disease. More evidence-based studies need to be carried out.
Corpus cavernosum abscess complicating distal shunt procedures for priapism
Authors: Cotter Finín , Shi Margaret , Sathianathen Niranjan , Thevarajah Gowribahan , Cheng Janice , Gyomber Dennis , Sundaralingam Sudheshan , Satasivam Prassannah
Published: January 2022

Abscess of the corpus cavernosum is a rare condition. We describe the case of a 36-year-old male presenting with bilateral corpus cavernousm abscesses, on a background of distal shunt procedures for recurrent priapism, that was managed with a bilateral corporotomy and systemic antibiotic therapy.

Level of Evidence: Level 4
Characterizations of Opioid Prescribing in Community Health Centers in 2018
Authors: Huguet Nathalie , Hodes Tahlia , Bailey Steffani R. , Marino Miguel , Hartung Daniel M. , Voss Robert , O’Malley Jean , Chamine Irina , Muench John
Published: January 2022

Objective:

To identify the patient- and clinic-level correlates of any prescription opioid use, chronic use, and high-dose opioid use in a multi-state network of Community Health Centers (CHCs).

Methods:

We used electronic health record data from 337 primary care clinics serving 610 983 patients across 15 states in 2018. The primary outcomes were prescription of any opioid, chronic opioid, and high-dose opioid.

Results:

Overall, 6.5% of patients were prescribed an opioid; of these, 31% were chronic users and 5% were high-dose users. Males had 5% lower odds (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.95; 95% Confidence Interval = 0.93-0.97) of being prescribed an opioid but 16% higher odds (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.10-1.21) of being chronic users and 48% (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.36-1.64) higher odds of being high-dose users than females. Rural clinics had higher rates of chronic opioid (rate ratio = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.20, 2.88) and high-dose users (rate ratio = 2.95; 95% CI = 1.81-4.81).

Conclusions:

Our study highlights variations in opioid prescribing with regard to patient-level and clinic-level factors. Targeted efforts and resources may be required to support rural CHCs who seek to reduce high-risk opioid prescribing.
Video Feedback to Enhance Fidelity in Practice-Based Interventions for Young People, a Small-n Study
Authors: Boendermaker Leonieke , Landman Erwin
Published: January 2022

Competent delivery of interventions in child and youth social care is important, due to the direct effect on client outcomes. This is acknowledged in evidence-based interventions (EBI) when, post-training, continued support is available to ensure competent delivery of the intervention. In addition to EBI, practice-based interventions (PBI) are used in the Netherlands. The current paper discusses to what extent competent delivery of PBI can be influenced by introducing supervision for professionals. This study used a mixed-method design: (1) A small- n study consisting of six participants in a non-concurrent multiple baseline design (MBL). Professionals were asked to record conversations with clients during a baseline period (without supervision) and an intervention period (with supervision). Visual inspection, the non-overlap of all pairs (NAP), and the Combinatorial Inference Technique (CIT) scores were calculated. (2) Qualitative interviews with the six participants, two supervisors, and one lead supervisor focused on the feasibility of the supervision. Four of six professionals showed improvement in treatment fidelity or one of its sub-scales. Had all participants shown progress, this could have been interpreted as an indication that targeted support of professionals contributes to increasing treatment integrity. Interviews have shown that supervision increased the professionals’ enthusiasm, self-confidence, and awareness of working with the core components of the intervention. The study has shown that supervision can be created for PBI and that this stimulates professionals to work with the core components of the intervention. The heterogeneous findings on intervention fidelity can be the result of supervision being newly introduced.
Decision conflict and the decision support needs of HIV PrEP-eligible Black patients in Toronto regarding the adoption of PrEP for HIV prevention
Authors: Ajiboye Wale , Nelson LaRon , Odhiambo Apondi , Yusuf Abban , Djiadeu Pascal , Turner De Anne , Abubakari M’Rabiu , Pedersen Cheryl , Brown Rebecca , Ni Zhao , Guillaume Genevieve , Lofters Aisha , Williams Geoffrey
Published: January 2022

Objectives: This study examined factors contributing to decision conflict and the decision support needs of PrEP-eligible Black patients. Methods:The Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) was used to guide the development of a key informant guide used for qualitative data collection. Black patients assessed by healthcare providers as meeting the basic criteria for starting PrEP were recruited through the St. Michael's Hospital Academic Family Health Team and clinical and community agencies in Toronto. Participants were interviewed by trained research staff. Qualitative content analysis was guided by the ODSF, and analysis was done using the Nvivo. Results: Four women and twenty-five men (both heterosexual and men who have sex with men) were interviewed. Participants reported having difficulty in decision making regarding adoption of PrEP. The main reasons for decision-conflict regading PrEP adoption were: lack of adequate information about PrEP, concerns about the side effects of PrEP, inability to ascertain the benefits or risk of taking PrEP, provider's lack of adequate time for interaction during clinical consultation, and perceived pressure from healthcare provider. Participants identified detailed information about PrEP, and being able to clarify how their personal values align with the benefits and drawbacks of PrEP as their decision support needs. Conclusion:Many PrEP-eligible Black patients who are prescribed PrEP have decision conflict which often causes delay in decision making and sometimes rejection of PrEP. Healthcare providers should offer decision support to Black patients who are being asked to consider PrEP for HIV prevention.
Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Clinical Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Ting , Zhou Jingbin , Hwang Jooyeon , Xu Xin
Published: January 2022

Background:

Many studies have documented the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) alongside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in the management of ACL injury, but evidence on the benefits of PRP in improving the clinical outcomes of ACLR is inconsistent.

Purpose:

To help in our understanding, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of PRP on patient-reported functional scores, the clinical assessments of knee function and structure, and complications.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

We searched 9 online databases for RCTs published in English or Chinese that examined the effects of PRP on ACLR. The primary outcome measures were visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. The secondary outcomes included KT-1000 arthrometer, pivot-shift test, Lysholm and Tegner scores, tunnel widening, graft characterization, and complications. Subgroup analyses were performed according to time of assessments. Fixed- and random-effects models were selected for data analysis.

Results:

A total of 14 studies were included. When PRP was injected to graft tunnels, the pooled VAS scores of the 2 groups were similar ( P = .31), and the subgroup analysis found that VAS and IKDC only improved at 3 months postoperatively ( P = .0003 and P < .00001, respectively). When PRP was used at the bone–patellar tendon–bone harvest sites, VAS was decreased in the first 6 months postoperatively ( P < .00001), whereas IKDC score was not remarkably different ( P = .07). After PRP injection, Lysholm scores at 3 months postoperatively was different between the 2 groups ( P < .00001), but the Tegner scores ( P = .86), KT-1000 measurements ( P = .12), the positive rate of pivot-shift test ( P = .64), the enlargement of tunnels (femoral, P = .91; tibial, P = .80), and the characterization of grafts ( P = .05) were not different. No difference in complications was found in either group.

Conclusion:

PRP applied alongside ACLR could reduce postoperative pain and improve knee function in the short and medium terms but is ineffective in the long term. PRP does not improve knee stability and the enlargement of tunnels and does not accelerate the healing of grafts. Further studies would be required.
A Method for Reconstructing Individual Patient Data From Kaplan-Meier Survival Curves That Incorporate Marked Censoring Times
Authors: Rogula Basia , Lozano-Ortega Greta , Johnston Karissa M.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Access to individual patient data (IPD) can be advantageous when conducting cost-effectiveness analyses or indirect treatment comparisons. While exact times of censoring are often marked on published Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves, an algorithm for reconstructing IPD from such curves that allows for their incorporation is presently unavailable. Methods. An algorithm capable of incorporating marked censoring times was developed to reconstruct IPD from KM curves, taking as additional inputs the total patient count and coordinates of the drops in survival. The reliability of the algorithm was evaluated via a simulation exercise, in which survival curves were simulated, digitized, and then reconstructed. To assess the reliability of the reconstructed curves, hazard ratios (HRs) and quantiles of survival were compared between the original and reconstructed curves, and the reconstructed curves were visually inspected. Results. No systematic differences were found in HRs and quantiles in the original versus reconstructed curves. Upon visual inspection, the reconstructed IPD provided a close fit to the digitized data from the published KM curves. Inherent to the algorithm, censoring times were incorporated into the reconstructed data exactly as specified. Conclusion. This new algorithm can reliably be used to reconstruct IPD from reported KM survival curves in the presence of extractable censoring times. Use of the algorithm will allow health researchers to reconstruct IPD more closely by incorporating censoring times exactly as marked, requiring as additional inputs the total patient count and coordinates of the drops in survival.
Electricity Energy Access and Profitability of Micro and Small Enterprises in Ghana
Authors: Owusu Dominic , Agyemang Prince Opoku , Agyeman Douglas Opoku
Published: January 2022

Over the years, empirical investigations have focused on exploring drivers of the profitability of enterprises in emerging economies. However, there is a dearth of quantitative literature examining how access to electricity energy affects the growth of small businesses. In this quantitative survey design research, two-stage stratified and convenience sampling techniques were used to sample 50 owner-managers of micro and small enterprises in Kaneshie, Accra. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the field results. The study found that the national grid electricity supply for the operations of small businesses in Accra is inadequate. An alternative source of electric energy significantly reduces the profit of businesses. The article, therefore, concludes a positive significant relationship between electric access and profitability of small and micro enterprises in Ghana. The study recommends that electricity supply agencies should ensure greater stability in electricity supply. Stakeholders should begin exploring alternative cheaper sources of electricity such as mini-solar panels and backup generators or renewable energy capacity to relieve small business owner-managers from the high cost of electricity.
The Global Flourishing Study: A New Era for the Study of Well-Being
Authors: Johnson Byron R. , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: January 2022

The Global Flourishing Study (GFS) will involve data collection for some 240,000 participants, from twenty-two geographically and culturally diverse countries, with annual data collection on the same individuals for five years. The survey includes questions on well-being, along with demographic, social, economic, political, religious, personality, childhood, community, health, and character-based questions. The GFS will expand knowledge on the extent to which many of the world’s largest nations are or are not flourishing. The study has the capacity to advance our understanding of the societal determinants of human flourishing and to enrich our knowledge concerning how they vary by cultural context.
Migration and the Making of Global Christianity
Authors: Jeyaraj Daniel
Published: January 2022

This book documents how Christian migrants from the origins of Christianity until 1500 helped establish Christianity as a world religion. Its sociohistorical methodology identifies and celebrates the contributions of ordinary Christian migrants in cross-cultural and transnational contexts. It argues that Christian missionary engagements are often incorrectly associated with empire and institutional authorities; in reality, however, most of the cross-cultural missionary work was done by ordinary Christian women and men who migrated for various purposes. This book thus embodies a new historiography based on migration, providing ample evidence of the reality, complexity, and relevance of migration for World Christianity.
Psychometric Properties of a New Stress-Related Personality Scale: The Virtual Inventory of Behavior and Emotions (VIBE)
Authors: Rettew David C. , Freckleton Dustin , Schork Nicholas , Graf Arnulf , Morrell Zoe , Lincoln Lucy , Smalley Susan , Hudziak James J.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Personality traits are important factors with regard to the tendency to experience and response to stress. This study introduces and tests a new stress-related personality scale called the Virtual Inventory of Behavior and Emotions (VIBE).

Methods:

Two samples totaling 5512 individuals (with 66% between the ages of 18 and 34) completed the VIBE along with other measures of personality, stress, mood, and well-being.

Results:

Exploratory factor analyses revealed a four-factor structure for the instrument with dimensions labeled: 1) stressed; 2) energetic; 3) social; and 4) disciplined. Confirmatory factor analytic procedures on the final 23-item version showed good psychometric properties and data fit while machine learning analyses demonstrated the VIBE's ability to distinguish between groups with similar patterns of response. Strong convergent validity was suggested through robust correlations between the dimensions of the VIBE and other established rating scales.

Conclusion:

Overall, the data suggest that the VIBE is a promising tool to help advance understanding of the relations between stress, personality, and related constructs.
A mechanism for hereditary angioedema caused by a lysine 311–to–glutamic acid substitution in plasminogen
Authors: Dickeson S. Kent , Kumar Sunil , Sun Mao-Fu , Mohammed Bassem M. , Phillips Dennis R. , Whisstock James C. , Quek Adam J. , Feener Edward P. , Law Ruby H. P. , Gailani David
Published: January 2022

Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) experience episodes of bradykinin (BK)-induced swelling of skin and mucosal membranes. The most common cause is reduced plasma activity of C1 inhibitor, the main regulator of the proteases plasma kallikrein (PKa) and factor XIIa (FXIIa). Recently, patients with HAE were described with a Lys311 to glutamic acid substitution in plasminogen (Plg), the zymogen of the protease plasmin (Plm). Adding tissue plasminogen activator to plasma containing Plg-Glu311 vs plasma containing wild-type Plg (Plg-Lys311) results in greater BK generation. Similar results were obtained in plasma lacking prekallikrein or FXII (the zymogens of PKa and FXIIa) and in normal plasma treated with a PKa inhibitor, indicating Plg-Glu311 induces BK generation independently of PKa and FXIIa. Plm-Glu311 cleaves high and low molecular weight kininogens (HK and LK, respectively), releasing BK more efficiently than Plm-Lys311. Based on the plasma concentrations of HK and LK, the latter may be the source of most of the BK generated by Plm-Glu311. The lysine analog ε-aminocaproic acid blocks Plm-catalyzed BK generation. The Glu311 substitution introduces a lysine-binding site into the Plg kringle 3 domain, perhaps altering binding to kininogens. Plg residue 311 is glutamic acid in most mammals. Glu311 in patients with HAE, therefore, represents reversion to the ancestral condition. Substantial BK generation occurs during Plm-Glu311 cleavage of human HK, but not mouse HK. Furthermore, mouse Plm, which has Glu311, did not liberate BK from human kininogens more rapidly than human Plg-Lys311. This indicates Glu311 is pathogenic in the context of human Plm when human kininogens are the substrates.
De novo and comparative transcriptomic analysis explain morphological differences in Panax notoginseng taproots
Authors: Yang Lifang , Wang Hanye , Wang Panpan , Gao Mingju , Huang Luqi , Cui Xiuming , Liu Yuan
Published: January 2022

Background

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen (PN) belonging to the genus Panax of family Araliaceae is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various diseases. PN taproot, as the most vital organ for the accumulation of bioactive components, presents a variable morphology (oval or long), even within the same environment. However, no related studies have yet explained the molecular mechanism of phenotypic differences. To investigate the cause of differences in the taproot phenotype, de novo and comparative transcriptomic analysis on PN taproot was performed.

Results

A total of 133,730,886 and 114,761,595 paired-end clean reads were obtained based on high-throughput sequencing from oval and long taproot samples, respectively. 121,955 unigenes with contig N50 = 1,774 bp were generated by using the de novo assembly transcriptome, 63,133 annotations were obtained with the BLAST. And then, 42 genes belong to class III peroxidase (PRX) gene family, 8 genes belong to L-Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) gene family, and 55 genes belong to a series of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene family were identified based on integrated annotation results. Differentially expressed genes analysis indicated substantial up-regulation of PnAPX3 and PnPRX45, which are related to reactive oxygen species metabolism, and the PnMPK3 gene, which is related to cell proliferation and plant root development, in long taproots compared with that in oval taproots. Furthermore, the determination results of real-time quantitative PCR, enzyme activity, and H2O2 content verified transcriptomic analysis results.

Conclusion

These results collectively demonstrate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and the PnMPK3 gene may play vital roles in regulating the taproot phenotype of PN. This study provides further insights into the genetic mechanisms of phenotypic differences in other species of the genus Panax.
Genomic insight into the scale specialization of the biological control agent Novius pumilus (Weise, 1892)
Authors: Tang Xue-Fei , Huang Yu-Hao , Li Hao-Sen , Chen Pei-Tao , Yang Huan-Ying , Liang Yuan-Sen , Du Xue-Yong , Liu Zhen-Hua , Li En-Feng , Yang Yu-Chen , Pang Hong
Published: January 2022

Background

Members of the genus Novius Mulsant, 1846 (= Rodolia Mulsant, 1850) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), play important roles in the biological control of cotton cushion scale pests, especially those belonging to Icerya. Since the best-known species, the vedalia beetle Novius cardinalis (Mulsant, 1850) was introduced into California from Australia, more than a century of successful use in classical biological control, some species of Novius have begun to exhibit some field adaptations to novel but related prey species. Despite their economic importance, relatively little is known about the underlying genetic adaptations associated with their feeding habits. Knowledge of the genome sequence of Novius is a major step towards further understanding its biology and potential applications in pest control.

Results

We report the first high-quality genome sequence for Novius pumilus (Weise, 1892), a representative specialist of Novius. Computational Analysis of gene Family Evolution (CAFE) analysis showed that several orthogroups encoding chemosensors, digestive, and immunity-related enzymes were significantly expanded (P < 0.05) in N. pumilus compared to the published genomes of other four ladybirds. Furthermore, some of these orthogroups were under significant positive selection pressure (P < 0.05). Notably, transcriptome profiling demonstrated that many genes among the significantly expanded and positively selected orthogroups, as well as genes related to detoxification were differentially expressed, when N. pumilus feeding on the nature prey Icerya compared with the no feeding set. We speculate that these genes are vital in the Icerya adaptation of Novius species.

Conclusions

We report the first Novius genome thus far. In addition, we provide comprehensive transcriptomic resources for N. pumilus. The results from this study may be helpful for understanding the association of the evolution of genes related to chemosensing, digestion, detoxification and immunity with the prey adaptation of insect predators. This will provide a reference for future research and utilization of Novius in biological control programs. Moreover, understanding the possible molecular mechanisms of prey adaptation also inform mass rearing of N. pumilus and other Novius, which may benefit pest control.
Genome-wide analysis of TALE superfamily in Triticum aestivum reveals TaKNOX11-A is involved in abiotic stress response
Authors: Han Yuxuan , Zhang Lili , Yan Luyu , Xiong Xinxin , Wang Wenjing , Zhang Xiao-Hong , Min Dong-Hong
Published: January 2022

Background

Three-amino-loop-extension (TALE) superfamily genes are widely present in plants and function directly in plant growth and development and abiotic stress response. Although TALE genes have been studied in many plant species, members of the TALE family have not been identified in wheat.

Results

In this study, we identified 70 wheat TALE protein candidate genes divided into two subfamilies, KNOX (KNOTTED-like homeodomain) and BEL1-like (BLH/BELL homeodomain). Genes in the same subfamily or branch in the phylogenetic tree are similar in structure, and their encoded proteins have similar motifs and conserved structures. Wheat TALE genes are unevenly distributed on 21 chromosomes and expanded on the fourth chromosome. Through gene duplication analysis, 53 pairs of wheat TALE genes were determined to result from segmental duplication events, and five pairs were caused by tandem duplication events. The Ka/Ks between TALE gene pairs indicates a strong purification and selection effect. There are multiple cis-elements in the 2000 bp promoter sequence that respond to hormones and abiotic stress, indicating that most wheat TALE genes are involved in the growth, development, and stress response of wheat. We also studied the expression profiles of wheat TALE genes in different developmental stages and tissues and under different stress treatments. We detected the expression levels of four TALE genes by qRT-PCR, and selected TaKNOX11-A for further downstream analysis. TaKNOX11-A enhanced the drought and salt tolerances of Arabidopsis thaliana. TaKNOX11-A overexpressing plants had decreased malondialdehyde content and increased proline content, allowing for more effective adaptation of plants to unfavorable environments.

Conclusions

We identified TALE superfamily members in wheat and conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. The discovery of the potential role of TaKNOX11-A in drought resistance and salt tolerance provides a basis for follow-up studies of wheat TALE family members, and also provides new genetic resources for improving the stress resistance of wheat.
Correction to: Subacute thyroiditis during early pregnancy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Bai Chao-Fang , Shen Guang-Hui , Yang Ying , Yang Ke , Hayden Melvin R. , Zhou Yuan-Yuan , Geng Xing-Qian
Published: January 2022

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Expression profiles and functions of ferroptosis-related genes in the placental tissue samples of early- and late-onset preeclampsia patients
Authors: Yang Nana , Wang Qianghua , Ding Biao , Gong Yingying , Wu Yue , Sun Junpei , Wang Xuegu , Liu Lei , Zhang Feng , Du Danli , Li Xiang
Published: January 2022

Background

The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from upregulated levels of oxidative stress is commonly implicated in preeclampsia (PE). Ferroptosis is a novel form of iron-dependent cell death instigated by lipid peroxidation that likely plays an important role in PE pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles and functions of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE).

Methods

Gene expression data and clinical information were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The “limma” R package was used to screen differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were conducted to investigate the bioinformatics functions and molecular interactions of significantly different FRGs. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to verify the expression of hub FRGs in PE.

Results

A total of 4215 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between EOPE and preterm cases while 556 DEGs were found between LOPE and term controls. Twenty significantly different FRGs were identified in EOPE subtypes, while only 3 FRGs were identified in LOPE subtypes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed FRGs were mainly involved in EOPE and enriched in hypoxia- and iron-related pathways, such as the response to hypoxia, iron homeostasis and iron ion binding process. PPI network analysis and verification by RT-qPCR resulted in the identification of the following five FRGs of interest: FTH1, HIF1A, FTL, MAPK8 and PLIN2.

Conclusions

EOPE and LOPE have distinct underlying molecular mechanisms, and ferroptosis may be mainly implicated in the pathogenesis of EOPE. Further studies are necessary for deeper inquiry into placental ferroptosis and its role in the pathogenesis of EOPE.
Evaluation of a diluted lipid emulsion solution as a lubricant for improved peripherally inserted central catheter guidewire removal in a neonatal population
Authors: van Rens Matheus F. P. T. , Paramban Ratheesh , Francia Airene L. V. , Chandra Prem , Mahmah Mohamad Adnan , Thome Ulrich H. , Bayoumi Mohammad A. A. , Spencer Timothy R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Medical management of neonates is often established upon safe and reliable vascular access, frequently utilized to provide physiological monitoring, parenteral and supportive treatments, and diagnostic and/or procedural purposes. For this, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are often used to provide safe vascular access and infusion-related therapies in the neonatal intensive care (NICU) setting.

Purpose

Difficult PICC guidewire removal is understood to cause catheter damage, causing luminal rupture or possible breakage of the catheter or guidewire itself. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the incidence of therapy failures with use of a preflush fluid using normal saline (NSS) versus a diluted lipid solution (DLS) prior to device insertion, to assist with guidewire removal and prevent unnecessary catheter damage.

Method and setting

A retrospective, observational study was performed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Women’s Wellness and Research Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. This single site study included 507 neonates who required intravenous therapy administered via a PICC during the study period.

Results

Results demonstrated the use of a diluted lipid solution preflush (DLS) resulted in significantly lesser failures, when compared with the control group (NSS). This highlights a clinical significance after adjusting for day of insertion, gestational age, birth weight and catheter type.

Conclusion

DLS preflush demonstrated a benefit over the use of a NSS preflush to enhance PICC guidewire removal in neonatal patients in the NICU. The risk for development of maintenance-related complications leading to premature device removal decreased significantly if the DLS preflush was used. During the study period, no complications related to the use of a lipid preflush solution were identified.

Implications for practice and research

This may be the first study published investigating and supporting guidewire removal enhancement by using a diluted lipid/saline preflush solution. When the requirement for vascular access is most pertinent in the neonate, using a diluted lipid preflush may provide an effective method to assist in guidewire removal to prevent malposition and vascular device complications in the neonatal population.
Sociodemographic factors associated with daily tobacco smoking and binge drinking among Zambians: evidence from the 2017 STEPS survey
Authors: Silumbwe Adam , Sabastian Miguel San , Michelo Charles , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Johansson Klara
Published: January 2022

Background

The burden of disease attributable to tobacco smoking and harmful alcohol consumption poses a major threat to sustainable development in most low- and middle-income countries. However, evidence on tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption to inform context-specific interventions addressing these harmful social behaviours is limited in the African context. This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with daily tobacco smoking and binge drinking in Zambia.

Methods

The study stems from nationwide population-based representative survey data collected using the World Health Organization’s STEPwise approach for non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance in 2017 among 18–69-year-old Zambians. The main outcomes were daily tobacco smoking and binge drinking, and the demographic and socioeconomic variables included sex, marital status, age, residence, level of education and occupation. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using log-binomial regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 4302 individuals (weighted percentage 49.0% men and 51.0% women) participated in the survey. The prevalence of daily tobacco smoking was 9.0%, and 11.6% of participants engaged in binge drinking, both of which were higher among men than women (17.1% vs. 1.3% and 18.6% vs. 5.3%, respectively). The adjusted prevalence of daily tobacco smoking was 14.3 (95% CI: 9.74-21.01) times higher in men than women, and 1.44 (95% CI 1.03-1.99) times higher in the > 45-year-old group compared to the 18–29-year-old group. Significant positive associations with daily tobacco smoking were found among those with no education 2.70 (95% CI 1.79- 4.07) or primary education 1.86 (95% CI 1.22-2.83) compared to those with senior secondary or tertiary education. The adjusted prevalence of daily tobacco smoking was 0.37 times lower (95% CI 0.16-0.86) among students and homemakers compared to employed participants. The adjusted prevalence of binge drinking was 3.67 times higher (95% CI 2.83-4.76) in men than in women. Significantly lower adjusted prevalences of binge drinking were found in rural residents 0.59 (95% CI: 0.46-0.77) compared to urban residents and in students/homemakers 0.58 (95% CI: 0.35-0.94) compared to employed participants.

Conclusion

This study shows huge differences between men and women regarding tobacco smoking and binge drinking in Zambia. A high occurrence of tobacco smoking was observed among men, older members of society and those with lower levels of education, while binge drinking was more common in men and in those living in urban areas. There is a need to reshape and refine preventive and control interventions for tobacco smoking and binge drinking to target the most at-risk groups in the country.
The role of the medial buttress plate in the treatment of Pauwels type II and III femoral neck fracture in nonelderly patients: a retrospective study and preliminary results
Authors: Ma Chao , Liu Yanshi , Liu Jialin , Chen Li , Huang Jinyong , Luo Xuefeng , Xie Zengru
Published: January 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of multiple cannulated screws combined with medial buttress plate or not for the treatment of unstable femoral neck fracture in nonelderly patients.

Methods

Sixty-nine nonelderly patients with Garden type III-IV femoral neck fracture were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into MCS (multiple cannulated screws) group and CMBP (combined with medial buttress plate) group according to the surgical method. Patient’s demographic data, Harris Hip Score, EQ-5D index and complications at a minimum of 2 years follow-up were analyzed.

Results

There were 47 patients in the MCS group (35 male and 12 females) with a mean age of 40.28 ± 12.64 years, whereas 22 patients in the CMBP group (17 male and 5 females) with a mean age of 43.86 ± 12.55 years. In the MCS group, there were 1 (2.1%) avascular necrosis, 5 (10.6%) postoperative nonunion, 5 (10.6%) implant failure, and 2 (4.3%) femoral neck shortening. While 1 (4.5%) implant failure, 2 (9.1%) postoperative nonunion and 2 (9.1%) impingement in the CMBP group. For patients with Pauwels type II and III femoral neck fracture, the CMBP group had higher HHS scores at 3 months after surgery than the MCS group (P < 0.05), whereas there was no statistical significance at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years (P > 0.05). The same results were found in the EQ-5D index.

Conclusions

In our cohort, we observed better outcomes in the CMBP group at 3 and 6 months, with later results similar between groups. However, there were fewer complications in the CMBP group, without obviously blood-supply disruption, especially in Pauwels type II and III. Further, anatomic reduction and stable fixation may contribute to satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of nonelderly displaced femoral neck fractures.
Glycemic control of adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Arabian Gulf Countries; PREDICT
Authors: Hafidh Khadija , Abdella Nabila Ahmed
Published: January 2022

Background

Optimum glycemic control is necessary to reduce and even prevent the risk of micro- and macrovascular complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of T1DM patients with adequate glycemic control in 4 Arabian Gulf countries.

Methods

This study was a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional disease registry. Data were collected from adult T1DM patients who were treated with insulin within 6 months prior to the study visit.

Results

Out of 241 patients whose data were eligible for primary endpoint analysis, 27.4% had adequate glycemic control (HbA1c < 7%). The patients’ age ranged from 18 to 64 years, and 53% were males. The mean (SD) duration of diabetes was 14.6 (9) years and the mean HbA1c was 8.11 (1.8) %. At the time of T1DM diagnosis, mean HbA1c was 10.7 (2.17) %. About 98% of the patients were normotensive and the lipid profile of patients was found to be optimal. The main variables associated with adequate glycemic control were low HbA1c at diagnosis (P < 0.001) and absence of a family history of diabetes (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

We found that the glycemic control of T1DM adult patients in Kuwait, UAE, Oman and Bahrain is suboptimal. More efforts are necessary to pinpoint the causes of inadequate control in this population.
The path from big data analytics capabilities to value in hospitals: a scoping review
Authors: Brossard Pierre-Yves , Minvielle Etienne , Sicotte Claude
Published: January 2022

Background

As the uptake of health information technologies increased, most healthcare organizations have become producers of big data. A growing number of hospitals are investing in the development of big data analytics (BDA) capabilities. If the promises associated with these capabilities are high, how hospitals create value from it remains unclear. The present study undertakes a scoping review of existing research on BDA use in hospitals to describe the path from BDA capabilities (BDAC) to value and its associated challenges.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s 5 stages framework. A systematic search strategy was adopted to identify relevant articles in Scopus and Web of Science. Data charting and extraction were performed following an analytical framework that builds on the resource-based view of the firm to describe the path from BDA capabilities to value in hospitals.

Results

Of 1,478 articles identified, 94 were included. Most of them are experimental research (n=69) published in medical (n=66) or computer science journals (n=28). The main value targets associated with the use of BDA are improving the quality of decision-making (n=56) and driving innovation (n=52) which apply mainly to care (n=67) and administrative (n=48) activities. To reach these targets, hospitals need to adequately combine BDA capabilities and value creation mechanisms (VCM) to enable knowledge generation and drive its assimilation. Benefits are endpoints of the value creation process. They are expected in all articles but realized in a few instances only (n=19).

Conclusions

This review confirms the value creation potential of BDA solutions in hospitals. It also shows the organizational challenges that prevent hospitals from generating actual benefits from BDAC-building efforts. The configuring of strategies, technologies and organizational capabilities underlying the development of value-creating BDA solutions should become a priority area for research, with focus on the mechanisms that can drive the alignment of BDA and organizational strategies, and the development of organizational capabilities to support knowledge generation and assimilation.
Exploring social inequalities in healthcare trajectories following diagnosis of diabetes: a state sequence analysis of linked survey and administrative data
Authors: McKay Rachel , Letarte Laurence , Lebel Alexandre , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie ,   on behalf of the TORSADE Cohort Working Group, Vanasse Alain , Bartlett Gillian , Blais Lucie , Buckeridge David , Choinière Manon , Hudon Catherine , Lacasse Anaïs , Lamarche Benoit , Lebel Alexandre , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie , Roberge Pasquale , Émond Valérie , Pomey Marie-Pascale , Benigeri Mike , Cloutier Anne-Marie , Dorais Marc , Courteau Josiane , Courteau Mireille , Plante Stéphanie , Cambon Pierre , Giguère Annie , Leroux Isabelle , St-Laurent Danielle , Roy Denis , Borja Jaime , Néron André , Landry Geneviève , Ethier Jean-François , Dault Roxanne , Côté-Marcil Marc-Antoine , Tremblay Pier , Quirion Sonia
Published: January 2022

Background

Social inequalities in complications associated with diabetes mellitus persist. As a primary care sensitive condition (PCSC), this association could be related to differential access to primary care. Our objectives are to establish a typology of care trajectories following a new diagnosis, and to explore social determinants of trajectories.

Methods

We used the TorSaDe (The Care Trajectories-Enriched Data) cohort, which links Canadian Community Health Survey respondents to health administrative data. Care trajectories were mapped over a two-year period following a new diagnosis and analysed using state sequence and clustering methods. Associations between individual and geographic characteristics with trajectory types were assessed with multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Three trajectories were identified: Regular Family Physician (FP) Predominant, Specialist Physician Predominant, and Few Services. With Regular FP as the reference, males had higher odds of experiencing the Few Services trajectory, higher education was associated with higher odds of both the Few Services and the Specialist trajectories, and immigrants had higher odds of the Specialist trajectory. Diagnoses in a physician’s office, as opposed to in hospital, were associated with higher odds of the Regular FP trajectory.

Conclusions

The Regular FP trajectory most closely aligns with the management principles of the PCSC approach. We did not find strong evidence of social status privileging access to this trajectory. However, the association with location of diagnosis suggests that efforts to ensure patients diagnosed in hospital are well linked to a regular family physician for follow up may help to reduce unnecessary specialist use and meet PCSC goals.