bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descartes e a rejeição da loucura enquanto argumento na primeira Meditação
Authors: Alvarenga Jonathan
Published: July 2022

No presente artigo discutimos a inserção, a natureza e a problemática da rejeição à loucura enquanto argumento na primeira das Meditações de Descartes. Para isso, nos direcionaremos à análise do local, textualmente dito, em que tal rejeição está posta. Em um segundo momento, passaremos a dialogar com outros autores que já realizaram interpretações a respeito da loucura em Descartes. Com isso, poderemos ter um rico panorama de teses já formuladas sobre o tema aqui em questão, além de entender sob qual ótica os intérpretes analisaram este elemento no texto de Descartes. Por fim, apresentaremos nossa interpretação, na qual defenderemos a origem fisiológica da loucura, que, além de ser o motivo pelo qual o filósofo francês a rejeita enquanto argumento em seu texto, é o principal motivo pelo qual nenhum indivíduo dito como louco poderia rejeitar a verdade do Cogito e de toda a cadeia de razões que se segue.
Apresentação
Authors: Espinosanos Cadernos
Published: July 2022

Apresentação da edição 46 dos Cadernos Espinosanos
Neuronal Alterations in Secondary Thalamic Degeneration Due to Cerebral Infarction: A
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C-Flumazenil Positron Emission Tomography Study
Authors: Yamauchi Hiroshi , Kagawa Shinya , Kusano Kuninori , Ito Miki , Okuyama Chio
Published: July 2022

Background:

Studies using animal experiments have shown secondary neuronal degeneration in the thalamus after cerebral infarction. Neuroimaging studies in humans have revealed changes in imaging parameters in the thalamus, remote to the infarction. However, few studies have directly demonstrated neuronal changes in the thalamus in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine whether secondary thalamic neuronal damage may manifest as a decrease in central benzodiazepine receptors in patients with cerebral infarction and internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery disease.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 140 patients with unilateral cerebral infarction ipsilateral to internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery disease. All patients had quantitative measurements of
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C-flumazenil binding potential (FMZ-BP), cerebral blood flow, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen using positron emission tomography in the chronic stage. Region of interest analysis was performed using NeuroFlexer—an automated region of interest analysis software using NEUROSTAT.

Results:

In the thalamus ipsilateral to the infarcts, the values of FMZ-BP, cerebral blood flow, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen were significantly lower than those in the contralateral thalamus. Significant correlations were found between the ipsilateral-to-contralateral ratio of FMZ-BP and the ipsilateral-to-contralateral ratio of cerebral blood flow or cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen in the thalamus. Patients with corona radiata infarcts and striatocapsular infarcts had significantly decreased ipsilateral-to-contralateral FMZ-BP ratio in the thalamus compared with those without. The ipsilateral-to-contralateral ratio of FMZ-BP in the thalamus was significantly correlated with the ipsilateral-to-contralateral cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen ratio in the frontal cortex and showed a significant negative correlation with the number of perseverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.

Conclusions:

Secondary thalamic neuronal damage may manifest as a decrease in central benzodiazepine receptors in patients with cerebral infarction and internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery disease, which may be associated with frontal lobe dysfunction.
Are link-based and citation-based journal metrics correlated? An Open Access megapublisher case study
Authors: Orduña-Malea Enrique , Aguillo Isidro F.
Published: July 2022

The current value of link counts as supplementary measures of the formal quality and impact of journals is analyzed, considering an open access megapublisher (MDPI) as a case study. We analyzed 352 journals through 21 citation-based and link-based journal-level indicators, using Scopus (523,935 publications) and Majestic (567,900 links) as data sources. Given the statistically significant strong positive Spearman correlations achieved, it is concluded that link-based indicators mainly reflect the quality (indexed in Scopus), size (publication output), and impact (citations received) of MDPI’s journals. In addition, link data are significantly greater for those MDPI journals covering many subjects (generalist journals). However, nonstatistically significant differences are found between subject categories, which can be partially attributed to the “series title profile” effect of MDPI. Further research is necessary to test whether link-based indicators can be used as informative measures of journals’ current research impact beyond the specific characteristics of MDPI.
Does nomenclatural availability of nomina of new species or subspecies require the deposition of vouchers in collections?
Authors: DUBOIS ALAIN , NEMÉSIO ANDRÉ
Published: July 2022

Several species of birds and primates recently described opened a debate in the zoological community on the possibility of naming new species or subspecies without material onomatophores (“name-bearing types”) deposited in collections. The current writing of the Code is ambiguous in this respect. We support here the view that such practice is not doing a service to the discipline of taxonomy as illustrations, DNA sequences or “definitions” cannot replace voucher specimens. The latter are and will be badly needed for the proper knowledge of the vanishing biodiversity of our planet. We review arguments pro and con the need to have a Rule in the Code requiring the deposition of onomatophores in collections for the proper and valid creation of new nomina in zoological nomenclature. In conclusion, we propose a more drastic Rule in this respect but also the possibility, in some exceptional cases, to apply to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to make nomina available even in the absence of material onomatophores.
Description and molecular phylogeny of Tethya hibernica sp. nov. (Porifera, Demospongiae) from Northern Ireland with remarks on the European species of the genus Tethya
Authors: HEIM ISABEL , NICKEL MICHAEL , PICTON BERNARD , BRÜMMER FRANZ
Published: July 2022

A new species of the genus Tethya (Porifera, Demospongiae, Hadromerida) from the North European Sea is described, T. hibernica n. sp. from Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland. Tethya hibernica has a spherical body with tubercles on the surface. The colour in life is ochreous to yellow and shows in alcohol a white colour with greyish core. The oxyspherasters are evenly and densely scattered throughout the whole cortex. Their diameter is about 31 – 60 µm and the R/C value range between 0.40 and 0.78. Micrasters form a discrete layer allocated to the exopinacoderm surface and support the endopinacoderm of the lacunae. Both the main and the auxiliary megascleres are strongyloxeas. Tethya hibernica possesses in contrast to the closely related T. norvegica auxiliary megascleres. In addition to the morphological description we analysed a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA gene for T. hibernica and the other European species T. aurantium, T. citrina and T. norvegica to check for differences in nucleotide and amino acid sequence between the species. We found that T. hibernica is more closely related to the North-West Atlantic species T. norvegica and T. citrina than to T. aurantium or other non-European species. In conclusion, it is possible to differentiate the new species T. hibernica clearly from all other European species both by morphological and molecular methods.
A new genus and species of Enidae (Gastopoda: Pulmonata) from the Quaternary of the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: ALTABA CRISTIAN R.
Published: July 2022

Balearena gymnesica gen. nov., spec. nov., is described from late Upper Pleistocene shore sediments in Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. The new species may be closely related to enids living in the eastern Mediterranean, North-west Africa, and Macaronesia, but geometric morphometrics shows it differs in having a distinctly slender shape; it also differs in the embryonic whorls with a deep suture and a sculpture consisting of shallow collabral grooves on top and delicate incised spiral lines laterally, a teleoconch sculpture formed only by low, simple, irregular collabral wrinkles, and the aperture with a low columellar fold and a blunt angular tooth. Such affinities point to a vicariant origin for Balearena in the formation of the Mediterranean during the Miocene. This species, or closely related forms, are widespread in terrigenous Upper Pleistocene sites in the northern Balearics, but have never been found alive. Its extinction predated the arrival of humans, and may have been coeval with a mass extinction in the southern Balearics putatively caused by a submarine volcanic explosion in the Valencia Trough.
A nomenclatorial confusion in Tanymastigidae (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Anostraca)
Authors: COHEN ROSA GRACIELA
Published: July 2022

Brtek (1972) established the subfamily Tanymastiginae into Branchipodidae for the genus Tanymastix Simon, 1886 and his new genus Tanymastigites. Although the author did not explicitly designate a type genus, he created the subfamily name on the stem of the older genus that he included in his new subfamily. The name Tanymastix (in genitive singular, Tanymastigis: stem Tanymastig- and desinence -is) gives the subfamily name Tanymastiginae Brtek, 1972.
A long-lost relic from the Eastern Ghats: Morphology, distribution and habitat of Sepsophis punctatus Beddome, 1870 (Squamata: Scincidae)
Authors: DATTA-ROY ANIRUDDHA , MOHAPATRA PRATYUSH P. , DUTTA SUSHIL K. , GIRI VARAD B. , VEERAPPAN DEEPAK , MADDOCK SIMON T. , RAJ PRUDHVI , AGARWAL ISHAN , KARANTH PRAVEEN
Published: July 2022

Sepsophis punctatus Beddome 1870, the only species of a monotypic genus, was described based on a single specimen from the Eastern Ghats of India. We rediscovered the species based on specimens from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh state, India, after a gap of 137 years, including four specimens from close to the type locality. The holotype was studied in detail, and we present additional morphological characters of the species with details on natural history, habitat and diet. The morphological characters of the holotype along with two additional specimens collected by Beddome are compared with the specimens collected by us. We also briefly discuss the distribution of other members of the subfamily Scincinae and their evolutionary affinities.
Catalog of Hymenoptera described by Giovanni Gribodo (1846–1924) (Insecta)
Authors: PENATI FABIO , MARIOTTI ALBERTO
Published: July 2022

Giovanni Gribodo (1846–1924) was an Italian civil engineer who described 377 new taxa of Hymenoptera, 199 of which are still valid and in use today, and proposed 6 replacement names. The present catalog provides a brief biography of Gribodo, a bibliography of his 42 publications and a complete list of the taxa proposed by Gribodo. The catalog lists, for all published names, details on the type series, type locality and collector, present status based on literature, all data labels, relevant references and remarks. A gazetteer of type-localities, a systematical list of Genus- and Species-group names, a chronological list of new names proposed by Giovanni Gribodo, with name-bearing types, and a list of Algerian species and varieties are also given. Furthermore, an unpublished manuscript by Gribodo on hymenopterological fauna of Tunisia, still kept at the Civic Museum of Natural History “Giacomo Doria” (Genoa, Italy), is described, and data on the 57 “new” taxa therein listed are reported, discussing their relevance in order to ascertain the original type series of 27 taxa validly published later. Finally, the problem posed by the enigmatic “disappearance” of a large number of Algerian types, already faced by several entomologists in the past, is analyzed, in order to prevent future mistaken designations of lectotypes and neotypes.        The following six nomenclatural acts are proposed here by R. Wahis: Hemipepsis sycophanta Gribodo, 1884 = Hemipepsis bellicosa (Smith, 1873) new synonym; Anospilus sulcithorax (Gribodo, 1924) new combination; Auplopus validus (Gribodo, 1884) new combination; Dichragenia quartinae (Gribodo, 1884) new combination; Diplonyx caesar (Gribobo, 1894) new combination; Paracyphononyx melanicrus Gribodo, 1884 status revalidated (resurrected from synonymy with Pompilus ruficrus Klug, 1834).        The following four nomenclatural acts are proposed by F. Penati: Parachrysis Gribodo, 1879 [subgenus of Chrysis Linnaeus] = Chrysis Linnaeus, 1760 new synonym; Psammotherma (Mutilla) quartinae Gribodo, 1884 = Psammotherma flabellata (Fabricius, 1804) new synonym; Megascolia (Regiscolia) alecto (Smith, 1858) subspecies vespillo (Gribodo, 1893) new combination; Megachile (Megachile) moutoni Gribodo, 1894 emendated name.
Larval description of Limnephilus barbagaensis Malicky, Sekhi & Lounaci 2019 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae), a micro-endemic of Algeria, with notes on its ecology
Authors: KARAOUZAS IOANNIS , DAMBRI BESMA
Published: July 2022

The hitherto unknown larva of Limnephilus barbagaensis Malicky, Sekhi & Lounaci 2019, micro-endemic of the Aures Mountains (Mounts des Aures, Algeria), is described. The diagnostic features of the species are listed, illustrated, compared with those of similar species, and some information on the ecology is included. In addition, the first record of Hydropsyche siltalai Döhler 1963 in the Aures Region and Northeast Algeria is also reported.
The Contribution of a Music and Arts Rehabilitation Program to the Creative Identity, Well-Being, and Community Integration of People With Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Salomon-Gimmon Maayan , Orkibi Hod , Elefant Cochavit
Published: July 2022

The United Nations highlighted the importance of promoting the rights of people with mental health conditions (MHC) to education, employment, and citizenship. One related initiative in Israel is the Garage pre-academic music and arts school for individuals with musical and artistic abilities coping with MHC. This process–outcome study examined whether and how the Garage contributes to participants’ creative self-concept, mental health, alleviates loneliness, and promotes postsecondary education and work integration. It also probed the participants’ initial expectations and the extent to which these were fulfilled. Using a single-group pretest–posttest design, quantitative data on the outcome variables were collected, along with mid-test data on process variables from the Garage students ( N = 44). Supplementary qualitative data were collected at pretest on the students’ expectations. The results suggest a significant increase in creative personal identity and mental health, a decrease in loneliness, and promotion of postsecondary education and work integration. These findings were associated with persistent attendance, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and expectation fulfillment. A merged analysis indicated that the students’ qualitative expectations were generally congruent with the quantitative results. Overall, the findings show how the program corresponds to humanistic values, targets service users’ needs and rights, and promotes personal recovery and community integration.
Are Crime and Collective Emotion Interrelated? A “Broken Emotion” Conjecture from Community Twitter Posts
Authors: Lan Minxuan , Liu Lin , Burmeister Jacob , Zhu Weili , Zhou Hanlin , Gu Xin
Published: July 2022

A neighborhood’s social cohesion, referring to the emotional and social connection of people within it, tends to have an influential impact on its crime level. Traditional approaches to measuring social cohesion and collective efficacy are mostly interviews and surveys, which are usually costly in time, money, and other resources. Big social media data provides us with a new and cost-effective source of such information. We believe the combination of spatial and contextual information of geotagged Twitter posts (tweets) can gauge the residents’ collective emotions in a neighborhood. The positivity and negativity of these collective emotions may be used to approximate the collective efficacy of the community. Inspired by the broken window theory, we propose a broken emotion conjecture to explain the relationship between collective emotion and crime. To test this conjecture, we collected data on four types of crime (assaults, burglaries, robberies, and thefts) and all public geotagged tweets ( N = 778,901) in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA in 2013. We extracted innovative variables from tweets’ spatial and contextual information to explain community crime and enlighten new criminology theory. Results of negative binomial models show: (1) with necessary socio-economic and land-use factors controlled, the more negative the collective emotion of a neighborhood, the more the crime (except for theft); (2) however, the positivity of the collective emotion of a neighborhood does not have any statistically significant influence on crime. These correspond well with signal detection theory in psychology. The proposed broken emotion conjecture is supported with data from Cincinnati and its general applicability should be tested in other regions.
Factors affecting per capita ecological footprint in OECD countries: Evidence from machine learning techniques
Authors: Gorus Muhammed Sehid , Karagol Erdal Tanas
Published: July 2022

For a few decades, factors affecting environmental deterioration have been at the center of much interest This paper examines the impact of income level, disaggregated energy consumption, types of globalization level, and urbanization on per capita ecological footprint by utilizing novel machine learning techniques (tree regression, boosting, bagging, and random forest) for 27 OECD countries during 1971–2016. It is found that the random forest algorithms best fit the dataset. The empirical results exhibit that oil product consumption, electricity consumption, and gross domestic product are the most significant variables for our model. Besides, the partial dependence plots results show that economic growth and especially fossil fuel energy consumption damage the environment. These findings have important implications for both developed and developing countries for designing proper energy and environmental policies. Especially, policymakers should focus on sustainable development instead of plain economic growth.
Fabrication and properties of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide reinforced Poly(Vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films for packaging applications
Authors: Yilmaz Dogan Hazal , Altin Yasin , Bedeloğlu Ayşe Çelik
Published: July 2022

Petroleum-based polymers have a wide range of uses in the packaging industry, including films, food packaging, rigid containers, foamed containers, medical products, etc. This study focuses on improving the properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based material systems, one of the most popular water-soluble biopolymers, to reduce the waste of petroleum-based plastics, which are widely used. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite films containing low concentrations (0.05–1%) of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were produced via the solution casting method. When electrical properties of nanocomposite films were evaluated, the addition of 1 wt% GO and rGO resulted in a 36% and 45% decrease in the volumetric resistance of the films as well as a decrease in surface resistance of 24.5% and 34.9%, respectively. The maximum tensile strength of 1% GO and rGO-reinforced PVA nanocomposites was found to be ∼59 MPa and ∼68 MPa with an increase of 20% and 38% compared to neat PVA films, respectively. The average Young’s modulus of 1% GO and rGO-reinforced PVA nanocomposites also increased from 2561 MPa to 3515 MPa and 4219 MPa with an increase of 37% and 65%, respectively. As a result, the electrical conductivity, Young’s modulus, maximum tensile strength, thermal properties, and optical absorption of nanocomposite films increased by adding GO and rGO to PVA. The results show that the produced nanocomposite film may be a promising material for packaging applications.
Varieties of Necessity Entrepreneurship – New Insights From Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Weber Christiana , Fasse Anja , Haugh Helen M. , Grote Ulrike
Published: July 2022

Necessity entrepreneurship (NE) describes the process of venturing a business out of need when alternative options are seemingly absent. Whereas prior research typically understands NE to be a homogenous construct, recent theorizing suggests the possibility of NE heterogeneity. In this paper we employ Sen’s capability approach to elicit NE variety. Using data gathered from 820 households in rural Tanzania, our cluster analysis generates four distinct types of NE that vary significantly regarding their entrepreneurial activities, determinants and outcomes. Our findings demonstrate the relevance of life satisfaction and reveal the role of choice in NE. Our study thereby advances a nuanced perspective of NE.
Safety and tolerability of lenalidomide maintenance dosing in patients with multiple myeloma post-autologous stem cell transplant
Authors: Shockley Abigail , Davis James A , Gaffney Kelly J , Smith Deidra , Weeda Erin , Hashmi Hamza
Published: July 2022

Background

For transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant followed by maintenance lenalidomide is a standard of care practice. Maintenance lenalidomide dosing practices vary amongst physicians and current literature lacks comparisons on intermittent versus continuous dosing. In this retrospective study, we compared the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of continuous versus intermittent lenalidomide dosing.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective review included 72 patients with multiple myeloma receiving lenalidomide maintenance between 2018 and 2021. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of dose modification, defined as any dosage reduction, delay in treatment, or discontinuation of therapy. The secondary objectives were to determine the incidence of hematological and non-hematological toxicities between the two groups.

Results

A total of 58 patients in the continuous group and 14 patients in the intermittent group were included. Fifty-four percent of patients in the continuous group required dose modification versus 30% in the intermittent group. Patients who received continuous dosing appeared to have a higher incidence of adverse events when compared to intermittent dosing with the most common adverse events being neutropenia, fatigue, and rash. Twenty-four patients in the continuous group switched to an intermittent schedule after an adverse event. Of these patients, only 8% required further dose modification.

Conclusion

The higher incidence of lenalidomide dose modifications in the continuous arm suggests that a majority of patients are not able to tolerate continuous lenalidomide maintenance. A more tolerable option for maintenance may be an intermittent schedule, as reflected by the favorable safety outcomes in this group.
What empiric treatment should be given for suspected bacterial keratitis in Northern Italy?
Authors: Romano Vito , Bignotti Stefano , Forbice Eliana , Piccinelli Giorgio , Caruso Arnaldo , Semeraro Francesco
Published: July 2022

There is a lack of epidemiological studies reporting bacteria profiles, susceptibility, and suggested empiric (first line) treatment in Northern Italy. Our internal audit of corneal scraping for microbial keratitis at University of Brescia reports 116 bacterial strains isolated between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2020. All cases had at least an epithelial defect of 1 mm in diameter. 36.2% (42) were Gram-positive, while 63.7% (74) Gram negative. In our results Gram-negatives are sensitive to ciprofloxacin in 94.5% and Pseudomonas in 95%. Grampositives are sensitive to teicoplanin in 91,1%. Those data may help to establish empiric treatment in case of bacterial keratitis.
Modified Endoscopic Denker's Approach for Management of Anterior Maxillary Sinus Tumors: Multicenter Series of 58 Cases
Authors: McCormick Justin P. , Suh Jeffrey D. , Wang Eric W. , DeConde Adam S. , Wang Marilene B. , Yang Hong-Ho , Carle Taylor R. , Wung Vivian , Lee Jivianne T.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Tumors involving the anterior portion of the maxillary sinus remain technically challenging to access via an endoscopic approach. The modified endoscopic Denker's (MED) procedure was recently introduced to address such lesions. We present a multicenter series of 58 patients with tumors involving the anterior maxillary sinus successfully resected using a MED procedure and present the clinical outcomes and complications.

Methods

A multi-institution retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent the MED approach for the management of tumors involving the anterior maxillary sinus from 2009 to 2020. Demographic data, pathology, surgical outcomes, and complications were reviewed.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were identified, including 34 (58.6%) male and 24 (41.4%) female patients. The most common pathologies included: inverted papilloma (n = 27; 46.6%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 9; 15.5%), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 8; 13.8%). Thirty-eight patients (65.5%) underwent MED alone, while 20 (34.5%) had combined expanded endonasal approaches for lesions extending beyond the maxillary sinus. All maxillary sinus lesions were successfully accessed with the MED procedure without the need for an additional approach. After a mean follow-up of 30 months (range, 1–127), 8 of 58 (13.8%) patients developed complications related to the MED, including epiphora requiring an additional procedure (n = 4; 6.9%), prolonged facial/palatal numbness (n = 3; 5.2%), severe epistaxis (n = 1; 1.7%), and vestibular stenosis (n = 1; 1.7%), the latter of which occurred following postoperative radiation.

Conclusion

The MED procedure is a safe and highly effective approach for benign and malignant tumors involving the anterior maxillary sinus. However, patients should be counseled preoperatively on potential complications including the risk of facial numbness and epiphora.
Steering the multipotent mesenchymal cells towards an anti-inflammatory and osteogenic bias via photobiomodulation therapy: How to kill two birds with one stone
Authors: Amaroli Andrea , Pasquale Claudio , Zekiy Angelina , Benedicenti Stefano , Marchegiani Andrea , Sabbieti Maria Giovanna , Agas Dimitrios
Published: July 2022

The bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal cells (MSCs) have captured scientific interest due to their multi-purpose features and clinical applications. The operational dimension of MSCs is not limited to the bone marrow reservoir, which exerts bone-building and niche anabolic tasks; they also meet the needs of quenching inflammation and restoring inflamed tissues. Thus, the range of MSC activities extends to conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, immune disorders and various forms of osteopenia. Steering these cells towards becoming an effective therapeutic tool has become mandatory. Many laboratories have employed distinct strategies to improve the plasticity and secretome of MSCs. We aimed to present how photobiomodulation therapy (PBM-t) can manipulate MSCs to render them an extraordinary anti-inflammatory and osteogenic instrument. Moreover, we discuss the outcomes of different PBM-t protocols on MSCs, concluding with some perplexities and complexities of PBM-t in vivo but encouraging and feasible in vitro solutions.
Vortioxetine as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Redaelli Sofia , Porffy Lilla , Oloyede Ebenezer , Dzahini Olubanke , Lewis Gabriella , Lobo Maria , Whiskey Eromona , Shergill Sukhi S.
Published: July 2022

Background:

The evidence for safe and effective interventions to treat the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia is lacking.

Objectives:

Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant that has been used as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of psychosis; however, its effectiveness in clinical practice is relatively unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the potential clinical effectiveness and safety and tolerability of vortioxetine in psychosis.

Design:

This is a non-interventional, retrospective study on the add-on use of vortioxetine in a group of people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in a large UK NHS mental health trust.

Methods:

Clinical effectiveness of vortioxetine was retrospectively assessed through the Clinical Global Impression – Severity (CGI-S) scale at 3 months. Safety and tolerability were evaluated through treatment discontinuation rates at 3, 6, and 12 months, and clinical reasons were evaluated at the primary endpoint of 3 months.

Results:

Data were available for 40 subjects with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder–prescribed vortioxetine treatment; 30 (75%) remained on treatment at 3 months. At CGI-S assessment, 15 of the 35 evaluated subjects reported at least a 1-point improvement, from 5 at baseline to 4 after 3 months of treatment. Twenty-six (65%) remained on treatment at 1-year follow-up. The main reasons for those discontinuing treatment were inadequate response (10%) and manic switch (7.5%), while one subject refused treatment. Tolerability to treatment was good, and 36 subjects (90%) reported no adverse events specific to vortioxetine treatment.

Conclusion:

Schizophrenia is a complex illness, and there is insufficient treatment response in many individuals. A significant proportion of whom may require adjunctive treatments depending on the nature of the residual symptoms. Vortioxetine could be a potentially safe and effective option in such people, but further controlled studies are required.
ICU nurses’ experiences of medication double-checking: A qualitative study
Authors: Ek Vegard Sletten , Solevåg Anne Lee , Solberg Marianne Trygg
Published: July 2022

Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are often on potent medications. According to Norwegian medication administration regulations, all intravenous medications should be subject to double-checking before patient administration. The aim of this study was to explore Norwegian ICU nurses’ perceptions of how medication double-checking is practiced in the ICU. We chose a qualitative and explorative design, used the COREQ reporting guideline and performed two focus group interviews in two ICUs. This study found that barriers to performing double-checking included understaffing, physical unit design and a lack of written medication orders. In clinical practice, informal guidelines exist as to which medications should always be double-checked and which medications can be administered without a prior double-check. The informants felt reluctant to administer medications without prior double-checking. The graded approach to medication double-checking practiced in our two ICUs is not in agreement with Norwegian regulations but is more in line with international recommendations.
“GatorSign” for severe lumbar spinal canal stenosis: Magnetic resonance imaging evidence of lumbar perineural edema in the central canal
Authors: Persaud-Sharma Dharam , Mason Ashlyn , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: July 2022

Lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most commonly diagnosed pathological conditions of the spine. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Regardless of the clinical presentation, a combination of radiological imaging modalities including magnetic resonance imaging, CT, and dynamic X-rays can be used to evaluate the severity. An often underrecognized aspect of severe lumbar spinal stenosis is its effect on nerve roots. We propose coining the term “GatorSign” to describe nerve root edema above the area of severe central canal stenosis. This radiological finding can help identify patients with severe central canal stenosis in patients who would likely be neurologically symptomatic, requiring an invasive intervention such as epidural injections or surgical decompression for relief as conservative treatments such as physical therapy and/or medications are less likely to be effective.
Successful Applicant and Program Director Perspectives on the Virtual Residency Selection Process for Canadian Surgical Subspecialties
Authors: Abi-Rafeh Jad , Sebag Victoria , ElHawary Hassan , Zammit Dino , Gilardino Mirko S.
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic imparted an important shift in strategies postgraduate surgical programs use to recruit, interact with, and select medical students applying through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). With this unprecedented shift toward virtual applicant selection, this study sought to explore and analyze perspectives of the first cohort of program directors (PDs) and applicants who participated in this process. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was designed using Google Forms for both PDs and applicants participating in the 2021 CaRMS surgical subspecialty selection process. Questions pertained to format and content of virtual engagement methods, the interview itself, as well as advice for future applicants. Results: Thirty-five PDs and 40 successful applicants (n = 75) participated in the study. Cost reduction was the most commonly reported benefit of online interviewing by PDs (85%), followed by efficiency (71%), enhanced resource management (49%), and ability to conduct more interviews (23%). Strong letters of reference (80%) and interview performance (74%) remained the most significant factors in virtual applicant selection. Attendance to virtual recruitment events did not increase the likelihood of offering interviews (n = 24, 69% of PDs), although the ability to perform in-person electives held tremendous value. Most applicants (90%) reported on virtual information sessions as the best method for learning about programs; work culture and environment were topics most valued as discussion points (90%). Successful applicants provided an average confidence of 76% regarding their suitability with their matched programs. Seventy-three percent of applicants (n = 29) had either a preference for virtual interviews or were equivocal, while 51.4% of PDs (n = 18) preferred interviews to be conducted virtually for future cohorts. Conclusion: Trainees are entering residency with confidence following a virtual selection process, and PDs feel confident in their selections. Although no clear consensus exists regarding preference for virtual or in-person interviews, several advantages for virtual resident selection exist. The influence of an in-person elective was found difficult to replace, regardless of interview format. The importance of applicant engagement with programs prior to interviews is highlighted and discussed with recommendations provided for best practices.
Hik28-dependent and Hik28-independent ABC transporters were revealed by proteome-wide analysis of ΔHik28 under combined stress
Authors: Kurdrid Pavinee , Yutthanasirikul Rayakorn , Saree Sirilak , Senachak Jittisak , Saelee Monpaveekorn , Hongsthong Apiradee
Published: July 2022

Synechocystis histidine kinase, Sll0474: Hik28, a signal protein in a two-component signal transduction system, plays a critical role in responding to a decrease in growth temperature and is also involved in nitrogen metabolism. In the present study, under combined stress from non-optimal growth temperature and nitrogen depletion, a comparative proteomic analysis of the wild type (WT) and a deletion mutant (MT) of Synechocystis histidine kinase, Sll0474: Hik28, in a two-component signal transduction system identified the specific groups of ABC transporters that were Hik28-dependent, e.g., the iron transporter, and Hik28-independent, e.g., the phosphate transporter. The iron transporter, AfuA, was found to be upregulated only in the WT strain grown under the combined stress of high temperature and nitrogen depletion. Whereas, the expression level of the phosphate transporter, PstS, was increased in both the WT and MT strains. Moreover, the location in the genome of the genes encoding Hik28 and ABC transporters in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 were analyzed in parallel with the comparative proteomic data. The results suggested the regulation of the ABC transporters by the gene in a two-component system located in an adjacent location in the genome.
Long noncoding RNA Smyca coactivates TGF-β/Smad and Myc pathways to drive tumor progression
Authors: Chen Hsin-Yi , Chan Shu-Jou , Liu Xinxin , Wei An-Chi , Jian Ru-In , Huang Kuan-Wei , Lang Yaw-Dong , Shih Jou-Ho , Liao Chun-Chieh , Luan Chiu-Lin , Kao Yu-Tung , Chiang Shang-Yin , Hsiao Pei-Wen , Jou Yuh-Shan , Chen Yunching , Chen Ruey-Hwa
Published: July 2022

Background

Metastasis and chemoresistance are major culprits of cancer mortality, but factors contributing to these processes are incompletely understood.

Methods

Bioinformatics methods were used to identify the relations of Smyca expression to clinicopathological features of human cancers. RNA-sequencing analysis was used to reveal Smyca-regulated transcriptome. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to examine the binding of Smyca to Smad3/4 and c-Myc/Max. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and chromatin isolation by RNA purification were used to determine the binding of transcription factors and Smyca to various gene loci, respectively. Real-time RT-PCR and luciferase assay were used to examine gene expression levels and promoter activities, respectively. Xenograft mouse models were performed to evaluate the effects of Smyca on metastasis and chemoresistance. Nanoparticle-assisted gapmer antisense oligonucleotides delivery was used to target Smyca in vivo.

Results

We identify lncRNA Smyca for its association with poor prognosis of many cancer types. Smyca potentiates metabolic reprogramming, migration, invasion, cancer stemness, metastasis and chemoresistance. Mechanistically, Smyca enhances TGF-β/Smad signaling by acting as a scaffold for promoting Smad3/Smad4 association and further serves as a Smad target to amplify/prolong TGF-β signaling. Additionally, Smyca potentiates c-Myc-mediated transcription by enhancing the recruitment of c-Myc/Max complex to a set of target promoters and c-Myc binding to TRRAP. Through potentiating TGF-β and c-Myc pathways, Smyca synergizes the Warburg effect elicited by both pathways but evades the anti-proliferative effect of TGF-β. Targeting Smyca prevents metastasis and overcomes chemoresistance.

Conclusions

This study uncovers a lncRNA that coordinates tumor-relevant pathways to orchestra a pro-tumor program and establishes the clinical values of Smyca in cancer prognosis and therapy.
Temporal changes in serum uric acid and risk for metabolic syndrome: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Feng Xuan , Guo Yi , Tu Huakang , Li Shu , Chen Chen , Sun Mingxi , Wang Sicong , Li Bohan , Wu Xifeng , Song Zhenya
Published: July 2022

Background

Studies suggested elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels are associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, it remains unclear whether baseline SUA and temporal changes predict MetS. The study aimed to investigate the association of baseline SUA and its temporal longitudinal changes with subsequent risk of MetS.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study among 44,176 healthy participants aged 18 years and older without MetS at enrollment. The baseline levels and longitudinal changes of SUA were categorized by gender-specific quintiles. Participants were followed to identify newly developed MetS. We employed Cox model to investigate the relationship between SUA and MetS in men and women separately.

Results

During a median follow-up of 2.4 years, 5461 (12.36%) participants developed MetS. After adjustment of demographic, major clinical factors, a higher level of baseline SUA was associated with a significant higher risk of MetS. The corresponding HRs (95% CIs) comparing participants at extreme quintiles were 2.59 (2.32, 2.88) in men and 2.87 (2.41, 3.43) in women. Larger longitudinal absolute increase in SUA was also related to an increases risk of MetS (top vs bottom quintile, 1.70 [1.53, 1.89] in men and 1.94 [1.65, 2.28] in women), regardless the level of baseline SUA. Similarly, the HRs about SUA longitudinal percentage changes were 1.74 (1.56, 1.94) in men and 2.01 (1.69, 2.39) in women, respectively. Moreover, we observed the highest risk of MetS among participants with both higher baseline SUA and larger longitudinal increase in SUA.

Conclusion

Higher baseline SUA and larger temporal increase in SUA independently predicted risk of MetS, highlighting the importance of longitudinal SUA monitoring and management for primary prevention of MetS in the general population.
Health economic evaluation of digital nursing technologies: a review of methodological recommendations
Authors: Huter Kai , Krick Tobias , Rothgang Heinz
Published: July 2022

Background

Health economic evaluation of digital nursing technologies (DNT) is important to provide information that helps avoid undesirable developments and implementations as well as increase the chances of success of developed applications. At the same time, studies and evidence on cost-effectiveness are still very rare in this field. Review studies in related technology areas such as telemedicine frequently criticise the quality and comparability of health economic evaluations conducted in this field. Based on a content analysis of methodological literature on the economic evaluation of innovative (digital) technologies in health and nursing, this article aims to identify specific challenges in this research area and offers recommendations on how to address these challenges to promote more sound health economic evaluations in the future.

Methods

A rapid review was conducted, consisting of a systematic search in the Pubmed database as well as Google Scholar. In addition, the literature lists of the analysed texts were scoured for additional texts to be included. Methodological literature, single studies, and reviews were included. A total of 536 studies were screened, of which 29 were included in the full text analysis.

Results

Based on the systematic content analysis of the studies under consideration, 10 specific methodological challenges are identified, and the methodological recommendations were examined for consideration. A particular focus was given to whether specific methodological approaches might be needed in the context of evaluating the efficiency of DNT.

Conclusion

Many of the challenges identified for the health economic evaluations of digital nursing technologies are comparable to those of other complex health care interventions. The recommendations discussed can help to alleviate those challenges. Future research should focus on alternative approaches to assessing causality in different phases of technology development while maintaining high evidence standards. High-evidence economic assessment of technologies in nursing care should be carried out in routine use, especially if they are intended to be reimbursed by the social insurance.
Metabolomics of blood reveals age-dependent pathways in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: D’Ascenzo Nicola , Antonecchia Emanuele , Angiolillo Antonella , Bender Victor , Camerlenghi Marco , Xie Qingguo , Di Costanzo Alfonso
Published: July 2022

Background

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most frequent degenerative disorder, the risk of which increases with age. A preclinical PD diagnostic test does not exist. We identify PD blood metabolites and metabolic pathways significantly correlated with age to develop personalized age-dependent PD blood biomarkers.

Results

We found 33 metabolites producing a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) value of 97%. PCA revealed that they belong to three pathways with distinct age-dependent behavior: glycine, threonine and serine metabolism correlates with age only in PD patients; unsaturated fatty acids biosynthesis correlates with age only in a healthy control group; and, finally, tryptophan metabolism characterizes PD but does not correlate with age.

Conclusions

The targeted analysis of the blood metabolome proposed in this paper allowed to find specific age-related metabolites and metabolic pathways. The model offers a promising set of blood biomarkers for a personalized age-dependent approach to the early PD diagnosis.
Factors associated with non-use of modern contraceptives among sexually active women in Ethiopia: a multi-level mixed effect analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Mulugeta Solomon Sisay , Fenta Setegn Muche , Fentaw Kenaw Derebe , Biresaw Hailegebrael Birhan
Published: July 2022

Background

Appropriate contraceptive use prevents unintended pregnancy, protects the health of mother and child, and promotes women’s well-being. Use of modern Family planning in Ethiopia was still very low. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that are associated with non-use of modern family planning services among women of reproductive age.

Method

A nationally representative 2016 EDHS women data were used for analysis. A total of 15,683 women in the reproductive age group were included in this study. Descriptive and multilevel multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to summarize descriptive data and measure statistical association between the dependent and the individual and community level variable, respectively. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and confidence interval were respectively used to measure association and its statistical significance.

Result

Among women in the reproductive age group 79.49% (95% CI: 78.85%, 80.12%) did not use a modern contraceptive method. Women age between 25–34 years (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.47–0.61) and age between 34–49 year (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.55–0.71), having primary educated women (AOR = 0.0.77, 95% CI: 0.68–0.87),secondary and above educational (AOR = 0.88, CI: 0.75–1.03), Secondary and above-educated husband (AOR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72–0.96), rich women (AOR = 0.74,95%CI:0.65–0.85), health facility delivery (AOR = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.73–0.0.98), being watching TV (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.65–0.85), having 1–2 living children (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.19–0.23) are less likely to not use contraception were identified. Furthermore, Muslim women (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.23–1.62), women living in rural area (AOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 2.72–4.32), and ANC visit 1.25(1.07–1.47) were more likely to not use contraception. Further, Women in Afar, Somali, Gambela, Harari, and Dire Dawa were less likely to use modern contraception methods than women in Tigray, but Amhara region had a lower rate of non-use.

Conclusion

Family planning interventions should target younger women, women living in rural areas, the poor, and Muslim women. Moreover, initiatives to empower women associated to family planning programs would be beneficial in increasing contraceptive uptake among sexually active women in Ethiopia.