bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How nursing care is expressed among nurse anaesthetists in the perioperative context: A meta‐ethnographic synthesis
Authors: Lekens Aina L. Bjerkeli , Drageset Sigrunn , Hansen Britt Sætre
Published: March 2023

Aim

To develop a conceptual framework describing nursing care from the anaesthesia nurse's perspective in the perioperative context.

Background

Surgical patients find themselves in a vulnerable situation in need of advanced treatment and care. Nurse anaesthetists have a central role in reducing harm and enhance patient safety, in which person‐centred care has been identified as a key component. However, they are challenged by productivity and efficiency demands leading to a potential risk to patient safety.

Design

Noblit and Hare's interpretative meta‐ethnography, directed by the eMERGe reporting guidance.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic search of nine databases without year limitation. Fifteen studies published between 2002 and 2021 were found eligible for inclusion. Quality appraisal was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument.

Results

Four themes were identified: being vigilant to keep safe from harm, strengthening patients' confidence, expressing courage to act and speak up, and endorsing team collaboration to achieve best practice. The themes were synthesised into the metaphor, ‘Continuously assessing and acting according to the patients' needs in a holistic perspective’. A conceptual framework was developed, illustrating the interconnection between the different nursing expressions, as the nurse anaesthetists seek to care for the patient as a whole person.

Conclusions

Nurse anaesthetists aim to deliver holistic nursing care. Nursing care is expressed at two levels, foregrounding and backgrounding anaesthetic nursing, in line with the philosophy of person‐centred care. Nursing care in anaesthesia is a matter of how and why it is performed, expressed in attitudes toward the recipients of care.

Relevance to clinical practice

The framework may be used to inform educational programs and clinical practice in nurse anaesthesia and to promote person‐centred care as a shared value across all levels involved in perioperative patient care.

No patient or public contribution

Data were retrieved from already published literature.
Fusion genes aiding the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours of the oral cavity: From bench to bedside
Authors: Gomes Isadora Pereira , Guimarães Letícia Martins , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Gomes Carolina Cavalieri
Published: March 2023

Soft tissue tumours (STT) are a heterogeneous group of benign, malignant, and intermediate/borderline mesenchymal tumours. In the oral and maxillofacial region, less than 3% of all lesions correspond to benign STT and <1% are sarcomas. Overlapping microscopic features may lead to quite challenging diagnostic processes. Translocations and fusion genes are frequent, and type‐specific genetic alterations are detected in these tumours. The detection of such alterations by classic cytogenetic, FISH, RT‐PCR or NGS can help to define the diagnosis. This narrative review aims to review fusion genes reported for STT that affect the oral cavity and their use in diagnostic molecular pathology. Basic concepts regarding mechanisms of fusion genes formation are presented to clarify this information for surgical pathologists. The chromosomal rearrangements and fusion genes of adipocytic, fibroblastic and myofibroblastic, vascular, pericytic, smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, chondro‐osseous, and uncertain origin STT are summarised. The advance in molecular pathology techniques has led not only to a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of STT, but also to the development of helpful diagnostic tools. Therefore, it is important for the oral and head and neck pathologists to familiarise with the signature rearrangements and fusion genes for each tumour.
Vertebrate genomics and adaptation – Status and prospects in Africa
Authors: Ishengoma Edson
Published: March 2023

Africa is considered the “mother continent” from which the first hominins arose. The diversified wildlife and flora of Africa, which ranges from those in the scorching Sahara and Kalahari deserts to those in the vast Savannas and wet tropical forests, are also the most diverse of any continent. Although the continent's abundance and diversity of living resources have provided critical means of subsistence for its inhabitants, future utilization of this biodiversity will demand a fundamental understanding of genetic variation and its adaptive capabilities in the face of natural and man‐made stressors. Molecular ecological insights have previously been gained from a variety of vertebrate species native to Africa, and some of these discoveries have larger evolutionary and conservation implications. Despite lagging in genomics research, African scientists are increasingly eager to use the increasingly accessible ‐omics technology to routinely sequence more animals and plants native to Africa. This overview, which focuses on Africa's vertebrate biodiversity, aims to provide a continental scale perspective on organismal and ecological adaptations discovered through prior genomics research, as well as what conceptually these findings suggest for future research.
The correlates of regional cooperation: A regional dyadic approach
Authors: Kayaalp Özgür
Published: March 2023

Under what conditions do regional countries engage in cooperation? Regional cooperation arguably matters as an essential factor for the peace and development of nations, yet few quantitative studies have observed only countries. Cooperation nevertheless occurs between countries. This study presents the first global analysis of the correlates of regional cooperation through an analyses of dyads—where cooperation occurs. The independence concerns of interstate dyads are addressed using dyadic clustering robust standard error estimation. The analyses offered here, of memberships in 76 regional organizations from 1945 to 2012, yield several factors as significant forces of regional cooperation. In order of importance, these are: joint democracy, joint language, equal material capability, and trade interdependence. I also explore if weaker countries are more hesitant to cooperate with stronger ones in the regions studied. This is an interesting contribution at the theoretical level, as it seems to privilege a liberal explanation of regional organizations (trade, democracy) over a hegemonic realist explanation (power asymmetry).

Related Articles

Bishwakarma, Jham Kumar, and Zongshan Hu. 2021. “Problems and Prospects for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).”Politics & Policy50(1): 154–79.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12443.

Genna, Gaspare M., and David A. Mayer‐Foulkes. 2011. “Beyond Borders: Migration, Security, and Cooperation in North America.”Politics & Policy39(1): 5–9.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00280.x.

Levine, Steven. 2007. “Asian Values and the Asia Pacific Community: Shared Interests and Common Concerns.”Politics & Policy35(1): 102–35.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00050.x.
Do cover crops impact labile C more than total C? Data synthesis
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto
Published: March 2023

The potential of cover crops (CC) to increase total soil organic C (SOC) concentration can be inconsistent, but labile SOC is considered to be more sensitive to management than total SOC. This leads to two questions: Do CCs impact labile SOC more than total SOC? Do CCs increase labile SOC more rapidly than total SOC? This review compares CC impacts on labile and total SOC based on CC studies reporting both parameters up to 31 Dec 2022. Labile and total SOC concentrations were measured in 31 CC study locations. Cover crops increased labile SOC concentration in 58% (18 of 31) and had no effect in 42% (13 of 31) of locations, suggesting CCs do not increase labile SOC in all cases. Within the 18 locations, CCs increased labile SOC without increasing total SOC in only 19% (6 of 31 locations), while in the rest (12 of 31) of locations, CCs increased both labile and total SOC. Thus, CCs increased labile SOC more rapidly than total SOC in only one‐fifth of cases. Also, the few studies that monitored changes in labile SOC with time found CCs do not always increase labile more rapidly than total SOC. In the 12 locations where CCs increased both labile and total SOC, CCs increased labile SOC by 54 ± 30% and total SOC by 23 ± 10%, indicating CCs can increase labile SOC by about two times compared with total SOC in some locations. Increased CC biomass production and reduced residue decomposition can increase labile SOC. Overall, CCs increase labile SOC in most cases but may not always increase labile SOC more rapidly than total SOC although more CC studies monitoring changes in SOC pools with time are needed to better understand CC impacts on SOC fractions under different CC management scenarios and climatic conditions.
THE SCIENCE AND RELIGION FORUM DISCUSS INFORMATION AND REALITY: QUESTIONS FOR RELIGIONS AND SCIENCE
Authors: Lawson Finley I.
Published: March 2023

The Science and Religion Forum (SRF) promotes discussion on issues at the interface of science and religion. The forum membership is diverse and it holds an annual conference to encourage exploration of issues that arise at the interface of science and religion. This article provides an overview of the hybrid conference that took place at the Woodbrooke Centre in Birmingham in May 2022. The conference addressed the issue of information and reality for religions and science across two broad themes. The first focused on metaphysical matters and the impact of the idea that information (quantum, biological, digital) are the fundamental building blocks of the universe, on our theological discourse. The second took a more ethical turn focusing on the issues raised by the interaction of information (biological, personal, digital) and science in society. This thematic section includes articles that span both strands of the conference including the public Gowland Lecture and the winning essay from the Peacocke Prize.
Nav1.2 and BK channel interaction shapes the action potential in the axon initial segment
Authors: Filipis Luiza , Blömer Laila Ananda , Montnach Jérôme , Loussouarn Gildas , De Waard Michel , Canepari Marco
Published: March 2023

In neocortical layer‐5 pyramidal neurons, the action potential (AP) is generated in the axon initial segment (AIS) when the membrane potential (Vm) reaches the threshold for activation of the voltage‐gated Na+ channels (VGNCs) Nav1.2 and Nav1.6. Yet, whereas these VGNCs are known to differ in spatial distribution along the AIS and in biophysical properties, our understanding of the functional differences between the two channels remains elusive. Here, using ultrafast Na+, Vm and Ca2+ imaging in combination with partial block of Nav1.2 by the peptide G1G4‐huwentoxin‐IV, we demonstrate an exclusive role of Nav1.2 in shaping the generating AP. Precisely, we show that selective block of ∼30% of Nav1.2 widens the AP in the distal part of the AIS and we demonstrate that this effect is due to a loss of activation of BK Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (CAKCs). Indeed, Ca2+ influx via Nav1.2 activates BK CAKCs, determining the amplitude and the early phase of repolarization of the AP in the AIS. By using control experiments using 4,9‐anhydrotetrodotoxin, a moderately selective inhibitor of Nav1.6, we concluded that the Ca2+ influx shaping the early phase of the AP is exclusive of Nav1.2. Hence, we mimicked this result with a neuron model in which the role of the different ion channels tested reproduced the experimental evidence. The exclusive role of Nav1.2 reported here is important for understanding the physiology and pathology of neuronal excitability.

image

Key points

We optically analysed the action potential generated in the axon initial segment of mouse layer‐5 neocortical pyramidal neurons and its associated Na+ and Ca2+ currents using ultrafast imaging techniques.

We found that partial selective block of the voltage‐gated Na+ channel Nav1.2, produced by a recently developed peptide, widens the shape of the action potential in the distal part of the axon initial segment.

We demonstrate that this effect is due to a reduction of the Ca2+ influx through Nav1.2 that activates BK Ca2+‐activated K+ channels.

To validate our conclusions, we generated a neuron model that reproduces the ensemble of our experimental results.

The present results indicate a specific role of Nav1.2 in the axon initial segment for shaping of the action potential during its generation.
A spätzle protein involved in the immune response of Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae) against Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Niu Tiandi , Nima Yuzhen , Li Guang-Yun , Yang Bowei , Chen Hanqiu , Li Yaying , Liu Huai
Published: March 2023

The predatory mite, Neoseiulus barkeri, is more tolerant to the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, than small sap-feeding pests. Infection of insects by B. bassiana can induce insect innate immune response, and the spätzle protein (Spz), an important ligand of the insect Toll pathway, has been demonstrated to play an important role in insect innate immune defense system. Here, we investigated the infection process of B. bassiana on N. barkeri using scanning electron microscopy, and identified a Spz protein. The result showed that NbSpz-1 was expressed in all developmental stages of N. barkeri and its expression was up-regulated by B. bassiana infection. After knocking down the expression of NbSpz-1 by dsRNA, the tolerance of N. barkeri to B. bassiana was weakened, and the survival rate was reduced. Our results verified the potential role of the Spz protein in N. barkeri immune response against B. bassiana. This study enhanced our understanding on innate immune system of phytoseiid mite.
Evidence for a single, ancient origin of a genus-wide alternative life history strategy
Authors: Tunström Kalle , Woronik Alyssa , Hanly Joseph J. , Rastas Pasi , Chichvarkhin Anton , Warren Andrew D. , Kawahara Akito Y. , Schoville Sean D. , Ficarrotta Vincent , Porter Adam H. , Watt Ward B. , Martin Arnaud , Wheat Christopher W.
Published: March 2023

Understanding the evolutionary origins and factors maintaining alternative life history strategies (ALHS) within species is a major goal of evolutionary research. While alternative alleles causing discrete ALHS are expected to purge or fix over time, one-third of the ~90 species of
Colias
butterflies are polymorphic for a female-limited ALHS called Alba. Whether Alba arose once, evolved in parallel, or has been exchanged among taxa is currently unknown. Using comparative genome-wide association study (GWAS) and population genomic analyses, we placed the genetic basis of Alba in time-calibrated phylogenomic framework, revealing that Alba evolved once near the base of the genus and has been subsequently maintained via introgression and balancing selection. CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis was then used to verify a putative cis-regulatory region of Alba, which we identified using phylogenetic foot printing. We hypothesize that this cis-regulatory region acts as a modular enhancer for the induction of the Alba ALHS, which has likely facilitated its long evolutionary persistence.
Adaptive protein evolution through length variation of short tandem repeats in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Reinar William B. , Greulich Anne , Stø Ida M. , Knutsen Jonfinn B. , Reitan Trond , Tørresen Ole K. , Jentoft Sissel , Butenko Melinka A. , Jakobsen Kjetill S.
Published: March 2023

Intrinsically disordered protein regions are of high importance for biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants. Tracts of identical amino acids accumulate in these regions and can vary in length over generations because of expansions and retractions of short tandem repeats at the genomic level. However, little attention has been paid to what extent length variation is shaped by natural selection. By environmental association analysis on 2514 length variable tracts in 770 whole-genome sequenced
Arabidopsis thaliana
, we show that length variation in glutamine and asparagine amino acid homopolymers, as well as in interaction hotspots, correlate with local bioclimatic habitat. We determined experimentally that the promoter activity of a light-stress gene depended on polyglutamine length variants in a disordered transcription factor. Our results show that length variations affect protein function and are likely adaptive. Length variants modulating protein function at a global genomic scale has implications for understanding protein evolution and eco-evolutionary biology.
Nitrate limitation in early Neoproterozoic oceans delayed the ecological rise of eukaryotes
Authors: Kang Junyao , Gill Benjamin , Reid Rachel , Zhang Feifei , Xiao Shuhai
Published: March 2023

The early Neoproterozoic Era witnessed the initial ecological rise of eukaryotes at ca. 800 Ma. To assess whether nitrate availability played an important role in this evolutionary event, we measured nitrogen isotope compositions (δ
15
N) of marine carbonates from the early Tonian (ca. 1000 Ma to ca. 800 Ma) Huaibei Group in North China. The data reported here fill a critical gap in the δ
15
N record and indicate nitrate limitation in early Neoproterozoic oceans. A compilation of Proterozoic sedimentary δ
15
N data reveals a stepwise increase in δ
15
N values at ~800 Ma. Box model simulations indicate that this stepwise increase likely represents a ~50% increase in marine nitrate availability. Limited nitrate availability in early Neoproterozoic oceans may have delayed the ecological rise of eukaryotes until ~800 Ma when increased nitrate supply, together with other environmental and ecological factors, may have contributed to the transition from prokaryote-dominant to eukaryote-dominant marine ecosystems.
Anti-inflammatory therapy enables robot-actuated regeneration of aged muscle
Authors: McNamara S. L. , Seo B. R. , Freedman B. R. , Roloson E. B. , Alvarez J. T. , O’Neill C. T. , Vandenburgh H. H. , Walsh C. J. , Mooney D. J.
Published: March 2023

Robot-actuated mechanical loading (ML)–based therapies (“mechanotherapies”) can promote regeneration after severe skeletal muscle injury, but the effectiveness of such approaches during aging is unknown and may be influenced by age-associated decline in the healing capacity of skeletal muscle. To address this knowledge gap, this work used a noninvasive, load-controlled robotic device to impose highly defined tissue stresses to evaluate the age dependence of ML on muscle repair after injury. The response of injured muscle to robot-actuated cyclic compressive loading was found to be age sensitive, revealing not only a lack of reparative benefit of ML on injured aged muscles but also exacerbation of tissue inflammation. ML alone also disrupted the normal regenerative processes of aged muscle stem cells. However, these negative effects could be reversed by introducing anti-inflammatory therapy alongside ML application, leading to enhanced skeletal muscle regeneration even in aged mice.
The enhancer landscape predetermines the skeletal regeneration capacity of stromal cells
Authors: Hochmann Sarah , Ou Kristy , Poupardin Rodolphe , Mittermeir Michaela , Textor Martin , Ali Salaheddine , Wolf Martin , Ellinghaus Agnes , Jacobi Dorit , Elmiger Juri A. J. , Donsante Samantha , Riminucci Mara , Schäfer Richard , Kornak Uwe , Klein Oliver , Schallmoser Katharina , Schmidt-Bleek Katharina , Duda Georg N. , Polansky Julia K. , Geissler Sven , Strunk Dirk
Published: March 2023

Multipotent stromal cells are considered attractive sources for cell therapy and tissue engineering. Despite numerous experimental and clinical studies, broad application of stromal cell therapeutics is not yet emerging. A major challenge is the functional diversity of available cell sources. Here, we investigated the regenerative potential of clinically relevant human stromal cells from bone marrow (BMSCs), white adipose tissue, and umbilical cord compared with mature chondrocytes and skin fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo. Although all stromal cell types could express transcription factors related to endochondral ossification, only BMSCs formed cartilage discs in vitro that fully regenerated critical-size femoral defects after transplantation into mice. We identified cell type–specific epigenetic landscapes as the underlying molecular mechanism controlling transcriptional stromal differentiation networks. Binding sites of commonly expressed transcription factors in the enhancer and promoter regions of ossification-related genes, including Runt and bZIP families, were accessible only in BMSCs but not in extraskeletal stromal cells. This suggests an epigenetically predetermined differentiation potential depending on cell origin that allows common transcription factors to trigger distinct organ-specific transcriptional programs, facilitating forward selection of regeneration-competent cell sources. Last, we demonstrate that viable human BMSCs initiated defect healing through the secretion of osteopontin and contributed to transient mineralized bone hard callus formation after transplantation into immunodeficient mice, which was eventually replaced by murine recipient bone during final tissue remodeling.
Characterization of the Impact of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Induced Interferon Signaling on Viral Infection
Authors: Wang Ranran , Yang June F. , Senay Taylor E. , Liu Wei , You Jianxin
Published: March 2023

Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive skin cancer that is particularly lethal to immunocompromised individuals. Though rare, MCC incidence has increased significantly in recent years.
Illuminating Siderophore Transporter Functionality with Thiopeptide Antibiotics
Authors: Dolan Stephen K.
Published: March 2023

The Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a leading cause of infections and mortality in immunocompromised patients. This organism can overcome iron deprivation during infection via the synthesis of two iron-chelating siderophores, pyoverdine and pyochelin, which scavenge iron from host proteins.
P. aeruginosa
can also uptake xenosiderophores produced by other bacteria or fungi using dedicated transporter systems.
Global Increase of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Conjugative Plasmids
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Zhang Hanhui , Long Xiang , Xu Ximing , Ren Hongqiang , Mao Daqing , Alvarez Pedro J. J. , Luo Yi
Published: March 2023

Antibiotic resistance propagation is a significant concern due to its projected impacts on both global health and the economy. However, global propagation mechanisms are not fully understood, including regional and temporal trends in the abundance of resistance plasmids that facilitate antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) dissemination.
Steady decline in mean annual air temperatures in the first 30 k.y. after the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary
Authors: O’Connor Lauren K. , Crampton-Flood Emily Dearing , Jerrett Rhodri M. , Price Gregory D. , Naafs B. David A. , Pancost Richard D. , McCormack Paul , Lempotesis-Davies Aris , van Dongen Bart E. , Lengger Sabine K.
Published: March 2023

The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary marks one of the five major mass extinctions of the Phanerozoic. The ways in which the climate system responded to a bolide impact and extensive volcanism at this time over different time scales are highly debated. We used the distribution of branched tetraether lipids (brGDGT) from fossil peats at two sites in Saskatchewan, Canada (paleolatitude ~55°N), to generate a high-resolution (millennial) record of mean annual air temperature (MAAT) spanning the last ~4 k.y. of the Cretaceous and the first ~30 k.y. of the Paleogene. Our study shows that MAATs ranged from 16 to 29 °C, with the highest value in the first millennia of the Paleogene. The earliest Paleogene averaged ~25 °C—maintaining or enhancing warmth from the latest Cretaceous—followed by a general cooling to ~20 °C over the following ~30 k.y. No abrupt postboundary cooling (e.g., an “impact winter”) or abrupt warming is evident in our data, implying that if such phenomena occurred, their duration was relatively short-lived (i.e., sub-millennial-scale). Further, no long-term impactor volcanism-driven warming is evident. The range of temperature change observed is considerably greater than that derived from marine proxy records over the same time interval. Our findings therefore more properly place bounds on the magnitude and duration of temperature change on land during this critical interval—the main setting for the demise of nonavian dinosaurs and the rise of mammals.
Deep-water circulation in the northeast Atlantic during the mid- and Late Cretaceous
Authors: Liu Shan , Hernández-Molina F. Javier , Rodrigues Sara , Van Rooij David
Published: March 2023

The Cretaceous ocean was significantly different from its modern counterpart due to its ice-free condition. Deep waters were primarily sourced by evaporation at the ocean surface, although their circulation pattern and bottom-current dynamics have been largely unknown. Here we present a study of deeply buried contourite drifts in the southern proto–Bay of Biscay to unravel the circulation pattern of the mid- and Late Cretaceous deep waters across the northeast Atlantic. The generation of plastered drifts (120 Ma to 100–90 Ma) and a mounded drift (100–90 Ma to 65 Ma) suggests that a significant change in deep-water source regions from the Tethys to the high-latitude region occurred at ca. 100–90 Ma. These contourite drifts were buried after ca. 65 Ma when the Cretaceous ocean circulation transitioned to the Cenozoic style in the northeast Atlantic. Tectonic configurations of the Pyrenean and the Equatorial Atlantic gateways were moreover tied to significant changes in northeast Atlantic deep-water circulation at ca. 100–90 and ca. 65 Ma. Northeastern Spain and France might be potential sites for the detection of Late Cretaceous contourite outcrops. These outcrops could have fundamental implications for the sedimentary facies and sequence model of contourites as well as shed light on the paleoceanography and paleoclimate of Cretaceous Earth.
Phosphorus deficit in continental crust induced by recycling of apatite-bearing cumulates
Authors: Cai Ronghua , Liu Jingao , Sun Yao , Gao Ruohan
Published: March 2023

Trace-element anomalies in the continental crust (e.g., Nb-Ta-Pb) are useful to decipher the formation and evolution of continents. We found that the trace-element patterns of upper, middle, and lower crust are all marked by strongly negative phosphorus anomalies, which were not likely to have been generated directly by mantle melting. In order to address this “crust composition paradox,” we compiled major- and trace-element data from global arc magmas, igneous minerals, and deep arc cumulates and found that the phosphorus deficit in continental crust is coupled with an elevated Th/La ratio. This feature can be best explained by the fractional crystallization of apatite during arc magma evolution rather than the influence of a subducted slab. Accumulation of apatite-bearing mafic cumulates in deep arcs followed by foundering into the upper mantle causes the mismatch in the phosphorus systematics between the mantle and the continental crust. This process plays a critical role in shaping the chemical composition of continental crust.
Whole exon capture sequencing for identifying mutations associated with pulmonary benign metastasising leiomyoma
Authors: Hu Zhijun , Liu Kaijiang , Liu Qing , Zhu Hong
Published: March 2023

A woman in her early 20s presented with cough and fever. She had undergone an abdominal myomectomy 3 years ago for uterine leiomyoma. Chest CT and positron emission tomography-CT revealed multiple round nodules in both lungs, suggesting metastatic lesions. A CT-guided lung biopsy was performed, and the tumour was diagnosed as pulmonary benign metastasising leiomyoma (PBML) based on pathological analyses. Whole exon capture sequencing of uterine leiomyoma and PBML sections revealed that 13 genes (MCM10, SLC16A9, RAG1, BAZ1A, NLRP2, TRMT61B, CPXM1, NGLY1, SUCLG2, FAM13A, CAGE1, PHTF2 and ZDHHC2) were concurrently present in the two tumours. The patient was prescribed goserelin injections every 4 weeks. The symptoms improved 2 weeks after starting the treatment. The lung nodules considerably decreased in size after three courses of goserelin treatment. The nodular size continues to decrease with the treatment.
Hypophosphatemia, hypokalaemia and rhabdomyolysis associated with a panic attack
Authors: Deverett Ben , Li Ron
Published: March 2023

Panic attacks have been associated with hypophosphatemia, which can lead to numerous complications if unrecognised. Here, we present the case of an otherwise-healthy man in his 20s who experienced a panic attack accompanied by hypophosphatemia and hypokalaemia and subsequently developed rhabdomyolysis. This trajectory highlights the clinical significance of panic attack-associated metabolic derangements and their potential for medical complications such as rhabdomyolysis.
Female adolescents’ knowledge and acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccine in Debre Tabor Town, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mihretie Gedefaye Nibret , Liyeh Tewachew Muche , Ayele Alemu Degu , Belay Habtamu Gebrehana , Yimer Tigist Seid , Miskr Agernesh Dereje , Kassa Bekalu Getnet , Tefera Adanech Getie , Dagnaw Enyew , Belachew Yismaw Yimam , Tiruneh Gebrehiwot Ayalew , Asferi Worku Necho , Getu Sisay , Aytenew Tigabu Munye
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and acceptability of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and associated factors among female adolescent students in Debre Tabor Town, Ethiopia, 2021.

Design

Cross-sectional study was done from 9 December 2020 to 28 February 2021.

Analysis

The data were entered into EpiData V.4.2 and analysed with SPSS V.23 software. The OR, 95% CI and p<0.05 were used to determine the bivariable and multivariable statistical association.

Setting

Three high schools (grades 9 and 10) and six primary schools (grades 7 and 8) were included in the study.

Participants

Adolescent female students in Debre Tabor Town.

Results

The overall knowledge score in the questionnaire was six, and it was divided into two groups based on scoring level: poor (score <3) and good (score ≥3). More than half respondents (59.2%) scored good knowledge. The proportion of acceptability of the HPV vaccine was 61.9%. Age (adjusted OR, AOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.88), and having a source of information (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.22) were significantly associated with the knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Place of birth (AOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.95), fathers’ educational status (AOR 2.80, 95% CI 1.18 to 5.65), having a source of information (AOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.32) and knowledge about the HPV vaccine (AOR 6.41, 95% CI 3.45 to 11.90) were significantly associated with the acceptance of the female adolescent HPV vaccine.

Conclusion

In this study, the knowledge and acceptability of students of the HPV vaccine were low. Health authorities, through the mass media, should strengthen HPV vaccine promotion in schools, religious institutions and health facilities.
Extent of illicit cigarette market from single stick sales in Ghana: findings from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Singh Arti , Ross Hana , Dobbie Fiona , Gallagher Allen , Kinnunen Tarja , Logo Divine Darlington , Boateng Olivia A , Gilmore Anna , Bauld Linda , Owusu-Dabo Ellis
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aims to measure the extent of illicit cigarette consumption from single stick sales, to determine the nature and types of illicit cigarettes present in Ghana, and to identify the factors associated with illicit cigarette consumption in Ghana.

Design

A cross-sectional study using empty cigarette packs generated by 1 day’s single stick cigarette sales collected from cigarette vendors.

Setting

Five large cities (Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale and Bolgatanga) and three border towns (Aflao, Paga/Hamele and Elubo) in the northern, middle and coastal belt of Ghana.

Procedure and participants

Ten areas were randomly selected in each city/town, and all shops selling cigarettes within 1 km of the central point were surveyed.

Outcome measures

(1) Estimates of the share of illicit cigarette packs in the total cigarette sales from vendors selling single stick cigarettes in Ghana; (2) nature and types of illicit cigarette packs; (3) factors associated with illicit cigarette sales in Ghana.

Results

Of a total of 4461 packs, about 20% (95% CI 18.3 to 20.7) were found to be illicit. Aflao (Ghana-Togo border) and Tamale (Ghana-Burkina Faso border) had the highest percentage of illicit cigarette sales at 99% and 46%, respectively (p<0.001). Over half of the illicit packs originated from Togo (51%), followed by Nigeria (15%) and then Cote d’Ivoire (10%). Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models indicated that convenience stores, border towns, pack price and the northern zone had higher odds of illicit cigarette sales.

Conclusion

To effectively tackle illicit cigarettes, market surveillance and strengthening supply chain control are required, particularly at the border towns and the northern region of the country.
Ambient air pollutants in the first trimester of pregnancy and birth defects: an observational study
Authors: Cheng Yao , Yin Jieyun , Yang Lijun , Xu Man , Lu Xinfeng , Huang Wenting , Dai Guohong , Sun Guoqiang
Published: March 2023

Objectives

As current studies on the relationships between air pollutants exposure during the first trimester and birth defects were not fully elucidated, this study aimed to assess the association between selected air pollutants and birth defects.

Design

An observational study.

Participants

We obtained 70 854 singletons with gestational age <20 weeks who were delivered at a large maternal and child healthcare centre in Wuhan, China.

Outcome measures

Birth defects data and daily average concentration of ambient particulate matter ≤10 µm diameter (PM10), PM ≤2.5 µm diameter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were obtained. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between maternal air pollutants exposure during first trimester and total birth defects, congenital heart defects (CHDs), limb defects and orofacial clefts with adjustments of potential covariates.

Results

There were a total of 1352 birth defect cases included in this study, with a prevalence of 19.08‰. Maternal exposed to high concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2and SO2in the first trimester were significantly associated with elevated ORs of birth defects (ORs ranged from 1.13 to 1.23). Additionally, for male fetuses, maternal exposed to high PM2.5concentration was associated with an elevated odd of CHDs (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.52). In the cold season, the ORs of birth defects were significantly increased among women exposed to PM2.5(OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.91), NO2(OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.38) and SO2(OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.47).

Conclusions

This study showed unfavourable effects of air pollutants exposure during the first trimester on birth defects. Especially, the association between maternal PM2.5exposure and CHDs was only observed among male fetuses, and stronger effects of PM2.5, NO2and SO2exposure on birth defects were observed in the cold season.
Effect of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose on Exercise Capacity After Kidney Transplantation (EFFECT-KTx): rationale and study protocol for a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Vinke Joanna SJ , Eisenga Michele F , Sanders Jan-Stephan F , Berger Stefan P , Spikman Jacoba M , Abdulahad Wayel H , Bakker Stephan JL , Gaillard Carlo A J M , van Zuilen Arjan D , van der Meer P , de Borst Martin H
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Iron deficiency (ID) is common and has been associated with an excess mortality risk in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). In patients with chronic heart failure and ID, intravenous iron improves exercise capacity and quality of life. Whether these beneficial effects also occur in KTRs is unknown. The main objective of this trial is to address whether intravenous iron improves exercise tolerance in iron-deficient KTRs.

Methods and analysis

The Effect of Ferric Carboxymaltose on Exercise Capacity after Kidney Transplantation study is a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial that will include 158 iron-deficient KTRs. ID is defined as plasma ferritin <100 µg/L or plasma ferritin 100–299 µg/L with transferrin saturation <20%. Patients are randomised to receive 10 mL of ferric carboxymaltose (50 mg Fe3+/mL, intravenously) or placebo (0.9% sodium chloride solution) every 6 weeks, four dosages in total. The primary endpoint is change in exercise capacity, as quantified by the 6 min walk test, between the first study visit and the end of follow-up, 24 weeks later. Secondary endpoints include changes in haemoglobin levels and iron status, quality of life, systolic and diastolic heart function, skeletal muscle strength, bone and mineral parameters, neurocognitive function and safety endpoints. Tertiary (explorative) outcomes are changes in gut microbiota and lymphocyte proliferation and function.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol of this study has been approved by the medical ethical committee of the University Medical Centre Groningen (METc 2018/482;) and is being conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials checklist and the Good Clinical Practice guidelines provided by the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. Study results will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT03769441.
Developing a conceptual model of post-disaster damage and loss assessment program in the Iranian health sector: a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Miri Javad , Raeisi Ahmad Reza , Atighechian Golrokh , Seyedin Hesam
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Annual natural and man-made disasters in Iran eventually lead to casualties and considerable financial loss. The success of a reconstruction programme depends on accurate postdisaster damage and loss assessment. Based on these assessments, the goals, priorities and approaches required for reconstruction are prepared and formulated. To effectively implement a reconstruction and rehabilitation programme in the country’s health sector, it is necessary to prepare and compile a postdisaster damage and loss assessment programme.

Methods and analysis

This qualitative study will be conducted to develop a conceptual model of a postdisaster damage and loss assessment programme in Iran’s health sector. First, a scoping review method will be conducted to identify the entities and components of the postdisaster damage and loss assessment programme. Then, using semistructured interviews, the opinions of university professors and disaster damage and loss assessors in the health sector will be obtained. Next, by conducting a focus group discussion, the initial programme of disaster damage and loss assessment in the Iranian health sector will be developed and then, the modified Delphi method will be used to validate it.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the research ethics committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUI.NUREMA.REC.1400.171). The study results will be disseminated to stakeholders, published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.
Expectation focused and frequency enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with major depression (EFFECT): a study protocol of a randomised active-control trial
Authors: Ewen Anne-Catherine Isabelle , Bleichhardt Gaby , Rief Winfried , Von Blanckenburg Pia , Wambach Katrin , Wilhelm Marcel
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The effectiveness of psychotherapy in depression is subject of an ongoing debate. The mechanisms of change are still underexplored. Research tries to find influencing factors fostering the effect of psychotherapy. In that context, the dose–response relationship should receive more attention. Increasing the frequency from one to two sessions per week seems to be a promising start. Moreover, the concept of expectations and its influence in depression can be another auspicious approach. Dysfunctional expectations and the lack of their modification are central in symptom maintenance. Expectation focused psychological interventions (EFPI) have been investigated, primarily in the field of depression. The aim of this study is to compare cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) once a week with an intensified version of CBT (two times a week) in depression as well as to include a third proof-of-principle intervention group receiving a condensed expectation focused CBT.

Methods and analysis

Participants are recruited through an outpatient clinic in Germany. A current major depressive episode, diagnosed via structured clinical interviews should present as the main diagnosis. The planned randomised-controlled trial will allow comparisons between the following treatment conditions: CBT (one session/week), condensed CBT (two sessions/week) and EFPI (two sessions/week). All treatment arms include a total dose of 24 sessions. Depression severity applies as the outcome variable (Beck Depression Inventory II, Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale). A sample size of n=150 is intended.

Ethics and dissemination

The local ethics committee of the Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg approved the study (reference number 2020-68 v). The final research article including the study results is intended to be published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00023203).
Social support, distress and well-being in individuals experiencing Long-COVID: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Lüscher Janina , Scholz Urte , Bierbauer Walter
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Increasingly attention of the COVID-19 pandemic is directed towards its long-term effects, also known as Long-COVID. So far, Long-COVID was examined mainly from a medical perspective, leaving psychosocial effects of Long-COVID understudied. The present study advances the current literature by examining social support in the context of Long-COVID. The study not only examines received support reported by individuals with Long-COVID, but also provided support reported by relatives of individuals with Long-COVID.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted from June to October 2021 in Austria, Germany and the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

Participants

We examined 256 individuals with Long-COVID (MAge=45.05 years, 90.2% women) and 50 relatives of individuals with Long-COVID (MAge=48.34 years, 66.1% female) in two separate online surveys, assessing social support, well-being and distress.

Primary outcome measures

Primary outcomes were positive and negative affect, anxiety and depressive symptoms and perceived stress.

Results

For individuals with Long-COVID, receiving emotional support was related to higher well-being (positive affect: b=0.29, p<0.01; negative affect: b=−0.31, p<0.05) and less distress (anxiety: b=−1.45, p<0.01; depressive symptoms: b=−1.04, p<0.05; perceived stress: b=−0.21, p<0.05) but no effects emerged for receiving practical support. For relatives of individuals with Long-COVID, providing emotional support was only related to lower depressive symptoms (b=−2.57, p<0.05). Again, provided practical support was unrelated to the outcomes considered.

Conclusions

Emotional support is likely to play an important role in well-being and distress of patients and relatives, whereas practical support does not seem to make a difference. Future research should clarify under what conditions different kinds of support unfold their positive effects on well-being and distress in the context of Long-COVID.
Examining the experiences of Indigenous families seeking health information about caring for sick or injured children: a scoping review
Authors: Knisley Lisa , Linton Janice , Driedger S Michelle , Hartling Lisa , Sun Yuting , Scott Shannon D
Published: March 2023

Objective

Mapping literature on Indigenous families’ experiences seeking child health information and identifying barriers and facilitators to information access.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus and CINAHL for peer-reviewed literature and Google Advanced for grey literature. We screened tables of contents of two Indigenous research journals not consistently indexed in online health databases and used snowball sampling to supplement searches.

Eligibility criteria

We included full-text, English-language articles, published from 2000 to the time of the search in April 2021, based on: participants (Indigenous families), concept (experiences of families seeking health information) and context (child health).

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted: citation details, study purpose, country of study, publication type, study design, data collection method, Indigenous group, family member participants, home/healthcare setting, child health area, how health information was accessed, and information-seeking barriers and facilitators. Data were examined for patterns and trends, results and implications.

Results

Among 19 papers (representing 16 research projects) included, nine described family/friends and 19 described healthcare professionals as sources of child health information. Barriers include racism/discrimination during healthcare visits, ineffective communication with healthcare providers and structural barriers (eg, transportation). Facilitators include easy access, improved communication and relationships with healthcare providers, and culturally safe healthcare.

Conclusion

Indigenous families perceive they do not have access to necessary child health information, which can lead to insensitive, ineffective and unsafe healthcare. A critical gap exists in understanding Indigenous families’ information needs and preferences when making decisions about children’s health.
Indwelling experience and coping strategies of upper arm infusion ports in patients with cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Wang Yawen , Wang Xiyi , Qiu Xiaoxia
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The upper arm infusion ports have been proven to be advanced and safe, but the experience from the perspective of patients is lacking. This study explored the indwelling experience and coping strategies of upper arm infusion ports in patients with cancer.

Design

Qualitative exploratory study.

Setting

This study was conducted between May 2021 and August 2021 at a level III-A general hospital in Shanghai, China.

Participants

The participants, who are patients with cancer implanted with the upper arm infusion ports, included 10 women and 6 men, and the average age was 54.4±8.3 years old.

Methods

Data were selected from semistructured in-depth interviews and analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

There were 10 descriptive topics and 4 analytical topics in 2 parts. The indwelling experience includes positive experience (treatment benefit, life convenience) and negative experience (physical discomfort, social anxiety, psychological distress). Coping strategies include emotional-focused strategies (self-acceptance, avoidance and self-protection) and problem-focused strategies (information seeking, functional exercise and remove as soon as possible).

Conclusion

The infusion port in the upper arm is beneficial to the safety and quality of life of patients with cancer. At the same time, there are challenges in physical, psychological and social adaptation. Patients respond with some measures, but obstacles may arise during implementation.