bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Neoliberal subjects” and “Neoliberal affects” in academia: Methodological, theoretical and political implications
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos
Published: November 2022

This paper suggests that scholarship on the affective life of neoliberalism in academia needs to exercise more caution when it invokes the notions of “neoliberal subjects” and “neoliberal affects.” It is argued that this scholarship needs to expand its conceptual and theoretical vocabulary to recognize the multiplicities of new injunctions and prohibitions on how academics and students feel in different academic contexts in relation to neoliberalism(s). The paper surveys representative studies in higher education that show how affective subjectivation takes place in neoliberal academia to unravel the underlying presuppositions made about neoliberal subjects. Based on this survey, it is suggested that there are methodological, theoretical, and political reasons to avoid invoking a monolithic notion of “neoliberal subjects” in academia; rather, it is crucial to make more modest claims that are sensitive to the nuances of particular neoliberalisms and the real conditions for the formation of affects in particular academic contexts.
The Tree Drawing Test in Evolution: An Explorative Longitudinal Study in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Stanzani Maserati Michelangelo , Matacena Marialaura , Baccari Flavia , Zenesini Corrado , Gallassi Roberto , Capellari Sabina , Matacena Corrado
Published: November 2022

Objective

To study the evolution of the Tree Drawing Test (TDT) in a group of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients.

Methods

A total of 33 AD patients were consecutively evaluated by Mini Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) and TDT. The evolution of the TDT parameters, trunk-to-crown (TC) and space occupation (SO) index, were analyzed.

Results

The median age at first visit was 79 years. Globally, trees drawn by patients showed an evolution characterized by a progressive reduction of the crown compared to the trunk. TC index showed a significant linear growth change (2.52 points per year) while SO index did not significantly increase. No significant associations were found examining the relations between MMSE and TC and SO index.

Conclusions

TDT could represent a complementary technique to the main neuropsychological screening tests for orienting cognitive impairment diagnosis and an aid in following the evolution of cognitive impairment over time in AD patients.
Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity is Related With Retinal Neuronal and Axonal Integrity in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kim Jeongwoon , Bollaert Rachel E. , Cerna Jonathan , Adamson Brynn C. , Robbs Connor M. , Khan Naiman A. , Motl Robert W.
Published: November 2022

Background

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may confer benefits for axonal and/or neuronal integrity in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Purpose

Examine the association between device-measured MVPA with optical coherence tomography (OCT) metrics of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and total macular volume (TMV) in persons with and without MS.

Methods

Adults with MS (N = 41), along with sex-matched healthy control (HC) participants (N = 79), underwent measurements of retinal morphology via OCT and wore an accelerometer for a period of 7 days as a measure of MVPA.

Results

Persons with MS had significantly lower MVPA, RNFL thickness, and TMV compared with HCs. MVPA was correlated with RNFL ( r = .38, P < .01) thickness and TMV ( r = .49, P < .01). Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that addition of MVPA attenuated the Group effect on RNFL and TMV. MVPA accounted for 8% and 3% of the variance in TMV (β = .343, P < .01) and RNFL thickness (β = .217, P = .03), respectively.

Conclusion

MVPA was positively associated with axonal and neuronal integrity assessed by OCT and partially explained group differences in those metrics. These results present possible future targets for MS management by increasing MVPA.
Outcome and Cost Comparisons Between Surgical and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements
Authors: Falasa Matheus , Holmes Henry R. , Neal Daniel , Choi Calvin Y. , Park Ki , Bavry Anthony A. , Freeman Kirsten A. , Manning Eddie W. , Stinson Wade W. , Jeng Eric I.
Published: November 2022

Objective:

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has been the standard of care for severe aortic stenosis. In 2019, annual transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) implantations surpassed SAVR. We compared in-hospital costs and outcomes between these two procedures.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent isolated SAVR or TAVR from October 2013 to December 2019. Baseline patient characteristics, operating room (OR) time, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), total LOS, cumulative cost, and complication rates were collected. Propensity matching was performed to identify differences in costs and outcomes between comparable groups.

Results:

There were 515 patients who met inclusion criteria. TAVR was performed in 402 patients, while SAVR was performed in 113. Propensity matching resulted in 82 matched pairs. The SAVR cohort more frequently spent >1 day in the ICU, had longer total hospital LOS, longer OR time, and higher hospitalization cost. However, TAVR was associated with higher mean OR cost and higher valve cost. The cumulative index admission costs were not significantly different between groups. TAVR patients had less postoperative atrial fibrillation but more frequent pacemaker placement. One-year mortality was similar between SAVR (2.4%) and TAVR (3.8%), but 3-year (5.8% vs 19.2%) and 5-year (5.8% vs 37.2%) mortality favored SAVR.

Conclusions:

In propensity-matched groups, TAVR was associated with shorter ICU and hospital LOS and OR times but increased permanent pacemaker rates. In addition, while 1-year survival was similar between groups, SAVR had significantly improved 3-year and 5-year survival.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in the Descending Aorta: History Revisited!
Authors: Mehrotra Sanjay , Shetty Devi P. , Govind Satish C. , Shetty Gurappa Gojanur , Sane Pratik Sudhir , Narayan Pradeep
Published: November 2022

An elderly patient with significant aortic regurgitation presented with heart failure. Dilation of the aortic root precluded a transcatheter anatomic site valve implantation, and prohibitive operative risk ruled against surgical implantation. A bail-out transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve in the descending aorta was successfully carried out with satisfactory outcomes.
Mathematical modeling and forming method of rake face of toroidal worm gear hob based on conical production surface
Authors: Yang Jie , Chen Saixuan , Cui Guohua , Zhang Zhenshan
Published: November 2022

In order to improve the cutting performance of toroidal worm gear hob and the tooth surface accuracy of hobbing worm gear, to control the absolute value of the side rake angle of each cutter tooth to be smaller and more balanced on the left and right sides, a method of developing the rake face of toroidal worm gear hob with spiral groove by using conical production surface is proposed. According to the theory of gear meshing rationality, the mathematical model of the rake face is established. The analysis and calculation example results show that the absolute value of the rake angle on both sides changes with the transmission ratio coefficient. By studying this change law, the optimal milling transmission ratio coefficient k = 0.886 is obtained. Meanwhile, the corresponding absolute value of the rake angle is between ±4.5°, which reduce the absolute value of the rake angles on both sides of the cutter teeth effectively and make the rake angles on the left and right sides be more balanced. The spiral groove was simulated, and the rake angle was measured in the simulation software. The measured results are consistent with the calculated results, which prove the correctness of this method.
Peer review and the pillar of salt: a case study
Authors: Powell James Lawrence
Published: November 2022

Peer review has long been regarded as the gold standard of scientific publication, essential to the integrity of science itself. But, as any publishing scientist knows, peer review has its downside, including long delays and reviewer bias. Until the coming of the Internet, there appeared to be no alternative. Now, articles appear online as preprints almost immediately upon submission. But they lack peer review and thus their scientific standing can be questioned. Post-publication discussion platforms such as PubPeer have proven useful, but are no substitute for pre-publication peer review. Nevertheless, some may be tempted to believe that peer review can now be done without. This article challenges that view by analyzing a recent, non-peer-reviewed article in Skeptical Enquirer, a magazine published by the Committee for Skeptical Enquiry (CSI). The article, “Sodom Meteor Strike Claims Should Be Taken With a Pillar of Salt,” casts doubt on one of the most widely read scientific articles of the last decade and provides a stern warning of the cost of abandoning peer review.
Power Lines, an Understudied Cause of Avian Mortality in Mexico
Authors: Escobar-Ibáñez Juan Fernando , Aguilar-López José Luis , Muñoz-Jiménez Oscar , Villegas-Patraca Rafael
Published: November 2022

Background and Research Aims

Power lines are one of the main anthropogenic causes of bird mortality on a global scale, but research is scarce in some countries with a high diversity of birds, such as Mexico. In this study, we assessed the impact of bird collisions and electrocutions with power lines on avian communities at three wind farms located in three different states in Mexico.

Methods

Carcass searches were carried out at sites in Tamaulipas (4 months in 2021), Guanajuato (2 months in 2020, 4 months in 2021), and Oaxaca (55 months from 2014 to 2021).

Results

A total of 579 bird carcasses from 65 different species were recorded. The White-winged Dove ( Zenaida asiatica) was the most frequently found species (282 records) across the three sites. When considering the number of species identified per family, Icteridae had the highest number of species at the Oaxaca site, Columbidae and Passerelidae at the Tamaulipas site, and Anatidae at the Guanajuato site. At the order level, Passeriformes had the highest number of species at the Tamaulipas and Oaxaca sites, and Anseriformes in Guanajuato. Of the total species recorded, 12 are within some category of risk according to Mexican legislation and the IUCN Red List, and 18 are migratory species.

Conclusions

Our results, together with evidence from previous studies, indicate that power lines represent one of the main causes of anthropogenic mortality in Mexico in terms of the number of affected bird species. Further research is urgently needed to explore the effect of power lines on bird populations in the country, particularly those at risk of extinction, and migratory species.

Implications for Conservation

The high diversity of species found to be affected in this study highlights the wide-ranging impact of these structures and the need to implement mitigation strategies at the three sites studied, particularly for the most affected species, the White-winged Dove ( Zenaida asiatica).
Black is the Night: Masking and Unmasking, Social Science Research, and What a Song Might Bring
Authors: Douglas Kitrina
Published: November 2022

An important aspect of commissioned research is how we negotiate the distance that remains unbridged between a researcher and her participants. Arthur Frank, referencing Emmanuel Levinas asks, “Do I recognise what the other is having to hold together, to carry on at all, and his or her fear of life coming apart.” He then asks us to consider what role, or what part “the other” casts us in, in the unfolding drama of their life. I like the language Frank and Levinas use as they move into the realm of performance, where we can be cast in a role, and perhaps adopt a mask to work through these types of issues.
Reconstruction options in recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans:A scoping review
Authors: Mago Vishal , Pasricha Arush
Published: November 2022

Background

This review will outline the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and emphasizes multidisciplinary role of nurses, plastic surgeons and radiation oncologist in this recurrent metastatic lesion. It pinpoints affected population at risk, clinical features, and reconstruction options. No analytical research has been done in this area.

Material and Methods

A scoping review of patients of DFSP who underwent reconstruction after excision of tumors was performed in the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, AIIMS Rishikesh. It used a five framework approach. A review of 85 similar cases reported in the literature have been scrutinized in relation to the reconstruction options, sites of the tumor, margins of excision and recurrence.

Results

85 full length English studies were included out of the 445 cases found in Pubmed and related search engines to reveal various reconstructive options in reconstruction of DFSP defects. Present scoping review identifies free anterolateral thigh flap to be useful in 7 review articles followed by propeller flaps in 3 isolated case reports. 2 cases of free latissimus dorsi flap were used for reconstruction of abdominal defects.

Conclusion

All patients should undergo a strict screening protocol where the health personnel can play a crucial role by educating parents on the follow up and report new lesions as early as possible. All operated tumor patients can be given safety tips and education on care and risks after reconstruction with skin flaps or skin grafting. A multidisciplinary approach between the surgeon, nurse and radiation oncologist is needed for effective management of these lesions.
Primary tracheal obstruction caused by adenoid cystic carcinoma during pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Xie Yongguo , Qin Ke , Du Xueke , Ming Shaopeng , Li Lianmei , Huang Chuangsheng
Published: November 2022

The incidence of malignant tumors diagnosed during pregnancy is increasing, often ascribed to the recently recognized trend that many women are postponing childbirth. Although early diagnosis is optimal for both mothers and fetuses, the diagnosis of malignant tumors during pregnancy is often delayed until an advanced stage, because generalized symptoms of pregnancy and malignancy may overlap, such as shortness of breath, chest or abdominal discomfort. The study patient was 21 years old, and 31 weeks-pregnant when she was diagnosed with primary tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The patient initially presented with dyspnea and decreased blood oxygen saturation and underwent a cesarean section on the first night of hospitalization, resulting from fetal distress. This case report intended to investigate potential barriers to the timely diagnosis of tracheal ACC and consider optimal management strategies when it is diagnosed during pregnancy.
Regional left atrial conduction velocity in the anterior wall is associated with clinical recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation: efficacy in combination with the ipsilateral low voltage area
Authors: Ohguchi Shiou , Inden Yasuya , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Fujita Rin , Yasuda Kenichiro , Katagiri Ken , Oguri Mitsutoshi , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: November 2022

Background

Left atrial (LA) conduction velocity (CV) is an electrical remodeling parameter of atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate. However, the pathophysiological substrate of LA-CV and its impact on outcomes after catheter ablation for AF have not been well evaluated.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 119 patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation and electroanatomical mapping during sinus rhythm. To measure regional LA-CV, we took triplet sites (A, B, and C) on the activation map and calculated the magnitude of the matched orthogonal projection vector between vector-AB and vector-AC, indicating two-dimensional CV. The median of the LA-CVs from four triad sites in both the anterior and posterior walls was set as the ‘model LA-CV’. We evaluated the impact of the model LA-CV on recurrence after ablation and relationship between the model LA-CV and LA-low voltage area (LVA) of < 0.5 mV.

Results

During the 12-month follow-up, 29 patients experienced recurrence. The LA-CV model was significantly correlated with ipsilateral LVA. The lower anterior model LA-CV was significantly associated with recurrence, with the cut-off value of 0.80 m/s having a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 67%. Multivariable analysis revealed that the anterior model LA-CV (hazard ratio, 0.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.94; p = 0.043) and anterior LA-LVA (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.11; p = 0.033) were independently associated with AF recurrence. The anterior LA-LVA was mildly correlated with the anterior model LA-CV (r = -0.358; p < 0.001), and patients with both lower LA-CV and greater anterior LA-LVA based on each cut-off value had the worst prognosis. However, decreased LA-CV was more likely to be affected by the distribution pattern of the LVA rather than the total size of the LVA.

Conclusion

Decreased anterior LA-CV was a significant predictor of AF recurrence and was a useful electrical parameter in addition to LA-LVA for estimating AF arrhythmogenicity.
Effect of low dose aspirin application during pregnancy on fetal congenital anomalies
Authors: Sun Si , Qian HongYang , Li Congcong , Wang Qiaohong , Zhao Aimin
Published: November 2022

Background

With the extensive use of aspirin in obstetrics and reproductive medicine, concerns of potentially related congenital anomalies have been raised in previous studies. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning the safety of application of aspirin during pregnancy in Chinese population, especially during the first trimester.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively included a total of 2,763 patients with 2,856 fetuses (2670 singleton births and 93 pairs of twins), among whom 1,684 took low dose aspirin (LDA) during pregnancy (the LDA group) and the other 1,079 were not exposed to LDA (the control group). The primary outcome was the rate of fetal congenital anomalies, and was compared between the LDA group and the control group. We also conducted logistic regression to examine the potential risk factors of congenital abnormalities.

Results

The average daily dose of LDA taken was 67.6 mg. The rate of congenital anomalies was comparable between the two groups, suggesting low teratogenicity of LDA application during pregnancy (3.3% vs. 2.8%; P = 0.421). The duration of LDA exposure and the time of LDA exposure showed no association with congenital anomalies. A previous history of fetal congenital anomalies was associated with an increased risk of the recurrence of congenital anomalies in the siblings (adjusted OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.00–8.60; P = 0.041).

Conclusion

Exposure to LDA during pregnancy did not increase the risk of congenital anomalies in the fetus, suggesting that it was safe to apply LDA during pregnancy. A history of previous fetal abnormalities was found to be an independent risk factor of congenital anomalies. Our study suggests that LDA can be safely applied during pregnancy without increasing risks of congenital anomalies.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 immunohistochemical expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma: implications in prognosis and immunomodulatory effects
Authors: Gu Pengfei , Ling Bin , Ma Weike , Zhang Jinming , Zhang Wei , Zeng Yu , Liu Yu , Chi Jiadong , Ruan Xianhui , Zheng Xiangqian , Wei Songfeng , Gao Ming
Published: November 2022

Background

The linkage between IDO2 expression and cancer progression is still unclear, particularly in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Our purpose is to unveil the potential correlations between IDO2 status, clinical-pathological parameters, patients’ prognosis, and the possible immunomodulatory functions in MTC.

Methods

Immunohistochemical expression levels of IDO2 were evaluated in the resected MTC surgical specimens and corresponding lymph nodes. CD4 + T cell infiltration was also evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis in the MTC tissues. The association of the IDO2 expression level with clinicopathologic characteristics, overall survival (OS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS), and CD4 + T cell infiltration were retrospectively investigated.

Results

High expression of IDO2 is closely associated with more aggressive clinicopathological features, such as multifocality, ETE, a higher pT stage and especially a higher pN stage. Moreover, a significant difference in RFS was observed between the IDO2-high and IDO2-low groups. IDO2 expression of lymph node tissues was significantly related to the metastasis status. Furthermore, we found that IDO2 expression is negatively correlated with CD4 + T cell infiltrations in MTC tissues.

Conclusion

The expression level of IDO2 is associated with aggressive characteristics and is predictive of poor prognosis in patients with MTC. Also, an interesting observation is that IDO2 involvement in MTC showed a moderate sexual dimorphism, of which female patients tend to be more affected by IDO2 status. Moreover, our results showed the potential immunomodulatory functions of IDO2. The close relationship between IDO2 and CD4 + T cell infiltration in the MTC microenvironment, together with its potential prognostic implications, makes it possible for IDO2 to serve as an alternative drug target in cancer immunotherapy and as a new prognostic tool.
High tumor hexokinase-2 expression promotes a pro-tumorigenic immune microenvironment by modulating CD8+/regulatory T-cell infiltration
Authors: Kim Sehui , Koh Jaemoon , Song Seung Geun , Yim Jeemin , Kim Miso , Keam Bhumsuk , Kim Young Tae , Kim Jihun , Chung Doo Hyun , Jeon Yoon Kyung
Published: November 2022

Background

Relationship between cancer cell glycolysis and the landscape of tumor immune microenvironment in human cancers was investigated.

Methods

Forty-one fresh lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) tissues were analyzed using flow cytometry for comprehensive immunoprofiling. Formalin-fixed tissues were immunostained for hexokinase-2 (HK2) to assess cancer cell glycolysis. For validation, formalin-fixed tissues from 375 lung ADC, 118 lung squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC), 338 colon ADC, and 78 lung cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy were immunostained for HK2, CD8, and FOXP3.

Results

Based on immunoprofiling of lung ADC, HK2 tumor expression was associated with the composition of lymphoid cells rather than myeloid cells. High HK2 tumor expression was associated with immunosuppressive/pro-tumorigenic features, especially decreased ratio of CD8 + T-cells to Tregs (rho = −0.415, P = 0.012). This correlation was also confirmed in four different cohorts including lung ADC and SqCC, colon ADC, and the immunotherapy cohort (rho = −0.175~-0.335, all P < 0.05). A low CD8 + T-cell to Treg ratio was associated with poor progression-free survival and overall survival in lung SqCC patients, and a shorter overall survival in the immunotherapy cohort (all, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

An increase in HK2 expression may contribute to shaping the immunosuppressive/pro-tumorigenic tumor microenvironment by modulating the CD8 + T-cell to Treg ratio. Targeting tumor HK2 expression might be a potential strategy for enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
Prevalence and factors associated with depression among older adults in the case of a low-income country, Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kasa Ayele Semachew , Lee Shu-Chun , Chang Hui-Chen
Published: November 2022

Background

Depression is among the common mental health problems in late-life and an important public health problem. Studies from both middle- and high-income countries have shown that depression is more common among older people than in adolescents. Many older people with depression are overlooked, and fewer efforts are made to mitigate their suffering. Despite depression being a major public health problem among older adults, its overall magnitude, and its main predictors were not determined for the development of appropriate measures. Hence, the objective of this study was, therefore, to estimate the overall prevalence of depression and identify its predictors among older adults in Ethiopia.

Methods

Available articles were searched by means of different databases using the PRISMA guideline. The quality of the included studies was assessed using a JBI quality appraisal tool. STATA version 14.0 (STATA Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) statistical software was used to analyze the eligible studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Cochran’s Q and the I2test were used to assess heterogeneity. The presence of publication bias was evaluated by using Egger’s test and visual inspection of the symmetry in funnel plots.

Result

In this meta-analysis, we included 11 articles that assessed 6521 older adults. The overall prevalence of depression among older adults in Ethiopia was 41.85 (33.52, 50.18). The finding was higher in the Oromia region with a prevalence of 48.07% (95% CI: 35.62, 60.51). The finding also demonstrated that being female (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.63), no formal education (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.19), with chronic diseases (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.00-6.06), and no social support (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.83) were found to be independent predictors of depression in older Ethiopian adults.

Conclusion

Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that almost two out of five older adults had depression. Female sex, no formal education, having chronic diseases, and no social support were the independent predictors of depression among older adults in Ethiopia. The study emphasizes that depression among older adults in Ethiopia calls for appropriate screening and interventions to reduce the occurrence and its overwhelming consequences.
Prediction of violence in male schizophrenia using sMRI, based on machine learning algorithms
Authors: Yu Tao , Pei Wenzhi , Xu Chunyuan , Zhang Xulai , Deng Chenchen
Published: November 2022

Background

Violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) is a major social problem. The early identification of SCZ patients with violence can facilitate implementation of targeted intervention.

Methods

A total of 57 male SCZ patients were recruited into this study. The general linear model was utilized to compare differences in structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) including gray matter volume, cortical surface area, and cortical thickness between 30 SCZ patients who had exhibited violence and 27 SCZ patients without a history of violence. Based on machine learning algorithms, the different sMRI features between groups were integrated into the models for prediction of violence in SCZ patients.

Results

After controlling for the whole brain volume and age, the general linear model showed significant reductions in right bankssts thickness, inferior parietal thickness as well as left frontal pole volume in the patients with SCZ and violence relative to those without violence. Among seven machine learning algorithms, Support Vector Machine (SVM) have better performance in differentiating patients with violence from those without violence, with its balanced accuracy and area under curve (AUC) reaching 0.8231 and 0.841, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with SCZ who had a history of violence displayed reduced cortical thickness and volume in several brain regions. Based on machine learning algorithms, structural MRI features are useful to improve predictive ability of SCZ patients at particular risk of violence.
How users make judgements about the quality of online health information: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Pian Wenjing , Lin Laibao , Li Baiyang , Qin Chunxiu , Lin Huizhong
Published: November 2022

Background

People increasingly use the Internet to seek health information. However, the overall quality of online health information remains low. This situation is exacerbated by the unprecedented “infodemic”, which has had negative consequences for patients. Therefore, it is important to understand how users make judgements about health information by applying different judgement criteria.

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine how patients apply different criteria in their judgement of the quality of online health information during the pandemic. In particular, we investigate whether there is consistency between the likelihood of using a particular judgement criterion and its perceived importance among different groups of users.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in one of the leading hospitals in a coastal province of China with a population of forty million. Combined-strategy sampling was used to balance the randomness and the practicality of the recruiting process. A total of 1063 patients were recruited for this study. Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis analyses were used to analyse the survey data.

Results

In general, patients make quality judgement of health information more frequently based on whether it is familiar, aesthetic, and with expertise. In comparison, they put more weights on whether health information is secure, trustworthy, and with expertise when determining its quality. Criteria that were considered more important were not always those with a higher likelihood of being used. Patients may not use particular criteria, such as familiarity, identification, and readability, more frequently than others even if they consider them to be more important than other do and vice versa. Surprisingly, patients with a primary school degree put more weight on whether health information is comprehensive than those with higher degrees do in determining its quality. However, they are less likely to use this guideline in practice.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the consistency between the likelihood of using certain quality judgement criteria and their perceived importance among patients grouped by different demographic variables and eHealth literacy levels. The findings highlight how to improve online health information services and provide fine-grained customization of information for users.
Work-family conflict and the professional quality of life and their sociodemographic characteristics among nurses: a cross-sectional study in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Dilmaghani Reza Biabani , Armoon Baharam , Moghaddam Ladan Fattah
Published: November 2022

Background

Nurses are exposed to work-family conflict (WFC) due to specific occupational conditions, such as exposure to patients and shift work, which can affect the professional quality of life (ProQoL). The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between different levels of work-family conflicts and professional quality of life and their sociodemographic characteristics among the nurses in two hospitals in Tehran, Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 234 nurses from two hospitals. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire, including items related to nurses’ demographic characteristics, the WFC questionnaire, and the ProQoL questionnaire.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between conflict in terms of time and behavior with compassion satisfaction and between the three types of conflict with job burnout (p < 0.05). The results indicate that the WFC and ProQoL scores and the mean WFC were higher among women, people who had a disabled family member, and nurses who worked equal to or more than 175 hours a month. Regarding the dimensions of ProQoL, the mean compassion satisfaction was lower among people who lived with their parents, people who had a second job had a child younger than one-year-old, and a disabled family member had higher means of job burnout. Also, those who had younger children experienced less PTSD. Furthermore, the mean of WFC and burnout among single nurses was significantly lower than among married and divorced/widowed nurses. Additionally, the mean of WFC and burnout among nurses living in rental houses and nurses reporting the level of satisfying relationships with co-workers as ‘bad’ were significantly more than for other nurses.

Conclusion

Stable mental and emotional conditions are of great importance for nurses to provide safe and quality services to their patients. The results also revealed that nurses’ compassion satisfaction and job burnout were associated with different types of conflict. The WFC of nurses is related to their ProQoL and affects their job satisfaction and burnout. Reducing conflict may improve the nurses’ satisfaction and thus improve patient care and healthcare services.
Impaired trafficking and instability of mutant kidney anion exchanger 1 proteins associated with autosomal recessive distal renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Deejai Nipaporn , Sawasdee Nunghathai , Nettuwakul Choochai , Wanachiwanawin Wanchai , Sritippayawan Suchai , Yenchitsomanus Pa-thai , Rungroj Nanyawan
Published: November 2022

Background

Mutations in solute carrier family 4 member 1 (SLC4A1) encoding anion exchanger 1 (AE1) are the most common cause of autosomal recessive distal renal tubular acidosis (AR dRTA) in Southeast Asians. To explain the molecular mechanism of this disease with hematological abnormalities in an affected family, we conducted a genetic analysis of SLC4A1 and studied wild-type and mutant AE1 proteins expressed in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells.

Methods

SLC4A1 mutations in the patient and family members were analyzed by molecular genetic techniques. Protein structure modeling was initially conducted to evaluate the effects of mutations on the three-dimensional structure of the AE1 protein. The mutant kidney anion exchanger 1 (kAE1) plasmid construct was created to study protein expression, localization, and stability in HEK293T cells.

Results

We discovered that the patient who had AR dRTA coexisting with mild hemolytic anemia carried a novel compound heterozygous SLC4A1 mutations containing c.1199_1225del (p.Ala400_Ala408del), resulting in Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO), and c.1331C > A (p.Thr444Asn). Homologous modeling and in silico mutagenesis indicated that these two mutations affected the protein structure in the transmembrane regions of kAE1. We found the wild-type and mutant kAE1 T444N to be localized at the cell surface, whereas the mutants kAE1 SAO and SAO/T444N were intracellularly retained. The half-life of the kAE1 SAO, T444N, and SAO/T444N mutants was shorter than that of the wild-type protein.

Conclusion

These results suggest impaired trafficking and instability of kAE1 SAO/T444N as the likely underlying molecular mechanism explaining the pathogenesis of the novel SLC4A1 compound heterozygous mutation identified in this patient.
Meat consumption and the risk of general and central obesity: the Shahedieh study
Authors: Khodayari Shaghayegh , Sadeghi Omid , Safabakhsh Maryam , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relations of total meat intake and its subtypes, including red and processed meat, white meat, poultry, fish, and organ meat to the risk of general/central obesity.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included a total of 7312 Iranian adults with the age range of 35–70 years from the Shahedieh cohort study, Yazd, Iran. Dietary intake of subjects was evaluated using a validated 120-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. General obesity was defined as body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and central obesity as waist circumference ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm in women.

Results

After controlling for potential covariates including energy intake, age, marital status, gender, physical activity, supplement use, house possession, education, family size, current smoking, night shift working, history of thyroid disease and depression, and intakes of vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits, whole grains, and dairy, a significant direct association was found between the higher consumption of white meat (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06–1.61) and poultry (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04–1.45) with odds of general obesity. Processed meat was a significant predictor for central obesity in the fully adjusted model, so that individuals in the fourth quartile of processed meat intake, compared with those in the first quartile, had a 22% (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.04–1.43) increased risk to be centrally obese.

Conclusion

This study reveals that higher intakes of white meat and poultry are associated with increased risk of general obesity, while, processed meat consumption was associated with central obesity.
Differentially hypomethylated cell-free DNA and coronary collateral circulation
Authors: Ahn Jongseong , Heo Sunghoon , Ahn Soo-jin , Bang Duhee , Lee Sang-Hak
Published: November 2022

Background

The factors affecting cardioprotective collateral circulation are still incompletely understood. Recently, characteristics, such as CpG methylation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), have been reported as markers with clinical utility. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether cfDNA methylation patterns are associated with the grade of coronary collateral circulation (CCC).

Result

In this case–control study, clinical and angiographic data were obtained from 143 patients (mean age, 58 years, male 71%) with chronic total coronary occlusion. Enzymatic methyl-sequencing (EM-seq) libraries were prepared using the cfDNA extracted from the plasma. Data were processed to obtain the average methylation fraction (AMF) tables of genomic regions from which blacklisted regions were removed. Unsupervised analysis of the obtained AMF values showed that some of the changes in methylation were due to CCC. Through random forest preparation process, 256 differentially methylated region (DMR) candidates showing strong association with CCC were selected. A random forest classifier was then constructed, and the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve indicated an appropriate predictive function for CCC. Finally, 20 DMRs were identified to have significantly different AMF values between the good and poor CCC groups. Particularly, the good CCC group exhibited hypomethylated DMRs. Pathway analysis revealed five pathways, including TGF-beta signaling, to be associated with good CCC.

Conclusion

These data have demonstrated that differential hypomethylation was identified in dozens of cfDNA regions in patients with good CCC. Our results support the clinical utility of noninvasively obtained epigenetic signatures for predicting collateral circulation in patients with vascular diseases.
Type II Pfieffer misdiagnosed as Crouzon syndrome with additional features of supernumerary teeth and localized symmetrical gigantism: a case report
Authors: Manji Karim P. , Massomo Mariam Mngoya , Akyoo Edna Samson , Luvinga McLean Abisai
Published: November 2022

Background

Pfieffer syndrome is among the syndromes seen in the recognized variant of the FGFR2 gene. There are several conditions related to this variant and a very closely related condition is Crouzon syndrome. This case is important to report because the neonate was a delayed referral from another region, without clear counseling and information on the gravity of situation. We describe additional features , not previously described in Pfieffer or Crouzon syndrome, supernumerary teeth and localized symmetrical gigantism of thumbs and great toes on both sides. That a genetic testing is essential to further manage and counsel to avoid lost opportunities for future births. Several cases are seen in this unit annually, and there is need for a more consolidated and comprehensive counseling and genetic testing. Once early diagnosis is done and the case is recognized to be untreatable, it was avert the need to refer.

Case presentation

A 2-week-old male African neonate referred from outside the region, presented with massive proptosis soon after delivery, with signs of pan-ophthalmitis and neonatal sepsis. The infant had additional multiple malformations and features initially diagnosed as Crouzon syndrome , but later confirmed after genetic testing to be Type II Pfieffer syndrome. A through clinical evaluation and genetic testing would prevent undue referral to a tertiary center, or if needed, the baby should have been referred much earlier. The uniqueness of this case is the presence of supernumerary teeth.

Conclusion

A complicated, difficult to remedy case, referred to tertiary center, investigated, and sent back home with no significant intervention. Genetic test confirmed the typical findings of Pfieffer Type II. Presented for describing additional unique features of supernumerary teeth and localized gigantism and ethical challenges in management.
Homemade plasmid Miniprep solutions for affordable research in low-fund laboratories
Authors: Elnagar Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Mohamed F. , Albert Magdy , M.Talal Maya , Abdelfattah Mahmoud M. , El-Dabaa Ehab , Helwa Reham
Published: November 2022

As a consequence of Covid-19 pandemic, the basic lab consumables are in shortage, especially in the low-income countries. Thus, the main objective of the present study is to develop and evaluate homemade solution to isolate plasmid. To pursue this objective, RNase A was overexpressed in Bl21 DE3 cells (E. coli strain) and prepared as crude refolding reaction with proper activity. Also, lysis buffers, neutralization buffer, and washing buffers were prepared. The homemade miniprep kit showed successful isolation of the px48SpCas9 plasmid. The prepared plasmid purity was enough to be used successfully in PCR amplification. In addition, to get extra benefits from this study, seven primers were designed to match the plasmid backbone to produce DNA ladder (100–1500 bp). In conclusion, we were able to have attainable working solutions for plasmid miniprep and DNA ladder.
Glioma stem cells and neural stem cells respond differently to BMP4 signaling
Authors: Han Xin-Xin , Cai Chunhui , Yu Li-Ming , Wang Min , Yang Wenhan , Hu Dai-Yu , Ren Jie , Zhu Lu-Ying , Deng Jia-Jia , Chen Qing-Qing , He Hua , Gao Zhengliang
Published: November 2022

Malignant glioma is a highly heterogeneous and invasive primary brain tumor characterized by high recurrence rates, resistance to combined therapy, and dismal prognosis. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are likely responsible for tumor progression, resistance to therapy, recurrence, and poor prognosis owing to their high self-renewal and tumorigenic potential. As a family member of BMP signaling, bone morphogenetic protein4 (BMP4) has been reported to induce the differentiation of GSCs and neural stem cells (NSCs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the BMP4-mediated effects in these two cell types are unclear. In this study, we treated hGSCs and hNSCs with BMP4 and compared the phenotypic and transcriptional changes between these two cell types. Phenotypically, we found that the growth of hGSCs was greatly inhibited by BMP4, but the same treatment only increased the cell size of hNSCs. While the RNA sequencing results showed that BMP4 treatment evoked significantly transcriptional changes in both hGSCs and hNSCs, the profiles of differentially expressed genes were distinct between the two groups. A gene set that specifically targeted the proliferation and differentiation of hGSCs but not hNSCs was enriched and then validated in hGSC culture. Our results suggested that hGSCs and hNSCs responded differently to BMP4 stimulation. Understanding and investigating different responses between hGSCs and hNSCs will benefit finding partner factors working together with BMP4 to further suppress GSCs proliferation and stemness without disturbing NSCs.
Effect of stimulant medication on loss of control eating in youth with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a prospective, observational case series study protocol
Authors: Keshen Aaron R. , Hilbert Anja , Taylor Victoria , Harris Anastasia L. , Trappenberg Nami , Sadek Joseph , Frank Guido K.W. , Murray Stuart B.
Published: November 2022

Background

Loss of control eating (LOC-E) in youth predicts the later development of full-syndrome binge-eating disorder (BED), and therefore, could be a relevant target for prevention treatments. To develop these treatments, it is important to understand the underlying disease processes and mechanisms. Based on the putative role of neurocognitive impairments in the pathogenesis of LOC-E, treatments that modulate these neurocognitive factors warrant further exploration. For instance, stimulants are an effective treatment for impulsivity in youth with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and have been shown to improve symptoms of BED in adults. Notably, stimulants have not been examined as a treatment for LOC-E in youth. To explore this gap, we aim to measure change in LOC-E episodes and secondary outcomes in youth with comorbid ADHD and LOC-E who are being started on stimulants.

Methods

We will collect prospective observational data on forty 8-to-13-year-old youth diagnosed with comorbid ADHD and LOC-E who are initiating a stimulant for ADHD. Prior to stimulant initiation, participants will complete baseline measures including LOC-E episode frequency in the last 3 months (primary outcome), and secondary outcomes including disordered eating cognitions, emotions and behaviors, ADHD symptom severity, parental LOC-E, impulsivity and reward sensitivity, and anxiety/mood severity. Outcome measurements will be gathered again at 3-months after initiating the stimulant. Within-patient standardized effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals will be calculated from baseline to 3-month follow-up for all outcomes.

Discussion

Many individuals with LOC-E or binge eating do not fully remit over the course of psychotherapy. Whereas psychotherapy may address psychological and sociocultural domains associated with LOC-E, some individuals with neurocognitive impairments (e.g., ADHD) and neurobiological deficits (e.g., low intrasynaptic dopamine or norepinephrine) may benefit from adjunctive treatment that targets those factors. This will be the first study to provide pilot data for future studies that could examine both the effect of stimulants on LOC-E in youth and underlying mechanisms.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: NCT05592119
Can working memory account for EMDR efficacy in PTSD?
Authors: Wadji Dany Laure , Martin-Soelch C. , Camos V.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Although eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD for years, it remains controversial due to the lack of understanding of its mechanisms of action. We examined whether the working memory (WM) hypothesis –the competition for limited WM resources induced by the dual task attenuates the vividness and emotionality of the traumatic memory – would provide an explanation for the beneficial effect induced by bilateral stimulation.

Methods:

We followed the Prisma guidelines and identified 11 articles categorized in two types of designs: studies involving participants with current PTSD symptoms and participants without PTSD diagnosis.

Results:

Regardless of the types of studies, the results showed a reduction of vividness and emotionality in the recall of traumatic stimuli under a dual-task condition compared to a control condition, such as recall alone. However, two studies used a follow-up test to show that this effect does not seem to last long.

Conclusion:

Our results provide evidence for the WM hypothesis and suggest that recalling a traumatic memory while performing a secondary task would shift the individual’s attention away from the retrieval process and result in a reduction in vividness and emotionality, also associated with the reduction of symptoms.