bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age of asthma onset does not impact the response to omalizumab
Authors: Rogers Linda , Holweg Cecile TJ , Pazwash Hooman , Ko Jinnie , Louie Samuel
Published: March 2023

Different ages of asthma onset can lead to similar clinical symptoms but have different underlying mechanisms that may influence treatment response. This post-hoc analysis assessed response to omalizumab in relation to the age of asthma onset. Using pooled data from two phase III studies (patients 12–75 years), changes in exacerbation rates, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were assessed by age of asthma onset (<18 [ n = 574], 18–40 [ n = 360], >40 years [ n = 136]). Exacerbations (week 16) were reduced with omalizumab versus placebo in all subgroups (relative rate reduction [95% confidence interval]: <18, −53.1% [–73.6,–16.6]; 18–40, −68.3% [–85.5,–31.0]; >40, −38.4% [–77.3,67.4]). FEV1 increased with omalizumab in all subgroups; increases were sustained in <18 and 18–40 years subgroups, but not in >40 years subgroup. ICS dose reductions (week 28) were greater with omalizumab versus placebo, regardless of age of asthma onset, as were percentages of patients with ICS doses reduced by at least 50% and 100%. In conclusion, omalizumab-treated patients had lower exacerbation rates and were more frequently able to reduce/discontinue ICS versus placebo, regardless of age of asthma onset, therefore omalizumab may be beneficial to all eligible patients with allergic asthma.

Trial registration

These studies were conducted before clinical trial registration was required; therefore, clinical trial registration numbers are not available.
LncRNA XLOC_015548 affects the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts via the MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Yihao , Qi Tiantian , Cao Siyang , Zhang Weifei , Yu Fei , Zeng Hui , Weng Jian
Published: March 2023

In recent years, an increasing number of studies have reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential regulatory roles in myogenic differentiation. In this study, a specific LncRNA XLOC_015548 (Lnc000280) was identified. However, little research has explored its mechanism of action by constructing XLOC_015548 gene editing cell models. In this study, relevant sequences were obtained according to the RNA-seq results. Subsequently, XLOC_015548 knockdown and over-expression lentiviral vectors were constructed, and the C2C12 myoblast cell line was transfected to prepare the XLOC_015548 gene-edited myoblast model. The in vitro analysis revealed that over-expression of XLOC_015548 significantly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts and the formation of myotubes, whereas the opposite result was obtained in the knockdown group. XLOC_015548 regulated myogenic differentiation and affected the expression of myogenic differentiation regulators such as Myod, myogenin, and MyHC. Regarding the signaling pathway, we found that XLOC_015548 correlated with the phosphorylation level of MAPK/MEK/ERK pathway proteins. And the degree of phosphorylation was positively correlated with the protein expression of myogenic differentiation regulators. In conclusion, a new gene-edited myoblast model was constructed based on the lncRNA regulator XLOC_015548. The in vitro cell experiments verified that XLOC_015548 had regulatory effects on muscle growth and myoblast differentiation. These findings provide a laboratory foundation for the clinical application of lncRNAs as regulatory factors in the treatment of disuse muscle atrophy.
Duplex-Guided Ipsilateral Antegrade Approach for Flush Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Saleh Mahmoud Ismael , Ali Haitham , Gamal Walid M. , Taha Ashraf Gamal
Published: March 2023

Objective

Recanalization of flush ostial superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusion is a very challenging procedure. Using the ipsilateral antegrade approach in such lesions has some difficulties. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and outcomes of duplex-guided ipsilateral antegrade access for endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic flush occlusion of the SFA.

Methods

This is a prospective two-center study that included chronic lower extremity ischemia patients with flush occlusion of SFA who underwent duplex-guided ipsilateral antegrade endovascular revascularization due to unfeasible contralateral femoral approach. Flush occlusions were preoperatively documented by duplex ultrasound and computed tomography angiography in all patients. The outcome measures were technical success, patency rates, perioperative morbidity and mortality, limb salvage, and amputation free survival rates.

Results

Between April 2019 and March 2021, 49 patients were enrolled in the current study with a mean age of 63.7 ± 5.7 years. Diabetes was the most common risk factor and was found in 40 (81.6%) patients. Associated popliteal lesions were found in seven (14.3%) patients, while 10 (20.4%) patients had combined tibial disease. Selective stenting was done in nine (18.4%) patients. Technical success was achieved in 43 (87.8%) patients. All failures were due to inability to cross the lesion rather than failure to access the common femoral artery. All complications were minor and occurred in seven (14.3%) patients. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were 63.9% ± 7.1%, 82.8% ± 5.6%, and 93.5% ± 3.7% at 12 months, respectively. The overall 12-month limb salvage and amputation free survival rates were 91.8% and 83.3% ± 5.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Duplex-guided ipsilateral antegrade femoral access is a feasible, safe, and effective endovascular treatment option for flush SFA occlusion when contralateral femoral access is not possible.
Building Leadership Service Academies to Institutionalize a Strategic Leadership Development Focus
Authors: Avolio Bruce J. , Drummey Kaeleen C.
Published: March 2023

In this article, we propose a strategic view of leadership development, by defining a Leadership Service Academy (LSA) construct. The LSA represents a strategic approach that enables an organization and its leaders to institutionalize its own theory of leadership, narrative, models, learning methodologies, practices, and evaluation methods for determining the impact of investing in developing leadership. The LSA construct represents a shift in strategic thinking that involves moving beyond focusing on individual leader development training programs used for satisfying current role-requirements or tactical succession planning, to adopting a systemic view of leadership development aligned with the organization's strategic objectives, mission, values, and culture. Most leadership development research has focused on examining the efficacy of training methodologies linked to individual leadership models and modalities and has produced promising results. However, the narrow focus on individual leadership development has excluded the full spectrum of leadership development interventions from being explored and analyzed. Our primary goal here is to explore a comprehensive strategy for building a sustainable, multi-level leadership development system firmly anchored in both science and practice.
Perceived Marriage Squeeze and Subjective Well-Being Among Unmarried Rural Men in China: The Mediating Role of Sense of Coherence
Authors: Zhang Qunlin , Li Zhibin
Published: March 2023

The marriage-squeeze unmarried rural men perceive during their daily life is one of the main stressors severely affecting their subjective well-being under the universal marriage culture. The mechanism of this relationship is still unknown. Based on the Stress Process Model, using data from the “Survey on Rural Family Martial Status,” this study examines the relationship between perceived marriage squeeze (PMS) and subjective well-being (SWB) and the mediating effect of sense of coherence (SOC). A sample of 417 Chinese unmarried rural men with an average age of 28.88 years was enrolled in this cross-sectional. Ordinary least square regressions and Bootstrap-mediated effect analysis methods were used to examine the association between PMS, SWB, and SOC. The results show that PMS has significant negative effects on both SWB and SOC of unmarried rural men, and SOC has a significant positive impact on SWB; the more perceived marriage squeeze they have, the lower SWB and SOC they have. The mediated analysis shows that SOC plays a mediating role in the influence of PMS on the SWB of unmarried rural men. This is to say, SOC can mitigate PMS’s negative effects on the SWB of unmarried rural men. Our findings highlight the importance of SOC in protecting the SWB of unmarried rural men. Considering the propounding influence of the marriage squeeze, policies that enhance the level of SOC should be implemented to relieve the influence of PMS on vulnerable unmarried rural men’s SWB.
Making Sense of Making Sense of Time: Longitudinal Narrative Research
Authors: McKibben Elizabeth , Breheny Mary
Published: March 2023

Narratives, like the people who tell them, are fluid, changing through time and in response to context. Longitudinal narrative interviewing enables researchers to explore the meaning of stability and change in narratives over time. Despite much attention to and application of longitudinal narrative interviews in recent years, the ways that time is conceptualized and the ways it is applied are markedly different. In this paper the authors present a scoping review to examine the methodological and empirical literature on longitudinal narrative interviewing in health-related research. This research is used to highlight a methodological tension between narrative theorizing of time and analytic practice in research involving longitudinal narrative interviews. Longitudinal narrative research struggles to acknowledge time as both chronological and interpretative, and in doing so misses an opportunity to examine interviews as both multiple data collections and as multiple instances of narrative re-configuration. The authors suggest that future theorizing and empirical work can strive to bridge an onto-epistemological gap by intentionally foregrounding theoretical orientations to time within narrative analytic approaches using repeated interviews.
Community pharmacists’ acceptance of prescribing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Authors: Booker Connor , Murphy Andrea L , Isenor Jennifer E. , Ramsey Tasha D. , Smith Alesha J. , Bishop Andrea , Kelly Deborah V. , Woodill Lisa , Richard Greg , John Wilby Kyle
Published: March 2023

Background:

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention is highly effective. Pharmacists can increase PrEP accessibility through pharmacist prescribing. This study aimed to determine pharmacists’ acceptance of a pharmacist PrEP prescribing service in Nova Scotia.

Methods:

A triangulation mixed methods study consisting of an online survey and qualitative interviews was conducted with Nova Scotia community pharmacists. The survey questionnaire and qualitative interview guide were underpinned by the 7 constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (affective attitude, burden, ethicality, opportunity costs, intervention coherence, perceived effectiveness and self-efficacy). Survey data were analyzed descriptively and with ordinal logistic regression to determine associations between variables. Interview transcripts were deductively coded according to the same constructs and then inductively coded to identify themes within each construct.

Results:

A total of 214 community pharmacists completed the survey, and 19 completed the interview. Pharmacists were positive about PrEP prescribing in the constructs of affective attitude (improved access), ethicality (benefits communities), intervention coherence (practice alignment) and self-efficacy (role). Pharmacists expressed concerns about burden (increased workload), opportunity costs (time to provide the service) and perceived effectiveness (education/training, public awareness, laboratory test ordering and reimbursement).

Conclusion:

A PrEP prescribing service has mixed acceptability to Nova Scotia pharmacists yet represents a model of service delivery to increase PrEP access to underserved populations. Future service development must consider pharmacists’ workload, education and training as well as factors relating to laboratory test ordering and reimbursement.
Deformation of fired clay material during rapid freezing due to supercooling
Authors: Fukui Kazuma , Iba Chiemi , Ogura Daisuke
Published: March 2023

To better understand the mechanisms of the deformation of fired clay materials due to frost actions, we investigated the effects of rapid freezing due to supercooling on the deformation through both experimental and numerical approaches. We conducted a freeze–thaw experiment to measure the strain evolution of the material during freezing and thawing. Subsequently, we developed a coupled hygrothermal and mechanical model of the freezing and thawing processes including supercooling, and conducted numerical simulations corresponding to the freeze–thaw experiment. The model was based on the theory of poromechanics. The results of the freeze-thaw experiment revealed that the supercooling effects were small in fired clay materials compared to cement-based materials examined in literature, and the material expanded significantly associated with subsequent freezing after the rapid freezing due to the supercooling stopped. Based on the results of the experiments and numerical simulations, the equilibrium freezing temperature and water movement toward the material surfaces enhanced by relatively large moisture permeability restrict pressure development in the material even though the freezing of the supercooled water in the material was considerably rapid. The results of the numerical simulations also showed that the effect of the supercooling can be much more significant if a material had a low moisture permeability.
Prevalence and associated factor of postpartum depression among mothers living with HIV at an urban postnatal clinic in Uganda
Authors: Yeboa Naomi Kyeremaa , Muwanguzi Patience , Olwit Connie , Osingada Charles Peter , Ngabirano Tom Denis
Published: March 2023

Background:

Postpartum depression among mothers living with HIV is a significant public health problem due to its effects on engagement in care, HIV disease progression, and an increased risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with postpartum depression among mothers living with HIV.

Design:

The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative research design.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional survey, we consecutively recruited 290 participants among mothers attending postnatal, immunization, and family planning clinics at an urban clinic in Uganda. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, we collected data on socio-demographics, obstetric, and HIV-related characteristics. Postpartum depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire version 9. We classified participants with Patient Health Questionnaire version 9 scores of ⩾10 as having postpartum depression. We conducted logistic regression to examine the association between postpartum depression and independent variables.

Results:

The prevalence of postpartum depression was 15.9%. After controlling for other variables, participants who reported poor male partner support were more likely to experience postpartum depression compared to those who had good partner support (adjusted odds ratio = 4.52, confidence interval = 2.31–8.84, p value < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Mothers living with HIV should be routinely assessed for the presence of depression and male partner support. Health care providers of HIV-infected women should design strategies to promote male partner support for better maternal, infant, and HIV treatment outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of intracoronary epinephrine for the management of the no-reflow phenomenon following percutaneous coronary interventions: a systematic-review study
Authors: Jafari Afshar Elmira , Samimisedeh Parham , Tayebi Amirhossein , Shafiabadi Hassani Neda , Rastad Hadith , Yazdani Shahrooz
Published: March 2023

Background:

Currently, no pharmacological or device-based intervention has been fully proven to reverse the no-reflow phenomenon.

Objectives:

To assess the efficacy and safety of intracoronary (IC) epinephrine in the management of no-reflow phenomenon following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), either as first-line treatment or after the failure of conventional agents.

Design:

Systematic review.

Data sources and methods:

PubMed and Scopus databases were systematically searched up to 28 May 2022, with additional manual search on the Google Scholar and review of the reference lists of the relevant studies to identify all published studies. Cohort studies, case series, and interventional studies written in English which evaluated the efficacy and safety of IC epinephrine in patients with no-flow phenomenon were included in our review.

Results:

Six of the 646 articles identified in the initial search met our inclusion criteria. IC epinephrine was used either as a first-line treatment [two randomized clinical trials (RCTs)] or after the failure of conventional agents (two cohort studies and two case series) for restoring the coronary flow, mainly after primary PCI. As first-line therapy, IC epinephrine successfully restored coronary flow in over 90% of patients in both RCTs, which significantly outperformed IC adenosine (78%) but lagged behind combination of verapamil and tirofiban (100%) in this regard. In the refractory no-flow phenomenon, successful reperfusion [thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade = 3] was achieved in three out of four patients after the administration of IC epinephrine based on the results from both case series. Their findings were confirmed by a recent cohort study that further compared IC epinephrine with IC adenosine and found significant differences between them in terms of efficacy [% TIMI flow grade 3: (69.1% versus 52.7%, respectively; p value = 0.04)] and 1-year major adverse cardiac event (MACE) outcomes (11.3% versus 26.7%, respectively; p value ⩽ 0.01). Overall, malignant ventricular arrhythmias were reported in none of the patients treated with IC epinephrine.

Conclusion:

Results from available evidence suggest that IC epinephrine might be an effective and safe agent in managing the no-reflow phenomenon.
Microglia as a cellular target of diclofenac therapy in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Stopschinski Barbara E. , Weideman Rick A. , McMahan Danni , Jacob David A. , Little Bertis B. , Chiang Hsueh-Sheng , Saez Calveras Nil , Stuve Olaf
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an untreatable cause of dementia, and new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. AD pathology is defined by extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Research of the past decades has suggested that neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of AD. This has led to the idea that anti-inflammatory treatments might be beneficial. Early studies investigated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as indomethacin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, and naproxen, which had no benefit. More recently, protective effects of diclofenac and NSAIDs in the fenamate group have been reported. Diclofenac decreased the frequency of AD significantly compared to other NSAIDs in a large retrospective cohort study. Diclofenac and fenamates share similar chemical structures, and evidence from cell and mouse models suggests that they inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from microglia with leads to the reduction of AD pathology. Here, we review the potential role of diclofenac and NSAIDs in the fenamate group for targeting AD pathology with a focus on its potential effects on microglia.
Effect of intravenous magnesium on post-operative pain following Latarjet shoulder reconstruction
Authors: Soeding Paul , Morris Alex , Soeding Adam , Hoy Gregory
Published: March 2023

Background

Single injection ropivacaine interscalene anesthesia (ISA) is frequently used in Latarjet reconstruction to enhance post-operative analgesia. A potential limitation is the occurrence of severe rebound pain on block resolution. We investigated the effect of intravenous magnesium on post-operative pain, particularly at the transition of block resolution to multimodal analgesia.

Methods

Elective patients ( n = 40) having Latarjet open shoulder reconstruction were randomised to receive either intravenous magnesium sulphate 50 mg/kg (M) or normal saline (S) before induction. Post-operatively, a standardised analgesic regimen was used, and post-operative pain was recorded using a verbal numerical rating assessment (VNRA) score. Requirement for injected opioid analgesia was recorded.

Results

ISA provided longstanding analgesia in all patients with block duration slightly prolonged in the magnesium group (16.7(1.0) (S), 17.8(1.3) h (M), p = 0.049). Magnesium resulted in less rebound pain following ISA resolution (VNRA 4.0 (0.6) M, 6.2 (0.8) S, p = 0.03) and lower pain intensity at 24 h. Four patients had nausea and two required rescue opioid injection.

Conclusion

Magnesium before Latarjet surgery results in less rebound pain following ropivacaine block and improves post-operative analgesia. Magnesium may be indicated in major upper limb surgery, where significant pain intensity is anticipated.

Level of evidence

Treatment study; Randomised blinded; Level 2.
Social representations of COVID-19 vaccines: Exploration of user-generated comments via online video sharing during the first year of the pandemic
Authors: de Rosa Annamaria Silvana , Fino Emanuele , Holman Andrei Corneliu , Hanna-Khalil Bishoy
Published: March 2023

The current study aimed to explore the public understanding of COVID-19 vaccines and the social representations emerging from a corpus of user-generated comments on YouTube videos posted during the year following the World Health Organization's declaration of the novel coronavirus as pandemic. We used Structural Topic Modelling to process the text and identified a 10-topic solution as the best to represent the corpus of text data. The exploration of the topics showed a complex landscape of social representations underlying a plurality of perspectives, which we interpreted as reflecting different users’ needs to make sense of the unprecedented events. Implications for theory, future research, and intervention for health psychology and policy are discussed.
Less correction with minimally invasive surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to open surgical correction
Authors: Syundyukov Ayrat R , Nikolaev Nikolai S , Vissarionov Sergei V , Kornyаkov Pavel N , Bhandarkar Kalind S , Emelianov Vladimir U
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

In this study, we investigated the relationship between the results of thoracic curve correction using minimally invasive surgeries in 35 patients and open surgical correction in 47 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods:

The correlations between the Cobb’s angle of the primary and postoperative curves, angle of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, correction percentage, derotation values, estimated blood loss, duration of surgery, and period of hospitalization after surgery were assessed by calculating the mean and standard deviation. Calculation and comparison were performed using Pearson correlation.

Results:

The Cobb’s angle correction ranged from 53.4° ± 11.8° to 6.7° ± 5.2° ( p < 0.001) in the open surgical correction group and from 51.2° ± 11.4° to 11.7° ± 5.8° ( p < 0.001) in the minimally invasive surgery group before and after surgery, respectively. The percentage of curvature correction was 88.2% ± 8.0% and 77.7% ± 10.7% ( p < 0.001) in the open surgical correction and minimally invasive surgery groups, respectively. The estimated blood loss was higher in the open surgical correction group than in the minimally invasive surgery group (208.7 ± 113.4 vs 564.3 ± 242.7 mL). Axial rotation was changed from 29.1°± 7.5 to 17.1°± 6.8 ( p < 0.001) in the open surgical correction group and from 28.9°± 7.8 to 19.4°± 6.4 ( p < 0.001) in the minimally invasive surgery group. The duration of surgery was shorter in the open surgical correction group than in the minimally invasive surgery group (266.6 ± 64.3 vs 346.2 ± 70.5 min). A positive correlation between time of operation and Cobb’s angle correction (in °) in open surgical correction ( r = 0.37) and minimally invasive surgery ( r = 0.43) was found.

Conclusion:

The open surgical correction procedures were more effective than minimally invasive surgery in correcting the spinal curve. The increase in the duration of open surgical correction increases the estimated blood loss, but it also more significantly improves the correction of Cobb’s angle.

Level of evidence:

III.
Predictors for operative treatment in pediatric proximal third both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children include age and translation, but not initial angulation
Authors: Williams Kevin , Whyte Noelle , Carl Jacob R , Marks Jennifer , Segal David , Little Kevin J
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Proximal third diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna represent an onerous fracture pattern due to difficulty maintaining acceptable alignment with nonoperative management. Our aim was to identify the factors that increase the odds for a surgical treatment of these fractures. Recognizing these factors can raise awareness to patients who are more likely to require additional care and assist clinicians in counseling families, targeting treatment plans, and constructing follow-up protocols. We hypothesized that the age of the patient, the amount of initial fracture displacement, and the angulation of the fracture would predict the need for operative treatment.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 276 proximal third diaphyseal forearm fractures at a single tertiary care institution. All patients underwent a nonoperative treatment trial, and if failed continued to surgery. Following a univariate analysis, we constructed a binary multivariate logistic regression model that included age, initial translation, and initial angulation to assess the association between the tested variables.

Results:

A regression model revealed that age (10 years and older, odds ratio: 8.2, 95% confidence interval: 3.9–17.24, p < 0.001) and radius translation of more than 100% (odds ratio: 7.06, 95% confidence interval: 2.69–18.52, p < 0.001) were associated with the need for surgical treatment. Initial fracture angulation lacked an association with a surgical treatment (odds ratio: 0.81 95% confidence interval: 0.38–1.74, p = 0.59).

Conclusion:

Age above 10 years and 100% initial translation of the radius fracture increased the odds for an ultimate decision to perform a surgery. Initial angulation, although often being the most remarkable radiographic feature, was not associated with a nonoperative treatment failure. We recommend an initial reduction attempt after counseling patients and their families that there is a high rate of conversion to operative treatment when the above features are met.

Level of evidence:

level III.
The Case for Science Diplomacy in Mongol Eurasia
Authors: Kalra Prajakti
Published: March 2023

This paper considers the concept of science diplomacy in the context of Eurasian history with a particular focus on the period of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. The Mongol Empire held sway over much of Eurasia and thus participated in diplomatic activity within and outside of Mongol domains. Scientists and intellectuals routinely headed diplomatic embassies sent and received by the Mongol Empire. Diplomats were valued for their knowledge and skills and served as interlocutors and translators for the Mongol Khans. These scientist-diplomats were key figures in the court and were essential in facilitating exchanges, building connections and fostering relations. As polyglots and polymaths they were able to operate in a multi-cultural environment. They were part of the complex framework of the Mongol Empire that brought to bear a kind of Eurasian development model that relied on expertise, knowledge and resources that could be utilised across the empire. Set within this context, the paper describes the creation of a politico-science complex in Mongol Eurasia with a special emphasis on the relationship between the Mongol Khans and their partners, chief among them were scientists and intellectuals. The Mongol Empire as an empire built upon exchanges summarises how scientific exchanges were both a product of and a driver for diplomatic relations in this period. Thus, the historical connection between diplomacy and science in Eurasia is a necessary component in understanding the modern notion of science diplomacy beyond a European context and applied more globally both in terms of time and space.
An Adaptable and Instructive Architectural Design Proposal for the Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic in Existing Hospitals
Authors: Şener Mehmet , Öztürk Müjgan , Kuzu Onur
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

It is aimed to make the spatial structure of an existing hospital that gave health service against COVID-19 during pandemic suitable to COVID-19 treatment in this article. The architectural arrangements aimed at preventing the contamination and spread of COVID-19 in this hospital are expressed in the study by offering practical revisions that reorganize the spaces and patient traffic.

Background:

A state hospital in Turkey is chosen as an example, and the revisions intended for the reorganization of its existing spaces are made considering both the pandemic and post-pandemic period. Starting from the fact that the design parameters related with the spaces needed for the struggle against COVID-19 are common, it is hypothesized that the proposed arrangements be adaptable to many hospitals in different levels.

Methods:

The existing physical situation and problems of the hospital during COVID-19 pandemic are determined by communicating with hospital administration and making survey study with the working staff; thereafter, the feasible architectural revisions and new circulation schemes are indicated in the article through the tables and revised architectural projects of the hospital.

Results:

It is hypothetically expressed with these arrangements that the proposed design interventions are instructive and give clues for the solution of architectural design based problems that increase the risk of contamination of COVID-19 in hospitals.

Conclusions:

The highlighting of decreasing the risk of the contamination of disease in a hospital with simple architectural revisions and expressing the contribution it makes to the struggle against pandemic is the most important conclusion of this study.
Use and positioning of fostamatinib in the management of primary chronic immune thrombocytopenia: an Italian expert opinion
Authors: Lucchesi Alessandro , Fattizzo Bruno , De Stefano Valerio , Ruggeri Marco , Siragusa Sergio , Vianelli Nicola , Zaja Francesco , Rodeghiero Francesco
Published: March 2023

Fostamatinib, a spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor, represents a new therapeutic opportunity for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in Europe and Italy. However, the positioning of this drug in patient’s therapeutic sequence is undefined within the most recent international guidelines. The conclusions from a consensus meeting between Italian experts, whose task was to outline the profile of the ideal candidate to receive fostamatinib, are reported here. A modified Delphi methodology was used to achieve shared statements, which were reported in a narrative form. In particular, the panelists examined the strengths and weaknesses of the registration studies in terms of clinical outcomes, the safety profile of fostamatinib, the drug’s impact on the quality of life of patients with chronic ITP, and the potential benefits of its use in the pandemic era. Although the experience with thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) and the amount of data from real-world studies suggest the preferential use of these drugs as a second-line treatment in most patients, the absence of an increased thrombotic risk in the clinical trials could make fostamatinib a reasonable choice in patients with an increased risk of vascular events. An unstable platelet count during TPO-RAs might also justify a switch to the Syk inhibitor, which is more likely to stabilize the platelet count in responders. Fostamatinib may be preferred to immunosuppressors during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, in patients at infectious risk, or in case of contraindication to splenectomy. Finally, the novel mechanism of action makes it an attractive drug in multi-refractory patient.
Development of the ESEx index: a tool for predicting risk of recurrent severe COPD exacerbations
Authors: Valera-Novella Elisa , Bernabeu-Mora Roberto , Montilla-Herrador Joaquina , Escolar-Reina Pilar , García-Vidal José Antonio , Medina-Mirapeix Francesc
Published: March 2023

Background:

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), multiple recurrent severe exacerbations that require hospitalization can occur. These events are strongly associated with death and other clinical complications.

Objectives:

We aimed to develop a prognostic model that could identify patients with COPD that are at risk of multiple recurrent severe exacerbations within 3 years.

Design:

Prospective cohort.

Methods:

The derivation cohort comprised patients with stable, moderate-to-severe COPD. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to develop the final model. Based on regression coefficients, a simplified index (ESEx) was established. Both, model and index, were assessed for predictive performance by measuring discrimination and calibration.

Results:

Over 3 years, 16.4% of patients with COPD experienced at least three severe recurrent exacerbations. The prognostic model showed good discrimination of high-risk patients, based on three characteristics: the number of severe exacerbations in the previous year, performance in the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, and in the 6-minute-walk test. The ESEx index provided good level of discrimination [areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs): 0.913].

Conclusions:

The ESEx index showed good internal validation for the identification of patients at risk of three recurrent severe COPD exacerbations within 3 years. These tools could be used to identify patients who require early interventions and motivate patients to improve physical performance to prevent recurrent exacerbations.
Characterization of serum polyunsaturated fatty acid profile in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Chen Lu , Sun Rui , Yu Ting , Jiang Shuyu , Chen Hong
Published: March 2023

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. The aetiology and pathogenesis of IBD are complex, which may lead to metabolic disorders. As a kind of metabolite, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is closely related to IBD.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between the serum PUFAs and the pathogenesis of IBD.

Design:

The study is a hospital-based case-control study.

Methods:

The serum free PUFAs of all participants, including 104 patients with IBD and 101 normal controls, were detected by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Results:

Compared with the normal control, the levels of C18:2, α-C18:3 (ALA), ɤ-C18:3, C20:4 (AA), C20:5 (EPA), ω-3 C22:5, ω-6 C22:5 and C22:6 (DHA) PUFAs in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) were obviously decreased. However, in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), the levels of AA, EPA, ω-3 C22:5, ω-6 C22:5 and DHA were downregulated. The concentrations of seven PUFAs were significantly downregulated in the active CD group. In addition, four PUFAs had comparatively higher levels in the remission UC group.

Conclusion:

The present study revealed substantial differences in the levels of serum fatty acids between normal controls and patients with IBD. In detail, patients with CD were deficient in PUFAs, including the essential fatty acids. Moreover, as the disease activity aggravated, some PUFAs decreased dramatically.
Position Paper Progress in the development of biomimetic engineered human tissues
Authors: Cheema Umber
Published: March 2023

Tissue engineering (TE) is the multi-disciplinary approach to building 3D human tissue equivalents in the laboratory. The advancement of medical sciences and allied scientific disciplines have aspired to engineer human tissues for three decades. To date there is limited use of TE tissues/organs as replacement body parts in humans. This position paper outlines advances in engineering of specific tissues and organs with tissue-specific challenges. This paper outlines the technologies most successful for engineering tissues and key areas of advancement.
Preclinical and clinical orthotopic transplantation of decellularized/engineered tracheal scaffolds: A systematic literature review
Authors: Stocco Elena , Barbon Silvia , Mammana Marco , Zambello Giovanni , Contran Martina , Parnigotto Pier Paolo , Macchi Veronica , Conconi Maria Teresa , Rea Federico , De Caro Raffaele , Porzionato Andrea
Published: March 2023

Severe tracheal injuries that cannot be managed by mobilization and end-to-end anastomosis represent an unmet clinical need and an urgent challenge to face in surgical practice; within this scenario, decellularized scaffolds (eventually bioengineered) are currently a tempting option among tissue engineered substitutes. The success of a decellularized trachea is expression of a balanced approach in cells removal while preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture/mechanical properties. Revising the literature, many Authors report about different methods for acellular tracheal ECMs development; however, only few of them verified the devices effectiveness by an orthotopic implant in animal models of disease. To support translational medicine in this field, here we provide a systematic review on studies recurring to decellularized/bioengineered tracheas implantation. After describing the specific methodological aspects, orthotopic implant results are verified. Furtherly, the only three clinical cases of compassionate use of tissue engineered tracheas are reported with a focus on outcomes.
Association between proton pump inhibitors and rhabdomyolysis risk: a post-marketing surveillance using FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database
Authors: Altebainawi Ali F. , Alfaraj Lulwa A. , Alharbi Amjad A. , Alkhuraisi Fadwa F. , Alshammari Thamir M.
Published: March 2023

Background:

This research aims to explore and compare the signals of rhabdomyolysis from the use of Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) using the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Methods:

Rhabdomyolysis and related terms submitted between 2013 and 2021 were retrieved from the FAERS database. The data were analyzed using the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM) and the information component (IC). The signals of rhabdomyolysis associated with PPIs use were detected in both 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) utilizers and non-utilizers.

Results:

A total of 7,963,090 reports were retrieved and analyzed. Fifty-seven reports linked PPIs to rhabdomyolysis out of 3670 reports from other drugs (non-statin included). The association of rhabdomyolysis and PPIs was significant in both statins included, and non-statin-included reports, although with varying degrees of association. The ROR was 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–3.2) for PPIs in non-statin-included reports and 2 (95% CI: 1.5–2.6) for PPIs in statin-included reports.

Conclusion:

Significant signals of rhabdomyolysis were associated with PPIs. However, its signals were higher in non-statin-included reports compared to statin-included reports.

Plain Language Summary

Plain language summaryProton Pump Inhibitors and rhabdomyolysis risk Background: The FDA created the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to support post-marketing surveillance programs. The FAERS is a computerized database with more than nine million adverse event reports, including all reports from 1969 to the present. This research aims to explore and compare the signals of rhabdomyolysis from the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) using the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Research design and methods: We retrieved rhabdomyolysis and related terms submitted between 2013 and 2021 from the FAERS database. Then, we analyzed the data that we found. We detected the signals of rhabdomyolysis associated with PPIs use in both statins utilizers and non-utilizers. Results: We retrieved and analyzed a total of 7,963,090 reports. We found 57 reports linked PPIs to rhabdomyolysis out of 3670 reports from other drugs (non-statin included). The association of rhabdomyolysis and PPIs was significant in both statins included, and non-statin-included reports, although with varying degrees of association. Conclusion: Significant signals of rhabdomyolysis were associated with PPIs. However, its signals were higher in non-statin-included reports than in statin-included reports.
Mechanisms of maternal and paternal phubbing on adolescents’ self-control: The attenuating effect of having a sibling
Authors: Xie Xiaochun , Tang Xiangyun , Wu Siqi , Shen Xinyuan
Published: March 2023

Parental phubbing refers to parents being distracted by their phone during an interaction with their child. The present study investigated how parental phubbing relates to adolescents’ self-control through the mediators of parent–adolescent closeness and loneliness. The current study also compared the effects of maternal and paternal phubbing. Having a sibling may influence adolescent mental health and behaviors. Thus, this study also examined whether siblings attenuate the effects of parental phubbing on self-control. We recruited 670 adolescents to participate in our survey. Path analyses revealed that maternal phubbing had both direct and indirect effects on self-control through mother–adolescent closeness and loneliness. However, paternal phubbing had only a sequential indirect effect through father–adolescent closeness and loneliness. This shows that maternal and paternal phubbing have different effects on adolescents’ self-control. Multi-group comparisons revealed that the direct and indirect effects of maternal phubbing on self-control were non-significant for adolescents with siblings. Thus, siblings attenuated the adverse relationships between maternal phubbing and adolescent self-control.
Transcription factor EB as a key molecular factor in human health and its implication in diseases
Authors: Gebrie Alemu
Published: March 2023

Transcription factor EB, as a component of the microphthalmia family of transcription factors, has been demonstrated to be a key controller of autophagy–lysosomal biogenesis. Transcription factor EB is activated by stressors such as nutrition and deprivation of growth factors, hypoxia, lysosomal stress, and mitochondrial injury. To achieve the ultimate functional state, it is controlled in a variety of modes, such as in its rate of transcription, post-transcriptional control, and post-translational alterations. Due to its versatile role in numerous signaling pathways, including the Wnt, calcium, AKT, and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling pathways, transcription factor EB—originally identified to be an oncogene—is now well acknowledged as a regulator of a wide range of physiological systems, including autophagy–lysosomal biogenesis, response to stress, metabolism, and energy homeostasis. The well-known and recently identified roles of transcription factor EB suggest that this protein might play a central role in signaling networks in a number of non-communicable illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, drug resistance mechanisms, immunological disease, and tissue growth. The important developments in transcription factor EB research since its first description are described in this review. This review helps to advance transcription factor EB from fundamental research into therapeutic and regenerative applications by shedding light on how important a role it plays in human health and disease at the molecular level.
Using a multimodal approach to manage difficult visceral cancer pain: A case study
Authors: Fernández Angélica , Rodríguez Cardona Ximena , Cardenas Rey Claudia Jimena , Moreno-Quijano Catalina , Rodriguez Martínez Carlos Hernán
Published: March 2023

Difficult visceral cancer pain is defined as pain that does not improve with conventional non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies, including opioids and adjuvants, and occurs in up to 15% of patients with cancer. In oncological practice, we must be prepared to establish strategies for dealing with such complex cases. Different analgesic strategies have been described in the literature, including managing refractory pain through palliative sedation; however, this might become a dilemma from a clinical and bioethical point of view in end-of-life situations. We present the case of a young male patient with moderately differentiated intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the left colon, with intra-abdominal sepsis, and for whom despite the multimodal treatment for difficult visceral cancer pain, the pain was refractory leading to palliative sedation. Difficult visceral cancer pain is a pathology that affects the quality of life of patients and is a challenge for pain specialists, for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.
Incidental case of an idiopathic pulmonary arterial aneurysm masquerading as a stable pulmonary nodule for 17 years
Authors: Lee Seoyoon , Cho Gene , Matti Moreen , Nobari Matthew
Published: March 2023

A true pulmonary arterial aneurysm is the dilation of all three vascular walls in a pulmonary artery. True pulmonary arterial aneurysms are very rare, and the relatively minor cases on this topic present with symptoms pertaining to the causes of trauma, Behçet’s disease, pulmonary vasculitis, granulomatous lung infections, and cartilage instability. A rupture of the pulmonary arterial aneurysm can be life-threatening and often requires surgical repair. Our case presents a 70-year-old male who was referred to pulmonary clinic for evaluation of an asymptomatic, incidental finding in his right lower lobe that was considered to represent a pulmonary nodule based on its presentation on computed tomography imaging. The referring provider had requested a possible biopsy. Before proceeding with a biopsy, the presence of the pulmonary aneurysm was confirmed only after the fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scan and a computed tomography angiography were performed. Our case illustrates the importance of including pulmonary aneurysm in the differential during work-up of a pulmonary nodule, as diagnostic sampling could have been detrimental.