bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic, Clinical, and Behavioral Factors Associated With Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Use in a Large Cohort in the United States
Authors: Goldberg Scott Shauna , Feigelson Heather S. , Powers John David , Clennin Morgan N. , Lyons Jason A. , Gray Mark T. , Vachani Anil , Burnett-Hartman Andrea N.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Our primary purpose is to understand comorbidities and health outcomes associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use.

Methods

Study participants were Kaiser Permanente (KP) members from eight US regions who joined the Kaiser Permanente Research Bank (KPRB) from September 2015 through December 2019 and completed a questionnaire assessing demographic and behavioral factors, including ENDS and traditional cigarette use. Medical history and health outcomes were obtained from electronic health records. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of current and former ENDS use according to member characteristics, behavioral factors, and clinical history. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs comparing risk of health outcomes according to ENDS use.

Results

Of 119 593 participants, 1594 (1%) reported current ENDS use and 5603 (5%) reported past ENDS use. ENDS users were more likely to be younger, male, gay or lesbian, and American Indian / Alaskan Native or Asian. After adjustment for confounding, current ENDS use was associated with current traditional cigarette use (OR = 39.55; CI:33.44-46.77), current marijuana use (OR = 6.72; CI:5.61-8.05), history of lung cancer (OR = 2.64; CI:1.42-4.92), non-stroke cerebral vascular disease (OR = 1.55; CI:1.21-1.99), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 2.16; CI:1.77-2.63). Current ENDS use was also associated with increased risk of emergency room (ER) visits (HR = 1.17; CI: 1.05-1.30) and death (HR = 1.84; CI:1.02-3.32).

Conclusions

Concurrent traditional cigarette use, marijuana use, and comorbidities were prevalent among those who used ENDS, and current ENDS use was associated with an increased risk of ER visits and death. Additional research focused on health risks associated with concurrent ENDS and traditional cigarette use in those with underlying comorbidities is needed.
Rhesus Negativity Prevalence and Neonatal Outcomes among Pregnant Women Delivered at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, West Guji Zone, South Ethiopia
Authors: Aliyo Alqeer , Ashenafi Girma , Abduselam Mohammedzen
Published: January 2023

Background:

Rh incompatibility has been an important cause of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, hydrops fetalis, and stillbirth. Among those outcomes, neonatal jaundice is the most common problem.

Objective:

The study is assessed the prevalence of Rhesus (Rh) negativity and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women who delivered at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital over a 5-year period from January 2017 to December 31, 2021.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on 110 women who delivered at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH) from January 2017 to December 31, 2021. The complete data of the mother’s and neonates’ status were extracted from the registration book of the hospital using checklists. The data were double entered using EpiData version 3 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Descriptive statistics to determine prevalence and frequencies were used to describe the study population in relation to relevant variables, and the results are presented in tables and charts.

Results:

The study shows that the prevalence of Rh D-negative among women who delivered was 6.4% [95% CI: 1.83,10.98]. Among Rh-negative women, 1 (25%) of blood group AB, 3 (6.5%) of blood group O, and 2 (6.1%) of blood group A were Rh-D negative. The distributions of O, A, B, and AB blood groups among pregnant women who delivered this hospital were 41.8%, 30%, 24.6%, and 3.6%, respectively. Out of neonates born to Rh-negative women, 1 (14.3%) was born with jaundice. Of women who delivered at BHUT hospital, 61 (55.5%) did not have a previous delivery, 7 (6.4%) had a previous abortion, 5 (4.5%) stillbirth, 1 (0.9) died after birth, 4 (3.6%) had a birth child weight less than 2.6 kg.

Conclusion:

The study revealed that the prevalence of Rh-negative was comparable with finding of different similar studies. To reduce Rh incompatibility-related HDN, the government should educate mothers and encourage them as they follow ANC facilities and after delivery to health facilities.
Psychological and psychosocial aspects of major trauma care: A survey of current practice across UK and Ireland
Authors: Olive P , Hives L , Ashton A , O’Brien MC , Taylor A , Mercer G , Horsfield C , Carey R , Jassat R , Spencer J , Wilson N
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Psychological and psychosocial impacts of major trauma, defined as any injury that has the potential to be life-threatening and/or life changing, are common, far-reaching and often enduring. There is evidence that these aspects of major trauma care are often underserved. The aim of this research was to gain insight into the current provision and operationalisation of psychological and psychosocial aspects of major trauma care across the UK and Ireland.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey, open to health professionals working in major trauma network hospitals was undertaken. The survey had 69 questions across six sections: Participant Demographics, Psychological First Aid, Psychosocial Assessment and Care, Assessing and Responding to Distress, Clinical Psychology Services, and Major Trauma Keyworker (Coordinator) Role.

Results

There were 102 respondents from across the regions and from a range of professional groups. Survey findings indicate a lack of formalised systems to assess, respond and evaluate psychological and psychosocial aspects of major trauma care, most notably for patients with lower-level distress and psychosocial support needs, and for trauma populations that don't reach threshold for serious injury or complex health need. The findings highlight the role of major trauma keyworkers (coordinators) in psychosocial aspects of care and that although major trauma clinical psychology services are increasingly embedded, many lack the capacity to meet demand.

Conclusion

Neglecting psychological and psychosocial aspects of major trauma care may extend peritraumatic distress, result in preventable Years Lived with Disability and widen post-trauma health inequalities. A stepped psychological and psychosocial care pathway for major trauma patients and their families from the point of injury and continuing as they move through services towards recovery is needed. Research to fulfil knowledge gaps to develop and implement such a model for major trauma populations should be prioritised along with the development of corresponding service specifications for providers.
Paradoxes, contradictions, and dilemmas: Reflections on the contours of a pandemic and its implications for social work education
Authors: Brydon Kerry A , McDermott Fiona
Published: January 2023

This is a reflective and theoretical article that discusses the impact of COVID-19 on social work practice. The pandemic, which made its presence felt globally from early 2020, continues to have ongoing and significant consequences for lives, livelihoods, public health, and personal freedoms. We argue that, while its specific contours are yet to be comprehensively researched, let alone the final outcomes understood, the pandemic has presented opportunities to develop new ways of thinking about social work and social work education.

Findings

Through a discussion of relevant literature, including a recent work of fiction, we contend that social workers have been able to adapt, to some extent, to the pandemic but in reactive rather than proactive ways. The biopsychosocial and person-in-environment perspectives that characterize social work education, theory, and practice might be greatly enhanced by the introduction of complexity theory in terms of developing new thinking about the theoretical basis of social work, enabling new questions and new strategies to emerge to strengthen social work responses to the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Applications

Arising from this theoretical article, there are many implications for introducing complexity theory within social work education programs. Complexity theory can provide a conceptual frame fit-for-purpose for social work pandemic and post-pandemic theory and practice.
Studying Pre-Adolescents: An Autoethnographic Account of a Parent-as-Researcher
Authors: Dallolio Adriana Schneider
Published: January 2023

This article advances the methodological perspective toward studying children, articulating parent-as-researcher (PAR) and children as co-researchers to generate high levels of novel discovery, especially in sensitive subjects related to this vulnerable group. It also underscores the rich possibilities of this inquiry form in studying children, which goes beyond authenticity to reveal children’s multi-layered voices. Furthermore, the insiders’ approach to the PAR’s inquiry and the perspective of children as co-researchers enlighten new ways to engage young consumers in research, allowing broad and deep discussion of subjects’ matters in their own voices. Finally, a guideline for researchers interested in following it is provided. As the text explains, professional researchers can apply the approaches with some adjustments, and non-parent researchers can engage parent co-researchers.
A deep learning semantic segmentation network with attention mechanism for concrete crack detection
Authors: Hang Jiaqi , Wu Yingjie , Li Yancheng , Lai Tao , Zhang Jinge , Li Yang
Published: January 2023

In this research, an attention-based feature fusion network (AFFNet), with a backbone residual network (ResNet101) enhanced with two attention mechanism modules, is proposed for automatic pixel-level detection of concrete crack. In particular, the inclusion of attention mechanism modules, for example, the vertical and horizontal compression attention module (VH-CAM) and the efficient channel attention upsample module (ECAUM), is to enable selective concentration on the crack feature. The VH-CAM generates a feature map integrating pixel-level information in vertical and horizontal directions. The ECAUM applied on each decoder layer combines efficient channel attention (ECA) and feature fusion, which can provide rich contextual information as guidance to help low-level features recover crack localization. The proposed model is evaluated on the test dataset and the results reach 84.49% for mean intersection over union (MIoU). Comparison with other state-of-the-art models proves high efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Implementation and Process Evaluation of Alcohol Free for 40: Community-Based Programming to Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Lockhart Jala , Knapp Megan B. , Feehan Amy K. , Latimer Savanna , Walter Anna , Craft Brittany N. , Quantz Yvette P. , Frugé Hope , Sylvester Terry Maria , Arceneaux Erin E. , Kimball Molly
Published: January 2023

Alcohol consumption is known to increase risk for chronic diseases and other negative health outcomes. Abstinence, even temporary, from alcohol consumption can have positive health impacts. In this article, we describe implementation and process evaluation of Ochsner Eat Fit’s Alcohol Free for 40 (AFF40), an annual, 40-day voluntary alcohol abstinence challenge that takes place in six regions of Louisiana. Participants are challenged to abstain from alcohol consumption for 40 days to promote behavior change. To support participants’ success, staff conduct pre and post metrics (physical and laboratory) and host community-based events to encourage replacement behaviors. Process evaluation included measures of reach, recruitment, dose, and fidelity through tracking of participant registrations, an exit survey, media analytics, and program activity logs. In 2021, 493 participants enrolled in AFF40, with 347 completing laboratory metrics and 298 completing physical metrics. Majority of exit survey respondents (74.5%) reported no alcohol consumption during the 40-day challenge and that they planned to participate in AFF40 2022 (90.9%). The Eat Fit team documented moderate engagement (48.7% of enrolled participants) in program events. Social and digital impressions and page views recorded 23,591 hits while print media resulted in over 750,000 impressions. AFF40 has shown to be highly engaging for participants and effective in supporting temporary abstinence from alcohol. Incorporating stronger methods and evaluation will enhance future program implementation and community impact. Lessons learned and implications for practice are transferable to other community-based efforts to reduce alcohol consumption.
crtrest: A command for ratio estimators of intervention effects on event rates in cluster randomized trials
Authors: Ma Xiangmei , Cheung Yin Bun
Published: January 2023

We describe five asymptotically unbiased estimators of intervention effects on event rates in nonmatched and matched-pair cluster randomized trials, and we present a bias-corrected version of the estimators for use when the number of clusters is small. The estimators are the ratio of mean counts ( r 1), ratio of mean cluster-level event rates ( r 2), ratio of event rates ( r 3), double ratio of counts ( r 4), and double ratio of event rates ( r 5). r 1, r 2, and r 3 estimate the total effect, which comprises the direct and indirect effects; r 4 and r 5 estimate the direct effect. We describe a new command, crtrest, that provides these ratio estimators and their standard errors in nonmatched and matched-pair cluster randomized trials.
printcase: A command for visualizing single observations
Authors: Weinreb Max D. , Trinitapoli Jenny
Published: January 2023

In this article, we introduce the printcase command, which outputs data from a specific observation into an easy-to-read Microsoft Word or PDF document. printcase allows analysts to focus on a single observation within a dataset and view that observation in its entirety. The output displays fields in table format, with all variables identified by their corresponding labels and all responses identified by their corresponding value labels. We explain how printcase works, give examples of circumstances under which this type of table-based quasiquestionnaire would be useful, and provide code for printing single observations.
Estimating the risk of events with stprisk
Authors: Bottai Matteo
Published: January 2023

Incidence rates are popular summary measures of the occurrence over time of events of interest. They are also called mortality rates or failure rates, depending on the context. The incidence rate is defined as the ratio between the total number of events and total follow-up time and can be estimated with the strate command. When the event of interest can occur multiple times on any given subject over a time period, like infections, the incidence rate represents an average count per unit of time, such as the average number of infections per year. When the event of interest can occur only once, such as death, an alternative summary measure is the risk, or probability, of occurrence per unit time, such as the risk of dying in one year. In this article, I present the stprisk command, which estimates risks, and illustrate its use and interpretation through a data example.
Psychometric assessment of the Grit Scale: Evidence from US and Chinese samples
Authors: Li Mengting , Fan Weiqiao , Leong Frederick T. L.
Published: January 2023

To further understand the validity and generalizability of grit, this research investigated the psychometric properties of the Grit Scale in both individualistic (i.e., the US) and collectivistic (i.e., the Chinese) populations. Moreover, this research broadened the contributions of grit to vocational outcomes and showed that grit might be essential to success in other life domains beyond the academic context. Specifically, this cross-cultural research reported two studies that examined the conceptualization of grit proposed by Duckworth et al. (2007) and the concurrent validity of grit to vocational outcomes. Study 1 explored the factor structure of grit in a US general sample ( N = 2140) and a US college student sample ( N = 1935). Study 2 examined the factor structure of grit in a Chinese employee sample ( N = 675) and explored its concurrent validity to occupational well-being and proactive work behavior. Results showed that the bifactor model of grit scale fit best in both the US and Chinese samples. The high omega reliabilities indicated that the general grit score and its two subscales (i.e., perseverance of effort and consistency of interests) could be considered reliable. However, the multiple-group CFA measurement invariance test showed that only partial metric invariance for the perseverance of effort factor was verified across the three samples. Perseverance of effort explained more variance in vocational outcomes than the consistency of interests did among Chinese employees. The findings verified the multidimensionality of the Grit Scale and indicated that the relationships between the two facets of grit and vocational outcomes should be separately investigated.
AGATA: A Toolbox for Automated Glucose Data Analysis
Authors: Cappon Giacomo , Sparacino Giovanni , Facchinetti Andrea
Published: January 2023

Background:

Analyzing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data is a mandatory step for multiple purposes spanning from reporting clinical trial outcomes to developing new algorithms for diabetes management. This task is repetitive, and scientists struggle in computing literature glucose control metrics and waste time in reproducing possibly complex plots and reports. For this reason, to provide the diabetes technology community a unified tool, here we present Automated Glucose dATa Analysis (AGATA), an automated glucose data analysis toolbox developed in MATLAB/Octave.

Methods:

Automated Glucose dATa Analysis is an open-source software program to visualize and preprocess CGM data, compute glucose control metrics, detect adverse events, evaluate the effectiveness of users’ prediction algorithms, and compare study arms. Automated Glucose dATa Analysis can be used as a standalone computer application accessible through a dedicated graphical user interface, particularly suitable for clinicians, or by integrating its functionalities in user-defined MATLAB/Octave scripts, which fits the need of researchers and developers. To demonstrate its features, we used AGATA to analyze CGM data of two subjects extracted from a publicly available data set of individuals with type one diabetes. Finally, AGATA’s features are compared against those of 12 noncommercial software programs for CGM data analysis.

Results:

Using AGATA, we easily preprocessed, analyzed, and visualized CGM data in a handy way, in compliance with the requirements and the standards defined in the literature. Compared to the other considered software programs, AGATA offers more functionalities and capabilities.

Conclusion:

Automated Glucose dATa Analysis is easy to use and reduces the burden of CGM data analysis. It is freely available in GitHub at https://github.com/gcappon/agata .
Therapeutic Potential of Music-Based Interventions on the Stress Response and Neuroinflammatory Biomarkers in COVID-19: A Review
Authors: Saifman Jared , Colverson Aaron , Prem Amanda , Chomiak Joseph , Doré Sylvain
Published: January 2023

COVID-19 continues to strain healthcare systems around the globe. Research has shown a relationship between COVID-19 and an inflammatory response, including neuropathological outcomes. Additionally, studies have shown positive effects of engagement with music on inflammatory responses; music may have potential, as a method, to reduce inflammation triggered by COVID-19. This review compiles exhaustive research from multiple disciplines to account for this possibility. The authors utilized a meta-narrative approach to complete this review. The search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, OneSearch, Primo, Google Scholar, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the bibliographies of relevant articles. In total, 84 articles were included for full-text review, discussion, and analysis. Articles pertaining to music and acoustics encompassed a date range from 1964–2020. Articles referencing COVID-19 spanned the years 2019–2021. This work focused on associations between engagement with music, stress response, blood-brain barrier integrity, inflammation, COVID-19, and neuropathology in preclinical and clinical models. Detailed analysis revealed that engagement with music has the potential to reduce the harmful effects of COVID-19, particularly in the inflammation and blood clotting pathways associated with a range of pathophysiological and neuropathological issues. Further work is warranted to standardize and validate existing methods associating positive effects of engagement with music on the negative effects of COVID-19.
Public Health Graduate Students’ Longitudinal Perceptions of Remote Learning Challenges and Career Goals During an Ongoing Public Health Crisis
Authors: Zamora Astrid N. , August Ella , Anderson Olivia S.
Published: January 2023

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic created a shift from traditional face-to-face learning toward remote learning, resulting in students experiencing unforeseen challenges and benefits through participation in a non-traditional mode of education. Little is known regarding the impact that a shift to remote learning may have had on the learning experiences and the career goals of Master of Public Health (MPH) students. A qualitative study was conducted among a convenience sample of MPH students in the US from January to April 2021. The primary aims were (1) to describe salient challenges or benefits of learning that persisted throughout a semester of remote learning and (2) to describe how being in graduate school during the pandemic impacted students’ career goals in public health. A secondary aim was to describe students’ general feelings regarding their public health education, given their lived experience of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study findings demonstrated that MPH students had mixed perceptions of how a shift to remote learning during a public health crisis impacted their learning experiences and career goals in public health over one semester. Understanding students’ responses can guide public health instructors to best prepare trainees to join the workforce during ongoing and future unforeseen public health crises that continue or have the potential to disrupt learning modalities.
A brief review of renal-limited thrombotic microangiopathy associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Kwak Sean H , Shah Chintan V
Published: January 2023

As a rare immune-mediated adverse reaction to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor associated renal-limited thrombotic microangiopathy (ICI-rTMA) is a biopsy-proven kidney-limited TMA without the classical triad of systemic TMA. With the expanding use of ICIs, reports of ICI-rTMA are limited yet emerging. ICI-rTMA currently has a poor renal prognosis and a lack of treatment strategy. Furthermore, ICI re-challenge poses a difficult clinical dilemma wherein renal function must be maintained without risking the higher mortality associated with ICI withdrawal. This review summarizes six reported cases of ICI-rTMA and discusses the current literature on ICI-rTMA regarding its potential mechanisms of pathogenesis, the vital role of kidney biopsy in diagnosis, treatment options, and the dilemma surrounding ICI re-challenge.
Caste and Cultural Politics in Akhila Naik’s Bheda: A Perspective on Dom Caste in Rural Odisha
Authors: Nag Kuber
Published: January 2023

Caste has been a taboo subject in Odisha. Although there are multiple events of caste violence and atrocities against Dalits in Odisha, they hardly get any attention from the state, media and civil society. Like any other part of India, Dalits in Odisha also face the wrath of the caste system; sometimes, their houses are burnt down to ashes, or they are ostracized. Unfortunately, the everyday violence against Dalits is normalized by the cultural practices in Odisha. Popular religious cults and the Brahminic hegemony often overshadowed the caste issue and forced the Dalits to the boundary. Thus, their voice often goes unheard. Also, the rapid Hinduization of indigenous culture has served as a catalyst for caste violence and maintaining the caste order in rural Odisha. The successful integration of tribal and other backward communities into the Brahminical fold has made the life of Dalits more difficult. In most of the caste violence in Odisha, tribal and other backwards communities are pitted against the Dalits, which washed out the idea of ‘united subaltern groups’ or the Dalit-Bahujan unity. Thus, this article focuses on the cultural hegemony of the Brahmins and how it makes caste a complex affair in rural Odisha. In Akhila Naik’s Bheda, he unravels the caste questions in Odisha and how the arrivals of Brahmins and Marwaris in rural Odisha have corrupted the village ecosystem. The villagers are polarized in the name of caste and religion, and the village’s indigenous belief system and harmony are at stake.
Engaging With Film and Video Game Music: Perceptions of a Studio Orchestra Experience
Authors: Haines Nathan D.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate ensemble members’ perceptions of their studio orchestra experiences. Survey data were collected from participants ( N = 50) enrolled in a studio orchestra at a major collegiate institution in the Southeastern United States. A studio orchestra is a group of musicians who collaborate, compose, arrange, record, and perform original compositions designed for film, video games, and other works from popular culture. Survey results indicated that members of the ensemble had high rates of satisfaction with their experience, and preferred playing music from popular films and video games alongside original works in those genres. Participants also preferred a more student-led format. Music educators who create and structure ensembles like a studio orchestra can promote a diverse repertoire and enhance student satisfaction with their musical activities.
Central nervous system status is prognostic in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Children’s Oncology Group report
Authors: Gossai Nathan P. , Devidas Meenakshi , Chen Zhiguo , Wood Brent L. , Zweidler-McKay Patrick A. , Rabin Karen R. , Loh Mignon L. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Winick Naomi J. , Burke Michael J. , Carroll Andrew J. , Esiashvili Natia , Heerema Nyla A. , Carroll William L. , Hunger Stephen P. , Dunsmore Kimberly P. , Winter Stuart S. , Teachey David T.
Published: January 2023

To determine the prognostic significance of central nervous system (CNS) leukemic involvement in newly diagnosed T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), outcomes on consecutive, phase 3 Children’s Oncology Group clinical trials were examined. AALL0434 and AALL1231 tested efficacy of novel agents within augmented-Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (aBFM) therapy. In addition to testing study-specific chemotherapy through randomization, the AALL0434 regimen delivered cranial radiation therapy (CRT) to most participants (90.8%), whereas AALL1231 intensified chemotherapy to eliminate CRT in 88.2% of participants. In an analysis of 2164 patients with T-ALL (AALL0434, 1550; AALL1231, 614), 1564 had CNS-1 (72.3%), 441 CNS-2 (20.4%), and 159 CNS-3 (7.3%). The 4-year event-free-survival (EFS) was similar for CNS-1 (85.1% ± 1.0%) and CNS-2 (83.2% ± 2.0%), but lower for CNS-3 (71.8% ± 4.0%; P = .0004). Patients with CNS-1 and CNS-2 had similar 4-year overall survival (OS) (90.1% ± 0.8% and 90.5% ± 1.5%, respectively), with OS for CNS-3 being 82.7% ± 3.4% (P = .005). Despite therapeutic differences, outcomes for CNS-1 and CNS-2 were similar regardless of CRT, intensified corticosteroids, or novel agents. Except for significantly superior outcomes with nelarabine on AALL0434 (4-year disease-free survival, 93.1% ± 5.2%), EFS/OS was inferior with CNS-3 status, all of whom received CRT. Combined analyses of >2000 patients with T-ALL identified that CNS-1 and CNS-2 status at diagnosis had similar outcomes. Unlike B-ALL, CNS-2 status in T-ALL does not impact outcome with aBFM therapy, without additional intrathecal therapy, with or without CRT. Although nelarabine improved outcomes for those with CNS-3 status, novel approaches are needed. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00408005 (AALL0434) and #NCT02112916 (AALL1231).
Removal of the vicinal disulfide enhances the platelet-capturing function of von Willebrand factor
Authors: Tischer Alexander , Moon-Tasson Laurie , Auton Matthew
Published: January 2023

A redox autoinhibitory mechanism has previously been proposed, in which the reduced state of the vicinal disulfide bond in the von Willebrand factor (VWF) A2 domain allows A2 to bind to A1 and inhibit platelet adhesion to the A1 domain. The VWF A1A2A3 tridomain was expressed with and without the vicinal disulfide in A2 (C1669S/C1670S) via the atomic replacement of sulfur for oxygen to test the relevance of the vicinal disulfide to the physiological platelet function of VWF under shear flow. A comparative study of the shear-dependent platelet translocation dynamics on these tridomain variants reveals that the reduction of the vicinal disulfide moderately increases the platelet-capturing function of A1, an observation counter to the proposed hypothesis. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy confirms that C1669S/C1670S slightly increases the affinity of A1A2A3 binding to glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα). Differential scanning calorimetry and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry demonstrate that reduction of the vicinal disulfide destabilizes the A2 domain, which consequently disrupts interactions between the A1, A2, and A3 domains and enhances the conformational dynamics of A1-domain secondary structures known to regulate the strength of platelet adhesion to VWF. This study clarifies that the reduced state of the A2 vicinal disulfide is not inhibitory but rather slightly activating.
Cytokine expression profiles in white blood cells of patients with small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Kreß Luisa , Egenolf Nadine , Sommer Claudia , Üçeyler Nurcan
Published: January 2023

Background

The role of cytokines in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is incompletely understood. We studied expression profiles of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in RNA from white blood cells (WBC) of patients with a medical history and a clinical phenotype suggestive for SFN and compared data with healthy controls.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 52 patients and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Study participants were characterized in detail and underwent complete neurological examination. Venous blood was drawn for routine and extended laboratory tests, and for WBC isolation. Systemic RNA expression profiles of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF) were analyzed. Protein levels of IL-2, IL-8, and TNF were measured in serum of patients and controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-curve analysis was used to determine the accuracy of IL-2, IL-8, and TNF in differentiating patients and controls. To compare the potential discriminatory efficacy of single versus combined cytokines, equality of different AUCs was tested.

Results

WBC gene expression of IL-2, IL-8, and TNF was higher in patients compared to healthy controls (IL-2: p = 0.02; IL-8: p = 0.009; TNF: p = 0.03) and discriminated between the groups (area under the curve (AUC) ≥ 0.68 for each cytokine) with highest diagnostic accuracy reached by combining the three cytokines (AUC = 0.81, sensitivity = 70%, specificity = 86%). Subgroup analysis revealed the following differences: IL-8 and TNF gene expression levels were higher in female patients compared to female controls (IL-8: p = 0.01; TNF: p = 0.03). The combination of TNF with IL-2 and TNF with IL-2 and IL-8 discriminated best between the study groups. IL-2 was higher expressed in patients with moderate pain compared to those with severe pain (p = 0.02). Patients with acral pain showed higher IL-10 gene expression compared to patients with generalized pain (p = 0.004). We further found a negative correlation between the relative gene expression of IL-2 and current pain intensity (p = 0.02). Serum protein levels of IL-2, IL-8, and TNF did not differ between patients and controls.

Conclusions

We identified higher systemic gene expression of IL-2, IL-8, and TNF in SFN patients than in controls, which may be of potential relevance for diagnostics and patient stratification.
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses provide insight into thermotolerance in desert plant Zygophyllum xanthoxylum
Authors: Bai Wan-Peng , Li Hu-Jun , Hepworth Shelley R. , Liu Hai-Shuang , Liu Lin-Bo , Wang Gai-Ni , Ma Qing , Bao Ai-Ke , Wang Suo-Min
Published: January 2023

Background

Heat stress has adverse effects on the growth and reproduction of plants. Zygophyllum xanthoxylum, a typical xerophyte, is a dominant species in the desert where summer temperatures are around 40 °C. However, the mechanism underlying the thermotolerance of Z. xanthoxylum remained unclear.

Results

Here, we characterized the acclimation of Z. xanthoxylum to heat using a combination of physiological measurements and transcriptional profiles under treatments at 40 °C and 45 °C, respectively. Strikingly, moderate high temperature (40 °C) led to an increase in photosynthetic capacity and superior plant performance, whereas severe high temperature (45 °C) was accompanied by reduced photosynthetic capacity and inhibited growth. Transcriptome profiling indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to transcription factor activity, protein folding and photosynthesis under heat conditions. Furthermore, numerous genes encoding heat transcription shock factors (HSFs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) were significantly up-regulated under heat treatments, which were correlated with thermotolerance of Z. xanthoxylum. Interestingly, the up-regulation of PSI and PSII genes and the down-regulation of chlorophyll catabolism genes likely contribute to improving plant performance of Z. xanthoxylum under moderate high temperature.

Conclusions

We identified key genes associated with of thermotolerance and growth in Z. xanthoxylum, which provide significant insights into the regulatory mechanisms of thermotolerance and growth regulation in Z. xanthoxylum under high temperature conditions.
Mesenchymal circulating tumor cells and Ki67: their mutual correlation and prognostic implications in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Xihua , Ni Hanghang , Lu Zhan , Zhang Jie , Zhang Qian , Ning Shangwu , Qi Lunan , Xiang Bangde
Published: January 2023

Background

Mesenchymal circulating tumor cells (M-CTCs) may be related to tumor progression, and Ki67 expression is known to be involved in tumor proliferation. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between M-CTCs and Ki67 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their ability to predict prognosis.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 105 HCC patients before radical surgery. CTCs were isolated using CanPatrol enrichment and classified via in situ hybridization. Ki67 expression in HCC tissue was assessed through immunohistochemistry. Potential relationships of M-CTC, Ki67 with clinicopathological factors and prognosis were evaluated. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression. The prognostic efficacy of M-CTC, Ki67 and both together (M-CTC + Ki67) was assessed in terms of time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Harrell's concordance index.

Results

Of the 105 patients, 50 were positive for M-CTCs (count ≥ 1 per 5 mL) and 39 showed high Ki67 expression (≥ 50% tumor cells were Ki67-positive). The presence of M-CTC was significantly associated with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 400 ng/mL (P = 0.007), tumor size ≥ 5 cm (P = 0.023), multiple tumors (P < 0.001), poorly differentiated tumors (P = 0.003), incomplete tumor capsule (P < 0.001), Barcelona Clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage B or C (P < 0.001), microvascular invasion (MVI) (P = 0.05) and portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) (P = 0.006). High Ki67 expression correlated with AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL (P = 0.015), tumor size ≥ 5 cm (P = 0.012), incomplete tumor capsule (P < 0.001), MVI (P = 0.001), PVTT (P = 0.003), advanced BCLC stage (P = 0.01), and vessel carcinoma embolus (VCE) (P = 0.001). M-CTC positively correlated with Ki67. Patients positive for M-CTCs had a significantly shorter OS than patients negative for them. Similarly, high Ki67 expression was associated with a significantly lower OS. The high-risk group (positive for M-CTCs and high Ki67 expression) had worse OS than the other groups (P < 0.0001). Uni- and multivariate analyses showed that OS was independently predicted by M-CTC [hazard ratio (HR) 1.115; P < 0.001], Ki67 (HR 1.666; P = 0.046) and the combination of both (HR 2.885; P = 0.008). Based on ROC curves and the concordance index, the combination of M-CTC and Ki67 was superior to either parameter alone for predicting the OS of HCC patients.

Conclusions

The presence of M-CTC correlates with high Ki67 expression in HCC patients, and both factors are associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, the combination of M-CTC and Ki67 is a useful prognostic indicator for predicting OS in patients with HCC after hepatectomy, performing better than either parameter on its own.
Determinants of depression and anxiety among type 2 diabetes patients in governments’ hospitals at Harari regional state, Eastern Ethiopia: A multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Nigussie Kabtamu , Sertsu Addisu , Ayana Galana Mamo , Dessie Yadeta , Bete Tilahun , Abdisa Lemesa , Debele Gebiso Roba , Wadaje Dawud , Negash Abraham
Published: January 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common health problem globally. Depression and anxiety can exacerbate disease complications, make patients suffer more, and increase healthcare costs. Even though, depression and anxiety are common among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, there have been limited studies conducted about the determinants of depression and anxiety in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude and determinants of depression and anxiety symptoms among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, attending out-patient treatment at Harari regional state government hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia.

Method

An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April at Harari regional state government hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. A total of 421 participants were recruited using the systematic sampling technique. Data was collected by using Afan Oromo version of interviewer-administered structured and semi-structured questionnaires. Depression and Anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify variables related to both depression and anxiety symptoms. The association was described using an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval (CI), with P-values of 0.05 used as a cutoff for a significant association in the adjusted analysis.

Result

Out of the 416 participants included in this study, 42.3%, 40.4% had depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Being female (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.85(1.09–3.15)), no formal education (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.65, (1.04–6.73)), age ≥ 70 (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.88 (1.28–6.48)), family history of mental illness (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.71 (1.35–3.82)) and poor social support (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.35(1.12–6.03)) were statistically associated with depression. While having a family history of mental illness (AOR 1.74(1.03–2.95)), being widowed (AOR = 3.45(1.49–8.01)), and having poor social support (AOR = 2.15(1.12, 4.89)) were statistically significant associated with anxiety at ap-value < 0.05.

Conclusion

Current study results showed that the magnitude of depression and anxiety were relatively high among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.Having a family history of mental illness and poor social support were statistically associated with both depression and anxiety symptoms. Screening, early detection, and appropriate treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients should be prioritized by health care providers.
Prevalence of suicide attempts and correlates among first-episode and untreated major depressive disorder patients with comorbid dyslipidemia of different ages of onset in a Chinese Han population: a large cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Yang , Lu Yaoyao , Cai Yi , Liu Chengjiang , Zhang Xiang-Yang
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with dyslipidemia are at increased risk for suicide, especially those with major depressive disorder (MDD). Few studies have investigated the independent effects of suicide attempts on comorbid dyslipidemia in patients with MDD. Moreover, there are no comparisons of differences in factors associated with suicide attempts among patients with MDD with dyslipidemia at different ages of onset. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of suicide attempts and associated variables in first episode and untreated patients with MDD with comorbid dyslipidemia at different ages of onset.

Methods

We recruited 1718 patients with first-episode untreated MDD in this study. Demographical and clinical data were collected, and lipid profiles, thyroid function, and blood glucose levels were measured. The Hamilton Depression Scale 17 (HAMD-17), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale (CGI), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) positive subscale were assessed for depression, anxiety and illness severity, as well as psychotic symptoms, respectively.

Results

The percentage of patients with MDD with comorbid dyslipidemia was 61% (1048/1718). Among patients with MDD with comorbid dyslipidemia, the incidence of suicide attempts was 22.2% (170/765) for early adulthood onset and 26.5% (75/283) for mid-adulthood onset. Independent factors associated with suicide attempts in early adulthood onset patients with MDD with dyslipidemia were as follows: HAMA score (B = 0.328, P < 0.0001, OR = 1.388), Suspicion /persecution (B = -0.554, P = 0.006, OR = 0.575), CGI (B = 0.878, P < 0.0001, OR = 2.406), systolic blood pressure (B = 0.048, P = 0.004, OR = 1.049), hallucinatory behavior (B = 0.334, P = 0.025, OR = 1.397), and TPOAb (B = 0.003, p < 0.0001, OR = 1.003). Independent factors associated with suicide attempts in mid-adulthood onset patients with MDD with comorbid dyslipidemia were as follows: HAMA score (B = 0.182, P < 0.0001, OR = 1.200), CGI (B = 1.022, P < 0.0001, OR = 2.778), and TPOAb (B = 0.002, P = 0.009, OR = 1.002).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest an elevated risk of suicide attempts in patients with MDD with comorbid dyslipidemia. The incidence of suicide attempts was similar in the early- and mid-adulthood onset subgroups among patients with MDD with dyslipidemia, but the factors associated with suicide attempts were different in these two subgroups.
Evaluation of a technology-enhanced, integrated community health and wellness program for seniors (HWePS): protocol of a non-randomized comparison trial
Authors: Kim Hongsoo , Choi Hyoungshim , Jung Young-il , Kim Eunji , Lee Woojoo , Yi Jae Yoon
Published: January 2023

Background

Healthy aging for all in the community is a shared public health agenda for countries with aging populations, but there is a lack of empirical evidence on community-wide preventive models that promote the health of older people residing in socially-disadvantaged communities. The Health and Wellness Program for Seniors (HWePS) is a technology-enhanced, multi-level, integrated health equity intervention model. This study evaluates the effect of the HWePS on the health and well-being of older adults residing in urban, low-income communities. 

Methods/design

HWePS is a prospective, non-randomized comparison trial conducted in an intervention and a control neighborhood (dong) in Seoul, South Korea, over 12 months. Older people who reside in the small areas and meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria are eligible to participate. The multi-level, multi-faceted HWePS intervention is a preventive community care model for older residents guided by the expanded chronic care model, the comprehensive health literacy intervention model, and the Systems for Person-centered Elder Care model along with health equity frameworks. HWePS consists of four components: a health literacy intervention based on individual and community needs assessments, personalized (self-)care management featuring nurse coaching and peer support, a healthy-living and healthy-aging community initiative, and information and communication technology (ICT) systems. The primary outcomes are self-reported health and health-related quality of life. Outcome assessors and data analysts are blinded to group assignment. Process evaluation will be also conducted.

Discussion

As a multi-level health equity project, HWePS has adopted a novel study design that simultaneously targets individual- and community-level factors known to contribute to health inequality in later life in the community. The study will provide insights into the effectiveness and implementation process of an integrated, multi-level, preventive community care model, which in turn can help improve the health outcomes of older residents and reduce disparities in underserved urban communities.

Trial registration

ISRCTN29103760. Registered 2 September 2021, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN29103760
Central hepatectomy versus major hepatectomy for patients with centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gadallah Edward Atef , Elkomos Beshoy Effat , Khalil Ahmed , fawzy Fawzy Salah , Abdelaal Amr
Published: January 2023

Background and aim

For those with a centrally located HCC, the two types of liver sectionectomy that can be performed are extended hepatectomy (EH) and central hepatectomy (CH). This meta-analysis aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes between patients treated with CH and patients treated with EH for those with centrally located HCC.

Method

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for eligible studies from inception to 1 April 2022 and a systematic review and meta-analysis were done to compare the outcomes between the two groups.

Results

we included 9 studies with a total of 1674 patients in this study. The pooled results in this meta-analysis showed equal long-term overall survival, Disease-free survival, recurrence and mortality between the two groups (5-year OS, RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.96–1.35, P = 0.12; I2 = 56%), (5-year DFS, RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.61–1.08, P = 0.15; I2 = 60%), (Recurrence, RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.94–1.15, P = 0.45; I2 = 27%), and (Mortality, RR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.26–1.15, P = 0.11; I2 = 0%). In addition to that, no significant difference could be detected in the overall incidence of complications between the two groups (Complications, RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.76–1.16, P = 0.57; I2 = 0%). However, CH is associated with a remarkable increase in the rate of biliary fistula (Biliary fistula, RR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.07–3.40, P = 0.03; I2 = 0%). And Liver cell failure was higher in the case of EH (LCF, RR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.30–0.76, P = 0.002; I2 = 0%). Regarding the operative details, CH is associated with longer operative time (Time of the operation, Mean difference = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.36, 1.27, P = 0.0004; I2 = 57%).

Conclusion

No significant difference in the short and long-term survival and recurrence between CH and MH for CL-HCC. However, CH is associated with greater future remnant liver volume that decreases the incidence of LCF and provides more opportunities for a repeat hepatectomy after tumour recurrence.