bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of macrogol 4000 plus electrolytes in bowel preparation for colonoscopy in patients with chronic constipation
Authors: Ichijima Ryoji , Suzuki Sho , Esaki Mitsuru , Sugita Tomomi , Ogura Kanako , Kusano Chika , Ikehara Hisatomo , Gotoda Takuji
Published: October 2021

Background

Chronic constipation is a significant factor in poor bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Macrogol 4000 plus electrolytes (Movicol, EA Pharma, Tokyo, Japan), containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes, have been used recently to treat patients with constipation. However, prospective studies on the use of macrogol 4000 for bowel cleansing for colonoscopy are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of macrogol 4000 in addition to PEG administered in patients with chronic constipation.

Methods

This single-center, single-arm prospective study enrolled patients with chronic constipation who were scheduled to undergo colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of good bowel preparation assessed using the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) (6 or more points). The secondary endpoints were the time from when pPEG (MoviPrep, EA Pharma, Tokyo, Japan) was taken until colonoscopy could be started, amount of PEG taken, number of defecations, whether additional PEG doses were taken, and adverse events. Endoscopy-related endpoints included cecal intubation rate, insertion time, observation time, adenoma detection rate (ADR), and polyp detection rate (PDR). The tolerability of PEG and macrogol 4000 was assessed using a questionnaire.

Results

Forty patients were included in the analysis. The median BBPS was 7 (range 3–9) and ≥ 6 points in 37 cases (92.5%). The median time until colonoscopy can be started was 210 min (90–360 min), the median volume of PEG taken was 1500 mL (1000–2000 mL), and the median number of defecations was 7 (3–20). No adverse events were observed. Fourteen patients required an additional dose of PEG. Cecal intubation was achieved in all cases, the median insertion time was 6.0 min (range 2.3–22 min), and the median observation time was 8.8 min (range 4.0–16.0 min). The ADR and PDR were 60.0% and 75.0%, respectively. A proportion of patients rated the tolerability of macrogol 4000 and PEG as 95.0% and 50.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

Intake of macrogol 4000 in addition to PEG is effective and safe for colonoscopy in patients with chronic constipation.

Clinical trial registration statement This study was registered in the UMIN-CTR database (UMIN-ID000038315).
Evidence and assessment of parenchymal patterns of ultrasonography for breast cancer detection among Chinese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bao Zhongtao , Zhao Yanchun , Chen Shuqiang , Chen Xiaoyu , Xu Xiang , Wei Linglin , Chen Ling
Published: October 2021

Background

Screening of breast cancer in asymptomatic women is important to evaluate for early diagnosis. In China ultrasound is a more frequently used method than mammography for the detection of breast cancer. The objectives of the study were to provide evidence and assessment of parenchymal patterns of ultrasonography for breast cancer detection among Chinese women.

Methods

Breast ultrasound examinations including the parenchymatous pattern of cytopathological confirmed breast cancer (n = 541) and age-matched cytopathological not confirmed breast cancer (n = 849) women were retrospectively reviewed by seven sonographer physicians. According to compositions of ducts, the thickness of the breast, diameter of ducts, fat lobules, and fibro glandular tissues, the breast parenchymatous pattern was categorized into heterogeneous (high percentage of fatty tissues), ductal (the inner diameters of ducts > 50% of the thick mass of the breast), mixed (the inner diameters of ducts was 50% of the thick mass of the breast), and fibrous categories (a dense classification of the breast).

Results

Heterogeneous (p < 0.0001, OR = 3.972) and fibrous categories (p < 0.0001, OR = 2.702) were higher among women who have cytopathological confirmed breast cancer than those who have not cytopathological confirmed breast cancer. The heterogeneous category was high-risk ultrasonographic examination category followed by the fibrous category. Agreements between sonographer physicians for categories of ultrasonic examinations were fair to good (Cohen’s k = 0.591).

Conclusions

Breast cancer risk in Chinese asymptomatic women differ according to the ultrasonographic breast parenchymal pattern.

Level of Evidence: III.

Technical efficacy stage: 2.
Variants identified by next-generation sequencing cause endoplasmic reticulum stress in Rhodopsin-associated retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Wang Yue , Chen Xi , Gao Xiang , Zhao Andi , Zhao Chen , Chen Xuejuan
Published: October 2021

Background

Rhodopsin (RHO) is the most well-known genetic cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). This study aimed to investigate the genetic cause of a large Chinese adRP family and assess the pathogenicity of the detected RHO mutant.

Methods

Routine ocular examinations were conducted on all participants. Next-generation sequencing with targeted capture was performed to screen mutations in 179 genes associated with hereditary retinal diseases and 10 candidate genes. Variants detected by NGS were validated by Sanger sequencing and evaluated for pathogenicity. Fragments of mutant and wild-type RHO were cloned into the pEGFP-N1 vector and were transfected into different cell lines to observe the cellular localization of the Rhodopsin-GFP fusion protein and evaluate the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers. RT-PCR analysis was used to detect transfected the splicing of X box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) mRNA, which is a critical factor affecting ER stress.

Results

Genetic analysis identified a heterozygous missense variant, RHO, c.284 T > C (p.L95P) in this adRP family. Another RHO variant (p.P53R) that we reported previously was also included in further functional assessment. Both misfolded mutant proteins accumulated in the ER in a manner similar to that noted for the classic mutant P23H. Spliced XBP1 was observed in cells transfected with mutants, indicating an increase in ER stress.

Conclusions

Although the p.L95P variant is not a novel change, it was the first variant to be functionally evaluated and reported in Chinese RP patients. The results in our study provide significant evidence to classify the p.L95P mutation as a class II mutation.
Correlates of problematic internet use among undergraduate medical students of Delhi
Authors: Dhamnetiya Deepak , Singh Satyavir , Jha Ravi Prakash
Published: October 2021

Background

Globally, due to population diversity, the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) varies from 7.3 to 51%. This study aims to assess correlates of problematic internet use among undergraduate medical students of Delhi and derive a model for allocating new subjects among categories of internet users.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 201 medical-undergraduate students in a medical college of Delhi from April 1st to May 31st, 2019. A semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and factors affecting PIU. Dr. Kimberly Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) tool was used to assess PIU. Binary logistic regression has been applied to assess the correlates of PIU, and step-wise discriminant analysis (DA) has been applied to derive a model for allocation of new subjects among categories of internet users. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Trial version 27.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) software was used for statistical analysis.

Result

Total 41.3% of the subjects had PIU. Univariate analysis shows that internet use for emotional support, watching adult content, and gambling were significantly associated with PIU; however, in binary logistic regression, chatting, emotional support and watching online adult content were significant risk factors for PIU. The discriminant model correctly classified 66.2% of respondents into average and problematic internet user groups.

Conclusion

We should create awareness among medical students regarding problematic internet use and its potential harms; this could be included in the foundation course of curriculum implementation support program (CISP) for MBBS students.
Parental health risk perceptions and preventive measures related to Children’s second-hand cigarette smoke exposure in Malaysia
Authors: JUNUS Suria , CHEW Chii-Chii , SUGUNAN Pravin , MEOR-AZIZ Nurul-Fazlin , ZAINAL Nurul Ain , HASSAN Husna Mat , ABU-MANSOR Mazetty-Aiza , ABU-ZAMRI Hazirah , HSS Amar-Singh
Published: October 2021

Background

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure can affect physical development in children. An understanding of parental risk perception of SHS could guide efforts to develop measures for prevention of SHS exposure among children. This study aimed to assess parental risk perceptions of SHS and action taken by parents to minimise SHS exposure in their children.

Methods

This cross-sectional nationwide study conducted in 2018 recruited convenience sample of 289 parents with children up to age 12 at public areas. Parents were asked to rate the risk level from 1 (no risk) to 5 (extremely high risk) by looking at photographs of an adult smoking in the presence of a child in 8 different situations. The implementation of smoking restriction rules was assessed. Mean scores were calculated with higher scores representing higher risk perception of SHS to child’s health. Linear regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the level of parental risk perception of SHS exposure to their children’s health.

Results

A total of 246 parents responded. Their mean age was 35 years (SD 6.4). The majority were mothers (75.6%), Malays (72.0%) and had tertiary education level (82.5%), and non-smoker (87.1%). The mean age of respondents’ youngest child was 3 years (SD 3.1). The risk perception level was high [mean scores: 4.11 (SD: 0.82)]. Most parents implemented household (65.0%) and car (68.3%) smoking restriction rules. Lower levels of risk perception were observed among participants who were current smokers (p < 0.001), lived with a smoker (p < 0.001), allowed household smoking with an open window (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

Most parents perceived that risks of SHS exposure to their children were high but only two-thirds of them had set rules prohibiting smoking. Health policymakers should pay attention to factors associated with lower risk perception among parents.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia (Registration Number: NMRR-18-3299-44967).
Job crafting promotes internal recovery state, especially in jobs that demand self-control: a daily diary design
Authors: Shi Yanwei , She Zhuang , Li Dan , Zhang Hui , Niu Kuihuan
Published: October 2021

Background

Research on how employees recover from work has focused primarily on recovery during non-work hours (external recovery) rather than recovery during work hours (internal recovery). Using the conservation of resources theory as a conceptual framework, we tested whether job crafting promotes an internal recovery state, and examined the processes that explain this association.

Methods

Using the daily diary method, 120 full-time employees provided information before and after work for 5 days by rating job crafting, ego depletion, self-control demands at work, fatigue and vigor.

Results

The results of multilevel modeling showed that after controlling for employees’ fatigue and vigor before work, daily job crafting predicted significantly better internal recovery (greater vigor and lower fatigue at the end of workday), and this association was mediated by lower ego depletion. The links between job crafting and internal recovery were stronger for employees with high self-control demands at work.

Conclusions

This study extends recovery research by examining internal recovery as well as job crafting as its antecedent. Further, the present study suggests that managers may consider encouraging and offering job crafting interventions for employees to achieve internal recovery state.
Cultural contexts during a pandemic: a qualitative description of cultural factors that shape protective behaviours in the Chinese-Canadian community
Authors: Lee Charlotte T. , Kanji Rahim , Wang Angel H. , Mamuji Aaida , Rozdilsky Jack , Chu Terri
Published: October 2021

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been significant variations in the level of adoption of public health recommendations across international jurisdictions and between cultural groups. Such variations have contributed to the dissimilar levels of risks associated with this world-changing viral infection and have highlighted the potential role of culture in assigning meaning and importance to personal protective behaviours. The purpose of this study is to describe the cultural factors during the COVID-19 pandemic that shaped protective health behaviours in the Chinese-Canadian community, one of the largest Chinese diasporas outside of Asia.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Content analysis was used to analyze the data from semi-structured virtual interviews conducted with 83 adult Chinese-Canadian participants residing in a metropolitan area in the Province of Ontario, Canada.

Findings

The cultural factors of collectivism, information seeking behaviour, symbolism of masks, and previous experience with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) emerged as themes driving the early adoption of personal protective behaviours within the Chinese-Canadian community during the first wave of COVID-19. These protective behaviours that emerged prior to the first nation-wide lockdown in Canada included physical distancing, mask use, and self-quarantine beyond what was required at the time.

Conclusion

These findings have implications for the development of future public health interventions and campaigns targeting personal protective behaviours in this population and other ethnic minority populations with similar characteristics.
Return to work after subacromial decompression, diagnostic arthroscopy, or exercise therapy for shoulder impingement: a randomised, placebo-surgery controlled FIMPACT clinical trial with five-year follow-up
Authors: Bäck Mathias , Paavola Mika , Aronen Pasi , Järvinen Teppo L. N. , Taimela Simo ,   for the Finnish Shoulder Impingement Arthroscopy Controlled Trial (FIMPACT) Investigators
Published: October 2021

Background

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is one of the most commonly performed shoulder surgeries in the world. It is performed to treat patients with suspected shoulder impingement syndrome, i.e., subacromial pain syndrome. Only few studies have specifically assessed return-to-work rates after subacromial decompression surgery. All existing evidence comes from open, unblinded study designs and this lack of blinding introduces the potential for bias. We assessed return to work and its predictors in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome in a secondary analysis of a placebo-surgery controlled trial.

Methods

One hundred eighty-four patients in a randomised trial had undergone arthroscopic subacromial decompression (n = 57), diagnostic arthroscopy, a placebo surgical intervention, (n = 59), or exercise therapy (n = 68). We assessed return to work, defined as having returned to work for at least two follow-up visits by the primary 24-month time point, work status at 24 and 60 months, and trajectories of return to work per follow-up time point. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded to the assignment regarding the arthroscopic subacromial decompression vs. diagnostic arthroscopy comparison. We assessed the treatment effect on the full analysis set as the difference between the groups in return-to-work rates and work status at 24 months and at 60 months using Chi-square test and the predictors of return to work with logistic regression analysis.

Results

There was no difference in the trajectories of return to work between the study groups. By 24 months, 50 of 57 patients (88%) had returned to work in the arthroscopic subacromial decompression group, while the respective figures were 52 of 59 (88%) in the diagnostic arthroscopy group and 61 of 68 (90%) in the exercise therapy group. No clinically relevant predictors of return to work were found. The proportion of patients at work was 80% (147/184) at 24 months and 73% (124/184) at 60 months, with no difference between the treatment groups (p-values 0.842 and 0.943, respectively).

Conclusions

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression provided no benefit over diagnostic arthroscopy or exercise therapy on return to work in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. We did not find clinically relevant predictors of return to work either.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT00428870.
Utilization of complementary and traditional medicine practitioners among middle-aged and older adults in India: results of a national survey in 2017–2018
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: October 2021

Background

Lack of information exists about the use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use among middle-aged and older adults in India, which led to studying the estimates of past-12-month Ayurveda/Yoga/Naturopathy/Unani/Siddha/Homeopathy (AYUSH) practitioner and traditional health practitioner (THP) utilization in India.

Methods

The study included 72,262 individuals (45 years and older) from the cross-sectional 2017–2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1.

Results

The prevalence of past 12-month AYUSH practitioner utilization was 6.5%, THP use 7.0%, and AYUSH or THP use 13.0%. The rate of AYUSH practitioner utilization was determined by older age (≥60 years) (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 1.20, 95% Confidence Interval-CI: 1.07–1.34), having pain (AOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.29–1.69), any bone or joint diseases (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.35–1.82), current tobacco use (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12–1.50), male sex (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.68–0.85), high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60–0.87), urban residence (AOR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.88), diabetes (AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55–0.81), chronic heart disease (AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37–0.73), and having a health insurance cover (AOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.30–0.44). The rate of THP utilization was determined by depressive symptoms (AOR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01–1.35), sleep problems (AOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08–1.51), having pain (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.55–2.15), current tobacco use (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.22–1.51), having health insurance cover (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.33–0.51), hypertension (AOR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71–0.95), diabetes (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.39–0.65), urban residence (AOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.19–0.34), and high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58–0.85).

Conclusion

A moderate prevalence of AYUSH practitioner and THP use among middle-aged and older adults in India was found and several factors associated with AYUSH practitioner and THP use were identified.
A mixed-methods survey of physiotherapists who practice acupuncture and dry needling in Ontario, Canada: practice characteristics, motivations, and professional outcomes
Authors: Ijaz Nadine , Welsh Sandy , Boon Heather
Published: October 2021

Background

Physiotherapists (PTs) across the globe are increasingly incorporating filiform needling techniques (e.g., acupuncture, dry needling) into their clinical toolkits; and, the evidence base for these complementary therapies is becoming progressively more robust. However, to date, little is known about needling PTs themselves.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional survey design, PTs authorized to perform needling therapies in Ontario, Canada were recruited for anonymous participation (n = 2061) in an online survey. The survey asked providers about their demographics and practice characteristics, rationale for and views about therapeutic needling, and their related clinical and professional outcomes. The response rate was 20.7% (n = 426), and 22.3% (n = 95) of respondents provided textual responses to an open-ended qualitative question.

Results

While study respondents’ demographic features appear similar to their broader professional population, Ontario’s needling PTs are less likely to work in public sector settings. Most completed training in medical acupuncture rather than dry needling, and typically used needling in over one-third of patient visits. Almost all endorsed needling as an effective musculoskeletal treatment, the primary factor informing their adoption of the practice. While many viewed traditional Chinese medical theories as a useful explanatory framework, most relied on biomedical epistemology to drive their needling work. A majority of respondents reported that the inclusion of needling within their clinical toolkits had improved their likelihood of achieving excellent clinical results, helped support patient recruitment and retention, and heightened their professional satisfaction. While a few reported earning a higher income as a result, most reported that their clinical use of needling in addition to other PT modalities reduced their physical fatigue after a day’s work.

Conclusions

This study represents a first scholarly investigation into the motivations, training backgrounds and practice patterns of PTs who use acupuncture or dry needling. Additional research from other jurisdictions is needed to evaluate the transferability of study findings.
The information system stress, informatics competence and well-being of newly graduated and experienced nurses: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaihlanen Anu-Marja , Gluschkoff Kia , Laukka Elina , Heponiemi Tarja
Published: October 2021

Background

The use of information systems takes up a significant amount of nurses’ daily working time. Increased use of the systems requires nurses to have adequate competence in nursing informatics and is known to be a potential source of stress. However, little is known about the role of nursing informatics competence and stress related to information systems (SRIS) in the well-being of nurses. Moreover, the potential impact of nurses’ career stage on this matter is unknown. This study examined whether SRIS and nursing informatics competence are associated with stress and psychological distress in newly graduated nurses (NGNs) and experienced nurses.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Finland between October and December 2018. The participants were NGNs (n = 712) with less than two years of work experience and experienced nurses (n = 1226) with more than two years of work experience. The associations of nursing informatics and SRIS with nurses’ stress and psychological distress were analyzed with linear regression analysis. Analyses were conducted separately for NGNs and experienced nurses. Models were adjusted for age, gender, and work environment.

Results

SRIS was associated with stress / psychological distress for both NGNs (β = 0.26p < 0.001 / β = 0.22p < 0.001) and experienced nurses (β = 0.21p < 0.001/ β = 0.12p < 0.001). Higher nursing informatics competence was associated with lower stress (β = 0.20p < 0.001) and psychological distress (β = 0.16p < 0.001) in NGNs, but not among experienced nurses.

Conclusions

SRIS appears to be an equal source of stress and distress for nurses who are starting their careers and for more experienced nurses, who are also likely to be more experienced users of information systems. However, informatics competence played a more important role among NGNs and a lack of adequate competence seems to add to the strain that is already known to be high in the early stages of a career. It would be important for educational institutions to invest in nursing informatics so that new nurses entering the workforce have sufficient skills to work in increasingly digital health care.
Channel nuclear pore protein 54 directs sexual differentiation and neuronal wiring of female reproductive behaviors in Drosophila
Authors: Nallasivan Mohanakarthik P. , Haussmann Irmgard U. , Civetta Alberto , Soller Matthias
Published: October 2021

Background

Female reproductive behaviors and physiology change profoundly after mating. The control of pregnancy-associated changes in physiology and behaviors are largely hard-wired into the brain to guarantee reproductive success, yet the gene expression programs that direct neuronal differentiation and circuit wiring at the end of the sex determination pathway in response to mating are largely unknown. In Drosophila, the post-mating response induced by male-derived sex-peptide in females is a well-established model to elucidate how complex innate behaviors are hard-wired into the brain. Here, we use a genetic approach to further characterize the molecular and cellular architecture of the sex-peptide response in Drosophila females.

Results

Screening for mutations that affect the sensitivity to sex-peptide, we identified the channel nuclear pore protein Nup54 gene as an essential component for mediating the sex-peptide response, with viable mutant alleles leading to the inability of laying eggs and reducing receptivity upon sex-peptide exposure. Nup54 directs correct wiring of eight adult brain neurons that express pickpocket and are required for egg-laying, while additional channel Nups also mediate sexual differentiation. Consistent with links of Nups to speciation, the Nup54 promoter is a hot spot for rapid evolution and promoter variants alter nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling.

Conclusions

These results implicate nuclear pore functionality to neuronal wiring underlying the sex-peptide response and sexual differentiation as a response to sexual conflict arising from male-derived sex-peptide to direct the female post-mating response.
A mixed methods exploration of the role of multi-family groups in community treatment of patients with depression and anxiety in Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Saniya , Baig Anayat , Sajun Sana , Bird Victoria , Priebe Stefan , Pasha Aneeta
Published: October 2021

Background

An open, non-controlled trial was conducted to explore the feasibility, experiences and outcomes of multi-family groups in community mental health care of patients with depression and anxiety.

Methods

The study was conducted in community settings within the catchment area of a free of cost primary care center in Karachi, Pakistan. 30 patients with symptoms of depression and anxiety, their caregivers and 3 lay counsellors were recruited enrolled in the study between May–September 2019. Patients were enrolled for monthly multi-family group meetings conducted over 6 months in groups of 5–6 patients and 1–2 nominated caregivers each. Meetings were facilitated by the non-specialist trained counsellors. The primary outcome was quality of life (assessed using Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life) and secondary outcomes were symptoms of depression and anxiety (assessed on Aga Khan University Depression and Anxiety Scale), social outcomes (Social Outcome Index), and caregiver burden (Burden Assessment Scale). Change in all measures was assessed pre and 6-month post intervention using t-test. In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 patients, 7 caregivers and the 3 lay counsellors.

Results

A total of 36 family intervention meetings were conducted with six groups with a total of 30 patients, 34 caregivers and 3 counsellors. Between baseline and the end of the intervention, subjective quality of life increased significantly from 3.34 to 4.58 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.93–1.54). Self-reported depression and anxiety scores reduced from 34.7 to 19.5 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 10.8–19.8) and the Social Outcome Index improved from 3.63 to 4.52 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.39–1.39). There was no change in family burden. Participants reported that the group meetings were seen as a safe space for shared learning, and that the experience helped improve self-regulation of emotions and behaviors and instilled a sense of belonging.

Conclusion

Multi-family groups in community treatment of common mental health disorders facilitated by non-specialist mental health service providers is feasible, experienced positively and has the potential for large and positive effects on subjective quality of life, self-reported depression and anxiety, and objective social outcomes.

Trial Registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN12299326. Registered 05 June 2019. Retrospectively registered,https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12299326.
The correlation between mobile phone addiction and coping style among Chinese adolescents: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Guang-Li , Ding Yue-Ming , Zhang Yi-Ming , Huang Hai-Tao , Liang Yi-Pei , Chen Chao-Ran
Published: October 2021

Background

Mobile phone addiction has become a social problem that affects the healthy growth of adolescents, and it may be correlated with coping style. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mobile phone addiction and coping style and the influencing factors for adolescents.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANFANG DATA and Chongqing VIP Information Co., Ltd. (VIP), PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycINFO. Stata 16.0 was used to analyse the overall effect and test the moderating effect.

Results

Thirty-three studies were included, involving a total of 20,349 subjects. There was no significant correlation between adolescents’ mobile phone addiction and positive coping style (r =  − 0.02, 95% CI =  − 0.06 to 0.02, P > 0.05), but there was a moderate positive correlation between adolescents’ mobile phone addiction and negative coping style (r = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.36, P < 0.001). The moderating effect analysis showed that the effect of dissertations on mobile phone addiction and positive coping style among adolescents was significantly larger than that of journal articles. The Smartphone Addiction Scale for College Students (SAS-C) showed the largest effect on mobile phone addiction and positive coping style among adolescents. The time of publication significantly positively moderated the relationship between mobile phone addiction and negative coping style among adolescents. The Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) showed the largest effect on adolescents’ mobile phone addiction and negative coping style. However, the correlation between adolescents’ mobile phone addiction and coping style was not affected by age or gender.

Conclusions

There was a close relationship between mobile phone addiction and coping style among adolescents. In the future, longitudinal research should be carried out to better investigate the dynamic changes in the relationship between mobile phone addiction and coping style.
Association of peripheral blood DNA methylation level with Alzheimer’s disease progression
Authors: Li Qingqin S. , Vasanthakumar Aparna , Davis Justin W. , Idler Kenneth B. , Nho Kwangsik , Waring Jeffrey F. , Saykin Andrew J. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: October 2021

Background

Identifying biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression may enable patient enrichment and improve clinical trial designs. Epigenome-wide association studies have revealed correlations between DNA methylation at cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and AD pathology and diagnosis. Here, we report relationships between peripheral blood DNA methylation profiles measured using Infinium® MethylationEPIC BeadChip and AD progression in participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort.

Results

The rate of cognitive decline from initial DNA sampling visit to subsequent visits was estimated by the slopes of the modified Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (mPACC; mPACCdigitand mPACCtrailsB) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) plots using robust linear regression in cognitively normal (CN) participants and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), respectively. In addition, diagnosis conversion status was assessed using a dichotomized endpoint. Two CpG sites were significantly associated with the slope of mPACC in CN participants (P < 5.79 × 10−8[Bonferroni correction threshold]); cg00386386 was associated with the slope of mPACCdigit, and cg09422696 annotated toRP11-661A12.5was associated with the slope of CDR-SB. No significant CpG sites associated with diagnosis conversion status were identified. Genes involved in cognition and learning were enriched. A total of 19, 13, and 5 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with the slopes of mPACCtrailsB, mPACCdigit, and CDR-SB, respectively, were identified by both comb-p and DMRcate algorithms; these included DMRs annotated toHOXA4. Furthermore, 5 and 19 DMRs were associated with conversion status in CN and MCI participants, respectively. The most significant DMR was annotated to the AD-associated genePM20D1(chr1: 205,818,956 to 205,820,014 [13 probes], Sidak-correctedP = 7.74 × 10−24), which was associated with both the slope of CDR-SB and the MCI conversion status.

Conclusion

Candidate CpG sites and regions in peripheral blood were identified as associated with the rate of cognitive decline in participants in the ADNI cohort. While we did not identify a single CpG site with sufficient clinical utility to be used by itself due to the observed effect size, a biosignature composed of DNA methylation changes may have utility as a prognostic biomarker for AD progression.
Online teaching in radiology as a pilot model for modernizing medical education: results of an international study in cooperation with the ESR
Authors: Stoehr Fabian , Müller Lukas , Brady Adrian P. , Catalano Carlo , Mildenberger Peter , Mähringer-Kunz Aline , Hahn Felix , Düber Christoph , Celik Erkan , Diehl Elisabeth , Dietz Pavel , Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Kloeckner Roman
Published: October 2021

Background

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it proved necessary to rapidly change medical education from on-site to online teaching. Thus, medical educators were forced to rethink the purpose of teaching and the best form of transmission of knowledge. In cooperation with the European Society of Radiology (ESR), we investigated the attitudes of radiologists in Europe and North America toward innovative online teaching concepts.

Methods

In total, 224 radiologists from 31 different countries participated in our cross-sectional, web-based survey study. On a 7-point Likert scale, participants had to answer 27 questions about the online teaching situation before/during the pandemic, technical and social aspects of online teaching and the future role of online teaching in radiology.

Results

An overwhelming majority stated that radiology is particularly well-suited for online teaching (91%), that online teaching should play a more prominent role after the pandemic (73%) and that lecturers should be familiar with online teaching techniques (89%). Difficulties include a higher workload in preparing online courses (59%), issues with motivating students to follow online courses (56%) and the risk of social isolation (71%). Before the pandemic, only 12% of teaching was provided online; for the future, our participants deemed a proportion of approximately 50% online teaching appropriate.

Conclusion

Our participants are open-minded about online teaching in radiology. As the best way of transferring knowledge in medical education is still unclear, online teaching offers potential for innovation in radiology education. To support online teaching development, a structured, framework-based “online curriculum” should be established.
Efficacy of post-inpatient aftercare treatments for anorexia nervosa: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Giel Katrin E. , Behrens Simone C. , Schag Kathrin , Martus Peter , Herpertz Stephan , Hofmann Tobias , Skoda Eva-Maria , Voderholzer Ulrich , von Wietersheim Jörn , Wild Beate , Zeeck Almut , Schmidt Ulrike , Zipfel Stephan , Junne Florian
Published: October 2021

Background

Early relapse after inpatient treatment is a serious problem in the management of anorexia nervosa (AN). Specialized aftercare interventions have the potential to bridge the gap between inpatient and outpatient care, to prevent relapse and to improve the long-term outcome for patients with AN.

Methods

Following the guidelines of the PRISMA statement, we conducted a systematic review, synthesizing the evidence from randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of post-inpatient aftercare treatments for AN.

Results

Our search resulted in seven RCTs and three registered ongoing trials. Pharmacotherapy and low-threshold guided self-help have limited uptake and high dropout. Novel mobile guided self-help approaches seem promising due to high patient satisfaction, but their efficacy has yet to be investigated in larger trials. Cognitive-behavior psychotherapy may be beneficial in delaying relapse, but evidence is based on a single study.

Conclusion

Only a limited number of RCTs investigating aftercare interventions for patients with AN is available. There is no clear evidence favoring any one specific approach for post-inpatient aftercare in adult patients with AN. The field faces many challenges which generally affect intervention research in AN. A specific issue is how to increase uptake of and reduce dropout from aftercare interventions. This calls for better tailoring of interventions to patient needs and the integration of patient perspectives into treatment. Intensified research and care efforts are needed to address the problem of recurrent relapse after intensive inpatient treatment for AN and to eventually improve prognosis for this eating disorder.
Developing Personal Resilience Questionnaire for rural doctors: an indigenous approach study in Indonesia
Authors: Handoyo Nicholas Edwin , Rahayu Gandes Retno , Claramita Mora , Keraf Marselino K. P. Abdi , Octrisdey Karol , Yuniarti Kwartarini Wahyu , Ash Julie , Schuwirth Lambert
Published: October 2021

Background

Resilience is recognized as a critical component of well-being and is an essential factor in coping with stress. There are issues of using a standardized resilience scale developed for one cultural population to be used in the different cultural populations. This study aimed to create a specific measurement scale for measuring doctors’ resilience levels in the rural Indonesian context.

Method

A total of 527 rural doctors and health professional educators joined this study (37 and 490 participants in the pilot studies and the survey, respectively). An indigenous psychological approach was implemented in linguistic and cultural adaptation and validation of an existing instrument into the local Indonesian rural health context. A combined method of back-translation, committee approach, communication with the original author, and exploratory qualitative study in the local context was conducted. The indigenous psychological approach was implemented in exploring the local context and writing additional local items.

Result

The final questionnaire consisted of six dimensions and 30 items with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α ranged 0.809–0.960 for each dimension). Ten locally developed items were added to the final questionnaire as a result of the indigenous psychological approach.

Conclusion

An indigenous psychological approach may enrich the linguistic and cultural adaptation and validation process of an existing scale.
Prevalence and materno-fetal outcomes of preeclampsia/eclampsia amongst pregnant women at a teaching hospital in north-central Nigeria: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Akaba Godwin O. , Anyang Ubong I. , Ekele Bissallah A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) contributes significantly to maternal, perinatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the prevalence, materno-fetal outcomes and sociodemographic factors associated with PE/E at Nigerian Teaching Hospital from September 2014 to August 2019.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that analyzed deidentified secondary data of women managed for PE/E at a teaching hospital in north-central, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics were used to determine sample characteristics and study outcome estimates. Bivariate analysis was used to test for associations between sociodemographic factors and PE/E, materno-fetal outcomes while logistic regression analysis was used to test for the magnitude of these associations. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of PE/E in this study was 3.60%. Preeclampsia was diagnosed in 3.02% of cases while eclampsia was the diagnosis in 0.58%. Case fatality rate was 3.9% and still birth rate was 10.7%. Majority of women (85.4%) did not have any maternal complication nor unfavorable outcome. Majority (67.7%), of babies weighed less than 2500 g and birth weight was the only sociodemographic factor that was significantly associated with fetal outcome (X2 = 15.6, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of PE/E in this study is high and is associated with high maternal and perinatal deaths. Majority of the cases of PE/E as well the fatalities occurred in women who had no formal education, unbooked and referred to the teaching hospital with worsening conditions. There is need for explorative research on community factors associated with PE/E and its outcome towards prevention and early management of cases.
A novel method for maintaining the stability of freshly cultured Mesenchymal stem cells in clinical grade injection ready state without cryopreservation
Authors: Mohyeddin Bonab Mandana , Talebian Fatemeh , Borzabadi Aida , Nasr Vahideh , Abedi Kooshlshahi Azam , Anisie Fahime , Haghshenas Ronaz , Shalbafan Bita , Janzamin Ehsan , Shahbeigi Saeed
Published: October 2021

Background

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with low immuonogenecity, and dynamic tissue repair potential, which explains the overwhelming attention they have attracted in regenerative therapy. One notable challenge in MSCs therapy is the bench to bed timeline of freshly cultured MSCs; it does not exceed 24 h. For use after 24 h, MSC need to be cryopreserved - which can preserve the cells for years - but it is a costly and damaging process. Here we introduce a method to extend the bench to bed lifetime of MSCs up to 4 days without the high cost and cell damaging effects of cryopreservation. Our method is based on preserving the MSCs in human plasma.

Methods

MSCs of 12 tissue samples - 4 adipose, 4 bone marrow and 4 Wharton’s jelly- were cultured and expanded in standard conditions. Cells harvested from passage 2 or 3 were washed, centrifuged, pelleted, and re-suspended in human plasma. Cell suspensions were refrigerated (5 ± 3 °C) or stored at room temperature (22 ± 3 °C) in a sterile, temperature controlled room. During the next 7 days, two tubes (one from each group) were examined every 24 h to assess MSCs viability and growth potential. On day 3, we assessed MSC cell surface markers and its differentiation potential to adipocyte and osteocyte tissues. Results were analyzed by computing the overall mean and applying the independent-samples t-test to those means.

Results

The sample means for both cell expansion and cell viability were compared between the two “refrigerator” and “room temperature” groups. Although there was a gradual decrease in cell growth potential between the cells stored for 1 day to those stored for 7 days, we show more than 80% of the cells remain alive for up to 4 days of storage in both groups. The cells reached 80% confluency in under 20 days for all samples stored up to 4 days. No significant differences were observed between the two groups (room temperature and refrigerator stored). The differentiation potential to adipocyte and osteocyte tested on day 3 were positive in all samples. The analysis of cell surface markers tested on day 3 were positive for CD90, CD105, CD73 and negative for CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR.

Conclusion

We present a method of MSC culture medium using human plasma that can preserve their viability and growth potential for up to 4 days in both room and refrigerator temperatures without losing their stemness characteristics (we recommend use of 5 ± 3 °C). This novel method will allow rapid expansion and therapeutic use of MSCs. Since the cells can be maintained in clinical grade, injection ready state for several days, they can be transported across the globe.
Non-deep physiological dormancy in seeds of Euphorbia jolkinii Boiss. native to Korea
Authors: Oh Hye Jin , Shin Un Seop , Lee Seung Youn , Kim Sang Yong , Jeong Mi Jin
Published: October 2021

Background

Euphorbia jolkinii Boiss. is a perennial species native to Jeju Island and the southern coastal area of Korea. Particularly on Jeju Island, the yellow flowers of E. jolkinii Boiss. have a high ornamental value because of their contrast with basalt. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different temperatures (5, 15, 20, and 25 °C) and gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (0, 10, 100, or 1000 mg/L) on seed dormancy and germination of E. jolkinii. In addition, we classified the seed dormancy type and compared types with those of other species in the same genus.

Results

The number of seeds with viable embryos and endosperms was approximately 66%. The final germination percentages at 5, 15, 20, and 25 °C were 51.7%, 83.5%, 2.6%, and 0.0%, respectively. In GA3 concentration experiments, the final germination percentages of 0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/L were 83.5%, 91.7%, 79.1%, and 83.4%, respectively, at 15 °C conditions, and 0.0%, 6.9%, 13.2%, and 27.3%, respectively, at 25 °C.

Conclusions

Germination improved at temperatures of 15 °C or lower. Furthermore, GA3 treatment effectively reduced germination times. Thus, the seeds of E. jolkinni were classified as having non-deep physiological dormancy.
Parasitism by endoparasitoid wasps alters the internal but not the external microbiome in host caterpillars
Authors: Gloder Gabriele , Bourne Mitchel E. , Verreth Christel , Wilberts Liesbet , Bossaert Sofie , Crauwels Sam , Dicke Marcel , Poelman Erik H. , Jacquemyn Hans , Lievens Bart
Published: October 2021

Background

The microbiome of many insects consists of a diverse community of microorganisms that can play critical roles in the functioning and overall health of their hosts. Although the microbial communities of insects have been studied thoroughly over the past decade, little is still known about how biotic interactions affect the microbial community structure in and on the bodies of insects. In insects that are attacked by parasites or parasitoids, it can be expected that the microbiome of the host insect is affected by the presence of these parasitic organisms that develop in close association with their host. In this study, we used high-throughput amplicon sequencing targeting both bacteria and fungi to test the hypothesis that parasitism by the endoparasitoid Cotesia glomerata affected the microbiome of its host Pieris brassicae. Healthy and parasitized caterpillars were collected from both natural populations and a laboratory culture.

Results

Significant differences in bacterial community structure were found between field-collected caterpillars and laboratory-reared caterpillars, and between the external and the internal microbiome of the caterpillars. Parasitism significantly altered the internal microbiome of caterpillars, but not the external microbiome. The internal microbiome of all parasitized caterpillars and of the parasitoid larvae in the caterpillar hosts was dominated by a Wolbachia strain, which was completely absent in healthy caterpillars, suggesting that the strain was transferred to the caterpillars during oviposition by the parasitoids.

Conclusion

We conclude that biotic interactions such as parasitism have pronounced effects on the microbiome of an insect host and possibly affect interactions with higher-order insects.