bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of novel prognostic circRNA biomarkers in circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in gastric cancer and immune infiltration analysis
Authors: Yan Jianing , Ye Guoliang , Jin Yanping , Miao Min , Li Qier , Zhou Hanxuan
Published: June 2023

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) carries significant morbidity and mortality globally. An increasing number of studies have confirmed that circular RNA (circRNA) is tightly associated with the carcinogenesis and development of GC, especially acting as a competing endogenous RNA for miRNAs.

Objective

Our study aimed to construct the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and analyze the function and prognostic significance of the network using bioinformatics tools.

Methods

We first downloaded the GC expression profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and identified differentially expressed genes and differentially expressed circRNAs. Then, we predicted the miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs and constructed the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Next, we established a protein-protein interaction network and analyzed the function of these networks. Finally, we primarily validated our results by comparison with The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort and by performing qRT-PCR.

Results

We screened the top 15 hub genes and 3 core modules. Functional analysis showed that in the upregulated circRNA network, 15 hub genes were correlated with extracellular matrix organization and interaction. The function of downregulated circRNAs converged on physiological functions, such as protein processing, energy metabolism and gastric acid secretion. We ascertained 3 prognostic and immune infiltration-related genes, COL12A1, COL5A2, and THBS1, and built a nomogram for clinical application. We validated the expression level and diagnostic performance of key prognostic differentially expressed genes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we constructed two circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks and identified 3 prognostic and screening biomarkers, COL12A1, COL5A2, and THBS1. The ceRNA network and these genes could play important roles in GC development, diagnosis and prognosis.
Strigolactones and abscisic acid interactions affect plant development and response to abiotic stresses
Authors: Korek Magdalena , Marzec Marek
Published: June 2023

Strigolactones (SL) are the youngest group of plant hormones responsible for shaping plant architecture, especially the branching of shoots. However, recent studies provided new insights into the functioning of SL, confirming their participation in regulating the plant response to various types of abiotic stresses, including water deficit, soil salinity and osmotic stress. On the other hand, abscisic acid (ABA), commonly referred as a stress hormone, is the molecule that crucially controls the plant response to adverse environmental conditions. Since the SL and ABA share a common precursor in their biosynthetic pathways, the interaction between both phytohormones has been largely studied in the literature. Under optimal growth conditions, the balance between ABA and SL content is maintained to ensure proper plant development. At the same time, the water deficit tends to inhibit SL accumulation in the roots, which serves as a sensing mechanism for drought, and empowers the ABA production, which is necessary for plant defense responses. The SL-ABA cross-talk at the signaling level, especially regarding the closing of the stomata under drought conditions, still remains poorly understood. Enhanced SL content in shoots is likely to stimulate the plant sensitivity to ABA, thus reducing the stomatal conductance and improving the plant survival rate. Besides, it was proposed that SL might promote the closing of stomata in an ABA-independent way. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the SL and ABA interactions by providing new insights into the function, perception and regulation of both phytohormones during abiotic stress response of plants, as well as revealing the gaps in the current knowledge of SL-ABA cross-talk.
Association between serum β2-microglobulin levels and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in chinese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Jin Yu-Xin , Zhang Shuang , Xiao Jia , Wang Zhi-Hong , Dong Cui , You Lian-Lian , Kuai Ting-Ting , Zhang Yu , Liu Shu-Xin
Published: June 2023

Background

The association between serum β2-microglobulin (β2M) levels and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and the incidence of cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) is inconclusive. Furthermore, no study has been performed in China on the significance of serum β2M levels in MHD patients. Therefore, this study investigated the aforementioned association in MHD patients.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 521 MHD patients were followed at Dalian Municipal Central Hospital affiliated with Dalian University of Technology from December 2019 to December 2021. The serum β2M levels were categorized into three tertiles, and the lowest tertile served as the reference group. Survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models. Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding patients with CVD at baseline.

Results

During the follow-up period of 21.4 ± 6.3 months, there were 106 all-cause deaths, of which 68 were caused by CVD. When excluding CVD patients at baseline, there were 66 incident CVEs. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in the highest tertile of serum β2M levels was significantly higher than that in the lowest tertile (P < 0.05), but not for the CVEs (P > 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders, serum β2M levels were positively associated with the risk of all-cause (HR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.21–4.17) and CVD (HR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.19–5.43) mortality, and a linear trend was evident (P < 0.05). Besides, the results of sensitivity analysis were consistent with the main findings. However, we didn’t observed the significant association between serum β2M levels and CVEs (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The serum β2M level may be a significant predictor of the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in MHD patients. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Practices and factors associated with active management of the third stage of labor in East Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gelaw Kelemu Abebe , Assefa Yibeltal , Birhan Belete , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu
Published: June 2023

Background

Active management of the third stage of labor involves prophylactic uterotonics, early cord clamping, and controlled cord traction to deliver the placenta. It is designed to facilitate the delivery of the placenta by increasing uterine contractions during the third stage of labor. It is also used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage by averting uterine atony.This systematic review and meta-analysis’s emphasis was on the practice and factors associated with active management of the third stage of labor in East Africa.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct (Scopus), Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and the Cochrane Library electronic databases were used. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and STATA version 14 was used for analysis. A p-value of 0.05 is regarded to indicate potential publication bias: the funnel plot, Begg, and Egger’s regression test were used to examine publication bias. Using I2statistics, the heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated. Pooled analysis was carried out. By country, a subgroup analysis was conducted.

Results

Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of the practice of active management of the third stage of labor in East Africa was 34.42%. Received training (OR = 6.25, 95%CI = 3.69, 10.58), years of experience (OR = 3.66, 95%CI = 2.35, 5.71), and good knowledge (OR = 3.66, 95%CI = 2.35, 5.71) were statically associated with the practice of active management of third stage of labor.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of practice for active management of the third stage of labor in East Africa was low. Factors that were statistically associated with the practice were received training, years of experience, and good knowledge. Obstetric care providers should continue to receive training in all components of active management of the third stage of labor through training and education programs.
Prominent corneal nerves in pure mucosal neuroma syndrome, a clinical phenotype distinct from multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B
Authors: Yin L , Wang YNZ , Zhu J , Tan CY , Sun C , Yao Y
Published: June 2023

Background

Pure mucosal neuroma syndrome (MNS), an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder, is a rare discrete subgroup in multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2B, which present without associated endocrinopathies of MEN2B but with typical physical features such as prominent corneal nerves.

Case presentation

This report describes a 41-year-old patient with complaint of itchy eyes and irritation, presenting with blocked gland orifices in the upper and lower eyelids, light conjunctival hyperemia, a semitransparent neoplasm measuring 2 mm*2 mm on the nasal limbus suggestive of neuromas, and prominent corneal nerves. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) revealed structural alterations—namely a prominent hyperreflective, thickened nerve plexus and a normal endothelium—in both eyes. Testing for SOS1 mutation was positive. This patient may represent a discrete subgroup termed pure mucosal neuroma syndrome (MNS), which presents with the characteristic appearance of MEN2B but without RET gene mutations.

Conclusion

Prominent corneal nerves have been described in some diseases, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 and type 2A and 2B, congenital ichthyosis, Refsum’s disease, leprosy, etc. Ophthalmic assessment including prominent corneal nerves has proven valuable in asymptomatic individuals of MEN2B. Our case illustrates the importance of recognizing the ocular features of MNS, a rare presentation of MEN2B, in order to prevent prophylactic thyroidectomy in these patients for prophylactic thyroidectomy is not mandatory in MNS. However, regular monitoring and genetic counseling are still necessary.
Repeated intra-articular injections of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for knee osteoarthritis: a phase I, single-arm study
Authors: Ao Yunong , Duan Jiangjie , Xiong Na , Qian Nannan , Zhang Rui , Yang Liu , Yu Shicang , Wang Fuyou
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Stem cell therapy has emerged as an effective treatment for multiple diseases, and some studies also demonstrate that it may be a promising treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). However, few studies have clarified the safety of repeated intra-articular injection of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs). To promote its application in treating OA, we conducted an open-label trial to investigate the safety of repeated intra-articular injections of UC-MSCs.

Methods

Fourteen patients with OA (Kellgrene-Lawrence grade 2 or 3) who received repeated intra-articular injections of UC-MSCs were evaluated in three months of follow-up. The primary outcomes were the adverse events, and the second outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scores and SF-12 quality of life score.

Results

A total of 5 of 14 patients (35.7%) experienced transient adverse reactions, which resolved spontaneously. All patients showed some improvement in knee function limitation and pain after receiving stem cell therapy. VAS score 6.0 to 3.5, WOMAC score 26.0 to 8.5, MOCART score 42.0 to 58.0, SF-12 score 39.0 to 46.0.

Conclusion

Repeated intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs demonstrates safety in treating OA and does not induce serious adverse events. This treatment may transiently improve symptoms in patients with knee OA and may be a potential therapeutic option for OA.
Construction of the XGBoost model for early lung cancer prediction based on metabolic indices
Authors: Guan Xiuliang , Du Yue , Ma Rufei , Teng Nan , Ou Shu , Zhao Hui , Li Xiaofeng
Published: June 2023

Background

Lung cancer is a malignant tumour, and early diagnosis has been shown to improve the survival rate of lung cancer patients. In this study, we assessed the use of plasma metabolites as biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis. In this work, we used a novel interdisciplinary mechanism, applied for the first time to lung cancer, to detect biomarkers for early lung cancer diagnosis by combining metabolomics and machine learning approaches.

Results

In total, 478 lung cancer patients and 370 subjects with benign lung nodules were enrolled from a hospital in Dalian, Liaoning Province. We selected 47 serum amino acid and carnitine indicators from targeted metabolomics studies using LC‒MS/MS and age and sex demographic indicators of the subjects. After screening by a stepwise regression algorithm, 16 metrics were included. The XGBoost model in the machine learning algorithm showed superior predictive power (AUC = 0.81, accuracy = 75.29%, sensitivity = 74%), with the metabolic biomarkers ornithine and palmitoylcarnitine being potential biomarkers to screen for lung cancer. The machine learning model XGBoost is proposed as an tool for early lung cancer prediction. This study provides strong support for the feasibility of blood-based screening for metabolites and provide a safer, faster and more accurate tool for early diagnosis of lung cancer.

Conclusions

This study proposes an interdisciplinary approach combining metabolomics with a machine learning model (XGBoost) to predict early the occurrence of lung cancer. The metabolic biomarkers ornithine and palmitoylcarnitine showed significant power for early lung cancer diagnosis.
Using machine learning to develop a clinical prediction model for SSRI-associated bleeding: a feasibility study
Authors: Goyal Jatin , Ng Ding Quan , Zhang Kevin , Chan Alexandre , Lee Joyce , Zheng Kai , Hurley-Kim Keri , Nguyen Lee , He Lu , Nguyen Megan , McBane Sarah , Li Wei , Cadiz Christine Luu
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are associated with poor outcomes and increased costs but may be prevented with prediction tools. With the National Institute of Health All of Us (AoU) database, we employed machine learning (ML) to predict selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-associated bleeding.

Methods

The AoU program, beginning in 05/2018, continues to recruit ≥ 18 years old individuals across the United States. Participants completed surveys and consented to contribute electronic health record (EHR) for research. Using the EHR, we determined participants who were exposed to SSRIs (citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, vortioxetine). Features (n = 88) were selected with clinicians’ input and comprised sociodemographic, lifestyle, comorbidities, and medication use information. We identified bleeding events with validated EHR algorithms and applied logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and extreme gradient boost to predict bleeding during SSRI exposure. We assessed model performance with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve statistic (AUC) and defined clinically significant features as resulting in > 0.01 decline in AUC after removal from the model, in three of four ML models.

Results

There were 10,362 participants exposed to SSRIs, with 9.6% experiencing a bleeding event during SSRI exposure. For each SSRI, performance across all four ML models was relatively consistent. AUCs from the best models ranged 0.632–0.698. Clinically significant features included health literacy for escitalopram, and bleeding history and socioeconomic status for all SSRIs.

Conclusions

We demonstrated feasibility of predicting ADEs using ML. Incorporating genomic features and drug interactions with deep learning models may improve ADE prediction.
A survey of social well-being among employees, retirees, and nursing students: a descriptive-analytical study
Authors: Vakilabad Reza Nemati , Kheiri Roya , Islamzadeh Negin , Afshar Pouya Farokhnezhad , Ajri-Khameslou Mehdi
Published: June 2023

Background

Social well-being is one of the essential dimensions of individual health. Nursing is one of the occupations that can affect a person’s well-being. This study aimed to determine social well-being among employees, retirees, and nursing students.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. 321 samples participated in this study. Convenience sampling method was used to collect samples. Two questionnaires of demographic characteristics and the Keyes Social Well-being Questionnaire were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Linear regression analysis by the Backward Elimination method were applied using SPSS 14.0.

Results

The mean total social well-being score of this study’s participants was 100 ± 16.43. The mean social well-being score among nursing employees was 109.58 ± 15.98, among nursing retirees was 95.67 ± 12.55, and among nursing students was 93.14 ± 14.81. Nursing students had lower social well-being scores than nursing employees and retirees (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between the number of children (p = 0.04) (β = -0.11), marital status (p = 0.04) (β = 2.95), and employment status (p < 0/001) (β = 0.451) and social well-being and predicted 25% of the total variance of social well-being.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, the social well-being of retirees and nursing students was significantly lower than nursing employees. Therefore, the educational and healthcare systems of the countries must take the necessary measures to improve the Social well-being of this group of people.
The effect of digitalization of nursing forms in ICUs on time and cost
Authors: Yilmaztürk Nevin , Kose İlker , Cece Sinem
Published: June 2023

Objective

Intensive Care Units are one of the areas with the lowest digitization rate. This study aims to measure the effect of digitizing medical records kept in paper forms in ICUs on time-saving and paper consumption. In our study, care forms in ICUs were transferred to digital media. In our research, care forms in ICUs were transferred to digital media.

Methods

The time required to fill out the nursing care forms on paper and digital media was measured, the change in paper and printer costs was determined, and the results were compared. Two volunteer nurses working in the ICU of a university hospital in Istanbul measured the time it took to fill out the forms of patients on paper. Then, a future projection was made using digital form data of 5,420 care days of 428 patients hospitalized between October 2017 and September 2018. Only anonymous data of patients hospitalized in the general ICU were used, and other untempered were not included in the study.

Results

When the forms were filled in digitally by the nurses, one nurse per patient per day saved 56.82 min (3.95% per day).

Discussion

Health care services are provided in hospitals in Turkey with 28,353 adult intensive care beds and an occupancy rate of 68%. Based on the occupancy rate of 68%, the number of full beds is 19,280. When 56.82 min are saved per bed from the forms filled by the nurses, 760.71 care days are dedicated. Considering the salary of 1,428.67 US dollars per nurse, the savings to be achieved are estimated to be 13,040,804.8 US dollars per year.
The needs and experiences of critically ill patients and family members in intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia: a qualitative study
Authors: Leong E-Li , Chew Chii-Chii , Ang Ju-Ying , Lojikip Sharon-Linus , Devesahayam Philip-Rajan , Foong Kit-Weng
Published: June 2023

Background

Admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) is a stressful experience for patients and their family members. While the focus of management is primarily on medical care, there can be other areas which are overlooked. The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs and experiences of ICU patients and family members.

Method

This qualitative study involved four trained researchers conducting in-depth interviews (IDI) based on a semi-structured interview guide. The participants were ICU patients and family members. All IDIs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Four researchers independently analyzed the data via thematic analysis with the aid of QDA Miner Lite®. The themes and subthemes were generated and confirmed by literature and expert opinion.

Results

Six IDIs were conducted with three patients and three family members, whose ages ranged from 31 to 64 years old. One pair of participants consisted of a patient and his respective family member, while the other four participants did not have a familial relationship with each other. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (I) critical care services; (II) physical spaces; and (III) monitoring technology. Medical, psychological, physical, and social needs for critical care services were expressed by both patients and family members. Patients’ needs in clinical spaces were highlighted as a conducive ICU environment with ambient temperature and controlled noise levels. In non-clinical spaces, family members expressed a need for more chairs in the waiting area. Participants expressed the need for call bells as well as patients’ negative perceptions of medical equipment alarms in the ICU when it pertained to monitoring technology.

Conclusion

This study provides an in-depth view at the needs and experiences of ICU patients and family members who have a variety of unmet needs. This understanding is critical for guiding ICU personnel and stakeholders in their efforts to humanize ICU care.
An equitable and sustainable community of practice framework to address the use of artificial intelligence for global health workforce training
Authors: Frehywot Seble , Vovides Yianna
Published: June 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and data science models may hold potential for enabling an understanding of global health inequities and support decision-making related toward possible interventions. However, AI inputs should not perpetuate the biases and structural issues within our global societies that have created various health inequities. We need AI to be able to ‘see’ the full context of what it is meant to learn. AI trained with biased data produces biased outputs and providing health workforce training with such outputs further contributes to the buildup of biases and structural inequities. The accelerating and intricately evolving technology and digitalization will influence the education and practice of health care workers. Before we invest in utilizing AI in health workforce training globally, it is important to make sure that multiple stakeholders from the global arena are included in the conversation to address the need for training in ‘AI and the role of AI in training’. This is a daunting task for any one entity and a multi-sectorial interactions and solutions are needed. We believe that partnerships among various national, regional, and global stakeholders involved directly or indirectly with health workforce training ranging to name a few, from public health & clinical science training institutions, computer science, learning design, data science, technology companies, social scientists, law, and AI ethicists, need to be developed in ways that enable the formation of an equitable and sustainable Communities of Practice (CoP) to address the use of AI for global health workforce training. This paper has laid out a framework for such CoP.
System dynamics models of depression at the population level: a scoping review
Authors: Graham Eva , Gariépy Geneviève , Orpana Heather
Published: June 2023

Aims

Depression is a disease driven by dynamic processes both at the individual- and system-level. System dynamics (SD) models are a useful tool to capture this complexity, project the future prevalence of depression and understand the potential impact of interventions and policies. SD models have been used to model infectious and chronic disease, but rarely applied to mental health. This scoping review aimed to identify population-based SD models of depression and report on their modelling strategies and applications to policy and decision-making to inform research in this emergent field.

Methods

We searched articles in MEDLINE, Embase, PsychInfo, Scopus, MedXriv, and abstracts from the System Dynamics Society from inception to October 20, 2021 for studies of population-level SD models of depression. We extracted data on model purpose, elements of SD models, results, and interventions, and assessed the quality of reporting.

Results

We identified 1899 records and found four studies that met the inclusion criteria. Studies used SD models to assess various system-level processes and interventions, including the impact of antidepressant use on population-level depression in Canada; the impact of recall error on lifetime estimates of depression in the USA; smoking-related outcomes among adults with and without depression in the USA; and the impact of increasing depression incidence and counselling rates on depression in Zimbabwe. Studies included diverse stocks and flows for depression severity, recurrence, and remittance, but all models included flows for incidence and recurrence of depression. Feedback loops were also present in all models. Three studies provided sufficient information for replicability.

Conclusions

The review highlights the usefulness of SD models to model the dynamics of population-level depression and inform policy and decision-making. These results can help guide future applications of SD models to depression at the population-level.
TNF-α activates RELA expression via TNFRSF1B to upregulate OPA1 expression and inhibit chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells
Authors: Guo Jiajia , Ye Wang , Wu Xinglin , Huang Haifeng , Li Bo , Sun Zeyu , Ren Zhijing , Yang Zhen
Published: June 2023

Background

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines mediating the local inflammatory process in joints, inhibits cartilage formation and has a detrimental effect on stem cell-based cartilage regeneration for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the mechanisms behind this inhibitory effect are still poorly understood. Mitochondrial morphological changes mediated by mitochondrial fusion and fission are highly plastic, are quite sensitive to environmental stimuli and play a crucial role in maintaining cell structure and function. In our study, chondrogenic differentiated human adipose stem cells (hADSCs) were exposed to TNF-α and the effect of TNF-α on the ability of hADSCs to chondrogenic differentiate and on mitochondrial fusion and fission was observed and analyzed. The aim was to investigate the role and mechanisms of mitochondrial fusion and fission regulation in the chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs under normal conditions and under exposure to TNF-α.

Methods

We used flow cytometry to identify hADSCs immunophenotypes CD29, CD44, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. Alcian blue staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe the formation of proteoglycans and collagen during the chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the cartilage formation marker SOX9, type II collagen (COL2A1), and Aggrecan were measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively. The fluorescent probes MitoTracker® Red CMXRos and JC-1 were used to visualize mitochondria morphology and detect mitochondrial membrane electricity (MMP). Affymetrix PrimeView™ chips were used for gene expression profiling.

Results

The results showed that the chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs was inhibited in the presence of TNF-α that optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) expression was significantly upregulated and mitochondria were prolonged and interconnected during this process. Gene microarray and RT-qPCR data showed that the presence of TNF-α led to increased expression of TNFα receptor 2 (TNFRSF1B) and RELA during chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs.

Conclusions

TNF-α inhibits chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells by activating RELA expression through TNFRSF1B upregulating OPA1 expression thereby increasing mitochondrial fusion.
Clinical pharmacist intervention to improve medication safety for hip fracture patients through secondary and primary care settings: a nonrandomised controlled trial
Authors: Henriksen Ben Tore , Krogseth Maria , Andersen Randi Dovland , Davies Maren Nordsveen , Nguyen Caroline Thy , Mathiesen Liv , Andersson Yvonne
Published: June 2023

Background

Hip fracture patients face a patient safety threat due to medication discrepancies and adverse drug reactions when they have a combination of high age, polypharmacy and several care transitions. Consequently, optimised pharmacotherapy through medication reviews and seamless communication of medication information between care settings is necessary. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact on medication management and pharmacotherapy. The secondary aim was to evaluate implementation of the novel Patient Pathway Pharmacist intervention for hip fracture patients.

Methods

Hip fracture patients were included in this nonrandomised controlled trial, comparing a prospective intervention group (n = 58) with pre-intervention controls who received standard care (n = 50). The Patient Pathway Pharmacist intervention consisted of the steps: (A) medication reconciliation at admission to hospital, (B) medication review during hospitalisation, (C) recommendation for the medication information in the hospital discharge summary, (D) medication reconciliation at admission to rehabilitation, and (E) medication reconciliation and (F) review after hospital discharge. The primary outcome measure was quality score of the medication information in the discharge summary (range 0–14). Secondary outcomes were potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) at discharge, proportion receiving pharmacotherapy according to guidelines (e.g. prophylactic laxatives and osteoporosis pharmacotherapy), and all-cause readmission and mortality.

Results

The quality score of the discharge summaries was significantly higher for the intervention patients (12.3 vs. 7.2, p < 0.001). The intervention group had significantly less PIMs at discharge (− 0.44 (95% confidence interval − 0.72, − 0.15), p = 0.003), and a higher proportion received prophylactic laxative (72 vs. 35%, p < 0.001) and osteoporosis pharmacotherapy (96 vs. 16%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in readmission or mortality 30 and 90 days post-discharge. The intervention steps were delivered to all patients (step A, B, E, F = 100% of patients), except step (C) medication information at discharge (86% of patients) and step (D) medication reconciliation at admission to rehabilitation (98% of patients).

Conclusion

The intervention steps were successfully implemented for hip fracture patients and contributed to patient safety through a higher quality medication information in the discharge summary, fewer PIMs and optimised pharmacotherapy.

Trial registration: NCT03695081.
Loosely synchronized activation of anterior cingulate cortical neurons for scratching response during histamine-induced itch
Authors: Lee Chiwoo , Oh Jihae , Lee Jae-Hyung , Kaang Bong-Kiun , Ko Hyoung-Gon
Published: June 2023

Itch is a distinctive sensation that causes a specific affection and scratching reaction. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been linked to itch sensation in numerous studies; however, its precise function in processing pruritic inputs remains unknown. Distinguishing the precise role of the ACC in itch sensation can be challenging because of its capacity to conduct heterologous neurophysiological activities. Here, we used in vivo calcium imaging to examine how ACC neurons in free-moving mice react to pruritogenic histamine. In particular, we focused on how the activity of the ACC neurons varied before and after the scratching response. We discovered that although the change in neuronal activity was not synchronized with the scratching reaction, the overall activity of itch-responsive neurons promptly decreased after the scratching response. These findings suggest that the ACC does not directly elicit the feeling of itchiness.
Effect of post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula combined with respiratory training versus conventional oxygen therapy on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients after major abdominal surgery: protocol for a single-centre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jin Biao , Yao Mengjing , Shen Wenjuan , Fu Le , Liu Ping , Zheng Xu , Zhan Tiexiang , Luo Liang
Published: June 2023

Background

Nearly 234 million patients undergo surgery each year, and 1.3 million among them develop complications. Patients undergoing major upper abdominal surgery (operation time > 2 h) have a really high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). The occurrence of PPCs seriously affects the outcomes of patients. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is as effective as noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in preventing postoperative hypoxaemia and respiratory failure. Respiratory training using positive expiratory pressure (PEP) Acapella (Choice) has been shown to help patients with rapid recovery from postoperative atelectasis. However, no relevant randomized controlled studies have been conducted to clarify the effect of HFNC combined with respiratory training in the prevention of PPCs. This study aims to investigate whether the use of HFNC combined with respiratory training could reduce the incidence of PPCs within 7 days after major upper abdominal surgery compared to that with conventional oxygen therapy (COT).

Methods

This is a randomized controlled single-centre trial. A total of 328 patients who undergo major abdominal surgery will be included. Subjects who fulfil the eligible criteria will be randomly assigned into the combination treatment group (Group A) or COT group (Group B) after extubation. The interventions will begin within 30 min of extubation. Patients in Group A will receive HFNC for at least 48 h and respiratory training three times a day for at least 72 h. Patients in Group B will receive oxygen therapy through a nasal catheter or mask for at least 48 h. Our primary endpoint is the incidence of PPCs within 7 days, and the secondary outcome measures include 28-day mortality, reintubation rate, length of hospital stay, and all-cause mortality within 1 year.

Discussion

This trial would help provide evidence on the effectivity of applying HFNC combined with respiratory training for the prevention of PPCs in patients undergoing major upper abdominal surgery. The objective of this study is to determine the optimal treatment approach to improve the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2100047146. Registered on 8 June 2021. Retrospectively registered.
A comparative study on the effect of dopamine vs phenylephrine in improving the cutaneous analgesic effect of mexiletine in rats
Authors: Zheng Kesong , Han Mingming , Kang Fang , Yang Chengwei , Li Juan
Published: June 2023

Background

The present study aimed to compare the effects of the combined administration of two adjuvants, dopamine and phenylephrine, on the cutaneous analgesic effect and duration of mexiletine in rats.

Methods

Nociceptive blockage was evaluated by the inhibition of response to skin pinpricks in rats via the cutaneous trunci muscle reflex (CTMR). After subcutaneous injection, the analgesic activities of mexiletine in the absence and presence of either dopamine or phenylephrine were assessed. Each injection was standardized into 0.6 ml with a mixture of drugs and saline.

Results

Subcutaneous injections of mexiletine successfully induced dose-dependent cutaneous analgesia in rats. The results revealed that rats injected with 1.8 μmol mexiletine exhibited 43.75% blockage (%MPE), while rats injected with 6.0 μmol mexiletine showed 100% blockage. Co-application of mexiletine (1.8 or 6.0 μmol) with dopamine (0.06, 0.60, or 6.00 μmol) elicited full sensory block (%MPE). Sensory blockage ranged from 81.25% to 95.83% in rats injected with mexiletine (1.8 μmol) and phenylephrine (0.0059 or 0.0295 μmol), and complete subcutaneous analgesia was observed in rats injected with mexiletine (1.8 μmol) and a higher concentration of phenylephrine (0.1473 μmol). Furthermore, mexiletine at 6.0 μmol completely blocked nociception when combined with any concentration of phenylephrine, while 0.1473 μmol phenylephrine alone exhibited 35.417% subcutaneous analgesia. The combined application of dopamine (0.06/0.6/6 μmol) and mexiletine (1.8/6 μmol) resulted in increased %MPE, complete block time, full recovery time, and AUCs compared to the combined application of phenylephrine (0.0059 and 0.1473 μmol) and mexiletine (1.8/6 μmol) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Dopamine is superior to phenylephrine in improving sensory blockage and enhancing the duration of nociceptive blockage by mexiletine.
Food addiction and binge eating disorder are linked to shared and unique deficits in emotion regulation among female seeking bariatric surgery
Authors: Ahmadkaraji Shahrzad , Farahani Hojjatollah , Orfi Koosha , Fathali Lavasani Fahimeh
Published: June 2023

Background

Problematic eating behaviors can indicate obesity-related problems. Food addiction (FA) is not classified as an official diagnosis. However, given the many commonalities between FA and binge-eating disorder (BED) within the context of obesity, it is imperative to conduct a comparative investigation. The current study aimed to identify overlapping and distinctive features in emotion dysregulation as an underlying mechanism and emotional eating as a clinical feature among four groups of females with obesity seeking bariatric surgery.

Methods

Data on emotion dysregulation and emotional eating were derived from the total 128 Females with obesity seeking bariatric surgery (Mage = 38.91 ± 10.59, MBMI = 42.10 kg/m2 ± 4.43) divided into four groups: those with FA (n = 35), BED (n = 35), BED + FA (n = 31) and a control group of individuals with obesity only (OB; n = 27), using well-established measures.

Results

Regarding descriptive statistics, the BED + FA group showed the highest levels of emotional dysregulation (M = 111.09) and emotional eating (M = 46.80), while the OB group acquired the lowest scores (M = 70.44 and M = 27.29, respectively). Univariate analyses of variance revealed significant differences between the four groups in terms of emotion dysregulation F(3, 124) = 24.63, p < .01 and emotional eating F(3, 124) = 26.26, p < .01. All of the emotion dysregulation domains revealed significant differences too. Pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni post hoc tests did not reveal any significant differences between BED + FA and BED groups, while all of our other hypotheses regarding this matter were confirmed.

Conclusions

The study found that individuals with obesity and comorbid BED exhibit greater emotional dysregulation compared to those with OB or FA, indicating a need to assess BED in individuals with obesity. Emotion dysregulation may be linked to increased BED and FA, but those with BED seem more affected by limited access to emotion regulation strategies. These findings support the notion that PEBs are associated with emotion dysregulation and underscore the need for tailored interventions that target emotion regulation skills before and after bariatric surgery.
Attenuation-compensated reverse time migration based on the stereo-modeling operator
Authors: Li Jingshuang , Yang Dinghui , Wang Zhenrong , Liu Landong
Published: June 2023

The viscosity in the subsurface is ubiquitous. Prestack reverse time migration (RTM) based on the viscoacoustic wave equation is an accurate imaging method to compensate attenuation. The resolution of an imaging result highly depends on the accuracy of the wave equation solution. We extend the nearly analytic center difference (NACD) method to a viscoacoustic wave equation to compensate seismic attenuation. The NACD method can achieve fourth-order accuracy in the time and space domain. We use the pressure and its gradients to approximate the spatial derivatives based on stereo modeling. Numerical simulations and dispersion analysis demonstrate that our NACD has less numerical dispersion and is more accurate than the Lax-Wendroff correction (LWC) method. Thus, the NACD is less expensive in terms of computational time and storage space. Numerical simulations indicate that the forward modeling of the viscoacoustic wavefield via the NACD is able to obtain more accurate wavefields compared with the conventional LWC method and can accurately simulate the effect of the viscosity on waves in attenuative media. When applied to RTM, the viscous effects of the subsurface can be compensated. Synthetic examples demonstrate that the attenuation-compensated RTM using NACD can obtain an image with higher resolution in attenuative media compared with that using the acoustic RTM. Furthermore, the image determined by the NACD is clearer than that of the LWC method in RTM.
Moment tensor inversion of perforation shots using distributed-acoustic sensing
Authors: Bader Milad , Clapp Robert G. , Nihei Kurt T. , Biondi Biondo
Published: June 2023

Distributed-acoustic-sensing (DAS) fibers have enabled various geophysical applications in unconventional reservoirs. Combined with perforation shots, a DAS fiber can record valuable guided waves that propagate in the reservoir formation and carry information about its properties. However, the representation of perforation shots as seismic sources, needed to conduct quantitative analysis, remains unknown. We model such sources using a superposition of three mechanisms for which we derive the moment-tensor (MT) representation. Using field DAS data recorded in the same well where the perforations are located, we establish a workflow to invert the resolvable components of the total MT for 100 different perforation shots. By scrutinizing the inversion results, we conjecture that the MT can indicate how effectively a perforation shot creates microcracks in the surrounding rock. Furthermore, we observe a regular spatial pattern in the inverted MTs, which correlates with the relative location of the perforation shot within each stimulation stage.
Fast, precise and cloning-free knock-in of reporter sequences in vivo with high efficiency
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Marshall-Phelps Katy , de Almeida Rafael Góis
Published: June 2023

Targeted knock-in of fluorescent reporters enables powerful gene and protein analyses in a physiological context. However, precise integration of long sequences remains challenging in vivo. Here, we demonstrate cloning-free and precise reporter knock-in into zebrafish genes, using PCR-generated templates for homology-directed repair with short homology arms (PCR tagging). Our novel knock-in reporter lines of vesicle-associated membrane protein (vamp) zebrafish homologues reveal subcellular complexity in this protein family. Our approach enables fast and efficient reporter integration in the zebrafish genome (in 10-40% of injected embryos) and rapid generation of stable germline-transmitting lines.
An interview with Hernan Garcia
Authors: Grewal Seema
Published: June 2023

Hernan Garcia is a Principal Investigator and Associate Professor of Genetics, Genomics and Development and Physics at the University of California, Berkley (USA). His research aims to understand, predict and control developmental programs. In 2022, Hernan was awarded the Elizabeth D. Hay New Investigator award by the Society for Developmental Biology (SDB) recognizing his outstanding research in developmental biology. We spoke to Hernan to learn more about his education, career path and approach to running a lab.
Artificial light impairs local attraction to females in male glow-worms
Authors: Moubarak Estelle M. , David Fernandes A. Sofia , Stewart Alan J. A. , Niven Jeremy E.
Published: June 2023

The negative effects of artificial lighting at night (ALAN) on insects are increasingly recognised and have been postulated as one possible cause of declines in insect populations. Yet, the behavioural mechanisms underpinning ALAN effects on insects remain unclear. ALAN interferes with the bioluminescent signal female glow-worms use to attract males, disrupting reproduction. To determine the behavioural mechanisms that underpin this effect of ALAN, we quantified the effect of white illumination on males' ability to reach a female-mimicking LED within a Y-maze. We show that as the intensity of illumination increases, the proportion of males reaching the female-mimicking LED declines. Brighter illumination also increases the time taken by males to reach the female-mimicking LED. This is a consequence of males spending more time: (i) in the central arm of the Y-maze; and (ii) with their head retracted beneath their head shield. These effects reverse rapidly when illumination is removed, suggesting that male glow-worms are averse to white light. Our results show that ALAN not only prevents male glow-worms from reaching females, but also increases the time they take to reach females and the time they spend avoiding exposure to light. This demonstrates that the impacts of ALAN on male glow-worms extend beyond those previously observed in field experiments, and raises the possibility that ALAN has similar behavioural impacts on other insect species that remain undetected in field experiments.
Structure and ion-dependent folding of k-junctions
Authors: Li Mengxiao , Deng Jie , Peng Xuemei , Wang Jia , Wilson Timothy J. , Huang Lin , Lilley David M.J.
Published: June 2023

k-Junctions are elaborated forms of kink turns with an additional helix on the nonbulged strand, thus forming a three-way helical junction. Two were originally identified in the structures ofArabidopsisandEscherichia colithiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) riboswitches, and another called DUF-3268 was tentatively identified from sequence information. In this work we show that theArabidopsisandE. coliriboswitch k-junctions fold in response to the addition of magnesium or sodium ions, and that atomic mutations that should disrupt key hydrogen bonding interactions greatly impair folding. Using X-ray crystallography, we have determined the structure of the DUF-3268 RNA and thus confirmed that it is a k-junction. It also folds upon the addition of metal ions, though requiring a 40-fold lower concentration of either divalent or monovalent ions. The key difference between the DUF-3268 and riboswitch k-junctions is the lack of nucleotides inserted between G1b and A2b in the former. We show that this insertion is primarily responsible for the difference in folding properties. Finally, we show that the DUF-3268 can functionally substitute for the k-junction in theE. coliTPP riboswitch such that the chimera can bind the TPP ligand, although less avidly.