bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the pharmacology knowledge and performance of nurses and nursing students in the use of information resources in pediatrics wards: An observational study
Authors: Shahzeydi Amir , Joonbakhsh Fatemeh , Ajoodaniyan Najmeh , Khaksar Sajjad , Kalhor Faramarz , Sabzghabaee Ali Mohammad , Kalhor Rohollah
Published: December 2022

Objectives:

One of the major duties of nurses is proper medication administration while maintaining patient safety, which requires sufficient knowledge and practice. Any gaps in knowledge used by nurses can lead to irreversible injury or death of the patient. This study is aimed to determine and compare the pharmacology knowledge and performance of nurses and nursing students in using the information resources in pediatrics wards.

Method:

This descriptive observational study was performed on 300 nurses and nursing students. Sources of knowledge and performance of nurses and nursing students were analyzed with researcher-made tools to determine their pharmaceutical knowledge, sources of knowledge, and attitudes by independent t-test, chi-square, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson, and Spearman tests.

Result:

Three hundred questionnaires were examined. The clinical experience of nurses and students was their most important source of information in drug challenges for 33.7% of the participants. About 24.6% of nurses obtained the required information from specialized books on pediatric medicine. About 17.1% of the participants attained their knowledge from multiple sources (e.g. various available sources such as the Internet, pharmacy books, software, and their experiences and colleagues), while electronic sources and the Internet were the sources of knowledge for 15.5% and 7.7% of the nurses, respectively. Concerning nursing students, 6.3% used books, 41.7% considered colleagues (clinical experiences), 20.8% employed electronic resources, 22.8% used the Internet, and 9.1% relied on multiple sources. There were significant differences in the knowledge and performance of the nurses based on their source of pharmacological knowledge (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Most of the resources used in the hospital are not up-to-date and evidence-base, and the majority of nurses tend to rely on their clinical experience or their collegues information for medication administration rather than reading books or searching for up-to-date approaches and information. Nursing students also trust nurses’ clinical experiences more than other sources provided for them including books and Internet. Some action should be taken by the managers for boosting the nurses’ tendency for using up-to-date information resources.
Knowledge and awareness of health professionals towards telemedicine services in Northwest, Ethiopia
Authors: Assaye Bayou Tilahun , Jemere Adamu Takele , Nigatu Araya Mesfin
Published: December 2022

Background

Understanding telemedicine technology is significantly important for the implementation of a telemedicine system in resource-limited areas. Specifically, in Ethiopia, the doctor-to-patient ratio was 0.003. This has made it difficult to access healthcare services remotely. Therefore, to maximize and facilitate telemedicine adoption, it is critical to have information about health professionals’ knowledge and awareness of telemedicine services. This study aimed to determine the Knowledge and Awareness of Health Professionals towards Telemedicine Services in Northwest, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 423 health professionals working at referral hospitals from 12 February to 20 March 2020. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done. To identify associated factors, an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used.

Result

With a response rate of 411 (97.2%), approximately 56.4% of professionals had good knowledge and 57.4% had high awareness of telemedicine services. Information sharing culture [AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.89, 4.80], IT support staff [AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.29], internet as a source of information [AOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.94], awareness [AOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.40], and being male [AOR = 1.73, 95% CI:1.06], telemedicine training [AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.15, 4.72] and computer accessibility in their hospitals [AOR = 1.54,95% CI: 1.01, 2.35] were significantly associated with respondents’ awareness of telemedicine services.

Conclusion

More than half of the participants were well-versed in and aware of telemedicine applications. Information sources, having IT support staff, information sharing culture, gender, and awareness were significant for telemedicine service knowledge, and telemedicine training and computer access were significant factors for health professionals’ awareness of telemedicine services. As a result, health professionals should receive appropriate and ongoing awareness-raising training on telemedicine systems.
Interventional Minimally Invasive Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain Caused by Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ambrosio Luca , Vadalà Gianluca , Russo Fabrizio , Pascarella Giuseppe , De Salvatore Sergio , Papalia Giuseppe F. , Ruggiero Alessandro , Di Folco Marta , Carassiti Massimiliano , Papalia Rocco , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: December 2022

Study design

Systematic review.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of nonsurgical interventional treatments for chronic low back pain (LBP) caused by facet joint syndrome (FJS).

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies that compared interventional treatments for LBP due to FJS among them, with usual care or sham procedures. Studies were evaluated for pain, physical function, disability, quality of life and employment status. The RoB-2 and MINORS tools were utilized to assess the risk of bias in included studies.

Results

Eighteen studies published between January 2000 and December 2021 were included (1496 patients, mean age: 54.31 years old). Intraarticular (IA) facet joint (FJ) injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) did not show significant difference compared to IA corticosteroids (CCS) in terms of pain and satisfaction. FJ denervation using radiofrequency (RF) displayed slightly superior or similar outcomes compared to IA CCS, physical therapy, or sham procedure. IA CCS showed better outcomes when combined with oral diclofenac compared to IA CCS or oral diclofenac alone but was not superior to IA local anesthetic and Sarapin. IA platelet-rich plasma (PRP) led to an improvement of pain, disability and satisfaction in the long term compared to IA CCS.

Conclusion

FJS is a common cause of LBP that can be managed with several different strategies, including nonsurgical minimally invasive approaches such as IA HA, CCS, PRP and FJ denervation. However, available evidence showed mixed results, with overall little short-term or no benefits on pain, disability, and other investigated outcomes.
What is the evidence of effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, biopsychosocial interventions for body image and pain management in individuals with endometriosis? A systematic review
Authors: Falconer Laura , Hendricks Emma , Harcourt Diana
Published: December 2022

Aim:

To identify and review the success of non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical biopsychosocial interventions in individuals with endometriosis, in managing pain and improving body image.

Methods:

Cochrane, EBSCO, IBSS, NICE, Open Grey, OVID, Proquest, Scopus and Science Direct were searched in April 2021, using inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Data collection and analysis:

Five randomised control trials, and one controlled clinical trial resulted from the search. Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool. Studies were synthesised by intervention type, into physical only, and physical and psychological.

Results:

Across the six papers, 323 participants were recruited, through medical records or self-referral, and treatments largely administered by specialist practitioners. From the EPHPP quality assessment,2 weak quality papers, and four moderate quality papers found improvements to pain, with large effect sizes in four papers. No studies used established body image measures to examine intervention effects on body image, and all lacked health psychology theoretical basis. There were common issues in selection bias, confounders and blinding.

Conclusion:

Without gold-standard methodology, evidence of effectiveness cannot be concluded. However, there is promising rationale if these issues are addressed.
Opportunities for Integrating Palliative Care in Ghana
Authors: Okyere Joshua , Kissah-Korsah Kwaku
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The integration of palliative care (PC) services is characterized by several barriers and challenges, which may include misperception of PC services as end-of-life care, poor referral systems, inadequate financial support, regulatory barriers, and the small size of PC professional workforce. Beyond these barriers, the question remains: what opportunities exist to facilitate the integration of PC in managing patients’ conditions? Notably, for a resource-constrained country like Ghana, unearthing existing facilitating factors would enable the country to leverage the opportunities these factors present to promote PC integration.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore opportunities that exist to facilitate PC integration from the perspective of PC service providers.

Methods

An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used. Using semi-structured interview guides, seven face-to-face interviews were conducted with PC service providers in a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Data were managed using QSR NVivo-12. Inductive thematic analysis was carried out following Haase's modification of Colaizzi's approach to qualitative research analysis

Results

From the inductive thematic analysis, it was revealed that four main opportunities exist to facilitate PC integration. These included the availability of a PC team and teamwork, knowledge level of service providers, enabling attitudes of service providers, and the incorporation of PC in the medical school curriculum.

Conclusion

The study concludes that to facilitate the integration of PC in a tertiary health facility, there is a need to leverage on the supportive attitudes of service providers. Also, there is a need to expand the incorporation of PC education in the curriculum of all health and allied health courses. This could help create a pool of primary healthcare providers who can provide generalist PC services promptly. The study also underscores a need for continuous professional development.
Internal carotid artery patency after mechanical thrombectomy for stroke due to occlusive dissection: Impact on outcome
Authors: Scopelliti Giuseppe , Karam Arnaud , Labreuche Julien , Bricout Nicolas , Marrama Federico , Diomedi Marina , Ben Hassen Wagih , Leclerc Xavier , Cordonnier Charlotte , Henon Hilde , Casolla Barbara
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is a rare cause of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). We aimed investigating the impact on outcome of internal carotid artery (ICA) patency after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for AIS-LVO due to occlusive ICAD.

Patients and methods:

We included consecutive patients with AIS-LVO due to occlusive ICAD treated with MT from January 2015 to December 2020 in three European stroke centers. We excluded patients with unsuccessful intracranial reperfusion after MT (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score < 2b). We compared 3-month favorable clinical outcome rate, defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ⩽2, according to ICA status (patency vs occlusion) at the end of MT and at 24-h follow-up imaging, using univariate and multivariable models.

Results:

Among 70 included patients, ICA was patent in 54/70 (77%) at the end of MT, and in 36/66 (54.5%) patients with 24-h follow-up imaging. Among patients with ICA patency at the end of MT, 32% presented ICA occlusion at 24-h control imaging. Favorable 3-month outcome occurred in 41/54 (76%) patients with ICA patency post-MT and in 9/16 (56%) patients with occluded ICA post-MT ( p = 0.21). Rates of favorable outcome were significantly higher in patients with 24-h ICA patency compared to patients with 24-h ICA occlusion (32/36 [89%] vs 15/30 [50%]), with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.67 (95% CI: 1.26–17.25).

Discussion and conclusion:

Obtaining sustained (24-h) ICA patency after MT could be a therapeutic target for improving functional outcome in patients with AIS-LVO due to ICAD.
Lockdown and the intimate: Entanglements of terror, virus, and militarism
Authors: Laketa Sunčana , Fregonese Sara
Published: December 2022

Despite their wide implementation since the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns are not spatial interventions unique to public health emergencies but have also recently been used to tackle the aftermath of acts of terrorism against crowded public spaces in cities. In this paper, we argue that lockdown, as a state-sanctioned security measure, bears longer political (often violent) histories that link individual mobility to geopolitics in corporeal and even visceral ways. Drawing on research on the lockdown of Brussels in 2015 and 2016 and the state of emergency in France between 2015 and 2017. We put these counterterrorism lockdowns in conversation with the lockdowns imposed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. The paper analyses the embodied, emotional and spatial politics of lockdown through the lens of intimate geopolitics. Specifically, we explore two themes: the reconfiguring of the intimate sphere in the terrorism/pandemic nexus and the curation of micro-vigilance between counterterrorism and public health. In doing so, we argue that the militarism of the state responses to COVID-19 virus needs to be understood as more than discursive framing of the “war on virus”, but rather a making present of a “war-like” situation to intimate bodies, spaces and subjectivities. The sphere of the intimate is thus considered at the forefront of the spatial logic of lockdown, as it deploys assumptions about (in)security, threat, danger and preparedness in ways that entrench and exacerbate existing social inequalities.
Comparing types and patterns: A context-oriented approach to densification in Switzerland and the Netherlands
Authors: Götze Vera , Jehling Mathias
Published: December 2022

While governments worldwide develop policies to promote urban densification, critics point to possible negative effects of densification on social sustainability. The occurrence and distribution of these negative social effects are strongly influenced by land policies. This makes it crucial to monitor the role of land policies and understand what processes shape urban development in the context of densification. To do so, detailed, large-scale international comparisons of densification patterns, including building and social changes, are needed. We address this issue by introducing a method to measure and compare urban development in two countries with contrasting planning systems: the Netherlands, where public actors play a strong and active role, and Switzerland, where strong private property titles and a highly democratic planning system are prevailing. Our GIS-based method analyses densification processes within their surrounding morphological and socio-demographic context. A k-proto cluster analysis on highly detailed spatial and statistical data based on housing units, covering 2011–2019, results in five densification types. The distribution of these types reveals different patterns in the two city regions of Utrecht (NL) and Bern (CH). Most strikingly, contiguous redevelopments frequently occurred in Utrecht but hardly in Bern, pointing at possible advantages for Dutch municipalities to intervene in property rights. While having developed an empirical basis in this study, future research that refines the analysis of the legal, planning and ownership conditions underlying the identified densification patterns can contribute significantly to policy evaluation.
The Relationship between Bacterial Load and Initial Run Time of a Surgical Helmet
Authors: Lynch Brian C , Swanson David R , Marmor William A , Gibb Bryan , Komatsu David E , Wang Edward D
Published: December 2022

Background

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication of arthroplasty surgery with significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical helmets are a possible source of infection. Pre-existing dust and microorganisms on its surface may be blown into the surgical field by the helmet ventilation system.

Methods

Twenty surgical helmets at our institution were assessed through microscopy and polymerase chain reaction testing. Helmets were arranged with agar plates under the front and rear outflow vents. Helmets ran while plates were exchanged at different time points. Bacterial growth was assessed via colony counts and correlated with fan operating time. Gram staining and 16S sequencing were performed to identify bacterial species.

Results

The primary microbiological contaminate identified was Burkholderia. There was an inverse relationship between colony formation and fan operating time. The highest number of colonies was found within the first minute of fan operating time. There was a significant decrease in the number of colonies formed from the zero-minute to the three (27 vs 5; P = <.01), four (27 vs 3; P = <.01), and five-minute (27 vs 4; P = <.01) time points for the front outflow plates. A significant difference was also observed between the one-minute and four-minute time points ( P = .046).

Conclusion

We observed an inverse relationship between bacterial spread helmet fan operation time, which may correlate with dispersion of pre-existing contaminates. To decrease contamination risk, we recommend that helmets are run for at least 3 min prior to entering the operating room.
Circadian gene CSNK1D promoted the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway via stabilizing Dishevelled Segment Polarity Protein 3
Authors: Zhu Mengqi , Zhang Jianping , Bian Saiyan , Zhang Xue , Shen Yiping , Ni Zhiyu , Xu Shiyu , Cheng Chun , Zheng Wenjie
Published: December 2022

Purpose

A variety of studies have connected circadian rhythm to the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to figure out about the circadian genes' profile characteristics, prognostic significance, and targeted values in HCC.

Methods

The expression profiles and prognostic significance of circadian genes in the cancer genome atlas liver hepatocellular carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) database were investigated using bioinformatics analysis. The expression features of Casein Kinase 1 Delta (CSNK1D), a robust signature gene, was further detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting and Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in a local HCC cohort. The effect of CSNK1D on corresponding phenotypes of HCC cells was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), flowcytometry, clone assay, Transwell assay, and xenograft assay. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of CSNK1D in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling were validated by multiple molecular experiments.

Results

Abnormal expression of the Circadian genome was associated with the malignant clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients. A 10 circadian gene-based signature with substantial prognostic significance was developed using Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. Of them, CSNK1D, significantly elevated in a local HCC cohort, was chosen for further investigation. Silencing or overexpression of CSNK1D significantly reduced or increased proliferation, invasion, sorafenib resistance, xenograft development, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of HCC cells, respectively. Mechanically, CSNK1D exacerbated the aggressiveness of HCC cells by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling through interacting with Dishevelled Segment Polarity Protein 3 (DVL3).

Conclusions

The Circadian gene CSNK1D was found to contribute to HCC progression by boosting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, hinting that it could be a prospective therapeutic target for HCC.
Characterization of the Dicranostigma leptopodum chloroplast genome and comparative analysis within subfamily Papaveroideae
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Fuxing , Wang Ning , Gao Yongwei , Liu Kangjia , Zhang Gangmin , Sun Jiahui
Published: December 2022

Background

Dicranostigma leptopodum(Maxim.) Fedde is a perennial herb with bright yellow flowers, well known as "Hongmao Cao" for its medicinal properties, and is an excellent early spring flower used in urban greening. However, its molecular genomic information remains largely unknown. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the chloroplast genome ofD. leptopodumto discover its genome structure, organization, and phylogenomic position within the subfamily Papaveroideae.

Results

The chloroplast genome size ofD. leptopodumwas 162,942 bp, andD. leptopodumexhibited a characteristic circular quadripartite structure, with a large single-copy (LSC) region (87,565 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (18,759 bp) and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (28,309 bp). TheD. leptopodumchloroplast genome encoded 113 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The dynamics of the genome structures, genes, IR contraction and expansion, long repeats, and single sequence repeats exhibited similarities, with slight differences observed among the eight Papaveroideae species. In addition, seven interspace regions and three coding genes displayed highly variable divergence, signifying their potential to serve as molecular markers for phylogenetic and species identification studies. Molecular evolution analyses indicated that most of the genes were undergoing purifying selection. Phylogenetic analyses revealed thatD. leptopodumformed a clade with the tribe Chelidonieae.

Conclusions

Our study provides detailed information on theD. leptopodumchloroplast genome, expanding the available genomic resources that may be used for future evolution and genetic diversity studies.
Description of a novel species of Leclercia, Leclercia tamurae sp. nov. and proposal of a novel genus Silvania gen. nov. containing two novel species Silvania hatchlandensis sp. nov. and Silvania confinis sp. nov. isolated from the rhizosphere of oak
Authors: Maddock Daniel , Arnold Dawn , Denman Sandra , Brady Carrie
Published: December 2022

Background

Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is a decline disease first reported on native oaks in the UK, but in recent years reports from further afield such as Europe and the Middle East, indicate that the distribution and host range is increasing at an alarming rate. The stem weeping symptoms of the disease partially develop due to polymicrobial-host interaction, caused by several members of the order Enterobacterales. While investigating the rhizosphere soil of AOD-unaffected trees, termed ‘healthy’ trees, and diseased oaks suffering from Acute Oak Decline (AOD), an enrichment method designed for enhanced recovery of Enterobacterales led to the recovery of several isolates that could not be classified as any existing species. These isolates showed a close relationship to the genusLeclercia, of which both species are of clinical importance, but the type speciesLeclercia adecarboxylataalso displays plant growth-promoting properties in the rhizosphere.

Results

Partial sequencing of four housekeeping genes revealed similarity to the genusLeclerciawith varying degrees of relatedness. As such a complete polyphasic approach was used to determine the true taxonomic position of these isolates. This involved whole genome sequencing, phylogenomic analysis, phylogenetic analysis of both the 16S rRNA and four housekeeping gene sequences, combined with phenotypic testing and fatty acid analysis. Both the phylogenomic and phylogenetic analyses separated the isolates into four clusters, two of which were contained in theLeclerciaclade. The remaining two clusters formed a separate lineage far removed from any currently defined species. Further investigation into the role of the isolates as plant growth-promoting bacteria as well as plant pathogens was investigated computationally, revealing a number of plant growth-promoting traits as well as virulence genes related to motility, adhesion and immune modulation.

Conclusion

Based on the genotypic and phenotypic data presented here, these isolates could be differentiated from each other and their closest neighbours. As such we propose the description ofLeclercia tamuraesp. nov. (type strain H6S3T = LMG 32609T = CCUG 76176T),Silvaniagen. nov.,Silvania hatchlandensissp. nov. (type strain H19S6T = LMG 32608T = CCUG 76185T) andSilvania confinissp. nov. (type strain H4N4T = LMG 32607T = CCUG 76175T). Due to their interesting protein annotations and alignments, these species warrant further investigation for their role in relation to plant health.
Transcriptome profiling of two Moringa species and insights into their antihyperglycemic activity
Authors: Shafi K. Mohamed , Sajeevan Radha Sivarajan , Kouser Sania , Vishnuprasad Chethala N , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: December 2022

Background

Moringa concanensis Nimmo (MC), a plant that resembles Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO), has less scientific information but has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant. Moringa species have long been known for their medicinal qualities, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antihyperglycemic effects. We investigated the antidiabetic potential of MC and MO species in this study by using transcriptome profiling, metabolite analysis, and in vitro assay studies.

Results

Our transcriptome analysis revealed the expression of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and benzylamine, all of which have previously been shown to have antidiabetic activity. We compared the expression patterns of five different tissues from MC and MO and it was found that the key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds were highly expressed in leaf tissue. The expression estimated by MC transcriptome data in different tissues was verified using RT-qPCR analysis. The amount of these compounds was further quantified in the crude leaf extract of both species and found that MC had a higher abundance of quercetin and chlorogenic acid than MO. The crude leaf extract from both MC and MO were further tested in vitro, and the results demonstrated strong inhibitory activity for α-glucosidase and DPP-IV enzymes. Our findings suggest that compounds in leaf tissue, such as quercetin, benzylamine, and chlorogenic acid, could play a significant role in this antidiabetic activity. In addition, when comparing MO plants, we found that MC had a slightly higher effect in expression, abundance, and inhibitory activity.

Conclusions

This study presents the first report of MC transcriptome data, as well as a comparison of its anti-diabetic activity to MO. Our analysis discussed the significance of leaf tissue in antidiabetic activity compared to other tissues of both species. Overall, this study not only provides transcriptome resources for Moringa species, but also sheds light on antidiabetic potential of both species.
OrchidBase 5.0: updates of the orchid genome knowledgebase
Authors: Chen You-Yi , Li Chung‐I , Hsiao Yu-Yun , Ho Sau-Yee , Zhang Zhe-Bin , Liao Chien-Chi , Lee Bing-Ru , Lin Shao-Ting , Wu Wan-Lin , Wang Jeen-Shing , Zhang Diyang , Liu Ke-Wei , Liu Ding-Kun , Zhao Xue-Wei , Li Yuan-Yuan , Ke Shi-Jie , Zhou Zhuang , Huang Ming-Zhong , Wu Yong-Shu , Peng Dong-Hui , Lan Si-Ren , Chen Hong-Hwa , Liu Zhong-Jian , Wu Wei-Sheng , Tsai Wen-Chieh
Published: December 2022

Containing the largest number of species, the orchid family provides not only materials for studying plant evolution and environmental adaptation, but economically and culturally important ornamental plants for human society. Previously, we collected genome and transcriptome information of Dendrobium catenatum, Phalaenopsis equestris, and Apostasia shenzhenica which belong to two different subfamilies of Orchidaceae, and developed user-friendly tools to explore the orchid genetic sequences in the OrchidBase 4.0. The OrchidBase 4.0 offers the opportunity for plant science community to compare orchid genomes and transcriptomes and retrieve orchid sequences for further study.

In the year 2022, two whole-genome sequences of Orchidoideae species, Platanthera zijinensis and Platanthera guangdongensis, were de novo sequenced, assembled and analyzed. In addition, systemic transcriptomes from these two species were also established. Therefore, we included these datasets to develop the new version of OrchidBase 5.0. In addition, three new functions including synteny, gene order, and miRNA information were also developed for orchid genome comparisons and miRNA characterization.

OrchidBase 5.0 extended the genetic information to three orchid subfamilies (including five orchid species) and provided new tools for orchid researchers to analyze orchid genomes and transcriptomes. The online resources can be accessed at https://cosbi.ee.ncku.edu.tw/orchidbase5/
Proteome profiles during early stage of somatic embryogenesis of two Eucalyptus species
Authors: Chen Bowen , Li Changrong , Chen Yingying , Chen Shengkan , Xiao Yufei , Wu Qi , Zhong Lianxiang , Huang Kaiyong
Published: December 2022

Background

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) was recognized as an important tool for plants to propagate. However, our knowledge about the proteins involved in early SE including the callus dedifferentiation is still limited, especially in the economic woody tree – Eucalyptus.

Results

We used the data-independent acquisition mass-spectrometry to study the different proteome profiles of early SE of two Eucalyptus species—E. camaldulensis (high regeneratively potential) and E. grandis x urophylla (low regenerative potential). Initially, 35,207 peptides and 7,077 proteins were identified in the stem and tissue-culture induced callus of the two Eucalyptus species. MSstat identified 2,078 and 2,807 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in early SE of E. camaldulensis and E. grandis x urophylla, respectively. They shared 760 upregulated and 420 downregulated proteins, including 4 transcription factors, 31 ribosomal proteins, 1 histone, 3 zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), 16 glutathione transferases, 10 glucosyltransferases, ARF19, WOX8 and PIN1. These proteins might be involved in the early SE of Eucalyptus. By combining the miRNA and RNA-Seq results, some miRNA ~ gene/protein regulatory networks were identified in early SE of Eucalyptus, such as miR160 ~ TPP2, miR164 ~ UXS2, miR169 ~ COX11 and miR535 ~ Eucgr.E01067. Further, we found SERK, WRKY, ZFP and ABC transporter might be related with high SE potential.

Conclusions

Overall, our study identified proteins involved in the early SE and related to the high regeneration potential of Eucalyptus. It greatly enhanced our understanding of the early SE and the SE capacity of Eucalyptus.
Positive end-expiratory pressure and prone position alter the capacity of force generation from diaphragm in acute respiratory distress syndrome: an animal experiment
Authors: Firstiogusran Andi Muhammad Fadlillah , Yoshida Takeshi , Hashimoto Haruka , Iwata Hirofumi , Fujino Yuji
Published: December 2022

Background

Spontaneous breathing potentially injures lungs and diaphragm when spontaneous effort is vigorous in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) while immobility also has risks of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) acquired weakness and diaphragm atrophy. Thus, ventilatory strategy to mitigate strong spontaneous effort should be promptly established without a systemic use of neuromuscular blocking agent. Here, we investigated the impacts of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and body position on the capacity of force generation from diaphragm following bilateral phrenic nerve stimulations in a rabbit ARDS model.

Methods

Using lung-injured rabbits, we measured 1) transdiaphragmatic pressure by bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation and 2) end-expiratory lung volume using computed tomography, under two different levels of PEEP (high, low) and body positions (supine, prone).

Results

Overall, transdiaphragmatic pressure was the highest at low PEEP in supine position and the lowest at high PEEP in prone position. Compared to values in low PEEP + supine, transdiaphragmatic pressure was significantly reduced by either prone alone (the same PEEP) or increasing PEEP alone (the same position) or both combinations. End-expiratory lung volume was significantly increased with increasing PEEP in both positions, but it was not altered by body position.

Interpretation

The capacity of force generation from diaphragm was modulated by PEEP and body position during mechanical ventilation in ARDS. Higher PEEP or prone position per se or both was effective to decrease the force generation from diaphragm.
Effect of triage training on the knowledge application and practice improvement among the practicing nurses of the emergency departments of the National Referral Hospitals, 2018; a pre-post study in Asmara, Eritrea
Authors: Bahlibi Teklu Tsegai , Tesfamariam Eyasu Habte , Andemeskel Yonatan Mehari , Weldegiorgis Ghidey Gebreyohannes
Published: December 2022

Background

Triage starts at the front door of the Emergency Department (ED), and repeatedly performed by the responsible duty nurses with the aim of facilitating a timely and appropriate treatment of patients. A triage system called the Orotta Triage System was implemented in the emergency settings of the selected hospitals in 2006, with the emergency nurses trained to triage using the system. Since the introduction, a majority of nurses have been replaced by new untrained nurses. This study was conducted to assess the impact of an educational intervention on the triage nurses knowledge and performance.

Methods

A single group pre-posttest study design was performed in the adult EDs of the National Referral Eritrean Referral Hospitals, from January to July of 2018. All staff members in the ED were involved. Data collection tools utilized were, a self-administered knowledge assessing questionnaire and a practice observation checklist. Analysis was done in SPSS (version 22) using repeated measures ANOVA. Statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

The mean knowledge scores at Time 1(prior to the intervention), Time 2 (following the intervention) and Time 3 (three month follow up) were 6.23 (SD = 2.29), 10.55 (SD = 1.79), and 9.39(SD = 2.67) respectively. During the pre-intervention phase, only one (3%) nurse was determined to have adequate knowledge. Two days post training (immediate post-intervention), the percentage possessing adequate knowledge increased to 39% but dropped back to 19% three months later. Mean knowledge difference scores (95% CI) of immediate post and pre-intervention (Diff. = 4.32, 1 95%CI: 3.08–5.56), three months later and pre-intervention (Diff. = 3.16, 95%CI: 1.71–4.62) and immediate post and three months later (Diff. = 1.16, 95%CI: 0.12–2.20) were found to be statistically significant. The median score of appropriate triage practice at pre-intervention (Md = 6, IQR = 3) was not significantly different (p = 0.053) from that at post-intervention (Md = 8, IQR = 5).

Conclusion

The level of triage knowledge and appropriate application was low among the emergency nurses prior to training. The training provided an initial improvement in knowledge, but no significant improvement in triage nursing performance. To optimize ED triage performance, appropriate, timely in-service training is required to ensure new staff are educated and experienced staff have their knowledge and skills refreshed.
Short- and long-term reproducibility of peripheral superficial vein depth and diameter measurements using ultrasound imaging
Authors: Miharu Matsumoto , Nobuko Hashiguchi , Hiromitsu Kobayashi
Published: December 2022

Background

Ultrasound imaging is used for diagnosis, treatment, and blood vessel visualization during venous catheter placement. However, various physiological factors (e.g., body temperature and exercise) influence vein diameters, which are expected to exhibit daily or diurnal fluctuations. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the intraday (short-term) and interday (long-term) reproducibility of repeated measurements of the depth and diameter of peripheral superficial veins.

Methods

Twenty-three healthy young women (mean age, 21.7 ± 0.8 years) participated in the study to examine the short- and long-term reproducibility of the depth and diameter of the cutaneous vein in the left elbow fossa acquired by ultrasound imaging. Short-term measurement intervals were 10 s, and the probe was released from the skin for each acquisition, which was repeated five consecutive times. Long-term measurements were performed at the same time on the next day following the same procedure. The acquired images were analyzed for vein depth and diameter using ImageJ software. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to determine the short- and long-term reproducibility of the measurements. The relationship between the venous depth and venous diameter intra-individual variation was analyzed, as well as the influence of body composition (body fat and muscle mass) on the venous diameter and depth.

Results

For vein depth measurements, the short- and long-term ICCs were 0.94–0.96 and 0.88, respectively. For the vein diameter, the short- and long-term ICCs were 0.94–0.97 and 0.67, respectively. The short-term ICCs for both vein depth and diameter exceeded 0.9, indicating that the ultrasound vascular measurement was sufficiently reliable. However, long-term reproducibility was slightly lower, especially for the vein diameter. No correlation was found between the intra-individual variation of the vein diameter and vein depth. Although the vein diameter and body fat mass uncorrelated, the vein depth and body fat mass significantly correlated (r = 0.675, 95% confidence interval = 0.281–0.830).

Conclusions

The long-term reproducibility of vein diameters was somewhat lower than that of the short-term reproducibility. This could be attributed to fluctuations in the physiological state of the participant rather than to the instability of the measurement. Therefore, ultrasound measurement of the peripheral superficial vein is sufficiently reliable.
Advanced MRI features of intraventricular inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: a case report
Authors: Tang Xiao-lin , Huang Wen-jun , Ma Qiang , Yi Kun-ming
Published: December 2022

Background

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare central nervous system (CNS) tumor. We first report a rare case of IMT in the lateral ventricle and describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the tumor with an emphasis on the advanced MRI features.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old female patient with headaches and blurred vision for 2 months. Brain MRI revealed a well-circumscribed, lobulated mass occupying the left lateral ventricle trigone, with marked perilesional brain edema. The tumor showed heterogeneous significant hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI). After the administration of gadolinium, the mass exhibited marked contrast enhancement and the halo sign was observed. On advanced MRI, the lesion showed decreased perfusion on perfusion MRI and reduced diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). On susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), there was a punctate low signal intensity in the tumor. The patient underwent surgical resection of the mass and a pathological examination confirmed the lesion to be an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with negative expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). This patient had remained healthy without evidence of recurrence during a 20-month follow-up.

Conclusions

On MRI, marked perilesional brain edema, significant hyperintensity on T2WI, hypoperfusion on perfusion MRI but with an obvious enhancement, no diffusion restriction on DWI, and halo sign may be the characteristic findings of intraventricular IMT. The advanced MRI characteristics could provide abundant information to reflect the histological features and physiological metabolic characteristics of the tumor.
Identifying target areas of medicines information efforts to pregnant and breastfeeding women by reviewing questions to SafeMotherMedicine: A Norwegian web-based public medicines information service
Authors: Bakkebø Tina , Heitmann Kristine , Vågsvoll Kamilla , Erdal Hilde , Schjøtt Jan
Published: December 2022

Background

Online information about safety of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is shown to be conflicting, resulting in anxiety and abstaining from use. The aim of this study was to characterize questions to SafeMotherMedicine, a web-based medicines information service for pregnant and breastfeeding women, to identify target areas that could guide subsequent development of medicines information directed at pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Methods

The SafeMotherMedicine database contains all questions received through the web-based service and their corresponding answers. A retrospective database analysis of questions received from January 2016 to September 2018 was performed, using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 11 618 questions were received including 5 985 questions (51.5%) concerning pregnancy, 4 878 questions (42.0%) concerning breastfeeding, and 755 questions (6.5%) concerning both conditions. The medications in question represented all therapeutic groups with paracetamol (7.0%), ibuprofen (4.1%), cetirizine (3.3%), desloratadine (3.2%) and meclizine (2.8%) being the top five. The 20 medications most frequently asked about for either pregnancy, breastfeeding or both pregnancy and breastfeeding, constituted half of all questions and were used to identify target areas. These included both symptomatic relief of common complaints, such as pain, nausea, and rhinitis, as well as treatment of chronic conditions such as allergy, psychiatric disorders, and asthma. Analysis of a subset of questions showed that most of these questions were asked before use of medications in a current pregnancy (49%) or during breastfeeding (72%). The questions concerned use of medications in all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding. For 81.6% of the questions concerning pregnancy, and for 84.2% of the questions concerning breastfeeding, information of no or low risk for the foetus or the breastfed infant was provided by SafeMotherMedicine.

Conclusions

We found that target areas for medicines information directed at pregnant and breastfeeding women included both symptomatic relief of common complaints as well as treatment of chronic conditions. The questions concerned a wide range of medications and involved use in all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our findings indicate that developing medicines information addressing the identified target areas will meet the information need for a large proportion of this patient group.
Predictors of adherence and the role of primary non-adherence in antihormonal treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Dragvoll Ida , Bofin Anna M. , Søiland Håvard , Taraldsen Gunnar , Engstrøm Monica Jernberg
Published: December 2022

Background

Antihormonal treatment for hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer has highly beneficial effects on both recurrence rates and survival. We investigate adherence and persistence in this group of patients.

Methods

The study population comprised 1192 patients with HR-positive breast cancer who were prescribed adjuvant antihormonal treatment from 2004 to 2013. Adherence was defined as a medical possession ratio (MPR) of ≥80.

Results

Of the 1192 included patients, 903 (75.8%) were adherent and 289 (24.2%) were non-adherent. Primary non-adherence was seen in 101 (8.5%) patients. The extremes of age (< 40 and ≥ 80 years) were associated with poor adherence. Patients with metastasis to axillary lymph nodes and those who received radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy were more likely to be adherent. Better adherence was also shown for those who switched medication at 2 years after diagnosis. Primary non-adherence seems to be associated with cancers with a good prognosis.

Conclusion

Adherence to antihormonal therapy for breast cancer is suboptimal. Primary non-adherence occurs among patients with a relatively good prognosis. Non-adherent patients tend to terminate their antihormonal therapy in the initial part of the treatment period. Targeted interventions to improve adherence should be focused on the first part of the treatment period.
Hemoperfusion and intravenous immunoglobulins for refractory gastrointestinal involvement in pediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Che Ruochen , Xu Haisheng , Ding Guixia , Zhao Fei , Huang Songming , Zhang Aihua
Published: December 2022

Background

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) with refractory gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is always difficult to handle because of its resistance to supportive therapies and glucocorticoid. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hemoperfusion (HP) and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) therapies in this population.

Methods

Sixty-four HSP patients with refractory GI involvement (R-GI group) and 64 cases with mild GI symptoms (control group) were retrospectively analyzed in our center from March 2016 to October 2019. In R-GI group, 42 cases (subgroup A) were treated with IVIG and steroid, 13 cases (subgroup B) used HP and steroid, 9 cases (subgroup C) executed a combination of IVIG, HP and steroid. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory indexes and treatment outcomes were recorded. t-test, One-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, and multivariate logistic regression were used in comparing differences among subgroups and predicting independent risk factors.

Results

Compared with the control group, R-GI cases experienced higher risk of renal involvement (P = 0.000), more steroid exposure (P = 0.000), six times expenses (P = 0.000) and 2.3 times length of hospitalization (P = 0.000). The independent risk factors of R-GI group were elevated neutrophils (OR 1.250 [95% CI 1.130-1.383]) and the percentage of B lymphocytes (OR 1.100 [95% CI 1.026-1.179]) as well as decreased IgG (OR 0.847 [95% CI 0.732-0.98]). In R-GI group, increased age (OR 1.039 [95% CI 1.016-1.062]) and IgM (OR 5.994 [95% CI 1.403-27.611]) were verified to be risk factors of HSP nephritis. All three subgroups could alleviate the symptoms effectively. Compared with those in subgroup A, patients in subgroup B were elder (P = 0.004), had less relapse (P = 0.002), steroid exposure (P = 0.033) and expenses (P = 0.031), more significant decrease of WBC (P = 0.026) after treatment.

Conclusion

The HSP with refractory GI involvement had much higher risk of medical burden and renal involvement. Both IVIG and HP therapies could ameliorate refractory GI symptoms efficiently. HP therapy tended to reduce the relapse, costs and steroid exposure in its audiences who were cooperated and with stable hemodynamics, while IVIG had better use in younger children.