bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying patterns of potentially preventable hospitalisations in people living with dementia
Authors: Engel Lidia , Hwang Kerry , Panayiotou Anita , Watts Jennifer J. , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Temple Jeromey , Batchelor Frances 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Older Australians make up 46% of all potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPHs) and people living with dementia are at significantly greater risk. While policy reforms aim to reduce PPHs, there is currently little evidence available on what drives this, especially for people living with dementia. This study examines patterns of PPHs in people living with dementia to inform service delivery and the development of evidence-based interventions.

Methods
We used the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset from Victoria, Australia, to extract data for people aged 50 and over with a diagnosis of dementia between 2015 and 2016. Potentially avoidable admissions, known as ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs), were identified. The chi-square test was used to detect differences between admissions for ACSCs and non-ACSCs by demographic, geographical, and administrative factors. Predictors of ACSCs admissions were analysed using univariate and multiple logistic regression.

Results
Of the 8156 hospital records, there were 3884 (48%) ACSCs admissions, of which admissions for urinary tract infections accounted for 31%, followed by diabetes complications (21%). Mean bed-days were 8.26 for non-ACSCs compared with 9.74 for ACSCs (p ≤ 0.001). There were no differences between admissions for ACSCs and non-ACSCs by sex, marital status, region (rural vs metro), and admission source (private accommodation vs residential facility). Culture and language predicted ASCS admission rates in the univariate regression analyses, with ACSC admission rates increasing by 20 and 29% if English was not the preferred language or if an interpreter was required, respectively. Results from the multiple regression analysis confirmed that language was a significant predictor of ACSC admission rates.

Conclusions
Improved primary health care may help to reduce the most common causes of PPHs for people living with dementia, particularly for those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
mRNA and long non-coding RNA expression profiles of rotator cuff tear patients reveal inflammatory features in long head of biceps tendon
Authors: Ren Yi-Ming , Duan Yuan-Hui , Sun Yun-Bo , Yang Tao , Hou Wei-Yu , Liu Chang , Tian Meng-Qiang 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to identify the differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs in inflammatory long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) of rotator cuff tear (RCT) patients and further explore the function and potential targets of differentially expressed lncRNAs in biceps tendon pathology.

Methods
Human gene expression microarray was made between 3 inflammatory LHBT samples and 3 normal LHBT samples from RCT patients. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed to annotate the function of differentially expressed mRNAs. The real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was admitted to verify their expression. LncRNA-mRNA co-expression network, cis-acting element, trans-acting element and transcription factor (TF) regulation analysis were constructed to predict the potential molecular regulatory ﻿mechanisms and targets for LHB tendinitis.

Results
103 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, of which 75 were up-regulated and 28 were down-regulated, were detected to be differentially expressed in LHBT. The expressions of 4 most differentially expressed lncRNAs (A2MP1, LOC100996671, COL6A4P, lnc-LRCH1-5) were confirmed by qRT-PCR. GO functional analysis indicated that related lncRNAs and mRNAs were involved in the biological processes of regulation of innate immune response, neutrophil chemotaxis, interleukin-1 cell response and others. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that related lncRNAs and mRNAs were involved in MAPK signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway and others. TF regulation analysis revealed that COL6A4P2, A2MP1 and LOC100996671 target NFKB2.

Conclusions
LlncRNA-COL6A4P2, A2MP1 and LOC100996671 may regulate the inflammation of LHBT in RCT patients through NFKB2/NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and preliminarily revealed the pathological molecular mechanism of tendinitis of LHBT.
Establishment of genetic tools for genomic DNA engineering of Halomonas sp. KM-1, a bacterium with potential for biochemical production
Authors: Tsuji Ayaka , Takei Yasuko , Azuma Yoshinao 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHalomonas species are halophilic and alkaliphilic bacteria, which exhibit potential for industrial production of a variety of chemicals, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates and ectoine, by fermentation because of their favorable characteristics, including high-density culturing capacity and low risk of contamination. However, genetic tools to modify the metabolism of Halomonas for suitable fermentation performance are limited. In this study, we developed two independent basic vectors for Halomonas, named pUCpHAw and pHA1AT_32, consisting of ori regions from two plasmids isolated from Halomonas sp. A020, and chloramphenicol- and tetracycline-resistant genes as cloning markers, respectively. These vectors can independently transform and co-transform the Halomonas sp. KM-1 (KM-1). A protein that was highly and constitutively accumulated was identified as a hemolysin coregulated protein (Hcp) based on proteome analysis of KM-1. Using the hcp promoter, various genes, such as phaA and EGFP, were highly expressed. To establish a gene disruption system, the Streptococcus pyogenes cas9 gene and guide RNA for the pyrF gene, a yeast URA3 homologue, were expressed in pUCpHAw and pHA1AT_32, respectively. As a result, gene disruption mutants were isolated based on phenotypes, 5-fluoroorotic acid resistance, and uracil auxotrophy. A combination of KM-1 and these vectors could be a suitable platform for industrial chemical and protein production.
The influence of the National Health Insurance scheme of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on healthcare access and catastrophic health expenditures for patients with chronic renal disease, and the possibility of integrating organ transplantation into the health financing system
Authors: Bodhisane Somdeth , Pongpanich Sathirakorn 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCitizens of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have difficulties in obtaining proper health services compared to more developed countries, due to the lack of available health facilities and health financing programmes. Haemodialysis (HD) is currently included under the coverage of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme. However, there are several technical barriers related to health service utilization. This study aims to analyse the effects of the Lao NHI on issues of accessibility and the possibility of encountering catastrophic health expenditures for patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, the study provides policy recommendations for policy-makers regarding the provision of organ transplantation under NHI in the future. Savannakhet Province was purposively selected as a study site, where 342 respondents participated in the study. Two logistic regression models are used to assess the effectiveness of the NHI in terms of accessibility and financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures. The Andersen behavioural model is applied as a guideline to identify factors that affect accessibility and economic catastrophe. NHI is found to improve accessibility to health service utilization for household members with chronic kidney disease. However, due to the limited HD services, there are barriers to accessing health services and a risk of financial hardship due to nonmedical expenditures. Chronic conditions, in addition to kidney issues, dramatically increase the chances of suffering catastrophic health expenditures. In the short run, collaboration with neighbouring countries’ hospitals through copayment programmes is strongly recommended for NHI’s policy-makers. For long-term policy guidelines, the government should move forward to include kidney transplantation in the NHI healthcare system.
Emotional blunting in patients with depression. Part II: relationship with functioning, well-being, and quality of life
Authors: Christensen Michael Cronquist , Ren Hongye , Fagiolini Andrea 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Emotional blunting is a common symptom in people with depression and an important factor preventing full functional recovery. This international survey investigated the experience of emotional blunting in the acute and remission phases of depression from the perspective of patients and healthcare providers. This paper presents data on the impact of emotional blunting on overall functioning and health-related quality of life from the patient perspective.

Methods
Respondents were adults diagnosed with depression by a physician, currently prescribed an antidepressant, and reporting emotional blunting during the past 6 weeks. Assessments included the Oxford Depression Questionnaire (ODQ), the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST), and the World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index (WHO-5). Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analyses were applied to examine the relationship between ODQ and FAST scores.

Results
Data are available for 752 patients (62% female; mean age, 45 years). Mean ODQ total score was 94.8 in patients in the acute phase of depression (n = 300) and 85.7 in those in remission (n = 452; possible maximum, 130). Mean FAST total scores were 47.0 and 33.5, respectively (possible maximum, 72). Patients in the acute phase of depression had significantly greater impairment in functioning across all FAST domains than those in the remission phase (all differences, p < 0.01). Mean WHO-5 scores were 6.4 and 9.8 in the acute and remission phases, respectively (lower scores indicate poorer well-being). Overall, 65% of patients in the acute phase and 36% of those in remission reported that emotional blunting had a significant impact on their quality of life. Pearson correlation analysis showed a moderate positive correlation between ODQ and FAST total scores (r = 0.52) and a weak negative correlation between ODQ total score and WHO-5 score (r = − 0.26; both p < 0.01). In multivariate regression analysis, ODQ total score (in combination with other covariates) was the strongest significant predictor of poor patient functioning.

Conclusions
Emotional blunting has a substantial negative impact on patients’ daily functioning, well-being, and quality of life in both the acute and remission phases of depression. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing and treating emotional blunting in patients with major depressive disorder in order to achieve full functional recovery.
The influence of skin-to-skin contact on Cortical Activity during Painful procedures in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (iCAP mini): study protocol for a randomized control trial
Authors: Campbell-Yeo Marsha , Benoit Britney , Newman Aaron , Johnston Celeste , Bardouille Tim , Stevens Bonnie , Jiang Arlene 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background

Strong evidence suggests that maternal-infant skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is effective in reducing behavioural responses to pain. Given the multi-sensory benefits of SSC, it is highly likely that SSC provided during pain in early life may reduce pain-induced brain activity. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of SSC compared to 24% sucrose on pain-induced activity in the preterm infant brain during a medically required heel lance. Secondary objectives include determining (a) differences between behavioural pain response and noxious-related brain activity during heel lance and (b) rate of adverse events across groups.

Methods
We will randomly assign 126 babies (32 to 36 completed weeks gestational age) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, and their mothers within the first seven days of age to receive (i) SSC plus sterile water and (ii) 24% oral sucrose. Each baby will receive a medically indicated heel lance, following a no treatment baseline period. The primary outcome is noxious-related brain activity measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG) pain-specific event-related potential. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity measured using a bio-behavioural infant pain assessment tool (Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised) and rate of adverse events.

Discussion
This will be the first clinical trial to compare the effect of SSC and 24% sucrose on pain-induced brain activity in the preterm infant brain during a clinical noxious stimulus, measured using EEG. Given the negative neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with unmanaged pain, it is imperative that preterm babies receive the most effective pain-reducing treatments to improve their health outcomes. Our findings will have important implications in informing optimal pain assessment and management in preterm infants.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03745963. Registered on November 19, 2018.
Protocol for an attention-matched randomized controlled trial of 2GETHER: a relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples
Authors: Newcomb Michael E. , Sarno Elissa L. , Bettin Emily , Conway Adam , Carey James , Garcia Christopher , Hill Ricky , Jozsa Kyle , Swann Gregory , Addington Elizabeth L. , Ciolino Jody D. , Macapagal Kathryn , Moskowitz Judith T. , Mustanski Brian , Whitton Sarah W. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic in the USA, and a large number of new infections among YMSM occur in the context of main or primary partnerships. At the same time, healthy romantic relationships promote health and wellbeing by improving social support and encouraging healthy behaviors. Thus, we created 2GETHER: a relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples. 2GETHER is delivered face-to-face in a university setting and is composed of two group sessions and two individualized skills coaching sessions. We observed strong support of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of 2GETHER in a pilot trial.

Methods
We are conducting an attention-matched randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of 2GETHER relative to a control condition based on a well-validated positive affect enhancement program. Enrollment occurred between August 2017 and March 2021 in Chicago and surrounding areas, and we enrolled and randomized 128 dyads (N = 256 individuals). Follow-up is ongoing and we will examine primary and secondary behavioral outcomes at 12 months post-intervention, with interim follow-up at 3, 6, and 9 months post-intervention. The primary biomedical outcome is sexually transmitted infection incidence at a 12-month follow-up.

Discussion
2GETHER is innovative in that it places an equal emphasis on relationship skill building and HIV prevention. Thus, the program has the potential to impact numerous health-related outcomes. Despite challenges related to the recruitment of couples and the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to enroll a robust sample of young male couples with sufficient power to detect effects on study outcomes.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03186534.
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a Fuling-Zexie decoction for people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia: protocol for a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Yan Jingyao , Zhou Yingyan , Yang Qiaowen , Wu Jiaqi , He Xiaohong 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Hyperuricemia increases the risk of gout and cardiovascular complications, and how to manage asymptomatic hyperuricemia is controversial. Randomized controlled trials and comparative studies are needed to guide management and treatment. Studies show that Chinese medicine can decrease uric acid through multiple targets, but many of these studies have been conducted in animals because of the lack of a consistent prescription and mechanism. Therefore, we designed this research to study whether Chinese medicine is truly effective and which target is essential by using an approved prescription of a Fuling-Zexie decoction to further guide large sample experiments to determine whether Chinese medicine can reduce the long-term incidence of gout and cardiovascular events.

Methods
This pilot study is a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial developed from March 2020 to December 2021. Thirty people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia will be recruited and assigned to either the Chinese medicine group or placebo group, and each group will have 15 subjects. During the 12-week observation period, there will be 4 visits. The decline in uric acid is the main outcome measure, and urinary uric acid, inflammatory biomarkers, and other indices that may be involved in lowering uric acid are the secondary outcome measures.

Discussion
This study will probe the effect of Chinese medicine treatment on hyperuricemia and explore possible therapeutic mechanisms. By performing this trial, we hope to provide evidence and data to support further large clinical studies.

Trial registration
ChiCTR2000038575. Registered on September 24, 2020.
Insulin use in Type 2 diabetic patients: a predictive of mortality in covid‑19 infection
Authors: Assaad Marc , Hekmat-Joo Nakisa , Hosry Jeff , Kassem Ali , Itani Ahmad , Dahabra Loai , Abou Yassine Ahmad , Zaidan Julie , El Sayegh Dany 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Starting December 2019, the world has been devastated by the rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Many risk factors have been associated with worse outcomes and death from Covid-19 pneumonia including having diabetes mellitus. To date, it is not clear if all group of diabetics share the same risk of complications with COVID-19 infection. This study aims to compare disease severity and mortality rate in insulin users versus non-insulin users.

Methods
In this retrospective case–control study conducted at the largest health care network in New York state, we included adult, diabetic patients admitted from March 2020 to October 2020 with Covid-19 pneumonia. We compared the baseline characteristics in addition to outcomes of diabetic patients on home insulin (cases) and non-insulin user diabetics (controls). In addition, to determine if home insulin use is associated with an increased mortality, we conducted a cox regression analysis.

Results
We included 696 patients in the study period with a median age of 57 years, interquartile range [IQR] 51–62, and median body mass index 29.9 (IQR: 26–34.7). The majority (476 [68%]) were males. We identified 227 cases (33%) and 469 controls (67%). More cases than controls were hypertensive (74% vs 67%, p = 0.03), on ACE/ARB (50% vs 42%, p = 0.05), and had a hemoglobin A1c > 8.1 (71% vs 44%, p < 0.001). More cases had AKI (52% vs 38%, p < 0.001), however no significant differences were found in intubation rates (26% vs 24%, p = 0.54), detection of pulmonary embolism (4% vs 6%, p = 0.19) or death rate (15% vs 11%, p = 0.22) comparing cases and controls. In a multivariate analysis, we found that home insulin use was independently associated with increased risk of death: Hazard ratio: 1.92, 95% confidence interval (1.13–3.23).

Conclusion
We showed herein that diabetic patients on home insulin with COVID-19 pneumonia, have worse outcomes and increased mortality compared to diabetics on oral antihyperglycemic agents. Close monitoring of insulin-dependent type II diabetic patients is needed in the current pandemic.
Octopamine receptor gene influences social grouping in the masked birch caterpillar
Authors: Yadav Chanchal , Yack Jayne E. , Smith Myron L. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Objective
Group-living plays a key role in the success of many insects, but the mechanisms underlying group formation and maintenance are poorly understood. Here we use the masked birch caterpillar, Drepana arcuata, to explore genetic influences on social grouping. These larvae predictably transition from living in social groups to living solitarily during the 3rd instar of development. Our previous study showed a notable shift in the D. arcuata transcriptome that correlates with the transition from grouping to solitary behavior. We noted that one differentially regulated gene, octopamine receptor gene (DaOAR), is a prominent ‘social’ gene in other insect species, prompting us to test the hypothesis that DaOAR influences grouping behavior in D. arcuata. This was done using RNA interference (RNAi) methods by feeding second instar larvae synthetic dsRNAs.

Results
RT–qPCR analysis confirmed a significant reduction in DaOAR transcript abundance in dsRNA-fed larvae compared to controls. Behavioral trials showed that caterpillars with reduced transcript abundance of DaOAR remained solitary throughout the observation period compared to controls. These results provide evidence that regulation of the octopamine receptor gene influences social grouping in D. arcuata, and that specifically, a decrease in octopamine receptor expression triggers the larval transition from social to solitary.
Potential soil methane oxidation in naturally regenerated oak-dominated temperate deciduous forest stands responds to soil water status regardless of their age—an intact core incubation study
Authors: Bras Nicolas , Plain Caroline , Epron Daniel 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Key message
Potential CH4 oxidation in the top soil layer increased with decreasing soil water content in spring but was inhibited during severe summer drought in naturally-regenerated oak-dominated temperate deciduous forest stands regardless of their age. No direct effect of mineral nitrogen on soil CH4 oxidation was found. Soil CH4 oxidation in temperate forests could be reduced by extreme climatic events.

Context
The oxidation of atmospheric methane (CH4) by methanotrophic bacteria in forest soils is an important but overlooked ecosystem service.

Aim
Our objective was to determine which factors drive variations in soil CH4 oxidation in oak-dominated temperate deciduous forest stands of different ages.

Methods
Soil samples were collected in 16 stands aged 20 to 143 years in periods of high and low soil water content (SWC). The potential rate of soil CH4 oxidation was measured by incubating the first five centimetres of intact soil cores at 20 °C.

Results
SWC was the main driver accounting for variations in CH4 oxidation. In spring, a two-fold reduction in SWC greatly increased CH4 oxidation. But when the soil was dry in late summer, a further reduction in SWC led to a decrease in CH4 oxidation in the top soil layer. No direct effect of mineral nitrogen on soil CH4 oxidation was found.

Conclusions
With regard to soil CH4 oxidation, naturally regenerated forest stands contribute equally to climate change mitigation regardless of their age. Considering future climate scenarios for Europe, soil CH4 sink in temperate forests could be reduced, due to both an increase in the number of flooding episodes in spring and drier summers.