bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the use of palliative care services increasing? A comparison of current versus historical palliative care access using health service datasets for patients with cancer
Authors: Philip Jennifer , Collins Anna , Warwyk Olivia , Sundararajan Vijaya , Le Brian 
Published: August 2022

Background: Mature evidence exists supporting the integration of palliative care in cancer care, but translation of evidence into practice is less well understood. Aim: We sought to understand current access to palliative care and its timing for people with cancer and to compare practices over time. Design: We conducted a retrospective population cohort study using routinely collected administrative health data sets in Victoria, Australia. Setting/Participants: All adult cancer decedents in 2018 were identified and clinical, demographic, palliative care access and quality of end of life care indices collected. Comparisons between a historic cohort of lung, breast and prostate cancer patients who died between the years 2005 and 2009 and those with these diagnoses in the current cohort. Results: In 2018 there were 10,245 Victorian decedents with a cancer-coded cause of death, of these 3689 had lung, prostate or breast cancer. In 2018, access to palliative care increased (66% vs 54%) and greater numbers accessed palliative care more than 3 months before death (18% vs 10%) than in 2005–2009. Indices of end of life quality improved across most domains. However the median time between first palliative care and death was shorter in 2018 (22 vs 25 days) and more people first accessed palliative care in the hospitalisation during which they died (43% vs 33%). Conclusion: Despite established benefits of early palliative care, the important task of translation of this evidence into practice remains.
Protective effect of D-(−)-quinic acid as food supplement in modulating AMP-activated protein kinase signalling pathway activation in HFD induced obesity
Authors: Dong Jie , Zheng HaiLong , Zeng Qiuyao , Zhang Xian , Du Liang , Bais Souravh 
Published: August 2022

Background Dietary quinic acid given as the nutritional supplement, which may leads to tryptophan and nicotinamide production in the intestinal tract and NAD+ precursor which can prevent from the negative consequences of high fat diet (HFD) consumption. Objective The present study was designed to assess in vivo and in vitro effect of D-(−)-Quinic acid in high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in mice. Material and methods Thirty six albino mice were randomly divided in six groups and each group had six mice. Group I, controlled mice given normal pellet diet, Group-II mice, administered with high fat diet (HFD), Group-III mice given standard drug, Atorvastatin (20 mg/kg, p.o.) along with HFD to mice and Group IV, V and VI mice received D-(−)-Quinic acid at a dose of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively in separate group along with HFD to mice. After completion of trial (49 days) the animals were sacrificed and evaluated for body weight, organ fat pad weight, and changes in weight of liver, heart and kidney and also for biochemical parameters, expression of adipogenic and inflammation markers in adipose tissues, and histology examination of liver tissue. Results In vitro testing results showed, D-(−)-Quinic acid potentially inhibit α-glucosidase enzyme activity as compared to acarbose. The D-(−)-Quinic acid showed significant hypolipidemic activity by decreasing the increased level of cholesterol, triglyceride level, LDL, VLDL and other hepatic parameters like SGOT and SGPT in serum. D-(−)-Quinic acid reduces the mRNA expression level of PPAR-γ2, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in adipose tissue in hyperlipidemic mice.
Feline Fertility Consequences of inbreeding and implications for reproductive fitness
Authors: Casal Margret L 
Published: August 2022

Practical relevance: When compared with the number of individuals that make up a dog breed, the population within a given cat breed is very small. Therefore, to maintain a breed standard, a certain degree of inbreeding is necessary. However, when inbreeding reaches a certain threshold, it can lead to decreased fertility, which manifests as failure to conceive, smaller litter size, increased neonatal illness and neonatal mortality. Breeders should be encouraged to keep comprehensive records on breeding outcomes, including number of kittens born, neonatal vitality, daily kitten weights and kitten health at weaning. Commercially available DNA panels are available to inform and facilitate excellent breeding choices and can estimate the coefficient of inbreeding. Clinicians should include a review of the degree of inbreeding in the work-up for any cattery or cat colony experiencing decreased fertility. Aim: The objective of this article is to provide clinicians, especially those working with cat breeders, with an easy-to-understand guide to genetics and to demonstrate how inbreeding influences fertility and neonatal survival. Equipment and technical skills: Medical records and the pedigree of the cats in question are required to investigate cases of infertility that may be related to inbreeding. A DNA analysis kit that measures genetic diversity and health parameters can also be helpful; those that have been developed by geneticists and veterinarians at universities are preferable, as they include access to highly skilled genetic counselors and researchers who are open to working up newly discovered genetic diseases. Evidence base: The material provided is based on current literature and the author’s own studies examining outcomes in a closed cattery.
Assessment of neonatal resuscitation skills among healthcare workers in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Authors: Kamau Pauline T , Koech Myra , Hecht Shaina M , McHenry Megan S , Songok Julia 
Published: August 2022

Objective: Neonatal resuscitation is key in preventing neonatal mortality. The objective of this study was to assess the competence of healthcare workers in basic neonatal resuscitation at six hospitals in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of healthcare workers based on the labor and delivery wards. Results: Of the 46 healthcare workers who were assessed with a written examination and skills assessment, 85% were nurses. While 46% were able to pass the written examination, none demonstrated all required steps of newborn resuscitation during the skills assessment by simulation. No significant associations were present between the pass rate of the written examination and years of experience, role, or prior in-service training. All of the hospitals had the basic equipment required for neonatal resuscitation. Conclusion: There is a need to further develop the neonatal resuscitation skills among healthcare workers in the labor and delivery wards in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya.
Predictors of parental stress and family function one year after rapid unprepared return: A preliminary analysis from five nations
Authors: Howard Amanda H , Forber-Pratt Ian , Wilke Nicole G 
Published: August 2022

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some governments issued mandates requiring that residential care providers rapidly return children and youth to family. The goal of the present study was to assess outcomes in a sample of families experiencing rapid unprepared return. Specifically, we sought to evaluate the placement stability, assess support services provided to families, and examine how services received impacted parental stress and family functioning. Participants and Setting: 115 families who had experienced rapid unprepared return across five nations, including Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mexico, and Uganda. Using a quantitative design, results examined (1) placement stability, (2) services received, and (3) the impact of services on family wellbeing. Data revealed the majority of families were still intact after 1 year. More robust support services were associated with lower parental stress and better family functioning. Occupational/financial support, such as financial assistance and job training, and material support, such as home repairs and food assistance, were vital to family wellbeing 1 year following rapid unprepared return. Rapid unprepared return creates risks to families and children, and should not be continued or repeated. However, emergency situations, government mandates or unexpected crises may force conditions for rapid unprepared return. For families that have experienced rapid unprepared return, intensive support and appropriate case management can improve the likelihood of positive outcomes and improve family wellbeing.
Evolution of transcriptional regulation of histidine metabolism in Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Ashniev German A. , Sernova Natalia V. , Shevkoplias Aleksei E. , Rodionov Ivan D. , Rodionova Irina A. , Vitreschak Alexey G. , Gelfand Mikhail S. , Rodionov Dmitry A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe histidine metabolism and transport (his) genes are controlled by a variety of RNA-dependent regulatory systems among diverse taxonomic groups of bacteria including T-box riboswitches in Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and RNA attenuators in Proteobacteria. Using a comparative genomic approach, we previously identified a novel DNA-binding transcription factor (named HisR) that controls the histidine metabolism genes in diverse Gram-positive bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum.ResultsHere we report the identification of HisR-binding sites within the regulatory regions of the histidine metabolism and transport genes in 395 genomes representing the Bacilli, Clostridia, Negativicutes, and Tissierellia classes of Firmicutes, as well as in 97 other HisR-encoding genomes from the Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Synergistetes phyla. HisR belongs to the TrpR family of transcription factors, and their predicted DNA binding motifs have a similar 20-bp palindromic structure but distinct lineage-specific consensus sequences. The predicted HisR-binding motif was validated in vitro using DNA binding assays with purified protein from the human gut bacteriumRuminococcus gnavus. To fill a knowledge gap in the regulation of histidine metabolism genes in Firmicutes genomes that lack ahisRrepressor gene, we systematically searched their upstream regions for potential RNA regulatory elements. As result, we identified 158 T-box riboswitches preceding the histidine biosynthesis and/or transport genes in 129 Firmicutes genomes. Finally, novel candidate RNA attenuators were identified upstream of the histidine biosynthesis operons in six species from theBacillus cereusgroup, as well as in five Eubacteriales and six Erysipelotrichales species.ConclusionsThe obtained distribution of the HisR transcription factor and two RNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms for histidine metabolism genes across over 600 species of Firmicutes is discussed from functional and evolutionary points of view.
Comparative genome analysis of Vagococcus fluvialis reveals abundance of mobile genetic elements in sponge-isolated strains
Authors: Rodriguez Jimenez Ana , Guiglielmoni Nadège , Goetghebuer Lise , Dechamps Etienne , George Isabelle F. , Flot Jean-François 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundVagococcus fluvialisis a species of lactic acid bacteria found both free-living in river and seawater and associated to hosts, such as marine sponges. This species has been greatly understudied, with no complete genome assembly available to date, which is essential for the characterisation of the mobilome.ResultsWe sequenced and assembled de novo the complete genome sequences of fiveV. fluvialisisolates recovered from marine sponges. Pangenome analysis of theV. fluvialisspecies (total of 17 genomes) showed a high intraspecific diversity, with 45.5% of orthologous genes found to be strain specific. Despite this diversity, analyses of gene functions clustered allV. fluvialisspecies together and separated them from other sequencedVagococcusspecies.V. fluvialisstrains from different habitats were highly similar in terms of functional diversity but the sponge-isolated strains were enriched in several functions related to the marine environment. Furthermore, sponge-isolated strains carried a significantly higher number of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) compared to previously sequencedV. fluvialisstrains from other environments. Sponge-isolated strains carried up to 4 circular plasmids each, including a 48-kb conjugative plasmid. Three of the five strains carried an additional circular extrachromosomal sequence, assumed to be an excised prophage as it contained mainly viral genes and lacked plasmid replication genes. Insertion sequences (ISs) were up to five times more abundant in the genomes of sponge-isolated strains compared to the others, including several IS families found exclusively in these genomes.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the dynamics and plasticity of theV. fluvialisgenome. The abundance of mobile genetic elements in the genomes of sponge-isolatedV. fluvialisstrains suggests that the mobilome might be key to understanding the genomic signatures of symbiosis in bacteria.
Structural mutations of small single copy (SSC) region in the plastid genomes of five Cistanche species and inter-species identification
Authors: Miao Yujing , Chen Haimei , Xu Wanqi , Yang Qiaoqiao , Liu Chang , Huang Linfang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Cistanche is an important genus of Orobanchaceae, with critical medicinal, economic, and desertification control values. However, the phylogenetic relationships of Cistanche genus remained obscure. To date, no effective molecular markers have been reported to discriminate effectively the Cistanche closely related species reported here. In this study, we obtained and characterized the plastomes of four Cistanche species from China, to clarify the phylogenetic relationship within the genus, and to develop molecular markers for species discrimination.

Results
Four Cistanche species (Cistanche deserticola, Cistanche salsa, Cistanche tubulosa and Cistanche sinensis), were deep-sequenced with Illumina. Their plastomes were assembled using SPAdes and annotated using CPGAVAS2. The plastic genomes were analyzed in detail, finding that all showed the conserved quadripartite structure (LSC-IR-SSC-IR) and with full sizes ranging from 75 to 111 Kbp. We observed a significant contraction of small single copy region (SSC, ranging from 0.4–29 Kbp) and expansion of inverted repeat region (IR, ranging from 6–30 Kbp), with C. deserticola and C. salsa showing the smallest SSCs with only one gene (rpl32). Compared with other Orobanchaceae species, Cistanche species showed extremely high rates of gene loss and pseudogenization, as reported for other parasitic Orobanchaceae species. Furthermore, analysis of sequence divergence on protein-coding genes showed the three genes (rpl22, clpP and ycf2) had undergone positive selection in the Cistanche species under study. In addition, by comparison of all available Cistanche plastomes we found 25 highly divergent intergenic spacer (IGS) regions that were used to predict two DNA barcode markers (Cis-mk01 and Cis-mk02 based on IGS region trnR-ACG-trnN-GUU) and eleven specific DNA barcode markers using Ecoprimer software. Experimental validation showed 100% species discrimination success rate with both type of markers.

Conclusion
Our findings have shown that Cistanche species are an ideal model to investigate the structure variation, gene loss and pseudogenization during the process of plastome evolution in parasitic species, providing new insights into the evolutionary relationships among the Cistanche species. In addition, the developed DNA barcodes markers allow the proper species identification, ensuring the effective and safe use of Cistanche species as medicinal products.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on cardiac electrophysiology in patients undergoing general anesthesia during perioperative period: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tan Chao , Yan Shiting , Shen Jie , Wu Hao , Yu Leyang , Wang Ying , Tian Shunping , Zhou Wei , Wu Yong , Zhang Zhuan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Dexmedetomidine has controversial influence on cardiac electrophysiology. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of dexmedetomidine on perioperative cardiac electrophysiology in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods
Eighty-one patients were randomly divided into four groups: groups D1, D2, D3 receiving dexmedetomidine 1, 1, 0.5 μg/kg over 10 min and 1, 0.5, 0.5 μg/kg/h continuous infusion respectively, and control group (group C) receiving normal saline. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were recorded at the time before dexmedetomidine/normal saline infusion (T1), loading dose finish (T2), surgery ending (T6), 1 h (T7) after entering PACU, 24 h (T8), 48 h (T9), 72 h (T10) and 1 month (T11) postoperatively. Cardiac circulation efficiency (CCE) were also recorded.

Results
Compared with group C, QTc were significantly increased at T2 in groups D1 and D2 while decreased at T7 and T8 in group D3 (P < 0.05), iCEB were decreased at T8 (P < 0.05). Compared with group D1, QTc at T2, T6, T7, T9 and T10 and iCEB at T8 were decreased, and CCE at T2-T4 were increased in group D3 significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with group D2, QTc at T2 and iCEB at T8 were decreased and CCE at T2 and T3 were increased in group D3 significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Dexmedetomidine at a loading dose of 0.5 μg/kg and a maintenance dose of 0.5 μg/kg/h can maintain stability of cardiac electrophysiology during perioperative period and has no significant adverse effects on CCE.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04577430 (Date of registration: 06/10/2020).
Impaired functional exercise capacity and greater cardiovascular response to the 6-min walk test in congenital generalized lipodystrophy
Authors: Dantas de Medeiros Jorge Luiz , Carneiro Bezerra Bruno , Araújo Cruz Helen Rainara , Azevedo de Medeiros Katarina , Cardoso de Melo Maria Eduarda , Sales Craveiro Sarmento Aquiles , Abbott Galvão Ururahy Marcela , Fassarella Agnez Lima Lucymara , dos Santos Neto Alcebíades José , Gomes Lima Josivan , Resqueti Vanessa , Peroni Gualdi Lucien , Fregonezi Guilherme , Araújo de Melo Campos Julliane Tamara 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy (CGL) is an ultra-rare disease characterized by metabolic disorders. However, the evaluation of functional exercise capacity, cardiovascular (CV) response to exercise, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in CGL is scarce. Here we evaluated the performance and CV response to exercise and their association with PAD in CGL compared to healthy individuals.

Methods
Twelve CGL and 12 healthy subjects matched for age and gender were included. Functional exercise capacity, CV response, and PAD were measured using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and ankle-brachial index (ABI), respectively.

Results
At baseline, CGL subjects showed reduced predicted walked distance (6MWD) (p = 0.009) and increased heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP), and diastolic (DBP) pressures compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Most CGL subjects presented normal ABI values (1.0 ≤ ABI ≤ 1.4). Only 25% (n = 3) had ABI ≤ 0.9. CGL subjects did not present changes in ABI and blood pressure 12 months after metreleptin (MLP) replacement, but they walked a greater 6MWD than baseline (p = 0.04). Further, 6MWD and right ABI measurements were positively correlated in CGL subjects (p = 0.03). Right ABI negatively correlated with glucose, triglycerides, and VLDL-c (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
We observed that CGL subjects had lower functional exercise capacity and higher cardiovascular effort for similar performance of 6MWT, suggesting that strategies for decreasing exercise effort in this population should be essential. Furthermore, better physical performance was associated with high ABI in CGL. Additional studies are needed to clarify leptin's role in preserving functional exercise capacity in CGL.
What influences communication about retention in randomised trials: a multi-trial, theory-based analysis exploring trial staff perspectives
Authors: Coffey Taylor , Duncan Eilidh , Morgan Heather , Gillies Katie 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Retention (participants completing a trial) is a persistent, and often under-studied, challenge within clinical trials. Research on retention has focussed on understanding the actions of participants who decide to remain or withdraw from trial participation and developing interventions to target improvements. To better understand how trial staff may influence participants to remain or withdraw from trials, it is important to explore the experiences of staff that recruit and retain said participants and how the process of recruitment impacts retention.

Methods
Two qualitative interview studies informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were conducted with staff involved in various stages of clinical trials. The first set of interviews were focussed on staff perceptions about why participants failed to be retained and what helped to keep others engaged in trials, but also explored more generally what strategies or factors contributed to retention in trials. The second set of interviews were focussed on staff perceptions specifically about the recruitment and informed consent process and how that may influence trial retention. All interviews were analysed using the TDF and assigned to relevant behavioural domains according to perceived barriers/facilitators of the target behaviour. Belief statements were generated, summarising the narrative content of related responses within these behavioural domains. These belief statements were further analysed for themes that captured higher order relationships between separate beliefs within and between behavioural domains.

Results
Twenty-five participants (9 retention staff and 16 recruitment staff) were interviewed. Themes describing the barriers/facilitators to retention broadly, and to communication of retention information at consent, were generated. Four themes on retention broadly and six themes on communication of retention information at consent were identified. Overall, beliefs within all fourteen TDF domains populated these themes.

Conclusions
This study explored staff perspectives on retention and how they interpret their behaviour as contributing to retention success. Perspectives varied considerably but several key themes regarding communication were seen consistently. Specific barriers and facilitators within these findings will serve to guide the design of a behavioural intervention aimed at addressing issues within retention. Findings contribute to a notable gap in the literature on staff behaviour in trials and on retention generally.