bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal and Birth Care of Roma Women
Authors: Fernández-Feito Ana , Bueno-Pérez Arancha , Díaz-Alonso Julián , Paz-Zulueta María , Lana Alberto 
Published: September 2022

Background
The reproductive health of Roma women has been poorly studied. It is important to determine the follow-up care received by Roma women from pregnancy to the first postpartum visit, together with neonatal outcomes, to improve prenatal care and maternal–child outcomes.

Objective
The aim of this study was to examine differences in prenatal care and maternal–infant outcomes between Roma and non-Roma women.

Methods
A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in 122 pregnant women (28 Roma and 94 non-Roma women) recruited from seven primary care centers in three districts of Asturias (Spain). Sociodemographic variables, prenatal control, birth characteristics, feeding, and neonatal outcomes (gestational age, weight, and APGAR [appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration]) were collected from the electronic medical records. Prenatal care was assessed using three indices: the Kessner index, the Modified Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Spanish Index, and an ad hoc index that considered adherence to the recommendations for pregnant women in Spain.

Results
Compared with non-Roma women, advanced maternal age (≥35 years) and primigravida were less common among Roma women. Roma women visited the dentist less often, smoked more, and underwent group B streptococcus screening less frequently. No differences were found in the number of prenatal visits between Roma and non-Roma women. Consequently, there were no differences between the Kessner index and the Modified Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Spanish Index. Using the ad hoc index, the non-Roma women more frequently had adequate prenatal visits. There were no differences in birth characteristics, type of feeding, and neonatal outcomes.

Discussion
Overall, prenatal care was slightly worse in Roma women; however, this did not imply worse neonatal health outcomes. Both study groups had similar birth characteristics and immediate puerperium, including feeding.
A gender-sensitive analysis of the feasibility and benefit of a psychological intervention for patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Shapiro Gilla K. , Mah Kenneth , de Vries Froukje E. , Zimmermann Camilla , Li Madeline , Hales Sarah , Rodin Gary 
Published: September 2022

Background:
The role of gender in psychotherapy has been widely recognized but infrequently investigated in psychotherapy trials. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), a supportive-expressive intervention for individuals with advanced cancer, to examine gender effects in the feasibility, acceptability, perceived benefit, and effectiveness of CALM.

Methods:
Trial participants, outpatients with advanced cancer (N = 305, 40% men and 60% women), completed measures at baseline, 3 months (t1), and 6 months (t2). We investigated gender differences in participation rates, attrition rates, number of CALM sessions received, and perceived benefit of CALM. Separate subgroup analyses of data and gender × treatment group moderator analyses from men and women were compared in examining treatment effects on depressive symptoms, end-of-life preparation, and death anxiety at each follow-up period.

Results:
No gender differences were observed in participation or attrition rates, number of CALM sessions received, or perceived benefit of CALM. In subgroup analyses at t2, men in CALM reported significantly lower depressive symptoms than men in usual care (UC; P = .017), women in CALM with moderate baseline death anxiety reported lower death anxiety than women in UC (P = .009), and both men (P = .022) and women (P = .016) in CALM reported greater end-of-life preparation than those in UC. There were no significant gender × treatment group interaction effects on any outcome.

Conclusions:
CALM therapy is feasible, acceptable, and beneficial on different outcomes for men and women. Further clinical trials with comprehensive measures of gender identity are needed to evaluate gender effects in psychotherapeutic interventions for patients with advanced disease.
Worry about getting infected, confidence in safeguards, and received treatment between waves one and two of COVID-19 among patients with cancer in the Stockholm region
Authors: Winterling Jeanette , Wengström Yvonne 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background:
The Stockholm region was hard hit by the first wave of COVID-19, although, in contrast to other countries, Sweden introduced less strict protective measures. Furthermore, early studies highlighted the fact that patients with cancer were at increased risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. The aim was to describe perceptions of risk, safeguards, and cancer treatment received among patients with cancer early in the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate the relationship between these perceptions and undergoing active treatment, self-isolation, and psychological well-being.

Methods:
This observational cross-sectional study was based on the Swedish sample in a multinational study. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire from a convenience sample of patients with cancer in the Stockholm region of Sweden between the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:
Among participants (N = 76), 9% had been infected by COVID-19 and 62% had been self-isolating for a longer period; 41% of participants stated that they were worried about becoming infected, which was associated with self-isolation and higher levels of anxiety. The majority were confident that family members behaved with caution and followed COVID-19 guidelines, but few had confidence in other people or state authorities. Less than 15% reported that they did not receive medical treatment or supportive care.

Conclusion:
Despite the small sample size, this study shows that most participants used self-isolation to protect themselves from COVID-19 during this period and that most of the participants perceived that they had received their cancer treatment as planned.
Preferences of patients with cancer for psychological counseling: a cross-sectional study using full-profile conjoint analysis in Japan
Authors: Ichikura Kanako , Shimizu Sayuri , Oshima Noriko , Ariizumi Yosuke , Fujie Toshihide , Yamauchi Shin-ichi , Ishikawa Toshiaki , Nakajima Yasuaki , Fukase Yuko , Murayama Norio , Murase Hanako , Tagaya Hirokuni , Takeuchi Takashi , Miyake Satoshi , Matsushima Eisuke 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background:
Psychological counseling is an effective nonpharmacological intervention for patients with cancer experiencing psychological distress. This study used a conjoint analysis approach to assess the preferences of patients with cancer for psychological counseling.

Methods:
We conducted a single-center, cross-sectional study using a self-report questionnaire. Data were collected from outpatients and inpatients in the departments of respiratory medicine, gastrointestinal surgery, female pelvic surgery, and head and neck surgery at a university hospital between March 2018 and March 2020. The questionnaire was developed using semistructured interviews with 10 clinical psychologists. It included 48 scenarios to determine patients' preferences for counseling based on a combination of the type, length, cost, and frequency of counseling. We performed a conjoint analysis, calculating the relative importance and part-worth utility value of each factor.

Results:
The results of the conjoint analysis showed that patients with cancer considered counseling type as the most important factor (relative importance: 37.5%), followed by frequency (23.4%), cost (19.6%), and length (19.5%). Patients with cancer valued life reviews more highly than problem-solving, emotional control, and emotional expression. However, women and younger patients valued counseling for emotional control the most, and patients with advanced cancer valued counseling for problem-solving the most.

Conclusions:
The results suggest that patients with cancer consider the type and content of counseling to be the most important factors in their decision process, although these preferences vary with individual characteristics. This is the first study to clarify the preferences of patients with cancer for psychological counseling using a conjoint analysis, and it proposes a new economic approach in the field of psycho-oncology.
Implementation of the Distress Assessment and Response Tool at the Kuwait Cancer Control Centre
Authors: Al-Awadhi Mariam , Gascon Bryan , Albarak Nawar , Aldeweesh Ghazlan , Hamadah Abdulaziz , Abdulkarim Hazim , Leung Yvonne , Rodin Gary , Li Madeline 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background:
This report describes the implementation of a comprehensive distress screening program at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KCCC), the first such initiative in the Middle East. A Kuwait-adapted version of the Distress Assessment and Response Tool (K-DART) was used in this screening program.

Methods:
Paper-based K-DART surveys were piloted in the lymphoma clinic at KCCC in July 2013, followed by gradual hospital-wide expansion. K-DART included patient-reported outcome measures to assess cancer-related physical and emotional symptoms and practical problems. English and Arabic translations of these measures were used. Trained nurses administered K-DART and followed up with the oncologist for patients with moderate-to-high levels of distress. Descriptive data are reported for prevalence of distress, psychosocial oncology program (PSOP) referral rates, and patient and staff satisfaction with K-DART.

Results:
A total of 1,153 K-DART surveys were completed by 618 patients in the pilot lymphoma clinic, with screening rates increasing from 33.5% to 75.3% over the first 12 months of implementation. Among all K-DART completers, 85/618 (13.8%) were referred to PSOP, whereas only 1/955 (0.1%) of K-DART noncompleters were referred to PSOP. After hospital-wide expansion of screening, a total of 2,017 patients completed K-DART in the first year of implementation. Both patients and physicians reported high satisfaction with K-DART, which was reported to enhance patient–physician communication and improve clinical care.

Conclusion:
Implementation of K-DART in a Middle Eastern country is feasible and facilitates a more comprehensive approach to cancer care, contributing to the successful establishment of a PSOP at the KCCC.
A Cadaveric Study of a Safe and Accurate Electromyographic Needle Approach to the Rhomboid Major
Authors: Kim Ki Hoon , Park Hong Bum , Kim Dasom , Rhyu Im Joo , Kim Dong Hwee 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT

Objective
This study aimed to investigate a safe and accurate electromyographic needle insertion site of the rhomboid major (RM) muscle using cadaver dissection.

Design
Dissection of the trapezius and RM muscles around the scapula was performed in 18 scapulae from nine fresh cadavers. The point (point A) at which the lateral margin of the lower trapezius muscle crossed the medial border of the scapula, and the distal insertion point (point DI) of the RM muscle to the medial scapula were determined. The midpoint (point M) between points A and DI was also determined. The distance from the inferior angle of the scapula to each point was measured.

Results
The length of the medial scapula was 12.9 ± 1.2 cm from the root of the scapular spine to the inferior angle of the scapula. Points A, DI, and M were located at a mean distance of 8.4 ± 0.7 cm, 1.8 ± 0.4 cm, and 5.1 ± 0.5 cm proximal to the inferior angle of the scapula, respectively.

Conclusion
Needle electromyographic examination of the RM muscle can be performed safely and accurately using the lower part of the RM muscle, as investigated in this anatomical study.
Beyond Viral Suppression—The Impact of Cumulative Violence on Health-Related Quality of Life Among a Cohort of Virally Suppressed Patients
Authors: Harris Rachel M. , Xavier Hall Casey D. , Mills Jon C. , Pence Brian W. , Bgneris Jessica , Wong Frankie Y. 
Published: September 2022

Objective:To elucidate how and in what ways cumulative violence affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among a clinical cohort of virally stable people living with HIV.Design:We used data from the University of North Carolina Center for AIDS Research HIV clinical cohort. Our analysis was limited to participants with an undetectable viral load (<200) and those who completed the Clinical, Sociodemographic, and Behavioral Survey between 2008 and 2017 (n= 284).Methods:A path analysis was used to test our primary hypothesis that the effect of cumulative violence on HRQoL would be mediated through symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive symptoms, and HIV symptom distress.Results:The impact of cumulative violence on HRQoL was fully mediated by symptoms of PTSD, depressive symptoms, and HIV symptom distress. Greater exposure to violence was associated with higher odds of PTSD symptoms (P<0.001), increased depressive symptoms (P<0.001), and increased HIV symptom distress (P< 0.01). HIV symptom distress displayed the largest association with HRQoL (P< 0.001), followed by depressive symptoms (P= 0.001) and PTSD symptoms (P< 0.001). These factors explained approximately 51% of the variance in HRQoL (R2= 0.51,P< 0.001).Conclusions:Our findings indicate that addressing physical and mental health symptoms rooted in violent victimization should be a point of focus in efforts to improve HRQoL among people living with HIV who are virally stable.
Nontyphoidal Salmonella infections acquired from poultry
Authors: Chousalkar Kapil K. , Willson Nicky-Lee 
Published: September 2022

Purpose of review
Nontyphoidal Salmonella is a major food safety concern in developed and developing countries. Table eggs are often linked to cases of foodborne gastrointestinal disease. This review is focused on the latest findings on foodborne Salmonella infections acquired from poultry products and their implications on food safety.

Recent findings

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) are the predominant Salmonella serovars associated with human Salmonellosis. In Australia, ST is the predominant serovar but SE has been recently detected in some commercial free-range egg flocks. The Salmonella shedding in poultry flocks can be highly variable across different flocks and farms; as a result, the level of product contamination is largely attributed to the flock management. The microevolution in the ST genome after in-vivo passaging may have clinical significance. On farm use of Salmonella vaccines and/or interventions during the processing of the product can influence the bacterial load. The refrigeration of the product also influences the safety of the poultry product.

Summary
Many interventions are in place for the control of Salmonella from farm to fork. However, given the biosecurity challenges because of the increase in public demand for free-range products, the emergence of Salmonella virulent types and expensive diagnostics, ongoing collaborative efforts from farmers, regulators and public health officials are required.
DrTransformer: Heuristic cotranscriptional RNA folding using the nearest neighbor energy model
Authors: Badelt Stefan , Lorenz Ronny , Hofacker Ivo L. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundFolding during transcription can have an important influence on the structure and function of ℝNA molecules, as regions closer to the 5’ end can fold into metastable structures before potentially stronger interactions with the 3’ end become available. Thermodynamic ℝNA folding models are not suitable to analyze this problem, as they can only calculate properties of the equilibrium distribution. Other software packages that simulate the kinetic process of ℝNA folding during transcription exist, but they are mostly applicable for short sequences.ResultsWe present a new algorithm that tracks changes to the ℝNA secondary structure ensemble during transcription. At every transcription step, new representative local minima are identified, a neighborhood relation is defined and transition rates are estimated for kinetic simulations. After every simulation, a part of the ensemble is removed and the remainder is used to search for new potentially relevant structures. The presented algorithm is deterministic (up to numeric instabilities of simulations), fast (in comparison with existing methods), and it is capable of folding ℝNAs much longer than 200 nucleotides.AvailabilityThis software is open-source and available at https://github.com/ViennaRNA/drtransformer.
3-hour genome sequencing and targeted analysis to rapidly assess genetic risk
Authors: Galey Miranda , Reed Paxton , Wenger Tara , Beckman Erika , Chang Irene J. , Paschal Cate R. , Buchan Jillian G. , Lockwood Christina M. , Puia-Dumitrescu Mihai , Garalde Daniel R. , Guillory Joseph , Markham Androo J. , Stergachis Andrew B. , Bamshad Michael J. , Eichler Evan E. , Miller Danny E. 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACTRapid genetic testing in the critical care setting enables targeted evaluations, directs therapies, and helps families and care providers make informed decisions about goals of care. We tested whether we could perform ultra-rapid assessment of genetic risk for a Mendelian condition, based on information from an affected sibling, in a newborn via whole-genome sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore platform. By optimization of the DNA extraction and library preparation steps paired with targeted analysis, we were able to demonstrate within three hours of birth that the newborn was neither affected nor a carrier for variants underlying acrodermatitis enteropathica. This proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates how prior knowledge of familial variants can be used to rapidly evaluate an individual at-risk for a genetic disease.
In vivo Safety and Immunoactivity of Oncolytic Jurona Virus in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Proteogenomic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuguo , Tesfay Mulu , Ferdous Khandoker U. , Taylor Mika , Gabere Musa , Simoes Camila C. , Dumbauld Chelsae , Barro Oumar , Graham Alicia L. , Washam Charity L. , Alkam Duah , Gies Allen , Chamcheu Jean Christopher , Byrum Stephanie D. , Post Steven R. , Kelly Thomas , Borad Mitesh J. , Cannon Martin J. , Basnakian Alexei , Nagalo Bolni M. 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACTOncolytic viruses can effectively unwrap a multimodal anti-tumor activity, encompassing a selective tumor cell killing and promoting a systemic anti-tumor immunity, making them a formidable foe against cancer. Among these, several members of the Rhabdoviridae family are particularly attractive as oncolytic agents due to their natural tumor selectivity and non-pathogenicity in humans. In this study, we demonstrated that intratumorally (IT) administration of Jurona virus (JURV), a novel oncolytic Rhabdovirus, induces dynamic tumor regression in human HCC xenograft and syngeneic models. Our data shows that IT injections of JURV trigger the recruitment and activation of cytotoxic T (CTLs) and decrease the tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) infiltration leading to tumor growth delay in both local and distant murine HCC tumors in a syngeneic model. Moreover, when administered concomitantly, JURV and anti-PD-1 therapy profoundly modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) via enhanced infiltration of CTLs, suggesting that immune checkpoint blockade therapy could potentiate the immunomodulatory effect of JURV and potentially provide durable anti-tumor immunity. Our analysis of the molecular and cellular mechanism of JURV-medicated anti-cancer activity unveiled that JURV and anti-PD-1 antibodies activate different effectors of the immune system but have complementary anti-tumor activities. Furthermore, our results indicate that the abscopal effect induced by JURV is likely mediated by the mechanism regulating the T helper cell responses. Our work supports the further development of JURV as a novel immunovirotherapy platform for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Does Vaping Increase the Likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 Infection? Paradoxically Yes and No
Authors: Phandthong Rattapol , Wong Man , Song Ann , Martinez Teresa , Talbot Prue 
Published: September 2022

AbstractData on the relationship between electronic cigarettes (ECs) and SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited and contradictory. Evidence indicates that EC aerosols or nicotine increase ACE2, SARS-CoV-2 virus receptors, which increase virus binding and susceptibility. Our objectives were to determine if EC aerosols increased SARS-CoV-2 infection of human bronchial epithelial cells and to identify the causative chemical(s). A 3D organotypic model (EpiAirway™) in conjunction with air liquid interface (ALI) exposure was used to test the effects of aerosols produced from JUUL™ “Virginia Tobacco” and BLU™ ECs, or individual chemicals (nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin (PG/VG), and benzoic acid) on infection using SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles. Exposure of EpiAirway™ to JUUL™ aerosols increased ACE2, while BLU™ and lab-made EC aerosols containing nicotine increased ACE2 levels and TMPRSS2 activity, a spike protease that enables viral-cell fusion. Pseudoparticle infection of EpiAirway™ increased with aerosols produced from PG/VG, PG/VG plus nicotine, or BLU™ ECs. JUUL™ EC aerosols did not increase infection above controls. The baseline level of infection in JUUL™ treated aerosol groups was attributed to benzoic acid, which mitigated the enhanced infection caused by PG/VG or nicotine. The benzoic acid protection from enhanced infection continued at least 48 hours after exposure. TMPRSS2 activity was significantly correlated with e-liquid pH, which in turn was significantly correlated with infection, with lower pH blocking PG/VG and nicotine-induced-enhanced infection. While ACE2 levels increased in EpiAirway™ tissues exposed to EC aerosols, infection depended on the ingredients of the e-liquids. PG/VG and nicotine enhanced infection, an effect that was mitigated by benzoic acid.
Tropical high-altitude insects show limited capacity to handle high temperatures
Authors: Mayekar Harshad Vijay , Solanki Pooran Singh , Arya Homica , Aradhya Rajaguru , Suravajhala Prashanth , Loeschcke Volker , Rajpurohit Subhash 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGrowing summer season and increased anthropogenic activities pose a continual challenge to resident species. Ectotherms like insects are especially vulnerable to rapid climatic changes. High-altitude tropical insect populations have been rarely examined for their responses to high-temperature. We exposed a tropical out-bred highland population ofDrosophila melanogasterfrom the Himalayas to growing summer conditions in outdoor mesocosm units. Population response to thermal changes was tracked over ninety days at both phenotypic and genotypic level. Whole genomic resequencing data suggested a clear seasonal shift in allele frequencies. Interestingly, the general heat responsive genes were missing in the summer due to monsoon allele shift; an atypical response noted for high-altitude tropical populations. Instead, candidates involved in kinases and phosphorylation emerged as key players. Heat-knockdown time decreased over time indicating a limited ability to handle increasing temperature. Merging data from both allelic shifts and heat-knockdown time indicated a limited capacity for high-altitude insects in coping with climate warming.