Tag: pubmed

Methods Mol Biol. 2023;2680:81-91. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3275-8_5.

ABSTRACT

Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is an extremely useful technique for visualizing specific mRNA targets and solving many biological questions. In planarians, this method is really valuable, for example, for determining gene expression profiles during whole-body regeneration and analyzing the effects of silencing any gene to determine their functions. In this chapter, we present in detail the WISH protocol routinely used in our lab, using a digoxigenin-labelled RNA probe and developing with NBT-BCIP. This protocol is basically that already described in Currie et al. (EvoDevo 7:7, 2016), which put together several modifications developed from several laboratories in recent years that improved the original protocol developed in the laboratory of Kiyokazu Agata in 1997. Although this protocol, or slight modifications of it, is the most common protocol in the planarian field for NBT-BCIP WISH, our results show that key steps such as the use and time of NAC treatment to remove the mucus need to be taken into account depending on the nature of the gene analyzed, especially for the epidermal markers.

PMID:37428372 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-3275-8_5

Methods Mol Biol. 2023;2680:67-79. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3275-8_4.

ABSTRACT

The capability to simultaneously apply different molecular tools to visualize a wide variety of changes in genetic expression and tissue composition in Schmidtea mediterranea has always been of great interest. The most commonly used techniques are fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunofluorescence (IF) detection. Here, we describe a novel way to perform both protocols together adding the possibility to combine them with fluorescent-conjugated lectin staining to further broaden the detection of tissues. We also present a novel lectin fixation protocol to enhance the signal, which could be useful when single-cell resolution is required.

PMID:37428371 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-3275-8_4

Cogn Process. 2023 Jul 10. doi: 10.1007/s10339-023-01145-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Geometric knowledge is one of the important mathematical skills acquired by children at a young age and is a major area of future mathematical learning; however, there is no direct research on the factors influencing kindergarteners’ early geometric knowledge. The pathways model to mathematics was modified to examine the cognitive mechanisms underlying geometric knowledge in Chinese kindergarten children aged 5-7 (n = 99). Quantitative knowledge, visual-spatial processing, and linguistic abilities were stepped into hierarchical multiple regression models. The results revealed that after age, sex, and nonverbal intelligence were statistically controlled, visual perception, phonological awareness, and rapid automatized naming in linguistic abilities significantly predicted the variation in geometric knowledge. For quantitative knowledge, neither dot comparison nor number comparison test could be a significant precursor of geometry skills. The findings indicate that visual perception and linguistic abilities, not quantitative knowledge, account for the geometric knowledge of kindergarten children.

PMID:37428367 | DOI:10.1007/s10339-023-01145-1

Obes Surg. 2023 Jul 10. doi: 10.1007/s11695-023-06725-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with pelvic floor disorders (PFD). Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most effective weight loss methods. Although SG has been found to improve urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB), its impact on fecal incontinence (FI) remains controversial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized study involved 60 female patients with severe obesity who were randomly assigned to two groups: the SG group and the diet group. The SG group underwent SG, while the diet group received a low-calorie, low-lipid diet for 6 months. The patients’ condition was assessed before and after the study using three questionnaires: the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS), the Overactive Bladder 8-Question Awareness Tool (OAB-V8), and the Wexner Score (CCIS).

RESULTS: After 6 months, the SG group had a significantly higher percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) compared to the diet group (p<0.01). Both groups showed a decrease in the ICIQ-FLUTS, OAB-V8, and CCIS scores (p<0.05). UI, OAB, and FI improved significantly in the SG group (p<0.05), but no improvement was observed in the diet group (p>0.05). The correlation between %TWL and PFD was statistically significant but weak, with the strongest correlation between %TWL and ICIQ-FLUTS score and the weakest correlation between %TWL and CCIS score (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: We recommend bariatric surgery for the treatment of PFD. However, given the weak correlation between %TWL and PFD after SG, further research should explore factors other than %TWL that are effective in recovery, particularly in relation to FI.

PMID:37428362 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-023-06725-w

J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2023 Jul 10. doi: 10.1007/s40615-023-01696-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ChatGPT represents an advanced conversational artificial intelligence (AI), providing a powerful tool for generating human-like responses that could change pharmacy prospects. This protocol aims to describe the development, validation, and utilization of a tool to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards ChatGPT (KAP-C) in pharmacy practice and education. The development and validation process of the KAP-C tool will include a comprehensive literature search to identify relevant constructs, content validation by a panel of experts for items relevancy using content validity index (CVI) and face validation by sample participants for items clarity using face validity index (FVI), readability and difficulty index using the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test, Gunning Fog Index, or Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), assessment of reliability using internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the underlying factor structures (eigenvalues, scree plot analysis, factor loadings, and varimax). The second phase will utilize the validated KAP-C tool to conduct KAP surveys among pharmacists and pharmacy students in selected low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Nigeria, Pakistan, and Yemen). The final data will be analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, mean (standard deviation) or median (interquartile range), and inferential statistics like Chi-square or regression analyses using IBM SPSS version 28. A p<0.05 will be considered statistically significant. ChatGPT holds the potential to revolutionize pharmacy practice and education. This study will highlight the psychometric properties of the KAP-C tool that assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards ChatGPT in pharmacy practice and education. The findings will contribute to the potential ethical integration of ChatGPT into pharmacy practice and education in LMICs, serve as a reference to other economies, and provide valuable evidence for leveraging AI advancements in pharmacy.

PMID:37428357 | DOI:10.1007/s40615-023-01696-1

Med Decis Making. 2023 Jul 10:272989X231182436. doi: 10.1177/0272989X231182436. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Older adults are prone to cognitive impairment, which may affect their ability to engage in aspects of shared decision making (SDM) and their ability to complete surveys about the SDM process. This study examined the surgical decision-making processes of older adults with and without cognitive insufficiencies and evaluated the psychometric properties of the SDM Process scale.

METHODS: Eligible patients were 65 y or older and scheduled for a preoperative appointment before elective surgery (e.g., arthroplasty). One week before the visit, staff contacted patients via phone to administer the baseline survey, including the SDM Process scale (range 0-4), SURE scale (top scored), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test version 8.1 BLIND English (MoCA-blind; score range 0-22; scores < 19 indicate cognitive insufficiency). Patients completed a follow-up survey 3 mo after their visit to assess decision regret (top scored) and retest reliability for the SDM Process scale.

RESULTS: Twenty-six percent (127/488) of eligible patients completed the survey; 121 were included in the analytic data set, and 85 provided sufficient follow-up data. Forty percent of patients (n = 49/121) had MoCA-blind scores indicating cognitive insufficiencies. Overall SDM Process scores did not differ by cognitive status (intact cognition $\overline{x}$ = 2.5, s = 1.0 v. cognitive insufficiencies $\overline{x}$ = 2.5, s = 1.0; P = 0.80). SURE top scores were similar across groups (83% intact cognition v. 90% cognitive insufficiencies; P = 0.43). While patients with intact cognition had less regret, the difference was not statistically significant (92% intact cognition v. 79% cognitive insufficiencies; P = 0.10). SDM Process scores had low missing data and good retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.7).

CONCLUSIONS: Reported SDM, decisional conflict, and decision regret did not differ significantly for patients with and without cognitive insufficiencies. The SDM Process scale was an acceptable, reliable, and valid measure of SDM in patients with and without cognitive insufficiencies.

HIGHLIGHTS: Forty percent of patients 65 y or older who were scheduled for elective surgery had scores indicative of cognitive insufficiencies.Patient-reported shared decision making, decisional conflict, and decision regret did not differ significantly for patients with and without cognitive insufficiencies.The Shared Decision Making Process scale was an acceptable, reliable, and valid measure of shared decision making in patients with and without cognitive insufficiencies.

PMID:37427547 | DOI:10.1177/0272989X231182436

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):448-452. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-448-452.

ABSTRACT

In recent decades, evidence-based medicine acquired special importance in medicine. Therefore, proper presentation of data obtained in scientific research is extremely important. The statistical data processing, being an integral part of this process, often causes difficulties for researchers and its incorrect application results in distortion of results obtained. The purpose of the study is to comparatively analyze programs and methods of statistical data processing applied in dissertations on obstetrics and gynecology in 2011-2021, to examine trends in choosing them depending on specificity of research issue and to identify shortcomings erred by authors in choosing or describing data processing methods. The sampling for analysis included 258 abstracts of candidate’s dissertations in the specialty “obstetrics and gynecology”, defended in 2011-2021. The analysis covered the programs and methods of mathematical data processing. Over the past decade, significant complication of statistical processing of results of clinical trials in obstetrics and gynecology occurred in part of methods applied. The application of binary logistic regression and discriminant analysis increased most significantly over the past decade. Such sophisticated methods of statistical data processing as factor analysis, decision trees, ordinal logistic regression and neural networks began to be used too. The trend of gradual replacement of parametric methods (Student’s t-test, one-way analysis of variance) by such corresponding non-parametric methods as Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test. The Microsoft Excel and Statistica were used most often for data processing. In recent years, the software SPSS Statistics is actively applied. However, problems in describing statistical methods used in dissertations continue to be present. In significant part of dissertations information about statistical program applied, methods of assessing of quantitative data distribution and criteria of significance of obtained results is absent. The proper application of statistical programs, methods of information processing, adequate interpretation of results as well as provision of complete information about methodological support are the key points to carry out modern research resulting in trusted attitude to scientific work and its results.

PMID:37427521 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-448-452

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):423-427. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-423-427.

ABSTRACT

In the conditions of sanctions and aggravation of trade relations, the issue of importing many categories of goods is rather sharp. At that, goods of medical purposes as one of most import-dependent category faced great difficulties associated with their lacking in adequate quantities for planned support of patients. The cochlear implantation at the moment of implementation of restrictions was built on almost 90% of imported implants and their components that makes considered topic especially actual. The article considers in detail basic principles of cochlear implants functioning. The customs statistics regarding importation of implants is analyzed. The procedure of organizing work on implantation and postoperative rehabilitation is examined. The main problematic aspects in industry were identified and recommendations for their elimination were formulated.

PMID:37427517 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-423-427

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):418-422. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-418-422.

ABSTRACT

The features of sanitary constitution of students of the Nizhniy Novgorod region related to gradation of intra-group somatologic characteristics are presented. The results of anthropometric screening of 10 400 students of the Nizhniy Novgorod Oblast (boys/girls 5100/5300) aged 7-17 years were analyzed; body types were evaluated according to the Darskaya S. S. methodology; biological age – according to the Maximova T. M. methodology; physical development groups – according to the Baranov A. A. and Kuchma V. R. methodology. The typology was considered in formation of age and gender groups. They intra-group statistical analysis was implemented. The patterns of somatotyping were established. In boys/girls main types were thoracic type 58.9/67.3%, muscular – 21.6/17.4%, asthenoid – 9.1/8.2%, digestive – 7.3/8.3% and indefinite – 3.1/3.2%. The age factor significantly (p < 0.05) modifies dynamics of distributions of somatic types. The significant (p < 0.01) heterogeneity on the factor of biological maturation level was demonstrated in 66.0/68.6% of biological age corresponded to passport age, lag in 19.7/15.3%, advance in 14.3/16.1%. The decelerating ones in 30.9% of cases demonstrated thoracic somatotype with a single occurrence of asthenoid body type. In pre- and post-puberty individuals with thoracic somatotype in 57.0% had passport age that corresponded to biological age. For children with advanced type thoracic and muscular body types are specific and the digestive somatotype is specific only to advanced type (p = 0.01). The body typologies in combination with levels of biological development individualize characteristics of growing organism. The rate of maturation decreases its informative significance in post-puberty period. The individuals with different somatotypes are characterized by intra-group morphofunctional features.

PMID:37427516 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-418-422

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):412-417. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-412-417.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study is to establish main trends in morbidity of adolescents (15-17 years old) in the regions of the Northern-Caucasus Federal Okrug in 2011-2020. The study is based on data of statistical reports on primary and general morbidity of population aged 15-17 years for 2011-2020. The results. The epidemiological situation concerning morbidity of adolescents in the Russian Federation and the Northern-Caucasus Federal Okrug is characterized by positive trend over the analyzed period. The deterioration of epidemiological situation is observed in the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic (KChR) where absolute increase in overall morbidity of adolescents comprised 105.3% and primary morbidity 49.0% and in the Stavropol Territory (ST) – 23.0% and 27.5% correspondingly. The decrease of morbidity of adolescents is observed in the Republic of Ingushetia (RI) (by 56.9% and 51.7%) and in the Chechen Republic (ChR) (by 34.6% and 45.0%). In the Republic of Dagestan (RD), an increase of overall morbidity (by 114.0%) is accompanied by decreasing of primary morbidity (by 13.2%) and in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (RNOA) (absolute increase in overall morbidity by 7.8% and decrease of primary morbidity by 7.0%). In the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic (KBR), there is absolute decreasing of overall morbidity (by 1.7%) with simultaneous increase of primary morbidity of adolescents (by 24.2%). However, there are features inherent in most of analyzed regions of the Northern-Caucasus Federal Okrug. The increase of overall morbidity of eye diseases in adolescents is registered in six out of seven regions with exception of the RI, the increase of primary morbidity occurred in four of them (KChR, RD, KBR, ST). The increase of general and primary morbidity of ear diseases is registered in five regions (KChR, RD, RI, KBR, RNOA). The increasing of morbidity of neoplasms registered as common for five regions (the KChR, RD, RI, KBR, the ST) and as primary one in four of them (with the exception of the ST). The conclusions. In the regions of the Northern-Caucasus Federal Okrug multi-directional dynamics of indicators of general and primary morbidity among adolescents was established with predominance of particular classes of diseases. This result testifies absence of unified policy in the field of public health targeted to maintaining healthy life-style in adolescents.

PMID:37427515 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-412-417