Tag: pubmed

Pathol Res Pract. 2022 Feb 26;232:153830. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153830. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The gastrointestinal tract is home to a wide variety of neoplasms. Gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas display distinct prognostic patterns. With the advent of next generation sequencing, attempts are being made to delineate distinct molecular characteristics of these adenocarcinomas from adjoining anatomical sites.

METHODS: Thirty-seven cases of upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas including those of the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, stomach, small intestine and gallbladder were retrieved. Next generation sequencing data consisting of base substitutions, copy number variations, indels and rearrangements, in 324 genes, were analyzed for recurrent genetic abnormalities. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS25 and SAS software.

RESULTS: Genetic alterations were found in 181 genes. APC mutations were found in 50% of the esophageal adenocarcinomas, 5% of the gastric adenocarcinomas and 33.3% of the small intestinal adenocarcinomas (p = 0.04). PIK3 gene family mutations were found in 10% of the gastric adenocarcinomas, 66% of the gall bladder adenocarcinomas and 66% of the small intestinal adenocarcinomas (p = 0.002). The mutations were found exclusively in the PIK3 class 1 family. TP53 mutations were more common in tumors with intact DNA mismatch repair protein expression as assessed by immunohistochemistry (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION: In this study, APC gene mutations were found to be more frequent in esophageal and small intestinal adenocarcinomas than previously reported. PIK3 class 1 gene family mutations were found to be more frequent in gallbladder and small intestinal adenocarcinomas. An inverse relationship was found between TP53 mutations and loss of DNA mismatch repair protein expression.

PMID:35240548 | DOI:10.1016/j.prp.2022.153830

Gait Posture. 2022 Feb 23;94:39-44. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.02.023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The stochastic resonance (SR) phenomenon has been used to improve postural control through the application of imperceptible noise to the somatosensory system. White noise signals have been applied in numerous SR studies on postural control. However, because the SR effect depends on the noise structure, the stimulation effects of signals with different structures, such as pink noise and chaotic signals, on postural control, must be determined to achieve better clinical applications of SR technology.

RESEARCH QUESTION: During quiet standing, how is postural control affected by subthreshold electrical stimulation to the knee joints when signals with different structures (white noise, pink noise, and chaotic signals) are used?

METHODS: Sixteen healthy young adults stood quietly for 40 s with their eyes closed. To evaluate postural sway, we calculated the mean velocity, root mean square (CoP_RMS), and range (CoP_Range) values for the center of pressure (CoP) in the anteroposterior direction. The standing task was conducted under subthreshold electrical stimulation with white noise, pink noise, and chaotic signals based on the Lorenz system, in addition to the no-stimulation condition. The four stimulation conditions were randomized within each set and repeated seven times.

RESULTS: Significant effects of stimulation were observed in the CoP_RMS and CoP_Range values. The CoP_RMS value under the pink noise signal was significantly lower than that under the no-stimulation condition. The CoP_Range value also tended to decrease under the pink noise signal compared with the no-stimulation condition; however, the differences were not statistically significant. No significant changes were found with the white noise and chaotic signals compared with the no-stimulation condition.

SIGNIFICANCE: We demonstrated that the pink noise signal was more effective in reducing postural sway than the white noise and chaotic signals based on the Lorenz system during quiet standing.

PMID:35240552 | DOI:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.02.023

Leg Med (Tokyo). 2022 Feb 25;56:102050. doi: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102050. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the genetic variation of 17 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci included in the PowerPlex® 18D Kit. Samples of 562 unrelated healthy Lahu individuals living in Yunnan Province in southwestern China were investigated. The data were analyzed to provide information on allele frequencies and other statistical parameters relevant to the forensic population. Of the 17 loci, 16 reached the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction. A total of 176 alleles were identified in 17 STR loci, and allele frequencies ranged from 0.000890 to 0.578292. The combined discrimination power (CPD) and probability of excluding paternity (CPE) of the 17 STR loci were 0.999999999999999999489 and 0.999998301753122. The genetic relationships among 28 populations were also estimated.

PMID:35240543 | DOI:10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102050

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022 Feb 6;60:103672. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103672. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a disease misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). We hypothesized that the serum metabolic profile could be helpful in the differentiation of both diseases in an early stage.

METHODS: We included controls, patients with MS diagnosed according to the McDonald criteria of 2010, and patients with NMOSD diagnosed according to the criteria from 2015. Blood samples were collected on clots from all participants after overnight overfasting. We obtained metabolic profiles using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR) of serum hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. Serum metal levels were measured using isotope-specific detection mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For statistical analyzes, we used ANOVA tests and multivariate analysis (MVA) – orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA).

RESULTS: We analyzed metabolite levels in patient groups compared to controls. We observed significantly different levels of ten metabolite signals in patients with MS vs controls and eighteen metabolite signals in patients with NMSOD vs controls. We observed significantly different levels of five signals in patients with MS vs NMOSD. In the MVA analysis of patient groups, we indicated compounds that most differentiated the groups. All of these compounds are involved in cycles connected to the inflammation process and/or oxidative stress. The results of metallomics studies confirmed metal participation in these processes.

DISCUSSION: It is possible to distinguish patients with MS and NMOSD from controls using ANOVA and MVA tests. The chosen metabolite profile analyzes might possibly be helpful in distinguishing the two diseases from each other in some seronegative and radiologically negative cases.

PMID:35240533 | DOI:10.1016/j.msard.2022.103672

J Vet Cardiol. 2022 Feb 2;41:44-56. doi: 10.1016/j.jvc.2022.01.005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Minimal information exists regarding epicardial pacemaker (EP) implantation in pet ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). The objectives were to describe the indications, surgical technique, and outcome of EP implantation in ferrets for the treatment of advanced atrioventricular block (AVB).

ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: Eight client-owned ferrets presenting to five veterinary referral centers. Signalment, physical exam findings, diagnostic tests, anesthesia protocols, surgical implantation techniques, postoperative treatment plans, and EP interrogations were reviewed. Intra- and postoperative, minor and major, and EP-related complications were established. Descriptive statistics were performed to report complication rates. Survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS: All ferrets had advanced AVB: 3/8 had high-grade second-degree and 5/8 had third-degree. The primary clinical signs were collapse and weakness. Seven EP were implanted via a transdiaphragmatic approach and one via a left intercostal thoracotomy. Intraoperative complications occurred in 2/8 ferrets, both major. One ferret with severe comorbidities died during general anesthesia. Postoperative pacemaker-related complications were minor: inappropriate sinus beat sensing in 2/8 and occasional muscle fasciculations in 1/8. Two ferrets were alive at the time of manuscript submission, at 10 and 21 months postoperatively. The overall median survival time was 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of EP was performed successfully in most ferrets for treatment of advanced AVB and was well tolerated. Ferrets with advanced AVB may experience resolution of clinical signs associated with their cardiac disease following EP implantation. Additional studies are warranted to investigate the effects of epicardial pacing on survival times in this species.

PMID:35240454 | DOI:10.1016/j.jvc.2022.01.005

Nurse Educ Today. 2022 Feb 23;111:105311. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105311. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As a versatile and dynamic process, classroom climate directly affects the learning levels of students and their quality of life while in school.

OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to explore and compare nursing students’ perceptions of classroom climate throughout four years of university education and to evaluate the influencing factors.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS: The longitudinal study was conducted between 2017 and 2020 in the nursing department of a university in Turkey.

PARTICIPANTS: The study was carried out with 134 nursing students who enrolled in their first year and agreed to participate in the study.

METHODS: The data were collected at the end of the fall semester of each of the four years using the Student Information Form and the Classroom Climate Inventory.

RESULTS: The mean score of students’ perceptions of classroom climate was 2.88 ± 0.83 for all academic years. The classroom climate inventory mean scores of fourth-year students were statistically significantly higher than their scores in the first and third years (p = 0.000). The students’ classroom climate levels were statistically significantly affected by the positive classroom communication among students in all academic years in a positive direction. Statistically significant effective factors in students’ classroom climate perceptions by year were as follows: the sense of belongingness to the class in the second and third years (although significantly lower in the first year), socio-cultural activities organized at school the second and fourth years (p < 0.05), instructors’ attitudes supporting classroom communication in the first year, and opportunities supporting communication in the school environment in the fourth year (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Students’ perception of the classroom climate was moderate overall and affected by positive classroom communication among students in all academic years. School administrators and educators can develop strategies and organize activities to increase positive communication in the classroom.

PMID:35240399 | DOI:10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105311

Geriatr Nurs. 2022 Feb 28;44:221-228. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.02.017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study described mobility care practice of nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists and gait aid use for hospital patients with dementia. Two surveys, tailored to staff mobility care roles were distributed in Australian hospitals. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists were asked additional questions regarding assessments and factors for prescribing gait aids to patients with dementia. Descriptive statistics for closed-ended and summative content analyses for open-ended questions were undertaken. Nurses (n=56), physiotherapists (n=11) and occupational therapists (n=23) used various practices to ensure ambulation safety for patients with dementia. Nurses and occupational therapists commonly referred patients with dementia to physiotherapists for mobility and gait aid assessments. Therapists predominantly considered the severity of dementia, the person’s learning ability and mobility history in deciding about gait aid use. Exploring ways to strengthen nursing and health professional education, and inter-professional practice for safe mobility in patients with dementia, with and without gait aids, could be helpful.

PMID:35240401 | DOI:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.02.017

Nurse Educ Today. 2022 Feb 22;111:105308. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105308. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To build complex digital skills and capability required by digitally-driven work environments, we must first understand nursing students’ baseline digital literacy if educators are to develop a fit for purpose curriculum underpinned by digital health technologies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine first-year pre-registration nursing students’ perceived baseline digital literacy before their first clinical placement.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTINGS: Two universities in Australia in 2020.

PARTICIPANTS: Students enrolled in pre-registration nursing programs at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

METHODS: Participants (N = 205) completed an online 27-item survey composed of a Likert-type scale, forced-choice items, and open-ended questions. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Participants engaged with digital technology early in life, with 49.75% students using some form of digital technology before ten years of age. Students reported the highest daily use of technology to search the internet for information (92%), online social networking (68.3%) and watching videos (67%). Most students expressed the least confidence in identifying different types of portable storage devices (24.1% Master’s students; 41.7% Bachelor’s students), describing the advantages of a digital camera (39.3% Master’s students; 48.3% Bachelor’s students), and totaling numbers in spreadsheets (22.8% Masters students; 48.3% Bachelor’s students). No statistical differences were observed between the two universities or the two cohorts in terms of perceived confidence in using technology and software applications to support their learning. Interestingly, 24.7% of participants expressed high confidence in using electronic medical records without prior training, which may reflect positive attitude towards engaging with unknown digital technologies.

CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students are frequent internet and social media users. However, despite positive attitudes to digital technology and widespread presence of digital technology in students’ lives, deficits in students’ confidence in using digital technology and software required for learning persist. Targeted digital literacy education interventions are needed as part of foundational nursing studies to improve nursing students’ baseline digital literacy before commencing clinical placement. These should be scaffolded across the program to ensure an effective transition to nursing practice in evolving digitally-driven healthcare environments.

PMID:35240398 | DOI:10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105308

Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2022 Feb 24;100:104667. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104667. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the associations of the FI-lab, modified (m)FI-lab and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) with one-year mortality.

STUDY DESIGN: An observational longitudinal inception cohort of inpatients admitted to the geriatric rehabilitation wards in the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The measured ratio was defined as the proportion of measured laboratory tests to the total number of tests (n = 77). The FI-lab is the proportion of abnormal results to the total measured laboratory tests. The mFI-lab was calculated by dividing the FI-lab by the measured ratio. The measured ratio of laboratory tests, FI-lab, mFI-lab and CFS were assessed at admission to geriatric rehabilitation. Patients’ mortality data were obtained from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria and medical records.

RESULTS: The total of 1819 inpatients had a median age of 83.3 [77.5-88.3] years and 56.5% were female. The median measured ratio, FI-lab, mFI-lab and CFS scores were 0.58 [0.47-0.70], 0.31 [0.23-0.38], 0.51 [0.38-0.69] and 6 (Abbasi et al., 2018Gill, Gahbauer, Allore & Han, 2006; Howlett et al., 2014;) respectively. The one-year mortality rate was 17.1%. The measured ratio was not associated with one-year mortality. Higher FI-lab (hazard ratio (HR)=1.180, 95%CI: 1.037-1.343), mFI-lab (HR=1.074, 95%CI: 1.030-1.119) and CFS scores (HR=1.350, 95%CI: 1.191-1.530) were associated with higher risk of one-year mortality. The area under the curve (AUC) of FI-lab, mFI-lab and CFS with one-year mortality were 0.581, 0.587 and 0.612 respectively.

CONCLUSION: The FI-lab, mFI-lab and CFS poorly predict mortality in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients despite the statistically significant associations shown.

PMID:35240386 | DOI:10.1016/j.archger.2022.104667

Comput Biol Med. 2022 Feb 26;144:105348. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105348. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

With the development of three-dimensional (3D) scanning and measurement technologies, the internal adaptation of restorations was measured by the 3D analysis method. The purpose of this study was to explore a novel 3D digital evaluation method to assess the intraoral fitness of removable partial dentures (RPDs) and evaluate the accuracy of this novel digital method in vitro. A 3D digital method to evaluate the clinical fitness of RPD was introduced. A standard stone cast of a partially edentulous mandible simulating the oral tissues and a corresponding RPD were used to evaluate the accuracy of this novel digital method (3D analysis on duplicated polyether cast) and another reported 3D digital evaluation method (3D analysis on RPD directly) for intraoral fitness of RPD in vitro. 12 polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) replica specimens were fabricated in each method in vitro, and the thicknesses of these PVS replicas were measured by 3D analysis on duplicated polyether cast (named Polyether group), 3D analysis on RPD directly (named Denture group), and 3D analysis on the stone cast (named Stone group), respectively. The thicknesses of PVS replicas were compared with analyses of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the accuracy of these methods (α = 0.05). The accuracy based on the mean thickness of the PVS replicas of Polyether group were better than that of Denture group (P < 0.05) and had no statistical difference with that of Stone group (P > 0.05). 3D analysis on duplicated polyether cast has comparable trueness and precision to 3D analysis on the stone cast and is feasible for evaluating clinical fitness of RPD.

PMID:35240376 | DOI:10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105348