bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic revision of the formerly monotypic orchid genus Dactylostalix
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , HIROTA SHUN K , YAGAME TAKAHIRO , YUKAWA TOMOHISA , SUYAMA YOSHIHISA
Published: June 2024

The Calypsoinae orchid genus Dactylostalix, previously considered a monotypic genus endemic to Japan and the Russian Far East (the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin Island), is now redefined to encompass two species. This reclassification is based not only on the examination of type specimens and literature but also on molecular data. While Pergamena uniflora has long been regarded as a synonym of Dactylostalix ringens, it is distinguishable by its shorter scape, smaller flower, less spotted tepals, drooping sepals and lateral petals, labellum with smaller, narrowly triangular to ovate lateral lobes, more distinct keels on the adaxial surface of the lip, and a slender column with a smaller stigma and weakly developed clinandrium. We propose the new combination Dactylostalix uniflora, recognizing it as a distinct species within the genus Dactylostalix. Phylogenetic analysis utilizing genome-wide markers has also demonstrated that the two species are genetically distinct. Our findings, obtained through the integration of morphological data and molecular phylogenetics, indicate that D. uniflora represents a distinct evolutionary lineage from D. ringens. Examination of type specimens has led us to conclude that Calypso japonica, Dactylostalix maculosa, and Dactylostalix ringens f. punctatus are junior synonyms of D. ringens. Additionally, we designate the lectotypes for P. uniflora (= D. uniflora), C. japonica, and D. maculosa.
Iris pseudocaucasica subsp. iranica (Iridaceae), a new subspecies from Tabriz province (Iran) belonging to subgenus Scorpiris
Authors: FIRAT MEHMET , RAMEZANI ADEL
Published: June 2024

Iris pseudocaucasica subsp. iranica, a new subspecies of subgenus Scorpiris, is described and illustrated from Tabriz Province, Iran. From the morphological point of view, subsp. iranica appears to be similar to subsp. pseudocaucasica and subsp. koyuncui, from which it differs in several morphological features including plant height, leaf size/number and flower colour/size. A comprehensive description of this subspecies is provided, including detailed photographs, geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, vernacular name and IUCN conservation status.
New species of Batrochoglanis Gill (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) from the Capim River basin, State of Pará, Brazil
Authors: SHIBATTA OSCAR AKIO
Published: June 2024

Batrochoglanis labrosus new species, is described from the Capim River Basin, State of Pará, Brazil. The new species differs from congeners by the stout, inferior mandible, hypertrophied lips on the lateral of the mouth, a broad dark brown band extending dorsoventrally from the beginning of the trunk to the posterior third of the adipose fin followed by a second dark brown band on the caudal peduncle, dark brown pelvic fin, and caudal fin hyaline with a concentration of dark brown spots on the posterior margin, sometimes forming an irregular band. The morphometric variables of B. labrosus are similar in B. villosus and B. castaneus, forming a B. villosus species group. The B. villosus group is distinct from other group formed by B. acanthochiroides and B. transmontanus in the third axis of the Principal Components Analysis. The variables with higher positive loadings in the B. villosus group, representing larger measurements, were adipose-fin base length, eye diameter, maxillary barbel length, head depth, and mouth width; the higher negative loadings representing shorter measurements were pelvic fin to anal fin distance and pectoral-fin spine length. The species is known only from the Capim River basin, where it is possibly endemic.
Study of the Chinese Anostostomatidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera) IX: New additions of Anabropsis (Carnabropsis) from Yunnan Province
Authors: BIAN XUN
Published: June 2024

Based on the specimens deposited in Guangxi Normal University, Anabropsis (Carnabropsis) pusilla (Ingrisch, 2019) was recorded first in the fauna of China. Meanwhile, the female sex of A. (C.) karnyi (Wang, Liu & Li, 2015) was newly described.
Uncertainties Inherent from Large-Scale Climate Projections in the Statistical Downscaling Projection of North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Xi Dazhi , Lin Ning , Jing Renzhi , Harr Patrick , Oppenheimer Michael
Published: June 2024

North Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity under a high-emission scenario is projected using a statistical synthetic storm model coupled with nine phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) climate models. The ensemble projection shows that the annual frequency of TCs generated in the basin will decrease from 15.91 (1979–2014) to 12.16 (2075–2100), and TC activity will shift poleward and coastward. The mean of lifetime maximum intensity will increase from 66.50 to 75.04 kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1). Large discrepancies in TC frequency and intensity projections are found among the nine CMIP6 climate models. The uncertainty in the projection of wind shear is the leading cause of the discrepancies in the TC climatology projection, dominating the uncertainties in the projection of thermodynamic parameters such as potential intensity and saturation deficit. The uncertainty in the projection of wind shear may be related to the different projections of horizontal gradient of vertically integrated temperature in the climate models, which can be induced by different parameterizations of physical processes including surface process, sea ice, and cloud feedback. Informed by the uncertainty analysis, a surrogate model is developed to provide the first-order estimation of TC activity in climate models based on large-scale environmental features.
Measurement error in longitudinal earnings data: evidence from Germany
Authors: Schmillen Achim , Umkehrer Matthias , von Wachter Till
Published: June 2024

We present evidence on the extent of measurement error in German longitudinal earnings data. Qualitatively, we confirm the main result of the international literature: longitudinal earnings data are relatively reliable in a cross section but much less so in first differences. Quantitatively, in the cross section our findings are very similar to those of Bound and Krueger (J Labor Econ 9:1–24, 1991) and Pischke (J Bus Econ Stat 13:305–314, 1995) for the United States while we find even stronger evidence that first-differencing exacerbates measurement error problems. We also show that measurement error in our survey data is not “classical” as it is negatively correlated with administrative earnings and positively autocorrelated over an extended period of time. Additionally, we estimate a model of measurement error stemming from underreporting of transitory earnings shocks in combination with a white-noise component and make a number of methodological contributions. Our results are robust to the use of two different linked survey-administrative data sets and various other sensitivity checks.
ED50 of ciprofol combined with sufentanil for fiberoptic bronchoscopy of different patient populations with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Pan Min , Liu Weidong , Zhang Zhixin , Li Tong , Xie Weibin
Published: June 2024

Background

Ciprofol is a promising sedative. This study aims to explore the median effective dose (ED50) of ciprofol in inhibiting responses to fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) of different genders and ages when combined with 0.15 μg/kg sufentanil, and to evaluate its efficacy and safety, providing a reference for the rational use of ciprofol in clinical practice.

Methods

PTB patients who underwent bronchoscopy examination and treatment at The Third People’s Hospital of Changzhou between May 2023 and June 2023 were selected and divided into four groups using a stratified random method. All patients received intravenous injection of 0.15 μg/kg sufentanil followed by injection of the test dose of ciprofol according to Dixon’s up-and-down method. The initial dose of ciprofol in all four groups was 0.4 mg/kg, with an adjacent ratio of 1:1.1. The next patient received a 10% increase in the dose of ciprofol if the previous patient in the same group experienced positive reactions such as choking cough, frowning, and body movements during the endoscopy. Otherwise, it was judged as a negative reaction, and the next patient received a 10% decrease in the dose of ciprofol. The transition from a positive reaction to a negative reaction was defined as a turning point, and the study of the group was terminated when seven turning points occurred. Hemodynamic parameters, oxygen saturation and adverse reactions were recorded at different time points in all groups. The Probit regression analysis method was used to calculate the ED50 of ciprofol in the four groups and compare between the groups.

Results

The ED50 of ciprofol combined with 0.15 μg/kg sufentanil for bronchoscopy in the four groups were 0.465 mg/kg, 0.433 mg/kg, 0.420 mg/kg and 0.396 mg/kg, respectively.

Conclusion

The ED50 of ciprofol used for fiberoptic bronchoscopy varied among PTB patients of different genders and ages.

Trial registration

The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300071508, Registered on 17 May 2023.
Risk for cardiovascular disease development in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bedeković Dražen , Bošnjak Ivica , Bilić-Ćurčić Ines , Kirner Damir , Šarić Sandra , Novak Srđan
Published: June 2024

Background

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have significant cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Objective

To investigate the effects of chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis on cardiovascular morbidity association with cardiovascular risk factors risk factors. Mortality report is secondary just to show trends without sufficient statistical power as it is accidental endpoint.

Methods

A total of 201 individuals without previous cardiovascular disease, 124 with rheumatoid arthritis (investigation group) and 77 with osteoarthritis (control group), were included in the study and followed up for an average of 8 years to assess the development of fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular diseases. The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors were also investigated.

Results

The total incidence of one or more fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular events was 43.9% in the investigation group and 37.5% in the control group. Of these patients, 31.7% and 30.9% survived cardiovascular events in the investigation and control groups, respectively. The most common cardiovascular disease among participants who completed the study and those who died during the study was chronic heart failure. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that strict inflammation control plays a central role in lowering cardiovascular risk.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary approach to these patients is of paramount importance, especially with the cooperation of immunologists and cardiologists for early detection, prevention, and management of cardiovascular risks and diseases.
Methodological identification of anomalies episodes in ECG streams: a systematic mapping study
Authors: Iqbal Uzair , Almakki Riyad , Usman Muhammad , Altameem Abdullah , Albathan Mubarak , Jilani Abdul Khader
Published: June 2024

An electrocardiogram is a medical examination tool for measuring different patterns of heart blood flow circle either in the form of usual or non-invasive patterns. These patterns are useful for the identification of morbidity condition of the heart especially in certain conditions of heart abnormality and arrhythmia. Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of them that happened due to sudden blockage of blood by the cause of malfunction of heart. In electrocardiography (ECG) intensity of MI is highlighted on the basis of unusual patterns of T wave changes. Various studies have contributed for MI through T wave’s classification, but more to the point of T wave has always attracted the ECG researchers. Methodology. This Study is primarily designed for proposing the combination of latest methods that are worked for the solutions of pre-defined research questions. Such solutions are designed in the form of the systematic review process (SLR) by following the Kitchen ham guidance. The literature survey is a two phase’s process, at first phase collect the articles that were published in IEEE Xplore, Scopus, science direct and Springer from 2008 to 2023. It consist of steps; the first level is executed by filtrating the articles on the basis of keyword phase of title and abstract filter. Similarly, at two level the manuscripts are scanned through filter of eligibility criteria of articles selection. The last level belongs to the quality assessment of articles, in such level articles are rectified through evaluation of domain experts. Results. Finally, the selected articles are addressed with research questions and briefly discuss these selected state-of-the-art methods that are worked for the T wave classification. These address units behave as solutions to research problems that are highlighted in the form of research questions. Conclusion and future directions. During the survey process for these solutions, we got some critical observations in the form of gaps that reflected the other directions for researchers. In which feature engineering, different dependencies of ECG features and dimensional reduction of ECG for the better ECG analysis are reflection of future directions.
Astragaloside IV inhibits cell viability and glycolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating KAT2A-mediated succinylation of PGAM1
Authors: Zhu Yuanzhang , Lu Fei
Published: June 2024

Background

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the basic components of Astragali radix, that has been shown to have preventive effects against various diseases, including cancers. This study aimed to explore the role of AS-IV in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

The cell viability, glucose consumption, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in SNU-182 and Huh7 cell lines were detected by specific commercial kits. Western blot was performed to analyze the succinylation level in SNU-182 and Huh7 cell lines. The interaction between lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) 2 A and phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) was evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays. The role of KAT2A in vivo was explored using a xenografted tumor model.

Results

The results indicated that AS-IV treatment downregulated the protein levels of succinylation and KAT2A in SNU-182 and Huh7 cell lines. The cell viability, glucose consumption, lactate production, ECAR, and succinylation levels were decreased in AS-IV-treated SNU-182 and Huh7 cell lines, and the results were reversed after KAT2A overexpression. KAT2A interacted with PGAM1 to promote the succinylation of PGAM1 at K161 site. KAT2A overexpression promoted the viability and glycolysis of SNU-182 and Huh7 cell lines, which were partly blocked following PGAM1 inhibition. In tumor-bearing mice, AS-IV suppressed tumor growth though inhibiting KAT2A-mediated succinylation of PGAM1.

Conclusion

AS-IV inhibited cell viability and glycolysis in HCC by regulating KAT2A-mediated succinylation of PGAM1, suggesting that AS-IV might be a potential and suitable therapeutic agent for treating HCC.
Loneliness shapes disparities in healthy life expectancy: a multi-state analysis from China
Authors: Yu Qi , Ren Yiting , Wu Jilei
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To assess the influence of loneliness on the healthy life expectancy of older adults in China and its gender disparities across different health indicators, in order to provide insights for enhancing the health status and subjective well-being of the older population.

Method

We conducted a cohort analysis using four waves of weighted samples (2008, 2011, 2014, and 2018) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, encompassing 15,507 respondents aged 65–99. Physical and subjective health were assessed through activity of daily living (ADL) and self-rated health (SRH), respectively. Utilizing loneliness status as a time-variant variable, we employed the multi-state interpolated Markov Chain to explore the associations between loneliness and age-specific life expectancy (LE), healthy life expectancy (HLE), and the proportion of healthy life expectancy in life expectancy (HLE/LE).

Results

Compared to the non-lonely population, both LE and HLE were lower among lonely individuals. Regarding gender differences, the HLE/LE for females in the lonely population was consistently lower than that for males. The impact of loneliness on the health of older adults varied by measurement indicators and gender. Specifically, based on ADL results, the decline in HLE/LE was greater for females, with a decline of 53.6% for lonely females compared to 51.7% for non-lonely females between the ages of 65 and 99. For males, the decline was 51.4% for lonely males and 51.5% for non-lonely males. According to SRH, the gender difference in the decline of HLE/LE due to loneliness was less apparent. For males, the change in HLE/LE for non-lonely individuals was 3.4%, compared to 4.2% for lonely individuals, whereas for females, the change was 3.7% for non-lonely individuals and 4.4% for lonely individuals.

Conclusion

Loneliness exerts varied effects on health across different measurement indicators and gender demographics. Targeted health promotion interventions are imperative to mitigate these negative impacts, particularly emphasizing the enhancement of subjective well-being and physical functioning, especially among older adult females.
Trends of fear and anger on YouTube during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jae-Joon , Kim Jongwoo , Lee Soo-Kyoung
Published: June 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most widespread and threatening health crisis experienced by the Korean society. Faced with an unprecedented threat to survival, society has been gripped by social fear and anger, questioning the culpability of this pandemic. This study explored the correlation between social cognitions and negative emotions and their changes in response to the severe events stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.

Methods

The analysis was based on a cognitive-emotional model that links fear and anger to the social causes that trigger them and used discursive content from comments posted on YouTube’s COVID-19-related videos. A total of 182,915 comments from 1,200 videos were collected between January and December 2020. We performed data analyses and visualizations using R, Netminer 4.0, and Gephi software and calculated Pearson’s correlation coefficients between emotions.

Results

YouTube videos were analyzed for keywords indicating cognitive assessments of major events related to COVID-19 and keywords indicating negative emotions. Eight topics were identified through topic modeling: causes and risks, perceptions of China, media and information, infection prevention rules, economic activity, school and infection, political leaders, and religion, politics, and infection. The correlation coefficient between fear and anger was 0.462 (p < .001), indicating a moderate linear relationship between the two emotions. Fear was the highest from January to March in the first year of the COVID-19 outbreak, while anger occurred before and after the outbreak, with fluctuations in both emotions during this period.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that social cognitions and negative emotions are intertwined in response to major events related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with each emotion varying individually rather than being ambiguously mixed. These findings could aid in developing social cognition-emotion-based public health strategies through education and communication during future pandemic outbreaks.
Associations of body composition parameters with postoperative outcome and perineural tumour invasion after oncological pancreatic resection
Authors: Mueller Tara C. , Henselmann Martin , Reischl Stefan , Jaeger Carsten , Trefzer Charlotte , Demir Ihsan Ekin , Friess Helmut , Martignoni Marc E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer is often accompanied by wasting conditions. While surgery is the primary curative approach, it poses a substantial risk of postoperative complications, hindering subsequent treatments. Therefore, identifying patients at high risk for complications and optimizing their perioperative general condition is crucial. Sarcopenia and other body composition abnormalities have shown to adversely affect surgical and oncological outcomes in various cancer patients. As most pancreatic tumours are located close to the neuronal control centre for the digestive tract, it is possible that neural infiltration in this area deranges bowel functions and contributes to malabsorption and malnutrition and ultimately worsen sarcopenia and weight loss.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of CT scans was performed for pancreatic cancer patients who underwent surgical tumour resection at a single high-volume centre from 2007 to 2023. Sarcopenia prevalence was assessed by skeletal muscle index (SMI), and visceral obesity was determined by the visceral adipose tissue area (VAT). Obesity and malnutrition were determined by the GLIM criteria. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as simultaneous sarcopenia and obesity. Postoperative complications, mortality and perineural tumour invasion, were compared among patients with body composition abnormalities.

Results

Of 437 patients studied, 46% were female, the median age was 69 (61;74) years. CT analysis revealed 54.9% of patients with sarcopenia, 23.7% with sarcopenic obesity and 45.9% with visceral obesity. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were more prevalent in elderly and male patients. Postoperative surgical complications occurred in 67.7% of patients, most of which were mild (41.6%). Severe complications occurred in 22.7% of cases and the mortality rate was 3.4%. Severe postoperative complications were significantly more common in patients with sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity. Visceral obesity or malnutrition based on BMI alone, did not significantly impact complications. Perineural invasion was found in 80.1% of patients and was unrelated to malnutrition or body composition parameters.

Conclusions

This is the first and largest study evaluating the associations of CT-based body mass analysis with surgical outcome and histopathological perineural tumour invasion in pancreatic cancer patients. The results suggest that elderly and male patients are at high risk for sarcopenia and should be routinely evaluated by CT before undergoing pancreatic surgery, irrespective of their BMI. Confirmation of the results in prospective studies is needed to assess if pancreatic cancer patients with radiographic sarcopenia benefit from preoperative amelioration of muscle mass and function by exercise and nutritional interventions.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of root morphology and canal configuration of permanent premolars using cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Xu Mengchen , Ren Huiying , Liu Congrui , Zhao Xinyu , Li Xiaoyan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The efficacy of root canal treatment is greatly impacted by a thorough understanding of root canal anatomy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to thoroughly investigate the root morphology and canal configuration (RMCC) of permanent premolars (PMs).

Methodology

A comprehensive analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Literature exploration was carried out across four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science). The risk of bias assessment was conducted for the included studies utilizing the Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) tool. Data analysis was performed utilizing SPSS and RevMAN5.3.3. The meta-analysis was applied with a 95% confidence interval to calculate odds ratios (OR).

Results

Among the 82 selected studies, 59 studies exhibited potential bias in domain one (objective(s) and subject characteristics), followed by domain three (methodology characterization). The majority of maxillary PM1s had either single root (46.7%) or double roots (51.9%), while three-rooted variants were uncommon (1.4%). Conversely, most other PMs exhibited a single root. In terms of canal configuration, maxillary PM1s predominantly featured double distinct canals (87.2%), with the majority of maxillary PM2s displaying either a single canal (51.4%) or double canals (48.3%). Mandibular PMs were primarily characterized by single canals, accounting for 78.3% of mandibular PM1s and 90.3% of mandibular PM2s. Subgroup analyses revealed higher incidences of single-rooted and single-canalled PMs among Asians compared to Caucasians. Additionally, women exhibited a higher incidence of single-rooted PMs, while men showed a greater frequency of double-rooted PMs.

Conclusions

The comprehensive analysis indicated that maxillary PM1s predominantly possess double roots and double canals, whereas maxillary PM2s and mandibular PMs were primarily characterized by single-rooted with a single canal. Notably, single root and single canal were more prevalent among women and Asian samples.
The association between violence against women and chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Uvelli Allison , Ribaudo Carola , Gualtieri Giacomo , Coluccia Anna , Ferretti Fabio
Published: June 2024

Violence against women is a phenomenon that involves at least 35% of women worldwide. Violence can be sexual, physical, and/or psychological, perpetrated by the partner, another family member, or a stranger. Violence is a public health problem because its consequences include higher morbidity, higher mortality, and short and long-term physical and psychological health diseases. Most studies prove an association between any type of violence and some chronic pain diagnoses but no one has done a complete collection of this evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether this association is statistically significant, including the largest number of studies. Through the inclusion of 37 articles, the association has been demonstrated. Compared with no history of violence, women who did experience violence showed 2 times greater odds of developing chronic pain. The impact of violence was significant also on fibromyalgia separately, but not on pelvic pain.

PROSPERO registration

PROSPERO CRD42023425477.
Sharpening the lens to evaluate interprofessional education and interprofessional collaboration by improving the conceptual framework: a critical discussion
Authors: Neubauer Florian B. , Wagner Felicitas L. , Lörwald Andrea , Huwendiek Sören
Published: June 2024

It has been difficult to demonstrate that interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaboration (IPC) have positive effects on patient care quality, cost effectiveness of patient care, and healthcare provider satisfaction. Here we propose a detailed explanation for this difficulty based on an adjusted theory about cause and effect in the field of IPE and IPC by asking: 1) What are the critical weaknesses of the causal models predominantly used which link IPE with IPC, and IPE and IPC with final outcomes? 2) What would a more precise causal model look like? 3) Can the proposed novel model help us better understand the challenges of IPE and IPC outcome evaluations? In the format of a critical theoretical discussion, based on a critical appraisal of the literature, we first reason that a monocausal, IPE-biased view on IPC and IPC outcomes does not form a sufficient foundation for proper IPE and IPC outcome evaluations; rather, interprofessional organization (IPO) has to be considered an additional necessary cause for IPC; and factors outside of IPC additional causes for final outcomes. Second, we present an adjusted model representing the “multi-stage multi-causality” of patient, healthcare provider, and system outcomes. Third, we demonstrate the model’s explanatory power by employing it to deduce why misuse of the modified Kirkpatrick classification as a causal model in IPE and IPC outcome evaluations might have led to inconclusive results in the past. We conclude by applying the derived theoretical clarification to formulate recommendations for enhancing future evaluations of IPE, IPO, and IPC. Our main recommendations: 1) Focus should be placed on a comprehensive evaluation of factual IPC as the fundamental metric and 2) A step-by-step approach should be used that separates the outcome evaluation of IPE from that of IPC in the overarching quest for proving the benefits of IPE, IPO and IPC for patients, healthcare providers, and health systems. With this critical discussion we hope to enable more effective evaluations of IPE, IPO and IPC in the future.
Non-technical skills of Norwegian medical students at different training sites: a comparative, observational cohort study
Authors: Prydz Katrine , Dieckmann Peter , Fagertun Hans , Musson David , Wisborg Torben
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Mastering non-technical skills (NTS) is a fundamental part of the training of new physicians to perform effectively and safely in the medical practice environment. Ideally, they learn these skills during medical school. Decentralized medical education is being implemented increasingly worldwide. Two of the three training sites studied, Bodø (a regional hospital) and Finnmark (a rural local hospital), implemented decentralized medical education. The third training site was the main campus in Tromsø, located at an urban university hospital. The training in Finnmark emphasised training in non-technical skills using simulation to a larger extent than the two other university campuses. This study aimed to compare the NTS performance of medical students in their last year of education at three different training sites of the same university.

Methods

This blinded cohort study included students from the three training sites who participated in identical multi-professional simulations over a six-year period. Eight raters evaluated the video recordings of eight students from each training site using the Norwegian Medical Students Non-Technical Skills (NorMS-NTS) tool. The NorMS-NTS tool, which comprises four categories and 13 elements, assesses the NTS of Norwegian medical students and assigns an overall global score. Pairwise significant differences in the NTS performance levels between the training sites studied were assessed using Tukey’s test.

Results

The overall NTS performance levels of the medical students from Finnmark (mean 4.5) were significantly higher than those of the students from Tromsø (mean 3.8) and Bodø (mean 3.5). Similarly, the NTS performance levels at category-level of the students in Finnmark were significantly higher than those of the students from Bodø and Tromsø. Except for one category, no significant differences were observed between the students from Bodø and Tromsø in terms of the overall or category-level NTS performance.

Conclusion

The NTS performance levels of the medical students from Finnmark, which implements rural, decentralized medical education, were significantly higher than those of the students from Tromsø and Bodø.
Syntaxin6 contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis via enhancing STAT3 phosphorylation
Authors: Huang Li , Zhong Xiaoting , Li An , Tu Fuping , He Miao , Xu Xueming , Liu Xiaohui , Zeng Xiaoli , Chi Jun , Tian Tian , Wang Chunli , Wang Xiangcai , Ye Jianming
Published: June 2024

Background

Syntaxin6 (STX6) is a SNARE (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) protein complex located in the trans-Golgi network and endosomes, which is closely associated with a variety of intracellular membrane transport events. STX6 has been shown to be overexpressed in a variety of human malignant tumors such as esophageal, colorectal, and renal cell carcinomas, and participates in tumorigenesis and development.

Methods

Based on clinical public database and clinical liver samples analysis, the expression of STX6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues was investigated. The effects of STX6 on proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cell in vitro and in vivo were evaluated through gain- and loss-of-function studies. We further performed RNA-seq analysis and protein interactome analysis, to further decifer the detailed mechanisms of STX6 in the regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway in HCC.

Results

STX6 expression was upregulated in HCC tissues and its expression was highly correlated with the high histological grade of the tumor. STX6 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, STX6 mediated tumor progression depending on promoting the activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Receptor for activated protein kinase C (RACK1) as an essential adaptor protein mediating STX6 regulation of JAK-STAT pathway. Specifically, STX6 interacted with RACK1 and then recruited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to form a protein-binding complex and activates STAT3 transcriptional activity.

Conclusions

This study provided a novel concept that STX6 exerted oncogenic effects by activating the STAT3 signaling pathway, and STX6 might be a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
High remnant-cholesterol levels increase the risk for end-stage renal disease: a nationwide, population-based, cohort study
Authors: Jung Han Na , Huh Ji Hye , Roh Eun , Han Kyung-Do , Kang Jun Goo , Lee Seong Jin , Ihm Sung-Hee
Published: June 2024

Background

The effect of remnant-cholesterol (remnant-C) on incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has not been studied longitudinally. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the association between remnant-C and the development of ESRD in a nationwide Korean cohort.

Methods

Participants in a National Health Insurance Service health examination (n = 3,856,985) were followed up until the onset of ESRD. The median duration of follow-up was 10.3 years. The Martin-Hopkins equation was used to determine low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from directly measured triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and total cholesterol levels. Remnant-C levels were determined by subtracting HDL-C and LDL-C from total cholesterol. The risk for incident ESRD was calculated for each quartile of remnant-C, adjusting for conventional risk factors such as baseline renal function, comorbidities, and total cholesterol levels.

Results

ESRD developed in 11,073 (0.29%) participants. The risk for ESRD exhibited a gradual increase according to higher levels of remnant-C, with a 61% increased risk in the highest quartile than in the lowest (hazard ratio [HR] 1.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50–1.72]). The elevated risk for ESRD in the highest quartile versus the lowest quartile was more prominent in younger than in older subjects (20–29 years, HR 4.07 [95% CI 2.85–5.83]; 30–39 years, HR 2.39 [95% CI 1.83–3.13]; ≥ 70 years, HR 1.32 [95% CI 1.16–1.51]). In addition, the increased risk for ESRD related to higher remnant-C levels was greater in females than in males.

Conclusions

Independent of conventional risk factors, remnant-C levels were positively associated with incident ESRD, particularly in younger populations and adult females. Reducing remnant-C levels may be a novel preventive strategy against ESRD.
The association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and periodontitis: NHANES 2011–2014 and Mendelian randomisation analysis
Authors: Li Tao , Wu Huadong , Fu Zhenzhen , Li Hong , Li Quan , Liu Yi , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2024

Background

We aimed to explore the association and potential causality between polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrations and the risk of periodontal disease.

Materials and methods

Data were collected from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to analyse the associations of the concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratio with the risk of periodontitis. E-value and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used for sensitivity analyses. In addition, two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses were performed to assess the potential causal impact of the concentrations of those fatty acids on periodontitis risk.

Results

A total of 2462 participants from the NHANES were included. Logistic regression analysis revealed that high omega-3 fatty acids levels were negatively associated with the risk of developing periodontitis (P < 0.05), while the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratio was positively associated with the risk of developing periodontitis (P < 0.05). There was no significant association between omega-6 concentrations and the risk of periodontitis. The findings mentioned above were confirmed by analysis following a 1:1 PSM. Furthermore, MR examination of the two samples indicated no possible causal link between the risk of periodontitis and the concentrations of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids or the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Although omega-3 fatty acids and the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratio were associated with the risk of periodontitis in cross-sectional studies, the MR results did not support a causal relationship between them. Therefore, there is no indication that an increase in the omega-3 fatty acids concentration or a decrease in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratio may be beneficial for preventing periodontitis.
Overdose prevention activities led by local public health departments, 2019–2023
Authors: Wisdom April , Haddad Stephanie , Govindu Madhumita , Higgins Francis , Filion Nikki , Sullivan Kate , Rooks-Peck Cherie
Published: June 2024

Background

Drug overdose deaths in the United States increased to historic levels in recent years, with provisional estimates indicating more than 111,000 deaths in the 12 months ending July 2023. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Overdose Prevention in collaboration with the National Association of City and County Health Officials, funded local health departments (LHDs) to work on overdose prevention activities. This paper aims to: 1) describe the overdose prevention activities that LHDs implemented during the four eighteen-month funding cycles; 2) identify programmatic successes and areas of opportunity for LHDs to consider when implementing future overdose prevention activities; and to 3) inform policy considerations and future overdose prevention programming at the local level.

Methods

We used programmatic data to identify overdose prevention activities implemented by 45 LHDs. Activities were double-coded according to the social-ecological model and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Overdose Prevention Strategies and Guiding Principles. We analyzed final codes to identify distribution and overlap of the Strategies and Guiding Principles across the social ecological model co-occurrences.

Results

Approximately 55.9% (n=123) of the 220 overdose prevention activities that were coded took place at the community level, 32.3% (n=71) at the individual level, 8.6% (n=19) at the relationship level, and 3.2% (n=7) at the policy level. Most of the activities were coded as coordination, collaboration, and integration (n=52, 23.6%), harm reduction (n=51, 23.1%), data and evidence (n=47, 21.4%) or reducing stigma (n=24, 10.9%). Few activities were related to primary prevention (n=14, 6.4%), equity (n=14, 6.4%), recovery support (n=11, 5.0%), and evidence-based treatment (n=7, 3.2%).

Conclusions

Localities have primarily implemented activities focused on the community and individual levels, with most of these centered around coordination, collaboration, and integration; harm reduction; or data and evidence. This study identified gaps in overdose prevention for LHDs related to treatment and health equity and that more interventions should be implemented at the relationship and policy levels. Continuing these efforts is important as LHDs explore opportunities to enhance and expand their work in various strategy areas across the social ecology. Findings from this study may be used to inform localities as they design and implement future overdose prevention activities.
Ectopic cervical thymoma: a rare entity in the anterior neck
Authors: Yang Yang , Shen Cheng , Ma Lin
Published: June 2024

Thymoma is a rare malignancy with usual location in the antero-superior mediastinum. Ectopic cervical thymoma (ECT) is an extremely rare tumor that originates from ectopic tissue, and is caused by the aberrant migration of the embryonic thymus. Our patient was a 56-year-old man who had a nodular lesion in the neck for several years. Computed tomography and Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were performed. He underwent surgery, and a histological examination resulted in a diagnosis of type AB thymoma.
Exploration of the combined role of immune checkpoints and immune cells in the diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis: a preliminary study immune checkpoints in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Huang Feihong , Su Zhiping , Huang Yibin , Huang Yuxiang , Zhou Chengyu , Feng Sitan , Qin Xiong , Xie Xi , Liu Chong , Yu Chaojie
Published: June 2024

Objective

Immune checkpoints have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases. However, the specific roles of immune checkpoints in the pathophysiology of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remain unclear.

Methods

Hip ligament samples were obtained from two patient groups: those with AS and femoral head deformity, and those with femoral head necrosis but without AS, undergoing hip arthroplasty. Label-Free Quantification (LFQ) Protein Park Analysis was used to identify the protein composition of the ligaments. Peripheral blood samples of 104 AS patients from public database were used to validate the expression of key proteins. KEGG, GO, and GSVA were employed to explore potential pathways regulated by immune checkpoints in AS progression. xCell was used to calculate cell infiltration levels, LASSO regression was applied to select key cells, and the correlation between immune checkpoints and immune cells was analyzed. Drug sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify potential therapeutic drugs targeting immune checkpoints in AS. The expression of key genes was validated through immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

HLA-DMB and HLA-DPA1 were downregulated in the ligaments of AS and this has been validated through peripheral blood datasets and IHC. Significant differences in expression were observed in CD8 + Tcm, CD8 + T cells, CD8 + Tem, osteoblasts, Th1 cells, and CD8 + naive T cells in AS. The infiltration levels of CD8 + Tcm and CD8 + naive T cells were significantly positively correlated with the expression levels of HLA-DMB and HLA-DPA1. Immune cell selection using LASSO regression showed good predictive ability for AS, with AUC values of 0.98, 0.81, and 0.75 for the three prediction models, respectively. Furthermore, this study found that HLA-DMB and HLA-DPA1 are involved in Th17 cell differentiation, and both Th17 cell differentiation and the NF-kappa B signaling pathway are activated in the AS group. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that AS patients are more sensitive to drugs such as doramapimod and GSK269962A.

Conclusion

Immune checkpoints and immune cells could serve as avenues for exploring diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AS.
Psychosocial predictors of health behavior adherence in heart-failure patients with comorbid depression: a secondary analysis of the Hopeful Heart trial
Authors: Carrillo Alba , Belnap Bea Herbeck , Rothenberger Scott D. , Feldman Robert , Rollman Bruce L. , Celano Christopher M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Depression affects 20–30% of individuals with heart failure (HF), and it is associated with worse health outcomes independent of disease severity. One potential explanation is the adverse impact of depression on HF patients’ adherence to the health behaviors needed to self-manage their condition. The aim of this study is to identify characteristics associated with lower adherence in this population, which could help to recognize individuals at higher risk and eventually tailor health behavior interventions to their needs.

Methods

Using data from a randomized, controlled, collaborative care treatment trial in 629 patients with HF and comorbid depression, we performed mixed effects logistic regression analyses to examine the cross-sectional and prospective relationships between medical and psychosocial variables and health behavior adherence, including adherence to medications, a low-sodium diet, and physician appointments.

Results

In cross-sectional analyses, married marital status and higher physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were associated with greater overall adherence (compared to married, single Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.46, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.26–0.80; other OR = 0.60, CI = 0.38–0.94; p = .012. Physical HRQoL OR = 1.02, CI = 1.00-1.04, p = .047). Prospectively, greater levels of social support were associated with improved overall adherence one year later (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.00-1.08, p = .037). Social support, HF symptom severity, race and ethnicity, and age were predictors of specific types of adherence. Neither depression nor optimism was significantly associated with adherence outcomes.

Conclusions

These results provide important preliminary information about risk factors for poor adherence in patients with both HF and depression, which could, in turn, contribute to the development of interventions to promote adherence in this high-risk population.

Trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02044211; registered 1/21/2014.
When income meets faith: the development and application of the Chinese generation Z unconventional religious orientation scale
Authors: Ziang Wang , Jindong Jiang , Xuan Cao , Yinglin Luo
Published: June 2024

This study seeks to analyze the psychological construction of Unconventional Religious Orientations and their association with individual income level satisfaction within Generation Z. Generation Z, individuals born between 1995 and 2010, grew up in a socio-cultural context marked by digitization and globalization. This study identifies three key dimensions of Unconventional Religious Orientations: religious spiritual dependence, religious instrumental tendencies, and religious uniqueness identity. By combining rootedness theory, semi-structured interviews, and literature review, we constructed and refined a set of relevant scales. Using exploratory and validation factor analyses (EFA and CFA), we verified the structural validity of the scale. The results of the analyses revealed significant negative correlations between satisfaction with income level and all dimensions of Unconventional Religious Orientation for Generation Z, suggesting that Unconventional Religious Orientation tends to diminish as income satisfaction increases. In addition, the significant positive correlations between these dimensions of religious inclination imply that they may share certain underlying factors in their psychological structure. This study not only successfully developed a set of psychometric instruments for Unconventional Religious Orientations, but also provided a new psychological perspective for understanding the dynamic interaction between economic satisfaction and religious psychological attitudes in Generation Z.