bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Innovative Treatment Using Calcium Hydroxyapatite for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation: The Vectorial-Lift Technique
Authors: Amaral Virginia Marcia , Ramos Helena Hotz Arroyo , Cavallieri Fernanda Aquino , Muniz Mariana , Muzy Guilherme , de Almeida Ada Trindade
Published: May 2024

Background

The facial aging process entails alterations in the volume, shape, and texture of all skin layers over time. Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) is a well-established safe skin filler with unique properties to resolve some skin alterations by stimulating neocollagenesis. The vectoral-lift (V-lift) technique targets the global repositioning of facial structures by addressing distinct anatomical injection planes. It includes deep facial augmentation with Radiesse PlusTM to retain ligament restructuring and superficial subcutaneous enhancement with diluted Radiesse DuoTM. Herein, we present cases that illustrate the use of this approach.

Methods

This pilot study enrolled 36 participants (33 women and three men; ages 37–68 years) in a Brazilian clinical setting, and all patients underwent a single treatment. Photographs were taken at rest, in frontal and oblique views, before injection, and 90 days after treatment.

Results

Treatment resulted in elevation of the upper and middle face, notable improvements in the infraorbital hollow, and adjustment of the mean facial volume.

Conclusions

The V-lift technique is a three-dimensional pan-facial treatment that relies on ligament support and face vectoring to obtain a lifting effect and facial contour restoration. It encompasses deep facial augmentation involving the use of Radiesse PlusTM for restructuring and retaining ligaments and Radiesse DuoTM for superficial subcutaneous enhancement. This approach targets a global repositioning of the facial structures by addressing distinct anatomical injection planes. It achieves a repositioning of the overall facial anatomy without requiring a substantial volumetric expansion.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Aberrant ecotropic viral integration site-1 (EVI-1) and myocyte enhancer factor 2 C gene (MEF2C) in adult acute myeloid leukemia are associated with adverse t (9:22) & 11q23 rearrangements
Authors: Menshawy Nadia El , El-Ghonemy Mohamed S. , Ebrahim Mohamed A. , Fahmi Maryan Waheeb , Saif Maha , Denewer May , El-Ashwah Shaimaa
Published: May 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) shows multiple chromosomal translocations & point mutations which can be used to refine risk-adapted therapy in AML patients. Ecotropic viral integration site-1 (EVI-1) & myocyte enhancer factor 2 C gene (MEF2C) are key regulatory transcription factors in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis & both drive immune escape.

This prospective study involved 80 adult de novo AML patients recruited from Oncology Center, Mansoura University, between March 2019 and July 2021. The MEF2C and EVI1 expression were measured using a Taqman probe-based qPCR assay.

The results revealed that EVI1 and MEF2C expression were significantly elevated in AML patients as compared to control subjects (p = 0.001. 0.007 respectively). Aberrant expressions of EVI1 and MEF2C showed a significant negative correlation with hemoglobin levels (p = 0.034, 0.025 respectively), & bone marrow blasts (p = 0.007, 0.002 respectively). 11q23 translocation was significantly associated with EVI1 and MEF2C (p = 0.004 and 0.02 respectively). Also, t (9;22) was significantly associated with EVI1 and MEF2C (p = 0.01 and 0.03 respectively), higher expression of EVI1 and MEF2C were significantly associated with inferior outcome after induction therapy (p = 0.001 and 0.018 respectively) and shorter overall survival (p = 0.001, 0.014 respectively).

In conclusion, EVI1 & MEF2C were significantly expressed in AML cases. EVI1 & MEF2C overexpression were significantly associated with 11q23 rearrangements and t (9;22) and were indicators for poor outcome in adult AML patients; These results could be a step towards personalized therapy in those patients.
Accumulation of Hydrogen Peroxide in Flag Leaves Induces Effective Regeneration of Triticale During Rehydration After Water Stress
Authors: Ostrowska Agnieszka , Hura Katarzyna , Hura Tomasz
Published: May 2024

A key element in the effective recovery of plants after drought is slowing down of their senescence accelerated during the drought. Therefore, in this paper the relationships between hydrogen peroxide content and effective recovery during rehydration after water stress were analyzed. The study focused on two DH lines of winter triticale with different regeneration potential, as shown by different numbers of lateral stems with ears, grown during rehydration after water stress. During rehydration, the GZDH27 line grows two to three lateral stems with ears, whereas the GZDH88 line grows a single lateral stem with ear. The two DH lines of winter triticale showed comparable responses to the drought stress but their responses to rehydration after the drought stress were clearly different. Results revealed, that the increased accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, which was induced during the drought, can be maintained during rehydration, thus stimulating plant senescence. In the line GZDH88, rehydration did not slow down drought-induced senescence. This was manifested by higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, accompanied by lower levels of chlorophyll in the flag leaves of GZDH88 plants, as the result of which only one lateral stem was formed during rehydration. However, development of one lateral stems during rehydration in the GZDH88 line allowed for smaller yield loss than in the GZDH77 line, that developed of three lateral stems during rehydration. The efficient production of carbohydrates and their effective allocation into the ears of the lateral stems required considerable energy expenditure in the GZDH27 line. Our results indicate that growing three lateral stems with ears during rehydration does not guarantee limitation of grain yield loss. However, to reach the final conclusion, it is important to evaluate a greater number of triticale genotypes under drought stress and rehydration during various stages of a plants development.
Association between fish and shellfish consumption, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and gastric cancer risk: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study
Authors: Hirabayashi Mayo , Wilunda Calistus , Murai Utako , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro , Sawada Norie ,   for the JPHC Study Group
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Fish and shellfish consumption is suggested to be a cancer-protective factor. However, studies investigating this association for gastric cancer, especially considering Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and atrophic gastritis (AG), are limited. We investigated gastric cancer risk associated with fish, shellfish, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) consumption among Japanese adults.

Methods

90,504 subjects enrolled in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (JPHC Study) were followed until December 2013. Dietary intake data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for gastric cancer risk associated with fish and shellfish consumption and marine n-3 PUFAs (sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) using Cox proportional hazards models. Among those with avaliable data, we conducted a subgroup analysis taking H. pylori infection and AG status  into consideration.

Results

There were 2,701 gastric cancer cases during an average of 15 years of follow-up. We observed an increased gastric cancer risk for salted fish consumption for men [HR for fifth quintile versus first quintile 1.43 (95% CI 1.18–1.75)] and for women [HR 1.33 (95% CI 1.00–1.77)]. We observed a weak risk reduction trend for women as the intake of marine n-3 PUFAs increased (p-trend:0.07). When we included H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis status in the analysis, the associations diminished.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that salted fish increases gastric cancer risk for men and women, while marine n-3 PUFAs marginally decreases this risk among women in Japan.
Advising activity—knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding the recommendation of physical activity in clinical psychologists
Authors: Petzold Moritz Bruno , Betzler Felix , Plag Jens , Ströhle Andreas , Bendau Antonia
Published: May 2024

Background

Regular physical activity comes with multiple benefits for physical but also mental health and can be a pivotal element in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. Clinical psychologists play an important role in supporting their patients in increasing physical activity levels. Up to date, there is only little research on recommendation of physical activity in psychologists worldwide and no such research for psychologists in Germany. Aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding physical activity in psychologists in Germany.

Methods

We assessed knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding physical activity among a sample of clinical psychologists in Germany using the “Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire-German” (EMIQ-G) in a cross-sectional online survey.

Results

454 participants were included in the analysis. Participants reported moderate levels of knowledge and self-confidence in recommending physical activity. Only 14% of the participants received formal training regarding physical activity recommendation. Most participants recommended physical activity to their patients, primarily through personal discussions and referrals to exercise professionals. About one third did not give any recommendations regarding intensity. Strength training was only recommended by a minority.

Conclusion

There is a need for greater integration of information and instructions regarding the recommendation of physical activity in the treatment of people with mental disorders in the training and further education of psychologists.
Interstitial Lung Disease and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis: a World Trade Center Cohort 20-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Cleven Krystal L. , Zeig-Owens Rachel , Mueller Alexandra K. , Vaeth Brandon , Hall Charles B. , Choi Jaeun , Goldfarb David G. , Schecter David E. , Weiden Michael D. , Nolan Anna , Salzman Steve H. , Jaber Nadia , Cohen Hillel W. , Prezant David J.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

World Trade Center (WTC) exposure is associated with obstructive airway diseases and sarcoidosis. There is limited research regarding the incidence and progression of non-sarcoidosis interstitial lung diseases (ILD) after WTC-exposure. ILD encompasses parenchymal diseases which may lead to progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). We used the Fire Department of the City of New York’s (FDNY’s) WTC Health Program cohort to estimate ILD incidence and progression.

Methods

This longitudinal study included 14,525 responders without ILD prior to 9/11/2001. ILD incidence and prevalence were estimated and standardized to the US 2014 population. Poisson regression modeled risk factors, including WTC-exposure and forced vital capacity (FVC), associated with ILD. Follow-up time ended at the earliest of incident diagnosis, end of study period/case ascertainment, transplant or death.

Results

ILD developed in 80/14,525 FDNY WTC responders. Age, smoking, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) prior to diagnosis were associated with incident ILD, though FVC was not. PPF developed in 40/80 ILD cases. Among the 80 cases, the average follow-up time after ILD diagnosis was 8.5 years with the majority of deaths occurring among those with PPF (PPF: n = 13; ILD without PPF: n = 6).

Conclusions

The prevalence of post-9/11 ILD was more than two-fold greater than the general population. An exposure-response gradient could not be demonstrated. Half the ILD cases developed PPF, higher than previously reported. Age, smoking, and GERD were risk factors for ILD and PPF, while lung function was not. This may indicate that lung function measured after respirable exposures would not identify those at risk for ILD or PPF.
Airway and Systemic Immunoglobulin Profiling and Immune Response in Adult Asthma
Authors: Walsh Laura J. , Sullivan Ashley , Ward Chris , Hunt Eoin B. , Lapthorne Susan , Eustace Joseph A. , Fanning Liam J. , Plant Barry J. , O’Byrne Paul M. , MacSharry John A. , Murphy Desmond M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Immunoglobulins play a vital role in host immune response and in the pathogenesis of conditions like asthma. Therapeutic agents such as monoclonal antibodies target specific elements of the asthmatic inflammatory cascade. Decisions to utilize these medications are often based on systemic inflammatory profiling without direct insight into the airway inflammatory profile. We sought to investigate the relationship between immunoglobulin and cytokine profiles in the airway and systemic immune compartments of adult asthmatics.

Methods

Blood sampling and bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed in 76 well-defined adult asthmatics. Antibody and cytokine profiles were measured in both BAL and serum using ELISA and quantibody arrays.

Results

There was no relationship between BAL and serum levels of IgE. This is of significance in an asthma population. For some analytes, correlation analysis was significant (P < 0.05) indicating representativeness of our cohort and experimental setup in those cases. Nevertheless, the predictive power (r2) of the BAL-to-serum comparisons was mostly low except for TNF-α (r2 = 0.73) when assuming a simple (linear) relationship.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of sample site when investigating the roles of immunoglobulins and cytokines in disease pathogenesis and suggests that both localized and systemic immune responses are at play. The prescription of asthma monoclonal therapy is generally based on systemic evaluation of cytokine and immunoglobulin levels. Our research suggests that this approach may not fully reflect the pathophysiology of the disease and may provide insight into why some patients respond to these targeted therapies while others do not.
Ocrelizumab and ofatumumab comparison: an Italian real-world propensity score matched study
Authors: Zanghì Aurora , Borriello Giovanna , Bonavita Simona , Fantozzi Roberta , Signoriello Elisabetta , Barone Stefania , Abbadessa Gianmarco , Cellerino Maria , Ziccone Vanessa , Miele Giuseppina , Lus Giacomo , Valentino Paola , Bucello Sebastiano , Inglese Matilde , Centonze Diego , Avolio Carlo , D’Amico Emanuele
Published: May 2024

Background

The management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has undergone transformative evolution with the introduction of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), specifically anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, such as ocrelizumab (OCR) and ofatumumab (OFA).

Materials and methods

This is an independent retrospective cohort study in Relapsing MS (RMS) patients followed at eight Italian MS centers who initiated treatment with OCR or OFA in the participating centers and with at least 12 months on therapy. A generalized linear regression model inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) PS-adjusted was performed to evaluate the relationship between annualized relapse rate (ARR) and treatment groups. No evidence of disease activity-NEDA-3 at 12-month score was also collected. Safety profile of the investigated DMTs was recorded.

Results

A total cohort of 396 RMS patients fulfilled the required criteria and were enrolled in the study. Out of them, 216 had a prescription of OCR and 180 of OFA. The mean follow-up was 13.2 ± 1.9 months. The estimated means for ARR did not show differences between the two groups, 0.059 for patients on OCR and 0.038 for patients on OFA (p = 0.185). The generalized regression model IPTW PS-adjusted did not reveal differences between patients on OCR and OFA (ExpBOFA 0.974, 95%CI 934–1.015, p = 0.207). NEDA-3 at 12 months was experienced by 199(92.1%) patients on OCR and 170(94.4%) patients on OFA (p = 0.368). Generally, both therapies exhibit good tolerability.

Conclusions

The treatment with OCR and OFA resulted in comparable control of disease activity with good safety profile. Our results need further validation in larger multicentre studies with long-term follow-up.
Association between work-related factors and health behaviour clusters among Finnish private-sector service workers
Authors: Lehto Elviira , Uusitalo Liisa , Saari Tiina , Rahkonen Ossi , Erkkola Maijaliisa , Nevalainen Jaakko
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We examined how work-related factors associate with several health behaviours that appear together among the large, but less-studied, blue- and pink-collar worker group, which is characterized by low education and income levels.

Methods

In 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among private sector service workers (n = 5256) in Finland. We applied two-step cluster analysis to identify groups on the basis of leisure-time physical activity, sleep adequacy, frequency of heavy drinking, smoking status, and frequency of fruit, vegetable and berry consumption. We examined the associations with work-related factors, using multinomial regression analyses and adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

We identified six clusters labelled as Moderately Healthy (28% of the participants), Healthy – Vigorous Exercise (19%), Sedentary Lifestyle (16%), Inadequate Sleep (15%), Mixed Health Behaviours (15%), and Multiple Risk Behaviours (8%). Those who perceived their work to be mentally or physically strenuous more commonly belonged to the Inadequate Sleep and Multiple Risk Behaviours clusters. Time pressure made belonging to the Inadequate Sleep, Mixed Health Behaviours, and Multiple Risk Behaviours clusters more likely. Those who were dissatisfied with their work more often belonged to the Healthy – Vigorous Exercise, Inadequate Sleep, and Multiple Risk Behaviours clusters.

Conclusion

In addition of finding several considerably differing health behaviour clusters, we also found that adverse working conditions were associated with clusters characterized by multiple risk behaviours, especially inadequate sleep. Private-sector service workers’ working conditions should be improved so that they support sufficient recovery, and occupational health services should better identify co-occurring multiple risk behaviours.
A study of inflammatory biomarkers in crystalline silica exposed rock drillers
Authors: Ellingsen Dag G , Sikkeland Liv Ingunn Bjoner , Lund May Britt , Skaugset Nils Petter , Ulvestad Bente
Published: May 2024

Background

Crystalline silica (CS) exposure can cause serious lung disease in humans, but mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity have not been completely elucidated.

Aims

To assess pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers and biomarkers related to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and fibrosis in serum of rock drillers exposed to CS.

Methods

Rock drillers (N = 123) exposed to CS and non-specified particulate matter (PM) were compared to 48 referents without current or past exposure to PM in a cross-sectional study.

Results

The rock drillers had been exposed to CS for 10.7 years on average. Geometric mean (GM) current exposure was estimated to 36 µg/m3. Their GM concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) was significantly higher (16 vs. 13 ng/L; p = 0.04), while interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-8 were significantly lower compared to the referents. Also pentraxin 3 was significantly lower (3558 vs. 4592 ng/L; p = 0.01) in the rock drillers. A dose-response relationship was observed between cumulative exposure to CS and MMP-12, the highest exposed subgroup having significantly higher MMP-12 concentrations than the referents.

Conclusion

Exposure to CS may increase circulating MMP-12 concentrations in a dose-response related fashion. The results may also suggest a down-regulation of pro-inflammatory pathways.
CDH1 methylation analysis in invasive lobular breast carcinomas with and without gene mutation
Authors: González-Martínez Silvia , Kajabova Viera Horvathova , Pérez-Mies Belén , Carretero-Barrio Irene , Caniego-Casas Tamara , Sarrió David , Moreno-Bueno Gema , Gión María , Perez-García José , Cortés Javier , Smolkova Bozena , Palacios José
Published: May 2024

The proposed role of CDH1 (E-cadherin gene) methylation as a mechanism of gene inactivation in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) remains inconclusive. For many years, CDH1 promoter hypermethylation has been regarded as a mechanism for gene inactivation in ILC. However, this assumption has primarily relied on non-quantitative assays, which have reported CDH1 methylation frequencies ranging from 26 to 93% at CpG sites within the island region. Few studies employing quantitative methods and covering CpG island shores, regions of relatively low CpG density situated proximal to conventional promoter CpGs, have been conducted, revealing lower percentages of methylation ranging from 0 to 51%. Therefore, using the quantitative pyrosequencing method, we examined CDH1 methylation in the island region and shores in E-cadherin deficient ILC cases (15 with CDH1 mutation and 22 non-mutated), 19 cases of invasive breast carcinomas non-special type (IBC-NSTs), and five cases of usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH). Our analysis revealed CDH1 methylation frequencies ranging from 3 to 64%, with no significant increase in methylation levels in any group of ILCs (median = 12%) compared to IBC-NST (median = 15%). In addition, considering the poorly studied association between the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and CDH1 methylation in breast cancer, we undertook a thorough analysis within our dataset. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between CDH1 methylation and the presence of TILs (r = 0.5; p-value < 0.05), shedding light on an aspect of breast cancer biology warranting further investigation. These findings challenge CDH1 methylation as a CDH1 inactivation mechanism in ILC and highlight TILs as a potential confounding factor in gene methylation.
Swallowing Characteristics and Water Swallow Capacity in Patients with Parkinsonism
Authors: Martell Per , Skogar Örjan , Bergström Liza
Published: May 2024

Prevalence and characteristics of dysphagia (including aspiration) in patients with parkinsonism is variable, depending on type of assessment, diagnosis, disease stage and duration. The aim of this study was to further evaluate dysphagia characteristics in patients with different types of parkinsonism with both instrumental (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, FEES) and non-instrumental (Timed Water Swallow Test, TWST) assessments. Swallowing characteristics in 74 patients with parkinsonism were prospectively assessed using FEES and TWST. Statistics employed were (a) Spearman rank correlation to measure correlation between dysphagia results and Parkinson subtypes, disease severity and duration and (b) the non-parametric tests Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis to measure difference between groups. Dysphagia was common, with 50 (67.6%) of the patients demonstrating a mild-severe Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale (DOSS, level 1–5). During FEES, 42% aspirated and 68% of these had silent aspiration. Aspiration was seen more frequently with increased disease severity as per Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) (r = .459, p = < 0.001) and disease duration (r = .269, p = .021). Thin liquid (IDDSI level 0) was the most common consistency to aspirate, and the frequency of aspiration decreased with thicker liquids. Dysphagia and aspiration are common in all subgroups of parkinsonism and seen in early stages of H&Y and within the first year of disease duration. Hence, it is recommended that these patients are evaluated early for optimal management and to avoid aspiration-related complications.
Acupuncture for the treatment of the pain-fatigue-sleep disturbance-numbness/tingling symptom cluster in breast cancer survivors: a feasibility trial
Authors: Kwon Ki Kyung , Lacey Judith , Kerin-Ayres Kim , Heller Gillian , Grant Suzanne
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Breast cancer survivors following disease-modifying treatment frequently experience multiple-concurrent symptoms (Jansana et al. in Int J Cancer 149(10):1755 1767, 2021), negatively impacting their quality of life and increasing the risk of polypharmacy (Alwhaibi et al. in J Oncol Pharm Pract 26(5):1052 1059, 2020). This study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture for the management of the pain-fatigue-sleep disturbance-numbness/tingling symptom cluster in breast cancer survivors, and investigates relationships between the symptom cluster and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome diagnosis.

Methods

This was a single-arm, pre-test/post-test feasibility trial conducted at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Hospital, Australia. Breast cancer survivors who completed treatment and experienced clinically significant levels of two or more symptoms (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, numbness/tingling) were eligible to participate in the individualized, pragmatic 6-week acupuncture intervention. The primary outcome was feasibility and acceptability. Effectiveness was explored using a symptom cluster mean score.

Results

Twenty women enrolled in the study over an 11-week period and 90% completed the study. Most women agreed or completely agreed that acupuncture was feasible (85%), acceptable (90%), and appropriate (90%). Both mean and composite symptom cluster scores were significantly reduced (p < 0.001), as were individual symptom scores in fatigue (p < 0.001), sleep disturbance (p = 0.04), and numbness/tingling (p = 0.01). TCM syndromes most closely associated with this symptom cluster were Spleen qi deficiency and Heart fire. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that acupuncture was safe and feasible, justifying a powered randomized control trial. Preliminary findings suggest beneficial effects of acupuncture for the management of the pain-fatigue-sleep disturbance-numbness/tingling symptom cluster for women with breast cancer. TCM syndromes identified in this trial may be used to guide acupuncture treatment protocols.

Clinical trial registration: This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000590763) on 21 April 2022.
Association between age at diagnosis and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes: the Renal Insufficiency and Cardiovascular Events (RIACE) Italian Multicenter Study
Authors: Vitale Martina , Orsi Emanuela , Solini Anna , Garofolo Monia , Grancini Valeria , Bonora Enzo , Fondelli Cecilia , Trevisan Roberto , Vedovato Monica , Penno Giuseppe , Nicolucci Antonio , Pugliese Giuseppe ,   for the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events (RIACE) Study Group*
Published: May 2024

Aims

It is unclear whether type 2 diabetes diagnosed in young adulthood is associated with increased severity than that occurring later in life beyond longer lifetime exposure to hyperglycemia. This study aimed at assessing the independent association of age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis with all-cause mortality.

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled 15,773 Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes in 19 Italian centers in 2006–2008. Cardiometabolic risk profile and presence of complications and comorbidities were assessed at baseline and participants were stratified by quartiles of age at diabetes diagnosis. All-cause mortality was verified on 31 October 2015.

Results

Valid information on vital status was retrieved for 15,656 participants (99.3%). Patients in the lowest quartile had the longest diabetes duration, the worst glycemic control and the highest prevalence of insulin treatment, obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and smoking habits. All complications were inversely associated with age at diabetes diagnosis after adjustment for age and sex, but not after further adjustment for diabetes duration. Percentages of death, Kaplan–Meier estimates, and unadjusted hazard ratios and mortality rates increased from the lowest to the highest quartile. In contrast, when adjusting for age and sex, participants falling in the lowest quartile, showed the highest mortality risk [hazard ratio 1.321 (95% confidence interval 1.196–1.460), P < 0.0001]. However, differences among quartiles disappeared after adjustment for diabetes duration, complications/comorbidities, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

Type 2 diabetes onset in young adulthood is associated with increased mortality that is mainly driven by longer diabetes duration favoring the development of complications.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00715481, retrospectively registered 15 July, 2008.
Advancing Rock-Socketed Pile Design with a Unified Interface Shear Strength Framework for Soft Rocks
Authors: Murali Arun Kumar , Haque Asadul , Bui Ha H.
Published: May 2024

The shaft resistance of rock-socketed piles (RSPs) is primarily influenced by the interactions between the pile, rock and any soft interface materials. This study presents a fundamental experimental and numerical investigation to predict the shaft resistance of model RSPs in soft rocks through a comprehensive shear strength framework incorporating the major variables such as roughness and smear fabric. By calibrating the Discrete Element Method (DEM) results with the experimental outcomes, this study evaluates the load-resistance attributes of RSPs in three different soft rocks for a wide range of roughness and smear configurations. The interface roughness effect of the RSPs in terms of the friction coefficient was correlated with the ultimate shaft resistances, uniaxial compressive strength and Young’s modulus of the rock. The study then incorporated the effect of smear fabric (placement, thickness and area proportion) in the shear strength framework of clean shafts. Comprehensive review of the DEM results revealed that the socket roughness effect diminishes at a critical roughness factor $$({\text{RF}})$$

(
RF
)

of 0.4, beyond which the smear predominantly influences the shaft capacity. Following this, the effects of roughness and smear fabric were incorporated into a single equation representing the interface shear strength of RSPs, where the existence of smear results in a maximum reduction of up to 75% of the ultimate shaft resistance. The distinctive feature of this unified interface shear strength framework lies in its integration of the new smear fabric parameter and the linkage to the mechanical properties of soft rocks, which is the limitation of the earlier studies. It thereby sets a strong base for future studies aimed at advancing the pile-rock interface models.
Can optic disc vessel density help in cases of residual disc elevation after shunt surgery in cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Authors: El-Haddad Nermien Salah El-Dien Mohammed , Ismael Shymaa Adel , Shabaan Nehal , Ghoraba Yasser , Elhamrawy Eman A. , Lamie Nashwaa , Atwaa Fatma , Mohamed Sanna Ahmed , Mansour Mona Nabeh
Published: May 2024

Aim

To detect if we can use the reduction in the optic disc vessel density as an indicator to the reduction in intracranial tension in patients with residual optic disc elevation after shunt surgery as fundus examination in those cases is not conclusive.

Patients and method

21 patients with papilledema due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension underwent shunt surgery. Full neurological and ophthalmological assessments were done. The optic disc vessel density was measured before and 3 months after surgery. Patients were then divided according to the resolution of papilledema into 2 groups: 1) Residual disc elevation group. 2) Completely resolved disc edema group. CSF pressure was measured via lumber puncture preoperative for all patients and 3 months post-operative only for patients with residual disc edema. A comparison between both groups was done.

Results

There was a highly statistically significant difference between the two groups as regard the papilledema grade (the residual disc elevation group had a higher grade of papilledema) with P-value=0.000. As regard the difference in the preoperative optic disc vessel density between the two groups, there were statistically significant differences (optic disc vessel density was more in the residual disc elevation group). As regard the postoperative optic disc vessel density, there were non-significant differences between the two groups in whole image, inside disc and peripapillary vessel density (either in macro or microvasculature).

Conclusion

The optic disc vessel density decreased with normal postoperative CSF opening pressure in cases with residual disc elevation postoperatively. Thus, in cases of residual optic disc swelling after shunt surgery, we can detect the reduction of intracranial pressure by the reduction in the optic disc vessel density which is a safe non-invasive technique. That may help in cases of residual disc elevation.
Stem Cell-Derived Exosomal MicroRNAs as Novel Potential Approach for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
Authors: Tahmasebi Fatemeh , Asl Elmira Roshani , Vahidinia Zeinab , Barati Shirin
Published: May 2024

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation and demyelination of CNS neurons. Up to now, there are many therapeutic strategies for MS but they are only being able to reduce progression of diseases and have not got any effect on repair and remyelination. Stem cell therapy is an appropriate method for regeneration but has limitations and problems. So recently, researches were used of exosomes that facilitate intercellular communication and transfer cell-to-cell biological information. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNAs that we can used to their dysregulation in order to diseases diagnosis. The miRNAs of microvesicles obtained stem cells may change the fate of transplanted cells based on received signals of injured regions. The miRNAs existing in MSCs may be displayed the cell type and their biological activities. Current studies show also that the miRNAs create communication between stem cells and tissue-injured cells. In the present review, firstly we discuss the role of miRNAs dysregulation in MS patients and miRNAs expression by stem cells. Finally, in this study was confirmed the relationship of microRNAs involved in MS and miRNAs expressed by stem cells and interaction between them in order to find appropriate treatment methods in future for limit to disability progression.

Graphical Abstract

The effect of miRNAs in transplanted MSC derived exosomes for MS patient treatment. The role of different miRNAs on proliferation, reprogramming, migration and differentiation have been shown.
From the table to the sofa: The remote work revolution in a context of crises and its consequences on work attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Xavier Humberto Batista , de Barros Sampaio Suzana Cândido , Falcão Sobral Marcos Felipe , Cormican Kathryn
Published: May 2024

In recent years educational professionals experienced a sudden shift to online work requiring them to adapt rapidly to the new digital landscape. This shift has raised concerns about employees’ health issues and the role of organizational support, as they can have a profound effect on employees’ attitudes to work. However, despite their importance, there is a dearth of empirical evidence to ascertain whether or to what extent they impact educational professionals’ job satisfaction, work engagement and turnover intention. This paper aims to address this deficit. A sample of 288 remote working education professionals in Brazil was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) techniques. We found that health complaints and organizational support have distinct effects on education professionals’ job satisfaction, engagement and turnover intention. In addition, our results reveal that job satisfaction and engagement have an impact on turnover intention. The results emphasize the importance of providing adequate support to education professionals who work remotely to cultivate a healthier and more productive work environment. These findings contribute valuable insights that may assist organizations in enabling effective remote work practices and ensure a positive work experience for education professionals.
Revisiting Picture Functions in Multimedia Testing: A Systematic Narrative Review and Taxonomy Extension
Authors: Schewior Lauritz , Lindner Marlit Annalena
Published: May 2024

Studies have indicated that pictures in test items can impact item-solving performance, information processing (e.g., time on task) and metacognition as well as test-taking affect and motivation. The present review aims to better organize the existing and somewhat scattered research on multimedia effects in testing and problem solving while considering several potential moderators. We conducted a systematic literature search with liberal study inclusion criteria to cover the still young research field as broadly as possible. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the relevant studies, we present empirical findings in a narrative review style. Included studies were classified by four categories, coding the moderating function of the pictures investigated. The evaluation of 62 studies allowed for some tentative main conclusions: Decorative pictures did not appear to have a meaningful effect on test-taker performance, time on task, test-taking affect, and metacognition. Both representational and organizational pictures tended to increase performance. Representational pictures further seem to enhance test-taker enjoyment and response certainty. Regarding the contradictory effects of informational pictures on performance and time on task that we found across studies, more differentiated research is needed. Conclusions on other potential moderators at the item-level and test-taker level were often not possible due to the sparse data available. Future research should therefore increasingly incorporate potential moderators into experimental designs. Finally, we propose a simplification and extension of the functional picture taxonomy in multimedia testing, resulting in a simple hierarchical approach that incorporates several additional aspects for picture classification beyond its function.
Young Children of Mothers with a History of Depression Show Attention Bias to Sad Faces: An Eye-tracking Study
Authors: Fu Xiaoxue , Bolton Scout H. , Morningstar Michele , Mattson Whitney I. , Feng Xin , Nelson Eric E.
Published: May 2024

Maternal depression is a predictor of the emergence of depression in the offspring. Attention bias (AB) to negative emotional stimuli in children may serve as a risk factor for children of depressed parents. The present study aimed to examine the effect of maternal major depressive disorder (MDD) history on AB to emotional faces in children at age four, before the age of onset for full-blown psychiatric symptoms. The study also compared AB patterns between mothers and their offspring. Fifty-eight mothers and their four-year-old children participated in this study, of which 27 high-risk (HR) children had mothers with MDD during their children’s lifetime. Attention to emotional faces was measured in both children and their mothers using an eye-tracking visual search task. HR children exhibited faster detection and longer dwell time toward the sad than happy target faces. The low-risk (LR) children also displayed a sad bias but to a lesser degree. Children across both groups showed AB towards angry target faces, likely reflecting a normative AB pattern. Our findings indicate that AB to sad faces may serve as an early marker of depression risk. However, we provided limited support for the mother-child association of AB. Future research is needed to examine the longitudinal intergenerational transmission of AB related to depression and possible mechanisms underlying the emergence of AB in offspring of depressed parents.
Longing for Humanity: The Process of Leaving a Context of Perceived Spiritual Abuse
Authors: Vigdel Hans Eskil , Nygaard Marianne Rodriguez , Kleiven Tormod
Published: May 2024

This study provides an account of leaving a context of perceived spiritual abuse within some Pentecostal fellowships in Norway. We discuss how our 16 informants discovered the need for change and sought support to navigate challenging departure processes characterized by emotional strain. Three empirical themes emerged: (1) God’s will, as conveyed by leaders, evoked shame, (2) there were various sources of help in leaving a context of perceived spiritual abuse, and (3) the acknowledgment of vulnerability provided space for new images of God. Throughout the leaving process, many informants underwent a profound shift in their perceptions of God, marked by a heightened awareness of their vulnerability. This transformation encompassed a deep-seated desire to embrace their humanity and to accept the relevance of their thoughts and feelings. Acknowledging their own vulnerability allowed them to have more humanized images of God. Our analysis employs Kenneth Pargament’s notion of orienting systems and his theory of religious coping to elucidate how their images of God changed. The process led to a perceived sense of freedom from spiritual abuse. We understand the informants’ experiences of leaving the church and affiliated organizations as instances of deconversion through what empirically emerged as “deprogramming” processes in our material. Deprogramming involves disentangling individuals from what they perceived was conveyed and thus “programmed” by spiritual leaders. Deprogramming processes emerged as a new exploration of images of God, shame, power, and human vulnerability.
Measuring income inequality via percentile relativities
Authors: Brazauskas Vytaras , Greselin Francesca , Zitikis Ričardas
Published: May 2024

The adage “the rich are getting richer” refers to increasingly skewed and heavily-tailed income distributions. For such distributions, the mean is not the best measure of the center, but the classical indices of income inequality, including the celebrated Gini index, are mean based. In view of this, it has been proposed in the literature to incorporate the median into the definition of the Gini index. In the present paper we make a further step in this direction and, to acknowledge the possibility of differing viewpoints, investigate three median-based indices of inequality. These indices overcome past limitations, such as: (1) they do not rely on the mean as the center of, or a reference point for, income distributions, which are skewed, and are getting even more heavily skewed; (2) they are suitable for populations of any degree of tail heaviness, and income distributions are becoming increasingly such; and (3) they are unchanged by, and even discourage, transfers among the rich persons, but they encourage transfers from the rich to the poor, as well as among the poor to alleviate their hardship. We study these indices analytically and numerically using various income distribution models. Real-world applications are showcased using capital incomes from 2001 and 2018 surveys from fifteen European countries.
Using Artificial Intelligence Algorithms to Predict Self-Reported Problem Gambling Among Online Casino Gamblers from Different Countries Using Account-Based Player Data
Authors: Hopfgartner Niklas , Auer Michael , Helic Denis , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: May 2024

The prevalence of online gambling and the potential for related harm necessitate predictive models for early detection of problem gambling. The present study expands upon prior research by incorporating a cross-country approach to predict self-reported problem gambling using player-tracking data in an online casino setting. Utilizing a secondary dataset comprising 1743 British, Canadian, and Spanish online casino gamblers (39% female; mean age = 42.4 years; 27.4% scoring 8 + on the Problem Gambling Severity Index), the present study examined the association between demographic, behavioral, and monetary intensity variables with self-reported problem gambling, employing a hierarchical logistic regression model. The study also tested the efficacy of five different machine learning models to predict self-reported problem gambling among online casino gamblers from different countries. The findings indicated that behavioral variables, such as taking self-exclusions, frequent in-session monetary depositing, and account depletion, were paramount in predicting self-reported problem gambling over monetary intensity variables. The study also demonstrated that while machine learning models can effectively predict problem gambling across different countries without country-specific training data, incorporating such data improved the overall model performance. This suggests that specific behavioral patterns are universal, yet nuanced differences across countries exist that can improve prediction models.
Long-Term Quality of Life for Patients with Spina Bifida
Authors: Ball Madeleine A. Z. , Clayton Douglass B.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

This review explores the literature that currently exists regarding quality of life for patients with spina bifida and assesses screening tools available for practitioners to assess these outcomes. Domains addressed include health related quality of life, relationships, bowel and bladder dysfunction, sexuality, pain, and mood.

Recent Findings

Several recent papers have assessed available questionnaires and reviewed findings of key quality of life domains, with varying results.

Historically, the literature has focused on surgical outcomes for patients with spina bifida. Though some authors have begun to explore quality of life for this patient population, particularly in the short-term, a paucity of quality, long-term studies exist that describe quality of life domains or offer potential targets for improvements in outcomes.
Left Ventricular Unloading in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Clinical Perspective Derived from Basic Cardiovascular Physiology
Authors: Protti I. , van Steenwijk M. P. J. , Meani P. , Fresiello L. , Meuwese C. L. , Donker D. W.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

To present an abridged overview of the literature and pathophysiological background of adjunct interventional left ventricular unloading strategies during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). From a clinical perspective, the mechanistic complexity of such combined mechanical circulatory support often requires in-depth physiological reasoning at the bedside, which remains a cornerstone of daily practice for optimal patient-specific V-A ECMO care.

Recent Findings

Recent conventional clinical trials have not convincingly shown the superiority of V-A ECMO in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock as compared with medical therapy alone. Though, it has repeatedly been reported that the addition of interventional left ventricular unloading to V-A ECMO may improve clinical outcome. Novel approaches such as registry-based adaptive platform trials and computational physiological modeling are now introduced to inform clinicians by aiming to better account for patient-specific variation and complexity inherent to V-A ECMO and have raised a widespread interest.

To provide modern high-quality V-A ECMO care, it remains essential to understand the patient's pathophysiology and the intricate interaction of an individual patient with extracorporeal circulatory support devices. Innovative clinical trial design and computational modeling approaches carry great potential towards advanced clinical decision support in ECMO and related critical care.